US3641792A - Automatic unloading washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

This machine comprises an internal washing drum and an external cylindrical shell. Washing fluid and materials are inserted into the unit via a port located upon the surface of the external shell and the two cylinders are relatively movable in order to effect the necessary operations of loading, washing, and unloading.

Description

[ 1 Feb. 15, 1972 United States Patent Hutterer [54] AUTOMATIC UNLOADING WASHING 1,938,676 12/1933 White......................................68/210 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS MACHINE 1,207,165 8/1959 France.................... ................68/208 1,114,562 12/1955 France.....................................68/2l0 [72] Inventor: Martin Hutterer, Forest Hills, NY.

[73] Assignee: Cummings-Landau Laundry Machinery Co., Inc., Brooklyn, NY.

Apr. 29, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 32,852

Primary Examiner-William i. Price [22] Filed:

Attorney-Robert R. Strack and James A. Eisenman ABSTRACT This machine comprises an internal washing drum and an external cylindrical shell. Washing fluid and materials are in- [58] FieldofSearch.... ..............................68/208,207,210

[51] Int.Cl................

serted into the unit via a port located upon the surface of the external shell and the two cylinders are relatively movable in order to effect the necessary operations of loading, washing, and unloading.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS .68/210 7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEBFEB 15 I972 3.641.792

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INVENTOR.

MARTIN HUTTERER ATTORNEYS AUTOMATIC UNLOADING WASHING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to commercial laundry equipment and more particularly relates to commercial washing machines which permit top loading and bottom unloading.

2. Description of the Prior Art In general, it may be said that there are two principal types of unloading commercial washers presently on the market. One type comprises a single fluid tight drum that rotates during the washing cycle and which contains access doors having special sealing means. The other type comprises a double drum of the general nature disclosed in applicants U.S. Pat. No. 3,417,583, wherein a washing basket is contained in a fluidtight outer shell housing. In this patent, the unit is mounted for pivoting in a manner that permits atom gravity assisted unloading of the wash after the wash cycle has been completed.

In the aforementioned single-drum type washing machine, the machine is loaded through access doors which must be tightly sealed either manually or mechanically. One conventional, yet troublesome, sealing means employs inflatable seals. The washing fluid, supplies, etc., are inserted through rotatable couplings located along the axis of rotation of the drum which is generally longitudinally divided or partitioned into a number of compartments in order to insure distribution of the load. Thus the washing fluid and supplies must be distributed through the load from one end of the drum along the length of the cylinder and through the separating partitions. In general, the even distribution of washing fluid and supplies is not satisfactorily achieved. Still further, it has been found that there is also uneven distribution of temperature and water level along the length of the drum.

Following each wash cycle, it is necessary to remove the waste water. With the single-drum type units, this is generally done though an opening that is normally closed by special stationary or inflatable seals. Since some of the waste water must pass through the wash load, traverse the entire length of the drum, and must pass through holes in the separating partilions, complete and uncontaminating drainage is not achieved. Furthermore, the seals utilized at both the waste water outlet, and the access doors, are subject to relatively rapid deterioration and require frequent replacement.

Many of the detrimental features of the existing single-drum type washers are overcome by the washing machine described in the aforementioned patent. This unit makes possible the supply of washing fluid and materials through a stationary inlet port or ports, and also makes possible the extraction of the waste water through the same or a similar stationary outlet port. As a result, the problem of maintaining tight rotating seals that necessarily deteriorate with time is substantially removed. Furthermore, by permitting entry of the necessary materials at any desired position along the longitudinal axis of the machine, more reliable distribution of material, fluid level, and temperature is achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The washing machine of the present invention is of the double-drum type and has a wash basket that is permanently mounted on a rotating axis that does not need to be lifted for either loading or unloading. On the other hand, the washing machine of the present invention retains many of the advantages of the aforementioned patented unit, by utilizing unique input and output valve means that are convenient to operate and that do not require the relatively short-lived seal means used with single-drum type units.

In the design of a large capacity washing machine, several factors should be stressed. One of the factors is washing quality and efficiency, another is convenience of operation, and yet another is machine reliability. Washing quality and efficiency from a machine standpoint can be enhanced by such design considerations as the distribution of the load, the washing fluid, and the supplies. Convenience of operation is a design factor that involves both human engineering and structural engineering considerations. Machine reliability is primarily a structural and electrical engineering responsibility. The present invention integrates each of these factors into a superior washing machine.

One important feature of the invention resides in the fact that a double-cylinder arrangement is employed. In accordance with this arrangement, an inner cylindrical wash basket is coaxially mounted for rotation within an outer cylindrical fluidtight shell. The load is placed within the washbasket and the washing fluid and supplies are injected into the outer cylinder. The spacing between the coaxially mounted units thus acts as a conduit for distribution of all cleaning materials.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the fact that the inner and outer cylinders are independently rotatable relative to one another. During a typical loading operation, access doors in the inner and outer cylinders are aligned and positioned above the longitudinal axis of the machine. During a typical washing operation, the closed access doors of the outer shell are in a stationary position near the top of the machine while the closed access doors of the washbasket serve to complete the circumference thereof and rotate with the basket. During a typical unloading operation, the access doors in both cylinders would again be in alignment, but positioned below the longitudinal axis of the machine in order to effect gravity unloading.

The independent rotatability of the inner washbasket and outer cylinder, has numerous advantages. Thus, from a structural standpoint, the outer shell access doors are not subjected to heavy water pressure or even very much splashing. From an operation standpoint, the machine can be loaded by slings, or from an upper floor, and from front or rear, whichever arrangement is most convenient in the light of existing plant facilities and practices.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved commercial washing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved washing machine adaptable to loading from above and unloading from below and being rotatably mounted upon a fixed axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved washing machine which does not require the use of in flatable seals or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a double-cylinder washing machine wherein each cylinder is capable of independent rotational movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved washing machine having unique input and output ports for all fluids and supplies charged therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved washing machine which affords more effective injection and removal of fluids and supplies and wherein the water level, temperature, and supply distribution are relatively even throughout the longitudinal length of the machine.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a unit having an inner cylinder forming a washbasket and an outer cylinder coaxially disposed therearound. The outer cylinder includes means for supplying fluids and washing supplies therethrough. Means are provided for independently rotating the washbasket during washing operations; and, furthermore, means are provided for relatively positioning both the inner and outer cylinders to align access doors in suitable positions for both loading and unloading the contents of the machine.

The manner in which the above objects are attained and an appreciation of the features of the present invention, will be available from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine embodying the features of the present invention;

FIGS. 2-6 are schematic illustrations taken through a vertical plane disposed approximately half way down the longitudinal axis of a machine according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration from one end of a washing machine illustrating another output valve port arrangement suitable for use with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a drive mechanism that may be employed in conjunction with a washing machine of this invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein fluid and supplies are inserted into the shell via a path originating at the axis thereof; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlarged views of support and drive structure which may be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. Q

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates the manner in which a washing machine according to the present invention may be mounted and operated. In this unit, an outer cylindrical, substantially watertight, shell I] is mounted for rotation upon mounts 12 and 13. The axis of the cylinder is positioned sufficiently high above the operating surface or floor to permit the positioning of containers l4 and 15 for receiving the wash after it has been processed. Outer shell 1 1 contains doors l6 and 17 which may be opened either manually or mechanically. It is contemplated that such doors would conform to the general outer configuration of cylinder 11 and would be retractable along paths conforming to the circumference of the cylinder. The number and specific construction of the doors is not germane to the invention; however, it will be noted that they need not be provided with inflatable seals.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, an inner washing cylinder or basket is coaxially mounted within the shell 11 and this inner cylinder contains doors having an aperture substantially conforming with that of outer doors 16 and 17. Means for driving the inner wash cylinder and the outer shell, both independently and together, may be provided within the mounts l2, 13, or may be furnished in other ways familiar to those skilled in the art.

For a more complete understanding of both the relative positioning of the inner and outer cylinders and attendant structures, and of the contemplated operations of the present invention, reference may be had to FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 2 illustrates the positioning of the washer drum during the washing phase of wash cycle. The outer shell 11 is rotated about the axis of the equipment so that the closed shell door 16 is above the water level. In this embodiment, when the outer shell is in this position, a port 25 for input of fluid and supplies, is seated and sealed to the stationary inlet plumbing 26. As shown in FIGS. 2-6, an inlet port may be designed in conjunction with an outlet port 24 at a single location. Under these circumstances, for example, the ports may be in the form of a T-arrangement wherein the waste water outlet 24 is at one end of the crossbar and is orthogonally disposed relative to the fresh water and supply inlet 25 at the end of the stem. In view of the fact that the plumbing 26 is stationary, relatively simple seal means may be provided. These sealing means do not require continuous replacement and they can be made extremely reliable even recognizing the fact that live steam may often be supplied therethrough.

During the washing phase of a wash cycle as shown in FIG. 2, the inner washing basket with its access door 21 in closed position, may be rotated in either direction about the axis of the machine. Obviously, there is no need for a seal on the washbasket door or doors since the passage of fluids between the inner drum 20 and the outer shell 11 should not be restricted. Still further there is no need for seals on the outer shell door or doors because these doors are disposed at the upper portion of the unit during washing and are not subjected to heavy water pressure.

With respect to the illustration in FIG. 2 and subsequent FIGS. 3-6, it may also be noted that a container 14 is illustrated having wheels or similar means 28 for positioning it undemeath the washing machine so that it may receive completed wash. It will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art that the washing machine may be mounted either higher or lower relative to the floor 29 in order to facilitate the positioning of containers [4. It will also be immediately apparent that the dimensioning and location of the stationary plumbing and seals may be arranged selectively in order to permit the convenient positioning of containers 14.

Upon completion of the wash cycle, valve means in the waste water outlet are opened and all waste water discharged. The outer shell 11 may then be partially rotated in order to position the outer doors in a convenient location for operator handling. This clockwise rotation of the cylinder, as viewed in the FIGS., will effect a removal of the fluid and supply ports from the seal against stationary input plumb 26. FIG. 3 shows this initial positioning of the outer shell with door 16 in an open position, thereby providing aperture 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the outer shell 11 may then be secured in position while rotating the washbasket 20 in order to locate the access door 21 thereof in alignment with the opening in the outer shell 11. The inner door 21 is then opened providing alignment of inner aperture 31 with outer aperture 30.

Both cylinders 11, 20, may then be rotated in synchronism and, as shown in FIG. 5, the wash 22 will be automatically discharged under the force of gravity. A suitably disposed slide 33 may assist in insuring removal of all materials.

FIG. 6 illustrates the equipment when it is repositioned for the receipt of a wash load. This repositioning is effected by rotating both cylinders 11, 20 in synchronism so that the apertures provided by the open doors 16, 21 are located beneath a sling 32 or similar unit adapted for charging a new load into the washing machine. Having loaded the machine, both doors 16, 21 may be closed and the outer shell rotated to the position with the fluid supply port sealed against the stationary plumbing members 26. Fluid and supplies may then be provided through input 25 and a new wash cycle initiated.

In some situations, it is found advantageous to have loading apparatus, such as slings 32, in very close proximity to the surface of outer shell 11. When this is the case, the ports 24, 25 may find interference with the loading apparatus in certain rotational positions of outer shell 11. To avoid any possibility of interference, the outer shell may be longitudinally extended on end. With this structure, the ports may be located on the extension and beyond the position of the loading apparatus.

Yet another modification may be provided with regard to the positioning of ports 24, 25 or even with regard to the positioning of the output port 25 only. (As noted previously, it is not necessary to have both the input and output ports at the same location.) This modification is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein output port 25 is located on the end surface of outer shell 11. Output plumbing 26' is suitably positioned and actuated to permit engagement or withdrawal from port 25' at desired times during the operating cycle. With this modification, one does not require special seals on the ports and it becomes possible to rotate outer shell 11 in either direction through 360 or more.

FIG. 8 illustrates a drive mechanism that may be advantageously employed with the unique washing machines of this invention. In this FIG., outer shell 11 and inner cylinder 20 are schematically shown as mounted upon an axis that would normally be horizontally disposed. The outer shell is coaxially mounted relative to inner cylinder 20 by means of a suitable bearings 136 and 138. Drive means are then connected to both the outer shell and the inner cylinder for controlling them relative to one another and independently.

The basic drive motor 140 is disposed on the left of the Fig. Associated with motor 140 is a brake 141 and an output shaft which is connected via a coupling 142 to the drive gearing for the washing apparatus. A clutch 143 is provided for connecting the motor to the drive mechanism when desired.

During the standard wash cycle, clutch 143 is engaged and connects the drive shaft 134 via gears 145, 146, 147, 148, 150 and 151 to cylinder shaft 135. Under these conditions, the cylinder operates with the speed and direction desired for optimum washing conditions. When clutch 143 is engaged, there is an interlock so that clutches 155 and 156 (described hereinafter) cannot be operated.

Clutches 155 and 156 are arranged to couple the drive shaft 134 from motor 140 to the basket 20 and shell 11 when clutch 143 is disengaged. These clutches couple drive shaft 134 to cylinder shaft 135 and the shell 11 via gear trains 152, 153, 157, 158 and 152, 153, 159, 160, respectively, in synchronism. When this latter drive is in effect, the speed of rotation of the units will be less than that during the wash cycle, as a result of a gear reduction accomplished at gears 152, 153. Of course, suitable gearing can be used to effect the rotation of the cylinders at any desired speed. Automatic controls will be provided for suitable operation of the various units to effect the wash operation described hereinabove.

FIG. 9 illustrates the general assembly of a machine in accordance with a further illustrative embodiment of the invention. In this illustration, outer shell 11 is secured at each end to assemblies 42 and 43 by supporting trunnions 40 and 41' respectively. Assemblies 42 and 43 each consist of the housings for the various seals, retaining means, and bearing utilized in the mounting and driving of outer shell 11 and inner wash basket 20.

A raised portion 46, 47 on each of assemblies 42, 43, respectively, is supported on a pair of rollers shown at 44 and 45. It will be understood that two rollers are represented by a single reference number; one behind the other. These rollers are supported on stationary means 13 and 12 which in turn are mounted securely upon the floor. Raised portions 46 and 47 are utilized in order to permit rotation of outer shell 11 in accordance with the operating method previously described.

On the extreme right end of the machine shown in FIG. 9, is a sprocket 48. In approximately the same position to the left of the machine is another sprocket 49. These sprockets are secured to assemblies 42 and 43, and hence to outer shell 11. Thus, in order to drive the outer cylinder these sprockets are connected to a suitable drive mechanism. A further sprocket 50 is mounted at the left of sprocket 49. Sprocket 50 is affixed via key 51 to the shaft of washbasket 20 and accordingly may be driven in order to independently rotate washbasket 20. Further to the left of sprocket 50 is a V-belt pulley 52 that is also keyed, at 53, to the shaft of washbasket 20. During wash operations, V-belt pulley 52 will be directly connected to the drive motor and thereby establish the washer rotation during the major portion of the operation. It will be seen that the washbasket shaft 85 projects on the left of the machine where it is retained by a thrust bearing 54 against axial movement. Bearing 54 is also securely mounted to the floor via stanchion 12.

A somewhat more specific understanding of the contents of assemblies 42 and 43 may be obtained by consideration of FIGS. and 11. It should be understood, that the actual support and drive mechanism for the washing machines of this invention, may vary in accordance with specific requirements. These specific means being shown and described herein are intended as illustrative only.

FIG. 10 shows the washing fluid and supply end of the machine. As illustrated, the shaft 75 of cylinder projects into assembly 42 wherein it is supported by ball bearings 72. Seal 70, retained in position by retainers 71, prevents any fluid from escaping into assembly 42. In addition, a seal plate 59 is provided on the right-hand side of the bearings.

An axial opening 55 is provided on the right-hand side of assembly 42. This axial opening permits the entry of fluid and supplies via the path illustrated by the dashed arrow. Thus, the supplies enter along the axis of the equipment and exit via port 56. This port is connected fixedly to a radially disposed conduit 60 and an inlet port 61 shown in the partial cross section in the lower quadrant of FIG. 8. During the loading phase of the wash cycle, inlet 61 may supply both washing fluid and supplies under pressure to the lower portion of outer cylinder 11. These fluids and supplies are thus distributed throughout the machine initially via the space between cylinder 11 and washbasket 20. This insures an even distribution without interference by either the wash or separating partitions. During entry of the fluid and supplies, waste outlet 62 is sealed by movable valve 63. The details of this particular seal and valve are not illustrated; however, it will be understood that the opening 62 is somewhat larger than inlet 61. When the waste fluid is to be discharged, valve 63 is moved to the right and fluid is permitted to flow out via aperture 62.

FIG. 11 illustrates the contents of housing 43 and it will be seen that these are quite similar to those previously discussed. Thus, all fluid is kept within the housing by means of seals which are maintained in place by retainers 81. The shaft of the washbasket is mounted on ball bearings 82, and the ball bearings are then covered by element 83. Since this is the basket drive end of the machine, shaft 85 is extended in order to permit mounting of sprocket 50 and V-belt pulley 52. It is also more clearly shown in this FIG. that the shaft extends into the thrust bearing 54 in order to prevent axial movement.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-11 will generally be operated in accordance with the same procedures discussed hereinbefore with respect to the other embodiments. Thus, during the loading operation, the wash basket and outer cylinder will be rotated in synchronism in order to place the doors thereof above the axis of the equipment so that the wash may be loaded. In the event that the loading position differs from the actual running position of the cylinder, they will then be rotated further upward in order to place the unit in the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Washing fluid and supplies will then be introduced.

During the wash cycle, the outer shell 11 is stationary and in the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. At this time, the cylinder is driven via the V-belt pulley 52 and the main motor drive. Following completion of the wash cycle, the main motor drive is disconnected and the motor brake is released so that washbasket 20 can be driven at a low speed through sprocket 50. This is done until the washbasket and outer cylinder door are in alignment. Thereafter, both the outer cylinder and the washbasket are driven via sprockets 48, 49 and 50 so that the doors may be brought into a position where they can be opened automatically or by an operator. When the doors are open, the cylinder and shell are turned to the dump position where the doors open toward the bottom.

Relatively specific preferred embodiments of the invention have been provided. Obviously, modifications may be made in view of the teaching of this disclosure by those skilled in the art. It is to be expected that the specific means for driving the cylinders of this washing machine may be modified in accordance with specific design criteria. It is also contemplated that modifications may be made in the positioning of such elements as the access doors and the fluid supply valves. Still further, the order of certain steps and the speed with which they are carried out, may be modified. All such modifications as come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims are intended to be within the contemplation of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A washing machine comprising an inner cylinder and outer shell coaxially mounted; drive means for rotatably driving said cylinder and said shell about their axes; and at least one port in said outer shell having an opening substantially aligned with the axis of said cylinder and shell, a radially extending conduit, a passage into said shell located near the periphery thereof, means for supplying fluid and supplies to the interior of said outer cylinder and means for extracting fluid therefrom, and valve means for controlling the opened and closed condition of said port.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said port is scalable to external plumbing when said outer shell is in a predetermined angular position.

3. A washing machine according to claim 1, including door means on the circumference of said cylinder and said shell.

ders with their respective door means aligned during loading and unloading operations and while aligned to rotate said cylinders in synchronism.

7. A washing machine according to claim 6, including means for positioning the aligned cylinders with the door means about the axis for loading and with the door means below the axis for unloading.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 Dated February 1 1972 Inventor(s) Martin Hutterer It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 17 Change "atom" to --automatic- Column H line 18 Change "plumb" to plumbing Column l, line 31 After "of a" insert new Column H line 47 After "on" insert -one Signed and sealed this 8th day of Ma 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 w us. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969 o-36s-334

Claims (7)

1. A washing machine comprising an inner cylinder and outer shell coaxially mounted; drive means for rotatably driving said cylinder and said shell about their axes; and at least one port in said outer shell having an opening substantially aligned with the axis of said cylinder and shell, a radially extending conduit, a passage into said shell located near the periphery thereof, means for supplying fluid and supplies to the interior of said outer cylinder and means for extracting fluid therefrom, and valve means for controlling the opened and closed condition of said port.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said port is sealable to external plumbing when said outer shell is in a predetermined angular position.

3. A washing machine according to claim 1, including door means on the circumference of said cylinder and said shell.

4. A washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the door means on said cylinders are of substantially similar dimensions and when aligned provide at least one aperture for loading and unloading wash.

5. A washing machine according to claim 4, wherein said drive means rotates said inner cylinder independently of said outer cylinder during the washing operation.

6. A washing machine according to claim 3, wherein said drive means is adapted to position said inner and outer cylinders with their respective door means aligned during loading and unloading operations and while aligned to rotate said cylinders in synchronism.

7. A washing machine according to claim 6, including means for positioning the aligned cylinders with the door means about the axis for loading and with the door means below the axis for unloading.

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