WO2011119927A2 - Système et procédé d'expédition de machine à laver - Google Patents

Système et procédé d'expédition de machine à laver Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011119927A2
WO2011119927A2 PCT/US2011/029943 US2011029943W WO2011119927A2 WO 2011119927 A2 WO2011119927 A2 WO 2011119927A2 US 2011029943 W US2011029943 W US 2011029943W WO 2011119927 A2 WO2011119927 A2 WO 2011119927A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
washing machine
cabinet
shipping
engagement device
external rotor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/029943
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011119927A3 (fr
Inventor
Anthony L. Rockwell
Weigang Qi
Original Assignee
Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, Llc
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 Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, Llc filed Critical Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, Llc
Publication of WO2011119927A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011119927A2/fr
Publication of WO2011119927A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011119927A3/fr

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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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/001—Arrangements for transporting, moving, or setting washing machines; Protective arrangements for use during transport

Definitions

  • Washing machines are commonly manufactured by production facilities and transported to retail outlets via trucks or by rail. Subsequent to a sale to a consumer, a washing machine is transported from the retail outlet to the consumer's residence, often by a truck. Washing machines can include moveable components such as tubs, baskets, and motors that move with respect to stationary components, such as cabinets and support frames during operation of the washing machine.
  • the present application discloses exemplary embodiments of washing machine shipping systems that inhibit movement of one or more moveable component with respect to one or more stationary component of a washing machine during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • the shipping systems engage a moveable component, such as a motor or a basket, to substantially prevent side-to-side and/or vertical movement of the moveable component with respect to a stationary component such as a cabinet or frame.
  • the shipping system is removed from the washing machine for installation of the washing machine at the consumer's residence.
  • the washing machine system engages an outer surface of an external rotor of a motor to substantially prevent side-to-side and/or vertical movement of the motor with respect to the washing machine cabinet.
  • Multiple exemplary embodiments of shipping systems are disclosed by the present application. Shipping systems in accordance with the present invention may include any combination or subcombination of the features or concepts disclosed by the present application.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded side view, in cross-section, of a washing machine and a shipping system including an optional engagement device and an interface.
  • Figure 2 is a side view, in cross-section, of the washing machine and shipping system of Figure 1 illustrated in an assembled state;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rotor of the washing machine shown in Figure 1 illustrating rotor fins.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the engagement device that is included in the shipping system shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the engagement device that is included in the shipping system shown in Figure 4 illustrated in an engaged position with the rotor of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the interface that is included in the shipping system shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 7 is a side view, in cross-section, of a second embodiment of a washing machine and a shipping system
  • Figure 8 is a side view, in cross-section, of a third embodiment of a washing machine and a shipping system
  • Figure 9 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a second embodiment of an interface illustrating a leveling foot boot;
  • Figure 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an interface illustrating intersecting cross members;
  • Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the interface of Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an interface illustrating diagonal frame members
  • Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the interface of Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an interface illustrating cross members forming a support frame
  • Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the interface of Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an interface illustrating a cross member supporting a support frame
  • Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the interface of Figure 16.
  • Figure 18 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an interface illustrating intersecting support members and a resilient member
  • Figure 19 is a side elevational view of an interface of Figure 18.
  • Figure 20 is a top plan view of the interface of Figure 18 shown in an installed position within a washing machine.
  • the shipping system is configured to restrain movable internal components of the washing machine and inhibit movement of the movable internal components during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • the moveable internal components may be restrained such that some movement of the internal components relative to a cabinet of the washing machine is allowed during shipping and handling. However, the restraint limits movement of the internal components with respect to the cabinet to prevent damage to the internal components.
  • the moveable internal components are secured to prevent the moveable internal components from moving with respect to the cabinet during shipping.
  • washing machine is defined to mean a machine designed to wash laundry items, such as clothing, towels and sheets, that uses water as the primary cleaning solution.
  • a washing machine shipping system illustrated generally at 10, is shown with an associated washing machine 12.
  • the washing machine shipping system 10 includes an engagement device 14 and an interface 16.
  • the engagement device 14 and the interface 16 are illustrated as separate components. However, the engagement device 14 may be incorporated into the interface 16.
  • the washing machine shipping system 10 will be discussed in more detail below.
  • the illustrated washing machine 12 is a "top loading” machine.
  • top loading is defined to mean that an internal basket configured to retain laundry items during the washing cycle is oriented in an upright position and that the laundry items enter the basket from a top opening in the washing machine 10.
  • the illustrated washing machine 12 includes a cabinet 20, a tub 22, a motor assembly 24 and a basket 26.
  • the cabinet 20 is configured to provide an enclosure for the internal components of the washing machine 12.
  • the illustrated cabinet 20 includes a top surface 30, side surfaces 32 and bottom frame assemblies 34.
  • the cabinet 20 can take a variety of different forms.
  • the cabinet 20 can be made from sheet metal and covered with a finish such as an enamel based finish.
  • the cabinet can be made from a wide variety of different materials and/or combinations of materials. Examples of suitable materials for the cabinet include, but are not limited to plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, any type of sheet metal, etc.
  • the cabinet 20 may have any finish.
  • the cabinet 20 can be made from stainless steel sheet metal, and can have other desired finishes, such as for example a clear lacquer finish.
  • the top surface 30 of the cabinet includes an opening 36. The opening will be discussed in more detail below. While the illustrated embodiment shows the cabinet as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, it should be appreciated that the cabinet can have other cross-sectional shapes.
  • the illustrated tub 22 is suspended within the cabinet 20 and is configured to retain water used for washing the laundry items.
  • the tub 22 can take a wide variety of different forms and can be made from a wide variety of different materials.
  • the tub 22 may be generally cylindrical with an open top 40 as shown, but may take a variety of different shapes.
  • the tub may be made from plastic/polymeric materials, or metals, such as steel stainless steel, and aluminum.
  • the tub is made from a material that is resistant to corrosion when exposed to water or at least the inside surface of the tub is coated with a material that is resistant to corrosion when exposed to water.
  • the tub 22 is connected to ends of a plurality of suspension devices 38.
  • the other ends of the suspension devices 38 being coupled to the cabinet 20.
  • the suspension devices 38 are coupled to the top surface 30 of the cabinet 20.
  • the suspension devices 38 are configured to allow some vertical movement of the tub 22 with respect to the cabinet 20 while limiting rotational movement of the tub 22 with respect to the cabinet 20.
  • the tub 22 may be coupled to the cabinet 20 in a wide variety of different ways.
  • the suspension devices 38 are a combination of rods, springs and attachment mechanisms.
  • the suspension devices 38 can be any desired structure, mechanism or device sufficient to suspend the tub 22 within the cabinet 20.
  • the suspension devices 38 may allow vertical movement of the tub 22 with respect to the cabinet 20 or otherwise couple the tub 22 to the cabinet 20.
  • the tub 22 has a top opening 40.
  • the motor assembly 24 is positioned below the tub 22.
  • the illustrated motor assembly 24 is configured to rotate the basket 26 via shaft 42.
  • the motor assembly 24 may take a wide variety of different forms and may be coupled to the basket 26 in many different ways.
  • the illustrated motor assembly 24 includes an external rotor 44 connected to the shaft 42 with a stator of the motor being secured to the tub 22 by a connection 45.
  • the motor assembly 24 may include an external stator that is secured to the tub 22 with the internal rotor connected to shaft 42. Any rotor/stator configuration and coupling to the basket 26 may be employed.
  • the illustrated rotor 44 is configured to enclose the motor assembly 24 and includes a hub 46 and a plurality of optional spaced apart fins 48 radiating from the hub 46, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the hub 46 has a circular cross-sectional shape.
  • the hub 46 can have other cross-sectional shapes, including the non-limiting example of a square cross-sectional shape.
  • the hub 46 has a hub diameter HD.
  • the hub diameter HD is approximately 1.25 inches. In other embodiments, the hub diameter HD can be more than or less than approximately 1.25 inches.
  • the illustrated hub 46 includes optional gaps 50 between the spaced apart fins 48. The gaps 50 will be discussed in more detail below. While the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 shows a quantity of ten spaced apart fins 48, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of the rotor 44 can include more or less than ten spaced apart fins 48.
  • the basket 26 is positioned within the tub 22 and configured to retain the laundry items during the washing cycle.
  • the basket 26 can take a wide variety of different forms and can be made from a wide variety of different materials.
  • the basket 26 may be generally cylindrical with an open top as shown, but may take a variety of different shapes.
  • the tub may be made from plastic/polymeric materials, or metals, such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
  • the tub is made from a material that is resistant to corrosion when exposed to water or the tub is coated with a material that is resistant to corrosion when exposed to water.
  • the illustrated washing machine shipping system 10 includes the engagement device 14 and the interface 16.
  • the engagement device 14 is configured to engage the rotor 44 (or other moveable component) and the interface.
  • the engagement device may be configured to mate with an external surface of the rotor 44 and be configured to mate with a portion of the interface 16.
  • the interface 1 couples the engagement device 14 and the rotor 44 to another component of the washing machine 12, such as the cabinet 20 and/or the bottom frame assembly 34. Bi some exemplary embodiments, the interface is at least partially retained within the cabinet of the washing machine for this coupling.
  • the coupling of the rotor 44 (or other moveable component) to the cabinet 20, bottom frame assembly 34 or other fixed component of the washing machine 12 prevents or substantially reduces side-to-side movement and/or vertical movement of the suspended tub 22 and motor assembly 24 during shipping and handling of the washing machine 12.
  • the interface and/or the engagement device are removable from the cabinet 20 after the shipping and handling for installation of the washing machine at the consumer's residence.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an engagement device 14.
  • the engagement device 14 is configured to engage the tub 46 and fins 44 (or other moveable component of the washing machine 12) in a wide variety of different ways.
  • the engagement device 14 is configured to engage the outer surface of the rotor 44 by pushing the engagement device linearly onto the rotor in the vertical direction and to disengage the outer surface of the rotor 44 by pulling the engagement device linearly downward away from the rotor 44.
  • the illustrated engagement device 14 includes an opening 52 or recess having a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the opening 52 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the hub 46 of the rotor 44. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening can be other desired shapes sufficient to fit with the cross-sectional shape of the hub 46 of the rotor 44.
  • the opening 52 has an opening diameter ID.
  • the opening diameter ID is configured to generally correspond to the hub diameter HD of the hub 46 such that a "close fit" is achieved.
  • the term "close fit", as used herein, is defined to mean that the difference between the hub diameter HD and the opening diameter ID is within a range of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.025 inches.
  • the illustrated engagement device 14 has a length LED.
  • the length LED of the engagement device 14 is in a range of from about 1.50 inches to about 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the length LED of the engagement device 14 can be less than about 1.5 inches or more than about 3.0 inches.
  • the illustrated engagement device 14 has an upper end 54 and a lower end 56.
  • a plurality of slots 56 extend from the upper end 54 toward the lower end 56 in a direction generally parallel to the length LED of the engagement device 14.
  • the plurality of slots 56 defines a plurality of teeth 58.
  • the plurality of slots 56 and the plurality of teeth 58 are configured to engage the rotor 44 such that the spaced apart fins 48 fit within the slots 56 and the teeth 58 fit in the gaps 50 between the spaced apart fins 48.
  • the engagement device 14 has the same quantity of slots 56 as the quantity of spaced apart fins 48 of the rotor 44.
  • the engagement device 14 can have a quantity of slots 56 that is more or less than the quantity of spaced apart fins 48.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the exemplary engagement device 14 is shown in an engaged
  • the engagement device 14 can be configured to prevent or substantially reduce side-to-side movement and/or vertical movement of the suspended tub 22 and motor assembly 24 without the upper end 54 of the engagement device 14 seating against a lower surface 60 of the rotor 44.
  • the illustrated engagement device 14 includes optional opposing apertures 57.
  • the opposing apertures 57 are configured for insertion of a tool, such as the non-limiting example of a screwdriver, for use in preventing rotation of the engagement device 14.
  • a tool such as the non-limiting example of a screwdriver
  • the engagement device 14 can engage the rotor 44 and prevent rotation of the rotor 44 during servicing of the washing machine after the shipping and handling of the washing machine and removal of the interface.
  • the engagement device 14 can function as a maintenance and service tool for the washing machine 12.
  • the washing machine shipping system 10 includes the interface 16.
  • the interface 16 can take a wide variety of different forms.
  • the interface 16 can be any structure configured to couple a moveable component, such as the motor assembly 24, the tub 22, or basket to a stationary component such as the cabinet 20 and the bottom frame assembly 34, either directly or through the engagement device 14.
  • the interface 16 may be a framework formed from frame members, such as wooden frame members and/or may comprise one or more members that are molded or otherwise formed to match the shape(s) of one or more components of the washing machine.
  • the interface 16 can be made from a wide variety of different materials or combinations of materials.
  • the interface 16 is configured to be attached to a component of the washing machine 12 and to support the engagement device 14 during shipping and handling of the washing machine 12.
  • the interface 16 is a framework that includes a cross member 70 attached to opposing support members 72.
  • the cross member 70 includes a recess 74.
  • the recess 74 is configured to contain the engagement device 14.
  • the recess 74 has a circular cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to the circular cross-sectional shape of the engagement device 14.
  • the recess 74 can have other cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the engagement device 14.Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, the recess 74 is positioned on the cross-member such that the engagement device 14 engages the rotor 44, as described above, when the engagement device 14 is contained in the recess 74.
  • the cross member 70 and the support members 72 are made of wood. Manufacturing the cross member 70 and the support members 72 from wood advantageously adds to the recyclability of the shipping system 10. However, in other embodiments, the cross member 70 and the support members 72 can be made from other desired materials.
  • the illustrated support members 72 include cutouts 76.
  • the cutouts 76 are configured as a clearance space for leveling legs 78 positioned on the bottom frame 34 of the cabinet 20, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the positions of the leveling legs 78 in the cutouts 76 couples or sets the relative position of the interface 16 with respect to the cabinet 20 and bottom frame 34.
  • the cutouts 76 can have any desired cross-sectional shape.
  • the framework 16 can include optional pads 80 attached to the ends of the support members 72.
  • the optional pads 80 are configured to cushion the washing machine 12 against impact during shipping and handling.
  • the optional pads 80 are made from layered cardboard.
  • the optional pads 80 can be made from other materials, such as the non-limiting example of rubber or foam.
  • the optional pads 80 can be attached to the support members in any desired manner.
  • washing machine 12 may be prepared for shipping by the following process.
  • the engagement member 14 is positioned to engage the fins of the rotor 44 as discussed above.
  • the interface 16 is positioned such that the engagement member 14 is contained within the recess 74 of the interface 16.
  • the interface 16 is raised into the cabinet 20 such that the cross-member 70 of the interface 16 is positioned between the bottom frames 34 of the cabinet.
  • the cross-member 70 of the interface 16 is retained within the cabinet as a result of a friction fit with the bottom frame 34 of the cabinet 20.
  • the interface 16 can be retained within the cabinet 20 by other desired structures or mechanisms, such as for example, clips or clamps.
  • the shipping system 10, assembled to the washing machine 12 is illustrated in Fig. 2. In this position, the shipping system 10 is configured to prevent or substantially reduce side-to-side movement and/or vertical movement of the suspended tub 22 and motor assembly 24 during shipping and handling of the washing machine 12.
  • a washing machine shipping system 110 includes a damping element 182. As will be described in more detail below, the shipping system 110 and the damping element 182 function together to secure a tub 122 and a motor assembly 124 in place within a cabinet 120 of a washer 112 during shipping and handling.
  • the shipping system 110, cabinet 120, tub 122 and motor assembly 124 are the same as, or similar to, the shipping system 10, cabinet 20, tub 22 and motor assembly 24 discussed above and illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the shipping system 110, cabinet 120, tub 122 and motor assembly 124 can be different from the shipping system 10, cabinet 20, tub 22 and motor assembly 24.
  • the damping element 182 is formed of a sleeve 184 of resilient material that is stretched over and attached to the tub 122.
  • the sleeve 184 may be attached to the tub 122 in any desired manner, including the non-limiting examples of using mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives or by a friction fit. While the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 shows the damping element 182 as having a latticework pattern, it should be appreciated that the damping element 182 can have other desired patterns or a solid sheet with no pattern.
  • the damping element 182 is made from a fibrous polymeric material, such as for example polyester.
  • the damping element 182 can be made from other desired materials, including the non-limiting examples of a polyester olefin blend, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, a polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene blend, a polybutylene terephthalate and polypropylene blend and combinations thereof.
  • the damping element 182 can be made from laminated materials including a core layer of fiberglass reinforced polymer material sandwiched between layers of polyester material.
  • the use of polymeric materials provides the damping element 182 with excellent resiliency and wear resistance to provide a long service life.
  • the acoustic properties of the fibrous polymeric material maybe tuned to better control noise and vibration. This may be done by adjusting the density as well as the diameter and length of the fibers utilized in the damping element 182. It should also be appreciated that the damping element 182 can be further tuned to provide a desired spring rate for maximizing the damping of the horizontal energy or motion of the tub 122 within the cabinet 120.
  • a gap 186 is formed between the dampmg element 184 and the cabinet 120.
  • the gap 186 is configured so as to not impair the rotational torque movement of the tub 122 during start and stop movements of the washing machine 112.
  • the shipping system 110 and damping element 182 are positioned as illustrated in Figure 7 to prevent or inhibit horizontal shifting and/or vertical movement of the tub 122 in the cabinet 120 during shipping. Once the washer 112 is permanently positioned, the shipping system 110 is removed while the damping element 182 remains positioned around the tub 122 for the life of the washer 112.
  • a washing machine shipping system 210 includes a damping element 282 and a removable plug 288.
  • the shipping system 210, damping element 282 and plug 288 function together to secure a tub 222 and a motor assembly 224 in place within a cabinet 220 of a washer 212 during shipping and handling.
  • the shipping system 210, cabinet 220, tub 222, motor assembly 224 and damping element 282 are the same as, or similar to, the shipping system 110, cabinet 120, tub 122, motor assembly 124 and damping element 182 discussed above and illustrated in Fig. 7.
  • the shipping system 210, cabinet 220, tub 222, motor assembly 224 and damping element 282 can be different from the shipping system 110, cabinet 120, tub 122, motor assembly 124 and damping element 182.
  • the removable plug 288 includes a lower portion 290 that is sized, shaped and contoured to fit snugly in a top opening 240 of the tub 222.
  • the removable plug 288 also includes an upper portion 292 that is sized, shaped and contoured to fit snugly in an opening 236 in the top surface 230 of the cabinet 220.
  • the upper portion 292 can include a flat sidewall segment (not shown) matching the shape of the opening 236. The flat sidewall segment functions to lock the removable plug 288 in position.
  • the plug 288 fits snugly in both the opening 236 of the cabinet 220 and the tub 222 of the washing machine 212, it should be appreciated that the plug 288 may function to substantially prevent horizontal movement and/or vertical movement of the tub 222 relative to the cabinet 212 during shipping and handling of the washing machine 212.
  • the plug 288 can be made from any desired material including, but not limited to, expanded polystyrene, molded plastic, cardboard, and mixtures thereof.
  • the shipping system 210, damping element 282 and plug 288 are positioned as illustrated in Figure 8 to prevent or inhibit horizontal shifting and/or vertical movement of the tub 222 in the cabinet 220 during shipping and handling. Once the washer 212 is permanently positioned, the shipping system 210 and the plug 288 are removed while the damping element 282 remains positioned around the tub 222 for the life of the washer 212.
  • the interface 316 comprises a framework that is attached to a bottom frame 334 of the cabinet 320 using a boot 394.
  • a leveling leg 378 is attached to the bottom frame 334 of the cabinet 320.
  • the framework 316, cabinet 320, bottom frame 334 and leveling leg 378 are the same as, or similar to, the interface 16, cabinet 20, bottom frame 34 and leveling leg 78 discussed above and illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the interface 316, cabinet 320, bottom frame 334 and leveling leg 378 can be different from the interface 16, cabinet 20, bottom frame 34 and leveling leg 78.
  • the boot 394 includes an upper portion 395 and a lower portion 396.
  • the upper portion 395 has a circular cross-sectional shape generally
  • the upper portion 395 of the boot 394 is configured for positioning over the leveling leg 378 such that a friction fit results between the upper portion 395 and the leveling leg 378.
  • the lower portion 396 is attached to the upper portion 395 and has a conical shape. The combination of the friction fit of the upper portion 395 to the leveling leg and the conical shape of the lower portion 396 provides for retention of a support member 372 to the bottom frame 334 of the cabinet 320.
  • the boot 394 and the interface 316 are removed after the washing machine is permanently positioned.
  • the boot 394 can be made from any desired material, including the non-limiting examples of rubber or polymeric materials.
  • FIG. 10 another embodiment of a framework that may be used as the interface is illustrated generally at 416.
  • the engagement device 14 may be omitted.
  • opposing support members 472 are connected to intersecting diagonal cross members 470.
  • the diagonal cross members 470 include cutouts 471.
  • the cutouts 471 are sized to correspond with the outer diameter of a rotor 444 of the motor assembly (not shown).
  • the rotor 444 seats within the cutouts 471. In this position, the cutouts 471 and the diagonal cross members 470 support the rotor 444, thereby preventing or substantially reducing side-to-side movement and/or vertical movement of a suspended tub and motor assembly during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • FIG. 12 another embodiment of a framework that may be used as the interface is illustrated generally at 516.
  • the engagement device 14 maybe omitted.
  • cross member 570 spans and connects opposing support members 572.
  • the cross member 570 supports diagonal frame members 573.
  • the diagonal frame members 573 are positioned to correspond with the outer diameter of a rotor 544 of the motor assembly (not shown).
  • the rotor 544 seats on the cross member 570 and within the diagonal frame members 573. In this position, the diagonal frame members 573 support the rotor 544, thereby preventing and/or substantially reducing side-to-side movement and vertical movement of a suspended tub (not shown) and motor assembly during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • FIG. 14 another embodiment of a framework that may be used as the interface is illustrated generally at 616.
  • the engagement device 14 may be omitted.
  • cross member 670 spans and connects opposing support members 672.
  • the cross member 670 supports a plurality of frame members 673.
  • the frame members 673 are positioned to correspond with the outer diameter of a rotor 644 of the motor assembly (not shown).
  • the rotor 644 seats on the cross member 670 and within the area formed by the frame members 673. In this position, the frame members 673 support the rotor 644, thereby preventing or substantially reducing side-to-side movement and/or vertical movement of a suspended tub (not shown) and motor assembly during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • FIG. 716 another embodiment of a framework that may be used as the interface is illustrated generally at 716.
  • the engagement device 14 may be omitted.
  • cross member 770 spans and connects opposing support members 772.
  • the cross member 770 supports platform member 773.
  • the platform member 773 includes an aperture 775.
  • the aperture 775 of the platform member 773 is positioned to correspond with the outer diameter of a rotor 744 of the motor assembly (not shown).
  • the rotor 744 seats within the aperture 775 of the cross member 770. In this position, the platform member 773 support the rotor 744, thereby preventing or substantially reducing side-to-side movement and vertical movement of a suspended tub (not shown) and motor assembly during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • the framework 816 includes intersecting support members 872.
  • the support members 872 support a first framing block 880 and a second framing block 882.
  • a gap 883 is formed between the first framing block 880 and the second framing block 882.
  • the gap 883 is configured such that an engagement device, such as a resilient member 884 is inserted into the gap 883.
  • the resilient member 884 is configured to support and cushion the rotor 844, thereby preventing or substantially reducing side-to-side movement and vertical movement of a suspended tub (not shown) and motor assembly during shipping and handling of the washing machine.
  • the resilient member 884 is a hot and/or cold water hose supplied with the washing machine and rolled into a stack within the gap 883.
  • the hot and/or cold water hoses may be configured to connect the washing machine to the water supply at the consumer's residence.
  • the resilient member 884 can be other structures, members or devices. [0069] Referring now to Fig. 20, the washing machine is illustrated generally at 812.
  • the washing machine 812 includes a bottom frame 834.
  • the washing machine 812 and the bottom frame 834 are the same as, or similar to, the washing machine 12 and the bottom frame 34 discussed above and shown in Fig. 1.
  • the washing machine 812 and the bottom frame 834 can be different from the washing machine 12 and the bottom frame 34.
  • the framework 816 is installed within the washing machine 812 such that the rotor 844 rests on the second framing blocks 882 and within the area formed by the resilient member 884.
  • the ends of the first framing blocks 880 are positioned between the bottom frames 834 of the cabinet 820.
  • the first framing blocks 880 are retained within the cabinet 820 as a result of a friction fit with the bottom frame 834 of the cabinet 820.
  • the framework 816 can be retained within the cabinet 820 by other desired structures or mechanisms, such as for example, clips or clamps.
  • washing machine shipping systems and methods have been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the washing machine shipping system and methods may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.

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

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à des systèmes d'expédition de machine à laver qui empêchent le mouvement d'un ou de plusieurs composants mobiles par rapport à un ou plusieurs composants fixes d'une machine à laver au cours de l'expédition et de la manipulation de la machine à laver. Les systèmes d'expédition mettent en prise un composant mobile, tel qu'un moteur ou un panier, de manière à empêcher sensiblement le mouvement latéral et/ou vertical du composant mobile par rapport à un composant fixe, tel qu'un boîtier ou un cadre, au cours de l'expédition. Selon un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple, le système d'expédition est retiré de la machine à laver pour l'installation de la machine à laver chez le consommateur. Selon certains modes de réalisation donnés à titre d'exemple, le système de machine à laver met en prise une surface extérieure d'un rotor extérieur d'un moteur de manière à empêcher sensiblement le mouvement latéral et/ou vertical du moteur par rapport au boîtier de la machine à laver.
PCT/US2011/029943 2010-03-26 2011-03-25 Système et procédé d'expédition de machine à laver WO2011119927A2 (fr)

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US31807210P 2010-03-26 2010-03-26
US61/318,072 2010-03-26

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