US2997554A

US2997554A - Multiple circuit control switch

Info

Publication number: US2997554A
Application number: US669685A
Authority: US
Inventors: Clifton A Cobb; James T Williams
Original assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Current assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Priority date: 1957-07-02
Filing date: 1957-07-02
Publication date: 1961-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 1978-08-22

Description

1961 c. A. COBB ETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH Fileu July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 La a 121271- 5 C/lrlozz A. Cobb James 1. WZ/[lams Aug. 22, 1961 c. A. COBB ETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH Filed July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 t: L94 MEET-E C/L/fon A. Cobb James T Williams b 1 5:12 75 Aug. 22, 1961 c. A. COBB HAL MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH 4 SheetsSheet 3 Filea July 2, 1957 25 Elba-'5 C/Z/zon A Cobb c/Zmzes T WL/liams 1961 c. A. COBB ETAL 2,997,554

MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL swrrcu Filed July 2, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mi 204; 262' 514 a BLANKETS smrnsncs DELICATE m B FABRICS HOT FILL LIL/"E ZZZUT'E C/L/zazz A. Cobb (fa/2265 T [MY/M1175 I: 1 7 WA ;%W; M 5:12 75 United States Patent 2,997,554 y I MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL SWITCH Clifton A. Cobb, St. Joseph, and James T. Williams,

Stevensville, Mich., assignors to Whirlpool Corporation, St. Joseph, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 2, 1957, Ser. No. 669,685 12 Claims. (Cl. 200-38) The present invention relates to improvements in methods and apparatus for laundering, and more specifically to an improved presettable sequential automatic time control device for selecting and automatically controlling the performance of operational programs for an automatic laundering machine.

As a particular example, the invention is embodied in a presettable sequential time control device in a home laundering machine having a laundering container defining a laundering zone therein, and provided with operational mechanism for performing a washing, rinsing and drying operation on the fabrics or materials in the container. Various operational elements may be employed in achieving these functions. In one form a container or tub contains a laundering water in which fabrics are to be laundered. An agitator oscillates in the water to agitate the fabrics and the washing water. At the end of the washing operation, the laundering fluid is drained from the tub and the fabrics are rinsed by directing a rinse water into the tub. At the termination of the washing operation and rinsing operations, water is extracted centrifugally from the fabrics, such as by spinning the container or an inner basket, which may be provided Within the container for that purpose.

The basic operations of washing, rinsing and drying may be accompanied by refinements which improve the laundering operation, such as controlling the temperature of the wash water used, automatically adding soap or detergents and performing difierent types of rinse operations. All of these operations may be performed automatically in an automatic laundry machine wherein the functions are performed by one or more operating elements which are electrically controlled usually through control switches that are operated by cams driven by a timer motor. The control mechanism usually is manually started and proceeds automatically to complete a program of operation, and the operator need merely place the clothes in the tub whereupon the machine automatically completes the washing, rinsing and drying operations.

Difierent materials and different fabrics have different laundering characteristics and a material having a given laundering characteristic will receive the best washing only when a given set of laundering operations are performed. For example, a certain type of fabric will be best washed in a water at a certain temperature best suited for removing soils from that fabric, and laundering will be completed within a certain time. Continuing laundering after that time will merely create wear in the fabric. An optimum relationship between the washing operation and the fabric exists for all of the functions of the laundering operation including the soap or detergent used, the type and length of rinsing performed, and the drying operation. Thus, for an optimum washing performance, the individual operation elements of a laundering machine, which contribute to perform the functions of washing, rinsing and drying, must be operated in accordance with the fabric being washed.

A feature of the present invention is the provision of an automatic laundering machine wherein the controls are selectively operable to choose a program of machine operation wherein the individual operational elements will operate to complete the functions of washing, rinsing and drying, in accordance with the type of fabric to be laundered.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved timing apparatus which makes it possible to achieve automation in a home laundry machine and preselect a program of laundering operation in accordance with the laundering characteristics of a fabric to be washed, or in accordance with the type of laundering operation desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism for a home laundry machine wherein a plurality of programs of operation can be preselected which are distinguished by the operation or non-operation of certain operational elements, by the time at which the operational elements are actuated, and by the duration of time over which they operate. a

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic washing machine capable of performing different programs of operation which are determined by presettable control means, and wherein the programs include the operations super wash, normal wash, wash and wear, blankets, synthetics and delicate fabrics.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a control system for an automatic laundering machine or the like, employing control switches for the individual operational elements, wherein the control switches are actuated by individual cam tracks divided into a plurality of programs with the cams being presettable to select the program of operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a timer control switch for an automatic laundry machine or the like, wherein control switches are actuated by rotating cams carried on a cam drum, and wherein the cams are rotated only a portion of the full revolution for a complete program of operation so that a plurality of complete programs are available for a full revolution of the cam drum,

Another object of the invention to provide an improved presettable sequential timer control switch which is capable of use for various purposes and which requires a minimum amount of installation space.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sequential time control switch with a rotating cam drum with improved manually operable presetting means for the cam drum which can turn the cam drum in a single direction only in a first position or in both directions in a second position, 'and which is selectively operable to discontinue operation of the timer motor during setting.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sequential control timer with an improved cam and switch relationship which conserves space and enhances the operation of the control and greatly improves making adjustments between the switches and cams.

A further object of the invention is to provide a time control cam drum driven by a ratchet drive with an improved means for disconnecting the ratchet drive during presetting of the cam.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved time switch control apparatus for providing a plurality of programs of operation for an automatic laun- 3 dry machine or the like, whereinv the operation. of. indivrdual elements can be easily changed for one or more programs.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent in the teaching of the principles of the invention in connection with the complete disclosure thereof and the illustration and description of the preferred embodiments thereof in the specification, claims and drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view shown somewhat in schematic form of an automatic laundry machine of the type used in combination with the improved time control mechanism;

FIGURE 2 is a front end view of a time control mechanism embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line IIIIII of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of a time control mechanism; and,

FIGURE 5 is a chart illustrating the timer" performance and the duration of performance of the individual operational elements of the machine.

While the present invention is illustrated in the preferred embodiment of the drawings as described herein, it will be understood that the inventive features may be employed in other environments utilizing their inherent advantages. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, an automatic laundry machine is illustrated employing a timer mechanism 12 which is illustrated in detail in FIGURES 2 through 4. FIGURE 5 illustrates the various programs of operation in chart form with other pertinent data which is further illustrative of the advantages and features of the invention.

The automatic laundry machine 10 is shown in FIG- URE 1 having a container or tub 14 defining a laundry zone 16 therein, which is filled with a washing fluid, such as water. Within the tub 14 is a liner in the form of a basket 18, which contains the articles or fabrics to be laundered, and which is mounted on a centrally located vertical hub 20 at its base for spinning the basket 18 at high speeds for the centrifugal extraction of fluid during the drying function of the machine. The basket 18 may be perforated for the passage of water through its walls, or if imperforate, has side walls which slant outwardly so that the water may pass over the upper edge thereof into the tube 14.

It will be understood that the particular laundering machine is described as an example and the timer may be employed with other forms having different types of containers, washing mechanisms and the like. Further, the timer may be employed in a combination or combo machine wherein a final drying with heated air is performed automatically at the end of the spin-dry function.

For performing the washing operation, an agitator 22 is centrally located within the basket 18 and is driven in oscillation by a shaft 24. The rotational and oscillational power for driving the basket 18 and the agitator 22 is derived from a gear transmission withinv a gear casing 26. The gears are driven from a driven pulley 28 over which passes a belt 30 driven by a drive pulley 32, which is mounted on a drive shaft of a motor 34. The motor carries another drive pulley 36 on the drive shaft at the opposite end carrying a drive belt 38 which drives a driven pulley 40 to operate a pump 42.

The pump illustrated is a dual level arrangement with an upper section 44 to which is connected an outlet line 46 leading from the bottom of the tub 14. At the other side of the upper section 44 of' the pump is a pump line 48 and the upper section 44 is dual-directional so as to pump water in either direction while the pump is driven constantly in the same direction by a drive pulley 40.

At the end of a washing operation, the pump will be set by a control (not shown) to pump water from the outlet line 46 through the pump line 48 through a suds saver line 50 to a suds saving chamber 52 in a laundry sink 54. During succeeding rinsing operations, the pump section 42 pumps the drain water into a drain line 56, and for this purpose a valve 58 is controlled to direct the water into either line 50 or line 56. The drain water in line-56 enters a sink compartment 60 and flows out through a drain 62. For a succeeding washing operation, the pump section 44 is controlled to pump water in the opposite direction, and the sudsy water is returned from the suds saving section 52 to the tub 14.

A lower section 64 of the pump 42 is devoted to re circulating the laundering water for purposes of filtering. The pump section 64 has an inlet line 66 which leads from the tub outlet line 46. The pump section 64 discharges to a filtering line 68 which leads through a filter 70 and discharges at 72 into the tub.

Fresh water for performing the rinsing and washing operation is supplied to the tub through an inlet nozzle 74 which is fed water from a control mixing valve 76 connected to a hot water line 78 and a cold water line 80.

Various other appendages may be used in connection with the laundry machine for enhancing the operation, such as an automatic softener dispenser or a detergent dispenser shown schematically at 81.

The aforedescribed operational elements are each oper-. ated at a predetermined time and for a predetermined length of time to complete a washing operation. The operating elements are controlled through the time control switch 12 which is mounted on a control panel 82 of a cabinet 84 which encloses the laundering machine. In accordance with the present invention, the time cycle control mechanism 12 is presettable to select a program of operation for the machine which suits the type of material being Washed. The program is selected by presetting the timer 12 with a manual control knob 86 which is exposed on the control panel 82. The control timer 12 may be suitably connected to an indicating mechanism which will show through a dial 88 the program which is selected and the time expired in the particular program during operation of the machine.

Individual operating elements of the machine are electrically operated and their operation is controlled by the sequential timer control 12. For this purpose, a plurality of individual switches are provided which are actuated by cams. In. FIGURE 2, switches are shown arranged in four circumferentially spaced

banks

90, 92, 94 and 96. The switches, arranged in the banks, are actuated by a cam drum 98', as shown in FIGURE 3. The cam drum is rotatably driven by a timer motor 100 located within the hollow cam drum 98 and driving the cam drum through a drive mechanism shown generally at 102 in FIGURE 4. The cam drum 98 has an outer cam. surface. 104 which operates the switches and the camsurface is divided into a plurality of program lengths with. each program length actuating the switches to perform a full laundering operation. The cam drum is presettable to selectively choose the operational program by a presetting means 106, as shown in FIGURE 3.

Turning to the more specific elements of the preferred embodiment, the cam drum 98 and switch banks, 90, 92, 94 and 96 are supported on a pair of parallel spaced

plates

108 and 110, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The cam drum includes a plurality of individual cams such as 112. and 113 separated by spacers such as 114, 116 and 118 which also provide guides for the switch operating followers 120 that ride against the cams. The cams and the separators are annular in shape so as to make available the hollow space 121 within the cam drum wherein the timer motor 100 is housed. The spacers and cams have axially extending holes 122 bored thcrethrough to receive axially extending connecting bolts 124. The bolts extend through a hole in the front plate 126 of the cam drum and are threaded into an annular rear plate 128 of the drum to secure the camsand spacers together to form a unitary cam drum 98.

The front cam plate 126 carries a bolt 130 at its axial center that supports a bearing sleeve 132 for journaling the front end of the cam drum in the plate 108. A nut 134 is threaded onto the bolt 130 to hold the bearing and the spacer washers 136 and 138 in place.

The rear end of the cam drum is journaled onsupporting rollers 140 which are carried on studs 142 secured to the plate 110 of the timer frame. Metal fasteners 141 are pressed onto the outer end portions of studs 142 to maintain the supporting rollers 140 in alignment. The inner surface of the annular rear plate 128 of the cam drum rotatably rides on the rollers 140.

The

frame plates

108 and 110 are held in their fixed spaced position by

cross bolts

144 and 146, FIGURES 2 and 4, which are provided with suitable spacers between the plates to hold them in their relative axial positions.

The

switch banks

90, 92, 94 and 96 include

flat plates

148, 150, 152 and 154 which are formed of an insulating material so as to carry the switches. The switches are mounted on each of the plates in the same manner, and, therefore, the mounting of only one plate will be described.

In the arrangement illustrated, twelve cams are shown to operate twelve individual switches. It will be understood that varying numbers of cams and switches may be provided, and in accordance with the present invention, one cam is provided for each switch and the switch is reactuated in a different manner, in accordance with the operational program through which the machine is operated. The operational programis performed over a predetermined portion of a total rotation of the cam drum.

The switch supporting plates, such as plate 152, are attached at their rear edge by

ears

156 and 158 projecting outwardly from the rear frame plate 110 and bent inwardly to overlie the outer surface of the switch plate 152 in the manner shown in FIGURE 3. To permit the

ears

156 and 158 to project beyond the plate, the plate is provided with notches- 162 and 164. These notches are wider than is necessary to permit passage of the

ears

156 and 158 in order that the plate may be adjusted circumferentially with respect to the cam drum 98.

The front end 164 of the plate 152 is secured to the front frame plate 108 by

bolts

166 and 168 threaded into threaded openings in an axially turned fiange'portion 170 of the front frame plate 108. The bolts pass through elongated slots 172 and 174 in the switch plate to permit the circumferential adjustment of the switch plates.

Thus, with the switches being provided in a plurality of banks arranged circumferentia'lly around the cam drum, the individual switch groups can be adjusted with respect to the cam drum to a mean adjustment without necessitating adjustment of the entire group of switches. The adjustment is performed merely by loosening the

bolts

166 and 168, and sliding the switch plate in a circumferential direction and retightening the bolts when the proper adjustment is reached.

The switches are mounted on the switch plates, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. The switchassembly 175 which is one of the switch assemblies of switch plate 152 includes a movable switch arm 176, which is supported by bolt 178 at its base. An electrically connecting terminal 180 is provided for the attachment, such as by soldering, of electrical leads leading to the operating element of the laundering machine which is controlled by the switch. The switch arm 176 is biased toward the cam drum 98 and carries a follower 120 which engages the surface of one of the cams to control the position of the switch contact 184 at the end of the switch arm 176. Depending on the surface contour of the cam, the switch contact 184 will engage one of the fixed

contacts

186 or 188. These contacts are provided with

terminals

190 and 192 for the connection of leads and, dependent on the position of the movable switch arm 176, the circuit 1 will be completed from the terminal 180 to either of the

terminals

190 or 192.

- 175 and are part of the two other switch assemblies of the switch plate 152, both of which are similar to the switch assembly 175. Further, each of the switches mounted on the remaining boards 148, 150and 154 is of a similar construction and, therefore, the description of switch 175 will suffice for understanding the remaining switches.

Rotation of the cam drum 98 to cause operation of the switches, is achieved through a timer motor which preferably operates at a constant speed. The timer m0- tor 100 contains a gear reduction within the housing 196 which has an output shaft 198 to which is secured an involute cam 200. The involute cam 200 also carries a. notched cam 202, which controls the rinsing operation of the laundering machine in a manner which will be later described.

The involute cam 200 forms part of the drive train 102 for rotating the cam drum and its involute surface rocks a pawl arm 204. The pawl arm is shaped in the form of a bell-crank and is pivoted on a support pin 206. A lower arm of the pawl arm 204 carries a follower end 208 which rides against the involute cam 200 to rock the pawl arm and give reciprocation to a pawl 210, which is pivotally supported on a pin 212 carried on the amt 214 of the pawl arm 204. In the rocking motion caused by the involute cam 200, the pawl arm 204 will move between the solid line and dotted line position shown in FIGURE 4, and will index the cam drum 98 forward in stepwise fashion by the finger 216 at the end of the pawl 210 engaging successive teeth 218 of the ratchet which is the outer portion of the cam plate 128.

As illustrated in FIGURES 3 and-4, the finger 216 at the end of the pawl 210 will project through the opening 220 in the frame plate of the timer, assembly to engage the teeth 218.

The pawl finger 216 will thus pass through the opening 222 in the shuttle plate 224, which functions todisengage the pawl. When the shuttle plate 224 is lifted, the surface 226 at the base of the opening 222 will lift upwardly on the pawl finger 216 to disengage it from the pawl teeth 218. This permits free notation of the cam drum 98 in either direction.

The shuttle plate 224 is slidably held by headed

pins

230 and 232 which project through

slots

234 and 236 in the shuttle plate. The shuttle plate is normally held in its lowermost position by shuttle spring 240, which is connected between an ear 242 on the shuttle plate and an opening in the upper end of the support plate 244.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the support plate 244 is offset along its edge 246 to connect it by

screws

248 and 250 to the rear frame plate 110. Another side 252 of the support plate 244 is connected to the pin 206 and provides a moving space for the pawl 210 and space for the pawl spring 254, which is connected between an opening 256 in the pawl and the pin 206 to urge the pawl to engagement with the ratchet teeth 218.

The pawl moves forwardly to catch a new tooth 218 in the ratchet when the pawl arm 204 is pivoted by the involute cam, and pulls the cam drum forwardly by the action of the pawl arm spring 258. The pawl arm spring 258 is connected between an ear 260 on the pawl arm and an ear 262 projecting from the frame plate 110. I

The cam drum 98 is rotated to preset the cam position and select the program of operation by rotating the manually operable knob 86, FIGURES 2 and 3. The knob is secured to a presetting shaft 264 which is rotatably supported at its front end in an opening 266 in the front frame plate 108 and at its rear end 268 in an opening 270 in the support plate 244. The rear end 268 is reduced in size and joins the main portion of the shaft in a tapered cam surface 272 which is conically shaped to act in an upward direction in any rotational position of the shaft 264. The cam 272 engages the upper edge 274 of the slot 222 in the shuttle plate 224.

7 The presetting shaft 264 is axially movable between a first position, shown by the knob 86 in the Si01ld line position in FIGURE 3, and a. second position shown bythe dotted line position of the knob in FIGURE 3. In the first position the cam drum 98 may be turned in one direction only, which advances the cam drum to a succeeding program. Rotation of the cam drum is achieved by a pinion gear 276 secured to the presetting shaft 264 and in mesh with the teeth 278 in the outer peripheral edge of the front plate 126 of the cam drum. The pinion gear 276 is elongated so that its teeth 277 will remain in mesh with the teeth 278 in both the first and second positions of the presettalble shaft 264.

When the shaft is pushed axially to the second position, the cam 272 will raise the shuttle plate 224, thus lifting the pawl finger 216 out of engagement with the pawl teeth 218. This will free the cam drum 98 and permit rotation in either direction to rotate or advance the cams with respect to their switches and select a program either in advance of or following the program then in position to operate.

The presetting shaft 264 carries a switch operating block 265, which engages the switch arm 26 7 to open the switch 269 against the spring 271. This switch is in circuit with the timer motor 100 which will automatically be stopped with all the electrical circuitry when the shaft is pushed to its second position.

The chart of FIGURE 5 illustrates the operation of the individual operational elements for each of the programs of the cam drum. As illustrated, the cams are divided to complete six programs for a complete 360 of revolution. The individual cams, of course, are rotationally staggered so that each of the individual switches will be at the starting point of a chosen program relative to its operating camwhen the program begins.

It will also be seen, that the operational element will be actuated at a time relative to the beginning of the program and for a period of operational time determined by the cam. The same operational elements will perform and will be actuated by the same switches for each program, but they will operate in accordance with the laundering characteristic of the fabric or material being washed, and this laundering characteristic is supplied to the machine by presetting the control to the program which represents either the type of material being washed, or the type of program desired.

The cams may be arranged to provide a substantial number of programs, each of a different nature. However, if one of the programs is to be altered, the time at which any one operational element is actuated or the time period for which it is in any one or more programs can be changed by merely removing the cam section for the element and replacing it with another cam section which obtains the performance desired. This will change the operating performance of the particular operational element irrespective of the other elements and of the other programs.

In some instances, certain operational elements will perform during certain programs, but will remain inoperative during other programs. For example, with reference to FIGURE 5, it will be noted that the operational element marked hot fill which supplies hot water to the machine, is operative only during the super wash and the normal programs of the machine. The other programs utilize wash water of a lower temperature and the hot fill element, therefore, is not actuated.

It will also be noted that the total laundering period of the different programs vary in accordance with the program. Thus, the super wash program is the longest and the wash and wear program is the shortest of the programs provided. The number of programs which are provided may be varied in accordance with the types of materials or fabrics which are encountered by the machine so that a program is available for each type of operation desired. More programs can be provided by reducing the speed of the cam and shortening the length of the cam which rotates past the switches for a full program or also by enlarging the diameter of the cam drum.

The chart of FIGURE 5 shows the operational elements as they are assigned to the various switches with the cams for operating the switches being numbered along the cam shaft. The switches are indicated by the board number with the switches mounted on board number 1 being assigned the first, the fifth, and the ninth cams along the cam drum. With the arrangement indicated, the switches are spaced so that switches on the same board need not engage adjacent cams.

The spray rinse is applied in the laundry tub 14 in intermittent sprays or spurts. To accomplish thisefiect, the spray rinse cam 202 is provided to operate a spray rinse arm 280, FIG. 4, which is pivotally mounted on a support pin 282 on the frame plate 110. As the spray rinse cam 202' rotates, the spray rinse arm 280 will be pivotally oscillated and a switch operating finger 284 on the arm 280 will alternately permit a biased switch aim 286 to move its contact 288 toward a fixed contact 291 in order to close the circuit and electrically actuate the spray rinse.

The movable spray rinse switch arm 286 is mounted on the switch plate 152. The switch arm is provided with a follower 290 which rides on a cam carried with the main drum. Thus, the position of the spring biased switch arm 286 is under the influence of both the spray rinse cam 202 and the main cam which actuates the follower 290. The spray rinse cam 202 rotates at a much higher speed to intermittently release the spring arm, but the arm will be released only when also released by the main cam 290 which determines when the spray rinse period is to occur. To permit the switch operating finger 284 to engage the spray rinse switch arm, a slot 292 is cut in the plate 110.

Thus, it will be seen that We have provided an improved automatic laundry machine which provides for automation in performing laundering operations, and which meets the objectives and advantages hereinbefore set forth. The arrangement makes it possible for the operator to selectively choose the program of operation with a simple rotation of a selector knob, whereupon the machine will automatically complete the full cycle of operation, in accordance with the program selected.

The time control switch for controlling the laundry machine is of improved construction and is arranged to require a small installation space and be capable of installing in the limited space available on the control panel for a laundry machine. Further, numerous operational programs are provided and an indefinite combination of operations of the operational elements can be achieved without requiring considerable installation space or complicated elaborate control mechanism.

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

We claim as our invention:

1. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having an axial row of separate circumferentially extending cam tracks, said tracks divided circumferentially into individual program arcs, a longitudinal row of switches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracks so as to be actuated in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined length of time with rotation of said cam through a program arc, a ratchet gear connected to the cam, a pawl positioned to drive the ratchet gear in a forward direction and preventsing movement of the ratchet gear in a reverse direction, drive means connected to the pawl for indexing the cam,

a shuttle member movable in a path to disengage the pawl from the ratchet, axially shiftable and manually rotatable presetting means connected to the cam for manually rotating the cam to preselect a program of operation through which the drive means will move the cam, and a shuttle engaging cam connected to the presetting means to move the shuttle upon axial shifting of said presenting means to cause the pawl to be disengaged from the ratchet gear.

2. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having a plurality of separate circumferentially extending cam tracks, said tracks divided into individual program arcs, switches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracks so as to be actuated in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined length of time with rotation of said cam through a program arc, a ratchet gear connected to the cam, a pawl positioned to drive the ratchet gear in a forward direction and preventing movement of the ratchet gear in a reverse direction, drive means connected to the pawl for indexing the cam, a presetting gear attached to the cam, a manually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaft, a pinion gear mounted on the shaft and in mesh with said presetting gear, one of said gears having elon gated teeth to remain in mesh with the other gear with axial shifting of said shaft, a tapered cam on said shaft, and a member positioned to be moved by said cam with axial shifting of said presetting shaft and connected so that the pawl will be disengaged from the ratchet with said shifting of said presetting shaft.

3. A time cycle control switch comprising a rotary cam having a row of separate axially spaced circumferentially extending cam tracks, said tracks divided into individual program arcs, a longitudinal row of switches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracks so as to be actuated in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined length of time with rotation of said cam through a program are, a ratchet gear connected to the cam, a pawl positioned to drive the ratchet gear in a forward direction and preventing movement of the ratchet gear in a reverse direction, a pivotally mounted pawl arm carrying the pawl, a power driven ratchet-operating cam positioned to rock the pawl arm and drive the ratchet gear, a presetting gear attached to the cam, a manually rotatable and axially shiftable shaft geared to the presetting gear for rotating the cam to a preset program position through which the drive means will move the cam, means operable by axial movement of said shaft to disengage said ratchet from said ratchet gear whereby the cam may be rotated in either direction, an auxiliary switch, a follower member connected to operate said auxiliary switch, and an auxiliary cam connected to be driven with said ratchet operating cam.

4. A time cycle control switch in accordance with claim 3 wherein a common spring means is connected between said pawl arm and said follower member urging them against their respective cams.

5. A switch controller comprising a housing, an electric motor in said housing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams and being journaled in said housing in surrounding disposition relative to said motor, a manually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaft supported in said housing adjacent one side of said drum, means forming a rotating driving connection between said cam drum and said presetting shaft, a ratchet drive between said motor and said cam drum to rotatably drive said cam drum in one direction, a shuttle plate on said housing, and a cone-shaped cam on said presetting shaft cooperating with said shuttle plate, said shuttle plate operatively connected to said ratchet drive to disengage the ratchet drive during presetting of said cam drum by operation of said presetting shaft.

6. A switch control comprising a housing, an electric motor in said housing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams and being journaled in said housing in surrounding disposition relative to said motor, a manually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaft supported in said housing, means forming a rotating driving connection between said cam drum and said presetting shaft, a ratchet drive between said motor and said cam drum to rotatably drive said cam drum in one direction, a cam on said presetting shaft, and means actuated by said cam and operatively connected to said ratchet drive to disengage said ratchet drive during presetting of said cam drum by operation of said presetting shaft.

7. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said ratchet drive including a pawl arm and finger interconnecting said electric motor and said cam drum to step-index the cam drum angularly about its axis.

8. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said cam drum comprising a plurality of annular cam rings, with the outer surface of said rings shaped to actuate followers in engagement with the rings, spacer rings between each of the cam rings having an outer diameter greater than the ring to provide guides for followers bearing against said individual rings, means for axially clamping said rings together, and a plurality of switches arranged circumferentially around said rings and having switch operating followers in engagement with said rings to be actuated thereby.

9. A switch controller as defined in claim 6, said cam drum having a row of separate axially spaced circumferentially extending cam tracks, said tracks divided into individual program arcs.

10. A switch controller as defined in claim 9, and a longitudinal row of switches positioned to be in individual engagement with said cam tracks for actuation in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined length of time upon rotation of said cam drum through a program arc.

11. A timer assembly for an automatic laundry machine or the like comprising a plurality of control switches adapted to be connected to control individual operating elements of the laundry machine to complete the functions of washing, rinsing and drying, and a switch controller for regulating said switches comprising a housing, an electric motor in said housing, a ring-shaped cam drum having plural cams operatively associated with said switches and being journaled in said housing in surrounding disposition relative to said motor, a manually operable rotatable and axially shiftable presetting shaft supported in said housing, means forming a rotating driving connection between said cam drum and said presetting shaft, a ratchet drive between said motor and said cam drum to rotatab-ly drive said cam drum in one direction, a cam on said presetting shaft, and means actuated by said cam and operatively connected to said ratchet drive to disengage said ratchet drive during presetting of said cam drum by operation of said presetting shaft.

12. A switch controller as defined in claim 5, said plural cams each providing a circumferentially extending cam track, said housing including plural banks of switches spaced circumferentially around said cam drum, and each switch having a follower arm engaging a corresponding cam track of a cam, said cam drum having means forming teeth thereon and said presetting shaft carrying a gear meshing with said teeth to form said rotating driving connection to preset said cam drum relative to said switches.

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