Patent GB-1011026-A (GB)
Title: Sequence controlling devices for washing apparatus
IPC: A47L15/42
Filed: 1964-04-15
Abstract: 1,011,026. Washing machines. ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS CO. April 15, 1964 [June 21, 1963], No. 15665/64. Heading D1A. [Also in Division A4] A sequence controlling device for an automatic washing machine for dishes or clothes comprises a plurality of fluid operated actuators operable in sequence by movement of a control member, timing means for moving the control member at a predetermined rate whereby each actuator operates for a predetermined period, and overriding means associated with the timing means for varying the predetermined period of operation of one of said actuators. In the device illustrated the control member comprises a flexible sheet 17, Figs. 3 and 4, mounted on a rigid backing member 18 and forming therewith a chamber containing porous filtering material 19, the assembly being secured to a shaft 16 and rotatable relatively to a block 13 provided with ports 23 to 35 selected of which are interconnected in sequence by elongated recesses 20 in the sheet 17 as the assembly rotates. The ports 24, 28, 32 and 35 are connected by a line 43 to a vacuum pump driven by a motor 44 and may he selectively connected by the recesses 20 to the ports 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, and 34 for applying vacuum to pistons or diagrams in actuators 37, 46, 53, 62, 67, 70, 73, 62 and 80 respectively. Initially the ports 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 34 are each connected to a vent channel in the sheet 17 and the ports 31, 32 are bridged by a recess 20. The cycle of operations is commenced by closing a switch 82 to energize vacuum pump and drain pump motors 44, 96 so that vacuum is applied through the ports 31, 32 to cause the actuator 73 to close a switch 75, 76, 77 and start the timing motor 100 which rotates the sheet 17, whilst water is drained from the washing chamber. After two minutes actuator 37 is operated for one minute to open a valve admitting rinsing water to the washing chamber, and the actuator 46 is operated for two minutes to energize the dishwasher motor 85 and heater 87, whilst during the latter minute the direction of rotation of the spray nozzle is reversed by the actuator 53. During the next minute the drain pump empties the washing chamber. The actuators 37, 46 then operate again to commence the first washing cycle by refilling the washing chamber and energizing the motor 85 and heater 87, and half a minute later the actuator 67 operates to dispense detergent into the washing chamber for two minutes. The duration of the first washing period is determined by the setting of a valve 58 through which the port 27 may communicate with a chamber 55 connected with the actuator 62. When the valve 58 is closed the washing period extends for about eight and a half minutes until the actuator 46 is rendered inoperative. For a normal washing period of about four minutes the valve 58 is opened so that when ports 27, 28 are interconnected at the beginning of the washing period the actuator 62 is operated to increase the rate of rotation of the sheet 17. The actuator 62 comprises a bellows 111, Fig. 8, connected by a link 122 to an arm 117 freely pivoted on the shaft 16 and carrying a pawl 127 co-operating with ratchet teeth 110 on the member 15 (not shown) carrying the sheet 17. When vacuum is applied to the bellows 111 the arm 117 is turned clockwise without rotation of the sheet 17, and retained for about one minute until a vent 20 in the sheet 17 reaches the port 27 to admit air to the bellows 111. A spring 137 in a cylinder 131 then acts upon a piston 133 connected by a link 134 to the arm 117 to move the latter rapidly counterclockwise, whereby the sheet 17 is rotated at high speed by the pawl 127, whereby a shorter washing period results. The washing period is followed by a second rinse period, a second washing period during which the actuator 70 operates to dispense detergent, a further washing period, two further rinsing periods, and a drying period.