Patent GB-1105361-A (GB)
Title: Electric programme controller
IPC: H01H43/12
Filed: 1965-03-12
Abstract: 1,105,361. Time switches; electromagnetic switches; cam-operated switches. H. OBERGFELL, [trading as KIENINGER & OBERGFELL]. 12 March, 1965 [13 March, 1964], No. 10694/65. Heading H1N. [Also in Division D1] An electric programme controller for a washing machine comprises programme controller and selector switch assemblies formed as independent units and carried on a common support, each unit having an actuating spindle and these spindles being coaxial and each rotated manually by a knob. Programme controller A comprises a stepping magnet 2, a main programme control shaft 4 and a drive system 5 comprising a synchronous motor. When magnet 2 is energized, lever 12 is turned about its pivot to move pawl 14, which is biased into engagement with ratchet wheel 18 on shaft 4 so as to move shaft 4 step by step. Cam discs 30 carried on shaft 4 actuate lever 29 to operate contacts carried on insulating members 7, 31, 32, 33 and connected to various parts of the washing machine. Selector switch B comprises a spindle 19 with cam discs 20 retained by bars 21 and mounted in a frame comprising plates 23, 24 and pillars 25, (26), Fig. 4 (not shown). Cam discs 20 operate contacts 8 carried on insulating members 27, 28 through cam follower levers 29 carried on pillars 25, (26) and pins (38), Fig. 6 (not shown). The main switch 34 is secured with bridge piece 36, on the plate 3 mounted on the front of the frame and the actuating spindle 37 for the selector switch is held by bridge piece 36 and passes through switch 34. Spindle 37 which carries a control knob is coupled with spindle 19 and when rotated from its zero position actuates switch 34 as well as adjusting spindle 19 to select the programme. Spindle 19 is located in its various positions. A spindle 46 extends coaxially through spindles 37, 19 and is connected to shaft 4 being movable lengthwise and provided with an operating knob. Lengthwise movement of spindle 46 tilts a lever 49 to operate a switch 54 but as spindle 46 moves lengthwise its end 47 slides in slot 48 in shaft 4 so that the latter does not move lengthwise. Switch 54 switches on the controller A and energizes magnet 2 to move shaft 4 one step to close a contact which starts the programme and remains closed until shaft 4 has completed one revolution. The programme can be repeated by moving spindle 46 lengthwise and rotating it or repeated pressing thereof can eliminate steps of a programme when required. Connectors 8 mounted on insulating member 7 are connected inside member 7 with contact members 62 and have extensions 63 which may be connected. Contacts 65 with extensions 65a, 66 are secured to insulating plate 64 rigidly connected to member 7 and are integral with connectors 67. The ends 66 of contacts 65 may be connected. A tappet 73 is mounted in the centre of member 7, one end being protected against being accidentally touched by extensions 74 of member 7 and the other end 75 being controlled by a lever 29. A disc 76 on tappet 73 is biased by spring 77 which urges the contacts 79 on the ends of a bridge 78 against contacts 80 on parts 65. Contacts 79 are lifted by lever 29 to engage the contacts on parts 62. The stepping on of shaft 4 is caused by pulses fed to magnet 2 by a system comprising a synchronous motor rotating continuously and driving a shaft 99 carrying a pinion 98 driving a toothed disc 97 integral with a disc 93 having edge cams engaging one of the levers 29. Discs 94, 95 associated with disc 93 control the reversing of the motor and the low-speed reversing of the washing machine drive. The quick make and break switch for energizing magnet 2 comprises a spring 110 welded to a bent portion 109 of a spring 108 and having two arms 111, 112, the latter carrying a contact 113 and the former having a bent part 115 engaging a member 116 operated by one of the levers 29. A snap-action spring 114 between members 111 and 112 snaps contact 113 down on to contact 80 when member 116 is raised by its associated lever 29.