US2062021A - Cylinder construction for washing machines or the like - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 24, 1936. F. A. GERLACH 2,062,021

CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES OR THE LIKE Filed April 16, 1954 2' Sheets-Sheet l FRANK A. GERLACH ATTORN EY 5 FIG-IO Nov. 24, 1936. F. A. GERLACH I 2,062,021

CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION F OR WASHING MACHINES. OR THE LIKE Filed April 16, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 24, 1936 UNITED STATES CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES OR THE LIKE Frank A. Gerlach, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company, Norwood, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 16, 1934, Serial No. 720,709

7 Claims.

This invention relates to cylinders for washing machines and the like, wherein the principal parts are the cylinder and a tub therefor, the cylinder being arranged to receive the goods to be treated, the tub being arranged to contain the treating liquid, the cylinder being perforated to expose the goods to the liquid and being driven to produce agitation of the goods during the treating period. The cylinder is horizontally disposed, carried on bearings at its ends, and its driving means provides frequent reversal; so that the cylinder is subjected to the dead load of the goods and to torsional driving, loads.

The type of cylinder more particularly contemplated by this invention is one having what is known in the art as Y partitions providing three compartments disposed about the axis, and having a plurality of such sets of compartments spaced along theaxis, and each compartment is provided with a door slidable peripherally of the cylinder, about the axis. To improve the tumbling action of the goods during cylinder operation, lifting ribs are provided in each compartment, extending longitudinally of the cylinder ax'i'sand projecting inwardly from the compartment'walls. The arrangement outlined above will be recognized by one familiar with the art as not new therein.

The general objects of the present invention are to provide an improved structural relation between the parts of the assembly which comprises the cylinder, whereby the assembly may be most conveniently made, welding employed so far as possible, with the greatest resultant strength.

More particularly the invention includes a con struction wherein the longitudinally extending parts are uninterrupted throughout the entire length ofthe cylinder so far as possible, so that they and consequently the cylinder in its-entirety will have maximum rigidity against the bending and torsional stresses resulting from the loads above described. Such longitudinally extending parts comprise principally the Y-partitions, the lifting ribs and the circumferentially disposed cylinder wall sheets.

Another object is to provide that connections between adjacent parts of the structure have great strength for the general purpose and be best accessible during the assembly. The invention thus embraces both the structure itself and the method of assembly of the parts thereof.

The exact nature of this invention together with further objects and advantages thereof will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. l is a perspective view of a washing machine cylinder embodying the invention, the assembly being complete with the exception that the'near door is removed to better show interior parts, the remaining door appearing, being in closed position; Fig. 2 is an enlarged typical section transverse of the axis of the cylinder, taken as through the near set of compartments thereof along the line 2-2 of Fig. l, but with the doors of the latter removed; Fig. 3 is an enlarged section transverse of the cylinder axis, between the doors of the two sets of compartments and on the far side of the transverse partition means appearing in Fig. 1 and along the line 33 thereof; Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the cylinder, parts being broken away to show details of construction; Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional detail taken as in the plane of line 5-5, Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a similar sectional detail taken as in the plane of line 6-6, Fig. 4; Fig. '7 is a sectional detail as in the plane of line 'l-'l, Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is a detail as in the section of line 88, Figs. 4 and 6; Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional detail of the door-mounting means taken at the curved or side edge of the door opening as indicated at line 99, Fig. 2; Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail of parts at'the straight edge of one of the door openings, that edge from which the door moves to open; Fig. 11 is a perspective detail of'parts adjacent a peripheral lifting rib along the line I l--l l of Fig. 1 or in a similar position in the plane of Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is a similar detail of parts adjacent the same lifting rib along the line IZ-l 2 of Fig. 1 and in the plane of Fig. 3; and Fig. 13 is a plan view of a segmental partition plate.

With reference now to the drawings, the parts will be described in the general order of their assembly and their disposition in terms of reference to the cylinder axis; similar reference characters being applied to similar parts, it being understood that the cylinder chosen for illustration and appearing in Fig. 1 has six compartments arranged in two sets of three each, the sets being longitudinally spaced and the compartments of each being spaced about the axis.

Three partitions I, la and I b are provided, each generally rectangular, extending substantially the full length of the cylinder and radially from the axis substantially to the cylinder periphery. These partitions are disposed equally about the axis so that each subtends an angle of 120, each being provided at its inner edge with a bend of that amount as indicated Figs. 2 and 3. These bends, as there indicated, provide a bearing for each partition against both the others, and the three are spot welded together along their bent portions as indicated in those. figures, to provide their assembly as a unit, in what is known as Y formation.

Since each of the described partition members has associated parts to be described and each set of parts bears the same relation with its partition, it will here suifice to specifically describe one set of such parts. i being understood that as indicated in the drawings, a similar set is provided for each partition.

For the space between each adjacent pair of Y-partitions l is provided a pair of segmental shaped head or end sheets 2, one sheet for each end of the cylinder, and therebetween a partition sheet 6 of generally similar form. Thus in the drawings the near end sheet 2 appears in Figs. 1 and 4, the corresponding far end sheet 2 appears in Fig. 3, and the intermediate partition sheet 6 appears in Figs. 1 and 2. These sheets all extend in planes transverse of the cylinder axis, those specifically enumerated lying between the Y-partitions I and la; there being a similar set of transverse sheets whose reference characters are similar but bear the suffix a, between the Y-partitions la and lb, and a third set of transverse sheets bearing the suffix b between the Y-partitions lb and I. Also, in the drawings the end sheets 2 at the. far end of the cylinder in Fig. 1, are distinguished from those at the near end ofthe cylinder by priming their reference characters.

Each set of longitudinally aligned transversely disposed segmental sheets such as the sheets 2, 6 and 2' are provided with aligned lifting rib holders 3, 4 and 5, of stirrup form, welded to the faces of their transverse sheets and disposed as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. Such lifting rib holders are provided upon the inner faces of the end sheets 2, and upon both faces of the partition 6. Each longitudinally aligned set of rib holders is flanged as indicated to provide substantial bearing area. against the transverse member to which it is secured, and is flanged longitudinally of the cylinder to define a seat for a lifting rib. The intermediate transverse partitions 6 are cut away to provide notches defined by their rib holders as shown in Fig. 13, so that each notch is adapted to receive a through lifting rib seated therein.

A lifting rib is provided for each longitudinally aligned set of rib holders. Thus a lifting rib 'l is provided for the rib holders 3, a rib 8 for the rib holders 4, and a rib- 9 for the rib holders 5, etc. Each lifting rib is of sheet metal bent to the general U section indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, to fit in the recesses provided by its rib holders. Each lifting rib extends the full length of the cylinder between its end sheets 2 and through its intermediate partition sheet 6. Each lifting rib is welded to the corresponding flanges of its four rib holders, two on the intermediate partition 6 and one each upon the corresponding end sheets 2.

Thus three similar units are assembled, each comprising two end sheets 2 and an intermediate partition sheet 6 interconnected by three lifting ribs.

These three units are next positioned with respect to the previously assembled Y-partition as indicated in the drawings, each transverse sheetlifting rib unit being disposed in the angular recess between an adjacent pair of the Y-partitions.

The. head sheet segments 2 are next spot welded to their corresponding Y-partition sheets, along their radially extending contacting portions. The end or head sheets 2 have outwardly extending flanges l0 bearing upon the Y-partition sheets for the purpose, as indicated Fig. 6, wherein it will be seen that the corresponding flanges of an adjacent pair of head sheets 2 will lie opposite each other with the corresponding edge of the. corresponding Y-partition sheet I therebetween, so that a single spot weld will interconnect the three parts in stacked relation.

A pair of transmitters [2 are provided, one for each end of the cylinder. The transmitters are preferably castings, generally of wheel form, each with a hub part I3 adapted for rotatable mounting of the cylinder upon the usual driving gudgeon not shown. Each transmitter has a rim part connected with its hub part I3 by spoke parts including three spokes I4 disposed to lie at the ends of the Y-partitions and spokes IE to extend adjacent the peripheral lifting ribs 1. The spoke parts M are recessed as at IE to receive and clear the outwardly turned flange parts ll] of the head sheets 2, and the spoke parts l5 are perforated to receive tie rods H disposed within the hollows of the peripherally located lifting ribs 1. Thus three tie rods I I, each extending through one of the. lifting ribs I, serve to clamp the intervening sheet assembly between the two transmitters [2 to form a rigid unit, the tie rods having the usual nuts at their ends as indicated in the drawings, for the purpose. Such unit assembly may then be preferably placed in a special fixture such as that shown in copending application, Serial No. 599,155, filed March 16, 1932 by Frank Vetorino.

The partition sheets 6 are then Welded to their Y-partitions I, the former having flanges ll along their straight edges for the purpose.

Each of the lifting ribs 8 and 9 now adjacent one of the Y-partitions, is provided with longitudinally extending outwardly turned flanges bearing thereagainst as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. These flanges on these lifting ribs are next welded to the Y-partition sheets underlying them.

Six perforate cylinder sheets are provided, each longitudinally substantially coextensive with the entire cylinder, and each extending about the cylinder approximately 60 so that there are two, 3 and I9, for each compartment. These cylinder sheets are next added to the assembly and secured to the parts thereof as follows. As indicated at 20 in Fig. 3, the longitudinal edges of the cylinder sheets adjacent the Y-partitions have outwardly turned flanges between each adjacent pair of which the extremity of the corresponding Y-partition lies, the three parts thus in stacked relation being welded together. The opposite edge of the cylinder sheet 3 overlies the near longitudinally extending flange with. which the peripherally located lifting rib 1 is provided. The corresponding edge of the other cylinder sheet IQ of the pair, extends beyond the lifting rib 1 to overlie the cylinder sheet l8 as at 2|. welded together. larly welded to the other flange of the lifting rib I as at 22.

It will be noted from Figs. 11 and 12, that although the lifting rib 1 is generally of U form in Where the sheet I8 is cut away to form a door.

opening, the legs of rib 1 are of equal length as shown in Figs. 2 and 11. This change in formation of rib '1 takes place at the sides of the door openings where the cylinder wall again becomes uninterrupted.

These three parts in stacked relation are The cylinder sheet I9 is simi- 60 section, one leg where it underlies the cylinder The curved edges of the head sheets 2 are provided with outwardly turned flanges 23 overlying the rim parts 24 of the transmitters l2, and the cylinder sheets l8 and I9 extend longitudinally to overlie these flanges 23 of the head sheets 2, as indicated in Fig. 7. These adjacent parts of the transmitters, head sheets, and cylinder sheets in stacked relation, are connected together by riveting after completion of all welding operations.

Where the Y-partition sheets join the cylinder sheets at the ends of the cylinder, the construction is as indicated in Fig. 8.

Longitudinally disposed upper door stops 25 are welded across the door openings which are provided in the cylinder sheets l8, this welding operation being preferably completed before the riveting illustrated in Fig. 7, so that all of the riveting operations may follow all of the welding operations.

Door slide members 26 are next riveted on the circumferentially extending edges of the cylinder sheet door openings, and door stops 2! are riveted to the longitudinal edges of the door openings opposite the door stops 25. The door latch keepers 28 are riveted in place adjacent the ends of the door stops 2?. The doors 3!), each having a latch box 3|, are next placed upon their slide members and there secured for sliding adjustment, by the retaining strips 32 upon the slide members 26 and strips 33 upon the stop 21, these retaining strips being mounted by screws as indicated in Figs. 9 and 10.

At some convenient time during the process of assembly, the radially extending cavities I6 in the spokes M of the transmitters, are filled with molten lead or the like as through the sprue openings indicated in Fig. 6, whereby to prevent lost motion which might develop in service, between the transmitters and the sheet metal parts clamped therebetween.

What I claim is:

1. In a cylinder of the class described, longitudinally extending partitions disposed in Y formation, segmental head sheets, each sheet being transversely disposed between an adjacent pair of said Y-partitions at the ends of the latter, said head sheets having outwardly turned radially extending flanges bearing upon the end parts of said Y-partitions whereby each Y-partition end lies between a pair of head sheet flanges in stacked relation, said stacked parts being welded together to form radially extending flanges projecting from the end of the cylinder, a transmitter for said cylinder end having radially extending recesses to receive said flanges, said recesses being arranged to clear said flanges, and relatively soft metal filling the cavities between said flanges and their recesses.

2. In a cylinder of the class described, longitudinally extending partitions disposed in Y formation, longitudinally disposed lifting ribs mounted on said partitions, transversely disposed segmental partition sheets, each fitting between an adjacent pair of said Y-partitions, intermediate the ends thereof, said lifting ribs extending uninterruptedly through said segmental partition sheets and the latter being cut away to clear said lifting ribs, and said segmental partition sheets being rigidly secured to said longitudinally extending partitions and to said ribs.

3. In a cylinder of the class described, and having a peripherally disposed longitudinally extending lifting rib, said rib being of sheet metal of U form in transverse section and with outwardly turned flanges at its edges, a corresponding pair of cylinder sheets, one having an edge overlying the near one of said flanges, the other having an edge part overlying the adjacent edge part of said first cylinder sheet and also overlying the other flange of said lifting rib, said lifting rib being welded to said cylinder sheets where its flanges underlie the latter.

4. In a cylinder of the class described, and having a peripherally disposed longitudinally extending lifting rib, said rib being of sheet metal of U form in transverse section and with outwardly turned flanges at its edges, a corresponding pair of cylinder sheets, one having an edge overlying the near one of said flanges, the other having an edge part overlying the adjacent edge part of said first cylinder sheet and also overlying the other flange of said lifting rib, said lifting rib being welded to said cylinder sheets where its flanges underlie the latter, said lifting rib having its said near leg shorter than the other by the thickness of said first cylinder sheet where the first cylinder sheet underlies the second cylinder sheet, and said first cylinder sheet having its said edge part deformed where it underlies said second cylinder sheet, the proportioning and arrangement being such that the body parts of said cylinder sheets may be disposed to define a common cylindrical surface.

5. In a cylinder of the class described and having a peripherally disposed longitudinally extending lifting rib, said rib being of sheet metal of U form in transverse section and with opposed flanges at its edges, a corresponding pair of cylinder sheets, one having an edge partly overlying the near one of said flanges and partly cut away to provide a door opening, the other cylinder sheet having an edge part to overlie both flanges of said lifting rib, said lifting rib having its near leg, where the first cylinder sheet underlies the second cylinder sheet, shorter than the other leg by the thickness of the first cylinder sheet, and said first cylinder sheet having its said edge part deformed where it underlies said second cylinder sheet, said lifting rib being welded to those cylinder sheet parts which its flanges underlie.

6. In a cylinder of the class described and having a peripherally disposed longitudinally extending lifting rib, said lifting rib being of sheet metal of U form in transverse section and with an outwardly turned flange at its edge, an arcuate cylinder sheet having a longitudinally extending edge part overlying the flange of said rib, and a door stop overlying said cylinder sheet edge part, said three parts being in overlying relation, whereby they are adapted to be secured together by a single uniting operation.

7. In a cylinder of the class described having longitudinally extending continuous partitions disposed in Y formation, transversely disposed segmental partition sheets intermediate the ends of said partitions, each fitting between an adjacent pair of said Y-partitions and rigidly secured thereto, longitudinally disposed lifting ribs extending uninterruptedly through said segmental partition sheets and rigidly secured to said sheets, and said sheets being cut away to clear said lifting ribs, whereby the outer edges of said ribs may lie flush with the edges of said segmental partitions.

FRANK A. GERLACH.

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