US2612766A - Washing machine provided with interlocking lid mounted vibration control means - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 7, 1952 fr. R. SMITH HAL 2,612,766

WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH INTERLOCKING LID MOUNTED VIBRATION CONTROL MEANS Filed Dec. l1, 1948 4 SheebS-Sheeb l INVENTORS.

BY ZMCZZ y b wam@ Oct 7, 1952 T. R. SMITH Erm. 2,612,766

WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH INTERLOCKING LID MOUNTED VIBRATION CONTROL MEANS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 11, 1948 Z0 2/6 m gli 20@ INVENIORS F20/7m@- fi 5mi/Z,

BY Dge j? 0712!'75 Oct. 7, 1952 T. R. SMITH ETAL 2,612,766

WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH INTERLOCKING LID MOUNTED VIBRATION CONTROL MEANS Filed Dec. 11, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 v T. R. SMITH Er A1. WASHING MCHINE PROVIDED WITH INTERLOCKING Oct. 7, 1952 2,612,766

LID MOUNTED VIBRATION CONTROL MEANS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dc. 11, 1948 Patented Oct. 7, 1952 WASHING MAonrNn rnovrnnn wrrn ny-l 'rEnLocnINc Lm amparan vrmmrion CONTROL MEANS Thomas R. Smith and iludley E". Combs, Newton,

owa, assignors to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application December ll, 1948, Serial No. 6414792` (Q1. Sii-12) 22 Claims. l

The present invention relates to control mechanisms, and more particularly to such mechanisms adapted for use in machines in which a centrifuging operation is performed.

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide novel control mechanism for limiting lateral movement of a device which is supported for tilting movement during its rotation, whereby the device is rendered inoperative by said control mechanism when the same is tilted beyond a predetermined amount.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism of the type immediately here# inabove described which is associated with a protective lid or cover for the rotatable device adapted to be reset from an inoperative condition upon movement of the lid or cover into its open position whereby the control mechanism is rendered eiective to control said device when the lid is again moved into its closed position.

Still another object of the invention is to prof vide a control mechanism which has the further characteristic of preventing operation of said device when the protective lid therefor is in its open position.

More particularly, the invention has the further object of providing a control mechanism of the type described which is particularly adapted for use in machines in which a centrifuging operation is performed such, for example, in washing machines in which a washing operation is accomplished by agitating the liquid and material contained therein and in which the tub is thereafter rotated to extractthe liquid from the material to eiect a partial drying thereof.

The present invention comprehends the provision of control mechanism of the type specied to prevent excessive lateral movement of the tub of a washing machine in which the washing cycle, including the washing of the material, the rinsing thereof, kand the extracting of liquid therefrom is automatically controlled.

A still further object of the inventionr is to provide a novel control mechanism for such an automatically ope1-ateddevice Which renders the means for controlling its operating cycle inoperative upon tilting of the tub or container beyond a predetermined. limit but which is adapted to be reset when thev lid or cover for said device is moved into its open position to render such control means operative to continue said operating cycle when the lid or cover is again moved into its closed position. v

-rI'he present invention further contemplates a control mechanism adapted for use with control means of an automatically operated device of the v'type hereinabove set forth which brings alloperating parts thereof to rest and/or renders the same inoperative when the lid or cover is opened, or the control means and operating mechanisms for the device are brought to rest and/or rendered inoperative by excessive tilting of the tub or container while the lid or cover is `in a closed position, thus preventing injury to the operator or damage to the device at all times during the operating cycle thereof.

The present invention also comprehends a novel control mechanism adapted for use in connection with control means which includes timer means for automatically controlling the cyclic operation of a washing machine or the like, such timer means being operatively associated with the control mechanism whereby the timer means is rendered inoperative when the tub or container is tilted beyond a predetermined amount, but which is rendered operative to continue Said cyclic operation upon movement of they lid or cover into its open position to reset said control mechanism and the lid or cover is again moved into its closed position.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention, `as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby. f

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical cross-sectional view of a washing machine embodying control mechanism made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in f vertical cross-section of the cover assembly for the washing machine disclosed in Figure 1 of the drawings, disclosing more in detail the controlv ofthe drawings showing the imbalance switchv in its tripped position;

Figure 6 is anenlarged fragmentary view in' vertical cross-Section of the cover assembly showing the position of the unbalance switch when y the cover is in an open position;

Figure 'l is an enlarged ltop plan view control mechanism; and

Figure t is a diagrammatic,*disclosureof con# trol means for the washing machine which eniof the bodies the control mechanism more particularly shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings.

Referring now more in detail to the drawings, a combined washing and drying machine embodying a control mechanism made in accordance with the present invention is shown as comprising an outer cabinet 2, mounted upon a base structure 4 for completely enclosing the operating parts of the machine. The base 4 provides a support for an outer tub 6, a support for an inner rotatable tub 8 having anagitatoror Washing device I8 mounted therein, as well as a support for mechanism, generally referred to as I2, for operating the said agitator'or washing device I and for rotating the tub 8 in a washing cycle, as will be hereinafter more fully disclosed. The washing machine is further characterized as including a control mechanism, generally referred to as I4, for automatically controlling certain operations in the washing cycle.

The cabinet 2 has its main bodyportion formed with side, front and back panels to provide a substantially rectangular unitary structure, although'any desired shape may be used for enclosing the various parts of the washing machine. The said panels are formed with inturned anges I6 at the upper edges thereof adapted tofmate with and be secured to similar flanges I8 of the cover or top panel 28 which is formed with an opening, defined by the downwardly and inwardly extending ange 22, normally closed by the lid 24. The front panel of the cabinet is cut out to form the toe space 26 dened by the nishing strip 28 having a contour conforming substantially to that of the front panel and being secured to the base structure 4 asby means of the ball studs 3D, or the like.

The top. cover or panel 20 is formed with two openings adjacent the front corners thereof, each of which is'adapted to receive a control shaft extending upwardly therethrough which has a control knob, such as 32, mounted thereon adapted to be grasped by the operator for rotating the control shaft. One of the control shafts is adapted to be adjusted for controlling a thermostatically operated mixing valve 34 and the other of the control shafts is adapted to be manipulated by the operator for positioning a plurality of cams driven by a timer motor 36 for automatically controlling the washing cycle, as shown dlagrammatically in Figure 8 of the drawings.

The front panel of the cabinet 2 is formed with an opening in which is mounted a panel. 38 of translucent material such as Lucite, in or on which a trade-name or the like may .be impressed or otherwise embodied therein. The trade-name or the like is made more readily readable by means of apilot light 40 mounted in the cabinet to the rear of the front panel and incorporated in the control circuit, as shown in Figure of the drawings.

The base structure 4 is of rectangular formation and comprises horizontally disposed angle irons 42 having their ends secured together in any .desired manner, the said base structure having corner posts or pedestals, such as 44, adapted to provideI a support for the outer stationary tub 6 which is secured thereto. Adjacent each corner of the base structure there is provided an adjustable leg 46 adapted to maintain all four supporting points of the machine in contact with the floor and at the same time to .maintain the machine level. If desired, the said adjustable legs maybe provided with a projecting point adapted to penetrate the iloor or foundation to prevent the machine from moving or creeping from its operative position.

The outer tub 6 is formed with a side wall having its lower portion cylindrical in horizontal cross-section and its upper portion frusto-conical shaped. The upper portion terminates in an inwardly extending ilange 48 provided with an annular curved recess or groove adapted to receive a toroidal shaped sealing element 50 of resilient and compressible material, such as rubber or the like, which ts in the groove or recess and is compressed against the inner surface of the top or cover 28 to provide a fluid-tight joint therebetween to prevent water in the tub 6 from leaking into the chamber or compartment formed between the outer tub 6 and the cabinet 2 and into the lower part of the cabinet disposed below the outer tub 6. The outer tub is further formed with a bottom wall 52 sloping inwardly and downwardly from the side wall of the tub for the purpose of draining liquid falling to the bottomthereof into the conical shaped drain 54 depending from the bottom wall. This .bottom wall is further formed with a centrally disposed crowned portions having an opening 58 therein dened by an annular upstanding llange 68 which terminates in an outwardly extending peripheral portion 62 providing a, shoulder for the sealing element 64. The tub 6 is further formed with an offset portion 66 which extends upwardly into the tub to provide clearance for a motor B8 which operates the washing machine.

The innertub 8 is formed in two sections or parts, the outer part having an imperforate side wall l0 and an imperforate bottom wall l2 formed with a central hub 14 in which a vertically disposed shaft 16 is journaled. This shaft extends above the hubA portion 14 and is splined, as at 18, to the hub 'I8 of the agitator I0 which is mounted thereon. A sealing device, generally referred to as `8D, embraces the Lipper end of the shaft 16 andthe hub 14 and provides a iiuid-tight joint between the shaft and the interior of the tub 8.

The inner part or section of the tub 8 is in the form of a basket 82 which has its lower portion perforated and disposed in substantially parallel relation to the sideV and bottom walls 10 and 'l2 of the outer imperforate part of the tub 8. The inner basket is rigidly `secured to the side wall l0 by; means of a plurality of screws 84 and is held in spaced relation to the .outer imperforate wall v'lvof the tub -8 by means of the spacing washers 86, or the like, to provide a channel which allows heavy vdirt or the like to settle out below the basket so that when the .tub 8 is rotated such heavy dirt will be carried between the basket and the outer imperforate wall 10 of the tub over the top of the wall 10 without passing through the clothes contained within the basket 8D. The upper portion 88 of the basket 82 is imperforate and extends upwardly and inwardly and terminates in the rolled edge defining an opening 92 disposed in association with the opening in the cover or top panel 20 of the cabinet, whereby the operator is able to gain access to the interior of the rotatable tub 8 when the lid 24 is lifted. The upper portion 88 of the tub l.8, by virtue of its inward inclination, serves to restrictthe upward movement of clothes or other-.material contained within the tub 8 when the same is rotated during a drying operation. As will be more clearly apparent as the description proceeds, the upper vedge o1 the outer imperforate part of the Vtub 8 does not define the liquid level in the tub, but, on theother hand, such-level Vis controlled by control mechanism I4, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

The upper imperforate portion B8 of the basket has mounted thereon a hollow torcidal shaped tubular member t4 containing a body of fluid 96 or other mobile material having a relatively high specific gravity, which assembly serves as a balancing-ring for a purpose to be hereinaftei` more fully described. This balancing ring 94 is secured to the upper wall portion 88 by means of a plurality of clips or brackets 9S connected to the wall portion Sd by means of screws, bolts or the like' lill). As will be clearly apparent `from the drawings, the outside diameter of the balancin'gring 94 is less thanthe diameter of the inner'tub 3 in order to position the balancing ring so as not to be engage'd'by the tub 6 in the event of excessive wobblng or gyratory movew ment of' the inner tub which might otherwise cause damage thereto.

f Formed as a part of the bottom wall 12 of the inner receptacle. 8 is a gear housing |02 having a cover or closure Il!!! provided with a downwardly extending hub or hollow supporting member |05 which embraces and is rigidly secured. as by means of pins |98 Vor the like, to the upper e-n-dof-a hollow shaft ll which extends downl wardly through the opening 58 of the outer tub E. The hollow shaft Htl is mounted in a radial and thrust roller bearing H2, which in turn is mounted upon an arched supporting member lili through suitable supporting means, including the annular resilient bushing l It, whereby a flexible support is provided for the outer shaft H0 and permits tilting of the inner rotatablev basket li in 'a manner to be morefully disclosed hereinafter. The channel member H4 has its ends fixed to oppositely disposed angle members 42 vof the base structure 4. n

Leakage between the outer hollow shaft H43 and the outer tub 6 is prevented by means of the seal or boot 54 formed of resilient and flexible material, such as rubber or the like, which has its lower marginal edge engaged by the shoulder 62 and its upper edge in frictional engagement with the lower end of the supporting hub lilla. Adequate pressure' is applied to maintain this sealing relation between the seal 54 and the supporting hub Ill, which rotates with the tub B during a spinning operation, by means of a coil spring Ht having its upper end in engagement with the seal Se and its lower end in abutting relation with a damper assembly |2il.

Disposed within the hollow shaft Ill is an inner drive shaft |22 ,iournaled in the outer shaft by the upper and lower bearings |24 and |26, respectively, which align the inner shaft with respect to the hollow shaft and permitthe inner shaft to rotate relative thereto. Splined to the upper end of the inner shaft |22 is a drive pinion |28 which is fixed thereon and is supported upon the outer shaft Il@ and the hub |96 by means of the washer |3il, whereby the drive shaft Y :form of a segmental gear meshing with'a pinion i374 `mounteo`-| on the lower .end vrof the shaft 16.

The agitator |0, disposed within vthe tub 8,"is'" formed with a base or bodyportion |36 extending downwardlyA and outwardly from the hub 19 and has one'or more blades |38 which extendl upwardly and outwardly'from the base portion adapted to agitate the liquid within the tub 3 upon oscillation of the agitator for effecting` the washing operation. The agitator l0' is further provided with a central post or pedestal I4@ extending upwardly from the hub 19 which is formed with an inner chamber or compartment |42 which communicates with the interior lof the l tub 8 through one or more openings |44, EX-

tending inwardly frorn the central post or pedestal |48 and into the chamber or compartment M2 there are a plurality of vertically disposed ribs |46 adapted to position a float |48 disposed within said chamber |42 to permit sliding movement thereof axially of the chamber in-accordance with the liquid level within theinner tub 8 for operating the control mechanism i4, as.

will be hereinafter more fully described.

The drive shaft |22 is rotated for oscillating the agitator ii! and for rotating the inner tub 8 by means of the motor 58 mounted in any suitable manner upon the base structure 4. This motor is provided with a drive pulley |50 having a V-shaped peripheral groove for driving a belt engages and drives a pulley |60 of a centrifugalpump l t2 suitably mounted on the base 'structure 4 which has its intake connected to the drain 54- through the conduit i6! and whichis adapted to discharge liquid from the outer tub 6 to drain through the conduit M54. y

As previously described in a general Way, the material which is introduced into the-receptacle 8 is subjectedto a washing action through the action of the agitator Ill and is also subjected toA a centrifuging action whereby the same is spin dried upon rotation of the tub 8. In yorder to rapidly rotate the inner tub 8, suitable clutch mechanism isprovided for effecting a drivingv relation between .the inner shaft |22i andk the outer shaft ll. herein disclosed comprises 4an expanding type tapered spring clutch element embracing the shaft |22 and being disposed within the outery hollow shaft Hradjacent its lower end. Thelower end of the spring clutch element is connected to the inner shaft |22 whereby a driving vconnection is effected therebetween. The upper actuating end of the spring clutch element |66 is arranged to be engaged by aV key or projection l mounted for axial movement in the slot |63 provided in the outer shaft |||l and controlled by a clutch collar |10. The clutch collar |10 is in turn controlled by a bell-crank lever' |12 pivotecl to bracket |14 which is connected to brake shoe support |151` of brake mechanism, generally referred to as |18. During the period when' the agitator Ill is being operated, the `clutch collar |1 is held in an elevated position by means of the bell-crank lever |12, whereby `the .key orv `projection @t is disengagedirom. the upper operating end of the spring clutch element |66.' When the bell-crank lever |12 is tripped, the

clutch collar |10 moves downwardly under the action of gravity to position' the'key `|68 inthe.

Such clutch mechanism as,

aclare-e.

spring clutchY element. is expanded. to .frictionally engage` the inner* wall of the outer shaft ||0, at which: time; a driving connection isA eiected between the. shafts |22/and' ||0 to rapidly rotate the inner tub 8...

Aiwillbe' notedgthe damper mechanism |20 is provided. with a, hollowl sleeve |80 which surrounds :and embraces the outer shaft l l and has upper and' lower journal bearings |82 and |84 mounted coaxially with and journaled on the hollow shaft' |10` to, provi-de an annular space betweenthesleeve |80 and shaft ||0 within which the'- clutch collar |10 is axially movable. The hollow sleeve |80' of the damper mechanism is further-"provided with an upper and outwardly extending'spherical shaped wall |86, to the upper surface of which friction material |88 is connected in any suitable manner, which frictionally engages or mates with a complement-ary spherical surface formed on theunder side of the' central crowned portion 56T ofthe outer tub 6.

The brake shoesuppcrt |18 is mounted upon and' secured to the lower end' of the sleeve |80 of the damper mechanism |20 and is adapted to support a plurality of brake shoes, such as the one indicated at' |90, which are normally urged intoengagement with the brake drum |92 mounted upon and secured to the lower end of the outer-shaft H0, by means of a spring orv the like, whereby the outer shaft ||0 and the inner tubl 8 connected thereto maybe brought to rest quickly after a-spinning operation. During the time when lthe inner tub Bis rotated through the frictional spring clutch connection between the inner shaft |22 and the outer shaft I0, the brake shoesI` |90 are withdrawn from frictional engagementv with the brake drum |92 by means of an operating lever |94 which is controlled by a solenoid |96 incorporated in the control circuit shownV in=Figure A off-the drawings. Energization of the solenoid |96-moves the lever |94'to disengage the brake-shoesv |90 from. the drum |92 and simultaneously/trips' they bell crank lever |12 to permit the clutch collar |10 toA move downwardly under'the action of gravity whereby the key or projection |68 engages the end of the spring clutch member |66 to eiiecta driving connection between the inner and outershafts |22 and H0, respectively. When the solenoid |96 is deenergized, the control lever |94 permits the brake shoesY |90 to be spring pressed into frictional engagement with the brake drum |92and engages thefbell-crankl'ever |12 to move thevkey |68 out or' engagement with the spring clutch. member |66. The brake shoe support |16.is flexibly connected through suitablemeans to the base structure 4 to holdv the brake mechanism |18 against torsional movement when. the brake is applied, irrespective of the wobbling or gyratory movement ofthe tub 8 and its associated mechanisms when the same are rotated.

Inorder'tomaintain the friction material |88 in effective. cooperative. relation with the spher` ical under-surfaceA of' the bottom wall 52 of the outer tub 8. and to. reduce the amplitude or extent of horizontal movement of the inner tub 8; springs |98 are provided which have one end connected to the brake shoe support |16 and the, other end, connected to the bottom wall 52 of' the', oiiterf tub 6i through the brackets 200. While any. number of springs may be used,

nevertheless, the present illustrative embodi-y ment; contemplates... thef use ofA four springs, the

same being disposed 90 apart lto position the springs ofl each pair in. opposed relation tof-one, another. Inasmuch. as. each of these. springs,V

extends at anv angle tothe vertical axisl of the sleeve |80, a componentof the spring force is applied in aY vertical direction to the friction material |88. It will also be apparent that inasmuch as the springs are equally loaded and the springs of each pair are disposed in opposed relation to each other, the spring forces acting through the hollow sleeve |80A will tend toy re turn the tub 8 to its neutral or verticalposition where the spring forces are all equal and op-v posite should the tub 8 tend to moveaway from its normal vertical position. It is further apparent that the friction material |88y isv forced by the springs into: eiective frictional engage-y ment with the spherical under-surface of the bottom wall 52, of the outerv tub and that as the receptacle tends to move in a horizontal plane, a certain portion of the energy is absorbed by the friction material. This` friction material, therefore, tends to reduce the amplitude or extent of horizontal movement of the inner tub and absorbs some of the energy applied thereto when the said tub wobbles or moves laterally under eccentricv loadings in the" f tub during aspinning operation.

As will beapparent, the entire spinning struc-` ture and associated mechanisms are entirely supported on the resilient bushingv |6 and that when the inner tub Band its associatedmechanisms arey water and the material within the inner tub` and the resiliency of the springs |98. These springs |98 are for the purpose of keeping the spinning structure centered'. When the spinning structure passes through its critical speed of rotation there will be a tendency for the amplitude of the wobble or gyratory movement or the spinning structure to increase and this will be dampened out by the damper4 mecha-v nism |20. In addition tothe centering eilectedby the springs |98 and the action of'the damper mechanism |20; the balancing ring 94 which is mounted adjacent the top of the inner tub 8 iurther assists in preventing too great a shift 1n the center of gravity of the spinning structure. The balancing ring does not become et-y iective upon acceleration until after the critical s peed has been passed, but upon deceleration it is effective through the critical speed of rotation of the spinning structure. Abovethe critical speed, the spinning structure tends to rotate a new center of mass different from the geometrical center of the tub 8, depending upon the character ofthe unbalanced load in the tub. This shift in the center of rotation is toward the center of mass ofthe unbalanced load'which causes the luid in. the balancing ring to movel of the bottom wall 12 of the inner tub, thus providing an additional mass extending laterally of the normal vertical axis of the spinning structure and being spaced a suitable distance above the support point therefor so that such mass is exceedingly effective in correcting any tendency of the inner tub 8 and its contents to wobble or move laterally from its normal vertical position.

Washing fluid is delivered from the thermostatically controlled mixing valve 34 to a conduit which extends upwardly between cabinet 2 and the outer tub 0 and is connected at its upper end in any suitable manner to the inlet spout 202 which extends laterally through an opening in the upper part of the tub and ldischarges such washing fluid through the opening 92 into the inner tub 8. Y

The lid 24 for the cabinet is formed with a base section 204 and a cover section 206 to provide a chamber or compartment for a plurality of switch assemblies constituting a part of the control mechanism I4. Each of the sections 204 and 206 is formed with flanges, such as 200, atvthe marginal edges thereof which are adapted to be disposed in abutting relation to form a unitary lid structure. The top and bottom sections 200 and 204 are formed with inter-engaging lugs 2 i0 and 2|2, respectively, adjacent the rear edge thereof which are adapted to be brought into wedging relation with one another forholding the wall sections 206" and 204 of the lid together at this point when moved angularly with respect to one another into assembled relation. The top wall section 208 is formed adjacent the front thereof with a recess 2|4 adapted to receive a handle 2|S which can be gripped by the operator for swinging the lid into and out of its closed position. The

two wall sections 204 and 200 are held in assembled relation by means of screws 2|8, or the like, which extend through aligned openings provided in the wall sections and threadedly engage the handle 2|6 for securing the same within the recess 2 |4. It is apparent that the screws 2|0 mail7 be readily removed and the wall sections 204 and 206 moved apart for gaining access to the interior compartment formed by these wall sections for repairing, adjusting or replacing any of the switch control assemblies, or any part thereof, mounted therein. The base or lower wall section 204 is provided with apertures 220 and 222` through which certain elements of the control mechanism project for a purpose to be presently described.

The lid 24 is pivotally mounted with respect to the cover or top wall 20 of the cabinet by hinge means 224 constituted by hinge elements connected to the top wall 20 of the cabinet and the bottom wall section 204 of the lid.

As previously described, the float |48 is operated in accordance with the liquid level within the inner tub 8 for operating the control mechanism, generally referred to as I4, which has certain control elements mounted within the lid 24 of the washing machine. The float |48, upon the washing liquid attaining a predetermined height in the tub 8, is adapted to move a control button 226 which extends through the opening 222 in the base section 204 of the lid into the path of movement of the float |48. This control button is secured adjacent one end of a lever 220, which is pivoted at its other end, as at 230, in a bracket 232 secured, as at 234, to the base section 204. A bracket 230 is pivotally mounted on oppositely disposed pivot points, such as 238, on the bracket 232 and provides a support for two control switches 240 more clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawings.

As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, the button '220 is in its lowermost position, indicating that the inner tub 8 is empty or that the liquid is at such a level as to be ineffective to raise the float |40. Under such circumstances, the contacts 244 of switch 240 are bridged by the mercury contained in the switch whereas the contacts 246 are not bridged by the mercury in switch 242, which at that time is disposed at the lower end of the switch. However, upon introduction of a washing liquid into the inner tub 8 to `a predetermined level, the button 22el is engaged by the float |48 and is raised into engaging relation with the switch bracket 230 causing the said bracket to pivot about its pivot points 238 into the Iposition as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, whereby the mercury within the switch 240 is moved to the end opposite the contacts 244 to render the switch inoperative and the mercury within the switch 242 is moved to bridge the contacts 246 thereof and to render said switch operative. The results accomplished by angularly disposing the switches 240 and 242 with respect to each other and the operation of the switch in the control circuit,.as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, will be'more fully described hereinafter. i

Mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot pin 230 and extending downwardly through the opening 220 in the base section 204 of the lid in opposed relation to the center post |40, is a safety shut-off lever 248 having a latch 250. Mounted for pivotal movement about oppositely. disposedy pivot points provided on the bracket 232, as at 254, is a bracket 250 on which is mounted a safety shut-off switch 258 of the mercury type, held in operative position by means of the inturned end 252 of the latch 250 which engages the shoulder 260 of the bracket 250. The switch 258 is eccentrically mounted with respect to the pivots 254 so that gravity always tends to rotate the switch about the pivots in a, downwardly direction and, as will be hereinafter more fully described, is included in the main line circuit and when moved to inoperative position renders the entire electric circuit inoperative to stop the washing machine. The inter-engagement ofthe inturned end 202 and shoulder 200 is normally maintained by a coil spring 262 connected at oneend to the 1atch.250

vand atrits other end to the post 204 extending upwardly from the base section 204 of the lid- The lever 24S extends downwardly below the base section 204 of the lid in opposite and spaced relation to the center post |40 so that when the tub 8 wobbles or gyrates an excessive distance laterally from its normal vertical position due to an unbalanced load condition within the tub 8 during the rotation thereof, the center post |40 engages the lever 24B to move the latch 250 against the action of spring 202,v which releases the bracket 255 for downward movement by gravity about the pivot points 254 which renders the switch inoperative, thus breaking the main electric circuit and stopping the entire machine. The switch'258 has its contacts disposed at the end thereof farthest away from the pivot point 224 for mera-,76e

"thelid so that the switchiislinoperative when .the lid is fraisedthus deenergizing the ventire circuit 'and making itlimpossible'for theloperator to'operfate the washing machine until the vlid is again closed. This arrangement provides a safety device which eliminatesany possibilities of `injuring `the 4'operator during 'the washing cycle, particu- Jlarlywwhen the inner tub v8 is rotated at a high `rate of speed. The switch `258 is pivoted in such fa. manner lthat when the lid is raised, thebra'cket r256`w'ill automaticallyswing backinto a reset position whereby the inturned end 252 'of thelatch '256 engages .theshoulder 266 of the Abracket 256 so that when the lidis again closed, the mercury .forthe switch-*2 58 bridgesthe contacts thereof and vthe switchis againin :position to act as a `safety runbalancefshut-oi switch should gyratorymovement of theJinner-tub become'excessivedue.to unbalanced loadings. In the event vthat .the latch .256 is tripped due to such .unbalanced loadings, allithe-'operator has to do is t0 open the lid, which automatically resets the safety switch 259. .The `'operatorthen may'redistribute the-'material within the tub 8 which caused the unbalanced load condition, after which the lid maybe Amovedtinto its closed position. Upon closing of the lid the main line circuit is again completed and the machine then continues to operate in its normal cycleof operation.

In order to automatically operate the machine -hereinabove described, thereis provided a `control means including a timer motor capable of rotating -a plurality of cams for actuating switch means yin a predetermined 'sequence tofcause the apparatus to perform its various functions. A control circuit for causing the washing machine to operate automatically is disclosed in Figure 8 .of the drawings, the same including a switch 266 which may be mounted vin the controldevice for the circuit and which controls the main vcircuits L1 and L2. The main circuit includes the timer motor v36, the main driving motor 68, the mixing valve 34, the brake solenoid 196, the float switches 246 and 242, the unbalanced switch 258 and the Ypilot light vlll'l. The `pilot light 46 `is directly connected across the lines L1 and L2 and is lighted 'when the line switch 268.is closedexcept'when the unbalanced switch 258 lis rendered inoperative either lbecause of the lid 24 being in open position or 'because 'ci the disengagement'of latch 250 from the shoulder 266 'as a result of excessive unbalance or eccentric loads in the receptacle 8 which has caused the center post |46 to engage the lever VV248. As will be noted, the unbalanced switch 258 is incorporated in the main line L1. `Other .pieces of control mechanism are connected directly to one side of the line through contacts Voperated by a plurality of #cams 268, i216, 212 and 214 which are driven in one direction only by the :timer motor 36.

The sequence of operation includes a period -during which liquid is introduced into tub 8, .a washing period, a spin `period during which 'a ush rinse is applied for a short interval of time to -remove soapy water from the clothing and tub, an agitate rinse ,'period, a spin period for spin drying the clothes or material within .the tub 8 and a reset or inactive period. As -previously described, switches v246, 242 and 258 a'redisposed within the .lid 24. Whenthe tub 8 is empty and the lid 24 is closed, the switch 246 is in its closed position whereas rthe switch 242 is in its open position. The unbalance '1switch258 is 'also in its closedposition. "At this time the brake sciencid |36 is deenergizedj the brake shoes |96 are in frictionalfzengagement with the drum` I 92'whereby the outer :shaft Il6 and the tub 8 arevheld stationarymWhen the lineswitch 266 is closed -and the knob -32 Vof the control device is moved to initiate -a washing cycle, a circuit is completed whereby .water from the mixing valve 34 is introduced through the .nozzle 262 intothetub 8. Themixing valve -34 is constructedto introduce "either warm,hot lor medium hot lWater'into the receptacle. illhe control circuithowever, is arranged so fthatfor the. washing period only a selection may .be made by the operatoras to Whether warm,ihot or medium hot water is to'beintroducedyintothe tub-8. The circuitsforthe introduction of-these wash Waters can be traced `throughmain -line L1., conductor 216, 'contacts l244 of switch 246. 'conductor 218,'to one'of thecontacts 2B6-of=cam 214 (this-being common to both cams A212 :and 214), the other contact of vcam 214 .being iconnected through the conductor 282 to the movable contacts 284 and k286 Vof the switch for the mixing valve 34. VWhen it is desired to introduce mediumhot water intothe tub-8 kthe-control knob 32 of the control .device for the mixing valve 34 is moved to position the lcontacts284 and 286 in engagement with the ' contacts 288 and 296, respectively, 4as shownin Figure 8 of the drawings. Accordingly, the circuit yfor the introduction of medium hot kwater into tank -.8 is'completed through the :solenoids 292 andf294 of the warm and hot water valves, -respectivehn and thence through -the conductor 296 to the main line L2. In the event that it is desired to introduce hot-water into the itub48, the control knob 32 ofthe control deviceforthe mixing valve 34 is moved -to its hot ,position at rwhich time the circuit from'cam 214 is completed through the conductor 282, contacts 286 and v298, solenoid 294 ofthe hot water valve, and thence through conduit 296 to the mainline L2. vIn the :event that it isdesired to introduce'warm'water into the tub, the control :knob 32 of the'control device for the mixingvalve 34 is :moved -to its warm position, at which'time the :circuitlfrom ycam `214 is completed through conductor 282, contacts 284 and '362, vsolenoid 292, land thence through the conductor 298to the mainline L. Irrespective of thel positioning `of the knob 32, the vcontrol circuit during the flush and 'agitate rinse V periods is such that warm Iwater=only can be introduced into the tub 8. This circuit can be traced from the main line L1, conductor 216, contacts 244 of switch 240, conductor 218 4to contact 286 for the cam 212, the other contact for the cam 212 being connected through *lconductor 366 to the Vsolenoid 292 and thence -by Way of conductor 296 to the main line L2.

Water is introduced into the tub 8 -untilfsuch time as a predetermined liquid levelis'attained, at which time the -float |48 rises 'andrcontacts the control button 226 which moves the lever arm 228 about its ypivot point -236 Iand at the same time moves the Aswitch bracket 236 about its pivot points 238. This operation causes switch 242 to vbe `energized which immediately completes a circuit for starting the timer:motor 36 and the driving motor 68. This circuit' may be traced through the main line L1, conductor 364, contacts 246, conductor 366, conductor 368, Yconductor 3|6 to the field winding for the timer 'motor l36 and thence through the -conductors 3Ir2 and 314 to the main vline L2. The circuit for the 'driving motor -68 lis also completed 13 through the switch 242 in the samemanner as the circuit for the timer motor, the conductor 308 being connected by conductor 3io to the field winding for the motor 68 and thence through the conductors BIS and 3 i4 to the main line L2. Energization of these motor circuits starts the timer motor to operate whereby the cams rotated thereby take over control of the sequential operation of the machine. The driving vmotor B8 operates the driving mechanism heretofore described for oscillating the agitator l0, it being understood that at this time the tub 8 and the outer shaft HU is maintained stationary by the brake shoes as previously described.

Preferably, the switches 24d and 242 inthe circuits heretofore described are angularly orfset with respect to each other and the volume f mobile conducting fluid contained in the casings therefor is such that the motor circuits through the switch 242 are energized prior t0 the time when the level of the washing liquid within the tub ii has attained a predetermined height found ldesirable for the washing opera'- tion, so that `agitation of the clothes or other materials within the tub is initiated prior to the time when the mixing valve 32 is closed. It will be appa-rent that because of the relative angular disposition of the switches 22S and 242 and the volume oi mobile conducting inaterial for the switches that a short time after agitation is effected. switch 22d is cie-energized which shuts oi the ow of liquid into tub 8 independently of the operation of thetimer motor 315i.

Asthe timer motor continues to operate, the

camsZi, 212 and 222 are progressively moved' to initiate a spin period during which time liquid is introduced into the tub 8 for a short period'of time for ilush rinsing the clothes or materials' contained therein. At the end of the washing period, motor circuits through the contacts for cam 212 are completed for spinning the tub t, these circuits being entirely independent of the switches 24@ and 2132. The circuit for the timer motor may be traced from the main line L2 through conduct-ors 351ikand M2 to the field winding for the timer motor 25, thence through conductors did and iii to one of the contacts for the control cam 2id and thence through the other contact therefor and conductors 32d .and 322 to the main line L1, thus completing a circuit whereby the timer motor continues to operate and to move its cams through their cycle oi operation. The circuit for the drive motor 68' can be traced from the main line L2, conductors Sie and Stil, through the eld winding for the'motor et, conductors 316 and S to one contact of the control'cam 21d and thence from the other contact for said control cam through conductors 32@ and 322 to the main line L1. f

A circuit is also completed at this time for energizing the solenoid l to operate lever [Si to release the brake shoes itil and to permit movement of the bell-crank lever H2 whereby the clutch collar |10 is moved downwardly under the action of gravity to effect an engagement of the key or projection |58 and the operating end of the clutch spring l. Thus the outer shaft lli) is operatively connected to the inner shaft 122 through the spring clutch element |66 whereby the tub 3 may be rapidly rotated for causing the washing liquid to be discharged from the clothes or material contained "14 therein. This circuitcan be traced from the main line L1 through conductor 322, through one ofk the contacts of the control cam 268,v

through the :other contact for the control cam. through conductor 32d to the winding for the solenoid 195 and thence from the said winding through conductor 325 to the main line L2.

IDuring this period of spin, c-am 212 is moved to complete a circuit whereby Warm water is introduced through the nozzle 262 into the tub E. This circuit may be traced from the-main line L1, conductor 216, contact-s 244 of switch 228 (which is in closed position when the tub 8 is empty), conductor 218 to one of the contacts of cam 212, the other contact for the cam 212 being connect-ed by conductor 300 to the solenoid 222 of valve 34 an-d thence through conductor 295 to the line L2, whereby the material and clothes are ush -rinsed during the spinning operation. n

Water overflowing from the tub 8 during the spinning operation is discharged into the outer tub 6 and flows through the discharge opening 5t and into the intake conduit for the pump 52. This pump, operated through the belt |52, -discharges the water extracted from the clothes or other material in the tub S through the conduit E64 to drain.

At the end of the spinning period hereinabove described, the circuit for the solenoid ISB is deenergized, thus allowing brake |18 to operate to hold the tub t stationary during the agitato rinse period and the timer and Idrive motors are also deenergized. When the spinning period is terminated, control cam 212 causes a circuit to be completed throughr switch 240 whereby warm rinse water is introduced into the vtub 8 while `the tub is at rest. The circuit for the introduction of warm rinse water is the same as the circuit for introducing rinse water during the spinning period. After a predetermined liquid level has been attained in the tub 8, the iioat i423 engages the button 226 to render the switch 2li@ inoperative and to actuate switch 242 to complete the circuit as was done during the washing cycle to 4oscillate the agitator Hl.

As the timer motor 36 continues to operate, the .operation of agitator lil is discontinued, at which time the brake solenoid |26 is again energized through the circuit previously described forreleasing the brake shoes i from th-e drum 192 and to again permit clutch element ISE to effect a driving connection between the inner shaft 122 and the outer shaft iid whereby the motor 62 rapidly spins the tub li for extracting the rinse water from the clothes or other materials contained in the tub 8. The control circuit for the motor 58 and timer motor 36 at this time are independent of either of the switches 24d or 242 and aretraced in t-he same manner as the circuit heretofore traced for the previous spin period.

At the end of the spin period, continued operation of ,thetimer motor moves the controlcams into their reset or inactive position, at which time the drive motor d8 and timer motor 36 are rendered inoperative and the brake solenoid IBG is deenerglzed whereby the brake shoes i90 engage the brake drum 92 to hold the tub 8 stationary and to recondition the entirecontrol cire cuit for a repetition of the cyclic operation as hereinabove described.

The unbalanced switch 258 is normally held in operative position by'means of latch 250 when the lid 24 is in closed position. This unbalanced frs *'swit'chlis cutinto the'main'linercircuit Ll-softhat vso long as fthe-switch is heldin its-closed posi- .tion :by 'the 'latch 1250, the =circuits hereinbefore described are sequentially completed for autofmaticallyloperating the machine. Under most :operating -conditions, the-clothes or other -`materials within the tub 8 are uniformly distributed Zto such .an extent .that no excessive llateral disi'placement of the Ltub takes place 'as the `same 'lis-brought'up to its spinningspeed. There are loccasions, however, `where #excessive eccentric floa'dingsoccur .in theltub which will l-cause undesirable lateraldisplacement di the -tub yasthe "'sarneisf caused to rotate during' a` spinning period. lIn that event, the center post A|`40=engages the lever l2143 to disengagelatch ffrom fthe shoul- Fder 2601wherebyfthe switch 258`willidrop=down "wardly by `gravity about fpivot points 251| thus causing' the switch fto open and to fdeenergize the entire control circuit. When this happensfthe circuit -"for the pilot light 45 is broken and rvthe panel T38 is no longer illuminated, thus -drawing to fthe attention o'i the operator the fact that 'the machine `is no Y'longer operating. YDeenergization lof ithe control circuit limmediately deenkergizes the 'brake 'solenoid 9E Iwhich "causes the `brake shoes |90 to immediatelyengage with the brake drum |92 to bring the tubftoa stop. 'The machine may be put back into operation again Amerely by the Aexpediency 'of "lifting the cover f2'4 'which causes the switch 258 to `pivot about `its-pivot points'254 soth'atthe latch '250 willengage the shoulder 260. When the lid 24is again closed the-switch258 completes the'contro'l cir- `cu'it and the-machine then continues inits cycle -Cif-operation.

'It is also to be noted that the unbalanced lswitch 258 also serves to prevent thel operator from 'contacting any moving parts 'of `the machine during its operation even though the lid is opened during the=washing cycle.

'In the operation vof the washing and drying machine according to the disclosure 4heretofore presented, fthe operator opens lthe lid 24 and places theclothes or other material to be washed into the tub v'8 and thenpours the `proper quantity 'of Idetergent into the said tub. The lid is closed-and the water temperature is selected by positioning vthe'water Vselector vknob of the control l-for the mining 'valve 34. 'If medium hot water is fdesired, 'the 'temperature selecting knob 'on the topeofthe machine isadjusted to'move 'contacts `128'4 fand-286 into engagement with contacts 1288 v`and 29|), respectively, as shown in Figure '5 fo'f the drawings. 'The timer control knob, also mounted on fthetop vor cover of the cabinet, maybe pulled outwardly to close the line lswitch -265 after 'which the same is Arotated `to a position corresponding to '-the'length of vtime desired for the -washing periodasshownby indicia on the knob. This/is thefonly'manualoperation that is required by the operator.

When 'the timer control .knob is turned, cam f2'i4 for the Itimer is 4turned vto a position whereby .water issuppliedby themixing valve '34 to the i V:shoes f 9 Glare: inf engagement withtherbrakefdrii'ni @|92 5to fhold 'the 'tub Sia-nd the outerfsh'aftlttl 'stationary and, :because :of the position fof :the

-1 operating lever I 94 fof the :brake mechanism, the

lbell--cranklever .W2 fholds .the .key or .projection 1|E8'out fof :engagement with ithe 'operating zend .of the springsclutch felem'ent |66. Accordingly, '.th'e motor l'68 operating `through `its :belt 2| 52 :rotates 4.pulley i |54 and through'the :constantttorque slip. clutch assembly `hereinb'efore described, rthe :inner shaft |22 fis frotated tofoscillate 'Itheagitaftor im through 'the oscillating fmechanis'm disposed within ."the casing fm2. iBecause 'of the particular construction for Sswitches 24,0 and :242 and their relative angular disposition, wateriwill continue tolbe introduced :into Lthereceptacle 8 `until a :predetermined :desired .liquid levelis 'atitained. .This .level :fis .determined by optimum :washing conditions within :the 'tub :8 fand allthough itlhas ibeen :pointed out'that=a lagtmay =exist 'b'etweenthe time when the switch :242:1is energized and switch 240 .is fdeenergized, :neverltheless, under certainvcircumstances it may be desirable 'to have Asuch energi'zation yand deenerigization of these Vswitches 'occur substantially simultaneously .which .would result in causlng agitation to take place in the tub I8 simultaneously with Vthe .discontinuance of :flow of4 liquid rirom the'mixing valve `34. `Under the conditions lof 'operationfassumed .in ythe 'illustrative i embodiment of ftheinvention, water'Will continue to iiow .fora short time into the tubS although :'a'g'ita- -tion for'washing has already-started:throughzthe operation: of :switch 242.

After the agitator has been operated to effect a `washing `operationiwithin'the tub 8 forfaipre- .determined length Tof time, :continued rotation fof the lcontrol .cams.2`68 and `2l!) completes circuits Sfor .spinning the vtub .for .a 4|'predetermined length'oftima Aduring which time water is `introduced through the mixing valve 34 -to flushrinse the 1 clothes 'or' material vcontained therein. One offsuchcircuits is controlled by lcam 2GB-andinlcludes A.the .solenoid |96, .as previously traced,

, .which energizes 'the same to release .the brake 'shoes i90 from drum |92 and Tat 'the :same time causes the lever .L94 to disengage the bell-crank `lever-|12 whereby'theicollar |70 dropstoipermit key |E81to engage with the operatingendof 'the spring clutch element |66. The other fof the .circuits isicontrolled .by'the cam 2"!0 :andi includes the motor .68. This circuit is independent of switches 240 and 242. .The motor-68, accordingly, continues to operate to vdrive'the outershaft'll from f the inner.y shaft |22 through the clutchelement "|66. .'Such'rotation oi'the outer'shaft 'HD causes thefentire tub assembly 4connected thereto lto'rotate while Lthe agitator l'is'maintain'ed stationary with respectlto'the'tub.

fDueto the `factthat the agitator and the v.tub 8 with the water vand 'material 'thereinhave relatively high inertia, the initial torque for load fof the driving motorlwill be very high. Because of this initialil'oai the operating 'mechanism 'herein vdisclosed embodies the constant torque slip clutch associatedwvithPthefpulley |54 which operates to permit `'the motor68 'to gradually bring the'tub up tolfull-operating speed withoutoverloading the motor. 'As the motor comes up to speed, 4vand the `speed of rotation-of the "tub 8 increases, fthe 'waterjtheren is forced up along the sidewall 110 'and is discharged over 'the upper `edgefof'the tublintothebo'ttom ofthe stationary tub 6 'wherethe same" is 'discharged through the outletNfto drain. l

17 The provision of maintaining water in the tub 8 during the rst part of the spin period is important because it tends to maintain the tub 8 in a balanced condition at this time. Thus, for example, if the material is not equally or uniformly distributed about the tub, as will be more common in the majority of cases, the tub, as it isv brought up to its operating speed of rotation, will move in a horizontal plane or wobble about its vertical axis and may, under certain conditions, be moved laterally to the extent where the same strikes the outer stationary tub 6 which may either cause damage thereto or prevent the tub 8 from accelerating to its normal operating speed of rotation. In other words, it would be very unlikely that the tub could be rotated through its critical speed. By maintaining the water within the tub 8, uneven distribution of the material becomes unimportant as the weight of the water will maintain the tub in a substantially perfect balance at this time. As the tub picks up speed it passes through a critical period of oscillation determined by the weight of the tub, the water and the material disposed therein, and

the resiliency of the springs |98. The 'support` ing springs |98 are for the purpose of .keeping the tub centered and when the tub passes through its critical speed,.there will be a tendency for the amplitude of the gyratory movement thereof to increase. Accordingly,v it is necessary to provide means for dampening out'such gyratory movement. This is effected by the stabilizing and damping assembly |20 mounted in association with the'hollow shaft ||0. As the spinning tub wobbles due to its out of balance confy dition, the hollow member` |80 will move with the hollow shaft thus causing the spherical surface provided on thefriction material |88 to be moved over the spherical under-surface of the center portion 56 of the tub 6. The contacting surfaces of the friction material |88 and the central portion 56 of the tub 6 being spherical, allow even and continuous contact between the same while the hollow member |80 is wobbling due to unbalanced loads in the tub 8.

In addition to the stabilizing effect of the damper mechanism |20 and the springs |98, the oscillating mechanism for the agitator has been located within the housing |02 associated with the bottom wall 'I2 ofthe tub 8 to provide a substantial mass located a considerable distance above the bearing support |2 whichzis utilized as a stabilizing mass to aid in the balancing of the tub and its contents'during the period when the same is rapidly rotated. In addition to the location of such a stabilizing mass at an effective dis tance from the support ||2, a still further bal'-V ancing device in the form of the hollow toroidal shaped member 94 is provided and rigidly fas'- tened to the tub 8 adjacent the top thereof. This balancing ring is partially filled with a heavy liquid and, if so desired, by steel wool or the like for damping the flow of liquid therein. The balancing ring is placed near the top of the tub 8 so that it will be most effective for each unit of center .of massl of thev unbalanced load which causes the uid in' the hollow toroidal shaped member t0 move in the opposite direction, thereby tending to' compensate for this unbalanced load condition. Due to the fact that under normal conditions there is water within the inner tub when the same starts to spin, this mass of water restricts the degree of wobble which might be caused by an unequal distribution of material. Byr properly selecting the springs |88 and the amount of friction created between the surfaces of the friction material |88 and the surfaceof the center portion 56 ofthe stationary tub 6, as well as the mass of the tub 8 and the oscillating mechanism within the housingy |02, the critical speed isk held low enough so vthat there is still a large quantity of Waterwithin the tub 8 as it passes through its critical speed of rotation. This acts i,

as a means for balancingthe unbalanced load up to and through the critical speed of rotation of the tub, Yafter kwhich.the-balancing ring becomesl effective to maintain the tub in its normally vertical'position. The critical speed is low enough so thatwhen the tub reaches such speed,.very little water in the tub has been thrown out of the same and as the tub is rotated past its critical speed, water is then finally thrown out of the tub and out of the material contained therein but atv these speeds the balancing ring has taken over and once the balancing ring is activated above critical speed, it will tend to maintain the tub inA substantially its vertical position asfthe same deceleratesthrough and below its critical speed of rotation.

The lever 248 is so positioned with respect to the center support that the same will be engaged thereby to break the'main line circuit so that the tub will come to rest should the tub Wobble or gyrate laterally due to unbalanced loads beyond a predetermined safe limit.' This prevents such lateral displacement of the tub Sas would cause damage thereto or prevent the same from being -accelerated through its critical speed of rotation. If the tubis broughtr to rest under such conditions, the operator needonly, to open lid 24 to automatically reset the switch 258, redistribute the material within the tub 8 and again close the lid, at which time the machine will continue in its cycle of operation. f, v 4

During the spinning operation hereinabove described, warm water is introduced into the tub 8 through the mixing valveV 34 to flushrinse @he clothes therein,A the' circuit for the operation of the mixing valve 34 being completed through thev switch 240, as hereinbefore described.` It-fis at this time that fresh water is admitted to the ro-v tating tub to remove a relatively high percentage of the soap remaining inthe clothes after washing. This rinse Water is discharged over the up- Weight of liquid provided inside the ring. The

balancing device does not become eiective on acceleration of the tub 8 until after the critical speed has been passed, but upon deceleration iseffective through the critical speed of rotation. Above the critical speed the tub and its contents tend to rotate about a new center of gravity which is different from the geometrical center of the tub depending upon the ,unbalanced load therein. This shift in the center of rotation is toward the per edge of the tub 8 into the tub 8 and then to drain by means of the pump |62.

At the termination of the spinning period, cam I' 268 causes deenergization of the solenoid circuit whereby the clutch element |86 is rendered inoperative and brake shoes are set to bringthe tub 8 to a stop. The inner shaft |22 is then free to be rotated independently of theA outer shaft |0.

Simultaneously with thel above operationf,`

warm water is introduced into, the tub 8 from the mixing valve 34. vWater for this rinsing opera-y tion is introduced into the tub 8 until the iioat |48 is actuated to render switchv240 inoperative and to actuate switch 242. Actuation of switch 242 energizes the circuit, as previously de- 19 .1. scribed, to operate timer motor.. 36and. .drive motor 68 and to' causethe agitator I0 to be oscil-' lated. whereby the clothes or .other materials, within-the tub 8 are thoroughly agitated. for aY briefY period of time. Continued operationl of 5 the -timer motor 36 positions cams 268 and2'10 i to complete circuits includingthe solenoid |96 and the. motor 68 independently Vof the switches 240 and 242, as hereinbefore described, whereby` the outer shaft I I0 driven by the inner shaftv '1221y 10 through the clutch element .IBS/and .thetub 8 are graduallybrought up to spinning speed to permit the materialswithin `the tub to be centrifuged until a largepor-tionof the moisture has beenre-f movedtherefrom. This completesthe Washing l5 cycleafter which the timer is moved into its reset or inactive position to deenergize the control circuit and -to bring the tub 8 to rest. The lidA 24 mayv then be raised. by -theoperator to remove clothescr other materials from thev tub 8. Dur- 20 ing thiscycle of operation the material which wasv placed in the` tub is subjected. to a washing operation-,a Vcentrifuging action to remove watery therefromy a flush rinseto remove soapy Water therefrom during rotation of the tub, a rinse followedbyfagitation, and -iinally a centrifuging ac-y tion to'remove a large percentageof Waterthere- 1n. .L While theillustrativeembodiment of'the invention.l has been .described in connection with a control circuit for` operating. .the washing .machine invia cycle ofroperation determined' by the control cams'of the timer motor, nevertheless, it will be clearly appreciated that it is possible `touse the control device for the timer motor in such a way laste manually. position'` the control cams for operating the various mechanisms incorporated in the-machine. Furthermore, if so desired, themachine can be very readily made to operate semiautomatically- While `wehave herein describedand upon th'e drawings -shown anA illustrative rembodiment of the inventionfit is to bevunderstood that .the in# vention, is not limited-thereto, but may comprehend otherconstructions,.arrangements of parts, details and 4eatureswithout departing v.from lthe spirit of :the invention. i

It is claimedz 1. In a device for centrifuging..material, they combination of acontaineradaptedto receive material thereinfmeanshfor rotating lsaid Ycontainer-rto-extract liquid from the material ccntainedtherein, Imeans `providing a support for" saidcontainer and to `accomn'iodate lateral move'- ment-thcreof during-rotatioma movable lidfor 55 said container, Acontrol lmeans renderedinoper-a'-,r e tive -upcnmovement-of said lid to open position whereby said rst named means isrendered inoperative to rotate said container, means operable`A whensaid-lid is in itsclosed position for-rendere @n ing said control meansinoperativeupon lateral movementof said-container beyond a predetermined-limit, and -meanseifective upon movement of said lid into its open'position forautomatically rendering-.said control means operativeto control said-meansfor .rotating said, container when l said lid is again moved-into its closed position. 1

2. In a device for centrifuging material, the' combination of a container adaptedtol'receive material therein, .means for. rotating said con- '70 tainer to extract liquid from the material `contained therein, means providing a support lfor said container and to accommodate lateral movement thereofduring rotation, a movablelid vfor said :containenmeans includingy a resettable de- V 20".1 vice renderedinoperative upon` movementof said lid to open posi-tion whereby. saidiirst'named means is rendered inoperative to rotate saidcontainer, means associated vwith said container'for operating saiddevce to. rendersa'id control means inoperative upon. lateral movement of vsaid. con-.f

tainer beyond a predetermined. limit, Vand means eiective upon movement 'of said lid into itsopen` position for.: resetting said device vto render saidv control means operative to control said means for x rotating lsaid container when said lidis again moved into its closed position'.v

3. In a Vdevice for centrifuging material, the combination vvof a containerada-pted lto receive material therein,wmeans for rotating said con-v tainer to, extract liquid from thel material containedtherein, ;means providing'a support for said container-'and to kaccommodate tilting movement thereofduring rotation, a movable lid for Y' said container,;circuit.means including a reset-fV table switch rendered inoperativeupon move-r mentof said-lid-toopen positionwhereby said rstnamedmeans isrendered inoperative to' ro' tatev said container, means associated with said container for operating said switch to Vrender said circuit means inoperative upon 'tilting of saidf container beyond a predeterminedY limit, and means effective upon movement of said lid into its open position for resetting said Vswitch to render said control means operative to control said means for rotating-said container. when saidlid means operable by said container When Asaidr lid is in its closed position forrendering Said control meansinoperative'upontilting of said container beyond a predetermined limit, and said control device havingfmeans effective upon movementof said lidinto its open position-.for automatically rendering.` said control means operative to control said meansforfrotatingsaid container when said lid is again moved into its closed position.

5.`}In:a device for centrifuging material,-the combinationof a container Aadapted to receive materiahtherein; means ior rotating said container to .extract liquid from the material contained .thereinymeans providing a support for said container and to accommodate lateralmovementthereofduring `rotation, a movable lid for said container, means including a resettable device carried, by. said vlid `and rendered inoperative upon movementv ofsaid lid; to open position whereby. said first namedmeansl is renderedin- `operative to rotate said i container, releasable means for' normally vpositioning said -resettable y device-for rendering said controlmeans operative :when said lid-is inits closed position,` and meansuoperated.y by saidcontainer for releasing saidzresettable .,devicerrto frender said control means inoperative upon lateral movement 4.of ysaid container beyond a predetermined limit, said releasable meansand devicefbeing operable upon movement Aof vsaidlidmnto,its vopen position wherebysaid resettable 'device :is held in `itsfnorfj .f

mal position for rendering said control means operativewhensaid lid is again moved into its:

closed position.

6. In ra device for centrifuging material, the' combination of a container .adapted to receive material therein, meansfor rotating saidl Container to extract liquid from thematerial contained therein, means providingr asupport for: 1

said container and to accommodate lateralmovement thereof during rotation, a movable lid for said container, circuit meansincluding a resettable switch carried by said lid and rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said'first named means is ren-f- `tainer beyond a predetermined limit, said switch and positioning means being Voperable upon movement of said lid into its lopen position whereby said switch is held in its normal position for` automatically rendering said control circuit operative when said lid is again moved into itsL v closed position.

'7. `In a device for centrifuging material, the combination of a containeradapted to receive material therein, means for rotating said container to extract liquid from the material contained therein, means providing a support for said container and to accommodate lateral movement thereof during rotation, a movable lid for said container, means including a control device carried by said lid and rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said first named means is rendered inoperative to rotate said container, said containerl having a center post, said control device having means carried by said lid disposed in opposed relation to said center post when said lid is in its closed position and being engageable by said centerpost for rendering said control means inoperative uponlateral movement of said container beyond a predetermined limit, and said control-device having means effective upon movement of said lid into its open position for automatically rendering said control means operative to control' said means for rotating said container when said lid is again moved into its closed position.

8. In a device for centrifuging material, the

combination of a container adapted to receive material therein, means for rotating said container to extract liquid from the material contained therein, means providing a support for said container and to accommodate tilting movement thereof4 during rotation, a movable lid for said container, means including a resettable devicecarried by said lid and rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said rst named means is vrendered inoperative to rotate said container, said container ment of said lid into its open position whereby said resettable device is held in its normal position for rendering said control means operative again moved into its closed when said lid is position.

9. In a device `for centriiuging material, th l combination of a container adapted to receive material therein, means for rotating said container to extract liquid from the material contained therein, means providing a support for said container and to accommodate tilting movement-thereof during rotation, a movable lid for said container, circuit means includinga resettable switch carried by said lid rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open posi'- tion whereby said first named means is rendered f inoperative to rotate said container, said container having a center post, releasable means for normally positioning said resettable switch for.` rendering said circuit means operative whenl said lid is in its closed position, said releasable means being carried by said lid and depending there-. from in opposed relation vto said. center post and being engageable thereby to render said circuit means inoperative upon tilting of said container beyond a predetermined limit, said switch and positioning means being operable upon move-J ment'of said lid into its open position whereby said switch is held in its normal position for auto-` matically rendering said control circuit operative when saidy lid is again moved into its closedy position.

10. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and material to be washed. therein, means providing` a support for said tub and to accommodate tilting movement thereof, means for efecting a washing operation within said tub and for rotating said tub' to extract liquid from the material contained therein, f

a movable lid for said tub, control means rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said second named means is. rendered inoperative to rotate said tub, and

means operable when said lid is in its closed position for rendering said control means inoperative upon tilting of said tub beyond a predetermined limit during rotation thereof, said last` named means being resettable upon movement of said -lid into its open position for rendering said conf thereof, means for effecting a washing operation a movable lid for said tub, control means rendered inoperative upon'movement of said lid to openposition whereby said second named means is rendered inoperative to rotate said tub, and means operated by said center support when said lid is in its closed position for rendering said control means inoperative upon lateral movement of said tub beyond a predetermined limit during rotation thereof, said last named means being resettable upon movement of said lid into its open position for automatically rendering said control means operative to control said means for rotating saidv tub when said lid is again moved into its closed position. I

12'. In a washing machine, the combination of thereof, means for eecting a washing operation-v.

within said tub and forrotating said tub 'to extract liquid from the material contained therein;v a movable lid for said tub, means including ,a .y timer for controlling a washingcycle including;

the operation of saidsecond-.namedmeans to effect a washing operation and for-rotating-:saidf tub, said last named means including meansf'for:V

rendering said control'means inoperative upon movement of said lid toopen position whereby:-l

said second namedmeansis rendered. inopera-V4 tive to rotate said tub, a float carriedv by 1said;; center support and operatedby the liquidin-saidn tub,zmeans operated byisaidiioat whenl a pre:y determined liquid level has been reached in saidr.

tub 'for initiating operation ofsaid timer,:;and

means'operated by said centersupport when saidl lid is in its closed position for renderingsaid; timer inoperative upon tilting of said tub beyond 1: a predetermined limit during rotation thereof, f

said last named means being resettableiupon;

movement of said lid into its open position fo:y

automatically rendering said timer :operative toi` controlsaid means for rotatingsaid tub when.; said lid is again moved into its closed :position.

13. vIn a washing machine, the combination of' a tub adapted to receive liquid and materiahto be washed therein, a center support disposed within said tub, meanszproviding a supportfor said tub and to accommodate ytiltingmovement thereof, means for effecting a washing opera- -L tion within said tub and for rotating said tub, to

extract liquid from the material contained there` in, a movable lid for said tub, an electrical cir.-.v cuit for controllingthe operation `offsaidse'cf. ond named means, said'circuit including a switch movably mounted on said'lid rendered inopera.

tive upon movement of said lid to openposition whereby said second named means .is rendered.; inoperative to rotate said tub,l and meansfori positioning said switch to render saidcircuit op-m erative when said lid is in its closed position: and ybeing engageablegby said centergsupportyA upon tilting of said tubbeyond a predetermined;` limit during rotation thereof for vreleasing said',r

switch to render said circuit inoperativeysaid switch being reset by said positioningpmeansx upon movement of said lid into'its openposition 1 to .render said circuit operative toxcontrol said means for rotating said tub whenfsaidglid is again moved into its closed position;

14. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid .and'material to.

bewashed therein, a washing device'having a center support disposed within said tub, means providing a support forxsaid tub;and:to accommodate lateral movement thereof; j means for operating said washing device toeiect a washing operation within said tub and for rotating@ said tub to extract liquid from-the material contained therein, a movable lid -for saidytubsan' electrical circuit for controlling*thedoperation of said second/named means, saidcircuit; including a switch movably mounted on saidflidrendered inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said second named; means :is

rendered inoperative to rotate-said ;tub, an drr means for positioning said switchztorendersaid circuit operative when said lid: is inaits closedr.' position and being engageable by; said center,`

supportupon lateral movement 'of4 said tub be* yorrd` fa ;predetermined` limit i. during.; grot-ation .1 thereof for Ireleasing said 2 switch "to Vren-der fsaid circuit inoperative, said switch being'reset abysaid positioning means .upon movement of said; lid into its open. position'fto f automatically render --1 said: circuitxoperative to control: said Ameans yfoi-1 rotating said tub when E.said lid is again movedfzrv intoitsclosedfposition."l l

l5. :In a washing: machine, the combinationzof i a tub adapted:toareceiverliquid and material toa be 'washed therein; a washingxdeviceV havingr a fg. center=supportdisposed within said tub,vmeans providing-a support forsaid tuband to accommodate Vtilting.; movement z thereof, means for operating said washingdevicefto effectza wash-:

ing operation Within vsaid /tuband for rotating said tub :to extract liquid from-thev material con-: tained therein, a movable, lid for said tub, means including a timer for controlling a washing cycle including :the operation1 of -said secondwnamedfy meansnto `effect a washing operation and forroy tating'said tub, said last named v means including` means forrendering said controlmeans inopera` tive uponmovement' of said lid to-open positionwherebysaid second named means is rendered inoperative to-rotate Said tub, -a floatcarried bywf said center'supportI andoperated by theliquid invsaid tub, means carried by said lid'and operated by said -float whena predetermined liquid level has been reached-insaidtub for initiating;

operation of said timer; and means'carried by; said lid and operated by said center support when;Y said lid is in itsvclosed-v position -for'renderingfvv4 said-timer-inoperative uponftilting of saidftub;`

beyond a predetermined -limitduring rotation;

thereof, said last named means ybeingresettalzsle upon movement -of saidlid into its open'posiftion for automatically rendering said --timerf operative to control said-means for rotating said tub when said lidfis againvmoved into-its closed position.

16.- -In a washing machine, the combination of a tubvadapted` to receiveliquid and material-.to a be washed therein, a vcenter support disposedI ywithin said tub, meansproviding a support for said tub and to accommodate lateral y movement thereof, means for eifecting a washing operation Within said tub and for rotating said tub toex tract liquid from the material vcontained-therein,-

3a movable'lid -for said tubfmeans including a timenfor controlling a washing cycle including the operation of saidfsecond' named-means to",v effect a washing operation and for rotatingsaid tub,-s aid last namedfmeans lincluding means `for rendering saidcontrol means inoperativeupon'.`

movement of said lid'to open positionwherebwY said second named means is renderedinoperaf: tive -to/rotate' saidxtub,a floatl carriedwby--vsaidY centersupport-and operated by-.gthe liquid inf said tub, means operated bysaidsfloat when a predetermined lliquid-levelhas been: reached in-r' saidtub for initiating operation of vsaid timer. meansl operated vvbywsaid center'. support when`4 said Vlid is in-v its-closed position forrenderingx `.said -timer inoperative Aupon lateral: movementYY of said tub beyond a predetermined;limitxduring'.; rotation thereof, said -last namedmeansnbeing resettable .upon movement ofsaid ,lidrinto rits:r open positionfor rendering said. timer: operative; A to control said meansv for rotatingfsaid'tub Whenif.; thelid is again moved-into its closed' position; and brake meansrendered operative' to;stop` ro' tation-of said Vtubfwhensaid timerfis inoperative.:

17. Inl a washingrmachine; the combination'o;` a tub.- adapted. to receive liquid' and'. materialcto:

cludinga movable control member carriedV by said lid' rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid vto open position whereby said second namedl means is rendered" inoperative to' rotate lsaid tub, and latch means releasablygholding said control vmember in position to render 'said vcontrol means operativewhe'n said lid is in its -closedfposition and being operable upontilting of `said tub beyond a predetermined limit during y rotation thereof to ,releasesaid control member to render said control means inoperative, "said latch means being operable to automatically reset said control member upon movement of said lid into its open position to render said control means operative for rotating said tub when said lid is again moved into its closed position.

18. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and material to be washed therein, means providing a support for said tub and to accommodate tilting movement thereof, means for effecting a washing operation within said tub and for rotating said tub to extract liquid froml the material contained therein, a movable lid for said tub, electrical means for controlling the operation of said second named means including a switch pivotally mounted in an unbalanced condition for free movement into a position to render said electrical means inoperative, said switch rendering said electrical means inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said second named means is rendered inoperative tol rotate said tub, and latch means releasably holding said switch in position to render said electrical means operative when said lid is in its closed position and being operable upon tilting of said tub beyond a predetermined limit during rotation thereof to release said switch for movement thereof into a position to render said electrical means inoperative, said latch means being operable to reset said switch upon movement of said lid into its open position to automatically render said electrical means operative for rotating said tub when said lid is again moved into its closed position.

19. In a washing machine, the combination of a vertically mounted rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and material to be washed therein, a lower support for said tub, driving means for effecting a washing operation within said tub and for rotating said tub to extract liquid from the material contained therein, a stationaryk casing surrounding said tub, a movable lid for said tub pivoted to said casing, control means for controlling the operation of said drive means in a timed sequence, said control means including a switch rendered inoperative upon'movement of said lid to open position whereby said drive means is rendered inoperative to rotate said tub, and reset mechanism for normally holding said switch closed when said lid is in its closed position but operable upon excessive unbalanced loading of said tub during rotation thereof to open said switch to render said control means inactive, said reset mechanism and switch being returned to normal locking relation uponv movement of said lid into its open position to render to unbalanced'loading of the material-in said 20. In a-washing machine, thecombin'ation of "a tub adapted to receive liquid and material to be'washedtherein, a lower support forsaid'tub to accommodate tilting movement thereof due i tub, driving means for affecting a washing operation `within 'said tub and for rotating said tub 'to extract lliquid from the material contained therein, a -movable lidffor saidtub, control'means for controlling the operation of said I driving means, said control means including a switch rendered inoperative upon movement of said lid ,to'vopen position whereby said drive means is,

rendered inoperative to rotate said tub, and reset mechanism for normally holding said switch closed when said lid is in its closed position but operable upon excessive unbalanced loading of said tub during rotation thereof. tov open said switch to render said control means inactive, said reset mechanism and switch being returned to normal locking relation upon movement of said lid into its open position to render said control means operative when said lid is again moved into its closed position.

21. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and material to bewashed therein, a single lower support for said ,tub to accommodate tilting movement thereof due to unbalanced loading of the material in said tub, drive means for affecting a washing operation within said tub and vfor rotating said tub to extract liquid from the material contained therein, a movable lid for said tub, electrical means for controlling the operation of said drive means including a switch pivotally mounted in an unbalanced condition for free movement into a position to render said electrical means inoperative, said switch rendering said electrical means inoperative upon movement of said lid to open position whereby said drive means is rendered inoperative to rotate said tub, and latch means for holding said switchl rin position to render said electrical means operative when said lid is in its closed position and being operated upon an unbalanced condition of said tub beyond a predetermined limit during rotation thereof to release said switch for movement thereof into a position to render said electrical means inoperative, said latch means being operable to reset said switch upon movement of said lid into its open position to render said electrical means operative for rotating said tub when Asaid lid is again moved into its closed position.

' 22. In a device for centrifuging material, the combination of a vertically mounted rotatable tub adapted to receive material and liquid to be extracted, a lower support for said tub, driving means for rotating said tub to extract liquid from the material contained therein, a stationary oasing surrounding said tub, a movable lidA for said tub pivoted to said casing, control means for controlling the operation of said drive means in a timed sequence, said control means including the switch carried by a bracket in said lid and v operative .when said`1idisginfits closed-position and an abutment f-. proj eatingv l. from :said: :latch means tand-being engaged -fby afsportion ofsaid Y y rotatable tubnpon 'an unbalanced ioadfcondition f f :l duringrotationthereof :to releasef-thef'latchfand permit said-switcnto movefby-'gravityfto a posi- Ation to deenergize' said drive meansffsadf latch means being operable to-.-re-engage-fsaid:bracket upon relative movement therebetween When-said lid is moved to itsopenposition' torenderfsaidv control .means foperative' 'forfrotatingffsaid tub when fsaid lid isgagain moved-intof its closed position.

" 'THOMAS R3 SMITH. *DUDLEY' P. COMIBS.`

'."UITED ST'IIESA PATVENTS 4

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