US2833056A - Means for treating fabrics - Google Patents

Description

, May 6, 1958 T. R. SMITH MEANS FOR TREATING FABRICS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 23, 1953 I l I) I l 0. O O O O O O O 2 May 6,1958 2,833,056

MEANS FOR TREATING FABRICS Filed March 23, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I as .v 72 25 ,fhwanl'ol Thomas Q5 milh P3 76% J.

uigenl" May 1958 T. R. SMITH- 2,833,056

MEANS FOR TREATING FABRICS Filed March 23, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,invenlov Thomas Q. swim May 6, 1958 T. R. SMITH MEANS FOR TREATING FABRICS Filed March 23, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 97 7 as 8 90 9/ 92 e 4 coA/TEoL 99 moan 1-; j 9 2 r/MEI? MOTOR MIXING DRIER VALVE 83 /84 THEQMO-( CHANGER Llqu p 85 STAT 000 awn-cu LEVEL swlrcn L 2 coumoL 94) T/MER Moro? 7.9 35 -22 HEATER @069 a4 0/ L Q D THERHOSTAT 59) LEVEL sw/ TC 85 \83 000 smrcH L2 //2 ,9 mnmlot' Thomas 51111? United States Patent MEANS FOR TREATING FABRHCS Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application March 23, 1953, Serial No. 344,038

3 Claims. (CI. 34-45) The invention relates to a means. for treating fabrics and more particularly to a means for disposing of residues after a clothes treating operation.

It is one of the objects of the invention to provide a combined washing and drying machine in which the entire washing and drying operation takes place within a substantially imperforate casing. Y

Heretofore in the use of combined clothes Washing and drying machines it has been considered necessary to provide ducts or the like from the washing chamber to isolated sections or compartments through which air is circulated to heat the same to evaporate the moisture in the clothing and in whichthe evaporated vapor is condensed. The use of ducts and isolated compartments has the limitation that lint will accumulate therein and eventually clog or restrict them and impair the drying operation.

In accordance with the invention the fabrics to be treated along with the proper quantity of detergent are placed in a rotatable drum mounted within a substantially imperforate casing or container defining treating chamber. A predetermined quantity of Water is admitted into the chamber and the drum is rotated therein to agitate the clothing for the washing operation. At the end of the washing operation the wash water is removed from the chamber through a drain outlet and the drum is rotated at a relatively high speed to extract a high percentage of the wash water, after which the clothing is rinsed in a similar manner. When the rinse water has been extracted from the clothing, heat is supplied to the chamber to evaporate the liquid remaining in the clothing. Cooling water is admitted to the interior of the container and flows over an interior wall thereof in a relatively thin and wide film to the drain outlet. This cooling Water condenses the vapor evaporated from the clothing and the condensate moves with the cooling water to drain. During the drying operation lint is shaken from the tumbling clothing, and while a high percentage of this lint will be disposed of, along'with the cooling Water and condensate,

some lint will contact and collect on portions of the in-v terior surface of the container. The accumulation of this lint is prevented because during the initial portion of next clothes treating cycle, or after the dried clothing has been removed, the rotating drum throws the Washing liquid over the entire interior surface of the container and flushes the lint therefrom and at the end of the washing operation the lint is discharged to drain along with the washing liquid.

It is another object of the invention to provide a clothes treating machine which disposes of any lint accumulated during the drying operation by flushing the interior Walls with liquid after the dried clothing has been removed from the machine.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a combination clothes Washing and drying machine which disposes of any lint accumulated during the drying operation during the washing portion of the next cycle of operation.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a combined clothes washing and drying machine which is simple in design and operation and wherein the vapor evaporated from the clothing during thedrying operation is condensed within the washing or clothes treating chamber by a film of water flowing over an interior surface within the same.

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

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic longitudinal vertical sectional view of a combined clothes washing and drying machine showing the improved construction;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken generally on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view of vapor condensing section;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the Wash and condensing water inlet to the interior of the container housing the rotatable drum;

Figure 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of a control cirv cuit and arrangement for the combined clothes washing and drying machine; and

Figure 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of a control circuit and arrangement for a modified clothes treating machine in which only the drying operation is performed.

Referring now to the drawings for a detailed description of one embodiment of a combined clothes washing and drying machine, there is shown in Figures 1 to 4 a tumbler type washing machine 10 which comprises a generally horizontally rotatable drum or tumbler 11 encompassed by a substantially imperforate stationary liquid holding casing or container 12, both of which may be supported through suitable structure 13, part of which is not shown, on a base construction 14, and the entire mechanism is enclosed by a suitable cover or cabinet 16 to present a pleasing appearance.

The rotatable drum 11 includes an outer cylindrical Wall 17 provided with a plurality of perforations or openings 18 through which the cleaning liquid flows during the washing and extraction operation and the vapor and lint passes during the drying operation, a substantially vertical front wall 19, having a centrally located access opening 21 therein, and an imperforate rear wall 22 substantially parallel with the front wall 19. A plurality of spaced elevating vanes 23 are secured adjacent the inner periphery of the perforate cylindrical Wall 17 to provide the means for elevating the clothing from the bottom of the drum to adjacent the top thereof during the Washing and drying operations, whereat they fall by gravity toward the bottom of the drum in a tumbling manner.

Concentric with the axis of the rotatable drum 11 is a boss or hub 24 secured to the forward end of a rotatable generally horizontal supporting drum shaft 26 that projects backwardly through an opening 27 in the rear wall 28 of the container 12 and terminates in a coaxial speed change gear housing 29. This shaft may be selectively connected to suitable mechanism within the housing for rotating the drum at a relatively slow Washing and tumbling speed and arelatively high extraction speed.

The container 12 surrounding the rotatable drum 11 and defining the Washing and drying chamber 31 includes an outer substantially imperforate horizontal generally cylindrical sidewall 32 encompassing but spaced from the cylindrical wall 17 of the drum, the rear end wall 28, having the centrally located opening 27 therein through which the drum shaft 26 projects, and a front wall 33 having a centrally located access opening 34 therein in alignment with the access opening 21 in the rotatable drum. The rear, front and sidewalls are all secured to gether at their marginal edges in any suitable manner to provide a leakproof and rigid unit. In addition, under some conditions, it may be desirable to entirely or partrally-insulate the container 12 to conserve heat;supplied to the chamber.

The cabinet '16- isprovided with the usual access opening 37 in its front wall 38-in alignment with the respectrve access openings 34 and 21 in the container and'drum, respectively, through which the clothingto be treated is inserted and removed. 'The cabinet also carries a door or closure 39 hinged thereto. and adapted to either open or close the opening 37. The door includes. an inwardly dished inner wall 41 for generally restricting the access opening 27 in the rotatabledrum to deflect any falling clothing tending to pass through the openingback into the interior of the drum. h I

During the washing operation some of. the falling liquid may be discharged through the access openings 34 and 38, respectively, and soilthe surrounding area, therefore a resilient gasket 42in positioned about both access openings and'i't has an-enlarged central section 43 mounted between the inner and outer faces of the cabinet and container, respectively, to prevent leakage therebetween. The gasket further includes a forwardly projecting sealing portion 44 for contacting the inner door panel 41 to seal about the opening and an annular rearwardly and outwardly flaring portion 45 which provides a deflector for the clothing being treated.

Referring now to the supporting and rotating-means for therotatabl'e drum 11, the rearwardly projecting end of the longitudinal drum shaft 26 may be supported in a bearing 46 secured to the rearwall 28 of the container. The coaxial gear housing 29 includesspeed change and shifting mechanism actuated by means 'ofa solenoid 47 secured to a lever or shifter arm 48 to selectively drive the drum shaft at a relatively low washing and drying speed or a relatively high liquid extraction speed. Projecting outwardly from the opposite end of the gear housing is a driven shaft 49 journalled in a rear bearing carried in a suitable frame construction and it has a driven pulley 53 splined thereto. This pulley is driven by means of a belt 54 forming part of a simple speed reduction unit powered by motor 57 through pulley 56. In this instance, a constant torque limiting clutch 58, the details of which are not shown, is mounted in conjunction with the driven pulley 53to limit the load applied to the drive motor during acceleration of the drumfrom the rest or at the end of the washing operation when the tub'is being accelerated to its relatively high extraction speed.

To one side and at the approximate level of the axis of rotation-of the drum the sidewall 32 of the/container is provided with a plurality of horizontal rows of relatively small closely spaced perforations or opening 59 directly communicating with a distribution receptacle or chamber 61 mounted on the outer periphery of the sidev wall. Water from a suitable hot and cold water source able solenoid operated mixing valve 64 which has a conduit extending from its outlet terminating in a downwardly directed end .or nozzle 66 spaced from the top of the distribution receptacle 61 to provide a vacuurn break for the water from the main supply. The solenoid operated mixing valve 64 is adapted to supply washing and rinsing liquid at the selected temperature to the interior of the container for the washing and rinsing operation through the receptacle 61. A branch 67 of the cold water supply conduit 63 also terminating in a downwardly directed nozzle by-passes the mixing valve 64 and is under the control of a solenoid operated valve 68 for admitting water to the interior of the casing throughthe same distribution receptacle but preferably at a reduced rate for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Disposed on the interior of the container opposite the openings 59 in the sidewall 32 is a curtain type flap or check valve 69, whose upper end is anchored to the container above the openingsby a'suitable clamping means 71 and whose lower edge 72 is disposed below the opemngs to cover the same at all times. With a check valve of the type disclosed it can be seen that water may be admitted to the interior of the container at a very low head; in fact, for all practical purposes it can be assumed the check valve offers no resistance to the flow as the water passes through the openings 59 and flows 1 downwardly by gravity behind the check valve past its lower edge. However, while the entrance of water is not impeded. any tendency for fiow in the oppositedirection through the openings is immediately opposed by the check valve. Thus the check valve will prevent the escape of liquid and/ or vapor from the container through the openings 59 into the interior of the cabinet. Extending downwardly from the openings 59, the sidewall of the container may, if desired, be recessed slightly to provide a channel 73 to be used for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

At the bottom of the container is an outlet or discharge opening 74 through which the liquid in the container flows and it is directed to the inlet of a suitable liquid displacement pump 76 driven by a belt drive 77 from the drive motor 57. The discharge end of the pump 76 has a conduit or passage 78 extending therefrom to a solenoid operated drain valve 79 and from the opposite side of the valve, a conduit or passage 81 is connected or leads to any suitable drain opening. The solenoid operated drain valve 79 is adapted to close the passage 78 aaginst the flow of liquid during the washing and rinsing operations and to open the passage during the extraction and drying operations in a manner to be hereinafter described.

. Adjacent the top of the container and within the chamber 31 is mounted a heating element 82 for evaporating the remaining moisture from the clothes. This heating element is preferably under the control of a suitable thermostat 83 also disposed within the chamber which.

is responsive to control energization of the heating element to maintain a substantially constant temperature therein during the drying operation following the washing and rinsing operation.

While any suitable mechanism may be utilized tocontrol the liquid level within the container 12 during the washing and rinsing operations, there is diagrammatically shown a diaphragm control mechanism 84 mounted at the lower portion of the sidewall 32 responsive to a pre determined head of liquid within the casing for operating a switch 85 in series with the inlet water valve circuit to open the sameto close either of the valves 64 or 68, dependent on which one is being energized.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 5 there is shown a schematic control arrangement for operating the combined clothes washing and drying machine through a complete clothes treating cycle. In this instance, a

timer mechanism 86 including a plurality of diagram.

matically shown earns 87 to 93, inclusive, is operated in timed sequence through gear reduction mechanism 94 by means of a timer motor 95. In addition, a manually operable control knob 96 is adapted to be actuated to initial the clothes treating cycle, shorten or eliminate any portion of the cycle at the will of the operator.

From the neutral N a common conductor 97 is connected to the cam shaft through a brush 98 to place all of the cams in the electricalcircuit, except the cam 93 which is separately connected to the line L The opposite side of each cam is individually connected to the line L through the various separate apparatus used in the washing and drying operations and each cam is provided with suitable energizing andinsulated sectors foroperating the various elements in a predetermined timed sequence.

The drive motor 57 and the timer motor are corlnected in parallel and in series with the motor control cam 87, and the speed changer solenoid 47 is energized through the cam 88. Cam 89 controls the operation of the drain valve 79 and, as shown, the drain valve is normally open but is maintained in its closed position during the washing and agitating operations. The mixing valve 64 is connected in the circuit by means of the cam 91 and the liquid level switch 85. In this arrangement the operator may select the desired temperature for the Wash water by means of the temperature selector switch 99; however, the temperature of the water during the rinsing operation is not selective but will always be admitted as warm water through the cam 90. Water is admitted to the container 12 until the diaphragm 84 is actuated by the water pressure to open the liquid level switch 85 in the mixing valve circuit even though the timer cams 90 or 91 may still be in their fill positions.

The cold water valve 68 for supplying condensing water to the container during the drying operation is connected to the cam 92 and also in series with the diaphragm switch 85. In this manner should the pump fail or become obstructed during the drying operation and the liquid level reach a predetermined level within the container, the diaphragm 84 will operate to open the circuit to close the valve 68 While the timer motor 95 continues to advance the cams. The heating element 82 is in series with the thermostat 83 and is connected from the line L to the line L through the control cam 93.

As the timer is advanced each cam acts to energize its respective dependent element in a timed sequence to be hereinafter described. It is tobe understood the particular design for the control apparatus forms no part of the present invention.

In the operation of a tumbler type combination clothes washing and drying machine incorporating the features of the present invention, the operator opens the closure 39 carried by the cabinet 16 and inserts the clothing to be treated into the interior of the rotatable drum through the aligned access openings 37, 34 and 21, respectively, at which time the proper quantity of detergent may also be included and the closure is then sealed by latching it tightly against the sealing gasket 44.

Next, the operator selects the desired temperature for the washing liquid by manipulating the temperature .se-'

lector switch 99 to the desired setting, then manipulates the automatically operated control mechanism by grasping the control knob 96 and rotating the same to set the duration of the washing portion of the treating cycle. Upon actuation of the control apparatus the respective cams complete the circuit to close the drain valve 79 in the drain passage 78 to prevent the escape of washing liquid, the drive motor 57 is energized to rotate the drum 11 about its axis, the timer motor 95 is energized to slowly advance the cams and the mixing valve 64 is opened by the solenoid to permit the flow of washing liquid at the proper temperature through the conduit 66. From the end of the conduit the liquid is discharged into the distribution receptacle 61 through which it flows into the interior of the container through the openings 59 in the sidewall 32 covered by the check valve 69. Since the rate of liquid discharge is relatively high substantially all of the openings will be admitting water and it flows downwardly by gravity over the sidewall of the container to the bottom thereof. As the water level rises to a predetermined level, dependent upon the setting of the liquid level responsive switch 85,. the switch is actuated to open the circuit to the mixing valve 64 and the admission of water is terminated. During this interval the clothes are moved through the liquid by the elevating vanes 23 on the rotating drum, are elevated and dropped back into the washing liquid to affect the washing operation.

After the selected washing interval has elapsed, the drain valve 79 is opened by decnergizing the same through the cam 89 and the pump 76 driven by the motor 57 discharges the washing liquid through the conduit 81 to drain. When the water has been removed from the container the gear mechanism within the housing 29 is shifted by the solenoid 47 to rotate the drum at a relatively high 6 speed to extract the major portion of the remaining wash water, which is likewise pumped to drain.

At the completion of the extraction operation the solenoid 47 is deenergized and the gear mechanism is again returned to its tumbling speed, the drain valve 79 is closed and the mixing valve 64 is reenergized through the cam 90 to admit warm water in the same manner to provide the rinsing operation. The quantity of rinsing water admitted is controlled by the same liquid level control switch and the duration of the tumbling rinsing operation is preselected to provide the effective removal of the remaining foreign matter or a very high percentage thereof. At the end of the rinsing operation the drain valve 79 is again opened, the drum accelerated to high speed to extract the rinsing water in the same manner as in the washing operation.

After the timed extraction operation, the gear mechanism is again shifted to rotate the drum at its tumbling speed; however, the drain valve 79 in the discharge passage 78 remains in its open position. Simultaneously withthis position in the cycle the heating element 82 at the upper portion of the container is energized to supply heat to the chamber 31 to evaporate the moisture remaining in the clothes, and the solenoid operated valve 68 in the conduit 67 is also energized to discharge cold water into the distribution receptacle 61. Since the water required for the vapor condensing operation is not great, the quantity per unit of time supplied to the receptacle is at a reduced rate when compared to the washing operation; therefore only a portion of the openings 59 in the sidewall 32 admit water into the interior of the casing. The check valve 69 covering all of the openings prevents the escape of vapor therethrough and thereby prevents condensation within the interior of the cabinet.

As the water passes from in back of the check valve 69 it is in the form of a relatively wide and thin film and it flows by gravity over one side of the lower portion of the sidewall 32 defined by the channel 73 to the bottom thereof whereat it enters the opening 74 and is conducted to the inlet of the pump '76. From the discharge side of the pump the condensing water passes through the open drain valve '79 and flows through the conduit 81 to drain.

As the temperature within the chamber increases the moisture in the clothing leaves the same in the form of vapor, is circulated by the rotating drum in the chamber and eventually comes in contact with the film of cooling water and is condensed. As the vapor releases its latent heat of vaporization to the water, a slight pressure drop is developed which in turn attracts additional vapor to the cold surface to be condensed. In addition, a portion of the vapor-borne lint contacts and settles on the condensing surface and is carried to drain along with the condensate and cooling water.

The thermostat 83 in the upper portion of the container is operative to maintain a substantially constant temperature within the chamber during the drying operation by opening and closing the heating element circuit.

Toward the end of the drying portion of the cycle substantially all of the moisture will have been evaporated from the clothes, and when the preselected interval has elapsed the cam 93 operates to deenergize the heating element 82, but the tumbling of the clothing and liquid flowing to the container continues which tends to reduce the overall temperature within the chamber to cool the clothing to a temperature suitable for handling.

After a predetermined length of time the control mech anism 36 is moved to its ofi or inactive position by the timer motor 95, and such action deenergizes the timer motor, the drive motor 57, to stop rotation of the drum 11 and the pump 76, and the valve 63 is deenergized to stop the flow of cooling water through the conduit 67. At this time the clothes treating cycle has been completed in that the clothing has been washed, rinsed, the major portion of the water extracted therefrom, the remaining water has been removed by suitable heating 0 means, and the vapor and a major portion of the lint has been disposed ofthrough the drain outlet M. The operator need but open the door and remove the clothing. The apparatus is now ready to receive the next batch of clothing for similar treatment.

During the drying operation a portion of the lint shaken from the clothes does not contact the cooling water flowing over the condensing section and may settle on the interior walls of the container, usually adjacent the condensing section. it may eventually reach such proportions as to impair the drying operation.

Accordingly, it is the prime object of this invention to prevent the accumulation or build-up of lint on the interior surfaces within the container 12, and in accordance with the invention this is accomplished by the wash water introduced into the container during the wash portion of the next cycle of operation.

Thus, as the nextbatch of clothing and detergent is placed in the drum 11 for the next complete washing and drying cycle the proper quantity of wash water is admitted to the interior of the container and is agitated by the rotating drum. In so doing the water is thrown or splashed over the entire interior surface of the 'container and 'removes'or flushes the collected lint from the same, is mixed with the water and at the. end of the washing operation the water carrying the lint in suspension passes through the outlet 74 and is discharged to drain. Since only relatively small quantities of lint may actually be deposited on the interior surfaces during each drying operation the lint washed off the surfaces and carried'by the Water will no he too great, and should some of this lint be deposited in the clothing it will be removed therefrom during the following rinsing and drying operation. Also, since no ducts or compartments leading to and from the chamber are utilized the possibility of lint deposit in extraneous locations is eliminated.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a modified diagrammatic control for clothes treating apparatus in which the washing and rinsing portions of the clothes treating cycle have been eliminated. Since the structural features in this modification are substantially identical with the previously described, a further showing and detailed description is not deemed necessary and like parts have been given like reference characters.

The drive motor 57, when energized, is adapted to rotate the drum 11 and pump 76 in the usual manner and the timer motor 95 drives the control mechanism or means 161 through the gear reduction mechanism 94. This control mechanism comprises a plurality of cams 102 and 107, inclusive, having energizing and insulating sections and each cam is adapted to be engaged by a separate contact. The cams 192 to. 165, inclusive, are all connected to the neutral N through a common conductor 108, and the cams 106 and 167 are connected to the line L by means of a conductor 1W;

Cam 102 is in continuous contact wth the conductor 108 during the entire drying operation and provides the electrical connection to the cams Hi3, 19d and 105. The drive and timer motors 57 and respectively, are in parallel and are controlled by the cam M3 to the neutral N, while the other side of the motors is connected to the line L; through conductor 111 and a door switch 112. Operation of the water valve 68 is under the control of the cams 104 and is also in series with the liquid level responsive switch 85. Cam U35 controls the actuation of the drain valve 79. which likewise is in series with the liquid level control switch 85. The heating element 55?. is in series with the thermostat 83 and its cnergization is under the direct control of the cams 3G6 and EH97. The cam 167 being connected to the line L through the conductor 109 and the opposite side of the heating element is connected. to the line L to provide a 220 vol-t circuit therefore.

If this lint is allowed to accumulate The door switch-112 is adapted to be actuated by movement of the door 39 to open position to open the circuit to the electrical apparatus to stop the drying operation.

The operation of a clothes drier utilizing the above control is similar to that previously described, in that the operator opens the door 39 and inserts the clothing to be dried into the drum 11, after which the door is closed to seal the container at the gasket 44. The operator next graps the control knob 96 and manually rotates the same a slight amount. Such movement rotates the cams to energize the timer and drive motors 95' and 5'7, respectively, open the water control valve 68 to admit cooling water into the interior of the container through the openings 59 and to energize the heating element 82 to supply heat to the chamber to evaporate the moisture in the clothing. The vapor circulated by the rotating drum contacts the cooling water and is condensed and a major portion of the vapor borne lint will likewse contact the water, become saturated and flow to drain along with the condensate and cooling water.

Toward the end of the drying operation substantially all of the moisture will have been removed from the clothing and after a predetermined length of time the heating element is deenergized by the cam 186 opening the heating element circuit; however, the drive motor continues to tumble the clothing and the cooling water continuous tofiow to cool the clothing to a temperature suitable for handling. After a further timed interval the cams 103 and 104 operate to deenergize the drive and timer motors and cut off the flow of water through the solenoid operated valve 68. The operator then opens the lltl door and removes the dried clothing. At any time during the drying operation the operator may terminate the drier operation by openingthe door 39, which action opens the entire control and dryer circuit. Closing of the door will again initiate the drying operation.

While a major portion of the lint contacts the flowing water moving over the condensing surface or section and be disposed of, a portion of the lint will contact and settle on parts of the interior surface, which, if allowed to accumulate, may eventually interfere with proper drier operation.

In accordancewith this modification, the drier control cams 103 and 104 are provided with additional contact surfacesto operate their respective mechanisms after the dried clothes have been removed from the drum to provide a means for disposing of any accumulated lint. In this instance, the operator, after removing the clothing advances the cams slightly by rotating the control knob 96. Such action reenergizes the drive and timer motors, opens the solenoid control valve 68 to admit water to the container and the cam-I05 energizes the mechanism to close the drain valve 79in the passage 78. Since the drain valve is closed the'water cannot escape and as its level increases the rotating drum contacts and agitates the same. This agitation causes the water to be rather violently thrown over the interior surfaces of the container and flushes or washes thelint therefrom which is then carried in suspension in the liquid. After a predetermined length of time the water inlet valve 68 is deenergized to stop the flow of water and the drain valve 79 is deenergized to open the same. 7 At this timethe rotating drum continues to agitate thewater and maintain the lint in suspension and at'the same time the pump 76 quickly withdraws the water and suspended lint'from the container and discharges the same to drain. A sufficient time interval is allowed for the pump 76 to remove all of the liquid from the container, after'which the timer motor 95 advances the cams to the point wherein the entire circuit is again deenergized and the residual lint disposing portion of the cycle will have been completed. a

It is to be understood the above control arrangement is given by way of example only, in that other control arrangements including both timer or humidity responsive members. or both may be utilized to control the drying drying operation to dispose of any deposited lint may be provided. When compared to the usual drying means using a water spray vapor condensing type clothes drier, the above represents a solution to the problem of the accumulation of lint in a clothes treating chamber.

Thus it can be seen that a simplified combination clothes washing and drying machine has been provided which is relatively simple in design and operation in which both the washing and drying operations take place within a single chamber, does not require special ducts, chambers or circulating means, and that any lint deposited in the casing during the drying operation is disposed of by wash water during the wash portion of the next cycle of operation. In addition a drier construction has been disclosed for disposing of the lint in an arrangement wherein the washing portion of the cycle is not used. Also, that a simplified design for a clothes washing and drying machine has been provided which disposes of all of the vapor and lint without discharging the sameinto the ambient atmosphere.

While I have herein described and upon the drawings shown illustrated embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A clothes drier having an operational cycle including a drying period and a lint flush period following said drying period, said drier comprising, a drum for receiving moist fabrics to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum, drive means for moving said drum, heating means for evaporating moisture from said fabrics retained in said drum during said drying period, condenser means for admitting cooling fluid into said casing to condense said evaporated moisture during said drying period circuit means including timer apparatus controlling the operation of said drier and terminating the operation of said drive means, heating means and condenser means at the end of said drying period to permit removal of said fabrics from said drum, flushing apparatus for admitting flushing fluid into said casing during said lint flush period, valve means controlling fluid flow from said casing, said timer means including manually settable means for initiating operation of said flushing apparatus, said valve means and said drive means to admit flushing fluid into said casing and flush away accumulated lint from said drum and said casing by movement of said drum in a pool of flushing fluid within said casing.

2. A clothes drier having an operational cycle including a drying period and a lint flush periodfollowing said drying period, said drier comprising, a drum for receiv- 10 ing moist fabrics to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum, drive means for moving said drum, heating means for evaporating moisture from said fabrics retained within said drum during said drying period, means for removing said evaporated moisture from said casing, circuit means including timer apparatus controlling the operation of said drier and terminating the operation of said drive means and said heating means at the end of said drying period to permit removal of said fabrics from said drum, flushing apparatus for admitting flushing fluid into said casing during said lint flush period, valve means controlling fluid flow from said casing, said timer means including manually settable means for initiating operation of said lint flush apparatus, said valve means and said drive means to admit flushing fluid into said casing and flush away accumulated lint from said drum and said casing by movement of said drum in a pool of flushing fluid within said casing.

3. A clothes drier having an operational cycle including a drying period and lint flush period following said drying period, said drier comprising a drum for receiving moist fabrics to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum, drive means for rotating said drum, heating means for evaporating moisture from fabrics retained in said drum during said drying period, condenser means for admitting cooling fluid into said casing to condense said evaporated moisture during said drying period, a drain in said casing, valve means movable from a closed position to an open position to permit fluid flow through said drain, circuit means including timer apparatus controlling the operation of said drier and terminating the operation of said drive means, heating means and the condenser means at the end of said drying period to permit removal of said fabrics from said drum, flushing apparatus for admitting flushing fluid into said casing during said lint flush period, said timer means including manually settable means for initiating operation of said flushing apparatus to admit flushing fluid into said casing and for moving said valve means into a closed position for a timed interval to retain a pool of said flushing fluid within said casing, said manually settable means further initiating operation of said drive means during said timer interval to rotate said drum through said pool of flushing fluid to bathe said drum and said casing free of lint shaken from said fabrics during said drying period.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Erickson Oct. 11, 1955

Images