Abstract: A spin drum for use in a horizontal axis clothes washing machine. The spin drum includes a generally semi-cylindrical side wall composed of stainless steel, first and second plastic end caps and first and second metal trunnions. The side wall has first and second ends with radially corrugated peripheries and a plurality of vanes that extend between the first and second ends. The vanes help define the radially corrugated peripheries of the first and second ends. The first and second plastic end caps are respectively secured to the first and second ends of the side wall and have flanges that are contoured to fit inside the radially corrugated peripheries of the first and second ends. The first and second metal trunnions are respectively disposed over the first and second plastic end caps and are secured to the first and second ends of the side wall and to the first and second plastic end caps.

Abstract: A direct-drive washing machine has a drive system adapted for spinning a spin tub during a spin cycle and oscillating an agitator within the spin tub during an agitation cycle. The drive system includes a mounting plate secured to a splash tub, an electric motor supported by the mounting plate, and a drive shaft directly connecting the motor and the agitator. A drive hub encircles the drive shaft and is rotatable relative to the drive shaft. The drive hub is rigidly connected to the spin tub and has a strike plate downwardly extending from a bottom surface of the drive hub. A drive pin is rigidly connected to the drive shaft below the drive hub and engages the strike plate upon continuous rotation of the drive shaft to spin the spin tub and allows oscillation of the agitator upon oscillation of the drive shaft. A locking device selectively engages the drive hub to prevent rotation of the drive hub, and the spin tub attached thereto, during oscillation of the agitator.