Theory Of Operation
The design of the machine emphasizes performance reliability and long service life. The cylinder, shell, and main body panels are fabricated of stainless steel.
Electrical controls for the machine are housed in a separate enclosure located on the top of the machine. Removing the screws from the module cover, lifting the cover, and pulling to the rear provides access to the control module. This module contains the mechanical timer, contactors, water-level switch, and other control components.
All models use one 2-speed motor to drive the cylinder via a V-belt drive in both speeds.The cylinder is supported via the shaft by two bearings. The UW35 uses two ball bearings held in place by a single cast- iron housing that is bolted to the A-frame. The UW60 uses two flange-mounted, spherical roller bearings bolted to the A-frame.
The cylinder is constructed with lifters or ribs that lift the laundry from the bath solution when the cylinder rotates at slow speed and then allow the laundry to tumble back into the bath. This mechanical action accomplishes the washing function. The cylinder is perforated, allowing the water to drain from within during the wash and extract steps.
On the UW60, a balance switch is installed between the faces of the A-frame to signal the controls to slow the machine when a severely out-of-balance load occurs during extract.
Water enters the machine through electromechanical water valves controlled by the mechanical timer. The mechanical timer also controls the drain and door lock. In addition, the timer selects the water levels according to the selected cycle. A vacuum breaker is installed in the water-inlet plumbing to prevent backflow of water.
Operation
The standard production UW 2-speed model uses a single drain valve. (A dual drain is available as an option.) The drain valve is normally open, which means that it closes only when power is applied, thus allowing the machine to drain in the event of a power failure.
A door-lock system prevents opening of the stainless steel door when a cycle is in progress. It also prevents operation of the machine when the door is open. The doorbox contains the door-lock microswitch, door- closed magnetic switch, and the door-unlock solenoid.
The UW35 shaft seal assembly includes two lip seals integrated into the cast-iron bearing housing. Each seal has two lips which make contact with a polished stainless steel bushing mounted to the shaft.
The UW60 shaft seal assembly includes a brass collar held in place on the cylinder shaft with set screws. The collar has a flange with a ceramic ring which makes contact with a spring-loaded phenolic face seal enclosed in a nylon housing mounted on the rear of the shell. The collar contains two internal O rings which maintain contact with the cylinder shaft.
The polypropylene supply dispenser is mounted on the right side of the washer-extractor, viewed from the front. The dispenser has 5 supply compartments, numbered 1–5, starting from the rear of the machine. The compartments hold plastic supply cups that are used for for either liquid or dry supplies. A nozzle flushes supplies from the cups with water at the appropriate time in the cycle.
Liquid supplies can be injected directly into the cups by a customer-supplied external chemical supply system. Five hose strain reliefs on top of the supply dispenser facilitate connection to an external supply system. A terminal strip inside a compartment attached to the left side of the control module, viewed from the rear of the washer-extractor, provides connection points for external supply signals.