Laundry Apparatus

Abstract

A dual zone washing machine of the vertical axis type including a generally cylindrical open-top stationary tub and a generally cylindrical open-top rotatable tub within the stationary tub. A removable tub of lesser size than the rotatable tub is supported in the latter tub upon its rim, and a vertically extending oscillatable agitator includes vane sections for both the rotatable and the removable tubs. Selectively controlled fluid handling means are operable to fill either the removable tub or the rotatable tub alone, or to fill both sequentially.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to laundry apparatus, and especially to improvements in washing machines of the vertical axis type.

There has been a trend toward laundry apparatus of increased wash load capacities, but such increased capacities frequently have been of limited advantage to the users of such apparatus. For example, in a large clothes load there may be a sufficient variety of fabrics to require sorting into less than full loads, in order to insure conditions of water temperature, mechanical action, and chemical balance of the water best suited to washing of a particular clothes load. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the user cannot always take full advantage of a large capacity machine. One approach has been to provide a tube of relatively small size supportable within a larger, perforate, rotatable wash basket surrounded by a stationary tub. While wash liquid fill devices have been provided for arrangements of this type, they have been very elaborate to ensure separation of the wash zones. The present invention proposes to use, instead of the perforate rotatable basket, an imperforate, rotatable tub, and thereby afford a dual-zone machine having a simplified liquid fill circuit.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide improved liquid fill circuit means in a washing machine capable of simultaneously washing groups of assorted clothing in separate washing zones.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a vertical axis washing machine comprising a pair of nested tubs in combination with novel means for both introducing and removing wash liquid from the aforesaid tubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In achievement of the foregoing and other objectives, the invention contemplates provision-- in a washing machine of the type including a stationary tub, a rotatable tub within said stationary tub, an agitator within said rotatable tub, and a tub of lesser size supported within said rotatable tub-- of liquid-handling means for introducing wash liquids into said rotatable tub and said tub of lesser size. The liquid-handling means comprises a first liquid inlet for the rotatable tub including liquid-metering orifice means for directing a portion of such liquid into the stationary tub. A first valve means controls supply of liquid to the first inlet. A second liquid inlet is provided for the tub of lesser size, and second valve means controls the supply of liquid to the second inlet. Overflow conduit means is provided for directing overflow liquid from the tub of lesser size into the stationary tub means. In further and more particular accordance with the invention, a first liquid-pressure-actuated means is in liquid flow communication with the stationary tub for controlling the first valve means to establish a predetermined level of liquid in the rotatable tub upon operation of the pressure-actuated means by liquid metered from the orifice means into said stationary tub, and second pressure-actuated means also is disposed in liquid-flow communication with the stationary tub for controlling the second valve means upon further introduction of liquid into the stationary tub from the overflow conduit means. The second pressure-actuated means is conditioned to initiate such flow in response to the recited establishment of a predetermined liquid level in the rotatable tub.

The invention further contemplates the combination of a pair of open-top clothes-receiving tubs, one removably nested within the other, wherein the outer open-top tub has flange means extending about its upper rim, inwardly toward the nested tub. Water drain perforations extend through the rim below the level of the flange means, and the nested tub has water drain perforations extending through its upper rim above the level of the flange means. Means is provided for delivering water to the tubs individually, and for spinning the tubs simultaneously to express water through the drain perforations of each tub, the flange means then serving to insure that water expressed from the nested tub is drained without being permitted to enter the outer of the two tubs.

In effect, the nested tub and liquid fill arrangement contemplated by the invention affords two washing machines in one, operable either simultaneously or individually, and in which a primary wash zone is defined by the larger, rotatable tub and a secondary wash zone is defined by the smaller, removable tub.

The manner in which the foregoing as well as other objectives and advantages of the invention may best be achieved will be understood from a consideration of the following description, taken in light of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic showing of a washing machine embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram illustrating control circuit elements for the washing machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating a sequence of operations afforded by apparatus illustrated in the preceding FIGS.,

FIGS. 4A to 4D are tabulations of selective contact combinations for switches illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic showing of a selector switch panel by use of which the operator may select a desired washing cycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With more detailed reference to the drawings, and first to FIG. 1, a washing machine 10 of the vertical axis type includes a stationary, generally cylindrical, open-top tub 11 within which is disposed a rotatable, generally cylindrical, open-top tub 12. The open top of the rotatable tub is disposed below the level of the open top of the stationary tub. Agitator means 13 is disposed within the rotatable tub, and a removable tub 14 of lesser size than the rotatable tub 12 is removably supported by a flange 39 thereof upon a rim portion 24 of rotatable tub 12. An upper cylindrical portion 13a of agitator means 13 projects with clearance through an axially extending tubular portion 14a of tub 14. Vane means 18 are releasably keyed, in any convenient manner (not shown), on cylindrical portion 13a of agitator means 13, and serve as an agitator for moving liquid and clothes in tub 14 as agitator means 13 is oscillated by mechanism to be more fully described. It will be understood that releasable keying of vane means 18 is such as to facilitate its removal in order that tub 14 also may be removed.

Under one condition of operation, both tubs 12 and 14, together with agitator means 13, 18 may be rotated at a relatively high rate of speed in order to centrifuge wash fluid from clothes therein. Under another condition of operation, tubs 12 and 14 may be held stationary, while agitator means 13 and 18 are oscillated in achievement of either a washing or a rinsing action in either, or both, of tubs 12 and 14. For either condition of operation, frictional engagement of flange 39 with rim portion 24 is sufficient to lock the tubs together as against relative rotation. It will of course be understood that a projection-and-slot keying arrangement could be provided between the flange and rim to ensure against such relative rotation. Mechanism for spinning both tubs 12 and 14, together with agitator means 13, 18 or for oscillating the agitator means, while preventing rotation of tubs 12 and 14, includes a suitable transmission 15 and drive motor 16 connected thereto by a pulley and belt assembly 17. A drain pump 21 also is driven by assembly 17, and is arranged in conventional fluid flow communication with a drain hose 22 free at its discharge and and affixed to a tub drain sump 20 at its other end. Drive and drain pump mechanism of the above-described type is well known in the art, and further, detailed description thereof is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention.

As is seen further in FIG. 1, a row of perforations 23 is provided in the sidewall of removable tub 14, between circumferential support flange 39 and a similarly extending flange 38 spaced therefrom and disposed just below the level of the upper rim of tub 14. An inturned, continuous flange 25 defines the top opening of tub 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the support ring 24 for tub 14 is of generally U-shaped cross section. The upper leg of ring 24 is in liquid sealing engagement with flange 39, and extends radially outwardly over the upper rim of rotatable tub 12. The lower leg of ring 24 is affixed to tub 12 and includes perforations 27. Also, perforations 26 are provided in the upper wall of rotatable tub 12, just below the lower leg of ring 24.

The walls of both tubs 12 and 14 are flared outwardly toward their open tops so that during the centrifuging phase of wash cycle, wash fluid will be caused to flow up the walls and outwardly of the tubs, through perforations 23 and 26, into stationary tub 11 from which it is discharged by pump 21 through sump 20 and hose 22. The extension of upper leg of ring 24 is such as to ensure delivery of fluid, from perforations 23 of removable tub 14, into stationary tub 11 only, while the inturned flange 25 and the lower leg portion of ring 24 are so positioned as to ensure outflow of fluid from the tubs only through their corresponding perforations.

In further and more special accordance with the invention, water inlet valves 31 and 32 are provided for tubs 12 and 14, which tubs in combination with their respective agitators define primary and secondary wash zones. Valve 31 includes a hot water solenoid 33 and a cold water solenoid 34 for proportioning the flow of wash water from respective hot and cold water supplies, for subsequent feeding of water at a predetermined selected temperature through check valve 29, nozzle 30 and perforations 27 in ring 24 into the primary zone, i.e. tub 12. Nozzle 30 includes a branch portion 37 provided with an orifice of considerably lesser diameter and arranged to meter a small amount of water into stationary tub 11, for reasons to be presented later in this description.

Another inlet valve 32, similar to inlet valve 31, includes a hot water solenoid 35 and a cold water solenoid 36. Valve 32 is arranged to feed water through a check valve 41 and nozzle 42, for directed flow into the secondary wash zone defined by removable tub 14.

As is shown further in FIG. 1, a water accumulating chamber 43 is connected to a leg of the generally U-shaped drain hose 22 at a location upstream of pump 21. Chamber 43 includes a hollow, dome-shaped portion 43a positioned to form an air trap for water introduced by nozzle 37 into stationary tub 11 and caused to flow into the U-shaped hose and chamber 43. Switches 44 and 45 are connected to dome-shaped portion 43a by a conduit 46, an are calibrated to operate in response to different pressures within the portion 43a for reasons to be more fully described in connection with FIGS. 2, 3 and 4A to 4D, taken with FIG. 1.

Considering now FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D together, the important features of the invention, which make possible utilization of the primary and secondary wash zones either simultaneously or independently of one another in achievement of a wash cycle, will be more fully appreciated. The separate and distinct wash zones permit separate but simultaneous washing of noncolorfast fabrics and colorfast fabrics.

With especial reference to the diagrammatic showing in FIG. 2, there is provided a control circuit comprising a cam-actuated multiple switch means (dotted enclosure 51) including a motor 52 for driving the cams (not shown). This combination commonly is known as a timer, and there are electrical connections made both internally and externally of the timer for placing it in electrical circuit with remaining circuit groups briefly to be described. These groups comprise, preferably, a zone selector switch 53, a primary zone wash fluid or water temperature selector switch 54, and a secondary zone water temperature selector switch 55. There are also included in the circuit the primary zone pressure-controlled, variable-fill switch 44, the secondary zone pressure-controlled fill switch 45, and a speed selector switch 58 for the two-speed, reversible motor 16. The motor 16 is conventional, comprising a low-speed run winding a a high-speed run winding b a start winding c a thermal overload protector e and centrifugal switch means d connected as shown in FIG. 2.

Further included in the circuit for the primary and secondary fill valves 31 and 32, respectively, are the hot and cold water solenoids 33, 34 and 35, 36, respectively. A normally closed lid or door switch 65 is provided as a safety measure, and is operable to deenergize motor 16, if for any reason, the door (not shown) is opened while the machine is operating in any of the "Spin" phases of a wash cycle.

As is seen in FIG. 5 only, control panel 66 includes means for selectively operating certain of the above-mentioned switches and controls, in achievement of predetermined cycles either in single or dual-zone washing. The control panel includes timer 51, zone selector switch 53, motor speed selector switch 58, variable water level switch 44 for the primary zone (tub 12), wash and rinse water temperature selector switch 54 for the primary wash zone (tub 12), and wash and rinse water temperature selector switch 55 for the secondary wash zone (tub 14). Conveniently, each of the above-mentioned elements is represented in FIG. 5 by its rotary selector knob wherever selectively is provided, each knob being rotatable between the positions indicated. While only a single selector knob is shown for zone selector switch 53, it will be understood that known internal linkage means is provided to attain the several combinations of contacts A, B, C, D and E for switch 53 to achieve usage of the indicated wash zones, in accordance with the showing in FIG. 4B. The switching functions of switches 54, 55 and 58 are similarly tabulated in FIGS. 4A and 4C, respectively. Switches 54 and 55 are tabulated as one switch, since their contact combination, for achieving the desired combinations of wash and rinse water temperatures, are identical. In FIGS. 4C and 5 the words "Hi" and "Lo" respectively indicate a high motor speed and a low motor speed for achieving corresponding high and low agitator and spin speeds.

A "Soak-Rinse" selector switch 56, including contacts W and R, is provided in the circuit illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be of the pushbutton type including pushbuttons a, b, and c, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Switching functions for contacts W and R of switch 56, and its buttons a, b, and c, are tabulated in FIG. 4D.

Referring in more detail to the timer 51 illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, each of the movable contacts of the various timer switches is shown as an open rectangle disposed either adjacent or between numbered open rectangles. The numbered open rectangles represent top (T) or bottom (B) fixed timer switch contacts and are number 1 to 9. These timer actuated switches are conditioned to provide the sequence of operations shown in the left-hand column of FIG. 3 by movements of suitably shaped cams operable to urge the movable contacts into engagement with their corresponding fixed contacts, in accordance with locations of the vertically extending heavy black bars. The functions assigned to each of the contacts from 1 to 9 (T or B), appear at the top of the sequence chart, with the sequential time units, or step numbers through which the timer cams move indicated by a vertical scale at the extreme right.

None of the timer cams has been illustrated, with the exception of subinterval cam 67 (FIG. 2) operable to open and close contact 9B during a spray rinse, in accordance with the right-hand portion of the timer chart in FIG. 3. The right-hand portion of the chart is divided into increments of one second, there being shown a full subinterval cam cycle of 45 second duration. When contact 9B is in its main cam-controlled closed position (chart, FIG. 3), subinterval cam 67 will operate to open the contact six times in achievement of the spray rinse.

Timer 51 includes a line switch 68 operable by axial movement of the timer control knob (FIG. 5), in accordance with conventional practice, to energize and deenergize the control circuit by connecting it to a source of energy, such as voltage supply L-1, L-2, having a third terminal G serving as an electrical ground.

Having considered the various operating elements of the laundry apparatus, and their constructional interrelation, it will further be helpful in understanding the invention to consider the interrelated functions of the various elements that have been described in carrying out, in each of the Primary and Secondary zones, a selected washing cycle. For example, let it be assumed that an operator of the machine selects the "WASH" Cycle with "High" speed agitation and spin, using "Warm" wash water and a "Warm" rinse water in the secondary zone, and using "Hot" wash water and a "Warm" rinse water in the primary zone. With reference to FIG. 5, let it be assumed further that noncolorfast clothes have been placed in tub 14, colorfast clothes have been placed in tub 12, and that the controls have been set as follows:

Timer 51 -- Start of "Wash" Cycle (see FIG. 3)

Zone Selector 53 -- "Both" zones (see FIG. 4B)

Motor Speed Switch 58 -- "Hi-Hi" (see FIG. 4C)

Primary Zone Water Level Switch 44 -- "2 zone."

Primary Zone Fluid Temperature Switch 54 -- "Hot-Warm" (see FIG. 4A)

Secondary Zone Fluid Temperature Switch 55 -- "Warm-Warm" (see FIG. 4A)

Wash, or Soak & Wash Switch 56 -- Button 56a (see FIG. 4D).

The broken line arrow FIG. 5 extending between zone selector 53 and the water level switch 44 indicates that it is possible to provide a linkage between these switches that automatically will set the water level switch 44 to "2 zone" upon setting of switch 53 to "Both."

Reference is made in the above tabulation to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D for disclosure of the circuits in FIG. 2 which are completed by the individual selector switch contacts in achievement of the selected "Wash" cycle to be described by way of example.

Once the rotatable and pushbutton controls have been set as shown and described, the timer knob is moved axially to close line switch 68 (FIG. 2), thereby energizing, through close timer contacts 2T, 3B, 4T, 6B, 7B, 8T, and 9T (FIG. 3), the several circuits associated with the above tabulated switches and initiation of the "Fill and Agitate" phase. In combination with these switch settings, the pressure-actuated fill switches are in their left-hand fill positions (solid line left-hand positions 44a and 45a where they prevent connection of the motor 16 to source of energy L.sub.1, L.sub.2 for rotation in its direction for driving agitator 13 and vanes 18 supported thereon. It will be appreciated that closure of the primary zone pressure switch contact 44a and the temperature switch contact 54B, provides for energization of the primary fill hot water solenoid 33 by source of energy L.sub.1, L.sub.2. While tub 12 is being filled, water is metered from nozzle branch 37 into tub 11 for flow through drain 20 and hose 22 into water accumulator chamber 43 until sufficient air pressure is developed in air trap portion 43a to operate switch 44. Such air pressure will be representative of the tub having been filled to a preselected level. As soon as tub 12 is filled to its preselected level, pressure actuated switch 44 is moved from its contact a to its contact b, deenergizing hot water solenoid 33, and placing the closed secondary zone temperature switch contacts 55A and 55B and pressure fill switch contact 45a in circuit with L.sub.1, L.sub.2 to energize secondary fill valve solenoids 35 and 36. When tub 14 is filled, and in particular accordance with the invention, the water runs over into tub 11, via perforations 23 and ring 24, thence into water accumulator chamber 43 until sufficient additional air pressure is developed in air trap portion 43a to operate pressure actuated switch 45 to move it from its contact a to its contact b. Once both tubs 12 and 14 have been filled, sequentially, to the desired level, the fill switches 44 and 45 will have moved to their contact b positions completing the electrical connection of motor 16 and timer motor 52 to the source of energy L-1, L-2. By energizing motor 16, agitator 13 and vanes 18 thereon are driven through the "Fill and Agitate" phase of the cycle, during which phase timer motor 52 will continue to drive. There could be achieved an overflow rinse in tub 14 at some suitable phase of the cycle, in the course of which lighter-than-water soil would be purged from the surface of the wash solution. To do this, wash fluid would be introduced into tub 14 from fill nozzle 42, then overflow into tub 11. The fluid would flow through drain sump 20 and be discharged by pump 21 through hose 22 in a subsequent "spin" phase.

When the "Pause" phase of the cycle is reached, previously closed contacts 3B, 4T, 6B, 7B and 8T are opened, contact 2T, remains closed, and contact 5T is closed to bypass the fill or water level switches 44 and 45 so that an ensuing spray rinse may be achieved.

One increment of timer operation later, contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B are closed to achieve motor rotation in the direction for the "Spin" phase, during which pump 21 is operable to withdraw the wash fluid centrifuged from tubs 12 and 14, and to discharge it through hose 22. Contact 9B also is closed to provide for a "Spray" rinse subphase during a portion of this particular "Spin" phase. As was described previously, the "Spray" rinse is achieved by energizing the cold water solenoids 34 and 36 intermittently through pulsing of closed contact 9B by subinterval cam 67. After three increments of timer operation, contact 9B is opened to discontinue the "Spray" subphase.

Upon completion of the "Spin" phase, there is initiated another "Pause" phase at which time contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B are opened and contacts 2T and 5T remain closed. Also, the water level switches will have moved to their left hand positions 44a and 45a due to water having been pumped out of the tub 11 and accumulator 43. After the one increment of timer operation comprising the "Pause" phase, the next "Fill and Agitate" phase is initiated by closure of timer contacts 3B, 4B, 6B, 7T, and 8T, and contact 2T remains closed. With switch contacts 44a and 45a closed solenoids 35 and 36, and 33 and 34 are energized to introduce warm rinse water into tubs 12 and 14. After the tubs are filled, water level switch contacts 44b and 45b are closed in the manner described previously, thereby energizing timer motor 52 and drive motor 16. For the first increment of timer operation, contact 1B is closed to energize solenoid 70 for the rinse conditioner dispenser (not shown). During this "Fill and Agitate" phase, motor 16 is driven in a direction to drive agitator 13 and secondary vanes 18 thereon.

Upon completion of the "Fill and Agitate" phase, there is a pause for one increment of timer operation during which contacts 3B, 4B, 6B, 7T, and 8T are opened, contact 2T remains closed, and contact 5T is closed.

Upon completion of the "Pause" phase, the "Spin" phase is initiated by closure of contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B, and contacts 2T and 5T remain closed. During this "Spin" phase, which is the final phase of the cycle, the motor 16 runs in a direction to spin the tubs 12 and 14 and to drive pump 21 to withdraw fluid centrifuged from the tubs for discharge through hose 22, and again to close contacts 44and 45a.

The wash cycle is completed by movement of closed contacts 3T, 6T, and 8B, to their open positions where they, along with the other opened contacts, stand ready for initiation of another wash cycle or for an "Extra Rinse" cycle. For such latter cycle, the different electrical circuits will be established through the same switch contact combinations illustrated in tabular form in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. Considered another way, the various selector switch contacts may first be established visually on the wiring diagram in FIG. 2, and the timer-switch-established circuits traced for each phase of the cycle. The available combinations are numerous and the foregoing complete description of one cycle is sufficient for an understanding of the invention.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that this invention provides a washing machine in which it is possible to wash clothes of different colors, or clothes requiring different water temperatures in independent zones while maintaining separation of both the wash water and the rinse water. If desired the clothes may be washed simultaneously in both zones, or individually in but one of the zones.

Claims

I claim:

1. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: a rotatable spin tub; a removable tub supported within said spin tub; agitator means for said spin tub and said removable tub; a stationary open-top tub surrounding said spin tub and having a water accumulating portion; first water-fill nozzle means for delivering water to said removable tub; means for directing overflow water from said removable tub to said stationary tub water accumulating portion; second water-fill nozzle means for delivering water to said spin tub, said second nozzle means including a water-metering orifice for delivering a portion of the water fed thereto to said stationary tub water accumulating portion; first and second valve means for controlling water flow through said first and second nozzles, respectively; pressure sensing means connected to said stationary tub accumulating portion; and first and second pressure switch means operable by said sensing means for operating said first and second valve means respectively, said switch means being coupled for sequential operation by said sensing means first to fill said spin tub to a predetermined level and terminate flow thereto in response to pressure of water delivered from said metering orifice, and then to fill said removable tub and terminate flow thereto in response to pressure of water delivered as overflow from said removable tub.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, and characterized in that said means for directing overflow water from said removable tub to said water accumulating tub portion comprises circumferentially extending flange means at substantially the level of the open top of said removable tub and extending radially over the open top of said spin tub and below the open top of the surrounding stationary tub.

3. A washing machine according to claim 2, and further characterized by the inclusion of perforation means in sidewalls of said removable tub at a level above the level of said flange means.

4. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: a stationary tub; first generally cylindrical open-top tub means disposed within said stationary tub and defining a first wash zone; second generally cylindrical open-top tub means of lesser size than the first tub means, nested within the latter with its open top above the level of the open top of the first tub means, said second tub means defining a second wash zone and having perforations in sidewall portions thereof above the level of the top opening of the first tub means; agitator means for said first and second tub means; means defining a circumferential flange on said first tub means below the level of said perforations in said second tub means and extending from the region of said perforation and over the top rim of said first tub means to direct water caused to flow from said second tub means through said perforations to said stationary tub; valve means for introducing wash liquid selectively into said first and second tub means, and, upon such flow, into said stationary tub; and means for controlling said valve means, in response to predetermined different quantities of liquid in said stationary tub.

5. In a vertical axis washing machine, the combination comprising: a rotatable spin tub adapted to retain water and to receive clothes to be washed; a removable tub supported within said spin tub, and adapted to retain water and to receive clothes to be washed; agitator means for said spin tub and said removable tub; a stationary tub surrounding said spin tub and having a water-accumulating portion; a first electrically operated water-supplying valve; a conduit for delivering water from said first valve to said removable tub; means defining a water flow path between said removable tub, when it is filled, and said stationary tub water-accumulating portion; a second electrically operated water-supplying valve; a water-flow-dividing conduit for delivering water from said second valve to said stationary tub and to said spin tub, said conduit having a larger outlet to discharge a larger amount of water for delivery to said spin tub and having another outlet of predetermined smaller size as compared to the larger outlet to discharge a proportionately lesser amount of water for delivery to said stationary tub accumulating portion; first and second pressure switch means; an air trap communicating with said first and second pressure switch means; means for delivering water from said stationary tub accumulating portion to said air trap to vary the air pressure on said first and second switch means and thereby operate the same; and circuit means electrically connecting said first and second pressure switch means with said first and second valves, respectively, to actuate said valves sequentially in response to sequential operation of said switch means, whereby sequentially to fill said spin tub and said removable tub.

6. A washing machine according to claim 5, and characterized in that said means defining a water flow path between said removable tub and said stationary tub comprises perforation means in sidewall portions of the removable tub above the level of the top opening of the spin tub, and means defining a circumferential flange on said rotatable tub below said perforation means and extending between the latter and beyond the periphery of the spin tub.

7. In a washing machine of the type including a stationary tub, a rotatable tub within said stationary tub, a tub of lesser size supported within said rotatable tub, and agitator means within said tubs, liquid handling means for introducing wash liquids into said rotatable tub and said tub of lesser size comprising: a first liquid inlet for said rotatable tub including liquid-metering orifice means for directing a portion of such liquid into said stationary tub; first valve means for controlling the supply of liquid to said first inlet; a second liquid inlet for said tub of lesser size; second valve means for controlling the supply of liquid to said second inlet; overflow conduit means for directing overflow liquid from said tub of lesser size into said stationary tub; a first liquid-pressure-actuated means in liquid flow communication with said stationary tub for controlling said first valve means to establish a predetermined level of liquid in said rotatable tub upon operation of said pressure-actuated means by liquid metered from said orifice means into said stationary tub; and second pressure-actuated means also in liquid flow communication with said stationary tub for controlling said second valve means upon further introduction of liquid into said stationary tub from said overflow conduit means, and being conditioned to initiate such flow in response to the recited establishment of a predetermined liquid level in said rotatable tub.

8. A washing machine according to claim 7, and further characterized in that said overflow conduit means comprises: means defining a row of perforations along the upper periphery of said tub of lesser size, at a level above the open top of said rotatable tub; and a ring of generally U-shaped cross section having its open side presented radially outwardly, the lower one of the legs of the U-shaped ring being perforate and providing for support thereof about the upper rim of said rotatable tub and the upper one of the legs of the U-shaped ring being at a level below the level of said row of perforations and extending from the region of such perforations to a region beyond the upper rim of said rotatable tub and positioned to direct liquid overflowing through said perforations into said stationary tub.

9. A washing machine according to claim 7 and further characterized in that said first and second liquid-pressure-actuated means comprise, respectively, a first and second electrical switch, and said first and second valve means are actuated respectively by first and second electrical solenoid means under the control of said first and second switches, said first switch when moved to a position for deenergizing said first solenoid means being effective to supply energy to said second switch for energization of said second solenoid means.

10. A washing machine according to claim 7, and further characterized by the inclusion of control means for establishing selectively, the recited mode of operation or for establishing liquid fill of either said rotatable tub or of said tub of lesser size, in response to operation of the corresponding liquid-pressure-actuated means.