US3140595A - Control circuit for clothes washing machine - Google Patents

Description

July 14, 1964 F [3, ow

CONTROL cmcurr FOR CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I: cunnmmnnttm t FIG. I

FIG. 2

ADDED TEMPS PRE RINSE RINSE w su RINSE SOAK RINSE TEMP ON FILL wcw ON OFF 0F 78 7.."IIIAJ "80 INVEN TOR. FRANK 0. LOW

777MhM ATTORAEY July 14, 1964 F. D. Low 3,140,595

CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4

JA M SPEED SELECTION INV EN TOR.

FRANK D. LOW BY 777M Jam/K ATTOQVE Y F. D. LOW

CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1962 TO FIG. 4

4 Sheets-Shet DZOA FIG. 4A

RINSE WATER TEMPERATURE Day I l8l PRE-RINSE D36 l l l I I WASH WAT ER TEMPERATURE I :Q IQO L... J ADDED RINSE WATER TEMPERATURE FRANK I L EJ ADDED RINSE 6O INV EV TOR.

D. LOW

ATTORNEY July 14, 1964 I F. D. Low 3,140,595

. CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Filed May 25,- 1962 4 Sheets-$heet 4 i IOMIN 20mm 30mm 40 IN Has R C| I cl lol CIO Cll

FIG. 5A 'FILL AGITATE SPIN 4MIN BBIMN I2N:IN Al 'v///////////////// r77777\ A2 K4550 777777 A4 '68 ILL/.LLLI

|7| LLLLLI 771 Lsgmml'agmq kiwi BYFRANK of??? ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,140,595 CONTRGL CIRCUIT FOR CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Frank D. Low, La Grange Park, Ill., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed May 25, 1962, Ser. No. 197,725 11 Claims. (CI. 68-12) The present invention relates to clothes washing machines and more particularly to control circuits for use in such machines.

In recent times, the mechanism employed in the selection of variables for Washing machine cycles has been alternating between wholly programmed controls, and control mechanisms which allow the user to select and set individually the temperature, speed and cycle lengths to be used in the operative sequence. In the former type, the user depresses one button, switch or lever in accordance with the size of load, type of fabric and comparative condition of the fabrics as to dirtiness. The machine automatically sets the proper speed, temperatures and cycle lengths. The user has no choice but receives a preset combination of variables in a fixed sequence. In the latter type, the user sets a number of separate controls each controlling a particular variable to produce the combined washing efiect desired in a flexible pattern allowing a wide variability of choice. It is to the latter of these mechanisms that the present invention applies.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved control mechanism for a clothes washing machine which allows a wide latitude of choice in the selection of combined operating variables for the operative sequence.

It is another object of the invention to provide a Washing machine control mechanism affording an operative sequence which may be preceded by an added cycle, may be interrupted by the added cycle, or may utilize twice the added cycle in the operative sequence.

It is a further object to provide a washing machine which includes a main timing mechanism and an auxiliary timing mechanism, and control mechanisms for activating the auxiliary mechanism before the operation of the main mechanism, during the operation of the main mechanism, or in both instances as selected by the machine user.

It is a further object of the invention to utilize in a clothes washing machine a first conventional knob start timing mechanism and a second timing mechanism which indexes a revolution at one or more instances in the operative sequence of the first timing mechanism in response ito operation of one or more manually operative controlers.

It is a feature of the invention to provide a washing machine with means selectable by the user for affording a wash cycle with alternate periods of wash agitation and inactivity of the agitation mechanism or for modifying this wash cycle to provide a normal agitation wash cycle.

To provide these and other objects, the present invention provides in a washing machine, an extremely flexible control mechanism affording a plurality of possible sequences. The mechanism includes a primary timing mechanism which is rotated by the user to a start position following which the mechanism controls the duration of the operative sequence. The normal operative sequence includes an agitate wash cycle and a rinse cycle. The user may select in place of the normal agitate wash, a cycle which provides an agitate wash period, followed by an inactive soak period which in turn is followed by a second agitate wash. This option is followed in the normal manner by a spin operation and then a rinse cycle as controlled by the primary timing mechanism.

The invention further utilizes an electrically actuated, independent auxiliary timing mechanism which may be 3,146,595 Patented July 14., 1964 activated prior to the start of the sequence of the primary timing mechanism. This second or auxiliary timer once activated drives the machine through a cycle including a fill, an agitate and spin period. At the completion of the cycle of the second timing mechanism, the primary timer is activated by the secondary timer to initiate the remainder of the primary sequence. In addition, the primary timer may be interrupted by the secondary timer following the wash-spin period to provide an added secondary timer operation at that time. At the conclusion of a secondary timer operation, the primary timer is reactivated by the secondary timer to continue the main or primary cycle. Further, any combination of these options may be preset by the user to occur as desired.

A feature of the invention'provides an arrangement whereby the main timer is latched inoperative during most of the auxiliary timer operative cycle to prevent manual movement of the main timer shaft during this cycle. Near the end of the auxiliary cycle, this latch is released to allow a period of concurrent operation of both timers during transfer to insure uninterrupted operation of the entire sequence.

The invention both as to its organization and principle of operation together with further objects, features and advantages may best be understood by reference to the following specification read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partially sectioned, of a clothes washing machine utilizing my invention;

FIG. 2 is a front View of a control panel which may be used with my invention;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional elevation of the timer mechanism generally as used;

FIG. 3A shows schematically one embodiment of a mechanical interlocking arrangement for the main timer;

FIGS. 4 and 4A are schematic circuit diagrams which combine to produce the sequential cycle of my invention; and

FIGS. 5 and 5A are conventional cam charts for the circuits of FIGS. 4 and 4A, respectively.

Before starting the explanation of the invention, it may prove advisable to define the terms to be used in this explanation.

As used herein, the terms main timer and auxiliary timer are self-explanatory. The main timer sequence may include a soak cycle which for our purposes means a substitution for the maximum agitate period of 15 minutes, of a cycle including 3 minutes of agitate, 9 minutes of quiescence or non-agitation followed by 3 minutes of agitation. The auxiliary cycles, each of which is included in a complete revolution of the auxiliary timer will be called respectively the pre-rinse and the added rinse. The pre-rinse precedes the main or primary timer sequence and includes a fill of 3% minutes duration, an agitate of 3% minutes duration and a spin of 3% minutes duration. The remainder of the pre-rinse cycle is occupied by pauses and a transfer period during which the main timer circuit is re-established. The added rinse cycle may be interposed in the main timer sequence before the normal rinse period. If the added rinse cycle is desired as indicated by the user actuating the switch provided therefor, the main timer transfers control to the auxiliary timer at the end of wash-spin. The auxiliary timer there upon starts; the main timer circuit is interrupted and the main timer latched against movement. The auxiliary timer then conducts the machine through a cycle identical in function and length to the pre-rinse cycle following which the main timer is released from the latch, its operate circuit re-established and the main timer sequence reinstituted.

Now viewing the invention in detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a clothes washing machine which includes an outer appearance cabinet 12 at the rear of which there is a controls console 14 extending vertically above the top machine surface 15. The top surface of the machine in front of the console is fashioned with a conventional loading opening (not shown) allowing access to the machine interior. This opening is approximately centrally located in the machine top surface 15 and is normally covered by a hinged lid (not shown) which may be opened to reach the machine interior.

Within the machine there is a large imperforate stationary drain tub 18, and within the tub a centrally located wash receptacle rotatable on a vertical axis. This receptacle has a generally imperforate cylindrical sidewall 22 extending from its horizontal base 24. The receptacle has an open circular face adjacent the loading opening. About the sidewall upper periphery, a heavy density balance ring 28 is mounted to provide a comparatively large moment of inertia for the receptacle. Below the balance ring, a horizontal line of extraction apertures 30 is provided in the otherwise imperforate sidewall. These apertures, in generally known manner, are used to pass water from the clothes and receptacle to the tub for drainage as the receptacle is being spun at high speed.

Upstanding centrally above the receptacle base 24 is an agitator mechanism which includes a central column 32 and radially extending vanes 34. Depending from the agitator column is a central agitator drive shaft 36 which extends through drain tub 18 to a coupling to suitable mechanisms (not shown) within the transmission casing 38 for oscillation of the agitator mechanism. Coaxially surrounding the agitator shaft is a spin tube 40 which is connected at its upper extremity to a rotary hub 42. Hub 42 is in driving connection with base 24 of the receptacle 20 for rotating the receptacle on rotation of the spin tube 40. The lower end of tube 40 is secured to the outside of transmission housing 38 for mutual rotation. To impart rotational force to housing 38 and oscillatory motion to the internal drive mechanism, there is provided a drive motor 44 which may be of the twospeed reversible type. The motor is physically mounted to the adjacent sidewall of the housing and has a drive pulley and V belt connection to transmission housing 38. The motor as used herein may be operable at either of two running speeds such as 1,125 rpm. and 1,725 rpm.

Utilizing a reversible drive motor as drive motor 44, it is known that rotation of the motor in one direction actuates the internal transmission mechanism to oscillate the agitator column 32 and vanes 34 and operation of the motor in the reverse direction rotates receptacle 20 at high speed. In most machines, rotation of the receptacle also causes high speed rotation of the agitator, although this need not be the case. Mechanisms for accomplishing these actions are well known in the art, and, per se, are not a part of the claimed invention. Further, the motor has connected directly to its shaft a pump 46 which exhausts liquid from tub 18 during the centrifugal extraction operation and maintains the liquid in the tub 18 at all other times. Such pumps are generally known in the art.

Further, the machine generally includes a water fill system which includes a water inlet conduit 48 with an opening disposed over the open top of the receptacle 20. Such conduit 48 is supplied by either or both of selectively operated hot and cold water valves (not shown) which are individually operated by solenoids 50 and 52, respectively. The solenoid valves control the flow from the conventional domestic water supply in a known fashion. The valve solenoids 50 and 52 in turn are controlled on a timed basis for all operations and are deenergized to terminate the operation of the respective water fill valves.

In FIG. 2 there is shown the front panel 54 of the control console 14 which includes a number of manually operable switches which combine to provide the operator with a maximum of flexibility in setting up an operative sequence. The panel includes a first switch 55 which as shown is a push button switch of the type which is depressed for its operation and remains depressed. The switch 55 includes any well-known mechanism which allows it to restore automatically on occurrence of a preset condition, as will be described more fully. Switch 55 controls the pre-rinse cycle and on depression causes a pre-rinse cycle to occur.

The next switch set includes a set of two buttons 57 and 58 which are interlocked in known fashion so only one may be depressed. These buttons control the selection of water temperature during the additional rinse or rinses to respectively supply warm or cold water. These buttons, once one has been depressed, remain in that condition until manually changed. The next switch 6%) is movable between an On and an Off position to control the interposition of the added rinse in the normal cycle operative sequence. The following switch 61 is a water level control button, which when depressed during fill terminates the fill.

The next switch set controls the water temperature during the main or normal cycle. The first three buttons 62, 63 and 64 are interlocked to allow depression of only one button to supply hot, warm or cold water respectively, for the main wash. Buttons 65 and 66 are interlocked and represent warm or cold water respectively, for the main rinse cycle. The next switch 67 is used to control the soak cycle and in the Off position permits the normal agitation cycle, while in the On position causes the substitution of a soak cycle for the washing agitation period.

Control knob 68 as is conventional in the art, is manually operated by the user to rotate a drive shaft 69 and set the main timer cams 70 at a start position from which the cams are then mechanically driven by a main timer motor 72. The knob 68 as shown, may be set at any of three positions based on the clothes condition and material. For heavy garments or heavily soiled articles, a 15- minute agitate period is effected; for regular garments or soil condition, a 9-minute agitate; and for light garments or soil condition, a 3-minute agitate is used. The final button set includes four buttons for controlling the drive motor speed for agitate and for spin. There is provided in the set, a button for slow agitate, a button for fast agitate, and separate buttons for slow and fast speed spin. The speed selection control as shown is generally known from U.S. Patent 2,841,003, issued on July 1, 1958, to G. Conlee.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a generally schematic diagram showing one method of mounting both the main timer motor 72 and the auxiliary timer motor 76. Each timer motor through suitable generally known transmission mechanisms steps a camshaft. Main timer motor 72 through a transmission mechanism shown representatively as rectangle 74 steps its cams through a predetermined are each timed period. For the embodiment shown, timer motor 72 drives its camshaft 69 and earns 70 through an arc of 6 each 45-second interval to total a 46-minute maximum normal cycle. Motor 76 has an independent output shaft 78 which it driveably steps at the rate of 10 each 22 /2-seconds interval for a full cycle length of 13 /2 minutes. Cam shafts 69 and 78 are mounted coaxially with respect to one another and are journalled for rotation independently of one another. Shaft '78 has a stepped down-end fitted and bearing within a suitable circular opening 79 in shaft 69 in a manner allowing independent rotation of each shaft. Each camshaft includes a plurality of coaxially mounted circular earns 70 and 80 which are respectively rotated on rotation of each drive shaft. Each of these cams has an eccentric face portion which opens certain contact sets positioned at the cam periphery, as shown generally in a conventional manner.

Shown in FIG. 3A is a symmetrical yoke-shaped cam latch arm 81 which is pivoted at a central pivot 82 for movement toward and away from latching cams 83 and 84. Cams 83 and 84 are each mounted independently to the respective camshafts 69 and 78 and are rotatable therewith. These cams are used only for this latching function and control no contacts as do the remaining cams. The end 85 of latch arm 81 adjacent main timer cam 83 is normally biased by spring 86 in a direction away from the periphery of cam 83 and out of engagement therewith. The other end 87 of the latch arm normally rests in slot 88 of auxiliary timer cam 84 to allow the first end 85 to remain clear of interference with cam 83. When cam 84 is rotated at the start of the auxiliary cycle, shoulder 89 drives arm end 87 upwardly and pivoting the opposite end 85 against the spring bias into contact with main timer cam 83, whereupon when shoulder 91 engages arm end 85, cam 83 and its associated shafts 69 and 79 are locked against further rotation. It will also be noted that shaft 69 is locked against accidental manipulation by the machine user. Shortly before the end of the auxiliary rinse cycle, notch 88 is again adjacent to the end 87 of latch arm 81 and the latch is released to allow a period of concurrent operation of both timers during transfer.

In the circuit of FIG. 4, there is shown an alternate release arrangement for the interlock of the general construction of that shown in FIG. 3A, whereby a solenoid 90 is energized at the start of the transfer to electrically release a pawl or similar cam-locking arrangement. Such release magnets are quite Well known in the electro-magnetic arts and need not be described more fully herein.

In FIG. 4 is shown the circuit of the main timer mechanism 100 which includes a plurality (11) of individual cam-actuated switching devices which may be opened or closed by the cam surfaces of earns 70. These cam actu ated devices include a first or master armature contact C1 which closes to a stationary contact 101 for the entire timed cycle to provide power to both the main and auxiliary timer circuits. This master contact C1 is closed to the contact 101 upon manual outward movement of the dial 68 at the beginning of the cycle, and this master contact C1 is opened to the contact 101 upon manual inward movement of the dial 68 at the end of the complete sequence to open power lead L1 from the l20-volt A.C. power source.

A second armature contact C2 may be closed to a stationary contact 102 for virtually the entire sequence. A third armature contact C3 is movable between an open circuit condition and a stationary contact 105. This set of contacts controls the soak cycle as will be explained in detail.

The next armature contact C4 may be closed to an upper stationary contact 106, a lower contact 107 or may be intermediate therebetween. The next armature contact C is operable between its upper contact 108 and its lower contact 109 or may be maintained in an open circuit condition. The next armature contact C6 has an upper stationary contact 111 and a lower stationary contact 112 either of which may be closed to the armature contact or the armature may be in open circuit condition to both. These three contact sets serve to complete the circuits to the drive motor windings and afford the paths for reversing the drive motor energization direction as required.

The next armature contact C7 is movable from an open circuit condition to closure to either its upper stationary contact 114 or its lower stationary contact 115. The next armature contact C8 is also closable between an upper contact 116 and a lower contact 117 or intermediate therebetween. These contact sets combine to effect the transfer of control between the main timer mechanism 100 and the auxiliary timer mechanism 120 (FIG. 4A).

The next cam actuated armature contact C9, movable between its upper contact 121 and its lower contact 122 or to an open circuit condition, is used to terminate the timed water fill period and to start the spray rinses. The contacts (C9, 121, and 122) governing the fill termination could readily be replaced by positive fill contacts which would directly sense the amount of fill and respond thereto. Such switches could be pressure sensitive switches, float switches or hydrostatic switches, all well known in the art.

The next cam actuated armature contact C10 is operable between its upper contact 124, its lower contact 125 or open intermediate therebetween. On closure, this contact completes a fill path to cold water solenoid 52. Armature contact C11 is operable between its stationary contacts 126 and 127 to complete a circuit to the hot water solenoid 50 for Wash and for rinse or may be in an open circuit position.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows in detail the electrical components of drive motor 44: the start winding 131, the high speed run winding 132, the low speed run winding 133, centrifugally actuated armature contact 134 which may be closed to 135 or 136 and 137; and also armature contact which may be closed to either contacts 138 or 139. The circuit from contact 134 through contacts 136 and 137, and that through 139 to armature contact 140 are normally closed and open on the motor armature having accelerated to a predetermined speed. Contacts 135 and 138 are in obvious circuits which are normally open and are closed to 134 and 140 respectively only on the motor armature speed having been reached. Armature contacts 134 and 140 are of the conventionally known centrifugally actuated type and are switched by a mechanical device when the drive motor armature reaches a predetermined speed.

The circuit of FIG. 4 further includes the contacts 143 of switch 67 labelled the soak switch. Contact set 143 is normally closed when switch 67 is in the Off position, and this contact set will open on manipulation of the switch to the On position. Further, there are shown, contacts 145 of switch 61 which are momentarily closed on depression of the switch, to operate as a fill termination switch. The speed selection switch 75 includes two independent armatures 151 and 152 for wash and for spin, respectively. Each armature 151 and 152 is operably adjacent stationary contacts for respective high (fast) and low (slow) speeds: 154 and 155 respectively for high and low agitation selection, and 157 and 158 respectively for high and low spin selection.

Now turning to FIG. 4A, there is shown the auxiliary timing mechanism 120 which is driven by timer motor 76. This motor drives five cams with their cam-actuated armature contacts A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. Contact A1 is closed to its stationary contact 161 for the duration of the auxiliary cycle whenever used and opens at the cycle end. Contact A2 has an upper contact 163 and a lower contact 164 to which it may be closed from its intermediate open position; contact A3 is operably adjacent upper and lower stationary contacts 165 and 166 from its intermediate open position; and contact A4 is operably adjacent stationary contacts 167 and 168 from its intermediate open position. These armature contacts A2 through A4 on closure to their upper contacts effect the agitation during the auxiliary cycle and when closed to their lower contacts effect spin during the auxiliary cycle. All these armature contacts may also be in open circuit condition with respect to their stationary contacts. The final armature contact A5 has stationary upper and lower contacts 171 and 172 to which the armature contact may individually be closed from its intermediate open position to perform the transfer of control from one to the other of the timers.

In FIG. 4A, there is further shown in detail the contacts of pre-rinse switch 55. This switch includes three armatures 175, 176 and 177 ganged together for joint control; which armatures 175, 176 and 177 respectively govern right contacts 181, 182 and 183. The armature 175 in addition has a left contact 177 to which it is normally open. These normal circuit paths are reversed by depression of button 55. The reversed circuit paths are retained until electromagnetic coil 185 is energized to restore the switch to normal. Coil 185 on energizetion releases a latch or detent (not shown) which in generally known fashion restores the switch 55 to its normal or unoperated condition, illustrated in FIG. 4A. Such mechanisms are well-known in the art and are generally procurable from component manufacturers.

The added rinse switch 60 includes an armature 187 normally closed to its upper contact in its Off position. This closure is opened and the armature 187 is closed to lower contact 189 on movement of the switch 60 on the On position indicating an added or intermediate rinse is desired. The added rinse cycle temperature selection is controlled by buttons 57 and 58. On depression of warm rinse button 57, armature 190 is closed to contact 191 and on depression of cold rinse button 58, the contact set 190, 191 is opened.

Finally FIG. 4A contains the main sequence temperature selection switch with buttons 62-66. For wash, there is an armature 192 which is closed to contact 193 alone on depression of hot wash button 62, is in closed circuit relation to both its contacts 193 and 194 for warm water selection at button 63, and is closed only to contact 194 for cold water selection at button 64. The main sequence rinse buttons 65 and 66 control an armature 197 from a closed circuit position at contact 197 on depression of warm water rinse button 65, to an open circuit position on depression of cold water rinse button 66.

Now turning to the operation of the circuitry of FIGS. 4 and 4A, these circuits will first be explained with relation to the most complex sequence available. Following this, the deletions or more simple modifications in each cycle will be related to this most complex sequence.

The most complex sequence possible would include a pre-rinse cycle, a soak wash cycle, an added rinse cycle and a normal rinse cycle. Each of these cycles includes a water fill period, some agitation period and a spin period. This complex sequence is effected by depressing button 55 for pre-rinse, operating switch 60 to the On position for the extra or intermediate rinse and operating switch 67 to the On position for soak. Within the sequence there are also water temperature settings and speed settings. For this sequence warm water fill for both the pre-rinse and the intermediate rinse are selected by depression of warm button 57, a hot Wash fill is selected by depression of hot button 62, and a warm main rinse is selected by depression of warm button 65. For speed, fast agitate and fast spin are chosen by operations of the corresponding fast buttons in the set 75. This speed selection will give uniform fast speed for all agitation periods and spin periods. For cycle duration,

the maximum time setting of heavy is used to allocate fifteen minutes between the end of fill and the start of spin for the soak period.

To start the machine into the sequence, knob 68 is rotated to the heavy start position and pulled outwardly. Setting the knob to the heavy position to provide a full length soak and wash period, sets the timer cams at the leftmost position of the chart of FIG. designated H (heavy). This movement of the knob closes a plurality of contacts to start the water fill. Contact C1 is closed to contact 101, contact C2 is closed to contact 102, contact C3 is closed to contact 105, contact C8 is closed to contact 116, C9 to 121, C10 to 125, and C11 to 127. In the speed selection set 75, contact 152 is closed to contact 157 and contact 151 is closed to 154; in prerinse switch 55, armature 175 is closed to 177; in the water temperature selection set, armature 197 is closed to 196, 192 to 193, 190 to 191; and in the added rinse switch 60, 187 is closed to 128.

Once pre-rinse switch 55 has been operated, the main path from lead L1 is open to the timer motor 72 and the control circuits of FIG. 4 at contacts 175-181 of FIG. 4A. Now viewing these circuits together, a path can be traced from lead L1, closed contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, lead D4, auxiliary timer motor 76, lead D6 and contact to lead L2. The auxiliary timer motor 76 is thereby energized and rotates its camshaft 78 to mechanically latch the main timer camshaft 79 in a stationary condition (FIG. 3A). As the auxiliary timer motor 76 steps its cam bank to the first position at which contact A1 is closed to 161, contact A5 is closed to 172. These closures initiate a rinse fill at the temperature selected at switch 57, i.e., warm. In this condition, a circuit path may be traced from lead L1 and closed contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, lead D4, closed contacts A5-172, 190-191, lead D7, hot solenoid 50, closed contacts 139-140 and lead L2. In parallel with this path, a second path excluding the selection switch 57 is closed to the cold solenoid 52. This path may be traced from lead L1 over the previously described path to lead D4 and contacts A5-172, to lead D8 and solenoid 52, through closed contacts 139-140 to lead L2. From these closures, both hot and cold water enter the receptacle 20 forming a warm water mixture for the pre-rmse.

When 3% minutes of the pre-rinse cycle have elapsed, contact A3 closes to and A4 closes to 167 to prepare the drive motor operating circuits. At the end of four minutes contact A2 closes to 163 and A5 opens at 172. The opening at A5 opens the circuit to the fill solenoids 50 and 52 terminating fill, and the A2 closure completes the drive motor circuits as follows: lead L1, contacts 01-101, lead D2, contacts -177, A2-163, lead D10, contacts 151-154 at speed selection switch 75, high speed run winding 132, open contacts 111, 109, lead D11, closed contacts 121-C9, to lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The start winding 131 is also energized over a path from lead L1 and contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, A2-163, lead D10, contacts 151-154 at speed selection switch 75, contacts 136-134-137, lead D12, closed contacts 165-A3, lead D14, and start winding 131, lead D16, contacts A4-167, lead D13, lead D11, contact 121-C9, lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The drive motor accelerates in the agitate direction, and actuates its centrifugal armature 134 opening the previously described startwinding 131. The drive motor is maintained energized and continues to agitate for a 94-minute agitation or rinse period.

After 3% minutes of agitation, contact A2 opens at 163, contact A3 opens at 165 and closes to 166, and contact A4 opens at 167 and closes at 168. Contact A2 remains open to 164 for a one-interval pause period during which the circuit to the drive motor high speed run winding 132 is opened and the motor decelcrates and stops.

At the end of this pause period, the eight-minute mark in the pre-rinse cycle, contact A2 closes 164 so that the drive motor is reenergized in the spin direction by reversing the leads to the start winding 131. The spin path to the start winding 131 is as follows: lead L1, contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, A2-164, lead D20, contacts 152-157 of switch 75, contacts 136-134-137, lead D12, contacts 168-A4, lead D16, start winding 131, lead D14, contacts A3-166, lead D18, lead D11, contacts 121-C9, to lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The run winding 132 is energized over a partially parallel path as follows: lead L1, contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, A2-164, lead D20, contacts 152-157, high speed winding 132, to lead D18, lead D11, contacts 121-C9 to lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The receptacle 22 is accelerated at high speed and the start winding 131 drops out on actuation of armature 134 and the motor continues to accelerate. The pump 46 is also rotated in the direction causing exhaust liquid to leave tub 18. This spin continues for a timed period of 3% minutes following which armature contacts A2, A3 and A4 restore open- 8 ing the drive motor circuit. At this contact A closes to contact 171 and A1 remains closed to 161.

Closure of A5 to 171 initiates the start of the main timer motor 72 as follows: lead L1, contacts C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-177, lead D4, contacts A5-171, lead D22, contacts 117-C8, timer motor 72, lead D6, and contacts 140 to lead L2. This closure energizes the timer motor 72 which then begins its advance. Contemporaneously with the closure of A5 to 171, the latch 81 on the main timer 100 is released either mechanically as described in conjunction with FIG. 3A or electrically by the energization of solenoid 90. In either event, the main timer camshaft 79 is freed for movement by this release of the latch 81 on the main timer cams. Also, this closure of A5 to 171 completes an energizing path to release electromagnet 185 in pre-rinse switch 55. This 185 magnet may he of the solenoid or relay type which when actuated restores the closures in switch 55 to the released or normal position shown in FIG. 4A. By releasing, switch 55 closes the main lead from L1 and contacts C1- 101 through contacts 175-181, 182-176 via lead D24 to contacts 102-C2 for completion of the power circuit to the cam contacts of FIG. 4. This closure path will be referred to as the C2 closure path in the remainder of the description. Timer motor 76 remains energized through contacts A1-161 and continues indexing and returing to the start position. When timer motor 76 has driven its cams to the start position contacts A1-161 open as do contacts A5-171. The auxiliary timer 120 therefore has all its cam contacts open.

During this final restoring operation of the auxiliary timer 120, the main timer motor 72 having been operated, starts the operation of the sequence toward the main fill.

Prior to the start of the fill period C9 opens 121 and shortly thereafter C4 closes to 106, C5 to 108 and C6 to 111. At this time also C1 remains closed to 101, C2 to 102, C3 to 105, C8 to 116, C10 to 125 and C11 to 127 These closures initiate hot fill as selected previously for the wash cycle.

For fill, the C2 closure path may be traced through closed contacts C3-105 to lead D26, contacts 177-183, leads D28, D31, contacts 192-193, lead D32, contacts 127-C11, hot solenoid 50 and contacts 139-140 to lead L2. Hot fill then proceeds for a timed period. During this period suitable wash additives may be dispensed by any generally known method. At the conclusion of the timed fill period cams C10 and C11 restore to open the fill circuit previously described and cam C9 closes 121 to start the motor drive circuit.

The drive motor start winding 131 is energized in the agitate direction over a closed path from the C2 closure path, closed contacts C3-105, C I-106, contacts 151-154 at the high selection at switch 75, contacts 136-134-137, 108-C5, start winding 131, contacts C6-111, to lead D11, and contacts 121-C9 to lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The high speed run winding 132 is energized over a path from the C2 closure, contacts C3-105, 04-106, contacts 151-154 at switch 75, winding 132, C6-111, lead D11, 121-C9, lead D6, and contacts 140 to lead L2. The drive motor accelerates, releases the start winding 131 and locks the run winding 132 to contacts 138 which replaces the original operate path over contact C9, which opens 121 shortly thereafter. The agitate continues for a three-minute period at the conclusion of which cam contact C3 opens to 105. This opening releases the drive motor and stops the agitation, thereby to start the soak period.

At the start of this soak period, the timer motor 72 continues its operation uninterrupted. From the previous description it can be seen that the drive motor energize path and hold path both include contacts C3-105. With these contacts open, the drive motor is not energized and the machine drive mechanism remains quiescent. During this soak period, the clothes soak in the hot water and contact C3 remains open with respect to contact 105 10 which maintains the previously described fill circuit inoperative during this soak, non-agitate period.

At the conclusion of the nine-minute quiescent period, contact C3 closes to 105, contact C9 closes to 121, contact C10 opens to 125, and contact C11 opens to 127. These last mentioned restorations open the circuit to the fill solenoids so that no fill occurs when contact C3 is reclosed to 105. At this time, the drive motor is energized in the agitate direction over a circuit identical to that described for the energization of the motor for the first three-minute agitate of the soak period through closed contacts C9 and 12 1. Shortly after the motor has been energized and locked over its own centrifugal contacts, contact C9 restores and after two impulses (1 /2 minutes) later, contact C9 closes to contact 122, and C10 closes to 124 to initiate a power rinse for a period of one impulse minute). This power rinse includes a flow of cold water over a path from the C2 closure path and contact 102, closed contacts C3-105, lead D26, contacts 177-183, lead D28, closed contacts 124- C10, cold solenoid 52, closed contacts 122-C9, lead D6, and contacts to lead L2. At the conclusion of this impulse period, C9 opens 122 and C10 opens 106 and at this time the agitation period ends.

To stop the agitation at the end of this period, contact C4 open 106, contact C5 switches from 108 to 109, and C6 switches from 111 to 112. The opening of contact C4 from 106 opens the previously described motor run circuit to the high speed run winding 132 and the drive motor is deenergized and decelerates and stops. At the end of a one-impulse pause period sufficient to allow the motor to decelerate and to stop, cam contact C4 closes to its stationary contact 107 to direct the energization of the drive motor for a spin-out of the wash water and at this time contact C9 closes to stationary contact 121.

For spins, the motor start winding 131 is energized in the reverse direction as follows from the C2 closure path, and C3-105, 04-107, 152-157 of switch 75, contacts 136-134-137, 112-C6, start winding 131, contacts C5-109, lead D11, 121-C9, lead D6, and contacts 140 to lead L2. The path to the high speed run winding 132 is identical to that of the start winding 131 through the contacts of switch 75 to high speed winding 132, contacts C5-109, lead D11, 121-C9, lead D6, and contacts 140 to lead D2. The drive motor accelerates, operates its centrifugal contacts to lock itself operated and starts the receptacle 20 into rotation. Rotation of the drive motor in this direction also rotates pump 46 to exhaust water from the tub 18 to the drainage system of the building in a known manner. After the motor has fully accelerated (three impulses, 2% minutes) and the motor has locked itself through contacts 138, contact C9 having performed its function switches from 121 to 122 and cam contact C10 closes to contact 124 to provide a power rinse or washdown of lint during the middle part of the spin period. The path to the cold solenoid 52 is identical to that previously described for the agitate power rinse and remains operated for one impluse period following which contact C9 opens 122 and contact C10 opens 124. Spin continues for the predetermined time removing all free water and extracting the excess Water from the clothes in the receptacle 20.

At the conclusion of the spin period, cam contacts C4, C5 and C6 restore, and contact C7 closes to 114. These restorations open the previously described circuit to the drive motor high speed run winding 132 which is deenergized and the motor decelerates and stops. The timer motor 72 remains energized at the C8-116 closure to the C2 closure path. At this time with C7 closed to 114, the main timing mechanism performs what may be called a sensing function. If switch 60 has been actuated to provide an added rinse, an energizing path is closed from the C2 closure path and closed contacts C7-114 (when the K added rinse cycle has been set) to lead D30 and closed contacts 187-188, lead D4, auxiliary timer motor 76, lead D6 and contacts 146 to lead L2. Both timer motors 72 and 76 operate concurrently for a short period (1 impulse of the main timer 1% and 2 of the auxiliary timer 120) during which time contacts A1 and A of the auxiliary timer 121 lock the auxiliary timer motor 76 operated. At the conclusion of this period, as indicated by the vertical dashed line 199 of FIG. 5, contact C8 opens 116 and closes to 117. The main timer 161i is thereby deenergized await ing the completion of the added rinse cycle.

As the auxiliary timer 124 closes its contact A1 to 161, the timer motor 76 locks itself operated over a path from lead L1, contacts C1-161, lead D2, contacts 175-181, contacts A1-161, lead D4, timer motor 76 to lead D6, contacts 141) and lead L2. The timer motor then proceeds to advance its cams to effect a cycle identical in function with the pre-rinse cycle. This cycle utilizes a path for fill in accordance with the warm selection at witch 57, 58 as follows: L1, C1-101, lead D2, contacts 175-181, A1-161, lead D4, A5-172, lead D8 to the cold solenoid 52, contacts 139-141 and lead L2. The hot solenoid is energized over a path which is identical through 172 and which is continued through to contacts 1911-191, lead D7 and hot solenoid 51) to contacts 139-146 and lead L1. Fill continues for 3% minutes following which contacts A3 and A4 close to 165 and 167 respectively to prepare circuits to the drive motor. Shortly thereafter (1 impulse, minute), contact A2 closes to 163, and contact A5 restores to open at 172 the fill circuit. The drive motor start winding is energized in the agitate direction from lead L1 through the previously described circuit to A1-161, A2-163, lead D16, contacts 151-154, contacts 136-134-137, lead D12, contacts 165-A3, lead D14, start winding 131, lead D16, contacts A t-167, lead D13, contacts 121-C, lead D6 and contacts 14 to L2. The high speed run winding is also energized over a similar path which is identical through contacts 151-154- of switch 75, and high speed winding 132 to contacts 121-C9, lead D6 and contacts 149 to lead L2. The motor accelerates, opens its start winding 131 and locks its run winding 132 energized for the duration of the 3%-minute rinse agitate period. At the conclusion of this period, contact A2 restores to open 163, A3 switches from 165 to 166 and A4 switches from 167 to 168. The motor run winding 132 is deenergized by the opening of contact A2 from 163 and decelerates.

After a one-pause impulse sufficient to allow the motor to decelcrate and stop, contact A2 closes to contact 164 to initiate the spin operation. The spin energization of the start winding 131 may be traced from lead L1, C1401, D2, 175-151, A1-161, 112-164, D20, 152-157, 136-134- 13'7, D12, 163-214, D16, start winding 1311, D14, A3-166, D13, D11, 121-C9, D6 and 141 to lead L2. The circuit for the motor high speed run winding 132 is identical through contacts 152-157 and then may be traced through high speed winding 132, contacts 121-C9 to lead D6, contacts 140 and lead L2. The motor then accelerates, drops out its start winding 131 and rotates the receptacle 21) to extract the standing water and water from the clothes.

At the conclusion of the period set for spin, contacts A2, A3 and A4 restore to open the previously described drive motor circuits. Contact A1 remains closed to 161 maintaining timer 76 operative and contact A5 closes to contact 171 to initiate the transfer back to the main timer control. At this time in the main timer circuit, contact C1 is closed to 1111, C2 to 102, C3 to 165, C8 to 117 and C9 to 121 and the main timer motor 72 has not been operated since shortly after the beginning of the added rinse cycle at the vertical dashed line 1% of FIG. 5.

Following the A5 closure to 171, a path is closed to timer motor 72 as follows: L1, C1-1ti1, D23, 175-181, A1-161, D4, A5-171, D22, 117-C3, timer motor 72 to lead D6, and contacts 140 to lead L2. Timer motor 72 is thereby energized and operates concurrently with motor 76 which then continues to time itself back toward its start position. Shortly after the start of the main timer motor 72, contact C7 opens 114 and closes to 115 to close an operate path to motor 72 independently of the contacts of the auxiliary timer 120. This path may be traced from the C2 closure path and contacts C7-115 to the timer motor 72. At this time also, contact C10 closes to 124 and C11 closes to 126 to complete fill circuits for the rinse cycle. Cold solenoid 52 is energized from lead L1 over the C2 closure path and C3-l05, lead D26, contacts 177-183, lead D28, contacts 124-C10, solenoid 52, contacts 139-140 and lead L2. The hot solenoid is energized over a path identical with the above described path to contact 124, lead D31, contacts 197- 1%, lead D34, contacts 126-C11, and solenoid 59 to contacts 139-141) and lead L2. Warm rinse water is thereby fed to the receptacle.

After timer motor 72 has had sufiicient time to lock itself operated, timer motor 76 times itself out at its start position, having completed its function.

As timer motor 72 continues to step its cams, contact C3 closes to 116 which provides a final locking path for timer motor 72, a lock path which is held closed for the remainder of the operative sequence. Thus timer motor 72 will remain energized over this path stepping its cams Without interruption for the remainder of the sequence.

Following this timer motor 72 lockup, contact C5 closes to 163 and C6 closes to 111 to prepare drive motor agitate circuits. Thereafter contact C4 closes to 106 and following this closure, contact C9 closes to 121. This last mentioned closure completes the agitation circuit as follows: L1, C2 closure path, C3-1ti5, 01-106, 151-154, 136-134-137, C5468, start winding 131, C6-111, D11, 121-C9 to lead D6, and contacts to lead L2. The drive motor run winding 132 is closed over the simpler non-directional path through these contacts and accelerates. The drive motor opens contacts 139 in the fill circuits and locks itself over an obvious path at contacts 138. The agitate rinse continues for the timed period and leads to a spin period similar to that described previously for wash spin following which the timer motor 72 steps its cams to the Off position at the conclusion of the sequence.

Now in viewing this circuit description, it can be seen that by properly setting the buttons and switches a large number of possible cycle combinations may be set. These include: wash water temperatures, hot, warm or cold; normal rinse temperatures, warm or cold; added and/ or prerinse temperature, warm or cold; partial fill water level selection during any fill; agitate speed, fast or slow; spin speed, fast or slow; various agitation cycles such as: 15- minute agitation, the so-called soak cycle of 3 minutes of agitate, 9 minutes of soak and 3 minutes of agitation; various agitation lengths such as, 15 minutes, 9 minutes or 3 minutes; normal cycle, normal cycle preceded by rinse, normal cycle with added rinse, or normal cycle with pre-rinse and added rinse.

For temperature selection in wash, it can be seen that only hot water solenoid 51] will be energized when button 62 is depressed, closing contact 192 to 193 as previously described. For warm wash water, with closure of armature 192 to both contacts 193 and 194, both hot and cold water are mixed to provide a warm inlet flow of water, and for cold selection at button 64, only solenoid 52 is energized and only cold water is supplied.

The normal rinse fill temperature selection is effected at interlocked buttons 65 and 66. Warm rinse has been described for the most complex circuit described. Cold rinse is accomplished by opening the circuit to the hot solenoid 50 at contacts 196 and retaining armature 127 in open circuit relation therewith. The cold solenoid 52 is normally energized for rinse since the only possible alternatives are the warm effected by hot-cold mixture and cold. In the prior description, the operation of the cold solenoid 52 for rinse was fully described and need 13 not be repeated. For the pre-rinse or added rinse water temperature selection at switch 57, 58 the depression of button 57 maintains armature 1% closed to contact 191 to energize the hot solenoid 50 and the cold solenoid 52 is energized through the cam contact closures alone, as described. For cold rinse, on depression of button 58, contacts 190 and 191 remain open to the hot solenoid 50 and only cold solenoid 52 is energized over the cam closure path previously described.

The partial fill level selection is effected by depressing button 61 at the time that the inlet water is to be shut oif. Closure of the button shorts contacts 145 at the time that a water fill is occurring. For example, during a wash fill contact closures are as follows: C1-101, C2-102, C3-105, C4-106, 05-108, C6-111, C8-116, C10-125 and C11 to 127. At least one solenoid 50 and/ or 52 is energized and is filling receptacle 35. Thus when contacts 145 are shorted, a circuit is completed to the drive motor start winding 131 in the agitate direction (with assumed slow speed selection) as follows: C2 closure path, C3-105, C4-106, 151-155 at switch 75, 134-137, 108-C5, start winding 131, C6-111, (109), contacts 145, and lead D6 to lead L2. The path to the high speed run winding 132 is identical to contact 134, then through contacts 136 to the high speed winding 132, then past contacts 111 and 109 to contacts 145 and lead D6 to lead L2. The drive motor is energized by this momentary depression of the button 61 and accelerates. At the centrifugal speed of the motor (which is reached before button 61 is released), contact 134 opens at 136 and 137 and closes to 135. Contact 140 closes to 138 and opens at contact 139. At contacts 136 and 137, the previously described circuits to the start winding 131 and high speed run winding 132 are opened and the circuit to the motor low speed winding 133 is closed over an obvious path through closed contacts 138 to lead L2. The drive motor continues at low speed for its operation. With the opening of contacts 139-140, the circuits to the fill solenoids 50 and 52 are opened and these solenoids end the supply of water to the receptacle at that time.

Independent speed selection is quite well known in the art as known from US. Patent 2,841,003, issued on July 1, 1958, to G. D. Conlee. The present circuit is similar to that shown by Conlee and the circuit has been described herein for fast agitate, fast spin and slow agitate. The slow speed spin is quite conventional in operation when viewed in conjunction with the other three possible circuits previously described.

To effect a fifteen-minute agitate in place of the soak cycle previously described, normally closed soak switch 67 is placed in the Off position which closes contacts 143 to shunt out contacts C3-105. The knob 68 is rotated to the start position indicated in FIG. 5 below the letter H for heavy at the left margin. Thus once agitation has started and three minutes of agitation have elapsed, contacts C3-105 open. These contacts C3-105 are in the drive motor circuit and during the previously described soak cycle, these contacts opened the drive motor operate path. However, this path now remains closed over the shunt path at contacts 143, when no soak cycle is desired, and agitation continues uninterrupted for the entire 15- minute period until contacts C4, C5 and C6 open the agitate paths. To provide a 9-minute agitation, the start knob 68 is set below the R position of FIG. 5, to start the fill at that time. For 3 minutes of agitation, the dial 68 is set at the L mark to start fill.

It should be noted that when 15-minute agitation is set and wash fill is terminated by the energization of the drive motor, the circuit through centrifugal contacts 139-140 is opened on acceleration of the drive motor. These centrifugal contacts are necessary links in the fill solenoids 50 and 52 and will remain open as long as the drive motor is operated. Thus, the fill paths which otherwise would be completed through contactors C10 and C11, at the periods following the markings R and L in 14- FIG. 5, remain open during these consequent cam contact closure periods and no further fill is effected.

The sequence described in detail included both prerinse and added rinse. Pre-rinse, it may be remembered was initiated by the presetting of both knob 68 to one of the start positions and depression of button 55. Depression of the button 55 changed all the switch closures from the position shown in FIG. 4A to the opposite condition in which the scondary timer 120 is energized. With button 55 in the Off position shown in FIG. 4A, the main timer is energized over the C2 closure path and the auxiliary timer remains deenergized. Thus, the sequence starts with normal fill and the main timer 100 conducts the machine through the normal sequence.

For the added intermediate rinse which occurs after washing but before spin, button 60 is depressed. This movement of armature 187 from the position shown in FIG. 4A to a position closed to contact 188 will actuate auxiliary timer motor 76 through lead D30 and contacts C7-114 and the C2 closure path. Contact C7 closes to 114 only once, that time occurring at the conclusion of the wash spin (see FIG. 5) for performing what was previously called a sensing function, i.e., sensing the position of the added rinse switch 60. Shortly thereafter, the alternate operating path tothe main timer motor 72 is opened by the changeover of contact C8 from 116 to 117 which interrupts the circuit to main timer motor 72, assuming switch 60 has been actuated to close armature 187 to contact 188. To omit the added rinse, switch 60 is maintained in its position shown in FIG. 4A. At the conclusion of spin, contact C7 closes to 114 and shortly thereafter contact C8 switches from 116 to 117. With switch 60 in the Off or singlerinse position, the circuit to timer motor 72 is maintained over a path through the C2 closure path to C7 and 114, lead D30, contacts 187-189, lead D22, 117-C8 to the timer motor 72, lead D6 and contacts 140 to lead L2. The circuit to timer motor 76 remains open at switch 60 and is not energized. Timer 72 then continues the operation of the main timer 100 uninterrupted. The main timer continues through this transfer period and shortly after the end of the transfer period contact C7 switches from 114 to 115 to complete an obvious energizing path to timer motor 72. Contact C8 after a short time interval opens 117, and then after a pause interval recloses contact 116 which locks timer motor 72 operated for the duration of the machine operative cycle.

Thus there has been shown a control mechanism which effects a plurality of selectable cycle components in a manner allowing wide flexibility of sequence by the user. To effect the functions desired, the timing mechanism has been shown in one form aligning the shafts of both timers coaxially. It is obvious that the circuit functions outlined herein could be effected by conventional timers mounted side-by-side and interconnected electrically in a manner such as that shown in the circuit diagrams.

While there has been shown what is at present thought to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to be washed, first mechanism operative to introduce water into said tub, second mechanism operative to agitate the clothes in the water in said tub, and third mechanism operative to expel the Water from said tub and from the clothes therein; the combination comprising a main timer having both a wash cycle and a main rinse cycle, said main timer being operative through its wash cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding wash cycle in said machine, said main timer being operative through its main rinse cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding main rinse cycle in said machine, an auxiliary timer having an auxiliary rinse cycle, said auxiliary timer being operative through its auxiliary cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding auxiliary rinse cycle in said machine, a manually operable first auxiliary rinse control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable second auxiliary rinse control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable start switch, means responsive to operation of said start switch and governed by said first auxiliary rinse control switch in its inclusion position for initiating operation of said auxiliary timer and governed by said first auxiliary rinse control switch in its exclusion position for starting operation of said main timer, means responsive to initiation of operation of said auxiliary timer for continuing the operation thereof through its auxiliary rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle prior to operation of said main timer through its wash cycle for starting operation of said main timer, means responsive to starting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its wash cycle, means responsive to operation of said main timer through its wash cycle and governed by said second auxiliary rinse control switch in its inclusion position for stopping further operation of said main timer and for initiating operation of said auxiliary timer and governed by said second auxiliary rinse control switch in its exclusion position for continuing the operation of said main timer through its main rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle subsequent to operation of said main timer through its wash cycle for restarting operation of said main timer, and means responsive to restarting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its main rinse cycle.

2. The clothes washing machine set forth in claim 1, wherein said first mechanism essentially comprises a water valve, said second mechanism essentially comprises an agitator arranged in said tub and mounted for oscillation, and said third mechanism essentially comprises a construction of said tub rendering the same of the upstanding spin-tub type and bearing structure mounting the same for spinning about its upstanding axis.

3. The clothes washing machine combination set forth in claim 1, wherein the wash cycle of said main timer and the main rinse cycle of said main timer and the auxiliary rinse cycle of said auxiliary timer each includes a fill phase during which said first mechanism is operated and an agitate phase during which said second mechanism is operated and an expel phase during which said third mechanism is operated, said three fill phases named are of different time durations, said three agitate phases named are of different time durations, and said three expel phases named are of different time durations.

4. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to be Washed, first mechanism operative to introduce water into said tub, second mechanism operative to agitate the clothes in the water in said tub, and third mechanism operative to expel the water from said tub and from the clothes therein; the combination comprising a main timer having both a Wash cycle and a main rinse cycle, said main timer being operative through its Wash cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding wash cycle in said machine, said main timer being operative through its main rinse cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding main rinse cycle in said machine, an auxiliary timer having an auxiliary rinse cycle, said auxiliary timer being operative through its auxiliary cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding auxiliary rinse cycle t in said machine, a manually operable auxiliary rinse preset switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable common start switch, means responsive to operation of said common start switch and governed by said auxiliary rinse preset switch in its inclusion position for initiating immediate operation of said auxiliary timer, means responsive to initiation of operation of said auxiliary timer for continuing the operation thereof through its auxiliary rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle for then initiating operation of said main timer, means responsive to operation of said common start switch and governed by said auxiliary rinse preset switch in its exclusion position for initiating immediate operation of said main timer, and means responsive to initiation of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof first through its wash cycle and then through its main rinse cycle.

5. The clothes washing machine set forth in claim 4, wherein said first mechanism essentially comprises a water valve, said second mechanism essentially comprises an agitator arranged in said tub and mounted for oscillation, and said third mechanism essentially comprises a construction of said tub rendering the same of the upstanding spin-tub type and bearing structure mounting the same for spinning about its upstanding axis.

6. The clothes washing machine combination set forth in claim 4, wherein the wash cycle of said main timer and the main rinse cycle of said main timer and the auxiliary rinse cycle of said auxiliary timer each includes a fill phase during which said first mechanism is operated and an agitate phase during which said second mechanism is operated and an expel phase during which said third mechanism is operated, said three fill phases named are of different time durations, said three agitate phases named are of different time durations, and said three expel phases named are of different time durations.

7. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to be washed, first mechanism operative to introduce water into said tub, second mechanism operative to agitate the clothes in the water in said tub, and third mechanism operative to expel the water from said tub and from the clothes therein; the combination comprising a main timer having both a wash cycle and a main rinse cycle, the wash cycle of said main timer including five sequential phases, a soak control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, said main timer being operative through the first and fifth phases in its wash cycle respectively to operate said first and third mechanisms, said main timer being operative through the second and fourth phases in its Wash cycle to operate said second mechanism, said main timer being operative through the third phase in its wash cycle when said soak control switch occupies its inclusion position to prevent operation of said second mechanism, said main timer being operative through the third phase in its wash cycle when said soak control switch occupies its exclusion position to cause operation of said second mechanism, whereby operation of said main timer through its wash cycle when said soak control switch is in its inclusion position is productive of a corresponding first wash cycle in said machine and including a quiescent soaking phase of the clothes in the Water in said tub and operation of said main timer through its wash cycle when said soak control switch is in its exclusion position is productive of a corresponding second wash cycle in said machine and excluding a quiescent soaking phase of the clothes in the water in said tub, said main timer being operative through its main rinse cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding main rinse cycle in said machine, an auxiliary timer having an auxiliary rinse cycle, said auxiliary timer being operative through its auxiliary cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding auxiliary rinse cycle in said machine, a manually operable auxiliary rinse preset switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable common start switch, means responsive to operation of said common start switch and governed by said auxiliary rinse preset switch in its inclusion position for initiating immediate operation of said auxiliary timer, means responsive to initiation of operation of said auxiliary timer for continuing the operation thereof through its auxiliary rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle for then initiating operation of said main timer, means responsive to operation of said common start switch and governed by said auxiliary rinse preset switch in its exclusion position for initiating immediate operation of said main timer, and means responsive to initiation of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof first through its wash cycle and then through its main rinse cycle.

8. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to be washed, first mechanism operative to introduce water into said tub, second mechanism operative to agitate the clothes in the water in said tub, and third mechanism operative to expel the water from said tub and from the clothes therein; the combination comprising a main timer having both a wash cycle and a main rinse cycle, said main timer being operative through its wash cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding wash cycle in said machine, said main timer being operative through its main rinse cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding main rinse cycle in said machine, an auxiliary timer having an auxiliary rinse cycle, said auxiliary timer being operative through its auxiliary cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding auxiliary rinse cycle in said machine, a manually operable auxiliary rinse control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable start switch, means responsive to operation of said start switch for starting operation of said main timer, means responsive to starting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its wash cycle, means responsive to operation of said main timer through its wash cycle and governed by said auxiliary rinse switch in its inclusion position for stopping further operation of said main timer and for initiating operation of said auxiliary timer and governed by said auxiliary rinse switch in its exclusion position for continuing the operation of said main timer through its main rinse cycle, means responsive to initiation of operation of said auxiliary timer for continuing the operation thereof through its auxiliary rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle for restarting operation of said main timer, and means responsive to restarting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its main rinse cycle.

9. The clothes washing machine set forth in claim 8, wherein said first mechanism essentially comprises a Water valve, said second mechanism essentially comprises an agitator arranged in said tub and mounted for oscillation, and said third mechanism essentially comprises a construction of said tub rendering the name of the upstanding spin-tub type and bearing structure mounting the same for spinning about its upstanding axis.

10. The clothes washing machine combination set forth in claim 8, wherein the wash cycle of said main timer and the main rinse cycle of said main timer and the auxiliary rinse cycle of said auxiliary timer each includes a fill phase during which said first mechanism is operated and an agitate phase during which said second mechanism 18 is operated and an expel phase during which said third mechanism is operated, said three fill phases named are of different time durations, said three agitate phases named are of different time durations, and said three expel phases named are of diiferent time durations.

11. In a clothes washing machine including a tub adapted to receive clothes to be washed, first mechanism operative to introduce water into said tub, second mechanism operative to agitate the clothes in the water in said tub, and third mechanism operative to expel the water from said tub and from the clothes therein; the combination comprising a main timer having both a wash cycle and a main rinse cycle, the Wash cycle of said main timer including five sequential phases, a soak control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, said main timer being operative through the first and fifth phases of its wash cycle respectively to operate said first and third mechanisms, said main timer being operative through the second and fourth phases of its wash cycle to operate said second mechanism, said main timer being operative through the third phase of its wash cycle when said soak control switch occupies its inclusion position to prevent operation of said second mechanism, said main timer being operative through the third phase of its wash cycle when said soak control switch occupies its exclusion position to cause operation of said second mechanism, whereby operation of said main timer through its wash cycle when said soak control switch is in its inclusion po sition is productive of a corresponding first wash cycle in said machine and including a quiescent soaking phase of the clothes in the water in said tub and operation of said main timer through its wash cycle when said soak control switch is in its exclusion position is productive of a corresponding second wash cycle in said machine and exeluding a quiescent soaking phase of the clothes in the water in said tub, said main timer being operative through its main rinse cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding main rinse cycle in said machine, an auxiliary timer having an auxiliary rinse cycle, said auxiliary timer being operative through its auxiliary cycle sequentially to operate said three mechanisms in the order named to produce a corresponding auxiliary rinse cycle in said machine, a manually operable auxiliary rinse control switch having inclusion and exclusion positions, a manually operable start switch, means responsive to operation of said start switch for starting operation of said main timer, means responsive to starting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its wash cycle, means responsive to operation of said main timer through its wash cycle and governed by said auxiliary rinse switch in its inclusion position for stopping further operation of said main timer and for initiating operation of said auxiliary timer and governed by said auxiliary rinse switch in its exclusion position for continuing the operation of said main timer through its main rinse cycle, means responsive to initiation of operation of said auxiliary timer for continuing the operation thereof through its auxiliary rinse cycle, means responsive to operation of said auxiliary timer through its auxiliary rinse cycle for restarting operation of said main timer, and means responsive to restarting of operation of said main timer for continuing the operation thereof through its main rinse cycle.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,553,581 Hatfield May 22, 1951 2,841,003 Conlee July 1, 1958 3,063,459 Jacobs Nov. 13, 1962

Claims (1)

1. 4. IN A CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE INCLUDING A TUB ADAPTED TO RECEIVE CLOTHES TO BE WASHED, FIRST MECHANISM OPERATIVE TO INTRODUCE WATER INTO SAID TUB, SECOND MECHANISM OPERATIVE TO AGITATE THE CLOTHES IN THE WATER IN SAID TUB, AND THIRD MECHANISM OPERATIVE TO EXPEL THE WATER FROM SAID TUB AND FROM THE CLOTHES THEREIN; THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A MAIN TIMER HAVING BOTH A WASH CYCLE AND A MAIN RINSE CYCLE, SAID MAIN TIMER BEING OPERATIVE THROUGH ITS WASH CYCLE SEQUENTIALLY TO OPERATE SAID THREE MECHANISMS IN THE ORDER NAMED TO PRODUCE A CORRESPONDING WASH CYCLE IN SAID MACHINE, SAID MAIN TIMER BEING OPERATIVE THROUGH ITS MAIN RINSE CYCLE SEQUENTIALLY TO OPERATE SAID THREE MECHANISMS IN THE ORDER NAMED TO PRODUCE A CORRESPONDING MAIN RINSE CYCLE IN SAID MACHINE, AN AUXILIARY TIMER HAVING AN AUXILIARY RINSE CYCLE, SAID

Images