GB626607A - Improvements in or relating to fluid control systems - Google Patents

Abstract

626,607. Washing-machines. DOLE VALVE CO. July 25, 1944, No. 14206. Convention date, Dec. 9, 1943. [Class 138 (ii)] [Also in Group XXIX] A valve arrangement, particularly for supplying water at different temperatures in the various stages of soaking, washing and rinsing of a washing machine, comprises a pair of thermostatic mixing valves 22, 23 in a unitary structure receiving hot water from a common inlet 31 and cold water from a common inlet 32 and delivering supplies at two different predetermined temperatures through electrically controlled valves 24, 25 to a common outlet 29. Each valve 22, 23 comprises valve heads 51, 61 controlling the hot and cold water respectively to a mixing chamber 64 having an outlet passage 80 in which a thermostatic element 76 is arranged to act on the valve member in opposition to a spring 65 and through a spring 72 to maintain a constant outlet temperature which can be adjusted by a screw-and-nut device 81, 82. The valves 24, 25 in each outlet passage 80 comprise a diaphragm 107 cooperating with a seating 106 to control the flow of water to the common outlet 29. The diaphragm 107 is provided with small apertures 119 which allow the inlet pressure to build up behind the diaphragm to hold it closed when an outlet aperture 114 is closed by the armature 115 of an electromagnet 116 or 130. When the electromagnet is energized the pressure behind the diaphragm is released to allow the valve to open. A constant flow controller comprising a deformable rubber disc 101 in the outlet is provided. For filling the tub 129, Fig. 8, of a washing machine with water at different temperatures at different stages, the valve arrangement indicated at 21 is controlled by a timing motor 131 driving cam discs 132, 133 for controlling the circuits of electromagnets 116, 130 which may be operated singly or together to supply water at one or other of the two temperatures or at an intermediate temperature for periods determined by the length of the projections on the cams according to the quantities of water required. Additional sets of cam discs may be provided so that by means of a selector switch a different cycle of operations may be employed for different classes of fabrics to be laundered, for example, heavily soiled, lightly soiled, and woollen. Specifications 610,309, [Group XXIX], and 626,606 are referred to.