US3324688A

US3324688A - Laundry apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3324688A
Application number: US526121A
Authority: US
Inventors: James R Hubbard
Original assignee: Philco Ford Corp
Current assignee: Space Systems Loral LLC
Priority date: 1966-02-09
Filing date: 1966-02-09
Publication date: 1967-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 1984-06-13
Also published as: GB1115600A

Description

June 13, 1967 J. R. HUBBARD 3,324,683

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Feb. 9, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. :7 4 mm! A. #0195420 Ji l/Y7 June 13, 1967 J. R. HUBBARD 3,324,583

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Feb. 9, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 37 f? as 1 INVENTOR. MAMA-'1 A. #05341? W Mi W June 1967 J. R. HUBBARD LAUNDRY APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 9, 1966 ZOCbuKE STEP NUMBERS ARE 0F STEPS 0F 45 TIMER RUNNING TIME AND EQUAL 0N TIMER DIAL FROM DIAL END FILL l WASH mzo m to m n 20 N. h 5 h 5 2 3 SPIN DRY FILL I WASH FILL L RINSE- N H s HJU U ml:

SPIN DRY CONTACT CLOSED auT NOT CARRYING CURRENT TOP CONTACT CLOSED BOTH CONTACTS OPEN BOTTOM CONTACT CLOSED Of/l 15 I, IQ,

United States Patent 3,324,688 LAUNDRY APPARATUS James R. Hubbard, Moorestown, N.J., assignor to Philco Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 9, 1966, Ser. No. 526,121 16 Claims. (Ci. 68-4) This invention relates to laundry apparatus, and especially to improvements in domestic washing machines of the vertical axis type.

While there has been a trend toward laun-rdy apparatus of increased wash-load capacities, such increased capacities have not been universally advantageous to the users of such apparatus. For example, in a large clothes load there may be a suflicient variety of fabrics to require sorting into less than full loads, in order to insure conditions of water temperature, mechanical action, and chemical balance of the Water best suited to washing of a particular clothes load. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the user cannot always take full advantage of a large capacity machine, in order to wash large accumulations of clothes made of widely differing types of fabrics.

'It is an objective of the invention to provide an improved washing machine fully utilizing the available machine capacity, by facilitating simultaneous washing of groups of sorted clothing in separate Washing zones.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a vertical axis machine comprising a wash basket of smaller size than the wash basket with which machines of this type are usually equipped, in combination with novel means for both introducing and removing wash fluid from the aforesaid baskets.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a dual zone washing machine operable by a single drive means, and including individual fluid handling circuits for each zone.

In achievement of the foregoing and other objectives, the invention contemplates provision in a vertical axis washing machine of a generally cylindrical, open-top tub, a generally cylindrical open-top rotatable basket preferably coaxial with the tub and having its opening at a level below the top of the tub, and agitator means Within the basket. A removable basket of lesser size than the rotatable basket is positionable in the upper portion of the latter and includes means providing for removable supporting engagement thereof with the rim portion of the rotatable basket. The removable basket is provided with an axial opening through which at least a portion of the agitator means extends, the latter being operable to agitate wash fluid contained in the rotatable basket and in the removable basket. Drive means is selectively operable either to drive the agitator means while the rotatable basket, and consequetly the removable basket, remains substantially stationary, or to rotate the baskets and agitator means at centrifuging speeds. There is further provided improved fluid handling circuit means selectively operable either to fill one of the baskets to the exclusion of the other, or to fill both baskets sequentially, said circuit means further being operable to filter fluid contained within each basket independently of the other.

In effect, the invention affords two washing machines in one, operable either simultaneously or individually, and in which a primary wash zone is defined by the larger basket .and a secondary Wash zone is defined by the removable basket.

Patented June 13, 1987 The manner in which the foregoing as well as other objectives and advantages of the invention may best be achieved will be understood from a consideration of the following description, taken in light of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective showing of a washing machine of a type to which the invention is particularly adapted;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the dual basket and agitator construction embodied in the machine shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic showing of apparatus seen in FIGURES l and 2, with parts removed or broken way, and demonstrating wash fluid handling circuits constructed and arranged according to the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of apparatus seen in FIG URES 1 and 2, with parts removed or broken away;

FIGURE 5 is a wiring diagram illustrating one form of electrical circuit for accomplishing automatic control of a plurality of different wash cycles in accordance with the invention;

FIGURES 5A, 5B and 5C are tabulations of selective contact combinations for certain of the switches illustrated diagrammatically in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 6 is a time chart illustrating a sequence of operations comprising either a regular or a fine wash cycle;

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic showing of a selector switch panel by which a user of the apparatus may select a desired, predetermined Wash cycle; and

FIGURES 8 and 8A are diagrammatic showings of a modification of portions of the fluid handling circuits illustrated in FIGURE 3.

With more particular reference to FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4, of the drawings, the invention preferably is embodied in a Washing machine including a cabinet '10, a control panel 11, and an access opening 14 in the upper horizontal wall portion 12 of the cabinet. A door 13 is hingedly mounted over access openings 14, in accordance with usual practice, to permit loading and unloading of the upwardly presented rotatable perforate basket 15 which is nested within an imperforate non-rotatable tub 16 and defines the primary wash zone. Conveniently, opening 14 tapers downwardly, in the manner of a funnel, to a generally circular portion 14a (FIGURE 4) in registry with the open top of basket 15. Basket 15 is mounted upon hub means (not shown) which is suitably journalled within bearing means 20 provided in the bottom of stationary tub 16 (FIGURE 3), and includes tubular extension 15a.

Tub 16 is supported upon the housing of a transmission 23 which in turn is supported upon a tubular column 28. A rigid base 29 resiliently supports column 28 and provides for limited movements of the latter. A tub support construction of this general type is disclosed in the copending application of Alfred G. Staengle et al., Ser. No. 349,366, filed Mar. 4, 1964, now Patent No. 3,245,505, issued Apr. 12, 1966, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

An agitator 21 oscillatable about a vertical axis is disposed within basket 15 and is driven by drive means including agitator shaft 22 coupled with transmission 23, a pulley 24 coupled through drive shaft 24a with the transmission, 21 two-speed reversible motor 25, a pulley 26 coupled with the motor, and a belt 27 encircling pulleys 2 4 and 26. The basket extension a coaxial with agitator shaft 22 also is connected with elements of transmission 23 to provide both for locking the basket while the agitator is operated and unlocking the basket 15 so that it and the agitator can be rotated at centrifuging speeds.

The drive means briefly described above is conventional, and is so constructed and arranged that when motor 25 is caused to rotate in one direction, basket 15 is held stationary by braking elements of transmission 23 acting on basket extension 15a, and agitator 21 is oscillated. When the motor is caused to rotate in the other direction, the brake is released and basket 15, together with agitator 21, is rotated at centrifuging speed. It will be understood that, for the purposes of the present invention, a variety of specific drive arrangements would be found suitable.

A removable basket of lesser size than rotatable basket 15 defines the secondary wash zone, and is positioned in the upper portion of the latter. Basket 30 is imperforate except for perforations 37 above an upper peripheral flange 31, the latter providing for removable supporting engagement of the basket 30 with the rim portion 32 which defines the open top of rotatable basket 15 (FIGURES 2 and 3). Removable basket 39 also is provided with an axial opening defined by an upstanding tubular member 33 through which extends an upper cylindrical portion 34 of agitator 21. A second, smaller agitator 35 is disposed within removable basket 31) and is releasably keyed in any convenient manner to the upper end of the larger agitator portion 34. Attachment of agitator 35 to portion 34 is such as to facilitate its removal, in order that basket 30 also may be removed to facilitate access to the larger basket 15. Agitator 35 is operable by main agitator 21 to agitate wash fluid and clothes contained within the removable basket 31). In the present preferred embodiment, keying of agitator 35 to agitator section 34 is achieved by respective hexagonal sections 35a and 34:: that mate with one another.

With special reference to FIGURE 3, an annular trough 36 is disposed about the periphery of the open top of tub 16 and has its open portion disposed below and in substantial registry with the row of perforations 37 formed in the side wall of removable basket 30. The upper rim portion 32 of rotatable basket 15 is disposed at a level below the level of opening 40 of trough 36. Rotation of basket 15 at centrifuging speed will result in centrifuging of the fluid from removable basket 30, through perforations 37, into trough 36, and in centrifuging of the fluid from rotatable basket 15, through its perforations, into tub 16. A retaining ring 38 disposed along the inner periphery of basket 30, just below perforations 37, insures against clothes being centrifuged over the rim of the basket and into trough 36. An annular screen 39 overlies the opening 40 of trough 36 and insures against introduction of clothes into the trough during loading. Also, as will be explained later, screen 39 serves as a filter in the fluid recirculation means for basket 30. A flange 31a is disposed along the periphery of basket 30 at a level just below the level of perforations 37. Flange 31a slopes downwardly and extends partially over the opening 46 of trough 36. This insures that water flowing through perforations 37 will enter only the trough 36, not tub 16.

Means 41 is provided for filling basket 39 and tub 16 (and consequently perforate basket 15) with wash fluid, either separately or sequentially. As best seen in FIG-

URES

3 and 4, a fill nozzle 47 for basket 30 is connected to valve 49 of means 41, and fill nozzle 48 for basket 15 and tub 16 is connected to valve of means 41. Fill nozzle 47 is of the usual vacuum break type, and nozzle 48 also includes a vacuum break 48a in accordance with usual practice. Each of the

valves

49 and 55 is connected to a selective-1y adjustable hot and cold water mixing valve 56, and each is controlled by electric solenoids 49a and 5511, respectively. Hot water is supplied by energizing a solenoid 57, cold water is supplied energizing a solenoid 58, and warm water is supplied by energizing solenoids 57 and 58 simultaneously.

Fill nozzle 48 is positioned and arranged to direct water onto a portion of basket 15 provided with slots 17, so that during fill and spray rinse the stream of water from nozzle 48 will be broken up into a spray by the slotted portion of the rapidly spinning basket.

A fluid drain 42 is provided for tub 16 and a fluid drain 43 is provided for trough 36. A pressure fill-control switch 59 has its sensing element in fluid flow communication with trough drain 43, and is operable to deenergize solenoid 49a upon filling of basket 30 and subsequent overflowing thereof into trough 36 and drain 43, thence into the sensing element. Another pressure fill-control switch 60 has its sensing element in fluid flow communication with fluid drain 42 and is operable to receive fluid and to deenergize solenoid 55a upon filling of tub 16 and basket 15 to a predetermined desired level.

A pump 45 of the conventional rotary impeller type has one port connected with drain 42 and its other port connected with a discharge hose 46. Upon rotation of motor 25 in a direction to rotate basket 15 at centrifuging speed, pump 45 will be driven to drawn wash fluid from tub 16 and discharge it through hose 46 to a suitable disposal drain. Upon rotation of the motor in the other direction, to drive the agitators, wash fluid will be withdrawn by pump 61 from tub 16 through drain 42 and returned to the tub through a recirculation nozzle 50 and a filter, or strainer, 51 forming part of the fluid recirculation means for basket 15.

Another pump 52, also of the rotary impeller type, has its central inlet port connected with trough drain 43, one peripheral outlet port connected with a discharge hose 62, its other peripheral outlet port is connected with fluid recirculation nozzle 53 positioned to direct wash fluid withdrawn by pump 52 from trough drain 43, back into removable basket 30. The fluid then overflows from basket 31 through perforations 37, is filtered by screen 39 upon flowing .into trough 36, and returns to pump 52 through trough drain 43.

In further accordance with the invention, the fluid supply means 41 is selectively operable either to fill one of the baskets, independently of the other, or to fill both baskets sequentially. Also, the fluid suppy means is operable to provide spray rinses for the primary and secondary zones, as will be discussed later in the description.

One branch of a diverter valve 63 is connected in the fluid conduit between pump 52 and recirculation nozzle 53, and the other branch of valve 63 is connected in a fluid conduit between pump 52 and a Y connection to the discharge conduit 62 as shown. Valve 63 includes a pivotal closure 64 selectively movable according to the arrows, by suitable control means to the positions shown in full or broken lines. In the full line position it will provide for recirculation of fluid when the motor is rotated in a direction to drive the agitator. With closure 64 pivoted to its broken line position, water may be introduced into smaller basket 30 from its fill nozzle 47 in an amount suflicient to cause it to overflow into the trough 36, whereby to provide an overflow rinse, also while the motor is driven in a direction to drive the agitators.

The foregoing is illustrative of features which are preferably embodied in apparatus of the present invention.

With reference to another aspect of the invention, FIG- URES 8 and 8A illustrate alternative means for filling baskets 15 and 36. This means comprises a valve 141 of the so-called beam deflector fluid amplifier type fed from mixing valve 156 according to energization of hot and

cold water solenoids

157 and 158, respectively. Valve 141 comprises an inlet conduit 141a and a pair of asymmetrically arranged

outlet conduits

149 and 155. The outlet conduit sare connected, respectively, to a fill nozzle 147 for basket 30 and to a fill nozzle 148 for basket 15. A fluid tflow control circuit is provided, comprising a bypass controlled by a solenoid actuated valve 66. The construction and arrangement of valve 141 is such that while fluid is supplied to inlet 141a and valve 66 is closed (FIGURE 8), the built-in asymmetry of the outlet conduits is such that fluid will flow from the valve through outlet conduit 155, due to the so-called Coanda etfect, and be discharged from nozzle 148 into large basket 15. Upon opening of valve 66, by energizing its control and sole noid (not shown), fluid will flow through bypass 65 (FIG- URE 8A), biasing the stream of fluid in valve 141 to a degree sutficient to deflect it and cause it to flow through alternate outlet conduit 149, from which it is discharged through nozzle 147 into smaller basket 30. An important advantage of a control of this alternative type is the requirement of but a single solenoid actuated valve. Moreover, this valve may be of a relatively light duty construction inasmuch as it is not subject to the full pressure of the fluid in either branch to be fed.

Considering now FIGURES 3, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C and 6 together, there will be more fully appreciated the important features of the invention which make possible utilization of the primary and secondary wash zones either simultaneously or independently of one another in achievement of either a fine wash cycle for fine fabrics and the like or a regular wash cycle for regular fabrics and the like. It will be appreciated that the separate and distinct wash zones permit separate but simultaneous washing of noncolorfast fabrics and color-fast fabrics.

With especial reference to the diagrammatic showing in FIGURE 5, there is provided a control circuit comprising a cam actuated multiple switch means 69 including a motor 73 for driving the cams (not shown). This combination commonly is known as a timer and there are electrical connections made both internally and externally of the timer for placing it in electrical circuitry with remaining circuit groups briefly to be described. These groups comprise, preferably, a zone selector switch 76, a primary zone wash fluid or water temperature switch 79, and a secondary zone water temperature switch 80 capable of being placed in the circuit according to the positioning of switch contacts 77a by water temperature relay coil 77. Coil 77 is so related to contacts 77a that when the former is deenergized the contacts 77a assume the positions shown in FIGURE 5. Energization of coil 77 moves the open ones of contacts 77a to closed position and the closed ones of the contacts to open position. There are also included in the circuit the primary zone pressure controlled, variable fill switch 60, the secondary zone pressure controlled fill switch 59, and a speed selector switch 81 for the two-speed, reversible motor 25. The motor 25 is conventional, comprising a low-speed run Winding a, a high-speed run winding b, a start winding 0, a thermal overload protector e, and centrifugal switch means d connected as shown in FIGURE 5.

Further included in the circuit are the primary and secondary zone fill

valve solenoids

55a and 49a, respectively, and the hot and cold water solenoids 57 and 58, respectively. A normally closed door switch 78 is provided as a safety measure, and is operable to deenergize motor 25 when, for any reason, door 13 is opened while the machine is operating in any of the spin phases of a wash cycle. For convenience, a fluorescent lamp 70 is provided in panel 11, energized by line L-l, L-2 through ballast 71 and manually operable switch 72.

As best seen in FIGURE 7, control panel 11 includes means for selectively operating certain of the above-mentioned switches and controls, in achievement of predetermined cycles either in single or dual zone Washing. The control panel includes timer 69, zone selector switch 76, motor speed selector switch 81, water level and temperature selector switches 69 and 79, respectively, for the primary wash zone (basket 15), and water temperature selector switch 80 for the secondary wash zone (basket 30). Water level switch 60 is adjustable, manually, to select a desired fluid level in the primary wash zone, in

a range from a maximum to a minimum fluid level. Conveniently, each of the above-mentioned elements is represented in FIGURE 7 by their rotary selector knobs wherever selectivity is provided, each knob being rotatable between the positions indicated. While only a single selector knob is shown for switch 76, it will be understood that known internal linkage means is provided to attain the several combinations of contacts a, b, c, d, e and f. for switch 76 to achieve usage of the indicated wash zones, in accordance with the showing in FIGURE 5A. The switching functions for switches 79-80 and 81 are similar ly tabulated in FIGURES 5B and 5C, respectively. Switches 79 and are tabulated as one switch, inasmuch as their contact combinations are identical for achieving the desired combinations of water temperatures.

In FIGURE 5B the letters H, W and C respectively indicate Hot wash fluid, Warm wash fluid and Cold wash fluid. For a Regular cycle there is automatically provided a warm rinse and for a Fine cycle there is provided a cold rinse. In FIGURE 5C the letters H and L respectively indicate a High motor speed and a Low motor speed for achieving the corresponding High and Low agitator and spin speeds.

Referring in more detail to the timer illustrated diagrammatically in FIGURE 5 each of the movable contacts of the various timer switches is shown as an open rectangle disposed either adjacent or between numbered open rectangles. The latter open rectangles represent top T or' bottom B fixed timer switch contacts and are numbered 1 to 8. These timer actuated switches are conditioned to provide the sequence of operations (i.e. Regular cycle or Fine cycle) shown in the left hand column of FIGURE 6 by movements of suitably shaped cams operable to urge the movable contacts into engagement with their corresponding fixed contacts, in accordance with locations of the vertically extending heavy black bars. None of the timer cams has been illustrated, with the exception of subinterval cam 82 operable to open and close contact 733 during a spray rinse, as will be more fully described hereinafter, in accordance with the right hand portion of the timer chart in FIGURE 6. This latter portion of the chart is divided into increments of one second, there being shown a full sub-interval cam cycle of forty-five seconds duration. When contact 7B is in its illustrated closed position (chart, FIGURE 6), sub-interval cam 82 will act upon the contact six times to interrupt its closing.

A legend provided in the lower left region of FIGURE 6 correlates the switch contact positions with the bar locations appearing in this figure, although it should be noted that the legend does not apply to the sub-interval cam chart described just above. With reference to the legend it can be determined Whether a timer switch has its top contact T closed, its bottom contact B closed, or neither contact closed. Also, the timer may have a switch contact closed without carrying current. The functions assigned to each of the contacts from 1 to 8 (T or B), appear at the top of the sequence chart, with the sequential time units, or step numbers (in 45 second intervals), through which the timer cams move indicated by a vertical scale at the extreme right.

Timer 69 includes a line switch 74 operable by axial movement of the timer control knob, in accordance with conventional practice, to energize and deenergize the control circuit by connecting it to :a source of energy, such as voltage supply L1, L-2, having a third terminal G serving as an electrical ground.

Having considered the various operating elements of the laundry apparatus, and their constructional interrelation to one another, it will further be helpful in under standing the invention to consider the interrelated functions of the various elements that have been described in carrying out, in each of the Primary and Secondary zones,

a selected washing cycle. For example, let it be assumed that an operator of the machine selects the Regular Cycle with High speed agitation and spin, using Warm wash water and a Warm rinse water in the secondary zone, and using Hot wash water and a Warm rinse water in the primary zone. With reference to FIGURE 7, let it be assumed further that non-color-fast clothes have been placed in basket 30, color-fast clothes have been placed in basket 15, and that the controls have been set as follows:

Timer 69-Start of Regular Cycle (FIGURE 6) Zone selector 76both zones (see FIG. A)

Motor speed switch 81-HI-I (see FIG. 5C)

Fluid level switch 60-2 zone Primary zone fluid temperature switch 79-H (see FIG.

Secondary zone fluid temperature switch 80-W (see FIG. 5B)

(The broken line arrow (FIG. 7) between zone selector 76 and water level switch 60 indicates that it is possible to provide a linkage between these switches that automatically will set water level switch 60 to 2 zone upon setting of switch 76 to -Both.) Reference is made in the above tabulation to FIG- URES 5A, 5B and 5C for disclosure of the circuits in FIGURE 5 which are completed by the individual sector switch contacts in achievement of the selected Fine wash cycle to be described by way of example.

Once the controls have been set as shown, the timer knob is moved axially, for example by pulling it, to close line switch 74 (FIGURE 5), thereby energizing, through closer timer contacts 1T, 3T, 5B, GT and 7T (FIGURE 6), the several circuits associated with the above tabulated switches. In combination with these switches settings the pressure actuated fill switches are in their left hand fill positions (solid line positions 59a and 60a), thereby preventing operation of the motor in its direction for driving

agitators

21 and 35. At this time also it will be appreciated that the water temperature relay coil 77 is deenergized so that relay contacts 77a are in the illustrated positions. In such positions, contacts 77a place the primary zone pressure switch 60 (contact a), the temperature switch 79, and primary fill solenoid 55a in the circuit. As soon as basket 15 is filled to its preselected level, pressure actuated switch 60 moves from its contact a to its contact b, energizing relay coil 77 to move its contacts to closed and open positions opposite to those positions shown. This places the secondary zone temperature switch 80, pressure fill switch 59 (contact a) and secondary fill solenoid 49a in the circuit. When basket is filled, the water runs over into trough 36, thence into drain 43 and operates pressure actuated switch 59 to move from its contact a to its contact 17. Once both

baskets

15 and 30 have been filled, sequentially, to the desired level, the fill switches 59 and 60 will have moved to positions completing the electrical connection of motor 25 and timer motor 73 to the source of energy L1, L-2.

By energizing motor 25, agitators 21 and are driven through the Wash phase. During the Fill and Wash phase of the cycle, timer motor 73 will continue to drive, and pumps 52 and 61 will be driven to recirculate fluid in the

wash baskets

30 and 15, respectively, it being assumed that the diverter valve closure member 64 is in its illustrated full line, or upper, position. Should no recirculation be desired in the basket 30, there could be achieved an overflow rinse at some suitable phase of the cycle in the course of which lighter-than-water soil would be purged fiom the surface of the wash solution. To do this, the closure 64 could be moved to the lower, broken line position, by some suitable controlled linkage means (not shown). In the event closure 64 is moved to the latter position, wash fluid would be introduced into basket 30 from fill nozzle 47, then overflow into trough 36. From trough 36, the fluid would flow through drain 43 and be discharged by pump 56 through hose 62.

'When the Pause phase of the cycle is reached, all previously closed contacts are opened, and contact 2T 8 is closed to bypass the fill switches 59 and 60 so that :an ensuing spray rinse may be achieved.

One increment of timer operation later, contacts 1B, 3B, 4B, 7B and 8B are closed to achieve motor rotation in the direction for the spin phase. During the spin phase each of pump 52 and 45 is operable to withdraw the wash fluid centrifuged from

baskets

30 and 15, and to discharge it through hoses 62 and 46 respectively. Closure of contact 7B provides for a spray rinse sub-phase during a portion of this particular spin phase by energizing cold water solenoid 58, and fill

solenoids

55a and 49a intermittently by operation of sub-interval cam 82, as described previously, to introduce the spray rinse fluid through

nozzles

48 and 47. After three increments of timer operation, contact 7B is opened to discontinue the spray rinse sub-phase at which time contact 8B remains closed but ceases to carry current for two increments of timer operation.

Upon completion of the Spin phase, there is initiated a Pause and Fill phase at which time contacts 1B, 3B and 4B are opened, contact 2T remains closed, contact 7T is closed, and closed contact 8B again carries current. After the one increment of the timer operation comprising the phase and fill phase, the Fill and Rinse phase is initiated by closure of timer contacts 1T, 3T, 5B and contacts 7T and 8B remain closed. During this later phase, motor 25 is driven in a direction to drive

agitators

21 and 35, and pumps 51 and 52 are driven to recirculate fluid within

baskets

15 and 30, respectively.

Upon completion of the Fill and Rinse phase, there is a pause for one increment of timer operation during which contacts 1T, 3T, 5B and 7T are opened, contact 813 remains closed but ceases to carry current, and contact 2T is closed.

Upon completion of the Pause, the Spin Dry phase is initiated by closure of contacts 1B, 3B and 4B, and contact 2T remains closed. Contact 813 also remains closed, but does not carry current. During this Spin Dry phase, which is the final phase of the cycle, the motor 25 runs in a direction to spin the baskets 15 and 3t) and to drive pumps 45 and 52 to withdraw fluid centrifuged from the baskets for discharge through hoses 46 and 62.

The wash cycle is completed by movement of closed contacts 1B, 2T, 38 and 4B to their open positions where they, along with the other opened contacts, stand ready for initiation of another wash cycle, either Regular or Fine.

The Fine cycle phase sequence is the same as that of the Regular cycle, but it is shorter than the Regular cycle. Moreover, the timer switching sequence is the same irrespective of the selected combinations of wash zones, motor speeds, water levels, and water temperatures. As will be appreciated, either Regular or Fine cycles can go forward concurrently in the two zones, or either cycle may be utilized in a single zone. The different electrical circuits will be established through the switch contact combinations illustrated in tabular form in FIGURES 5A, 5B, and 5C. Considered another way, the various selector switch contacts may first be established visually on the wiring diagram in FIGURE 5, and the timer switch-established circuits traced for each phase of the cycle. The available combinations are numerous and the foregoing complete description of one cycle is sufiicient for an understanding of the invention.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that this invention provides a washing machine in which it is possible to wash clothes of different colors, or clothes re- 'quiring different water temperatures, in independent zones while maintaining separation of both the wash water supply and the rinse water. If desired, these clothes may be washed simultaneously in both zones, or individually in only one of the zones at a time.

Due to the nature of the means for maintaining separation of the fiuid supply, it is readily possible to provide for treatment of fluid from each zone. The treatment could comprise filtering, as shown and described. Also in achievement of fluid treatment it would be possible to accommodate introduction of either rinse or bleaching agents, or both, into the separate zones. These advantages are achieved inexpensively in a machine comprising a unitary drive system for operating the agitators, and for centrifuging wash fluid from both baskets comprising the two wash zones.

I claim:

1. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: first basket means defining .a first wash zone; second basket means at least partially nested within said first basket means and defining a smaller second wash zone separate from the first zone; means for supplying wash fluid to each said zone; and means for treating the wash fluid of each zone while maintaining separation of the supply fluid for each thereof, said last means including apparatus for withdrawing the wash fluid from both zones and circulating it in independent circuits for return to the zone from which it was withdrawn.

2. A washing machine in accordance with claim 1, and further characterized in that said treating means comprises wash fluid filtering means in each said independent circuit.

3. A washing machine in accordance with claim 1, and further characterized in that said means for supplying washing fluid is selectively operable either to supply wash fluid to one of said zones independently of the other, or to supply wash fluid to both zones sequentially.

4. A washing machine in accordance with claim 1, and further characterized in that said means for supplying wash fluid is selectively operable to provide a spray rinse in one zone only, or to provide such a rinse in both zones.

. 5. A washing machine according to claim 1, and characterized by the inclusion of: wash fluid drain means for said second zone; nozzle means for directing drain fluid back into said second wash zone; a wash fluid discharge hose for said second wash zone; a reversible pump of the rotary impeller ty e, having a central inlet port connected with said second zone drain means, one outlet port connected with said nozzle means and another outlet port connected to said discharge hose; and means selectively actuatable to operate said pump in either a forward or a reverse sense to withdraw wash fluid from said second wash zone, and either to direct it back into said zone or to withdraw it from said second wash zone for subsequent discharge.

6. A washing machine according to claim 5, and characterized further by the inclusion of: a bypass hose interconnecting said nozzle and said discharge means; valve means including a closure selectively movable to close either said bypass hose or said nozzle; and control means selectively operable to energize said fluid supplying means to introduce fluid into said second wash zone, and to move said valve closure to a position closing said nozzle and opening said bypass hose, whereby to provide for an overflow rinse in said second wash zone.

7. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: first basket means defining a first wash zone; second basket means within said first basket means and defining a smaller second wash zone independent of the first zone; first fluid handling means for introducing fluid into and draining fluid from said first wash zone; second fluid handling means for introducing fluid into and draining fluid from said second wash zone; first fluid recirculating means for fluid within said first wash zone; second fluid recirculating means for fluid in said second wash zone; agitator means within each said wash zone; unitary drive means for energizing said agitators, and operably coupled with said fluid recircling and said fluid handling means to recirculate and to drain fluid from said wash zones; and control means for said drive means and for said fluid handling means and selectively operable to provide laundering cycles in said wash zones simultaneously or in one of said zones alone.

8. A washing machine according to claim 7, and characterized in that said first and second basket means are selectively rotatable at centrifuging speeds by said drive means, in accordance with said control means, and in that said first and second fluid handling means are operable to direct fluid along separate and distinct paths for draining, as it is centrifuged from each said basket means.

9. A washing machine according to claim 8, and further characterized in that said first fluid recirculating means comprises a unidirectional pump operable by said drive means to recirculate fluid while said agitators are driven in one phase of a laundering cycle, and said second fluid recirculating means comprises a bidirectional pump operable to recirculate fluid while said agitator means are driven and operable to drain fluid while said basket means are rotated at centrifuging speeds in another phase of a laundering cycle.

10. A washing machine according to claim 8 and characterized in that said control means is operable under one predetermined condition sequentially to fill said first wash zone, then said second wash zone, and thereafter to complete a laundering cycle in said zones simultaneously.

11. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: a generally cylindrical open-top tub; a generally cylindrical, open-top rotatable basket coaxial with said tub and having its opening at a level below the open top of the tub; agitator means within said basket; a removable basket of lesser size than, and positioned in the upper portion of, said rotatable basket, and including means providing for removable supporting engagement thereof with the open-top defining portion of said rotatable basket; said removable basket being provided with an axial opening through which at least a portion of said agitator means extends, said agitator means being operable to agitate wash fluid contained in said rotatable basket and in said removable basket; and drive means selectively operable either to drive said agitator means while said rotatable basket, and consequently said removable basket, remains substantially stationary, or to rotate said baskets and said agitator means at centrifuging speeds.

12. A washing machine according to claim 11, and characterized by the inclusion of an annular trough disposed about the periphery of said tub and having its opening disposed in substantial registry with the plane of the open top of said removable basket, and in that the upper, open-top defining portion of said rotatable basket is disposed at a level below the level of the opening in said trough, whereby rotation of said baskets at centrifuging speed will result in centrifuging of fluid from said removable basket into said trough and from said rotatable basket into said tub.

13. A washing machine according to claim 12, and characterized further by the inclusion of means for filling each of said baskets with wash fluid, first fluid drain means for said tub, second fluid drain means for said trough, and individual fluid circulation means for said baskets, one of said circulation means being associated with said first fluid drain means, and another of said circulation means being associated with said second fluid drain means.

14. A washing machine according to claim 11, and characterized further by the inclusion of means for filling each of said baskets with wash fluid comprising first fluid fill means for said tub and second fluid fill means for said removable basket, means for supplying fluid, and means defining a beam deflector fluid amplifier valve, said first and second fluid fill means each comprising one of the outlets of said valve, said means for supplying fluid being connected to the inlet of said valve, and a fluid flow control circuit operable, selectively, to effect fluid flow through one or the other of said valve outlets, in achievement of either individual or sequential filling of said rotatable and said removable baskets.

15. A Washing machine according to claim 11 and further including fluid supply means selectively operable 1 1 either to fill one of said baskets separately, or to fill both baskets sequentially.

16. A Washing machine according to claim 15 and characterized further by the inclusion of a first wash-fluid circulation circuit comprising a first pump driven by said drive means, first conduit means connected with said first pump, first filter means, and first pump and conduit means adapted to withdraw fluid from said tub and to return the same to said tub through said first filter means, and a second wash fluid circulation circuit comprising a second pump driven by said drive means, second conduit means connected with said second pump, second filter means, said second pump and conduit means being adapted to with- 12. draw wash fluid caused to overflow from said removable basket and return the same to said removable basket.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,017,916 10/1935 Ovsey 6827 2,246,104- 6/1941 Osuch 68-4 X 2,246,105 6/1941 Osuch 684 X 3,091,107 5/1963 Rhodes 684 3,217,518 11/1965 Bochan 684 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primal Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A VERTICAL AXIS WASHING MACHINE, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: FIRST BASKET MEANS DEFINING A FIRST WASH ZONE; SECOND BASKET MEANS AT LEAST PARTIALLY NESTED WITHIN SAID FIRST BASKET MEANS AND DEFINING A SMALLER SECOND WASH ZONE SEPARATE FROM THE FIRST ZONE; MEANS FOR SUPPLYING WASH FLUID TO EACH SAID ZONE; AND MEANS FOR TREATING THE WASH FLUID OF EACH ZONE WHILE MAINTAINING SEPARATION OF THE SUPPLY FLUID FOR EACH THEREOF, SAID LAST MEANS INCLUDING APPARATUS FOR WITHDRAWING THE WASH FLUID FROM BOTH ZONES AND CIRCULATING IT IN INDEPENDENT CIRCUITS FOR RETURN TO THE ZONE FROM WHICH IT WAS DRAWN.