EP4265835A1 - A washing machine comprising a drum support - Google Patents

A washing machine comprising a drum support Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4265835A1
EP4265835A1 EP23162796.9A EP23162796A EP4265835A1 EP 4265835 A1 EP4265835 A1 EP 4265835A1 EP 23162796 A EP23162796 A EP 23162796A EP 4265835 A1 EP4265835 A1 EP 4265835A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
drive shaft
washing machine
support member
hub
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23162796.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gizem Yalçiner
Turhan Mutlu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BSH Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP4265835A1 publication Critical patent/EP4265835A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/20—Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casing; Preventing or damping vibrations
    • D06F37/22—Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casing; Preventing or damping vibrations in machines with a receptacle rotating or oscillating about a horizontal axis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine having a drum support and a drive shaft.
  • Washing machines comprise a drum in which the washing takes place.
  • the drums are supported by a drum support member usually in a star shape having plurality of arms extending away from a hub (also called bearing shell) for receiving a drive shaft, which drives the drum via the received power from the motor of the washing machine.
  • a connection of the drive shaft and the drum support member is provided by molding or injection molding. With time and use, the connection of the drive shaft and the hub start to loosen and the drive shaft start to move axially and radially in the hub. This causes malfunctioning for the movement of the drum during washing cycles.
  • tight connection between a drum support member made of composite material including plastic and a drive shaft made of steel is hard to configure. In addition to that, without efficient and firm connection between the support member and the drive shaft, water may get in between the drum support member and the drive shaft and cause breakdowns on the washing machine and rusting problems for the drive shaft.
  • the document EP1506333A1 discloses a drum, used in washing machines, preferably laundry machines, into which laundry to be washed is to be placed, capable of performing washing by rotational movement around its central axis, preferably made of plastic, comprising a main body and a rear cover, whereby said rear cover comprises a circular edge which surrounds the main body and the main body comprises an edge socket in which the rear cover edge is located, the main body and the rear cover being connected to each other without forming any protrusion on the outer face of the drum.
  • the invention provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage or an alternative to the prior art.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a drum support member and a drive shaft, which can be connected in a secure and solid way in order to prevent the movement of the drive shaft.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide tight connection between a drum support member made of composite material including plastic and a drive shaft made from steel.
  • the invention is a washing machine comprising a housing for enclosing a drum rotatably disposed for receiving items, characterized in that the drum is supported by a drum support member comprising pluralities of arm parts extending away from a hub for receiving a drive shaft with a head.
  • the hub further comprises a recessed part forming a perforated surface and the head of the drive shaft comprises a protrusion forming a protruding surface for combining to the hub.
  • the drum support member and the drive shaft is connected in a tight and secure manner.
  • the perforated surface of the hub and the protruding surface of the head of the drive shaft interlock.
  • the drum support member is made of composite material including plastic or glass fiber and the drive shaft is made of steel; the connection remains secure without loosening. This also prevents the axial and radial movement of the drive shaft in the hub. Hence, the possibility of water or additional materials getting in between the hub and the head of the drive shaft has been eliminated.
  • the recessed part has a diamond shape.
  • multiple recessed parts cover the hub of the drum support member forming a perforated surface.
  • the perforated surface allows corresponding protruding surface to be received and interlocked. Therefore, the connection between the perforated surface of the hub and the protruding surface of the head of the drive shaft is stable and robust against the high functioning torques during the washing cycle.
  • the diamond shape of the recessed part provides higher strength for the connection of the drive shaft and the drum support member.
  • the protrusion has a diamond shape for combining to the recessed part.
  • the shape of the protrusion corresponds to the shape of the recessed part.
  • they combine in a firm and tight manner. Therefore, during the washing cycles, the torque, which is received from the motor of the washing machine, dont loosen the connection between the drum support member and the drive shaft.
  • the hub and the head of the drive shaft tightly interlocked thanks to the diamond shape of the recessed part and the protrusion.
  • the recessed part and the protrusion has polygon shape.
  • the recessed part and the protrusion have corresponding shapes hence they are interlocked in a tight manner. Therefore, the connection between the hub and the head of the drive shaft is strong and robust.
  • the drum support member is made of PA6 - %65 Glass fiber.
  • the drum support member is light in weight while strong in its construction. Therefore, the drum support member supports the drum during washing cycles without adding extra weight to the total weight of the washing machine.
  • the drive shaft is made of steel.
  • the drive shaft is able to receive the torque from the motor of the washing machine and transmit it to the drum for rotating motion during the washing cycle.
  • the drum support member comprises three arms for supporting the drum.
  • the arms of the drum support member extend over the back wall of the drum to reinforce the support and structure of the drum.
  • washing and "washing cycle” is in particular to be understood as the operating state of the washing device wherein a washing program functions.
  • a washing item such as clothes are placed in the drum of the washing machine and the door of the washing machine is closed.
  • the invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a drum (13) rotatably disposed in the housing (11) of the washing machine (1).
  • the drum (13) is accessed via a door (12) attached to the housing (11) of the washing machine (1).
  • the user opens the door (12) by a handle (121) and loads items to be washed into the drum (13) for washing.
  • the door (12) remains closed during the washing cycle.
  • Fig. 2 shows the drum (13), a drum support member (14) and a drive shaft (15).
  • the drive shaft (15) receives the torque from the motor (not shown in the figures) to transmit it to the drum (13) for rotating the drum (13) during a washing cycle.
  • the drum (13) is closed by a back wall (131).
  • a drum support member (14) is disposed in between the drive shaft (15) and the back wall (131) of the drum (13).
  • the drum support member (14) combines to the back wall (131) of the drum (13) and the drive shaft (15) combines to the drum support member (14).
  • the drum support member (14) comprises at least one arm part (141) extending away from a hub (142).
  • the drum support member (14) comprises three arm parts (141) for supporting the back wall (131) of the drum (13).
  • the arm parts (141) of the drum support member (14) extend away from the hub (142) as the hub (142) being in the center of the drum support member (14).
  • the hub (142) is hollow for receiving the head (151) of the drive shaft (15).
  • Fig 3 shows the hub (142) and its inner structure.
  • the hub (142) is formed of multiple recessed parts (1421) forming a perforated surface (1422).
  • the recessed parts (1421) are in the shape of a diamond. Multiple recessed parts (1421) combine together to form the perforated surface (1422) structure of the hub (142).
  • the shape of the recessed part (1421) can be polygon shape.
  • the drive shaft (15) comprises a head (151) and a body (152).
  • the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) inserted into to the hub (142).
  • the body (152) is in contact with the electric motor (not shown) for transmitting the power and the torque to the drum (13) in order to provide rotation.
  • the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) comprises multiple protrusions (1511) forming a protruding surface (1512).
  • the shape of the protrusions (1511) are in the shape of a diamond.
  • the protrusions (1511) are combined with the recessed parts (1421) in order to provide tight connection between the drum support member (14) and the drive shaft (15).
  • Fig. 5 shows that the drum support member (14) receiving the drive shaft (15).
  • the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) is inserted into the hub (142).
  • the protrusions (1511) go into the recessed parts (1421) for interlocking of the drive shaft (15).
  • the shape of the protrusion (1511) and the recessed part (1421) is a diamond shape.
  • the shape of the protrusion (1511) and the recessed part (1421) can be a polygon shape.
  • the drum support member (14) is made of is made of PA6 - %65 Glass fiber.
  • the drive shaft (15) is made of steel.
  • the combination of the drum support member (14) and the drive shaft (15) is secure and tight due to the interlocking of the protruding surface (1512) of the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) and the perforated surface (1422) of the hub (142) of the drum support member (14).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a housing (11) for enclosing a drum (13) rotatably disposed for receiving items, characterized in that the drum (13) is supported by a drum support member (14) comprising pluralities of arm parts (141) extending away from a hub (142) for receiving a drive shaft (15) with a head (151). As an improvement, the hub (142) further comprises a recessed part (1421) forming a perforated surface (1422) and the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) comprises a protrusion (1511) forming a protruding surface (1512) for combining to the hub (142).

Description

    Technical Field
  • The present invention relates to a washing machine having a drum support and a drive shaft.
    • Prior Art
  • Washing machines comprise a drum in which the washing takes place. The drums are supported by a drum support member usually in a star shape having plurality of arms extending away from a hub (also called bearing shell) for receiving a drive shaft, which drives the drum via the received power from the motor of the washing machine. Usually the connection of the drive shaft and the drum support member is provided by molding or injection molding. With time and use, the connection of the drive shaft and the hub start to loosen and the drive shaft start to move axially and radially in the hub. This causes malfunctioning for the movement of the drum during washing cycles. Moreover, tight connection between a drum support member made of composite material including plastic and a drive shaft made of steel is hard to configure. In addition to that, without efficient and firm connection between the support member and the drive shaft, water may get in between the drum support member and the drive shaft and cause breakdowns on the washing machine and rusting problems for the drive shaft.
  • The document EP1506333A1 discloses a drum, used in washing machines, preferably laundry machines, into which laundry to be washed is to be placed, capable of performing washing by rotational movement around its central axis, preferably made of plastic, comprising a main body and a rear cover, whereby said rear cover comprises a circular edge which surrounds the main body and the main body comprises an edge socket in which the rear cover edge is located, the main body and the rear cover being connected to each other without forming any protrusion on the outer face of the drum.
  • The invention provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage or an alternative to the prior art.
    • Brief Description of the Invention
  • An object of the invention is to provide a drum support member and a drive shaft, which can be connected in a secure and solid way in order to prevent the movement of the drive shaft.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide tight connection between a drum support member made of composite material including plastic and a drive shaft made from steel.
  • In order to achieve the objects, the invention is a washing machine comprising a housing for enclosing a drum rotatably disposed for receiving items, characterized in that the drum is supported by a drum support member comprising pluralities of arm parts extending away from a hub for receiving a drive shaft with a head. As an improvement, the hub further comprises a recessed part forming a perforated surface and the head of the drive shaft comprises a protrusion forming a protruding surface for combining to the hub. Thus, the drum support member and the drive shaft is connected in a tight and secure manner. The perforated surface of the hub and the protruding surface of the head of the drive shaft interlock. Therefore, when the drum support member is made of composite material including plastic or glass fiber and the drive shaft is made of steel; the connection remains secure without loosening. This also prevents the axial and radial movement of the drive shaft in the hub. Hence, the possibility of water or additional materials getting in between the hub and the head of the drive shaft has been eliminated.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the recessed part has a diamond shape. Thus, multiple recessed parts cover the hub of the drum support member forming a perforated surface. The perforated surface allows corresponding protruding surface to be received and interlocked. Therefore, the connection between the perforated surface of the hub and the protruding surface of the head of the drive shaft is stable and robust against the high functioning torques during the washing cycle. The diamond shape of the recessed part provides higher strength for the connection of the drive shaft and the drum support member.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion has a diamond shape for combining to the recessed part. The shape of the protrusion corresponds to the shape of the recessed part. Thus, they combine in a firm and tight manner. Therefore, during the washing cycles, the torque, which is received from the motor of the washing machine, dont loosen the connection between the drum support member and the drive shaft. The hub and the head of the drive shaft tightly interlocked thanks to the diamond shape of the recessed part and the protrusion.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the recessed part and the protrusion has polygon shape. Thus, the recessed part and the protrusion have corresponding shapes hence they are interlocked in a tight manner. Therefore, the connection between the hub and the head of the drive shaft is strong and robust.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the drum support member is made of PA6 - %65 Glass fiber. Thus, the drum support member is light in weight while strong in its construction. Therefore, the drum support member supports the drum during washing cycles without adding extra weight to the total weight of the washing machine.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft is made of steel. Thus, the drive shaft is able to receive the torque from the motor of the washing machine and transmit it to the drum for rotating motion during the washing cycle.
  • In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the drum support member comprises three arms for supporting the drum. Thus, the arms of the drum support member extend over the back wall of the drum to reinforce the support and structure of the drum.
  • In this context, the term "washing" and "washing cycle" is in particular to be understood as the operating state of the washing device wherein a washing program functions. During "washing", a washing item such as clothes are placed in the drum of the washing machine and the door of the washing machine is closed.
  • In this context, with the indications "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "downward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward" etc. the positions and orientations given for intended use and intended arrangement of the washing machine and for a user then standing in front of the washing machine in a closed position and viewing in the direction of the device are indicated.
  • Each possible embodiment disclosed in this text can be combined with the other possible embodiments disclosed in this text if there is no any technical constraint.
    • Explanation of Figures
  • The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.
    • Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the washing machine according to the present invention.
    • Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the drum of the washing machine according to the present invention.
    • Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the hub of the drum support member according to the present invention
    • Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the drive shaft according to the present invention.
    • Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the drive shaft and the drum support member according to the present invention.
    Detailed Description of the Figures
  • In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.
  • The invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a drum (13) rotatably disposed in the housing (11) of the washing machine (1). As seen on Fig. 1, the drum (13) is accessed via a door (12) attached to the housing (11) of the washing machine (1). The user opens the door (12) by a handle (121) and loads items to be washed into the drum (13) for washing. The door (12) remains closed during the washing cycle.
  • Fig. 2 shows the drum (13), a drum support member (14) and a drive shaft (15). The drive shaft (15) receives the torque from the motor (not shown in the figures) to transmit it to the drum (13) for rotating the drum (13) during a washing cycle. The drum (13) is closed by a back wall (131). A drum support member (14) is disposed in between the drive shaft (15) and the back wall (131) of the drum (13). The drum support member (14) combines to the back wall (131) of the drum (13) and the drive shaft (15) combines to the drum support member (14). The drum support member (14) comprises at least one arm part (141) extending away from a hub (142). The drum support member (14) comprises three arm parts (141) for supporting the back wall (131) of the drum (13). The arm parts (141) of the drum support member (14) extend away from the hub (142) as the hub (142) being in the center of the drum support member (14). The hub (142) is hollow for receiving the head (151) of the drive shaft (15).
  • Fig 3, shows the hub (142) and its inner structure. The hub (142) is formed of multiple recessed parts (1421) forming a perforated surface (1422). The recessed parts (1421) are in the shape of a diamond. Multiple recessed parts (1421) combine together to form the perforated surface (1422) structure of the hub (142). The shape of the recessed part (1421) can be polygon shape.
  • As seen on Fig. 4, the drive shaft (15) comprises a head (151) and a body (152). The head (151) of the drive shaft (15) inserted into to the hub (142). The body (152) is in contact with the electric motor (not shown) for transmitting the power and the torque to the drum (13) in order to provide rotation. The head (151) of the drive shaft (15) comprises multiple protrusions (1511) forming a protruding surface (1512). The shape of the protrusions (1511) are in the shape of a diamond. The protrusions (1511) are combined with the recessed parts (1421) in order to provide tight connection between the drum support member (14) and the drive shaft (15).
  • Fig. 5 shows that the drum support member (14) receiving the drive shaft (15). The head (151) of the drive shaft (15) is inserted into the hub (142). The protrusions (1511) go into the recessed parts (1421) for interlocking of the drive shaft (15). The shape of the protrusion (1511) and the recessed part (1421) is a diamond shape. The shape of the protrusion (1511) and the recessed part (1421) can be a polygon shape. The drum support member (14) is made of is made of PA6 - %65 Glass fiber. The drive shaft (15) is made of steel. The combination of the drum support member (14) and the drive shaft (15) is secure and tight due to the interlocking of the protruding surface (1512) of the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) and the perforated surface (1422) of the hub (142) of the drum support member (14).
    • Reference List
    1. 1 Washing machine
      • 11 Housing
      • 12 Door
        121 Handle
      • 13 Drum
        131 Back Wall
      • 14 Drum support member
        • 141 Arm part
        • 142 Hub
          • 1421 Recessed Part
          • 1422 Perforated Surface
      • 15 Drive Shaft
        • 151 Head
          • 1511 Protrusion
          • 1512 Protruding Surface
        • 152 Body

Claims (7)

  1. A washing machine (1) comprising a housing (11) for enclosing a drum (13) rotatably disposed for receiving items, characterized in that the drum (13) is supported by a drum support member (14) comprising pluralities of arm parts (141) extending away from a hub (142) for receiving a drive shaft (15) with a head (151), characterized in that the hub (142) further comprises a recessed part (1421) forming a perforated surface (1422) and the head (151) of the drive shaft (15) comprises a protrusion (1511) forming a protruding surface (1512) for combining to the hub (142).
  2. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1, wherein the recessed part (1421) has a diamond shape.
  3. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1, wherein the protrusion (1511) has a diamond shape for combining to the recessed part (1421).
  4. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1, wherein the recessed part (1421) and the protrusion (1511) has polygon shape.
  5. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1, wherein the drum support member (14) is made of PA6 - %65 Glass fiber.
  6. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1 wherein the drive shaft (15) is made of steel.
  7. The washing machine (1) according to the claim 1, wherein the drum support member (14) comprises three arms (141) for supporting the drum (13).
EP23162796.9A 2022-04-19 2023-03-20 A washing machine comprising a drum support Pending EP4265835A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR202206245 2022-04-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4265835A1 true EP4265835A1 (en) 2023-10-25

Family

ID=88069676

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23162796.9A Pending EP4265835A1 (en) 2022-04-19 2023-03-20 A washing machine comprising a drum support

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4265835A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1506333A1 (en) 2002-05-17 2005-02-16 Arçelik A.S. A drum
KR20070042832A (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-24 원창산업(주) Drum type washing machine having a flange assembly
KR100805231B1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-02-21 삼성전자주식회사 Drum type washing machine
KR20090101054A (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 (주)씨엔티 Flange assembly of washing machine

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1506333A1 (en) 2002-05-17 2005-02-16 Arçelik A.S. A drum
KR20070042832A (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-24 원창산업(주) Drum type washing machine having a flange assembly
KR100805231B1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-02-21 삼성전자주식회사 Drum type washing machine
KR20090101054A (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 (주)씨엔티 Flange assembly of washing machine

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