Patent GB-670359-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to washing machines
IPC: D06F33/04
Filed: 1949-07-04
Abstract: 670,359. Washing and drying machines. AKTIEBOLAGET ELEKTROLUX. July 4, 1949 [July 2, 1948], No. 17587/49. Class 138 (ii). In a method of washing and rinsing clothes within a receptacle having walls which are wholly or partly compressible and removing liquid from the clothes by applying pressure fluid to the outside of the receptacle, the various steps of the washing and rinsing treatment being automatically carried out in sequence while agitating the clothes and liquid, the washing and rinsing liquids are introduced into the receptacle and withdrawn through an outlet in the base thereof without any intermediate compression of the receptacle, a greater quantity of rinsing liquid is then introduced to cause overflow from an upper drain outlet and the receptacle is finally subjected to the action of a pressure fluid to compress it and remove liquid from the clothes. In the example, the machine comprises an oscillating washing tank including an outer sheet metal tank 10 and an inner rubber bag 11. The bag 11 is anchored in a water-tight manner at the base around a drain 12 having numerous small openings and at the top around the edge of the tank 10 by a folded collar 13. The outer tank has ribs 14 enclosed by corresponding folds in the rubber bag 11. At the top a lid 15 is provided with a large number of discharge openings 16. A drainage ring secured to the outer part of the tank 10 around the lid 15 may be used in place of or in addition to the openings 16. Cold and hot water are supplied to the machine through valves 18, 19 respectively, and conduits 23, 24, the supply being controlled by a device 20 through links 21, 22. A pump 27 is provided in conduit 23 to ensure adequate pressure for removal of moisture. Figs. 3 and 4 (not shown), illustrate alternative constructions of drains 12, the openings being along a vertical cylindrical wall in Fig. 3 to prevent clogging by the fabrics while in Fig. 4 the openings are in a part-spherical member provided with projecting ribs for the same purpose. The openings in the bottom drain may be made larger if they are closable during pressure drying, and larger top openings may be provided if a wire screen is used to prevent passage of the clothes therethrough. In Figs. 5 and 6 (not shown) a perforated cover for the tank is provided with three radially extending bolts which are moved outwardly to engage an annular groove on the tank and lock the cover, by means of cam grooves in a disc which is rotated by means of a knob. Operation. Hot water is first introduced through valve 19, pipe 24, valves 33 and 30 and the drain 12. A cam 34 keeps valve 19 open until the correct liquid level 35 is reached. The machine is oscillated during the washing period and at the end of this a cam 36 opens a valve 29 and the dirty liquid is removed to a waste duct 37. The oscillating motion continues during draining to assist in keeping the drain openings free. The valve 29 then closes and cams 34, 38 and 39 open valves 19, 33 and 30 so that the tank is again filled to the level 35. The tank continues to oscillate and at the end of the rinsing period the valve 29 opens to drain the first rinsing water away. This rinsing process is repeated with cold water from valve 18 actuated by a cam 43, a cam 40 opening a valve 32. Cold water rinsing is repeated two to four times with intermediate draining, and then the receptacle is filled with water which overflows through the openings 16 in cover 15, and floating impurities such as suds. are removed. After a period of continuous rinsing, the supply of cold water through valve 30 is cut off and valve 29 opens so that residual rinsing water is removed through waste 37. Simultaneously, a cam 41 opens a valve 31 so that cold water passes into the space between the tank 10 and bag 11 so as to squeeze the bag and remove moisture from the clothes therein. Termination of pressure drying is effected by cam 41 shutting valve 31, and a cam 42 opening a valve 28, so that water between the bag and tank drains through the duct 37. In the example shown in Fig. 2 washing and rinsing water are admitted and discharged through a hollow shaft 45 and drain 12. Water for pressure drying is introduced by a flexible hose 46 which is also used for removing it. During continuous rinsing and pressure drying, the water forced out through the openings 16 may collect on a base 48 arranged inside a sheet metal housing 47, whence it is discharged through a pipe 49.