US3078702A

US3078702A - Combination washing and drying machine

Info

Publication number: US3078702A
Authority: US
Inventors: George D Conlee
Original assignee: McGraw Edison Co
Current assignee: McGraw Edison Co
Priority date: 1959-05-25
Filing date: 1959-05-25
Publication date: 1963-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 1980-02-26

Description

Feb. 26,1963 G. D. CONLEE 3,078,702

COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 NVENTOR GEoRqe D. CoNLEE ATTY Feb. 26, 1963 e. D. CONLEE COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 25, 1959 INVENTGR GEORGE D. cones fl W'i MMM4 9 94mm,

G. D. CONLEE 3,078,702

COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE '7 sheets sheet 3 Feb. 26, 1963 Filed May 25, 1959 E. INVENTOR GeoRGF. D. Comes y: W% W, Mira. A-r-n'g Feb. 26, 1963 e. D. CONLEE 3,078,702

COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 I II i WU INVENTOR 72 Geoaela D. comes ATTY5,

Feb. 26, 1963 e. D. CONLEE 3,078,702

COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Geoaes. D, CQNLEE Feb. 26, 1963 e. D. CONLEE 3,078,702

COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 25, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 CIRCUITS HOT WATER U COLD WATER L WASH ONLY L) 56 DRY PILOT L llllllll l lllllll IIIIIII 54 DUMP VALVE U SPIN TIME

HEAT

TIME

HEAT

TIME.

HEAT

INvem'oa GEORGE D. CONLEE A'r'rvs.

Unite 3,078,702 Patented Feb. 26, 1963 3,078,702 COMBINATION WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE George D. Conlee, Ripon, Wis., assignor to McGraw-Edison Company, Ripon, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 25, 1959, Ser. No. 815,469 5 Claims. (Cl. 68--20) The invention relates to fabric laundering machines generally and more particularly to an improved machine in which fabrics may be both washed and dried without handling.

One object of the invention is to provide a simple and practical machine of the above general character embodying improved mechanisms and controls WhlCll permit a load of fabrics to be thoroughly washed, damp dried and completely dried in a coordinated series of operations which require no manual intervention or handling of the fabrics between operations.

Another object is to provide a novel arrangement for removing lint and moisture from the circulating alr before it is discharged from the machine in a drying cycle. A more specific object is to provide a novel arrangement whereby the lint picked up from the fabrics in the drying operation is entrapped in the water previously used for rinsing those fabrics and for flushing it from the machine in each cycle to avoid accumulation of any substantial quantity of lint.

Still another object is to provide a novel unitary valve arrangement for controlling the outlets of the washing machine tub and a water storage tank or reservoir.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a combination washer and dryer that is simple and durable in construction, capable of being manufactured at relatively low cost and which is exceptionally efficient in operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompany.- ing drawings in which FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a combination washer and dryer with the housing portion shown in section.

shown as incorporated in a machine in which the fabrics to be laundered are both washed and dried in a cylindrical receptacle supported for rotation about a horizontal axis. The receptacle is mounted in a cabinet 11 comprising a sheet metal housing with suitable framework for strength and rigidity. Resiliently suspended from the framework is a shell 12 which forms a cylindrical washing chamber in which the drum 10 is axially disposed.

As will be seen by reference to FIG. 2, the shell 12 has its forward end flanged inwardly as at 13 to define a circular opening of approximately the same diameter as an access opening 14 provided in the front wall of the housing. The shell is positioned so that the two openings are in substantial alinement and the space between the shell and the housing is sealed off by an annular gasket 15 of rubber or other suitable material. The gasket also serves to provide an airtight seal with a hinged door 16 provided for closing the opening 14.

The washing and drying chamber is closed in the back by a panel 17 which carries a bearing for supporting the drum 10 as will appear presently. The drum 10 comprises a cylinder closed at its back end and having an opening at its front end in registration with the access opening in the shell and housing. Preferably the drum is constructed of sheet metal with a cylindrical peripheral wall 18 having one end flanged inwardly to provide an annular front wall 19. A centrally disposed axial opening in the front wall reinforced by an outwardly turned flange 20 is somewhat larger in diameter than the access opening 14 and the drum is mounted with its opening disposed eccentrically of the access opening to provide a passage 21 for the admission of air into the drum from a duct provided on the shell.

At its back end the drum is closed by a double

wall comprising panels

22 and 23. To provide the strength and rigidity for supporting the drum on a rearwardly projecting shaft 25, the'panel 23 may be formed inwardly to FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the machine shownin FIG. 1 taken in a vertical plane through the axis of the rotatable clothes receptacle.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the'machine with parts of the housing and internal partitioning structure 2 broken away.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in a plane substantially on the line 44 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in a plane substantially on the line 55 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in offset 7 planes substantially on the lines 66 of FIG. 3, showing details of the drive for the clothes receptacle.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in a plane substantially on the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the electrical control circuit of the combination washer and dryer.

FIG. 9 is an end view of a typical cam forming a part of the timing mechanism of the machine.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the duration and timing of the different steps constituting an operating cycle in the define a series of radially disposed reinforcing ribs 26. A sheet metal disc 27 welded to the panel 23 is centrally apertured to accommodate the shaft which abuts the panel 22 at its forward end and may be secured to it in any preferred manner.

Support for the shaft 25 is provided by spaced bearings including an anti-friction bearing 28 seated in a bearing retaining recess formed in the back wall 17 of the shell. An additional bearing 29 provides support for the rear end of the shaft. The bearing 29 which is preferably of the self-alining type, is carried by a bracket 30 resiliently suspended from the-framework by springs arranged similarly to those suspending the housing 12.

The peripheral wall 13 of the drum is perforated to admit water in thewashing operation and to afford passage for air in the drying operation. Water for washing and rinsing is retained in the lowerportion of the shell 12 which constitutes in effect a tub. Water is introduced into the shell through an opening in the back wall 1.7. This opening is fitted with a funnel-like chute for receiving the discharge from a supply conduit 36 and directing it into the shell, the conduit terminating substantially above the chute to preclude any back flow of water to the main. Conduit 36 in the exemplary machine leads from a valve assembly supported in the upper part of the housing and including both hot and cold water valves and their actuators to be described later on.

For washing, the lower or tub portion of the shell 12 is partially filled with water to a level sufiicient to submerge the lower portion of the drum 10 and the drum is rotated relatively slowly to tumble the load of fabrics in the wash water in the manner customary in drum type washers. To provide for draining the wash water and rinse water from the tub, the shell 12 is formed with an outlet 40 (FIG. 2) at its lowest point. Simple, yet efiective, valve means is provided for controlling flow through the outlet 40. In the preferred form the valve means includes an annular gasket 41 of rubber or other suitable resilient material fitted around the edge of the outlet opening. The gasket is formed to present an inwardly directed lip 42 on its underside which tapers to a relatively thin edge to afford a substantial degree of resiliency.

Cooperating with the lip 42 is a flat m tal disc 43 carried on the upper end of a vertically movable valve member 44. The valve member as shown is tubular. It is adapted to be shifted vertically from the position shown in FIG. 2 by an actuating lever 45 which has an operative connection with the member. The actuating lever may conveniently comprise a metal bar having its central portion bent to present a transverse hearing by which the lever is pivotally supported on a member #16 constituting a part of the framework of the machine. To provide an operative connection with the valve member, the tip por tion of the lever is bent over at right angles to engage in a slot 47 in the valve member.

At its other end the lever 45 is connected by a tension spring 48 with the armature 49 of a solenoid SOLl suitably supported on the machine frame. The arrangement is such that the solenoid when energized rocks the lever 45 in a direction to raise the valve member 44 and close the tub outlet by pressing the disc 43 against the lip 42 of the gasket. The resiliency of the spring 43 coupled with the flexibility of the lever and the lost motion connection afforded by the slot 47 assures tight engagement of the valve disc with the lip and thus insures effective sealing of the outlet without requiring precise fitting of the cooperating parts. Such parts can be produced inexpensively and will function properly for long periods of time with little or no maintenance.

The valve member 44 additionally serves to control flow through the outlet of a tank or reservoir 50 provided below the shell 12 for temporarily storing water drained from the tub. The reservoir as shown is in the form of a sheet metal pan having side walls and a front end wall overlying the lower portion of the shell 12 and welded or otherwise secured thereto. The shell thus, in effect, forms a cover for the major portion of the rservoir.

The outlet for the reservoir is located directly below the outlet 40 for the tub as shown in FIG. 2. An elbow fitting 51 connects the outlet with a pump P (FIG. 3) of which more will be said later. The fitting 51 is made of rubber or other suitable flexible material with a flange 52 peripherally grooved to receive the metal forming the bottom of the reservoir to effect a watertight seal therewith. Integral with the flange is an inwardly turned tapering lip 53 adapted to be seatingly engaged by a fiat annu' lar plate 54 carried at the lower end of the valve member 44.

With the valve arrangement above described, the outlet for the reservoir is opened when the valve member 44 is raised to close the outlet from the tub. Conversely, when the valve member is released, its weight, supplemented by the weight of the water impinging on the disc 43, forces it downwardly to close the opening from the reservoir while the tub outlet is opened to drain the water from the tub into the reservoir. It will be appreciated that a light spring may be provided for biasing the valve member toward its lower position if desired.

The valve member 44 is also constructed and arranged to control the water level in the reservoir. For this purpose, the upper end portion of the member is notched as at 55 to define a passage for draining the excessive water from the reservoir. The lower edge of the notch is located at the desired water level and excess water passes through the notches and flows downwardly through the valve member and the open center of the plate 54 to the fitting 51 from which it is exhausted by the pump P. A constant water level is thus maintained in the reservoir following each drainage of the tub.

In the operation of the improved machine, the washing operation is followed by an extracting operation in which the drum to is rotated at relatively high speed to centrifugally drive the water from the load of textiles in the drum. The textiles are then thoroughly dried by tumbling them while a stream of heated air is blown through the drum. This tumbling is effected by rotating the drum at a substantially lower speed than that applied for extractingfor example, at the same speed as that employed for the washing operation.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, heated air is circulated through receptacle or drum 10 in a manner which materially enhances the operating eiiiciency of the machine in drying a load of fabric. Furthermore, the air circulating system is constructed and arranged to effectively remove substantially all of the entrained lint and a relatively large percentage of the moisture from the circulating air before the air is exhausted to the atmosphere. The improved machine may thus be used indoors without requiring an exhaust flue to the outside as is required by conventional dryers. The lint removal arrangement is also advantageous in that it eliminates the often neglected job of periodically emptying a lint screen or the like constituting standard equipment on most of the conventional dryers in use today.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, heated dry air is directed to the forward end of the drum 10 by way of a duct 60 extending across the top of the shell 12 and having a depending leg 61 opening through the inlet passage 21 between the front end of the drum and the adjacent portion of the shell. A deflector plate at the discharge end of the duct serves to distribute the air relatively uniformly through the drum. In the particular machine illustrated, the duct 60 and its leg 61 are generally rectangular in cross section. Duct 60 opens at its back end to a vertical chamber 63 at the rear of the housing. Suitable apertures are provided in the housing walls to admit outside air to the chamber, the exemplary machine having such an opening in its front wall with a covering grill 62 as shown in FIG. 2. A heater, which may be a conventional enclosed gas burner or an electrical resistance elment such as the element 64 shown, is installed in the duct for heating the air entering from the chamber 63.

Circulation of air through the receptacle or drum 10 is effected by a centrifugal blower or fan 65 (FIG. 4) mounted on the back wall 17 of the shell and having its inlet in registration with an opening 66 in the wall. The fan when driven as described hereinafter creates a suction in the drying chamber which draws air through the duct 60 and into the drum. As the end wall of the drum is imperforate, the air is forced to pass through the apertures in the peripheral wall of the drum and is thus directed into intimate contact with the tumbling fabrics in the drum. The air, of course, passes around the rear portion of the drum and through the outlet 66 to the fan.

The fan or blower 65 is enclosed in a generally cylindrical housing 67 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) which has a generally vertically disposed outlet 68. The fan and its outlet are so positioned that the outlet is effective to discharge the circulating air downwardly against the surface of the water retained in the reservoir 50. A partition 69 provided in the reservoir as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 directs the air in a circuitous path to an outlet opening into a rearwardly extending duct 70. As the moist warm air withdrawn from the drum impinges on the water in the reservoir, it dumps substantially all of its entrained lint. Moreover, the water retained in the reservoir is relatively cold since it is that utilized in a previous rinsing operation. Consequently, a substantial percentage of the moisture in the circulating air is condensed in the reservoir to leave the air comparatively dry.

The air leaving the reservoir through the horizontal duct 70 (FIG. 2) is discharged into the lowerend of a vertical flue 71 extending upwardly along the back of the housing 11. A deflector plate 72 located adjacent the discharge end of the duct 70 directs the issuing air upwardly in the flue 71. The flue conveniently terminates at its upper end in a forwardly directed extension opening through an outlet in a back panel 73 provided at the top of the housing. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 2, the flue 71 is open to the atmosphere at its lower end. Accordingly, the upward flow of relatively warm exhaust air in the flue draws in a substantial quantity of outside air. The cooler outside air and exhaust air are thoroughly mixed in their upward passage before being discharged from the machine. Preferably, the outlet from the flue is fitted with a grill 74 which serves to diffuse the issuing air through the room in which the machine is operated.

As indicated heretofore, the drum is rotated during the washing, extracting and drying cycles to tumble the load of fabrics being laundered. In accordance with the invention, the drive providing for the drum is characterized by its simplicity and its versatility which permits a simple, single-speed electric motor M to drive the pump P and the fan 65, as well as to rotate the drum 10 at two different speeds. The motor is mounted in the lower portion of the housing 11 by means of a bracket 75 secured to and extending laterally from one side of the reservoir 50 as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, it is at least partially enclosed by a casing structure 76 (FIG. 6) arranged to protect it from dripping or spilled water.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 of the drawings, the motor M is supported with its shaft 77 disposed horizontally and extending rearwardly of the shell 12 enclosing the drum 10. On the inner end of the shaft is keyed or otherwise nonrotatably fixed a pulley 78 having two axially spaced grooves 79 and 80 for the accommodation of V- belts. A single grooved pulley 81 rotatably supported on the outer end of the motor shaft is adapted to be driven from the pulley 78 through a friction clutch C. The clutch C in this instance comprises disc-like flanges 82 and 83 integral with the respective pulleys 78 and 81 and disposed in face-to-face relation on the adjacent ends of the pulleys. The cooperating faces of the clutch discs are preferably fitted with annular friction bands 84.

To engage the clutch for driving the pulley 81, actuating means is provided for shifting that pulley inwardly toward the companion pulley to press the friction hands together. The clutch actuating means as shown in FIG. 6 comprises a generally vertically disposed lever 85 pivoted at its lower end on a bracket 85 projecting rearwardly from the casting 76. The lever is positioned to extend diametrically across the pulley 81 and is preferably formed with a flattened intermediate portion 87 adapted to bear against a contact button 88 seated in the end of the pulley in an axial alinement with the motor shaft.

Power operated means herein shown as a solenoid SOL 2 is provided for rocking the lever 85 in a direction to engage the clutch. The solenoid is conveniently supported on the casing 76 above the motor and its armature 89 is connected by a tension spring 90 with the upper or free end of the lever 85. Accordingly, when the solenoid is energized tension applied through the spring 90 presses the clutch element of the pulley 81 against the opposing clutch element of the driving pulley 78 to complete a driving couple for the pulley 81. When the solenoid is deenergized, pressure on the clutch elments is released and the driving couple is interrupted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the drive for the fan and pump includes a V-belt 95 engaged in the outer groove 80 of the pulley 78 and trained over

pulleys

95 and 97 fixed to the fan and pump shafts, respectively. Those devices are accordingly driven continuously when the motor is running. Preferably, the pulleys are dimensioned so that the fan and pump both operate at approximately the same speed as the motor shaft.

To provide the correct rate of drum rotation for wash ing and for centrifugal extraction, a two-speed drive is provided for the drum. This drive includes a pair of grooved

pulleys

98 and 99 mounted on the drum shaft 25 in side-by-side relation. The pulley 98 is rotatably mounted on the shaft and acts through a one-way-drive connection such as an overrunning clutch CC to drive the pulley 99, which is pinned or otherwise nonrotatably fixed to the shaft.

The pulley 98 is slightly smaller in diameter than th pulley 99. It is driven by a V-belt 100 (FIG. 3) running over a grooved pulley 101 journaled on a countershaft 102 adjustably supported on the machine frame above and to the left of the drum shaft (as viewed from the rear of the machine). As shown in FIG. 1, the countershaft 102 is mounted on a slide 100 supported and guided for vertical movement by suitable guides formed on a bracket 101' fixed to the framework of the machine. A spring 102'. interposed between the slide and bracket urges the slide in a direction to tension the belt which drives the pulley 101. This belt preferably comprises a V-belt 103 running in the groove 79 of the motor pulley 78 and trained over a grooved pulley 104 formed integral with or rigidly secured to the pulley 101. The

pulleys

78, 104, 101 and 98 are proportioned to step down the speed of the motor shaft and turn the drum at a rate suitable for washing and for final drying. In the particular machine illustrated, the drum is rotated by the above drive arrangement at a speed of approximately 75 r.p.m.

For rotating the drum at a speed effective to spin the excessive water from the fabrics therein, the drum shaft is driven directly from the motor M. This drive is through a V-belt 105 running over the motor pulley 85 and the pulley 99 on the drum shaft. The

pulleys

85 and 99, of course, are dimensioned to provide the desired speed reduction as, for example, to rotate the drum at approxi: mately 230 r.p.m.

It will be observed that the slow speed drive pulley 98 for the drum continues to rotate during the high speed or spinning drive. The over-center clutch 0C previously referred to permits such operation without interference as long as the pulley 99 is rotating in the same direction and faster than the pulley 98. The clutch 0C provided by the invention affords substantial advantages in this environment since it insures positive rotation of the drum when the pulley 98 is driving and yet affords smooth quiet operation when the pulley 99 is driving.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the clutch CC in its preferred form comprises a driving member in the form of a centrally apertured metal plate suitably secured to the body of the pulley 98 for rotation with it about the axis of the shaft 25. At its marginal edge the plate is formed with an upstanding rim 111 extending axially of the plate. Portions of this rim are offset inwardly to define a series of generally radially facing abutments 112 for cooperation with a clutch dog 113 carried by the pulley 99.

The dog 113 as shown in FIG. 7 comprises an elongated lever having an integral sleeve 114 at one end by which it is pivotally supported on a stud 115 anchored to the body of the pulley 99. A torsion spring 116 normally urges the dog in a direction to interpose its free end in the path defined by the abutments 112 in the rotation of the pulley 98. Accordingly, when the member 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, one of the abutments engages the dog and positively drives the pulley 99 and the shaft 25 to which it is fixed. Preferably the abutments 112 are undercut a small amount and the end portion of the dog is shaped complementally so that the dog and driving member are effectively locked together when the latter is driving.

When the pulley 99 is driven in the direction of the arrow, the dog 113 is swung outwardly by centrifugal force to the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 7. It is thus held clear of the member 110 so that there is no drag on the member and no objectionable noise due to the dog sliding over the teeth formed by the abutmerits. To insure movement of the dog to retracted position, additional weight may be provided at its free end as by a flange 114 formed thereon.

As substantially all of the operating elements of the machine are assembled as a unit with the shell 12 and resiliently suspended from the framework, the entire unit will tend to gyrate when the drum 10 is rotated at high speed with an unbalanced load. To avoid transmis sion of vibration to the framework, additional weight is desirably provided adjacent the bottom of the housing 11, which is acordingly formed to define a chamber for the accommodation of the weights. To keep the weight of the machine low for easy handling in transit and to minimize shipping charges, it is preferred to utilize a weight 115 that is readily obtainable at the place where the machine is to be used and capable of being intalled in a simple and expeditious manner. This weight may conveniently take the form of a rectangular cement block, insertable through the open lower end of the housing and preferably formed with holes positioned to accommodate mounting bolts provided on the machine frame.

Having in mind the mechanical structure above de scribed, the mode of operation of the combination washer and dryer will be readily understood by reference to the control mechanism and time chart shown in FIGS. 8-10 of the drawings. Operating cycles of the machine are controlled by a suitable timer herein shown as comprising a timing motor TM, driving shaft carrying a series of edge cams of which a typical cam TC is shown in FIG. 9. Each of the cams is generally circular and has its edge contoured to present three arcuate cam surfaces 120, 121 and 122, each spaced progressively farther from the central axis of the cam.

Six of the timing cams TC are provided in the exemplary timer for actuating switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S and S6, respectively. Each of the switches in this instance is a double contact switch. More particularly, each switch is constructed along the lines shown in FIG. 9 with a movable member 123 having a follower element 124 riding on the edge of the associated cam. The switch member carries at its free end a contact point disposed between a pair of spaced stationary contacts. The arrangement is such that when the follower rides on the cam surface 120, its movable contact closes against the lower stationary contact. When the follower rides on to the intermediate cam surface 121, the movable contact is shifted to a position in which it is out of engagement with both of the stationary contacts. Further shifting of the movable contact member as the follower rides up on the cam surface 122 engages the contact of the movable member with the upper stationary contact. The operations effected by the upper and lower contact sets have been designated respectively by the reference characters U and L in the time chart, FIG. 10.

Cooperating with the timer in controlling the cyclic operation of the machine are a series of selector switches, three in the exemplary control system, designated respectively SS1, SS2 and SS3. Switch SS1 has a movable contact member 125 settable selectively to engage any one of three

stationary contacts

126, 127 and 12S. Switch SS2 is a two-position switch having a movable member 129 engageable alternately with two

stationary contacts

130 and 131. Switch SS3 is a two-position switch having a movable member 132 adapted to close or open a circuit through a stationary contact 133.

The three selector switches are preset before the machine is started to select the particular type of cycle through which it is to operate. Switch SS1 is preset to determine the degree of dryness of the finished laundry. Thus, when the switch is set on contact 126, the drying portion of the, cycle is placed under control of cam switch S1. The came for this switch may be connected to shut offthe heater and terminate the drying cycle as soon as the air exhausted from the receptacle rises to a predetermined temperature, as measured by an exhaust thermostat arranged to close a switch 135 at that temperature.

Switch SS1 when set on contact 127 places the drying cycle under control of cam switch S2. The cam for this switch may be contoured to produce a drying cycle which removes more moisture from the load in the drum than the previously described cycle. In the exemplary machine this extended cycle is eifected by contouring the cam for the switch S2 to shut off the heater when the temperature of the exhaust air reaches the predetermined value and then reenergizes the heater for an additional period after a suitable timed cooling interval. The timer motor is stopped during this second heating period which is terminated in the same manner as the first period. More particularly, when the exhaust temperature reaches the predetermined value, the thermostat restarts the timer motor which drives the cam shaft and switch S2 is operated to shut oif the heater.

Setting the selector switch SS1 on contact 123 places the timer switch S3 in control of the drying cycle. The cam for this switch may be contoured to provide two additional periods for this cycle after the heater period is interrupted following the initial closure of the thermostatic switch 135. The operation, in each instance, is similar to that controlled by the switch S2.

Selector switch SS2 is settable selectively to determine whether the machine is to be operated in a complete cycle involving washing, centrifugal extracting and drying, or merely in a cycle involving washing only. When set on the contact 139, the drying cycle proceeds as determined by the setting of the switch SS1 above described. When set on contact 131, however, the drying cycle is omitted, that is, the machine is stopped at the end of the washing portion of the cycle.

Selector switch SS3 is settable to determine whether the drum 10 is to be rotated at high speed for extraction or damp drying of the fabrics or simply rotated at low speed while the tub is draining to condition the fabrics for drip drying. Thus, when set to close the contacts 132 clutch solenoid SOL2 is energized at the proper time under control of cam switch S4. This cam switch also controls the circuit for the valve operated solenoid SOLl to .drain the tub and the reservoir 50 at the proper times in the cycle.

Cam switch S5 controls valve operating solenoids SOL3 and SOL4 respectively regulating the supply of hot and cold water to the tub for washing and rinsing. Cam switch S6 controls the circuit for a signal lamp L to provide a visual indication that a drying operation is in progress. It also controls the circuit for the motor M when the selector switch SS2 is set for washing only. More specifically, this switch opens the motor circuit to stop the machine at the end of the washing cycle.

Operating current is supplied to the machine from a three-wire 220-230 v. line comprising conductors L1, L2 and L3. Conductor L3 is the neutral conductor and it is connected to one terminal of the pilot lamp L, the solenoids SOLI, SOL2, SOL3 and SOL4, the timing motor TM and the machine driving motor M.

Consider now a typical operating cycle of the machine in which a batch of clothes or other fabrics are loaded into the drum 1th to be washed and dried to an intermediate degree. As a preliminary step, switch SS1 is set on contact 127, switch SS2 is set on contact and switch SS3 is closed. The cycle may now be started by manually rotating the timing cam shaft from its normal rest position to the start position. Movement of the shaft away from the rest position closes a limit switch LS which completes a running circuit for the motor M including the selector switch SS2. Cam switches S1, S2 and S3 close their upper contacts with the cam shaft in start position but only switch S2 is operative due to the setting of the selector switch SS1. Closure of upper cam switch S2 completes a circuit by way of switch SS1 and limit switch LS for driving the timing motor. This motor now operates to turn the shaft from the starting position back toward the stop or normal rest position.

In the time chart shown in FIG. 10, a complete cycle, represented by a full revolution of the timer cam shaft, has, for convenience, been divided into sixty uniform intervals. It will be appreciated that the overall length of the cycle may vary as desired, depending on the rate at which the timing motor is arranged to the driving cam shaft. Assuming that the cycle comprises an hours running time, each interval indicated in the drawing will represent one minute of time.

With the cam shaft in the start position cam switch S closes its upper contacts to complete an energizing circuit for the solenoid SOL3 This solenoid energizes to open the hot water valve and admit wash water at the machine. At the end of a timed period 140, in this instance, two minutes, the cam associated with switch S5 opens the contacts to interrupt the water supply.

Switch S4 also closes its upper set of contacts with the cam shaft in start position to close the circuit for the valve solenoid SOLl. The solenoid operates to shift the valve member 44 upwardly to close the outlet from the tub. Accordingly, the wash water introduced into the tub is accumulated therein for washing purposes.

As the slow speed drive from the motor M to the drum is engaged at all times as previously described, the drum 10 will start rotation as soon as the motor circuit is completed by closure of the limit switch LS. This slow speed rotation of the drum tumbles the clothes or fabrics through the water to which soap or other detergents have been added as is conventional. At the end of a predetermined interval, determined by the contour of the cam associated with the switch S4, in this instance, seven minutes as indicated at 141 in the chart, switch S4 opens the circuit for the valve solenoid SOLl' which allows the valve member 44 to move to open position and to drain the water from the tub into the reservoir 50.

In the particular cycle shown, the washing cycle proceeds for seven minutes. Following this, the drain valve remains open for a period of two minutes. During the latter minute of the two, switch S5 closes its lower contacts to energize the solenoid SOL4 to open the cold water valve. Cold water is delivered to the tub for a timed period of two minutes as indicated at 143 and during the open interval of the outlet valve, excess soap and scum is flushed from the fabrics in the drum. The valve is then closed while the cold water valve remains open for another minute to supply water to the tub. Cam switch S5 then closes the circuit for the hot water valve solenoid for one minute as indicated at 144. Thus, a mixture of hot and cold water is accumulated in the tub for a warm rinse. The receptacle is rotated to tumble the clothes for an interval, in this instance, of five minutes, before the drain valve is again opened at the end of the period designated M5. The outlet valve remains open a sufficient time to drain the rinse water from the tube, in this instance, for one minute. The tub outlet is again closed for a cold rinse lasting another five minutes, as indicated at 146. Simultaneously with the closure of the outlet valve, cam switch S5 operates to energize the solenoid SOL4 and open the cold water valve. The valve remains open for two minutes as indicated at 147.

Each time the tub outlet is closed, it will be appreciated that the outlet from the reservoir 50 is opened and consequently the pump P will act to remove all water from the reservoir. During the last or cold water rinse the clothes are tumbled in the drum, the tub outlet is then opened and the reservoir outlet closed. The cold rinse water is accordingly trapped in the reservoir to remove lint from the air circulated in the drying operation. Accordingly, after an interval of approximately a minute to allow the major portion of the water to drain from the tub into the reservoir, switch S4 closes its lower contacts to complete an energizing circuit for the clutch solenoid SOLZ. The solenoid engages the high speed driving clutch as previously described and the drum It, is rotated at high speed to spin the water from the clothes. In the particular cycle represented by the chart, the spinning proceeds for one minute as indicated at 148. It is then interrupted for one minute and resumed for three minutes,

as indicated at 149.

The load in the drum 10 is now ready for the final drying operation. This is initiated at the end of the spin cycle by the cam switch S2 which is actuated to close its lower contact and thus complete a circuit for the heater 64. This circuit includes a centrifugal switch 136 closed only when the motor M is running to avoid any possibility of overheating at a time when the motor is idle.

Switch S2 also opens the circuit for the timer motor TM, which stops. The single interval and the inter-' val 151 on the time chart therefore do not represent a one minute interval but an untimed one. Its length is determined by the time required to bring the load in the drum to a predetermined state of dryness. As indicated,

the timer motor circuit is interrupted but the main driving motor M continues to run and tumble with clothes in the drum. The heater 64 is energized throughout this untimed interval 151 and operation of the fan 65 circulates the hot air through the drum and discharges it against the cold rinse water trapped in the reservoir 50 as previously described.

During the major portion of the drying cycle, the evaporation of water from the load of fabrics in the drum absorbs sufiicient heat to keep the exhaust temperature relatively low. However, as the fabrics approach dryness, the exhaust temperature rises relatively rapidly and at a predetermined elevated temperature, thermostat switch 135 is closed. Closure of this switch completes a new running circuit for the timer motor TM which again starts up and drives the cam shaft. The heater contacts are quickly opened by cam switch S2, terminating the first part of the drying operation.

The intermediate drying called for by the setting of the selector switch SS1 includes two heating periods separated by a cooling period. Consequently, after an interval, in this instance, of five minutes, as indicated at 1522, switch S2 again opens its upper contacts to interrupt the timing motor circuit and closes its lower contacts to reenergize the heater. During the five minute cooling period, with the heater shut off, the circulating air cools down the load in the drum a substantial amount and the exhaust air temperature falls accordingly. Thermostat switch 135 opens shortly after the cooling period starts. The second drying period then proceeds until the exhaust air reaches the predetermined temperature and thermostat switch 135 again closes the circuit for the timing motorwhich resumes operation. Cam switch S2 keeps the heater circuit open and the timer motor circuit closed until the end of the cycle. The motor M continues to rotate the drum and tumble the clothes while the fan 65 circulates cold air through the drum until the cycle finally ends as the cam shaft reaches its reset position. The machine can be stopped without Waiting for the cam shaft to run out its full time by manually turning the cam shaft to off or stop position.

If minimum drying of the clothes is desired the switch SS1 is set on contact 126 before the machine is started, thus placing cam switch S1 in control of the drying operation. As shown in the time chart, there is only one heating period 153 in this type of drying cycle. When the switch SS1 is set to engage contact 128 the drying operation includes three

heating periods

154, 155 and 156. Aside from the change in the drying operation, the cycle is precisely like that above described.

When it is desired to utilize the machine for washing without the final drying, selector switch SS2 is moved from contact 139 to contact 131. The motor M is thus energized through a circuit including the upper contact of cam switch S6 and limit switch LS. As will be noted from the time chart, the cam switch S6 maintains the motor in operation for a period indicated at 157 which corresponds in length to the combined washing, rinsing and extracting periods of a normal cycle. Cam switch S5 operates in the manner previously described to till the tub for washing and rinsing and switch S4 actuates the drain valve at the proper time to effect the draining of the tub and reservoir. Followingthe second or cold rinse, switch S4 initiates the extracting operation by closing the circuit for the clutch solenoid SOLE. The extracting operation may be omitted if desired when the clothes are to be drip dried. For this purpose the selector switch SS3 is simply operated to open position. Accordingly, the clutch solenoid SOL2 remains inoperative and the drum Ill is simply rotated at low speed following the second or cold rinse.

It will be appreciated that the operating cycles above described are merely exemplary. The various periods of the cycle may be changed both as to length and sequence by simply changing the cams for actuating the switches S 1S6. Moreover, the operating periods may be changed in length by altering the speed at which the cam shaft is driven.

' It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides a combined clothes washing and drying machine of novel and advantageous construction. When desired the machine will not only wash and rinse the clothes but completely dry themall automatically without manual intervention. By the simple operation of a selector switch the machine may be converted for a simple washing operation effected under automatic control.

The improved machine includes'novel features which are advantageous in simplifying its construction and allording most efiicient operation. Included are the novel arrangement for circulating air through the machine during the drying operation and for removing lint and excess moisture therefrom before exhausting it to the atmosphere. By utilizing thecold rinse water in the lint removal process, the lint removed from the entrained air does not accumulate but is flushed down the drain after each washing operation. The often neglected job of cleaning lint screens is eliminated and interference with the air circulating system through neglect is effectively avoided.

The novel valve means incorporated in the machine for controlling the emptying of the tub and and the reservoir is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, yet eificient and reliable in operation. The drive means provided for the machine is characterized by its simplicity. It is inexpensive to manufacture and affords the further advantage of permitting the use of an inexpensive, single speed motor for driving the receptacle at both washing and spinning speeds.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a laundering machine, in combination, a clothes receptacle, means for rotating the receptacle to tumble a load of wet clothes contained therein, means for directing a stream of heated air through the receptacle to dry the clothes, a reservoir containing relatively cold wate a duct positioned to receive the air leaving the receptacle and to discharge it against the surface of the water in said reservoir to remove entrained lint and moisture from the air, a generally upright flue open at both its upper and lower ends and having an opening adjacent its lower end for receiving the air leaving the reservoir, and a dellector plate positioned to deflect the air entering said opening upwardly in the fine whereby to draw outside air through the open lower end of the flue for mixing with the air from said reservoir before diliusing the mixed air to the atmosphere.

2. In a laundering machine, in combination, a sheet metal shell defining a water retaining tub having a bottom outlet opening, a water storage reservoir disposed below said tub, said reservoir having a bottom opening outlet in vertical alinement with the outlet for said tub, a valve member movable between the two outlet openings, said member having an element at its upper end operative to close the outlet from said tub when the member is moved to its upper position and having an element at its lower end operative to close the outlet from said reservoir when all:

the member is in its lower position, said valve member having a lateral opening 5 aced substantially from its lower end and said lower element having an opening to the interior of the member defining a drain passage from the reservoir when the water therein rises above the level of the lateral opening in the member.

3. in a combined washing and drying machine, in combination, means defining a tub for retaining wash water and having a bottom opening outlet, a fabric holding receptacle supported for rotation about a generally horizontal axis with its lower edge disposed in the tub, means for rotating the receptacle to tumble the fabrics therein through the water in the tub, means defining a reservoir below the tub, said reservoir having an outlet disposed in alinement with the outlet for said tub, valve means including a member normally positioned to close the tub outlet and movable to an operated position effective to open the tub outlet and close the reservoir outlet whereby to effect a transfer of water from the tub to the reservoir, means for circulating a stream of heated air through the receptacle to dry the fabrics therein, and means for directing the moist air after passage through the receptacle into contact with the water in said reservoir to remove on trained lint and to reduce the moisture content of the air.

4. In a laundering machine, in combination, means defining a tub for retaining wash and rinse water and hav ing a bottom drain outlet, a clothes receptacle rotatably mounted in said tub means, means for rotating the receptacle to tumble a load of wet clothes contained therein, means for directing a stream of heated air through the receptacle to dry the clothes, a reservoir positioned to receive water drained from said tub means, a duct positioned to receive the air on leaving the receptacle and to discharge it substantially vertically against the surface of the water in the reservoir, a partitioning structure associated with said reservoir operative to direct the discharged air in a circuitous path parallel to the surface of the water in its passage to an air outlet provided for the reservoir, said reservoir having a bottom drain outlet and valve means for opening said tub means drain outlet and closing said reservoir outlet to collect water in said reservoir and for opening said reservoir outlet to empty said reservoir of water laden with lint.

5. In a laundering machine, in combination, a sheet metal shell defining a water retaining tub having a bottom outlet opening, a water storage reservoir disposed below said tub, said reservoir having a bottom opening outlet in vertical alinement with the outlet for said tub, a valve member of tubular form movable between the two outlet openings, said member having a first element at its upper end formed to close said upper end and positioned below said tub outlet, said first element having means adapted to seat against said tub at the periphery of said tub out let to close the same when the memoer is moved to its upper position, said valve member having a second element at its lower end positioned above said reservoir outlet, said second element having an annular flange adapted to seat against said reservoir at the periphery of said reservcir outlet opening to close the latter when the said member is in its lower position, and power operated means for moving said valve member from one position to another.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS (Other references on following page) UNITED STATES PATENTS Finley June 15, 195 ,r McCormick Apr. 24, 1956 Ostherhus et a1 Oct. 1, 1957 Stegman July 8, 1958 Runde Jan. 13, 1959

Claims

5. IN A LAUNDERING MACHINE, IN COMBINATION, A SHEET METAL SHELL DEFINING A WATER RETAINING TUB HAVING A BOTTOM OUTLET OPENING, A WATER STORAGE RESERVOIR DISPOSED BELOW SAID TUB, SAID RESERVOIR HAVING A BOTTOM OPENING OUTLET IN VERTICAL ALINEMENT WITH THE OUTLET FOR SAID TUB, A VALVE MEMBER OF TUBULAR FORM MOVABLE BETWEEN THE TWO OUTLET OPENINGS, SAID MEMBER HAVING A FIRST ELEMENT AT ITS UPPER END FORMED TO CLOSE SAID UPPER END AND POSITIONED BELOW SAID TUB OUTLET, SAID FIRST ELEMENT HAVING MEANS ADAPTED TO SEAT AGAINST SAID TUB AT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID TUB OUTLET TO CLOSE THE SAME WHEN THE MEMBER IS MOVED TO ITS UPPER POSITION, SAID VALVE MEMBER HAVING A SECOND ELEMENT AT ITS LOWER END POSITIONED ABOVE SAID RESERVOIR OUTLET, SAID SECOND ELEMENT HAVING AN ANNULAR FLANGE ADAPTED TO SEAT AGAINST SAID RESERVOIR AT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID RESERVOIR OUTLET OPENING TO CLOSE THE LATTER WHEN THE SAID MEMBER IS IN ITS LOWER POSITION, AND POWER OPERATED MEANS FOR MOVING SAID VALVE MEMBER FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER.