US2623376A - Electrical appliance for producing oscillations or vibrations for laundry purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

726,774. Washing-machines. BOSCH, GES., R. May 30, 1951 [Oct. 1, 1948 ; Oct. 1, 1948], No. 12654/51. Class 138 (2). [Also in Groups XXXV and XXXVIII] A washing-appliance, e.g. for immersion in a washing-boiler, consists of an electromagnetically-actuated diaphragm vibrator in which the movement of the diaphragm is abruptly limited by a stop and the electromagnet is enclosed in a water-tight casing sealed by the diaphragm and having means to prevent excessive pressure in the casing. When A.C. is passed through the coil 15, Fig. 9, the armature 12 secured to the diaphragm 10 hammers against the core 14. The water-tight casing 16 has apertures 430 covered by bellows 410 which permit expansion of the air within the casing. In modifications, the bellows are dispensed with and the casing 16 communicates through a tube 19 with either a large expansion chamber or a leaky non- return valve. In further modifications, two diaphragms 31, 32, Fig. 3, are driven by opposed electromagnets 35, 36 or the two diaphragms may be connected to the armature and core, respectively, of a single electromagnet. A resonating bar or disc may be secured to the diaphragm.

Description

Dec. 30, 1952 K. VOLK ETAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS2623376 0R VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 21, 1949 Dec. 30, 1952 ETAL 2,623,376

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS OR VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES Filed July 21, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I 340 V 1 1 Dec. 30, 1952 KYVOLK ETAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS OR VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES Filed July 21, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Dec. 30, 1952 UNI-TED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS on VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES 22 Claims. (c1; 69-3) This invention relatesto electrical appliances for producing oscillations or vibrations for laundry purposes.

It has already been" proposed to clean material to be laundered or washedespecially underwear, by rapidly vibrating or oscillating the" washing water, in which the material to be laundered is immersed, by means of a membrane or diaphragm which is immersed or plunged into the water, with the object of'releasing and washing away particles of dirt or other foreign matter adhering to the material being laundered. In a known washing device of this kind} the diaphragm is caused to vibrate rapidly by meansof a small electric motor througha rod or bar to which the diaphragm is fitted. The disadvantages of this device consistinthe fact thatrevolving parts requiring the attention'of an operator and subject to wear and tear',-areprovided for translating a rotary movement into the required oscillating or vibrating movement.

It is also known to useultrasouiid or supersonic waves for laundry purposes. The production of such waves, however, re uires" devices which are too cumbersomeand'expehsive for use in small laundry instauaaonsrordo'mesuc'use.

According to the present invention, and in order to avoid the' disadvantages of the said known devices; an electro-ma'gn'etic driving means is employed for exciting a vibrating or oscillating body, the vibrations o'r'oscillations of whichare transmitted to the washiiig li'qiiid'.

The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example eightembodimen-tsof the invention, suitable for alternating ciirrent, and in which:

Fig. 1 is alongitudin'al section of the" first embodiment incorporating a single electrb niagnet and a single diaphragm.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of a second. embodiment incorporating. two diaphragm's actuated by a singleelectro-magnet.

Fig. Bis a thirdexamplehaving two electromagnets and two *diaphragms-,-zalso'in longitudinal section.

Fig. 4 is a further-longitudinal section illustrating a fourth embodiment provided with' a har: monic wave exciter in the formmfian oscillating or vibrating. beam or a. corrugated circular" disc;

Fig. 5 isamodification'of' the'forni shown in Fig. 4.

Fig; 6 is a sectionaldiagram showinglan'appli ance according-to this inventionfitted'in'ai laun dry container, such as a boiler.

Fig. '7 is a: fifth embodiment partly in longitudinal' section of an appliance having a device adapted to compensate or balance the pressure differences in the interior of the appliance.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section through apart of the appliance shown in'Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a sixth embodiment in longitudinal section; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section showing a modification of this embodiment.-

Fig. 11 is' a" longitudinal section of a seventh embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an eighthembcdiment, also inlcn'gitudinal section;

In the appliance shown in Fig. 1, ii} designates a metal diaphragm'inthe'form of a circular disc.

In the centre of the disc'is secured a bolt l i, with which a. laminated iron" body is firmly connected to constitute thearrriature E2 of an ele'ctro-magnet it. A core M of the magnet with a coil I5, is secured to acasin'g ltyof the appliance. The diaphragm is is clamped betweenthe edge of the casing i6 and a protective screen or lattice H. The diaphragm thus tightly seals the casing aroLL-iditsperiphery. The belt II is carried at the end remote from the diaphragm in a' plate spring is clampedtothe base of the casing. A conduit or tube is is fitted to the casing and is co-axial with bolt is and'so with the magnet. Said'tube it serves as the carrier of the appliance and alsof'or the passage of the electricity supply flex to the coil of the magnet.

When the appliance is connectedwith'theelectricity supply mains and set in operation, the electro-ma'gnet periodically draws and releases its armature E2 in the rhythm orfrequency oi the alternating current to 'and from the core Such reciprocatory movement of the armature is transmitted to the diaphragm l0 and a vibration or oscillation correspondingto'twice the mains frequency is consequently imparted to the diaphragm. The full vibratory oi oscillatory movement which the diaphragm it" tends to cover when the armature I2 is actuated, is, however, not entirely utilised oreXploited, the movement of the armature and-so the] diaphragm in a direction towards the magneto core being in fact, abruptly interrupted due to the armature i2! impinging upon the magneto core is which thus. constitutes a'stop." This impinging action causes the diaphragm to be jarred; i; a; the shape of the vibration curve of'the diaphragm is influenced in such a waythat peak'or harmonic vibrations of very high frequency having very sharp rise and 3 fall are superimposed upon the basic vibration of the diaphragm.

The method of operation of the instrument or appliance when immersed in water is such that the molecules of the liquid entering the casing I6 via the screen or lattice IT and surrounding the diaphragm are accelerated by the vibrations of the diaphragm. The greatly accelerated water particles are particularly suitable for and capable of removing particles of dirt or other foreign matter, which have already been loosened by the washing powder or other cleaning medium, from the fibre of the clothes 01' other material being laundered.

In the example shown in Fig. 2, two coaxially disposed diaphragms and 26 are spaced apart and clamped or tensioned at opposite sides of a ring 21 together with respective screens or protective lattices 28 and 29. Both diaphragms are firmly connected with the excitation means so that the magneto core I4 is firmly connected with the diaphragm 25 and the armature [2 of the electro-magnet is firmly connected with the diaphragm 26. The carrier tube I9 is inserted into an aperture 3!] in the ring 27 and is secured therein.

The example in Fig. 3 differs from that of Fig. 2 in that two diaphragms 3| and 32 ar connected with respective armatures 33, 34 of two electromagnets of which the respective cores 35 and 35 are secured on a plate or intermediate partition 38 firmly connected with and directing the annular casing 31 of the appliance.

In the example shown in Fig. 4, an additional vibratory body in is disposed on a bolt 39 which is secured to the diaphragm It and carries the armature l2. This additional vibratory body has its own frequency of vibrations, which is substantially above that of the diaphragm Hi. The vibratory body 40 suspended in the middle of the diaphragm is in the form of a beam which tapers towards its ends. It may also, however, be constructed as a circular disc, which, as shown in Fig. 5, is provided with annular corrugations. Such additional vibrating or oscillating bodies are particularly suitable for superimposing heavy upper or harmonic vibrations upon the basic vibrations of the vibration system on the impinging of said vibration system.

The appliance is very simple to use and may be operated as follows. After the hot, or preferably, boiling water, to which is added the usual washing agents, and the laundry have been placed in the boiler (Fig. 6) and the appliance has been suspended in the boiler so that its entire casing is submerged below the Water level, the electric alternating current is switched on to caus the appliance to operate. For adjusting the depth to which the appliance is immersed, means such as an adjustable bearing ring 55 may be fitted to the carrier pipe I9 and which ring also serves to cover the aperture 51 in the lid '53 of the wash boiler, a fixing or clamp screw being carried by the ring to secure same in position. The appliance is preferably connected with the main supply through an electrical transformer which reduces the potential to a value which is not dangerous for contact with the body. An interrupter device of any suitable type may be built into the appliance and a condenser may also be provided if necessary so that the appliance may also be used on a direct current supply.

The vibrator or oscillation producer shown in Fig. '7 consists of a metal diaphragm It in the form of a circular disc which is clamped at its outer edge to the casing 16 and connected hermetically with the casing by means of a packing ring I28. The laminated armature i 2 of the electro-magnet I3 is fixed by means of the bolt l l to the diaphragm in the centre thereof.

An aperture use for bolt H is hermetically sealed by a packing disc iii]. The core it of the electro-magnet with the excitation coil 55 is secured to a strut or bridge 2i! fixed to the base of casing iii.

The tube or pipe 59 is inserted into the base of the casing and is preferably securely welded thereto. A non-return valve 226 is provided at the free end of the pipe in order to prevent the admission of air from the atmosphere to th internal chamber or space of casing E8. The valve. which is shown in detail in Fig. 3, has a valve disc 239 formed with a conical bearing surface 268 which normally rests upon a correspondingly shaped seating surface formed at the end of pipe is and is pressed against this surface by a spring 250 which abuts against a cap nut 236 screwed on to a threaded collar fixed to this end of the pipe, the cap nut being provided with an aperture 210 for the passage of air. This arrangement ensures that theentire area enclosed by the diaphragm l0 and the casing IS with thepipe I9 is sealed against the admission of atmospheric air.

A feed cable 280 for the excitation coil 55 extends within the pipe l9 and passes out hermetically through a bore 290 formed in a nipple 3G8 screwed into the side of pipe IS. A packing ring 5 5 El is located between the nipple and the pipe IS. The outer end of th nipple is formed with a funnel-shaped seating surface 328 for a rubber sealing ring 338 Which is pressed by means of a cap nut 34!] against the seating surface and the cable 280 passing through it.

When the appliance is used for instance in hot water, the air enclosed in the casing is considerably heated externally by the water surrounding the casing and internally by the electrical losses of the driving system, the pressure above atmospheric so produced opens the non-return valve against the action of spring 25%], thus compensating for the pressure difference in the casing relative to the atmosphere; Upon such compensation being effected, the valve is returned to its seat to seal the interior of the appliance against the admission of air from the atmosphere.

Whilst the appliance remains in operation, no pressure difierences will occur between the interior of the casing and the atmosphere which may be sufiicient to disturb the desired operation. However, as soon as the appliance is further operated in cold water or is taken out of the hot water, switched 01f, and placed in a cool place, it is possible, due to the airtight casing, for a pressure below atmospheric to occur in the interior of the casing which is sufiicient to prevent the correct functioning of the diaphragm, at least until the appliance has been sufficiently heated again. It has, however, been found that a casing possessing the required airtight properties cannot be obtained by simple means, as, in the course of time, a pressure compensation or balance takes place either by way of the cable cores or the cable passage, or by way of the valve.

The example shown in Fig. 9 omits the nonreturn valve of Figs. '7 and 8 for solving the problem with which the invention is concerned, but other means is provided to ensure that the space enclosed by easing l6 and diaphragm III will conform to any alteration of the air pressure contained' therein, without the difference between the pressure in the casing and the atmosphere thereby assuming such proportions likely to interfere with the action of the appliance. For this purpose there are fitted, as for instance to the interior of the casing wall, resilient or yielding hollow bodies 400, which are formed in this example by bellow-like chambers MB of thin sheet metal which are sealed from the interior of the casing by means of lids or covers 420, whilst the other end of the bellow-like chambers are soldered or welded to the casing wall. The casing wall has holes 430 which communicate with the interiors of the chambers.

In lieu of such sheet metal chambers, sack or bag-like bladders of rubber or similar materials may also be used as shown in Fig. 10 in which a hollow body iillla or this kind is provided with a small pipe piece 400?) which passes through the opening 439 of the casing, wall. The pipe piece has a flange 4800 which is pressed against. the casing wall by means of a cap ring 400d screwed tothe casing.

On increase of air pressure within the casing, the bellows are compressed and thus the interior space in the casing is correspondingly enlarged. Thus the pressure above atmospheric. is limited to an extent which will not affect-the action of the vibration producer.

Fig. 11 illustrates a further example in which the electro-magnetic driving means 13 is hermetically enclosed-in a pot-like casing 4-50, which is hermetically sealed by a cover plate 46d. A central opening 419 is formed in the cover plate through which a belt 480 extends from the interior of the casing. In the annular space between the bolt and the inner edge of the cover plate form-ed by the central opening 410 is disposed an elastic or resilient member such as a corrugated diaphragm or membrane 49!! which is hermetically connected with the bolt and with the cover plate, for instance, by soldering. The flexible member is of sufficient dimensions to permit the required longitudinal movement of the bolt on operation of the driving means.

The laminated armature body I2 of the electromagnet I3 is secured to th internal end of the bolt, and a vibratory or oscillatory body in the form of the metal diaphragm I is secured to the external end. The diaphragm is secured at its outer edge to a ring 500 which is firmly connected with the casing 459 by spaced struts or extensions H] which may be formed integral with casing 350.

In this example, the problem of the invention is solved by constructing the surface at which a pressure above atmospheric arising in the casing may engage on the moving parts of the driving means, as small as possible. The entire engaging surface for the pressure force is thus composed of a small part of the diaphragm surface Mail and the cross-section area of the bolt .88.

A further example of the subject of the invention is shown semi-diagrammatically in Fig. 12. In this case, the casing 520 enclosing the electromagnet is is made as small as the dimensions of the electro-magnet permit in order that the space enclosed by the casing and the diaphragm ill may be as small as possible. As in the other examples, a pipe i9 is connected to the base of the casing for the passage of the electricity supply lead 280 to the electro-magnet l3 of the appliance. The free end of the pipe I9 is in efiect widened to form a chamber 530 which is located as remote as possible from casing 520' and is not immersed in the hot water during operation of the appliance. As shown, the capacity of the chamber 530 greatly exceeds that of the casing 520 in order to maintain a low gauge pressure occurring in the casing 520 on the heating. of the air present therein. This is achieved, as previously mentioned, by the fact that the casing 520, which is immersed in hot water when the appliance is operated, has a much smaller air capacity than the chamber 530 which thus remains considerably cooler than the casing, the latter being situated outside the water container. When the air enclosed in the casing 52 0 expands owing to heating, it will mix with the cooler air in the pipe l9 and in the chamber 530 and the temperature rise relative to the. atmospheric air, corresponding. to the volume and temperature conditions of the two masses of air, will be considerably less than the temperature rise which would obtain in the air in the. casing. 52.0 if the chamber 53!] were not present.

We claim:

1. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, a vibratory body in the form of a diaphragm of stiiimaterial such as metal, and. electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said body, said electro-magnctic means including a movable armature connected to said diaphragm. and a stop for limiting the movement-of said armature.

2-. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, at least two vibratory bodies. in. the form of diaphragms, a single electro-magnetic driving device for actuating said diaphragms and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of :at least one of saiddiaphragms. in at least one direction.

3. In an electrical appliance according to claim 2, in which one diaphragm is connected with the armature and the other with the core of the electro-magnetic driving device.

4. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, a'drumshaped chamber, vibratory bodies in the form of diaphragms constituting opposed side walls of said chamber and thereby sealing. the same, an electro-magnetic driving means in said chamber and located between said diaphragms for independent actuation thereof and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of at least one of said diaphragms in at least. one direction.

5. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producing vibrations, in liquids, a vibratory body in the form of a diaphragm, electro-rnagnetic driving means for vibrating, said diaphragm, at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least one direction, at least one additional vibratory body also driven by said driving means and having an independent frequency of vibration substantially above that. of the diaphragm.

6. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5, an additional vibratory body in the form of a beam, said beam being rigidly connected with the diaphragm} 7. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5 an additional vibratory body in the form of a disc, said disc being rigidly connected to the diaphragm.

8. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5, an additional vibratory body in the form of a corrugated disc, said disc being rigidly connected to the diaphragm.

9. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, a water-tight casing sealed against the admission of air, a diaphragm carried by said casing, electro-magnetic driving means enclosed in said casing forvibrating said diaphragm and means to relieve excess pressure in the casing arising from temperature changes and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least one direction.

10. In an electrical appliance, according to claim 9, a pipe connected with the casing, a nonreturn valve disposed adjacent the end of the pipe, an electricity supply lead for the electromagnetic means passin through the pipe and extending through the Wall thereof in an airtight manner.

11.111 an electrical appliance according to claim 9, a diaphragm forming a part of the wall of the casing enclosing the electro-magnetic means and at least another part of the wall being more flexible than the diaphragm.

12. An electrical apparatus for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said body, including an electromagnet, an armature and a member connecting the armature with the vibratory body, a watertight casing enclosing said electro-magnet and armature including a wall having an opening therein through which said connecting member passes and sealing means between said connecting member and said Wall and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least one direction.

13. An electrical apparatus for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said body, including an electro-magnet, an armature and a member connecting the armature With the vibratory body, a water-tight casing enclosing said electro-magnet and armature including a Wall having an opening therein through which sai dconnecting member passes and a small diaphragm between said connecting member and said wall serving to seal the opening in said Wall and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least one direction.

14. In an electrical appliance according to claim 9, an additional chamber in communication with the casing enclosing the electro-magnetic driving means, said chamber being spaced apart from said casing so that it remains outside the washing liquid when the appliance is immersed therein during operation.

15. In an electrical appliance according to claim 9, an additional chamber in communication with the casing enclosing an electro-magnetic driving means, said chamber being spaced apart from said casing so that it remains outside the Washing liquid when the appliance is immersed therein during operation, the air capacity of said additional chamber being at least twice that of the interior space of the casing enclosing the electro-magnetic driving means.

16. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, a diaphragm, electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said diaphragm,

and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least one direction.

17. In an electrical appliance according to claim 16, an electro-magnetic driving means including a movable armature connected to said diaphragm and movable relative to the stop.

18. In an electrical appliance according to claim 16, an electro-magnetic driving means including an iron core which forms the stop for the diaphragm,

19. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, a diaphragm in the form of a circular disc, a cup shaped casing, said diaphragm being attached to-the edge of the casing, an electro-magnet comprising a core fastened to the casing, a coil arranged on the core, and an armature rigidly connected to said diaphragm, the distance between the armature and the magnet core being so dimensioned that the movement of the diaphragm and core on their attraction by the electro-magnet is abruptly stopped by the core.

20. A portable electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids comprising a diaphragm, a concavo-convex casing having its concave side facing the diaphragm, said diaphragm being attached at its periphery to the edge of the casing, an electro-magnet comprising a core mounted on the concave side of the casing at the center thereof, a coil arranged on the core and an armature rigidly connected to the diaphragm and confronting the core, the distance between the armature and core being so dimensioned that the movement of the diaphragm on the attraction of the electro-magnet being abruptly limited by the core which defines a stop.

21. The combination of claim 20, wherein means is attached to the center of the convex side of the casing and extends laterally therefrom for holding the casing in a liquid bath;

22. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producing vibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said body, and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said body in at least one direction, said electro-magnetic driving means including an iron core which forms the stop for said body.

KARL VOLK. EUGEN HOLZBAUR. ERNST KLEMM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,597,826 Reynolds Aug, 31, 1926 2,138,051 Williams Nov. 29, 1938 2,407,462 Whiteley Sept. 10, 1946 2,468,550 Fruth Apr. 26, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 691,392 France July 8, 1930 577,730 Germany June 3,1933

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