Washing machine appliances and methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances
a technology for washing machines and appliances, applied in the field of washing machine appliances, can solve problems such as the general appearance of cabinets and appliances
Inactive Publication Date: 2016-03-24
HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC
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- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
The present invention provides a method for assembling a cabinet of a washing machine appliance which includes plastically bending the side portions of the main cabinet panel until a corner is formed, and then elastically bending the side portions so that the corners have an elastic inside angle. The invention also includes connecting the rear cabinet panel to the side portions of the main cabinet panel. The washing machine appliance also includes a rear cabinet panel connected to the main cabinet panel, with the main cabinet panel having a central portion, first and second side portions, first and second corners with a plastic inside angle of greater than 90 degrees and an elastic inside angle of less than 90 degrees. The appliance also includes a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub for receiving articles for washing.
Problems solved by technology
One issue that is of concern with many presently known washing machine appliances, and particularly with respect to the cabinets thereof, is “oil canning”, which is permanent deformation or buckling of portions of the subject component.
In some cases, this contact can cause oil canning of the cabinet, which leaves the cabinet and appliance generally having an undesirable appearance.
Method used
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[0017]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.
[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A backsplash 56 extends fro...
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Abstract
Methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances, and washing machine appliances, are provided. A method includes plastically bending a first side portion and a second side portion of a main cabinet panel relative to a central portion of the main cabinet panel until a first corner is defined between the first side portion and the central portion and a second corner is defined between the second side portion and the central portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees. The method further includes elastically bending the first side portion and the second side portion such that the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees. The method further includes connecting a rear cabinet panel to the first side portion and the second side portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which supports a tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach and / or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.[0003]The structural integrity of washing machine appliances is of importance from both a performance and appearance standpoint. One issue that is of concern with man...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): D06F37/26D06F37/02
CPCD06F37/02D06F37/26D06F23/04D06F39/083D06F39/12
Inventor VOWELS, CHRISTOPHER, GENE
Owner HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC