Patent GB-724988-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in machines for washing and spin-drying, and similar operations
IPC: D06F37/40
Filed: 1953-04-07
Abstract: 724,988. Washing and drying machines. MORY, O. April 7, 1953 [April 4, 1952], No. 9390/53. Class 138 (2). A washing machine comprising a container 6 and a stirring member 8 both rotatable about a vertical axis, wherein the changeover from the washing or similar stirring step to a spin drying step is effected by reversing the direction of rotation of the drive, is characterized in that upon reversal of the drive for spindrying, the container 6 is raised above the level of liquid in a stationary bath surrounding the container. The container 6 has vanes 7 and perforated side walls. The bottom of the container 6 has an annular member 1 1a with frustoconical faces adapted to co-operate with corresponding surfaces on a support 10 for the stirring member 8, and a stationary support 12. This support 12 is integral with a cylinder 3 containing a hollow piston 21 in the lower part of which is fixed a nut 24 having screw-threaded engagement with a threaded spindle 16. A clutch member 26 having upper and lower dogs 27, 28 is keyed to the spindle 16 which is driven by a reversible electric motor 13 through a belt and pulleys 14, 15, or by means of a chain. A plug 22 integral with the support 10 carries a dog 23, and a further dog 25 is carried by the nut 24. The clutch mechanism is lubricated by the washing liquid, and for this purpose one or more grooves 3a may be provided in the cylinder 3 and a passage 26a in the member 26. The liquid may pass between the spindle 16 and nut 24 or through an aperture in the latter. A second stirring device 30 with a driving member 31 may be mounted on a support 29. Operation. In the position shown in the drawing the clutch device is near the end of its downward movement, the container 6 resting on the support 12. As the spindle 16 continues rotating, the nut 24, piston 21, support 10 and stirring member 8 move downwardly to disengage the support 10 from the member 11a. The stirring member 8 is now free to be rotated through the dogs 23, 27 which are now in engagement, and the container 6 is stationary. When the washing operation is completed, the motor 13 is reversed and the spindle 16 now tends to make the nut 24 rise, together with the members 21, 22, 10 and 8. The dog 23 disengages from the dog 27 and the support 10 engages the member 11a so as to raise the container 6, until the dog 25 of nut 24 engages dog 28 of member 26. The container is then in the dotted line position and is rotated to spin dry the clothes, the liquid being collected in and drained from a gutter 5. The pulley 15 acts as a flywheel to continue the rotation of the spindle 16 when the motor is switched off, to prevent premature disengagement of the dogs 25, 28 and descent of the container 6. A brake may be provided to arrest the container in its upper position. Modifications.-The members 10, 11a and 12 may have part-spherical instead of partconical seatings. The dog clutches can be replaced by friction plates, or by male and female plugs and sockets. The support 12 for the container 6 may be located near the periphery of the container.