US2972877A - Laundry machine - Google Patents

Description

C. I. PLATT LAUNDRY MACHINE Feb. 28, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 24, 1957 IGOb Hll

INVENTOR. CLARK IRA PLATT Feb. 28, 1961 c. l. PLATT LAUNDRY MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 24, 1957 INVENTOR.

| RA PLAT T CLARK ATTO RNEYS Feb. 28, 1961 c. I. PLATT 2,972,877

LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed May 24, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet s I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r I I l I I I a I I I I I I I I I I I I I I In I I I I 5 4 E 5 7 IN VENTOR.

CLARK IRA PLATT AT ORNEYS Feb. 28, 1961 c. I. PLATT LAUNDRY MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 24, 1957 E EZZLT C/afk [m P/aff LAUNDRY MACHINE Clark Ira Platt, Benton Harbor, Mich, assignor to Whirlpool Corporation, St. Joseph, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Filed May 24, 1957, Ser. No. 661,478

11 Claims. ((11. 68-18) The present invention relates to improvements in laundry machines.

More specifically, the invention relates to improvements which may be primarily utilized in a domestic type laundry machine, wherein the cloths are contained within a basket which is provided with means for agitating the fluid within the basket, such as a centrally located agitator. The basket is supported for rotation about its vertical axis to centrifugally extract the fluid from the clothes at the termination of the washing operation. The basket is surrounded by a fluid-containing tub for receiving the fluid which is extracted from the clothes during the spinning-extraction operation.

In an automatic home laundry machine of the type described, clean washing fluid is automatically filled into the basket until it reaches a predetermined level, whereupon the flow of clean water is automatically turned off and the agitator automatically started. During the washing operation, means may be provided for improving the laundering ability of the washing fluid and improving the laundering operation by removing foreign materials such as lint and soils from the washing fluid. At the end of a washing period of predetermined length, the washing fluid is removed from the basket and fresh fluid is injected for rinsing the clothes. A number of rinsing operations may be performed on the clothes with the fluid being removed therefrom at the end of the washing operation and the rinsing operation by spinning the basket at high speeds to centrifugally remove the water or washing fluid therefrom. At the end of the rinsing operations a final spin-dry rotation of the basket is performed to leave the clothes relatively dry for removal from the basket. The wash water and rinsing water is usually removed from the tub at the end of the washing and rinsing operations, and in some arrangements the sudsy washing water may be saved to be returned to the basket for a succeeding Washingoperation. To accomplish the following functions and operations successfully, a number of inner-related problems are encountered and the present invention contemplates the solution of these problems and the utilization of improved apparatus which avoid difliculties heretofore encountered.

In the machine of the type above described, one type of construction employs a basket having an imperforate tapered wall whereby the fluid which is extracted from the clothes during spinning climbs the wall and escapes into the tub. Certain advantages are presented by this con struction in that the entire fluid used for washing is contained within the basket, and the tub may be empty during the washing operation. However, free access to the fluid is not possible during all operations as is the case Where a basket with a perforated wall is used, and wherein access to the washing and rinsing fluid may be had through the stationary walls of the surrounding tub. Accordingly, one of the prime features and objectives of the invention is to provide a mechanism employing a rotating imperforate wall basket and yet achieving the advantages of automatic features present in a mechanism employing a perforate basket. Therefore, many of the features of the invention a find specific advantages in utilization with a basket with an imperforate wall, but it is to be understood that these and other features of the invention may be employed to obtain their inherent advantages with other types of laundry machine structures.

Accordingly, another feature and objective of the invention is to provide an improved domestic type laundry machine construction which makes possible a laundry machine having improved features for automatic operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a laundry machine with an improved automatic control system that will more accurately control the level to which the clothescontaining basket is automatically filled.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic washing machine employing an imperforate spinning basket wherein operational features can be controlled dependent on the level of the fluid within the basket.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic washing machine employing a tapered basket which is rotatable and wherein a fluid connection is provided at all times with the interior of the basket for operating a pressure-responsive control mechanism in accordance with the level of the fluid within the basket.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic laundry machine having a clothes-containing basket defining a laundry zone and surrounded by an outer tub 7 fluid-removal conduit connected at all times directly to the interior of the basket.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic laundry machine employing a rotatable imperforate tapered basket combined with an improved pumping means operative for filtering the washing water and for removing the wash and rinse water to a suds storage system and drain and for returning sudsy water for a succeeding washing operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a laundry machine wherein fluid is extracted from the clothes by spinning them within a basket at high speeds and wherein an imperforate basket is employed, but the laundering operation is improved by preventing the fluid from recirculating through the clothes while it is being extracted.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved fluid control system for an automatic Washer for the removal of fluid from the washer and returning fluid thereto for use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fluid control system for use with a single reversible pump means wherein fluid may be withdrawn or returned to the washer through a single conduit and will be automatically controlled to be received from or returned to different locations.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic washer employing an extraction chamber, which rotates at high speed, wherein undesirable vibrations and oscillations will be reduced.

Gther objects and advantages will become more apparent with the teaching of the features and advantages of the invention in connection with the disclosure thereof in the specification, claims and drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view taken through the center of an automatic washing machine embodying the principles of the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged detailed View of the arrangement for obtaining fluid communication with the rotatable irnperforate basket;

Figure 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional view illustrating the relative structure for improving the spinning operation of the basket;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view shown partly in schematic form of the fluid control system for the automatic laundry machine;

Figure 5 is another form of the arrangement of Figure 2 for obtaining fluid communication with the rotatably imperforate basket; and

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view, shown largely in schematic form, of the fluid flow system of a laundry machine embodying the principles of the invention.

It is to be understood that while the features of the invention are illustrated in their preferred form as used in the automatic laundry machine of the type shown, combined elements may be employed in other environments wherein their inherent advantages and features may also be used. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment is illustrated and is not to be taken as limiting the possible applications and utilizations of the inventive features.

In the drawings, the operational elements are shown housed in a cabinet it The primary elements include a basket 12, which defines a fluid containing laundering zone 14 therein for holding the clothes and the laundering fluid during the laundering operation. Centrally located within the basket 12 is an oscillatable agitator 16 which agitates the fluid for the washing and the rinsing operations.

Surrounding the basket 12 is a tub 20 which receives the fluid thrown out of the basket during the spinning operation. Oscillation of the agitator 16 and the spinning of the basket 1?. are achieved through a power transmission assembly 22 driven by an electric motor 24.

The washing fluid, for performing the laundry operation, is usually water and is supplied through a mixing valve 26. During laundering operation, the fluid is recirculated through a filtering arrangement and at the termination of the laundering operation, the fluid is removed from the basket by spinning the basket, and from the tub by a pump means, which pump means is also used for returning the sudsy water if it is stored between laundering operations. Handling of the water for recirculation, draining and returning, is accomplished through the functions of the pump means, shown generally at 28 in Figure 4.

Turning now more to the details of construction, the laundering fluid or water and clothes are held within the laundering chamber 14 during the laundering period. The fluid is held within the basket 12, which, for cooperative relationship to certain elements of the structure, is preferably of the imperforate type and has an imperforate tapered wall 3%. The wall is substantially cylindrical in shape but tapers to a larger diameter at the top 32 in a 3-4 degree taper. At the base of the basket the wall curves downwardly and inwardly into a flat bottom wall 34 and the sheet metal forming the basket is then turned upwardly to be joined at its center to a basket support tube 36.

The basket is hung on this basket support tube 36 by resting on an outwardly turned flange 38 at its base. The upper end of the basket support tube 36, is connected to a nut 4th, which is threaded to a collar 42, secured to the spin drive tube 44. The spin drive tube 44 supports the weight of the basket and the tube is supported vertically on a bearing member 84 locked to the agitator shaft 82 which is supported at its base in abearing 83. The tube 4 is supported in a lateral direction by the lateral support tube 46, which carries an annular bearing member 48 at its upper end and another annular bearing 4 member 49 at its lower end to rotatably journal the basket spin drive tube 44 therein.

Rotation of the basket is achieved by rotating the spin drive tube 44. For driving the spin drive tube 44 in retation, a clutch assembly 50 has been connected thereto, such as by the set screw 52. The clutch assembly includes a movable clutch plate 54, having an engaging clutch surface 56 which engages the driving clutch surface 58. The springs 60 urge the clutch plate 54 to engaged position and control of the plate is achieved by a clutch operating arm 62 which is worked by a rod 64 connected to a lever arm 66. A spring 63 also aids in urging the arm 62 to clutch engaged position and the entire assembly is operated through the electrical control system of the washer to engage the clutch and cause the basket 12 to be spun at the appropriate time, such as at the termination of the washing operation and for the succeeding rinsing and spin-dry operations. The electrical control system and electric operators for the elements are not shown since they may be of conventional types known to the art.

The rotational drive for the clutch and the drive for oscillating the agitator is obtained from the electric motor 24. The drive shaft to the motor carries pulleys it? and 72, which drive belts 74 and 75. Belt 76 drives pulley 78, which carries the clutch plate 58 for driving the basket in rotation.

Belt '74 is likewise arranged to drive operational mechanism and the belts 74 and 76 may be connected in any desired manner to drive a pulley (not shown) for obtaining an oscillating motion for the agitator and for driving the drive pulley of the pumping means. The oscillating motion for driving the agitator is obta ned from a gear transmission which has been omitted from the drawings for clarity, but which drives the agitator shaft 82 by the driving means 85. As shown in Figure 4, the belt 74 drives the drive pulley 79, which is mounted on the single drive shaft 89 of the unidirectional dualunit pump 28.

Extending coaxially through the center of the spin drive tube 44% is the agitator shaft 82. Oscillation of this shaft is obtained through the driving member 85, connected at the lower end of the shaft, and the shaft is journalled in a rotational manner relative to the coaxial surrounding spin drive tube 44- by bearings 86 at its base and 88 at its upper end. Seals may be provided in the usual sealing arrangement between the shafts and tubes to prevent washing fluid from accidentally entering the bearings or the spaces therebetween.

At the upper end, the agitator drive shaft 82 is keyed to the supporting hub 90 of the agitator 16. A manually operated knob 94 may be provided to temporarily con nect or remove the agitator from the tub by threading the knob 94 from the threaded bolt 96 and lifting the hub 90 from the tapered driving element 98.

Before the start of the laundering operation, fresh water is filled into the basket 12. This water is obtained from a fresh water control valve 26 supplied by hoses or lines 192 and 164, which may furnish hot and cold washing fluids, respectively. The valve 26 may be in the nature of a mixing valve and thus controllable by a man ual control on the control panel (not shown) to determine the temperature of the water filled in the tub. The valve is preferably electrically operated in an automatic laundry machine and is connected to an electrical control circuit through leads 1%. When the control valve 25 is opened water will flow directly through supply conduit 92 into the basket as indicated by the flow lines 1&8.

The water continues to flow into the basket until it reaches the operating level shown at 110. For accurate control of the amount of water filled into the tub, means are provided which are responsive to the amount of water in the tub or to the pressure head which shut off the supply of water closing the valve 26 at the precise time when the water reaches the correct level.

This arrangement will be recognized as superior to the apparatus which fill amounts determined on a time basis since, even if the flow is pressure regulated, variations in pressure and other factors will make it impossible to obtain complete accuracy.

Further, it will be recognized that a float control arrangement is diflicult to achieve in an imperforate basket arrangement wherein the basket must be permitted to be mobile to rotate. In the present arrangement, a pressure-responsive switch is used, which can be varied to selectively'control the height of water which is used in the tub. For example, with very light loads, the water may be turned off at the level 1111, or it may be shut ed at any point between the level 111 and the point where the tub is filled at the level 110.

The pressure-responsive switch is shown at 112 having electrical leads 114 which connect to the control system and control the flow of electricity to the leads such as 106 operating the control valve 26 and may be connected to control other operational means of the machine, such as a control clutch for the agitator 16. Thus, when the water reaches the predetermined level,

. the valve 26 will automatically be shut off and the machine will be started by starting the agitator 16, which starts the laundering operation.

The pressure switch is connected by means of a tube 118 communicating with the contents of the basket 12. As the basket fills, water flows into the tube 118 to force air ahead of it, and this creates an air piston arrangement which operates the pressure switch when the pressure head of the fluid reaches a predetermined level.

As shown in detail in Figure 2, the pressure tube 118 is slid over a connecting nipple 120 which leads through the wall of the annular collar 122. The annular collar 122 as well as the pressure tube 118 is within the tub 20, but outside of the basket 12. The annular collar 122 is fixed to the outer surface of the lateral support tube 46 and has an annular groove 124 to provide a fluid chamber. The groove receives fluid from the bellows seal or sleeve 126. The upper end of the sleeve fits tightly against the inner shoulder 128 of the basket support tube 3-8 to provide a seal preventing the fluid from escaping from the basket 12 into the surrounding tub 20. The lower end of the bellows seal carries a sealing ring 130 which is slidably positioned against the upper surface of the annular collar 122 so as to permit rotation of the bellows seal 126 with the basket 12.

To permit fluid to freely flow from the basket down into the bellows 126 and the annular collar 122, ports 132 and 134 extend radially through the basket support tube 36.

Thus, the basket 12 is free to spin and yet constant communication between the fluid therein and the pres sure tube 118 will be maintained. Communication for the flow of fluid directly from the base of the basket is also aflorded to the recirculation conduit 136. This conduit continually recirculates the fluid for filtering purposes and drains the collar groove 124 and the sleeve 126 at the end of the operation.

In Figure 5, the alternate form of construction for permitting direct access to the fluid within the basket is shown. The basket 12a, is shown carried on the basket support tube 36a, which in turn is carried on the spin drive tube 44a. The spin drive tube is supported within the lateral support tube 46a. The agitator 16a is driven by the agitator drive shaft 82a. The tube 20a which encloses the basket 12a has a floor 147 through which passes the central tube assembly. The assembly is sealed by the flexible diaphragm 204a to prevent the leakage of Water.

Communication with the inside of the basket 12a, whether at rest or Whether spinning, is afforded through the lateral openings 132a and 13411, leading to the center d of the basket support tube 35a. The tube leads downwardly to the annular flexible bellows 1260 which is sealed at the top to the inner shoulder 128a of the basket support tube. The lower end of the bellows 126a is connected to a sealing ring 1312a. This sealing ring permits fluid communication between the bellows 126a and the hollow interior 124a of the collar 122a. The collar 122a is provided with a lateral connecting nipple 138a to which is connected the conduit 140a which leads to the connector 144a, leading through the bottom 147 of the tub. The conduit 140a and the connector 144a form part of the recirculation conduit 136a.

The collar 122a has another connector nipple a to which is connected a short length of tubing 121 carrying at its ends a reducing coupling 123. Connected to the end of the reducing coupling 123 is the tube 118a which leads up to a pressure switch which controls the operation of the valve for admitting fluid to the tub and the operation of the agitator.

It will be observed that the collar 1220. is longer than the collar shown in the form of Figure 2, and with this arrangement the system drains completely at the end of each operation. The connecting elements are also brought closer to the floor 147 of the tub 20a.

Returning to the construction of Figures 1 and 2, the recirculation conduit 136 connects to a fitting 138 communicating with the groove 124 of the collar 122. The recirculation conduit shown at 136, as a whole, consists of a first section leading to the pump means 28 and a second section which leads from the pump means to the filter. The first section leading to the pump includes an upper portion 140 and a lower portion 142. The upper portion leads from the fitting 138 to a coupling 144 that leads through the floor 146 of the tub 2h. The lower portion 142 also connects to the coupling 144 and the sections 149 and 1 12 are secured to the couplings by the usual spring clamping rings 148 and 15%. The upper end of the first portion 149 is also connected to the fitting 138 by a similar clamping ring 152. The lower portion 142 leads down to connect to the inlet 154 of the recirculating unit 156 of the pump means 23, as is shown in Fig. 4.

The discharge for the lower recirculating unit 156 of the pump is made through a fitting 158, which leads to the discharge section 161 of the recirculation conduit. This discharge section 16% of the recirculation conduit leads upwardly. The discharge section again leads through the floor 146 of the tub 2t and upwardly through the interior of the tub through the filter 162. A coupling a is provided to connect the sections 1611a and 16Gb of the discharge section of the recirculation conduit and the coupling leads through the floor 146 of the tub to be sealed thereto to prevent the leakage of washing fluid. The conduits are slid over the tubular coupling member 1641c and clamped thereto by ring clamps 160d and 16th..

The filter 162 may take any one of various suitable forms and be suitably mounted so that as the fluid flows through it to remove the lint and foreign materials, the fluid is discharged into the basket 12.

Thus, during the washing operation, the recirculating pump unit 156 is continually operating to recirculate the washing water and filter it. At the termination of the Washing operation the oscillation of the agitator is automatically stopped by the time cycle control means. At this point the basket 12 is spun at high speed to carry the fluid out of the basket 12 to discharge it into the tub 20.

The lower unit 156 of the recirculating pump 28 preferably operates continuously so that rinse water as well as wash water will be filtered. 7

During the spinning of the basket 12, the washing fluid therein climbs the inclined wall 39 of the basket 12 and flows out through elongated slots 164, which are formed on the upper portion 32 of the side wall by forcing the metal outwardly and opening it to form the slots 164.

The fluid is thrown outwardly to be caught by the tub 20.

The tub 20 is a tank-cabinet arrangement wherein the side walls 166 form the side of the cabinet and the bottom of the tub is formed by a floor 146 extending across the cabinet and provided with fluid seals 163 between the floor 146 and sides 166 to form a fluid tight tub. The fluid is forced out of the basket 12 after the washing operation and after each succeeding rinsing operation, and also for the spin dry operation. In order to prevent the fluid, which is forced through the clothes and against the wall Sli of the tub from flowing up the tub wall and again flowing through the clothes, means are provided to keep the clothes at a spaced distance from the tub wall. This means is shown in the form of a basket liner 170, which contains a plurality of perforations 172 for the escape of water. The basket liner is provided with vertical side walls 174, so that the clothes will not tend to climb on the wall and will remain evenly distributed against the side wall 174 of the liner.

The liner is removable in construction, being shaped to substantially conform to the configuration of the interior of the basket 12 and to be spaced therefrom.

The basket is provided with an annular radially outwardly facing shoulder 176 in its bottom against which seats a ring 178 of rubber or the like resilient material for holding the lower edge 18d of the basket liner 170. The edge is turned downwardly so as to be firmly held in the resilient ring 178.

As shown in detail in Figure 3, the upper edge 182 of. the basket liner is turned outwardly and upwardly to approach the diameter of the uppermost edge 184 of the basket 12. The edge 182 of the liner is held in the groove 1% of a resilient sealing and cushioning member 188. This member holds the liner down into the basket 12 and the member of ring 138 is pushed down wardly against the top of the liner 179 by the annular fly wheel ring 190.

The fly wheel ring 198 is positioned at the top of the basket and concentric therewith to provide a weighting means which will damp the undesirable vibrations and oscillations of the basket as it spins. This damping will prevent the basket from oscillating violently to a degree where the parts are damaged or where the cabinet moves out of its location on the floor of the laundry room.

The fly wheel ring 190 is shown formed as an annular trough 192 which is filled with a weighting material such as concrete 194. This forms an inexpensive, easily manufactured member which has adequate Weight to perform the damping function. The trough 132, as may be seen in the detail of Figure 3, is turned downwardly at its outer edge 1% and is provided with slots 198 for holding clips 200. These clips are resilient and substantially U- shaped and hook into slots 2M. in the top edge 184 of the basket 12. A plurality of clips, such as 200, are provided extending around the top of the basket to firmly hold the flywheel ring 196 in place and thus hold the basket liner 175 down in the basket.

Some oscillation and vibration of the basket 12 will, of course, be encountered and means are provided to prevent leakage of the tub and transmission of these forces directly to the tub. The recirculation conduit members 1 1i} and 16Gb are, of course, made of rubber or like resilient tubing so that the seals between the couplings 144 and ldiic, and the floor 146 of the tub will not be broken. The center of the tub floor 146 is raised at 146a so that small amounts of fluid remaining in the tub floor 146 will not be located at the location of the seal between the tub floor and the lateral support tube 46, which passes upwardly through the floor. To provide a seal and to permit the slight oscillations and vibrations which occur, the tub floor is provided with an annular opening surrounded by an upturned flange 146b and a circular rubber disc 204 fills the opening. This disc is held to the flange 14652 by a clamping ring 206 and the rubber disc is flanged upwardly at 204a, and this flange portion is clamped to the lateral support tube 46 by aclamping ring 208.. The lateral support tube 46 is given lateral support by the members 219 and 212, which connect to the vertical rods 214 and 216 suitably mounted in the base of the cabinet.

The pump means 28, as shown in detail at Figure 4, may operate continually through the entire washing operation to continually recirculate washing fluid whenever fluid is present in the basket 12. Further, the pump means may also operate continually to either empty the tub 20 or return fluid back to the basket 12 in accordance with the setting of the pump, as operated by the time cycle control means.

The pump means 23 is preferably a uni-directional dual-unit pump wherein the flow through one unit is reversible. As illustrated, the pump has a first upper unit 220 and a lower unit 156. The two units are separated by a partition 224 through which extends the single pump shaft 80. The pump shaft 89 carries at its lower end, to serve the lower unit, an impeller 22%. The shaft carries in the upper chamber 228, to serve the upper unit 220, an impeller 236. The lower unit 156 handles the recirculation of fluid with the fluid following the path of the arrows 232 from the inlet 154 to the outlet 158. The upper unit 220 pumps in either direction and the direction of flow is controlled by a flipper valve which changes the location of the inlet and outlet within the upper boss 234, which contains the flipper valve. In one setting of the flipper valve, the flow will be in the direction of the solid line arrows 236 from the pump connection 238 to the pump connection 240. When the flipper valve is set in the other position, the fluid will flow in the direction of the dotted line arrows 242 from the fitting 240 to the fitting 238.

The fitting 238 connects to a conduit 2&4, which, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, leads to either a suitable drain 246 through conduit 251 or a suds storage chamber 243 through conduit 245, as controlled by a selector valve 250. Thus, in one direction of operation, the upper pump unit 220 will remove fluid from the tub 2t and direct it either to the drain 246 or to the suds storage chamber 248, and in the other direction of operation, will return sudsy water from the suds storage chamber 248 and force it back to the basket for succeeding washing operations.

The pump means 28 connects to the tub and basket through a single communication conduit 252, which is connected to the fitting 240 of the pump. The upper end of the conduit 252 is connected to a flow control chamber 254. This flow control chamber 254 communicates with the interior of the tub 2t} and the basket 12, and automatically controls the connection between the pump and the location within the machine where the fluid is to be delivered or withdrawn.

The flow control chamber 254 is suitably secured to the floor 146 of the tub, such as by welding or the like, and opens into the tub through a first fluid outlet port 256, and a second fluid return port 258. The chamber 254 may be formed of an annular ring 254a over which is slid an annular cap 25%. The cap is secured to the ring by a clamping ring 254a and the cap leads to the conduit 252. The fluid return port 256 is circular and is fitted with a rubber grommet 26d, forming a valve seat 262 against which seats a control ball 264, which is shown in the closed position in solid line form and in the open position in dotted line form.

When the pump is operating in a direction to cause the flow of fluid indicated by the arrows 242, the control ball 264 is drawn away from the valve seat 262 to permit fluid to be drawn out of the bottom of the tub 146. The pump is set to operate in this manner all during laundering, rinsing and spin-dry operations so that any fluid spun from'the basket 12 and passing into the tub 20 will be immediately removed from the tub.

However, at the termination of the full operation of the machine and before the beginning of a subsequent cycle of operation, sudsy water is returned to the basket. This is accomplished by reversing the pump unit 220 so that the fluid will be pumped in the direction of the solid line arrows 236. Fluid is thus pumped up through the communication conduit 252 and into the flow control chamber 254. Fluid in this chamber will float the ball valve 264 against its seat 262 preventing the fluid from being forced into the tub 20. The ball valve 264 is made of plastic, cork, hollow rubber or a like material, which floats in washing fluid and which is impervious to soaps, detergents and other corrosive materials found in laundry water. A ball guide member2'70 projects down into the flow control chamber between the ball valve 264 and the conduit 252 to prevent the ball from moving into the other portion of the chamber where it would seat against other openings to interfere with proper flow.

As the fluid is pumped up into the flow control chamber 254, and the ball valve 264 seats, the fluid will be forced up through the suds return conduit 272, which leads upwardly through the tub 20 to discharge into the basket, as is illustrated in Figures 1 and 6. A suds return conduit 272 may be located to discharge directly into the basket 12, or it may be located above the filter 162, so that the returned hot sudsy water will again be filtered before entering the basket.

As a summary of operation of the machine, clean washing fluid is first admitted into the basket 12 through the mixing valve 26 and supply conduit 92, Figures 1 and 6. The fluid filling into the bottom of the basket also flows into the pressure tube 118 by flowing through the ports 132 and 134, through the bellows seal 126, through the annular collar 122 and into the pressure tube 118. Thus, the pressure head of the fluid within the basket 12 is transmitted to the pressure switch 112 which automatically operates to turn ofi the valve 26 at the proper water level and automatically start the agitator.

At the end of the washing operation, the basket 12 is spun at a high speed by rotation of the spin drive tube 44 and the fluid climbs the Wall 30 of the basket to be removed by centrifugal action through the slots 164 and into the tub 20. The basket liner 170, which is perforated, keeps the clothes within the basket from engaging the inclined wall 30 of the basket.

During the washing operation, the fluid is continually circulated directly from the base of the basket and back into the basket through the filter 162, through the recirculation conduit 136. This is performed by the lower unit 156 of the pump means 28 which operates continually and which pumps fluid through conduits 140, 142 and 169, discharging through the filter 162 into the basket 12.

After the Washing operation, and as soon as fluid is spun out of the basket 12 and into the tub 20, the upper unitZZtl of the pump means 28 begins to immediately empty the tub of washing water received from the basket, by drawing the water through the flow control chamber 254, Figures 4 and 6, and pumps the water out through the conduit 244 with the valve 250 set to direct the water through conduit 245 to the suds storage chamber 248. After the washing fluid has been emptied from the basket 12 fresh rinse water is admitted, and the rinse water is subsequently extracted from the clothes by high speed spinning of the basket, and this water is withdrawn rom the tub 29 by pump unit 220 through conduit 252 and pumped through conduit 244 and the valve 250 which isset to pump the water through conduit 251 to the drain 246. At the end of a number of rinsing operations and a spin-dry operation, hot sudsy water may be returned by reversing the upper unit 220 of the pump to pump the wash water back from the suds storage chamber 248 directly into the basket 12, through coni duits its, 244 and 252, control chamber 254, and conduits 272, and through the filter 162.

Thus, it will be seen that I have provided an improved laundry machine well suited for automatic operation which meets the objectives and advantages hereinbefore set forth. It will be observed that the features are well suited to use with an imperforate basket obtaining all the inherent advantages of such a basket while retaining advantages heretofore possible with only a perforate basket type of machine.

It will be recognized that with the arrangements illustrated, improved launderability is achieved through more accurate and automatic control of the factors influencing the washing operation. The control of filling water is accurately achieved, thus making it necessary to fill the basket with only the optimum amount. All of the water filled into the basket is available for use, since the outer tub 20 remains empty throughout the washing operation.

Improved filtering is accomplished by direct recirculation of the fluid and the fluid is Withdrawn directly from the base of the basket and returned to the basket. With reduced amounts of washing fluid necessary, the filtering operation is improved. Further, the entire operation of the fluid control system is achieved through a single pump means which can be operated continuously throughout the entire operation of the machine, thereby reducing the need for controls and eliminating the expense of manufacture and assembly, lessening the need for upkeep and repair and thus increasing the operating life of the machine.

Improved means have been provided to extract water from the clothes and the possibilities of dangerous oscillations and vibrations are greatly reduced. Further, the extraction operation is improved and the fluid is forced directly from the clothes without again flowing through the articles of clothing when it passes up the inclined wall of the basket. These and other advantages contribute greatly -to the overall improved laundering operation of an automatic machine of the type illustrated.

I have, in the drawings and specification, presented a detailed disclosure of the preferred embodiments of my invention, but it is to be understood that I do not intend to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications, changes and alternative constructions falling within the scope of the principles taught by my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A control system for a laundering machine comprising an outer tub, an imperforate basket within the tub having means at the top for accommodating the flow of fluid from the basket to the tub, operational means for the machine aiding in the laundry operation, a pres- 7 sure responsive switch means connected to the operational means for beginning and stopping operation thereof, and a tube connected at one end to receive fluid from the basket and connected at the other end to the pressure responsive switch means and leading to a location above the normal level of the fluid in the tub before connecting to the switch to form an air column in the tube whereby variations of fluid level in the tub will operate the air column in the tube to cause operation of the switch.

2. A control system for a laundering machine or the like comprising an imperforate basket with tapered walls for containing articles to be laundered, ameans for rotating the basket at high speeds to centrifugally force fluid from the laundered articles whereby the fluid escapes from the upper portion of the basket, operational means for the basket aiding in the laundering functions, a pressure responsive control switch connected to the operational means to obtain control thereof, a tube connected to the pressure responsive switch, and connecting means connected to the tube and leading into the center of rotation of the basket and communicating with the contents thereof whereby the pressure of the fluid in the basket is led through the tube to be communicated to 111 the switch for controlling the operational means in response to the level of liquid in the basket.

3. An operating apparatus for a laundry machine or the like comprising an imperforate basket for containing laundry fluid and having an opening at the top for the escape of fluid, a basket spin tube supporting the basket and adapted for rotation whereby the basket may be spun at high speeds to centrifugally force fluid from the articles being laundered therein, an agitator within the basket for agitating the washing fluid, a drive shaft extending coaxially through the basket spin tube and connected to the agitator, a tub surrounding the basket and adapted to contain the fluid which is removed from the basket, passage means including a bellows seal surrounding the basket spin tube forming a fluid passageway communicating with the basket, said bellows being in sealing relationship with the basket to prevent escape of fluid, operational means for the laundry machine to perform laundering functions, a pressure responsive control switch operatively connected to the operational means for control thereof, and a fluid conducting tube connected to the pressure responsive switch at one end and connected at the other end to said passage means whereby the fluid pressure in the tub is conducted to the switch through the base of the basket.

4. In combination with a laundry machine, an imperforate laundry basket for containing laundry fluid and articles to be washed, laundering means operatively associated with the basket for aiding the performance of the laundering operation, a pressure responsive control switch connected to the laundering means, a fluid conducting tube leading between the pressure responsive switch and the basket interior to be responsive to the fluid pressure within the basket, connecting means adapted to contain fluid and connecting the basket to the tube whereby the pressure within the basket is transmitted to the pressure responsive switch to control the operational means in response to the level of fluid within the basket, and means for emptying said connection means of fluid for each cycle of operations of the laundry machine.

5. A laundering machine comprising in combination a vertical basket for containing fluid having substantially imperforate side walls, agitation means within the basket, a perforate liner in said basket adapted to prevent laundered articles contained in the basket from engaging the wall of the basket when it is rotated at high speeds,

. support means for the basket, means for driving the basket at high speed rotation, means for permitting the escape of fluid from the basket during high speed rotation for centrifugally extracting fluid from the laundered articles, a tub for containing fluid surrounding the basket and adapted to collect the fluid leaving the basket during rotation, valve means connected to supply fresh laundering fluid to the basket, a pressure responsive control switch operatively connected to the laundering be recirculated to the tub during the laundering operation, a filter positioned to discharge fluid received from the recirculation conduit into thebasket, a uni-directional, dual-chambered pump with a first pump chamher and a second recirculation pump chamber connected in the recirculation conduit, and a fluid drain conduit connected to the tub and the first pump chamber whereby fluid is removed from the tub.

6. In a laundry machine of the vertical axis imperforate overflow spinning basket type, a basket having a lower basket wall, a flexible sleeve depending from said lower wall at the center axis thereof and being corotatable with the basket, stationary support means including a center shaft journaling said basket for rotation, relatively rotatable annular seal ring means between said flexible sleeve and said support means and together with said sleeve and said shaft forming an annular sealed liquid passage, said basket having openings formed therein disposed below the normal operational liquid level of the basket and conducting fluid from said basket outwardly into said passage, and pump means having an inlet connected to said passage and an outlet discharging fluid to the top of said basket.

7. In a laundry machine of the vertical axis imperforate overflow spinning basket type, a basket having a lower basket wall, a flexible sleeve depending from said lower wall at the center axis thereof and being corotatable with the basket, stationary support means including a center shaft journaling said basket for rotation, relatively rotatable annular seal ring means between said flexible sleeve and said support means and together with said sleeve and said shaft forming an annular sealed liquid passage, said basket having openings formed therein disposed below the normal operational liquid level of the basket and conducting fluid from said basket outwardly into said passage, pump means having an inlet connected to said passage and an outlet discharging fluid to the top of said basket, and a filter through which the discharged fluid is directed, thereby to recirculate filtered water during the operation of the laundry machine.

8. In a vertical axis laundry machine, a rotatable opentopped basket having tapered irnperforate side walls, a bottom wall and a center support tube, a cabinet including a tub for containing said basket and having driving means for operating said basket including a shaft extending upwardly through said center support tube, a stationary collar carried by said cabinet spaced outwardly of said shaft and disposed adjacent the bottom -wall of said basket, flexible relatively rotatable sealing means between said collar and said basket, thereby forming a sealed passage between said shaft and said collar, said basket having openings formed therein disposed below the operational liquid level of the basket and communicating with the interior of said collar through said sealing means to direct fluid from the basket into said passage, a pump having an inlet connected with said collar for drawing laundry liquid from said passage and an outlet, and a filter through which liquid from said outlet is discharged into the open top of said basket, thereby to recirculate filtered laundry liquid during the operation of the machine.

9. In a vertical axis laundry machine as defined in claim 8, a drain valve in the bottom of said tub receiving fluid discharged by said basket upon rotation thereof, a

suds storage reservoir, a drain, a selector valve, and

a second pump unit having conduit connections between said drain valve and the open top of said basket and with said selector valve and conduit connections between said selector valve and said suds storage reservoir and said drain, for temporarily storing laundry liquid in said storage reservoir during selected washing periods.

10. In a vertical axis laundry machine as defined in claim 9, both of said pumping units having a common driving means.

11. A fluid control system for a laundering machine or the like comprising a basket for containing fluid wherein a laundering operation is performed, operational means within the basket for aiding in the laundering operation, a pressure control switch having movable means operatively connected to the operational means, a fluid recirculation conduit connected to the base of the basket and leading to a location at the top of the basket for recirculating fluid, a filter at the top of the basket through which the recirculated fluid is directed by said conduit,

a recirculating pump in the recirculation conduit to drive the fluid therethrough, and means including a pressuretransmitting tube leading between the recirculation conduit and the pressure-responsive switch, said movable means of said switch being responsive to variations in the level of fluid within the basket, thereby to control the operational means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,298,096 Dunham Oct. 6, 1942 2,298,905 Spinner Oct. 13, 1942 2,481,979 Colley Sept. 13, 1949 14 Geldhof et a1 Sept. 5, 1950 Woodson Mar. 22, 1951 Geldhof et a1. May 29, 1951 Woodson July 17, 1951 Smith Mar. 11, 1952 Morton Apr. 8, 1952 Clark Nov. 18, 1952 Rand Apr. 28, 1953 Clark Mar. 15, 1955 Clark July 3, 1956 Shelton et a1. July 24, 1956 Hartung et al Mar. 12, 1957

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