Continuous water-level monitor for washing machine - measures electrical capacity of partially-immersed conductor forming circular arc

Abstract

Abstract A washing machine comprising a horizontal, revolving drum (12) within a concentric tub (11) mounted on resilient supports (16,17) which permit a limited degree of movement of the tub, has a water-level monitor comprising an electrical conductor of uniform cross-section surrounded by an insulating sheath. The sheathed conductor forms a circular arc (22) of radius intermediate between those of drum and tub, whose length is at least half the circumference of the circle, and is located in the lower half of the tub, midway between the end walls. An electrical circuit continuously monitors the capacity of the length of conductor (M-N) immersed in the water and converts it to a measurement of the depth of water (h). This is a simple, reliable instrument which gives an accurate measurement which is unaffected by movements or changes in orientation of the tub.

Inventors

• 👤 Michel Steers

Bibliographic Details