Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; a tub disposed in the inside of the cabinet; at least one suspension apparatus configured to reduce vibrations of the tub, and to connect the tub to the cabinet such that the tub is supported on the cabinet; and a position guide apparatus having one end connected to the at least one suspension apparatus, and the other end connected to the tub, and configured to limit a movement range in horizontal direction of the tub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having an improved structure of a damper. The washing machine includes a main body in which a tub is installed, a damper provided in the main body to support the tub, and a damper fixing member provided on a bottom plate of the main body to fix the damper, wherein the damper fixing member includes a fixing bolt, a first flange portion formed on at least a portion of the bottom plate to support one side of a lower end of the damper and provided with a through hole through which the fixing bolt passes, and a second flange portion formed to face the first flange portion to support the other side of the lower end of the damper and provided with a coupling portion to which the fixing bolt is fastened, and wherein at least one of the first flange portion and the second flange portion comprises a reinforcing rib to reinforce strength.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet frame that defines a receiving aperture. A tub is disposed within the cabinet frame. A suspension support includes an engagement portion. The engagement portion includes an ejection surface sloping in a first direction and an assembling surface sloping in a second opposing direction to a retaining notch. A suspension rod extends between the tub and the suspension support and has a hook for selectively engaging the assembling surface in an installed position and selectively engaging the ejection surface in a misaligned position.

Abstract: A spring device for spring-mounting a laundry drum of a washing machine has at least one spring means and coupling means for coupling the spring means to the spring device. The spring means has a spring constant or spring properties which are temperature-dependent and can be varied by a temperature effect on the spring means. As an alternative or in addition, the coupling means are designed in a temperature-dependent manner in such a way that they vary their coupling effect between the spring means and the spring device by a temperature effect. Heating means are provided for the spring means and/or for the coupling means in order to warm up the said spring means and/or coupling means and to change their spring properties or their coupling effect. Therefore, the spring-mounting arrangement of the laundry drum can be thermally, and therefore quickly and simply, varied.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a sub-washer unit of a washing machine appliance includes a first plate spaced apart from a second plate along a vertical direction. The first and second plates may be formed from a continuous piece of material. The second plate is fixable to an apron of the washing machine such that the first plate is cantilevered with respect to the second plate when the second plate is fixed to the apron. A related washing machine appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a casing, an outer tub, and a suspension. The suspension may include a support rod, a cap, a first elastic member, and a friction damper. The support rod may be connected to the casing at one end thereof. The support rod may penetrate the cap, and the cap may move upward and downward along the support rod according to an amount of vibration of the outer tub. The support rod may penetrate the first elastic member, which may elastically support the cap. The friction damper may be movably provided along the support rod and generate a certain frictional force with the support rod.

Abstract: A suspension for a washing machine and a washing machine with the suspension is disclosed. The suspension includes a support shaft; a first elastic member that surrounds a portion of the support shaft and provides a first elastic force to the support shaft in a longitudinal direction of the support shaft; a second elastic member between the support shaft and the first elastic member, and configured to provide a second elastic force different from the first elastic force to a support shaft in the same direction as the first elastic member; a guide stopper at one end of the support shaft, configured to restrict movement of the first elastic member and the second elastic member in one direction; and a housing on the support shaft that surrounds the first and second elastic members, configured to restrict movement of the first and second elastic members in another direction.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a tub with a tub ring and a drum located within the tub having a balance ring. The tub ring may extend radially inward and be spaced above the balance ring. The tub ring and balance ring may have an angled portion to provide for a generally constant space between the tub ring and balance ring during rotation of the drum within the tub.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus in which as an outer tub vibrates, a piston and a cylinder are relatively moved. When as the outer tub vibrates, the piston and the cylinder move relative to each other and a frictional member provides a frictional force between itself and the other one to attenuate vertical vibration of the outer tub. In particular, the piston and the cylinder are prevented from being separated from each other in the laundry treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus including a casing, an outer tub provided in the casing, an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub and a pivot pivotably supported with respect to the casing. A supporting rod connected with the pivot and the outer tub to hang the outer tub in the casing. A moving member is movably provided along the supporting rod. A first connecting member connected with the moving member. A second connecting member whose position varies with respect to the first connecting member. A frictional member provided at any one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The moving member includes a pivot combining part provided to be combinable with the pivot to prevent the supporting rod from escaping through the other end of the moving member while the supporting rod is not connected with the outer tub.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use.

Abstract: A noise reduction device (1) for an appliance (50), in particular a household appliance, includes a base portion (2) for connection to the appliance and two at least partially flexible elements (3, 4) positioned side by side and extending from the base portion (2).

Abstract: A pedestal washing machine (100) capable of washing a small amount of laundry and also serving as a bedplate for supporting the other washing machine (200) is disclosed. The pedestal washing machine (100) includes a case (130) which has a volume and a height smaller than a volume and a height of a washer (200) to stably support the washer (200), an outer tub (140) installed in the case (130) to accommodate washing water, a rotating body (150) which is rotatably installed in the outer tub to shake laundry, and a driving device (190) which is installed in a space formed between the outer tub (140) and a corner of the case (130) to transfer a rotational force to the rotating body (150).

Abstract: A complex washing machine is disclosed. The complex washing machine includes an auxiliary washing machine that is capable of serving as a pedestal for a main laundry machine, such as a washing machine or a drying machine, and performing a washing operation. The auxiliary washing machine is suitable for washing a small amount of laundry while the auxiliary washing machine serves as a pedestal for supporting the main washing machine, which is placed on the auxiliary washing machine. A bearing housing, which supports a rotary shaft of a motor, and a bottom plate of a tub are connected to each other via a gasket. Consequently, the vibration generated from the tub during washing is minimized.

Abstract: A centrifugal dehydrating device includes a bucket receiving a cylinder for receiving a mop. A shaft is mounted to a bottom of the cylinder. An annular sleeve is formed on the bottom of the cylinder and engaged with an annular fender on a mounting plate. A water fender includes a skirt having a top portion with an annular groove for receiving a rim of the cylinder. An annular wing extends radially inward from the top portion of the skirt. Water splashing upward from the cylinder during rotation of the cylinder is stopped by the annular wing. A top seat is fixed to a bottom side of the mounting plate and receives a gear train. The gear train meshes with and is driven by a rack on a pedal such that stepping of the pedal causes rotation of the gear train, the shaft, and the cylinder.

Abstract: A centrifugal water separator for mop includes a bucket, a separating device and a drive device respectively mounted in the bucket. A first room, a second room and a third room respectively defined in the bucket, wherein an L-shaped partition is formed in the bucket to separate the third room from the first room and the second room, and the first room laterally communicates with the second room. The separating device includes an axle perpendicularly extending through the partition and a separating trough securely mounted to an upper end of the axle. The drive device includes a pedal mounted thereon for driving the axle with the separating trough when being stepped. The drive device includes a planet gear set sleeved on the axle and connected to the pedal for effectively drive the axle and used as a speed increaser.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a cabinet (10), a first tub (20) having at least predetermined portion directly connected to the cabinet (10), a second tub (30) provided underneath the first tub (20), relative movable with respect to the first tub (20), the second tub (30) receiving wash water together with the first tub (20), and a drum (40) rotatable about a vertical shaft within the first and second tubs (20; 30).

Abstract: A centrifugal water separator for mop includes a bucket including a first chamber and a second chamber respectively defined therein. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from each other. A separating trough is rotatably mounted in the second chamber in the bucket. A driving device is mounted in the first chamber in the bucket for driving the separating trough. A handle is pivotally mounted to the bucket. An indentation is defined in the handle and co-axially corresponding to the separating trough for holding the mop during separating water.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a wash basin having a plurality of apertures and an annular liquid reservoir formed at an upper portion of the basin. A plurality of flow channels are arranged around the exterior surface of the wash basin. The plurality of flow channels includes upward flow channels, configured for directing wash liquid extracted from the wash basin into the reservoir under centrifugal force generated in a spin cycle. The plurality of flow channels also includes downward flow channels configured for directing wash liquid from the reservoir to a central drain following the spin cycle. The arrangement avoids the need for an outer wash tub, and at the same time provides stabilization to the wash basin during high speed spins. In another aspect, the wash basin may include wash action ramps provided on a bottom surface of the wash basin and at an upper sidewall of the wash basin.

Abstract: A washing machine that has at least one balancer that increases durability by reinforcing the strength of the balancer and is installed on a rotating tub in a rapid and convenient way. The balancer includes first and second housings that have an annular shape and are fused to form a closed internal space, and the first housing including at least one support for reinforcing the strength of the balancer. A spin tub includes an annular recess corresponding to the balancer so as to be coupled with the balancer. The support protrudes from the first housing and comes into contact with a wall of the recess and guides the balancer to be maintained in the recess in place. The supports are integrally molded to the first housing at predetermined intervals along at least a first wall of the first housing.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that has at least one balancer that increases durability by reinforcing the strength of the balancer and is installed on a rotating tub in a rapid and convenient way. The balancer includes first and second housings that have an annular shape and are fused to form a closed internal space, and the first housing including at least one support for reinforcing the strength of the balancer. A spin tub includes an annular recess corresponding to the balancer so as to be coupled with the balancer. The support protrudes from the first housing and comes into contact with a wall of the recess and guides the balancer to be maintained in the recess in place. The supports are continuously formed along and perpendicular to the opposite walls of the first housing, or are disposed parallel to the opposite walls of the first housing at regular intervals.

Abstract: A damper pin in a drum type washing machine is disclosed. The present invention includes a cabinet forming an exterior of the drum type washing machine, a tub provided within the cabinet, a damper having one end connected to the tub and the other end rotatably connected to the cabinet, a damper pin rotatably joining the damper to the cabinet to have prescribed elasticity, and an elastic member provided within the damper pin. Therefore, the present invention prevents the damper pin from being loosened for duration, thereby reducing noise and abrasion in driving the drum type washing machine.

Abstract: A device for damping runout vibration of a rotating shaft system at least including a rotating shaft and a rotating body rotatably supported by the shaft. A ring (24) is provided outside a bearing (23) fitted on a rotating shaft with a clearance between the ring and an outer ring of the bearing. A vibration damping mechanism includes, in order to suppress runout vibration of a rotating shaft system from the radially outside of the ring (24), a blade spring (25) compressed by a preload and a stopper (26) for setting an operation limit of the blade spring.

Abstract: A drum washing machine is disclosed, in which a damper is not directly fixed to a cabinet but has an elastic member as an intermediate to be fixed to the cabinet. Accordingly, vibrations of the damper are absorbed to vibrations of the elastic member without being directly delivered to the cabinet and also, during transient vibration of the drum, the damper acts to attenuate the transient vibration as the amplitude of the elastic member is limited by the action of the upper and lower limiters.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for a washing machine comprises: a connection rod having one end mounted to a body of a washing machine; a damper cap having another end of the connection rod penetratingly installed thereat, and mounted to an outer tub; a damper spring installed in the damper cap; a damper base mounted to the damper cap, sling along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring, and; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to extend an edge of the damper base to an inner surface of the damper cap, wherein the extension springs have a consecutive circumference. Accordingly, an air gap between the damper base and the damper cap can have a uniform clearance, and lowering of a viscous damping force due to excessive abrasion of a specific part can be prevented.

Abstract: A suspension system for use in a laundry washing machine to suspend a tub assembly from a base portion of a cabinet. The suspension system includes a support frame interconnected to an outer tub of the tub assembly and a plurality of isolation damper units for resiliently coupling the support frame to the base portion of the cabinet. The isolation damper units function to allow limited lateral movement of the tub assembly relative to the cabinet while also providing a “return to center” feature. The isolation damper units are further operable to inhibit rotation of the outer tub relative to the cabinet. Finally, the isolation damper units function to absorb the vibration transmitted through the tub assembly to the support frame so as to minimize transmission of such vibration to the cabinet.

Abstract: A washing machine tub lock device (10) is provided that prevents the wash tub (12) from impacting the washing machine cabinet (16) during shipping and handling. The tub lock device (10) is formed by cutting and folding a corrugated blank into an inverted truncated hexagonal cone that can be wedged inside the top portion of the washing machine tub (12).

Abstract: A suspension system for use in a laundry washing machine to suspend a tub assembly from a base portion of a cabinet. The suspension system includes a support frame interconnected to an outer tub of the tub assembly and an isolation damper assembly for resiliently coupling the support frame to the base portion of the cabinet. The isolation damper assembly functions to allow limited lateral movement of the tub assembly relative to the cabinet while also providing a “return to center” feature. The isolation damper assembly is further operable to prevent rotation of the outer tub relative to the cabinet. Finally, the isolation damper assembly functions to absorb the vibration transmitted through the tub assembly to the support frame so as to minimize transmission of such vibration to the cabinet.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine of the top loading type and which comprises a generally tubular base structure (10) to be inferiorly seated onto the floor (P); a tub (20) to contain a washing liquid and affixed onto the base structure (10); a support frame (30) suspended in the interior of the base structure (10); suspension means (40) to absorb the vibratory and oscillatory motions and that connect the support frame (30) to the base structure (10) in order to maintain the former suspended in the interior of the latter; a motor unit (50) disposed in the interior of the base structure (10) secured to the support frame (30) and carrying a drive shaft (51) extending vertically upwardly to the inside of the tub (20); and a rotative basket (60) disposed in the interior of the tub (20) and which is operatively and selectively associated with the drive shaft (55).

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes an outer tub configured to store washing water, an inner tub rotatably mounted in the outer tub, a pulsator configured to form a water circulation for washing laundry, and a motor installed under the outer tub and configured to rotate the inner tub and the pulsator. The motor is configured to vary a rotation speed of the inner tub and the pulsator, such that the laundry is washed by a combination of modes.

Abstract: A washing machine with a vibration-absorbing structure for preventing the transfer of the vibration of the driving part is disclosed. The washing machine includes a rotor housing 50 in which a rotor is installed and which is rotatably moved, a driving shaft 20, 31, 33 for rotating a washing tub or a pulsator using a rotational force transferred from the rotor housing, a power transferring member 120 for transferring the rotational force of the rotor housing to the driving shaft, a rotor bushing 110 coupled to the rotor housing and through which the driving shaft penetrates to be slidingly moved, and at least one vibration-absorbing member 140, 150 installed on a path where a power is transferred from the rotor housing to the driving shaft, for absorbing vibration of the rotor housing.

Abstract: An inner tub of a washing machine is rapidly braked during a portion of a deceleration phase following an extraction phase of an overall spin cycle. A controller establishes the braking operation over a critical speed band or resonant frequency zone during which excessive vibrations would be developed. The critical speed band is preferably determined based on one or more signals received from speed, load, and/or out-of-balance sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine, the damper including an external electric source, a movable part for adjusting damping force using the external electric source, a damping pad for varying an exerting state of the damping force in response to an operation of the movable part, a pad holder for supporting the damping pad, a cylinder contacting the damping pad to generate the damping force, a rod inserted in the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one of a movable part and case of the washing machine, and the rod is connected to the other of the movable part and case of the washing machine. The pad holder is disposed on an outer circumference of the rod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine, comprising: a cylinder; a rod of which one end is inserted in the cylinder; a sliding rod further extending from the inserted end of the rod; a pad holder slidably installed apart from and on an outer side of the sliding rod; a damping pad formed on an outer circumference of the pad holder and being in contact with an inner circumference of the cylinder; and a rotation-preventing part interposed between the pad holder and the rod, for preventing a conical rotation of the washing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine including a cylinder, a rod of which one end is inserted in the cylinder, a sliding rod integrally formed on a proximal end of the rod, a damping part disposed around the sliding rod to perform a damping operation, the damping part having a coupling part contracting/expanding in a radial direction, a seating portion formed on the sliding rode, the coupling part being selectively located on the seating portion, and a magnet formed on the coupling part.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises an outer tub disposed in a case and receiving water therein, an inner tub installed in the outer tub, receiving laundry therein and rotated for washing and dewatering the laundry and a lower balancer installed at a lower part of the inner tub for reducing vibration generated during rotation of the inner tub. Accordingly, a lopsidedness and vibration of the inner tub generated during washing and dewatering operations can be prevented.

Abstract: A structure for cooling a motor of a washing machine is disclosed, which is suitable for improving cooling efficiency of the motor. A structure for cooling a motor of a washing machine, the washing machine provided with a motor assembly including a cylindrical rotor in an inner circumferential surface of a rotor housing, and a cylindrical rotor in an inner circumferential surface of the rotor, is provided with a plurality of holes on a lower surface of the rotor housing forming the stator; and a plurality of blades, each provided in one side of the hole.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed, in which a structure of transmitting power to a wobbler is improved. The outer tub is provided in a cabinet, an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and the wobbler is provided in the inner tub. A cylindrical dehydration shaft passes through the outer tub, and is connected to a bottom of the inner tub, and a wash shaft passes through inside of the dehydration shaft and the bottom of the inner tub. A motor rotates the wash shaft in a direction or in an opposite direction. A clutch assembly, operated according to a signal of a control unit, selectively transmits rotating force of the wash shaft to the dehydration shaft. A rotation guide having a flat section in spiral form is projected on the upper end of the wash shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outer rotor type motor of a washing machine, in which a rotor is more simply installed. The present invention includes a stator having an outer circumference on which a coil is wound, a rotor provided to leave a predetermined interval from an outside of the stator, the rotor rotating when a current is applied to the coil, and a frame having a fixing means for fixing the rotor wherein the fixing means is built in one body of an inner circumference of the frame.

Abstract: A washing machine having and using a dynamic absorber is disclosed. The washing machine includes a fixing member being provided at a bottom of an outer tub in the washing machine for storing wash water and an dynamic absorption member being extended from an outer surface of the fixing member, oscillating by vibration transmitted to the outer tub during rotation of an inner tub and having fixed mass and stiffness so as to absorb vibration of the outer tub. And, the dynamic absorption member includes a extension member extended from the outer surface of the fixing member to a radius direction and an mass member provided at outer end of the extension member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting mass transfer in a rotating device or rotating system, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Mass may be transferred from the stationary member to the rotating member. The transfer of the mass from the stationary member to the rotating member may be detected utilizing a sensor. A controller linked to the rotating system thereafter may receive a signal that the transfer of mass has been detected, in response to detecting the transfer of mass, thereby permitting the controller to compensate future mass placements in the rotating system according to measured latencies. The mass may comprise a fluid. The fluid itself may be conductive. A gap is generally configured between the stationary member and the rotating member. At least one wire connected to the sensor may be inserted into a stream of such fluid that is created when injectors are activated.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system based on a plurality of simultaneous and discrete control actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system so as to achieve balance is disclosed. A balance control algorithm may be utilized to provide a desired control action regarding an amount of mass to be placed, the extent each discrete action contributes, and the location of placement on the rotating system. The control action is broken down into subsets of discrete actuator steps whose whole will accomplish the desired control action. The composition of the actuator step subsets is based on particular ratios and limits and evolve based on the portion of the action already accomplished. A plurality of control actuators is simultaneously activated to deploy the discrete control actuator actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of removing earth/sand, waste thread, dust and the like stuck to the washing. In order to realize the objective, the washing machine is constituted so as to be operated as follows: overflowed washing water or rinsing water from washing/dehydrating tank to an annular drainage pipe by reciprocating revolutions of the tank is led to a side pipe, where the water is filtered and circulated to the tank by a pump arranged in the middle of the side pipe for utilizing the washing or the rinsing operation.

Abstract: A washing machine with a vibration-absorbing structure for preventing the transfer of the vibration of the driving part is disclosed. The washing machine includes a rotor housing 50 in which a rotor is installed and which is rotatably moved, a driving shaft 20, 31, 33 for rotating a washing tub or a pulsator using a rotational force transferred from the rotor housing, a power transferring member 120 for transferring the rotational force of the rotor housing to the driving shaft, a rotor bushing 110 coupled to the rotor housing and through which the driving shaft penetrates to be slidingly moved, and at least one vibration-absorbing member 140, 150 installed on a path where a power is transferred from the rotor housing to the driving shaft, for absorbing vibration of the rotor housing.

Abstract: Damper for a full automatic washing machine including an upper buffering member fitted to an inside of an upper portion of a washing machine housing, an elastic member under the lower buffering member for elastic supporting of the lower buffering member, and a damper bar for passing through, and connecting the upper buffering member, the lower buffering member, and the elastic member in succession, for damping vibration and impact, wherein the upper buffering member has a through hole for passing the damper bar therethrough with an upper diameter equal to, or smaller than a diameter of the damper bar, a lower diameter greater than a diameter of the damper bar, and the lower buffering member has an extension projected upward from an upper surface, a plurality of reinforcing ribs in an upper portion of the extension, sloped guide ribs extended downward from a bottom thereof for preventing the lower buffering member from coming out of a top of the elastic member, and a hole for passing the damper bar therethroug

Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tub improved in strength and configured to reduce an amount of washing water consumed by the washing machine. The water tub has a bottom part, and a body part upwardly extended from a periphery of the bottom part by a certain height. The body part includes at least one annular stepped portion to reduce a diameter of the body part. The water tub includes a first annular stepped portion formed at a middle of the water tub, and second and third annular stepped portions formed above and below the first annular stepped portion, respectively. The body part of the water tub is widened upwardly. Hence, the washing machine has a water tub that is strengthened and able to reduce vibration.

Abstract: A device for converting electrical energy into mechanical work is disclosed. The device includes a rotor body having a radial length, a ferromagnetic layer having a radial thickness, the ferromagnetic layer being disposed on the of the rotor body, wherein the radial thickness of the ferromagnetic layer is less than the radial length of the rotor body. The device further includes a conductive layer disposed on the ferromagnetic layer and a stator disposed substantially along the rotor body, the ferromagnetic layer and the conductive layer, wherein the stator is adapted to carry an alternating current signal.

Abstract: A washing machine spin balancing control includes a sensor for sensing vibration of the washing machine cabinet. The floor permits the cabinet to vibrate during the rotation of the basket, the controller senses this vibration and reduces the speed of the basket in response to the vibration caused by imperfections in the floor.

Abstract: Damper for a full automatic washing machine including an upper buffering member fitted to an inside of an upper portion of a washing machine housing, an elastic member under the lower buffering member for elastic supporting of the lower buffering member, and a damper bar for passing through, and connecting the upper buffering member, the lower buffering member, and the elastic member in succession, for damping vibration and impact, wherein the upper buffering member has a through hole for passing the damper bar therethrough with an upper diameter equal to, or smaller than a diameter of the damper bar, a lower diameter greater than a diameter of the damper bar, and the lower buffering member has an extension projected upward from an upper surface, a plurality of reinforcing ribs in an upper portion of the extension, sloped guide ribs extended downward from a bottom thereof for preventing the lower buffering member from coming out of a top of the elastic member, and a hole for passing the damper bar therethroug

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for absorbing forces on an input shaft of a washing machine is described. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly is located at an upper end of the input shaft just below a pinion gear coupled to the shaft. The thrust bearing assembly includes a cage and bearing assembly positioned between washers. The thrust bearing assembly is supported on a bronze flange bearing having a bore, and the input shaft extends through the bore. The flange bearing is supported by the transmission housing, and a lubrication reservoir is formed by the transmission housing. The reservoir typically is filled with a lubricant. In operation, when the machine operates in the spin cycle, axial forces are transferred through an actuator cam, a pulley hub, and the shaft to the thrust bearing assembly. The trust bearing assembly cooperates with the transmission housing to absorb the downward axial forces on shaft.