APPLIANCE BALANCE RING WITH FLUID CHANNELS

Abstract

A balance ring for an appliance such as e.g., washing machine is provided. The balance ring includes an annular space with one or more features that project into the annular space. The features can provide channels for movement of fluid relative to counter weights positioned in the annular space so as to facilitate counter balancing of a rotating element in the appliance such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a balance ring for an appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the operation of a washing machine, particularly during spin cycles, the machine can sometimes experience an extreme vibration. These vibrations can even cause displacement of the washing machine as it “walks” across a surface such as a floor. Typically, this event is due to the different shapes and densities of the clothing or objects that are being washed which, after the washing cycle and the draining of the wash basket, can stick together and cause differences in the center of mass inside the wash basket. The vibration problem can also be caused by the introduction of relatively heavier objects into the washing basket such as e.g., shoes.

By way of example, after the wash cycle and the draining of the wash fluid from the basket, the shoes may be located on one side of the wash basket or positioned in a manner that causes the center of mass of the combined wash basket and articles (such as the shoes, clothes, and other items being washed) to be off center. As the wash basket is rotated, particularly at high speeds during e.g., a spin cycle, the off centering and centrifugal forces create an imbalance that can generate undesired strain in the washing machine components, an undesirable level of noise, and/or “walking” of the appliance. In an extreme or prolonged situation, the imbalance created by the excessive vibration can also wear-out and damage the washing machine components.

As a result, in order to prevent this imbalance, various devices have been proposed. For example, washing machines have been equipped with balance rings, which are typically hollow rings that rotate with the wash basket. Inside the ring (or toroid) a weight such a liquid or solid balls have been inserted. During operation, the ring will act as a counterweight to the load of clothes because the liquid or solid balls will move to a position within the ring that counters the centrifugal forces created by the articles in the wash and thereby balance the basket during rotation. Balance rings of various configurations including chambers, partitions, and other elements to improve the balancing effect have also been proposed.

For washing machines, the above mentioned balance rings are typically attached or connected in some manner with the wash basket. For example, for a vertical axis washing machine, the balance ring can be attached to the top and/or bottom of the wash basket chamber. For a horizontal axis washing machine, it can be attached to the front, back, or both ends of the washing chamber.

With balance rings that incorporate counterweights within the balance ring, it is important that such weights move freely within the annular spaces of balance ring so as to readily provide a counter balance during spinning of the wash basket. If the counterweights become stuck at a certain position in the balance ring or cannot move freely, then the balance ring will not be able to counter an imbalance in the wash basket.

Balance rings can also be provided with a fluid within the annular space of the ring. The fluid can enhance the ability of the balance ring to stabilize a spinning wash basket. However, if counter weights are also provided within the balance ring, the fluid may impede the movement of the counter weights within the balance ring and, as a result, their effectiveness.

Accordingly, a balance ring for balancing the load of a rotating element within an appliance, such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine, would be beneficial. Such a balance ring that can also utilize a fluid as well as movable counterweights with the balance ring would be useful. A balance ring that allows the fluid and counterweights to move relative to each other would also be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine that includes a wash tub and a wash basket mounted in the wash tub and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The wash basket has a wash basket opening for receiving wash fluid and a wash load therein. The wash basket includes an external surface extending circumferentially about an axis of rotation of the wash basket. A motor is in mechanical communication with the wash basket and is configured for causing the wash basket to rotate. A balance ring is mounted onto the external surface of the wash basket. The balance ring is configured to offset imbalances created by articles in the wash tub when the wash basket is rotated by the motor. The balance ring has a top wall and a bottom wall. The balance ring also defines an annular chamber extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the wash basket, and a plurality of ribs projecting into the chamber from the top wall, the bottom wall, or both, of the balance ring. The ribs extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation of the wash basket. At least one cylindrically-shaped counter weight is positioned in the annular chamber. The counterweight has a pair of opposing, planar surfaces.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a balance ring for stabilizing a rotating element of an appliance. The balance ring defines circumferential and radial directions. The balance ring has an annular space and includes a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall spaced apart along the radial direction from the radially inner wall. The annular space is positioned at least partially between the radially inner wall and the radially outer wall. A top extends between the radially inner and outer walls. A bottom extends between the radially inner and outer walls. At least one movable counterweight is positioned within the annular space. A plurality of projections are positioned within the annular space and are located upon the top, bottom, or both. The projections define one or more channels for the passage of a fluid between the counterweight and the top or bottom.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine that includes a wash tub and a wash basket mounted in the wash tub. The wash basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is configured for the receipt of laundry articles therein. The wash basket defines a wall extending circumferentially about the wash basket. A motor is in mechanical communication with the wash basket and is configured for causing the wash basket to rotate. A balance ring is mounted onto the wall of the wash basket. The balance ring includes a chamber extending circumferentially about the wash basket and a plurality of ribs extending circumferentially about the balance ring and projecting into the chamber. A plurality of counter weights are positioned within the chamber of the balance ring. The counter weights are movable within the chamber and are positioned in contact with one or more of the plurality of ribs. A fluid is located in the chamber of the balance ring. The ribs define one or more channels through which the fluid may pass between the counter weights and the balance ring.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wash basket and wash bin of the exemplary appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an exemplary embodiment of a balance ring of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up, perspective and cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the exemplary balance ring shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a partial perspective and cross-sectional view of the balance ring shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a balance ring for an appliance such as e.g., a washing machine. The balance ring includes an annular space with one or more features that project into the annular space. The features can provide channels for movement of fluid relative to counter weight(s) positioned in the annular space so as to facilitate counter balancing of a rotating element in the appliance such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine. Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vertical axis washing machine 50 including a cabinet 52 and a top cover 54. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. While a vertical axis washing machine will be used to describe an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to vertical axis washing machine and, instead, could be used with horizontal axis washing machines or even other appliances having a rotating element for which counterbalancing may be needed.

A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A door or lid 62 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable about a hinge (not shown) between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to wash tub 64 located within cabinet 52, and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosure over wash tub 64. Wash tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and a sidewall 68, and a basket 70 that is rotatably mounted within wash tub 64. A pump assembly (not shown) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow when draining tub 64.

Referring now to FIG. 2, wash basket 70 is movably disposed and rotatably mounted in wash tub 64 in a spaced apart relationship from tub sidewall 68 and the tub bottom 66. Basket 70 includes an opening 72 for receiving wash fluid and a washload therein. Basket 70 includes a plurality of perforations 74 therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 70 and wash tub 64.

An agitation element 76, such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, or oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed in basket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in basket 70. In different embodiments, agitation element 76 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 76 is oriented to rotate about a vertical axis A. Basket 70 and agitator 76 are driven by permanent magnet synchronous motor 78, which operates to turn or rotate agitator 76 and/or basket 70 with tub 64 as will be more fully described below.

Operation of machine 50 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to the user interface input 58 located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 1) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of the user interface input 58, the controller operates the various components of machine 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into basket 70, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of control input selectors 60 (shown in FIG. 1). Wash tub 64 is filled with water and mixed with detergent to form a wash fluid. The contents of the basket 70 are agitated with agitation element 76 for cleansing of laundry items in basket 70. More specifically, agitation element 76 is moved back and forth in an oscillatory back and forth motion. In the illustrated embodiment, agitation element 76 is rotated clockwise a specified amount about the vertical axis of the machine, and then rotated counterclockwise by a specified amount. The clockwise/counterclockwise reciprocating motion is sometimes referred to as a stroke, and the agitation phase of the wash cycle constitutes a number of strokes in sequence. Acceleration and deceleration of agitation element 76 during the strokes imparts mechanical energy to articles in basket 70 for cleansing action. The strokes may be obtained in different embodiments with a reversing motor, a reversible clutch, or other known reciprocating mechanism.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 is drained with the pump assembly. Laundry items are then rinsed and portions of the cycle repeated, including the agitation phase, depending on the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed through openings 74 in basket 70. During a spin cycle, basket 70 is rotated at relatively high speeds. As previously indicated, imbalances in the wash basket 70 during the spin cycle can cause undesirable vibrations and even movement of washing machine 50.

Accordingly, wash basket 70 is equipped with a balance ring 80 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Balance ring 80 includes a plurality of counter weights 86 that are movable within an annular chamber 104 contained within the toroid shaped balance ring 80. As previously described, counter weights 86 serve to counter balance an unbalanced load during spinning of basket 70 to remove water and other fluids through holes 74. Balance ring 80 also includes a fluid within annular chamber 104. Such fluid could be e.g., silicone, water, or other compositions as well.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, balance ring 80 is attached to external surface 82 of wash basket 70. External surface 82 extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation A of basket 70. A plurality of fasteners 84 are used to fixedly attach balance ring 80 to basket 70 at positions that are circumferentially spaced about external surface 82. Fasteners 84 may be e.g., bolts or screws that are extended through apertures 110 in fastener guides 90, which are also circumferentially spaced about external surface 82 (FIG. 4). Although shown in this exemplary embodiment as being mounted to the wash basket, it should be understood that the balance ring could be mounted to other rotating members of the appliance as well including e.g., the motor. Also, the balance ring could be mounted to the top, bottom, or both of the wash basket. As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, other configurations may be used as well.

FIG. 5 provides a close-up, perspective and cross-sectional view of the bottom or lower portion 88 of the exemplary balance ring 80 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 provides a partial perspective and cross-sectional view of balance ring 80 with the top or upper portion 102 connected with lower portion 88. Portions 88 and 102 can be created by e.g., plastic injection molding. Upper portion 102 includes a pair of tongues 122 that are received into U-shaped channels 120 on lower portion 88. Other constructions may be used as well. Together, portions 88 and 102 provide a top wall 116 and bottom wall 118 that are connected by radially inner wall 112 and radially outer wall 114 to form annular chamber 104.

Counter weight 86 is cylindrically-shaped and includes a pair of opposing, planar surfaces 94 and 96 spaced in a manner that give an overall disk or puck appearance. As previously discussed, counter weight 86 (along with other counter weights that may be used) move within annular chamber 104 when wash basket 70 spins as to offset or counter balance loads in basket 70. As such, relatively unrestricted movement of counter weight 86 within a fluid present in chamber 104 is desirable.

Accordingly, to facilitate such movement, a plurality of projections or ribs 98 and 100 project into annular chamber 104 and provide channels 106 and 108 through which fluid may pass and/or be displaced to facilitate the movement of counter weight 86 through chamber 104. More particularly, ribs 96 project from the bottom wall 118 to create multiple channels 108 while ribs 100 project from the top wall 116 to create multiple channel 106. Ribs 96 and 100 each extend circumferentially about the balance ring 80. As counter weight 86 moves through chamber 104 due to e.g., centrifugal forces created by the rotation of basket 70, channels 106 and 108 readily allow for the displacement or flow of fluid past counter weight 86. For example, fluid can readily pass between planar surface 96 of counter weight 86 and the bottom surface 92 of bottom wall 118. As such, channels 106 and 108 serve to help ensure that counter weight 86 is readily moveable within chamber 104.

While the exemplary embodiment of a balance ring 80 shows only four ribs (two for each portion 88 and 102), a different number and configuration of ribs may be used as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to the particular shape for ribs 98 and 100 as shown in the figures, it being understood that other shapes be used as well.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising:

a wash tub;

a wash basket mounted in said wash tub and rotatable about an axis of rotation, said wash basket having a wash basket opening for receiving wash fluid and a wash load therein, said wash basket including an external surface extending circumferentially about an axis of rotation of said wash basket;

a motor in mechanical communication with said wash basket and configured for causing said wash basket to rotate;

a balance ring mounted onto the external surface of said wash basket, said balance ring configured to offset imbalances created by articles in said wash tub when said wash basket is rotated by said motor, said balance ring having a top wall and a bottom wall, said balance ring defining an annular chamber extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation of said wash basket; and a plurality of ribs projecting into said chamber from the top wall, the bottom wall, or both, of said balance ring, said ribs extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation of said wash basket; and,

at least one cylindrically-shaped counter weight positioned in said annular chamber, said counterweight having a pair of opposing, planar surfaces.

2. A washing machine in claim 1, wherein said plurality of ribs comprise at least two ribs projecting from said top wall and at least two ribs projecting from said bottom wall so as to create multiple channels along the top wall and bottom wall of said balance ring.

3. A washing machine in claim 2, wherein said balance ring further comprises a plurality of fastener guides spaced circumferentially about said balance ring, each said fastener guide positioned on an exterior of said balance ring, each said fastener guide defining an opening for receipt of a fastener to attach to said wash basket.

4. A washing machine as in claim 1, wherein said balance ring comprises a toroidal shape that encloses the annular space.

5. A washing machine as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cylindrically-shaped counter weights positioned in said annular chamber and movable therein.

6. A washing machine as in claim 1, wherein the washing machine is a vertical axis washing machine.

7. A washing machine as in claim 1, wherein the washing machine is a horizontal axis washing machine.

8. A washing machine as in claim 1, wherein said balance ring is positioned near a bottom portion of said wash basket.

9. A balance ring for stabilizing a rotating element of an appliance, the balance ring defining circumferential and radial directions, said balance ring having an annular space and comprising

a radially inner wall;

a radially outer wall spaced apart along the radial direction from said radially inner wall, wherein said annular space is positioned at least partially between said radially inner wall and said radially outer wall;

a top extending between said radially inner and outer walls;

a bottom extending between said radially inner and outer walls;

at least one movable counterweight positioned within the annular space; and,

a plurality of projections positioned within the annular space and located upon said top, said bottom, or both, said projections defining one or more channels for the passage of a fluid between said counterweight and said top or bottom.

10. A balance ring as in claim 9, wherein the annular space of the balance ring includes a fluid and a plurality of counter weights that are moveable along the annular space within the fluid.

11. A balance ring as in claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fastener guides spaced circumferentially about the balance ring.

12. A balance ring as in claim 9, wherein said counterweight is cylindrically-shaped and includes opposing, planar surfaces.

13. A balance ring as in claim 10, wherein the appliance is a washing machine.

14. A balance ring as in claim 10, wherein the top, bottom, or both comprise a molded plastic.

15. A washing machine, comprising:

a wash tub;

a wash basket mounted in said wash tub, rotatable about an axis of rotation, and configured for the receipt of laundry articles therein, said wash basket defining a wall extending circumferentially about said wash basket;

a motor in mechanical communication with said wash basket and configured for causing said wash basket to rotate;

a balance ring mounted onto the wall of said wash basket, said balance ring comprising: a chamber extending circumferentially about said wash basket; and, a plurality of ribs extending circumferentially about said balance ring and projecting into the chamber;

a plurality of counter weights positioned within the chamber of said balance ring, said counter weights movable within said chamber and positioned in contact with one or more of said plurality of ribs

a fluid located in the chamber of said balance ring;

wherein said ribs define one or more channels through which said fluid may pass between said counter weights and said balance ring.

16. A washing machine as in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of fastener guides circumferentially spaced about said balance ring, each fastener guide defining an aperture for receipt of a fastener for attaching said balance ring to said wash basket.

17. A washing machine as in claim 15, wherein said balance ring comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion comprises a plastic, U-shaped portion.

18. A washing machine as in claim 17, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are joined together in a complementary manner to form the chamber of said balance ring.