A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer comprising a shock absorber bracket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) comprising a body (101); a tub (102) which is disposed in the body (101); a drum (103) which is disposed in the tub (102), which can rotate around its own axis and which is suitable for loading laundry therein; a shock absorber (1) which is suitable for being fixed to the tub (102) from a first end (11) and to the body (101) from a second end (12); and a connection member (3) to which the second end (12) of the shock absorber (1) is connected.

Description

[0001] A LAUNDRY WASHER OR LAUNDRY WASHER / DRYER COMPRISING A SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET

[0002] The present invention relates to a laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer comprising a connection bracket which provides axial runout for the shock absorbers.

[0003] In laundry washers or laundry washer / dryers, the drum wherein the laundry is loaded rotates in a tub and the tub makes oscillation and vibrational movements depending on the amount of laundry loaded and the rotational speed. The tub is connected from the base thereof to the body of the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer by means of shock absorbers. The shock absorbers absorb the vibrations of the tub and prevent the same from being transmitted to the body.

[0004] The spin-drying process in the laundry washers or laundry washer / dryers generates centrifugal force, vibration and noise caused by unbalanced load in the drum. It is a common practice to use dry friction shock absorbers to keep suspension vibration at a certain level with mass elements.

[0005] In accordance with the construction of dry friction shock absorbers in laundry washers or laundry washer / dryers, the connection points to the tub and the body must be on the desired axis. The static force which occurs when the shock absorber is not on the desired axis disrupts the static balance of the machine and causes unwanted dynamic movement disorders. These problems may occur in the form of vibration, walking or impact. Especially in mass production where common parts are required to be used, it may be necessary to use different drive groups in the same body; in these cases, it becomes difficult to keep the positions of one or more of the shock absorbers in the appropriate position.

[0006] In the state of the art Turkish Patent Application No. TR2018 / 16405, a bracket is disclosed, which is used for mounting a shock absorber to the drum of a washing machine or a centrifugal dryer. Said bracket is composed of a first part and a second part which form the bracket when joined together, and each part has a base plate and a base formed on the upper side of the base plate. The aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer which prevents situations of no axial coupling, which eliminates axial runout in the shock absorber connections, which can be easily mounted on the shock absorber, wherein drive groups at different depths can be used in the same body depth.

[0007] The laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention generally comprises a body; a tub which is disposed in the body; a drum which is disposed in the tub, which can rotate around its own axis and which is suitable for loading laundry therein; a shock absorber which is suitable for being fixed to the tub from a first end and to the body from a second end; and a connection member to which the second end of the shock absorber is connected. The laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer further comprises a connection bracket having at least one cavity which receives a connection end which is an extension of the connection member to ensure the connection of the shock absorber and a connection claw in the form of a protrusion which is suitable for engaging with a connection opening on the body. By means of said connection bracket, the position of the shock absorbers which are placed so as to cause axial runout is corrected. Thus, product diversity becomes possible without increasing the number of sub-components. Problems which may arise due to axial runout are prevented. Thus, the mass production speed increases; for example, axis runout which may occur in devices with different features but using the same mold can be eliminated by means of the connection bracket. Consequently, machines with different features but using the same drive group can be produced more easily. The need for drilling additional holes on the body or changing the body structure is eliminated.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection claw is offset from the longitudinal axis of the shock absorber. Thus, the axis of the connection between the shock absorber and the body can be changed. Undesirable physical situations such as impact, walking and high vibration which may occur as a result of axial runout are prevented. Moreover, by means of the existing connection claw structure, the shock absorber can be easily detached when necessary.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate distance between the longitudinal axis of the connection claw and the longitudinal axis of the shock absorber is selected between 5% and 20% of the longitudinal axis of the connection bracket. Thus, the manufacturer is enabled to use products with different features and widths in mass production, while possible axial runout in the shock absorbers is prevented.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket has a connection hole which enables a connection member to be passed through and connected to the body. By means of said connection hole, the connection bracket is securely connected to the body.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket has a base extension whereon the connection hole is provided. Said base extension extends out from the connection bracket and in a parallel direction to bear against the body to which the base extension will be connected. A hole through which a connection member is passed is provided on the base extension bearing against the body so as to ensure a better connection of the connection bracket.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is at least one support rib formed on the base extension. Said support ribs increase the strength of the connection bracket connected to the shock absorber so as to bear the load of the tub. Moreover, said support ribs provided on the base extension connected to the body provide a longer economic life for the connection bracket.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket comprises the connection claw with a T-section extending from a bracket base, suitable for contacting the body. By means of the T-section thereof, the connection claw can be safely attached to the appropriate opening on the body in a insert-and-rotate style. The T-section connection claw is fixed to the body by means of the connection bracket which is rotated after entering the housing.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket comprises at least one housing which is significantly enclosed. By means of said housing, the shock absorber can be connected to the connection bracket using insert-rotate, pin or screw mechanisms. The connection end of the connection member is located in the housing.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket has the housing into which the cavity opens and which receives the extension connection end of the connection member after passing through said cavity. By means of said housing, the connection end of the connection member is kept securely in the housing, away from external influences.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a substantially rectangular cross-section and at least one concave surface. By means of said form of the housing, a connection end, especially in insert-and-rotate form, can be easily inserted into the housing.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket comprises a second housing adjacent to said housing and which is significantly enclosed. Said second housing is configured to be adjacent to the housing and is formed by cutting out the connection bracket. Thus, savings in material are achieved and the load on the connection end guided in the housing is distributed evenly.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket comprises a bracket ceiling having at least one coupling hole to couple with at least one protrusion at the connection end for alignment purposes. By means of said coupling hole, it is understood that the connection member suitable for use in an insert-and-rotate manner is brought to the appropriate position. When the connection member to which the shock absorber is connected is brought to the desired position in the connection bracket, the appropriate protrusion on the connection member engages with said coupling hole and provides a second fixing.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket comprises the connection claw having a first position wherein the connection claw is inserted into the connection opening in the body and a second position wherein the connection claw is rotated and locked in said connection opening. Thus, the fixing process is carried out by performing two separate positioning processes. The connection claw, which is inserted into the connection opening in the initial position, is then rotated and kept in the desired position. Thus, the connection bracket is connected to the body in a practical and fast manner.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection member comprises the connection end having a first position wherein the connection end is inserted into the cavity in the connection bracket and a second position wherein the connection end is rotated and locked in said cavity. Thus, the fixing process is carried out by performing two separate positioning processes. The connection end, which is connected to the shock absorber and which is inserted into the cavity in the initial position, is then rotated and kept in the desired position. Thus, the shock absorber is enabled to be connected to the connection bracket in a practical and fast manner.

[0021] The laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0022] Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention in an embodiment wherein the front and top panels thereof are removed.

[0023] Figure 2 - is the view of the tub and the shock absorber in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 - is the exploded view of the shock absorber and the connection members at the opposite ends in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 - is the sideways view of the shock absorber connected to the connection bracket in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 - is the top view of the shock absorber connected to the connection bracket in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 - is the perspective view of the connection bracket in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 - is the top view of the connection bracket in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 - is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection bracket in the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer of the present invention.

[0030] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0031] 1. Shock absorber

[0032] 11. First end

[0033] 12. Second end

[0034] 2. Connection bracket 21. Housing

[0035] 211. Intermediate extension

[0036] 212. Intermediate wall

[0037] 22. Second housing

[0038] 23. Bracket ceiling

[0039] 231. Cavity

[0040] 232. Concave surface

[0041] 233. Lateral wall

[0042] 234. Coupling hole

[0043] 24. Base extension

[0044] 241. Connection hole

[0045] 242. Rib support

[0046] 25. Bracket side wall

[0047] 26. Connection claw

[0048] 27. Bracket base

[0049] 3. Connection member

[0050] 31. Connection end

[0051] 10. Laundry washer or washer / dry er

[0052] 101. Body

[0053] 102. Tub

[0054] 103. Drum

[0055] XL Shock absorber longitudinal axis

[0056] X2. Connection claw longitudinal axis

[0057] X3. Connection bracket longitudinal axis D. Intermediate distance

[0058] The laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) of the present invention comprises a body (101); a tub (102) which is disposed in the body (101); a drum (103) which is disposed in the tub (102), which can rotate around its own axis and which is suitable for loading laundry therein; a shock absorber (1) which is suitable for being fixed to the tub (102) from a first end (11) and to the body (101) from a second end (12); and a connection member (3) to which the second end (12) of the shock absorber (1) is connected. As shown in Figure 2, the shock absorbers (1) are connected to the tub (102) from the first ends (11) thereof.

[0059] The laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) of the present invention further comprises a connection bracket (2) having at least one cavity (231) which receives a connection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) to ensure the connection of the shock absorber (1) and a connection claw (26) in the form of a protrusion which is suitable for engaging with a connection opening on the body (101). As shown in Figure 4, the shock absorber (1) is first connected to the connection member from the second end (12) thereof and then to the connection bracket (2) which provides axial runout. Thus, a connection part which is offset from the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1) is formed. The longitudinal axis (X2) of the connection claw (26) is configured to be parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1), but at a certain distance from said axis (XI).

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises the connection claw (26) which is offset from the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1). The connection bracket (2) is preferably manufactured as a single piece. As shown in Figure 4, the connection claw (26) extending from the base of the connection bracket (2) is offset from the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1). This offset value is predetermined. In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate distance (D) between the longitudinal axis (X2) of the connection claw (26) and the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1) is selected between 5% and 20% of the longitudinal axis (X3) of the connection bracket (2). Thus, the axial runout ratio can be determined according to the appropriate opening in the body (101) and the desired level. In an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) comprises the connection bracket (2) having a connection hole (241) which enables a connection member to be passed through and connected to the body (101). As shown in Figure 6, the connection hole (241), which is formed as a hole with a circular cross-section, is configured to enable a connection member such as screw, bolt, etc. to pass through. Moreover, as shown in Figure 6, the connection hole (241) is formed on a base extension (24) of the connection bracket (2). At least one connection hole (241) is provided on said base extension (24), which has a flat base to bear against the inner wall of the body (101) to which the connection bracket (2) will be connected.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is at least one support rib (242) formed on the base extension (24). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, two support ribs (242) distanced from each other on the base extension (24) bear against the housing (21) so as to have a triangular cross-section, and the relevant connection hole (241) is positioned between said support ribs (242). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be more than one connection hole (241), and the number and cross-section of said support ribs (242) may also vary. Moreover, the base extension (24) may preferably have a triangular cross-section.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises the connection claw (26) with a T-section extending from a bracket base (27), suitable for contacting the body (101). As shown in Figure 4, the connection claw (26) extending from the bracket base (27) extends as an inverted T and is configured to engage with the appropriate opening on the body (101).

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises at least one housing (21) which is significantly enclosed. As shown in Figure 6, only one side of the said housing (21) is open and the other three sides are closed. There is a cavity (231) on said housing (21), and the connection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) passes through said cavity (231) to be fitted therein. In a different embodiment of the present invention, the cavity (231) can be formed at a region other than the housing (21). In an embodiment of the present invention, said cavity (231) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and at least one concave surface (232). As shown in Figure 6, there are concave surfaces (232) on the opposite long edges of said cavity (231) extending between the short lateral walls (233). Said concave surface (232) is shaped like an inward arc and enables the connection end (31) to enter the cavity (231) more easily.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) further comprises a second housing (22) adjacent to said housing (21) and which is significantly enclosed. As shown in Figure 6, the second housing (22) is aligned with said housing (21) so as to have a smaller cross-section. Said second housing (22) also has one open side and three closed sides. A bracket side wall (25) of the connection bracket (2) surrounding the second housing (22) is configured to be inclined from the floor to the ceiling. There is a completely closed intermediate wall (212) between the housing (21) and the second housing (22), which defines the internal volume of the housings (21, 22). Said housing (21) further comprises an intermediate extension (211) extending transversely at the base thereof with a height difference.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises a bracket ceiling (23) having at least one coupling hole (234) to couple with at least one protrusion at the connection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) for alignment purposes. As shown in Figure 6, said coupling holes (234) with rectangular cross-sections placed diagonally match the opposite holes on the connection end (31). Thus, proper alignment is ensured. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the number and cross-section of said coupling holes (234) may vary. Thus, savings in material are provided.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises the connection claw (26) having a first position wherein the connection claw (26) is inserted into the connection opening in the body (101) and a second position wherein the connection claw (26) is rotated and locked in said connection opening, thus, the connection claw (26), which is first easily inserted into the body (101), is then rotated (preferably 90°) to the appropriate position and connected to the body (101). Thus, the connection bracket (2) is connected to the body (101) in a fast and easy manner. In an embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket (2) comprises the connection end (31) having a first position wherein the connection end (31) is inserted into the cavity in the connection bracket (2) and a second position wherein the connection end (31) is rotated and locked in said cavity (231). As shown in Figure 4, the connection end (31) inserted into the appropriate cavity (231) is connected to the connection bracket (2) after being rotated (preferably 90°). The need for additional connection member is eliminated.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) comprising a body (101); a tub (102) which is disposed in the body (101); a drum (103) which is disposed in the tub (102), which can rotate around its own axis and which is suitable for loading laundry therein; a shock absorber (1) which is suitable for being fixed to the tub (102) from a first end (11) and to the body (101) from a second end (12); and a connection member (3) to which the second end (12) of the shock absorber (1) is connected, characterized by a connection bracket (2) having at least one cavity (231) which receives a connection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) to ensure the connection of the shock absorber (1) and a connection bracket (2) having a connection claw (26) in the form of a protrusion which is suitable for engaging with a connection opening on the body (101).

2. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 1, characterized by the connection claw (26) which is offset from the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1).

3. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate distance (D) between the longitudinal axis (X2) of the connection claw (26) and the longitudinal axis (XI) of the shock absorber (1) is selected between 5% and 20% of the longitudinal axis (X3) of the connection bracket (2).

4. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) having a connection hole (241) which enables a connection member to be passed through and connected to the body (101).

5. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 4, characterized by the connection bracket (2) having a base extension (24) whereon the connection hole (241) is formed.

6. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 5, characterized by at least one support rib (242) formed on the base extension (24).

7. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising the connection claw (26) with a T-section extending from a bracket base (27), suitable for contacting the body (101).

8. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising at least one housing (21) which is significantly enclosed.

9. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 8, characterized by the connection bracket (2) having the housing (21) into which the cavity (231) opens and which receives the connection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) after passing through said cavity (231).

10. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 9, characterized by the cavity (231) with a substantially rectangular cross-section having at least one concave surface (232).

11. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in Claim 8, 9 and 10, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising a second housing (22) adjacent to said housing (21) and which is significantly enclosed.

12. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising a bracket ceiling (23) having at least one coupling hole (234) to couple with at least one protrusion at theconnection end (31) which is an extension of the connection member (3) for alignment purposes.

13. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising the connection claw (26) having a first position wherein the connection claw (26) is inserted into the connection opening in the body (101) and a second position wherein the connection claw (26) is rotated and locked in said connection opening.

14. A laundry washer or laundry washer / dryer (10) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the connection bracket (2) comprising the connection end (31) having a first position wherein the connection end (31) is inserted into the cavity in the connection bracket (2) and a second position wherein the connection end (31) is rotated and locked in said cavity (231).

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