WO2011083390A1

WO2011083390A1 - Top loading laundry washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2011083390A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/056045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dino Bongini
Original assignee: Indesit Company S.P.A.
Priority date: 2010-01-05
Filing date: 2010-12-23
Publication date: 2011-07-14
Also published as: EP2521809B1; PL2521809T3; ES2529230T3; EP2521809A1; ITTO20100001A1

Abstract

A top-loading laundry washing machine has a washing tub (2), a laundry basket (12) mounted in the tub (2) for rotating about a substantially horizontal driving axis (A), and a driving arrangement. The driving arrangement includes a first shaft (20) and a second shaft (20), each rigidly constrained to a respective end wall (13, 14) of the basket (12), a first hub and a second hub (21-23) associated to a respective side wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2), for rotatably supporting the first shaft and the second shaft (20), respectively, and a motor (25) having a stator (26) supported by the first hub (21-23) and a rotor (27) connected to the first shaft (20). The tub (2) constitutes a stationary load-bearing structure of the machine (1), i.e., a non-oscillating one, and at least one substantial portion of the tub (2) remains in view. Operatively set between each side wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) and the respective hub (21-23) are elastically deformable sealing means (34) and elastic supporting means (28), in such a way that the basket (12), with the corresponding shafts (20), hubs (21-23), and motor (25) are mounted so that they can oscillate with respect to the tub (2).

Description

OP LOADING LAUNDRY WASHING MACHINE

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a top-loading laundry washing machine, having:

- a washing tub, having a body that includes two end walls and a peripheral wall that extends between the end walls;

- a laundry basket mounted in the tub for rotating about a substantially horizontal driving axis, the basket having two end walls and a peripheral wall that extends between the end walls, the peripheral walls of the tub and of the basket having respective openings for loading and unloading the laundry; and

- a driving arrangement including:

- a first shaft and a second shaft coaxial to the driving axis, each shaft being rigidly constrained to a respective end wall of the basket;

- a first hub and a second hub, for rotatably supporting the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively, each hub being mounted at an opening of a corresponding end wall of the tub; and

- a motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being rigidly connected to the first shaft. Background of the invention

Top-loading laundry washing machines of the type referred to are known and widespread above all in Europe. In these known top-loading washing machines, the shafts projecting from the two side walls of the laundry basket are operatively coupled to the respective hubs, which are rigidly associated to the homologous side walls of the tub. The basket is thus able to rotate within the tub about a substantially horizontal axis, with one of the two shafts that is associated directly, or else by means of a transmission system, to an electric motor. The tub is supported elastically within a cabinet of the machine: in this way, the so-called oscillating assembly - comprising at least the tub, the basket, the motor, the counterweights and the possible pumps associated to the tub - is free to perform oscillations determined by the loads acting on the basket during its rotation, said loads being due to the weight of the laundry being treated.

In the known machines, moreover, the circumferential wall of the basket is provided with a door, and the tub has an upper opening, facing said circumferential wall. The cabinet in turn comprises a respective upper door, which enables access to the opening of the tub, and hence to the door of the basket. For the purposes of the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry, the basket is brought into an angular position such that the corresponding door occupies a position corresponding to the upper opening of the tub. Extending between the upper opening of the cabinet, at which the aforesaid door is mounted, and the upper opening of the tub is a bellows gasket having the purpose of preventing the water from possibly coming out of the opening of the tub and reaching live electrical parts that are located within the cabinet; said gasket likewise prevents garments or other objects from possibly accidentally falling between the cabinet and the tub, for example in the course of the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry.

The top-loading machines of the type referred to are appreciated for the high quality of washing that can be obtained with relatively small amounts of water, for their high ergonomics of use, and for their flexibility of installation, due to the fact that the operations of loading/unloading of the laundry can be carried out from the top of the cabinet.

In these machines, however, on account of the substantially horizontal arrangement of the axis of rotation of the basket and of the gravitational force, there is the need to balance the load of laundry precisely in order to carry out some steps of the cycle, such as the steps of spinning. This need imposes structural arrangements and solutions as regards positioning of the oscillating assembly that complicate the construction of the machine. For example, the tub and the cabinet must be adequately sized in order to enable the necessary oscillations of the oscillating assembly within the cabinet and at the same time prevent said oscillations from possibly damaging internal components of the machine or the cabinet itself; said need imposes also certain constraints in the positioning of internal components of the machine, such as for example the pumps and the dispenser of the washing agents. The production of the cabinet is complex from the structural standpoint owing to the fact that the oscillating assembly must be supported elastically, via springs and/or dampers that function as connection between the cabinet and the tub.

Aim and summary of the invention

In view of what has been set forth previously, the aim of the present invention is to provide a top-loading laundry washing machine that is simple and inexpensive to produce, of reliable operation, and easy to use for the end user. The above and other aims that will emerge more clearly hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention by a top-loading laundry washing machine having the characteristics indicated in Claim 1. Preferred characteristics of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

In summary, according to the invention, a top-loading laundry washing machine of the type referred to at the beginning is characterized in that:

- the tub provides a stationary load-bearing structure of the machine, i.e., a non-oscillating structure, and at least a substantial portion of the tub remains directly in view;

- mounted on the tub, at the opening of the corresponding peripheral wall, is a door for loading and unloading the laundry;

- the stator of the motor is supported by the first hub; and

- operatively set between each end wall of the tub and the corresponding hub are elastically deformable sealing means and elastic supporting means, in such a way that the driving arrangement and the basket are mounted so that they can oscillate with respect to the tub.

The fact that, in the machine according to the invention, the tub constitutes a stationary load-bearing structure, and hence one that cannot oscillate, has the consequence that the oscillating part of the machine is in effect constituted only by the basket, with the load of laundry, and by the components associated to the basket, i.e., its shafts, hubs, and motor, with said part of the machine that is free to perform the oscillations induced by the unbalanced loads acting on the basket during its rotation. In this way, in the machine according to the invention, the tub must not necessarily be housed completely within a purposely provided cabinet, in so far as the tub itself functions at least in part as casing in view of the machine. Consequently, the structural constraints and the constraints of sizing and positioning of components linked to the presence of a cabinet according to the prior art are no longer called for, with a corresponding simplification of the construction of the machine. The overall structure of the machine can hence be relatively simple, of small overall dimensions, and lighter as compared to known machines given the same laundry loading capacity. The absence of a cabinet having the functions envisaged in the prior art, in addition to simplifying the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry, enables reduction of the overall dimensions of the machine according to the invention, given the same loading capacity, as compared to a machine of a known type; on the other hand, given the same overall dimensions, as compared to a machine of a known type, the machine according to the invention enables increase in the loading capacity given that the tub - and hence the basket - can have larger dimensions.

The fact that the outer door of the machine is mounted on the tub, in particular in a portion thereof directly in view, enables elimination of the classic gasket, which, in machines of a known type, extends between the upper opening of the cabinet and the upper opening of the tub and constitutes a costly and critical component in so far as it is subject to considerable wear over time.

In a preferred embodiment, the aforesaid elastic supporting means between the oscillating part and the tub are provided for enabling radial, axial, and oscillatory displacements of the shafts of the basket, and hence of the driving arrangement and of the basket itself, with respect to the tub. In this way, even though the tub remains without the possibility of oscillating, the basket and the components associated thereto are in any case free to perform all the displacements typically induced by normal operation of a top-loading machine with horizontal axis, due to the various loads acting on the basket.

In an embodiment currently deemed preferential, the basket is provided with dynamic self-balancing elements. Thanks to this characteristic, prearrangement of the operating programs of the machine is relatively simplified in so far as the need to detect and correct with a high degree of precision any possible unbalancing of the load of laundry is reduced.

The aforesaid dynamic self-balancing elements can be of any type known in the sector. For example, in one embodiment, these elements include at least two annular seats, preferably defined each in a position substantially corresponding to the circumference of a respective end wall of the basket, where in each seat a movable balancing mass is located, such as a mass of liquid or a series of balls. Said self-balancing elements have relatively contained dimensions, and hence do not reduce the loading capacity of the machine significantly.

The elastic supporting means that connect each hub to the respective end wall of the tub can be variously configured, it being understood that they are in any case provided for enabling constrained displacements of a few centimetres - for example approximately 2-4 cm - of the oscillating part with respect to the tub, i.e., the aforesaid radial, axial, and oscillatory displacements. Preferably, these supporting means are configured in order for the extent of the axial displacements to be more contained as compared to the radial and oscillatory displacements. The elastic supporting means operatively combined with one hub can even be structurally different from the elastic supporting means combined with the other hub.

In one embodiment, the elastic supporting means between one end wall of the tub and the corresponding hub comprise a plurality of damping members, which extend in a substantially radial direction from the hub to the corresponding wall of the tub, for example damping members that include two parts telescopically coupled to one another and provided inside with an accumulator of mechanical energy, such as a spring, and a possible damping system. In said embodiment preferably provided are at least three damping members extending axially and arranged at 120° apart. In one embodiment, the elastic supporting means between an end wall of the tub and the corresponding hub comprise a respective elastically deformable annular element, which surrounds the corresponding hub and connects it to the corresponding wall of the tub. The aforesaid annular element can include, for example, a ring made of elastomeric material, with the inner and outer circumferences that differ by a few centimetres, for example between approximately 5 cm and approximately 8 cm in order to enable the aforesaid axial, radial, and oscillatory displacements of the oscillating part. The annular element can also be shaped so as to define an annular chamber containing a gel or else a fluid, such as air, gas, or a liquid, sized for enabling the aforesaid displacements of the oscillating part of the machine.

The elastic supporting means can advantageously constitute or form part of the aforesaid sealing means that extend between the hub and the corresponding wall of the tub. For example, in one embodiment, the aforesaid elastically deformable annular element that surrounds the hub and connects it to the corresponding wall of the tub can be configured for performing also sealing functions.

In one embodiment at least one of the end walls of the tub, preferably both of the walls, has a concave profile, i.e., with the concavity towards the inside of the tub. In this way, the overall dimensions of the tub can be limited, at the same time enabling the necessary oscillatory movements of the basket inside it. The stator of the motor is elastically constrained to the tub so as to be able to discharge on the tub the counter-reaction torque exerted by the stator, which is equal and opposite to the torque exerted by the rotor on the first shaft of the basket.

The constraint between the stator and the tub can be direct or else indirect, i.e., via interposition of the corresponding hub. An indirect elastic constraint can be obtained exploiting the same supporting means as the ones that elastically connect the hub to the tub given that the stator is fixed to the corresponding hub. Supporting means that can be used for the purpose may, for example, be the aforementioned axially extending damping members, the proximal ends of which will be appropriately constrained to the hub and the distal ends will be constrained to the tub. A direct constraint can be, instead, obtained via a plurality of rigid elements that project directly from the structure of the stator, for example three pin- shaped elements set at 120° apart, each of which engages an eyelet of a corresponding damping block, for example made of elastomeric material, in a fixed position on the wall of the tub that the stator faces.

Preferably, each hub includes means for obtaining a seal with respect to the corresponding shaft. These means may comprise a sealing member of the type usually employed in the sector, such as a member of the type known by the trade name Corteco®.

Once again preferentially, the sealing means that extend between of a hub and the corresponding end wall of the tub comprise a bellows gasket, which enables the hub, and the components associated thereto, to perform the displacements induced by the movement of the basket during operation of the machine.

In one embodiment, the structure of the machine comprises upright elements for supporting the tub with respect to the ground where the machine itself is installed. These upright elements, which are substantially anelastic or rigid, can be configured as components distinct from the tub and fixed to the latter, or else can be provided integrally with the tub, for example moulded in a single piece with a body of plastic material that forms at least part of the tub.

In one embodiment, provided in the bottom part of the structure of the tub is a container for housing a stabilizing mass. This container - which can also be made integrally with a plastic body that forms at least part of the tub - enables, if need be, the load-bearing structure of the machine to be rendered heavier and thus contribute to its stabilization. Advantageously, the aforesaid container can be configured as a tank, with the stabilizing mass that is constituted by a liquid, for example water. In this way, the machine has as a whole a contained weight, which facilitates its handling during production and transport, and the aforesaid tank can be filled following upon installation of the machine itself at the premises of the end user.

In one embodiment, the tub is provided for supporting a cover of the motor and other possible electrical members projecting laterally from the tub, such as, for example, a pump, an electronic control card, or other electrical components. Advantageously, to said cover, which may be made of plastic material, there may be associated the user interface of the machine, i.e., its control panel, comprising keys, pushbuttons or similar means of selection, through which a user can set a washing program and the possible options that can be associated thereto, as well as starting execution of the program itself.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description, with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a top-loading laundry washing machine according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the machine of Figure 1, with a corresponding door open and with some components removed;

- Figure 3 is a schematic cross section of the machine of Figure 1;

- Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged details of Figure 3;

- Figure 6 is a schematic cross section of a detail of Figure 4;

- Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views, from opposite sides, of a possible embodiment of a suspension assembly of the machine of Figure 1; and

- Figure 9 is an exploded view of the suspension assembly of Figures 7 and 8.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the context of the present description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment", "in one embodiment" and the like, that may be present in different points of this description, do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. In addition, the particular configurations, structures or characteristics can be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used herein are only provided for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments. It is moreover pointed out that, in the sequel of the present description only the elements useful for an understanding of the invention will be described in detail.

With particular reference to Figures 1-3, designated as a whole by 1 is a top-loading laundry washing machine according to the present invention. The machine 1 comprises a washing tub 2, which, in the example shown, has a body including two end walls 3 and 4 and a peripheral or circumferential wall 5, which extends between the walls 3 and 4. The peripheral wall 5 has an opening in its upper part, designated by 6 in Figure 2, hinged to which is a loading door 7. Provided between the door 7 and the edge of the opening 6 is a seal gasket, not indicated.

The body of the tub 2 can for example be made totally or partially of moulded thermoplastic material, either in a single piece or in a number of plastic parts welded or secured in a fluid-tight way to one another. A material that can be used for the purpose is, for example, polypropylene with stiffening fillers. In the example shown, the tub 2 has an at least approximately cylindrical shape, but other shapes are evidently possible, such as for example a substantially cradle-like shape.

The load-bearing structure of the machine 1 comprises upright elements 8, for supporting the tub 2 with respect to the ground where the machine is installed. The structural part of the machine 1 that supports the tub 2 can have a shape different from the case represented by way of example, and can comprise, for example, a series of walls or a box-shaped or tubular element, which extends between the tub and the ground. Preferably provided underneath the uprights 8 are resting feet, for example ones made of rubber. The upright elements 8 are substantially anelastic or rigid and can be configured as one or more components distinct with respect to the tub 2, fixed to the latter. On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment, the upright elements 8 are provided integrally with the tub 2, for example moulded in a single piece with a body of plastic material that forms at least part of the tub 2.

Mounted within the tub 2 is a laundry basket, designated as a whole by 12. The basket 12 has a generally cylindrical shape, defined by two end walls 13 and 14 and a peripheral wall 15, which extends between the walls 13 and 14. The peripheral wall 15 of the basket has arrays of holes, not represented, and can be provided with lifter elements, one of which is designated by 16 in Figure 3. Defined in the wall 15 of the basket is a respective opening for loading and unloading the laundry, where a door 17, of a type in itself known, is mounted. The basket 12 can be formed by a number of moulded pieces of plastic material, rendered fixed with respect to one another, or else be made at least in part of metal, for example stainless steel.

The basket 12 is mounted in the tub 2 so that it can be set in rotation about a substantially horizontal driving axis, designated by A in Figure 3. For said purpose, the machine 1 has a driving arrangement, the basic elements of which are represented in Figures 4 and 5.

Said arrangement comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, both designated by 20, which are coaxial to the driving axis A and are rigidly connected, according to known modalities, to a respective end wall 13 and 14 of the basket 12. The driving arrangement further comprises a first hub and a second hub, for rotatably supporting the two shafts 20. Each hub includes a hub body 21, mounted at an opening of the corresponding wall 3 or 4 of the tub 5. Mounted within the hub body 21 is a bearing 22, operative ly coupled to the corresponding shaft 20. Moreover mounted on the body of the hub 21 are means for providing a hydraulic seal with respect to the corresponding shaft 20. In the example shown, these means comprise a sealing member, designated by 23, of the type usually employed in the sector, such as a member known by the trade name Corteco®. In the example, the means for sealing with respect to the shaft 20 also include a flange 24, belonging to a respective end wall 13 or 14 of the basket 12, which rigidly surrounds a portion of the shaft 20 and on which the sealing member 23 operates. Obviously, said sealing arrangement must be understood as being provided merely by way of example in so far as the sealing member 23 could, for example, operate on a bushing associated to the shaft 20, instead of on a flange of the basket 12.

The driving arrangement further comprises an electric motor 25, having a stator 26 and a rotor 27, the rotor 27 being rigidly connected to the shaft 20 associated to the wall 13 of the basket 12. Hence, in the machine according to the invention, the system for driving the basket is of the type generically referred to as "direct drive", the motor 25 having a general structure of a type in itself known.

In the machine 1 according to the invention the stator 26 is supported by a corresponding hub, and precisely by the hub body 21 associated to the wall 3 of the tub 2; the fixing of the stator to the hub body 21 can be provided with means in themselves known, for example via threaded members.

Once again according to the invention, operatively set between each wall 3 and 4 of the tub 2 and the corresponding hub are elastic supporting means, in such a way that the driving arrangement of the basket 12, and the basket itself, are mounted so that they can oscillate with respect to the tub 2. In general terms, the aforesaid elastic supporting means are provided for enabling radial, axial, and oscillatory displacements of the driving arrangement and of the basket with respect to the tub, said displacements having an extent indicatively comprised between at least 1 cm and at least 4 cm. Preferably, the supporting means are configured in order for the extent of the axial displacements be more contained than the radial and oscillatory displacements so as to prevent the risk of the walls 13 and 14 of the basket 12 coming into contact with the walls 3 and 4 of the tub 2 in the course of operation of the machine. Once again in order to prevent any possible contact between the basket 12 and the tub 5, one or both of the end walls 3 and 4 of the tub has/have a concave profile, i.e., with the concavity towards the inside of the tub, as in the case exemplified.

In the embodiment exemplified in Figures 4 and 5, the elastic supporting means that connect each hub to the respective end wall of the tub comprise a plurality of axially extending damping members, designated by 28, which extend in a substantially radial direction from the hub to the corresponding wall of the tub, preferably at least slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal. The members 28 comprise two parts 28a and 28b, telescopically coupled to one another, and are provided inside with an accumulator of mechanical energy, such as a spring 29 (Figures 4 and 5), and with a damping system in itself known (not represented).

With reference also to Figures 7-9, the members 28 extend between the hub body 21 and a fixed support 30, which is for example made of metal and is rendered fixed with respect to the tub 2, in particular at a through opening of the corresponding end wall 3 or 4: hence, in the example, each support 30 itself constitutes a central portion of the corresponding end wall of the tub. Said support 30 has, in the example, a generally flared or frustoconical wall 31 and a peripheral annular wall 32. Defined centrally in the wall 31 is a hole 32, which hence constitutes the through opening of the corresponding end wall of the tub, at which the hub is located.

The proximal ends of the members 28 are constrained in respective seats 21a (Figure 9) defined in the hub body 21, whilst their distal ends bear upon the peripheral wall 33 of the support 30, in a condition of at least partial pre-loading of the spring 29. As may be noted, in particular in Figure 8, in this embodiment at least three damping members are provided arranged at approximately 120° from one another. The members 28 can have an overall length indicatively comprised between approximately 5 cm and approximately 8 cm.

The support 30 must be considered an optional component of the elastic supporting system of the hubs in so far as its operation could be obtained directly from the corresponding end wall 3 or 4 of the tub 2 by appropriately shaping said end wall for the purpose.

Once again with reference to the embodiment of the invention exemplified in the figures, operatively set between the end wall 3 or 4 of the tub 2 and the corresponding hub are elastically deformable sealing means, designed to prevent outflow of water from the tub and at the same time enable the driving arrangement and the basket to perform the displacements induced by normal operation of the machine. In the example shown, these sealing means comprise a bellows gasket 34, mounted between the edge of the hole 33 and the hub body 21.

From what has been described previously it may be appreciated that, according to the invention, the oscillating part of the machine 1 is constituted only by the driving arrangement 20-25 of the basket 12, and by the basket itself, that the tub 2 provides a stationary load-bearing structure, i.e., a non-oscillating structure, and that at least a substantial portion of the tub 2 is directly exposed, i.e., it remains in view. In the example illustrated, in practice, a prevalent part of the tub, i.e., more than half thereof, remains directly in view. For this purpose, the body of the tub 2 can be provided with an aesthetic finish, for example be painted or in any way coloured. A further part of the machine 1 that remains directly in view and belongs to its load-bearing structure is constituted, in the example illustrated, by the uprights 8.

In the embodiment illustrated, the basket 12 is provided with dynamic self-balancing elements, of a type in itself known in the sector. In the example, these elements include two annular seats designated by 35 in Figure 3, each defined in the proximity of the circumference of a corresponding end wall 13 and 14 of the basket 12. Provided within each seat 35 is a series of balls, one of which is designated by 36 in Figure 3, for example metal balls, which provide as a whole a movable balancing mass, according to a technique in itself known. The balls 36 can be replaced by a mass of liquid.

The stator 26 of the motor 25 is elastically constrained to the tub 2 in such a way that the rotor 27 can effectively exert a torque on the corresponding shaft 20 of the basket 12. The figures illustrate the case of direct elastic constraint between the stator and the tub. In this solution (see in particular Figures 4 and 6), projecting from the structure of the stator 26 are pin-shaped elements or appendages 37, for example at least three appendages set at approximately 120° apart. Each appendage 37 is engaged in an eyelet 38 defined in a damping block 39, for example made of elastomeric material, mounted in a fixed position in a corresponding seat 40 of the wall 3 of the tub 2. As may be noted in Figure 6, the aforesaid eyelet 38 is oblong in a vertical direction so as to enable the appendage 37 to displace vertically within it, and hence enable oscillatory and radial displacements of the stator 26; for this purpose, preferably, also between the end of the appendages 37 and the bottom of the eyelets 38 a slight space is provided. Once again from Figure 6 it may be noted, instead, how the width of the eyelet 38 is such that between the appendage and the eyelet there is substantially no clearance in a horizontal direction in order to provide an elastic constraint between the stator and the tub, which prevents rotation of the stator and hence enables the rotor to exert the necessary torque on the shaft 20.

The elastic constraint between the stator 26 and the tub 2 may also be of an indirect type, i.e., be provided via the corresponding hub. In such an embodiment, it is advantageously possible to exploit the same elastic supporting means as those that connect the hub to the tub, given that the stator 26 is fixed to the corresponding hub body 21. For this purpose, the damping members 28 can for example be used, constraining the corresponding proximal and distal ends in a substantially fixed position, on the hub body 21 and on the support 30, respectively, and hence without need for the arrangement referred to in Figure 6.

The supporting means for elastically connecting a hub to the respective end wall of the tub can be configured in a way different from the case represented. For example, in one embodiment (not represented), instead of the damping members 28, an elastically deformable annular element is provided, for example a ring of elastomeric material, which is fixed between the hub body 21 and the wall 3 or 4 of the tub 2 (or the support 30, if provided). The inner and outer circumferences of this elastic ring differ by a few centimetres, for example between approximately 5 cm and approximately 8 cm, in order to enable the displacements of the oscillating part of the machine 1 during its operation. The thickness of such a ring will be evidently adequate to enable support - without substantial deformation of said ring in static conditions - of the oscillating part constituted by the driving arrangement and the basket, with the corresponding load of laundry. As has been mentioned, the annular element used can be shaped so as to define an annular chamber containing a gel or else a fluid, such as air, gas, or a liquid.

It is again to be pointed out that the sealing means that extend between a hub and the corresponding wall of the tub can be constituted, or provided at least in part, by the supporting means themselves. This is, for example, the aforementioned case of use of an elastic annular element, instead of the damping members 28, which is constrained in a fluid- tight way between the hub body 21 and the corresponding wall 3 or 4 of the tub, performing therewith also the function of gasket.

To return to Figure 3, provided in the bottom part of the structure of the tub 2 is a container 44, designed to house a stabilizing mass, which if need be enables the load-bearing structure of the machine 1 to be rendered heavier. In the example, this container 44 is formed integral with a plastic body that forms at least part of the tub 2 and is configured as a tank in such a way that the stabilizing mass can be a liquid, for example water. The container 44 can be provided for this purpose with a charging plug and a discharging plug (not represented) for introduction and possible evacuation, according to the need, of the liquid.

The machine 1 then comprises further components traditionally necessary for normal operation of a washing machine, such as for example means for charging and discharging the liquid, means for heating the liquid, safety means, a dispenser of washing agents, a control system, wiring, pipes, etc.

The aforesaid means for charging the liquid into the tub have not been represented in the figures in so far as they can be obtained according to techniques in themselves known. For example, said means may comprise a loading duct giving out into the tub 2, the inlet of which is connected to a pipe designed for connection with the domestic water mains, as well as a charging solenoid valve, controlled by the control system of the machine, according to techniques in themselves known. The charging means preferably comprise also a level sensor for sensing the level of the liquid charged into the tub, such as for example a pressure switch. It is not on the other hand excluded, in particularly simplified and economical embodiments of the machine according to the invention, that the dosage and charging of the water in the tub must be carried out manually by the user.

The aforesaid means for heating the liquid comprise an electrical resistance, designated by 41 in Figure 3, positioned within the tub 2 in the proximity of its bottom. The supply of said resistance 41 is controlled by the control system of the machine, which preferably also comprises a temperature sensor or thermostat.

The aforesaid means for discharging the water from the tub comprise a discharge pump, designated by 42 in Figure 3, the intake section of which is connected to a duct 43 that departs from the tub bottom, for example made of a single piece with a body made of plastic material of the tub. The delivery section of the pump 42 is instead connected to a discharge pipe (not represented), for example for connection with a fitting belonging to the domestic sewage system.

The aforesaid safety means, if envisaged, may comprise a door-lock device, having a structure in itself known, controlled by the control system of the machine: such a device can be switched between an operative condition and an inoperative condition, in which opening of the door 7 is prevented or enabled, respectively.

Also the dispenser of washing agents, if envisaged, can be of any type known in the sector, preferably of a type without electrical components. Such a dispenser - for example of the type known from IT-B- 1330508 or from FR-A-2455113 - can be positioned in the internal part of the door 7. Alternatively, the dispenser can be directly mounted on the basket, for example integrated in the door 17 of the basket 12, as described in FR-A- 2673648. The machine 1 can in any case be without a dispenser, in which case the introduction of the detergent will be carried out manually by the user before starting a washing cycle, for example via a known container designed to be positioned within the basket, amongst the garments to be washed.

The aforesaid control system preferably comprises a microcontroller electronic control card, with associated memory means encoded in which are the instructions regarding the general operation of the machine and one or more corresponding operating programs. The control system comprises a control panel or user interface (not represented), comprising keys or pushbuttons through which the user can select the washing program and the possible options that can be associated thereto (type of laundry, no-spin option, half- load, etc.).

With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the tub 2 is preferably provided for supporting at least one cover 45 for the motor 25 and for other possible electrical members projecting laterally from the tub 2, such as, for example, the pump 42, the electronic control card, or other electrical components or wiring. This cover 45 (not represented in Figure 2) may for example be constituted by a plastic body and can support the user interface of the machine, i.e., its control panel, as well as possibly carrying, on the inner side thereof, the electronic card of the control system. A similar cover can also be mounted at the opposite end wall of the tub 2.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what is described and illustrated herein purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the annexed claims.

The seat for the impeller of the pump 42, from which the corresponding intake and delivery sections branch off can be advantageously defined in the plastic body of the tub 2. In the plastic body of the tub there may also be formed part of the duct for discharging and/or of the duct for charging the washing liquid.

The elastic supporting means operatively combined with one of the hubs of the machine may also be structurally different from the elastic supporting means combined with the other hub. For example, to the hub to which the motor 25 is associated there may be combined the damping members 28, whereas to the other hub there may be combined an annular damping element of the type described previously.

Claims

1. A top loading laundry washing machine, having

- a washing tub (2), having a body including two end walls (3 and 30, 4 and 30) and a peripheral wall (5) extending between the end walls (3 and 30, 4 and 30),

- a laundry basket (12) mounted within the tub (2) for rotating about a substantially horizontal driving axis (A), the basket (12) having two end walls (13, 14) and a peripheral wall (15) extending between the end walls (13, 14), the peripheral walls (5, 15) of the tub (2) and the basket (12) having respective openings (6, 17) for loading and unloading the laundry, - a driving arrangement (20-25) including

- a first and a second shaft (20) coaxial to the driving axis (A), each shaft (20) being rigidly constrained to a respective end wall (13, 14) of the basket (12);

- a first and a second hub (21-23), for rotatably supporting the first and the second shaft (20), respectively, each hub (21-23) being mounted at an aperture (33) of a corresponding end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2),

- a motor (25) having a stator (26) and a rotor (27), the rotor being (27) connected to the first shaft (20),

characterized in that

- the tub (2) provides a stationary bearing structure of the machine (1), i.e., a non- oscillating structure, at least a substantial portion of the tub (2) remaining in view,

- mounted on the tub (2), at the opening (6) of the corresponding peripheral wall (5), is a door (7) for loading and unloading of the laundry,

- the stator (26) of the motor (25) is supported by the first hub (21-23),

- operatively set between each end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) and the corresponding hub (21-23) are elastically deformable sealing means (34) and elastic supporting means (28), such that the driving arrangement (20-25) and the basket (12) are oscillably mounted with respect to the tub (2).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the elastic supporting means (28) are prearranged for allowing radial, axial and oscillatory displacements of the driving arrangement (20-25) and of the basket (12), with respect to the tub (2).

3. The machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the basket (12) has dynamic self-balancing elements (35-36).

4. The machine according to claim 3, wherein the self-balancing elements (35, 36) include at least two annular seats (35) of the basket (12), located in each of which is a movable balancing mass (36), such as a liquid mass or a plurality of balls.

5. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the elastic supporting means (28) between an end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) and the corresponding hub (21-23) comprise a plurality of damping members (28) which extend in a substantially radial direction from the hub (21-23) to the end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2), such as at least three axially extending damping members (28) arranged at about 120° from one another.

6. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the elastic supporting means between and end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) and the corresponding hub (21-23) comprise an annular member surrounding the hub (21-23) and connecting the hub to the end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2), the annular member being elastically deformable for allowing the above said displacements.

7. The machine according to claim 2, wherein at least one end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) has a concave profile, to enable possible oscillatory displacements of the basket (12) within the tub (5).

8. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stator (26) of the motor is (25) elastically constrained to the tub (2).

9. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each hub (21-23) includes at least one sealing element (23) for providing a seal with respect to the corresponding shaft (20).

10. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing means between an end wall (3 and 30, 4 and 30) of the tub (2) and the corresponding hub (21-23) comprise a bellows gasket (34).

11. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, also comprising substantially inelastic or rigid upright elements (8) for resting on the ground, the upright elements (8) being rigidly connected to, or integral with, the tub (2).

12. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the lower part of the structure of the tub (2) a container is prearranged (44) for housing a stabilizing mass, such as a mass of liquid.

13. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tub (2) is prearranged for supporting a cover (45) of the motor (25) and other possible electric members (42) of the machine.