Drum idler arm assembly for laundry appliance
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2026/085888
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-26
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure CN2026085888_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Washing machine drum idler arm assembly Technical Field
[0001] This topic generally relates to laundry equipment, and more specifically to the drum idler arm assembly of laundry equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Drying equipment typically includes a housing containing a drum. Typically, during operation of the dryer, a motor rotates the drum, for example, to tumble items located within a chamber defined by the drum. The dryer also typically includes a heater assembly that directs heated air through the drum's chamber to dry the moisture-filled items placed within it. This internal air then exits the chamber through a ventilation duct and reaches an exhaust duct through which the air is discharged from the dryer.
[0003] The motor of a dryer is typically mechanically connected to the dryer drum via a drive belt. During operation, the motor rotates the drive belt, which in turn transmits that rotation to the drum. This drum rotation causes the items to tumble within the drum, increasing the contact area between the items and the heated air passing through the chamber. This increased contact area allows for shorter drying times and a more even heat distribution on the items.
[0004] However, the idler arms used to guide the conveyor belt often produce noise when the conveyor belt rotates the drum, and are prone to rapid wear as the idler arms move, especially for models of drum dryers that rotate in the opposite direction.
[0005] Therefore, improved washing equipment, including improved features to reduce or eliminate noise and wear generated by the movement of the idler arm, would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0007] In one aspect, a washing apparatus is provided. The washing apparatus includes a housing and a drum rotatably mounted within the housing. The drum defines a chamber for receiving items for drying. The washing apparatus also includes a motor. The motor is configured to rotate the drum. Additionally, the washing apparatus includes a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is coupled between the motor and the drum. During operation of the motor, the conveyor belt rotates the drum. Further, the washing apparatus includes an idler assembly. The idler assembly includes a first arm. The first arm is rotatably coupled to a pivot joint at one end of the first arm. Furthermore, the idler assembly includes a first pulley. The first pulley is coupled to the first arm. Additionally, the first pulley includes a surface. A portion of the surface of the first pulley contacts a portion of the conveyor belt. Further, the idler assembly includes a second arm. The second arm is rotatably coupled to a pivot joint at one end of the second arm. Furthermore, the idler assembly includes a second pulley. The second pulley is coupled to the second arm. Additionally, the second pulley includes a surface. A portion of the surface of the second pulley contacts a portion of the conveyor belt. Further, the idler assembly includes a bushing. The bushing includes a plate positioned between the first arm and the second arm.
[0008] In another aspect, a washing apparatus is provided. The washing apparatus includes a housing and a drum rotatably mounted within the housing. The drum defines a chamber for receiving items for drying. The washing apparatus also includes a motor. The motor is configured to rotate the drum. Additionally, the washing apparatus includes a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is coupled between the motor and the drum. During operation of the motor, the conveyor belt rotates the drum. Further, the washing apparatus includes an idler assembly. The idler assembly includes an arm. The arm is rotatably coupled to a pivot joint at one end. During rotation of the arm, a surface of the arm can move on a surface of the pivot joint. Furthermore, the idler assembly includes a pulley. The pulley is coupled to the arm. Additionally, the pulley includes a surface. A portion of the pulley's surface contacts a portion of the conveyor belt. Further, the idler assembly includes a bushing. The bushing includes a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from each other. A gap is defined between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, the arm is positioned within the gap between the first plate and the second plate.
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following description and the 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. Attached Figure Description
[0010] The complete and practicable disclosure of the present invention, including its best mode, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0011] Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a washing apparatus according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] Figure 2 provides a perspective view of the example washing machine of Figure 1, in which part of the washing machine's casing has been removed to show certain components of the washing machine.
[0013] Figure 3 provides a perspective view of an example drum and drum rotation assembly of a washing machine.
[0014] Figure 4 provides a perspective view of the idler wheel assembly of the example roller rotating assembly in Figure 3.
[0015] Figure 5 provides an exploded perspective view of the idler arm of the idler assembly in Figure 4.
[0016] Figure 6 provides a perspective view of the bushing of the idler wheel assembly of Figure 4.
[0017] Figure 7 provides a perspective view of the bushing in Figure 6.
[0018] Figure 8 provides a perspective view of the bushing in Figure 6.
[0019] Figure 9 provides a perspective view of the idler support of the idler assembly in Figure 4.
[0020] Figure 10 provides a perspective view of the shoulder bolts of the idler assembly in Figure 4.
[0021] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the same reference numerals are used in the figures to denote the same or similar features. Detailed Implementation
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, a feature shown or described in part as one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0023] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In a context such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” the term “at least one of…” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. Furthermore, scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims. Such scopes are definite and include all subscopes contained herein unless otherwise indicated by context or language. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints may be combined independently of each other. The singular forms “a” and “the” include plural references unless clearly indicated by context.
[0024] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be used to modify any quantitative expression, which may vary without altering its essential function. Therefore, values modified by one or more terms such as “approximately,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a range of 10%, i.e., including values greater than or less than ten percent of the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of angle or direction, such terms include a range greater than or less than ten degrees of the angle or direction; for example, “approximately vertical” includes an angle of up to ten degrees with respect to the vertical direction V in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).
[0025] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "an embodiment" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. For example, a feature shown or described in part as one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0026] Figures 1 and 2 provide perspective views of a washing apparatus 10 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiments, the washing apparatus 10 is a dryer apparatus, and in additional embodiments, it may further include features for washing items; for example, the washing apparatus 10 may also be, or alternatively, a combination washing apparatus. Specifically, Figure 1 provides a perspective view of the dryer apparatus 10, and Figure 2 provides another perspective view of the dryer apparatus 10, wherein a portion of the housing or casing 12 of the dryer apparatus 10 is removed to show certain components of the dryer apparatus 10. As depicted, the dryer apparatus 10 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is perpendicular to each other, thereby defining an orthogonal coordinate system. Although the teachings disclosed herein have been described in the context of a specific embodiment of the dryer apparatus 10, it should be understood that the dryer apparatus 10 is provided by way of example only. Other washing apparatuses with different appearances and features may also be used with this subject matter. For example, in some embodiments, the washing apparatus 10 may be a combination washer / dryer apparatus.
[0027] The housing 12 includes a front panel 14, a rear panel 16, a pair of side panels 18 and 20 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L via the front panel 14 and the rear panel 16, a bottom panel 22, and a top cover 24. The housing 12 defines an internal volume 29. A container or drum 26 is mounted to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis within the internal volume 29 of the housing 12. The drum 26 defines a chamber 25 for receiving articles for tumbling and / or drying. The drum 26 extends, for example, along the lateral direction T between a front portion 37 and a back portion 38. The drum 26 also includes, for example, a back wall or rear wall 34 at the back portion 38 of the drum 26. A supply conduit 41 may be mounted to the rear wall 34. The supply conduit 41 receives heated air and supplies the heated air to the drum 26 via one or more openings defined in the rear wall 34.
[0028] As used herein, the terms “clothes” or “articles” include, but are not limited to, fabrics, textiles, garments, linen products, paper, or other objects from which moisture is desired to be extracted. Further, the terms “load” or “clothing load” refer to a combination of garments that can be washed together in a washing machine or dried together in a drying appliance (e.g., a dryer), and may include mixtures of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments, and linen products in a particular washing process.
[0029] In some embodiments, a motor 31 is provided to rotate the drum 26 about a horizontal axis, for example via pulleys and a conveyor belt described below. The drum 26 is generally cylindrical in shape. The drum 26 has a cylindrical outer wall 28 and a front flange or wall 30 that defines an opening 32 of the drum 26, for example at a front portion 37, for loading articles into and unloading articles from the drum 26's chambers 25. The drum 26 includes a plurality of lifting sections or baffles 27 that extend into the chambers 25 to lift articles therein and then allow such articles to tumble back to the bottom of the drum 26 as the drum 26 rotates. The baffles 27 can be mounted to the drum 26 such that the baffles 27 rotate with the drum 26 during operation of the dryer apparatus 10.
[0030] The rear wall 34 of the drum 26 is rotatably supported within the housing 12 by suitable supports. The rear wall 34 may be fixed or rotatable. The rear wall 34 may include, for example, multiple openings for receiving hot air. Heated air is drawn from the drum 26 by an air processor (such as a blower fan 48) that generates negative air pressure within the drum 26. The heated air passes through a duct 44 surrounding a mesh filter 46, which captures lint particles. After the clothes have been dried, they are removed from the drum 26 via an opening 32. A door 33 is configured to close the drum 26 or to allow access to the drum via the opening 32.
[0031] In some embodiments, one or more selector inputs 70 (e.g., knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc.) may be disposed on or mounted on housing 12 (e.g., disposed on or mounted on rear panel 71) and communicatively coupled to processing device or controller 56 (e.g., electrically connected or coupled via a wireless network). Controller 56 may also be communicatively coupled to various operating components of dryer equipment 10 (e.g., motor 31, blower fan 48, and / or other components). Furthermore, signals generated in controller 56 in response to user input to selector inputs 70 direct the operation of motor 31, blower fan 48, and / or other components. As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated controllers (ASICs), or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element. Controller 56 may be programmed to operate dryer equipment 10 by executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., a non-transitory medium). Controller 56 may include or be associated with one or more memory elements (e.g., RAM, ROM, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)). For example, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that causes the processing device to perform operations when executed by the processing device. It should be noted that the controller 56 disclosed herein is capable of and operable to perform any of the methods or associated method steps disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in memory and executed by the controller 56.
[0032] Although the dryer device 10 is depicted and described herein as a standalone dryer device, in at least some embodiments, the dryer device 10 may be a heat pump dryer device, a combined washer / dryer device, or any other suitable dryer device.
[0033] Referring now to Figures 3 through 10, various views of the drum rotation assembly 100 (Figure 3) and the idler wheel assembly 200 (Figures 3-10) of the drum rotation assembly 100 are shown. As described herein, the drum rotation assembly 100 is used to rotate the drum 26 in both directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). Thus, a dryer using the drum rotation assembly 100 is referred to as a reversing drum type dryer. Such dryers are used to shake out items inside the drum.
[0034] The drum rotation assembly 100 includes a drum 26, a motor 31, a motor housing 35, a conveyor belt 36, and an idler assembly 200. As shown in FIG3, the conveyor belt 36 may surround the cylindrical outer wall 28 of the drum 26 and may also surround the drive shaft 39 of the motor 31. Thus, during operation of the motor 31, the drive shaft 39 rotates the conveyor belt 36, which pulls the drum 26 and causes the drum to rotate. For the reversing drum type dryer equipment described herein, the motor 31 may be a bidirectional motor 31 that rotates the drive shaft 39 in both directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). The conveyor belt 36 may be any suitable conveyor belt for rotating the drum 26, such as a V-belt, a circular conveyor belt, and / or the like. As described below, the idler assembly 200 ensures that the conveyor belt 36 is tensioned to prevent the conveyor belt 36 from slipping along the drum 26 and / or the drive shaft 39 of the motor 31 or to prevent the conveyor belt from slipping off the drive shaft of the drum and / or the motor, and provides sufficient force to rotate the drum 26. The motor housing 35 supports the motor 31 therein and may include a front bracket 42 through which the drive shaft 39 of the motor 31 extends to the outside of the motor housing 35. An idler assembly 200 may be coupled to the outer surface 43 of the front bracket 42 and positioned adjacent to the drive shaft 39 to maintain tension of the conveyor belt 36 between the idler assembly 200 and the drive shaft 39.
[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, for the reversing drum type dryer equipment described herein, the idler assembly 200 of the drum rotation assembly 100 includes a first (lower) idler arm 202 and a second (upper) idler arm 204. The first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204 can be rotatably coupled to a common pivot joint of the idler assembly 200, which, as will be described below, can be an idler bearing 240 (Figure 9). For example, a first or fixed end (not shown) of the first idler arm 202 located on the lower half of the first idler arm 202 can define an orifice (not shown) through which the pivot joint is received. In this respect, the first idler arm 202 can be fixed / coupled to the pivot joint at its fixed end and rotate about the pivot joint. During rotation of the first idler arm 202, the orifice surface (not shown) surrounding the orifice of the first idler arm 202 moves on the interface surface 221 (Figure 9) of the pivot joint. Similarly, the first or fixed end 206 (FIG. 5) of the second idler arm 204, located on the lower half of the second idler arm 204, may also define an orifice 210 (FIG. 5) that is axially aligned with the orifice of the first idler arm 202. In this respect, the pivot joint is simultaneously received through the orifice of the first idler arm 202 and the orifice 210 of the second idler arm 204. In this respect, the second idler arm 204 may be fixed / attached to the pivot joint relative to the first idler arm 202 at its fixed end 206 and rotate about the pivot joint. During the rotation of the second idler arm 204, the orifice surface 211 (FIG. 5) around the orifice 210 of the second idler arm 204 moves on the interface surface 221 of the pivot joint.
[0036] The first idler arm 202 includes a first Geneva wheel or pulley 212 rotatably connected to the upper half of the first idler arm 202. The first pulley 212 is rotatable relative to the first idler arm 202 about a first central axis A1. Similarly, the second idler arm 204 includes a second Geneva wheel or pulley 214 rotatably connected to the upper half of the second idler arm 204. For example, as best shown in FIG5, the second pulley 214 can be connected to the second idler arm 204 via a fastener support and nut assembly 205. The first pulley 212 can also be connected to the first idler arm 202 in the same or similar manner. The second pulley 214 is rotatable relative to the second idler arm 204 about a second central axis A2. As shown in the figure, the first pulley 212 and the second pulley 214 each include two spaced-apart and aligned outer ends 213 that define the outer circumferential edges or boundaries of the first pulley 212 and the second pulley 214. Additionally, each of the first pulley 212 and the second pulley 214 includes a circumferential conveyor surface 216, a portion of which is in contact with the conveyor belt 36 at any given time. During the rotation of the roller 26, the linear movement of the conveyor belt 36 along the circumferential conveyor surfaces 216 of the pulleys 212 and 214 causes the pulleys 212 and 214 to rotate relative to the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204. Furthermore, the outer circumferential edges prevent or inhibit the conveyor belt 36 from slipping off the pulleys 212 and 214, and thus act as guides for the conveyor belt 36.
[0037] Sometimes, during the rotation of roller 26, conveyor belt 36 may apply a force to one of pulleys 212, 214, for example, pulling one of the pulleys upward and / or downward, thereby causing the pulledeys 212, 214 to rotate about the pivot joint. The first pulley 212 and the second pulley 214 may be connected or coupled by a biasing element 222 (e.g., a torsion spring 222). For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, torsion spring 222 may be coupled to the second or free end 224 of the first idler arm 202 and the second or free end 226 of the second idler arm 204. Thus, when conveyor belt 36 applies a force (e.g., a downward force) to the first pulley 212, the downward rotation of the first idler arm 202 causes the torsion spring 222 to apply a downward force to the second idler arm 204, and thus causes the second idler arm 204 to rotate downward about the pivot joint. Similarly, when the conveyor belt 36 applies a force (e.g., an upward force) to the second pulley 214, the upward rotation of the second idler arm 204 causes the torsion spring 222 to apply an upward force to the first idler arm 202, and thus causes the first idler arm 202 to rotate upward about the pivot joint. Therefore, the torsion spring 222 keeps the pulleys 212, 214 close together, keeping the conveyor belt 36 taut.
[0038] According to some exemplary embodiments, the idler wheel assembly 200 also includes a bushing 230. As shown in Figures 6 through 8, the bushing 230 may include a first plate 232, a second plate 234, and a third plate 236 spaced apart from each other. As will be described below, the second plate 234 and the third plate 236 may be movable relative to the first plate 232. However, when the idler wheel assembly 200 is assembled, the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236 are generally all in a fixed position and are generally parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236 may each define an orifice 231 and be axially aligned with each other and with the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204, such that the pivot joint (e.g., the idler support 240 described below) can be simultaneously received through the orifices 231 of the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236, as well as the orifice 210 of the first idler arm 202 (not shown) and the second idler arm 204, to connect the bushing 230 and the idler arms 202, 204 together.
[0039] According to some exemplary embodiments, a first plate 232 of the bushing 230 may be positioned between a second plate 234 and a third plate 236 of the bushing 230. A first gap 233 may be defined between the first plate 232 and the second plate 234. Similarly, a second gap 235 may be defined between the second plate 234 and the third plate 236. Further, when the idler assembly 200 is assembled, a second idler arm 204 is positioned within the first gap 233 located between the first plate 232 and the second plate 234. Similarly, a first idler arm 202 is positioned within the second gap 235 located between the first plate 232 and the third plate 236. In this respect, the first plate 232 is positioned between the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204, and is the interface that rubs against the first idler arm 202 during rotation and against the second idler arm 204 during rotation. Furthermore, during rotation of the second idler arm 204, the second idler arm 204 may rub against the second plate 234. Similarly, during the rotation of the first idler arm 202, the first idler arm 202 may rub against the third plate 236.
[0040] The bushing 230 described herein reduces noise generated by the movement of components of the idler assembly 200 (such as the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204) relative to each other. Typically, the idler arms of a washing machine are made partially or entirely of a metallic material (e.g., a steel alloy) and rub against other metallic components of the idler assembly, such as against each other. Notably, the bushing 230 described herein is made entirely of a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), made partially or entirely of a polymer. Thus, since the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204 are positioned between and rub against a plate made entirely of a non-metallic material (such as PVC) during the rotation of the idler arms 202, 204, the noise generated by the rotation of the idler arms 202, 204 is reduced.
[0041] According to some exemplary embodiments, the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236 of the bushing 230 can all be integrally formed as a single piece to facilitate the manufacture of the bushing 230. Thus, prior to the assembly of the idler wheel assembly 200, the second plate 234 and the third plate 236 can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the first plate 232 to form a T-shaped bushing 230, as shown in FIG8. However, both the second plate 234 and the third plate 236 can be connected to the first plate 232 via separate movable hinges 238 at the bottom or base of the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236. One movable hinge 238 can connect the first plate 232 and the second plate 234 together, while different movable hinges 238 can connect the first plate 232 and the third plate 236 together. The movable hinge 238 is made of a flexible and thin non-metallic material, such as PVC, which allows the user to easily rotate / fold the second plate 234 relative to the first plate 232 and rotate / fold the third plate 236 relative to the first plate 232 using their hands.
[0042] As briefly described above, the drum rotation assembly 100 includes a motor housing 35 that supports a motor 31 within the dryer apparatus 10. The motor housing 35 includes a front support 42. A drive shaft 39 of the motor 31 extends from the motor base 45 of the motor 31 through the front support 42 (including the outer surface 43 of the front support 42) and extends to the outside of the motor housing 35.
[0043] The idler assembly 200 can be coupled to the outer surface 43 of the front bracket 42 and positioned adjacent to the drive shaft 39. For example, as shown in FIG2, the idler assembly 200 can be coupled to the outer surface 43 of the front bracket 42 and positioned such that the drive shaft 39 is located between the first idler arm 202 and the second idler arm 204. In this respect, as best shown in FIG6 and FIG7, the second plate 234 may include a pair of positioning protrusions 237 projecting from the outer surface 239 of the second plate 234. The positioning protrusions 237 may be laterally spaced from each other, with one positioning protrusion on each lateral side of the outer surface 239 of the second plate 234. The positioning protrusions 237 can be aligned with and received by a pair of corresponding orifices (not shown) defined through the outer surface 43 of the front bracket 42 to secure / position and attach the bushing 230 to the front bracket 42, and thus secure / position and attach the idler assembly 200 to the front bracket. Although described herein as including a pair of locating protrusions 237, it should be understood that the bushing 230 may include any suitable number of locating protrusions, such as one locating protrusion or more than two locating protrusions, such as three locating protrusions. Furthermore, although described herein as protruding from the outer surface 239 of the second plate 234, the locating protrusions may protrude from any suitable surface of any suitable plate of the bushing 230 (e.g., the outer surface of the third plate 236). Further, although described herein as protruding from the bushing 230, it should be understood that one or more of the locating protrusions 237 may protrude from the outer surface 43 of the front support 42, and the corresponding orifice may be defined through the bushing 230 for securing / locating and attaching the bushing 230 to the front support 42, and thus securing / locating and attaching the idler assembly 200 to the front support.
[0044] According to some exemplary embodiments, and as briefly described above, the pivot joint is an idler gear support 240. As shown in FIG9, the idler gear support 240 includes an insertion portion 241 and a washer portion 242, both of which may define a cylindrical shape. The insertion portion 241 of the idler gear support 240 is simultaneously received through an aperture 231 of a bushing 230, an aperture (not shown) of a first idler gear arm 202, and an aperture 210 of a second idler gear arm 204 to connect the bushing 230, the first idler gear arm 202, and the second idler gear arm 204 together. The washer portion 242 of the idler gear support 240 may define a diameter larger than the diameter of the insertion portion 241 and the diameters of the apertures 231 of the bushing 230, the first idler gear arm 202, and the second idler gear arm 204. In this respect, the washer portion 242 of the idler gear support 240 restricts the idler gear support 240 from being received through the aforementioned apertures.
[0045] According to some exemplary embodiments, the interface surface 221 of the idler support 240 may define the outer portion 243 of the insertion portion 241. The interface surface 221 may define one or more idler support lubricant channels 244 along which lubricant can flow. The idler support lubricant channels 244 can thus contact the orifice surface (not shown) surrounding the orifice (not shown) of the first idler arm 202, and the orifice surface 211 (FIG. 5) surrounding the orifice 210 of the second idler arm 204. Thus, lubricant can be provided between the interface surface 221 of the idler support 240 and the orifice surface of the first idler arm 202, and between the interface surface 221 of the second idler arm 204 and the orifice surface 211.
[0046] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the surface of one or more of the first plate 232, the second plate 234, and the third plate 236 may define plate lubricant channels 246. For example, as shown in FIG8, the first plate 232 may define plate lubricant channels 246 that extend linearly along the surface of the first plate 232 facing the second idler arm 204 when the idler assembly 200 is assembled. Additionally, the third plate 236 may define plate lubricant channels 246 that extend linearly along the surface of the third plate 236 facing the first idler arm 202 when the idler assembly 200 is assembled. Similarly, the second plate 234 may define plate lubricant channels 246 that extend linearly along the surface of the second plate 234 facing the second idler arm 204 when the idler assembly 200 is assembled. One or more of the plate lubricant channels 246 may be in fluid communication with the idler support lubricant channel 244. In this respect, the lubricant can flow directly between the lubricant channel 244 of the idler support and the lubricant channel 246 of the plate.
[0047] Furthermore, as best shown in Figure 7, the outer surface of the third plate 236 may define one of the plate lubricant channels 246, which may be semi-circular rather than linear. The plate lubricant channel 246 located on the outer surface of the third plate 236 can be used to provide lubricant between the washer portion 242 and the bushing 230 of the idler gear support 240. The plate lubricant channel 246 located on the outer surface of the third plate 236 may be in fluid communication with the idler gear support lubricant channel 244, allowing lubricant to flow directly between the plate lubricant channel 246 located on the outer surface of the third plate 236 and the idler gear support lubricant channel 244.
[0048] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the idler support 240 may include a lubricant nozzle inlet 248. The lubricant nozzle inlet 248 may define an inlet orifice 249 through which lubricant is received, for example, from a standard grease gun. The lubricant nozzle inlet 248 may be in fluid communication with the idler support lubricant channel 244. Thus, lubricant received through the lubricant nozzle inlet 248 can flow directly into the idler support lubricant channel 244.
[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9, a fastener slot 250 may be defined through the idler support 240. When assembling the idler assembly 200, the idler support 240 may be oriented such that the fastener slot 250 is axially aligned with the orifice 231 of the bushing 230, the orifice of the first idler arm 202, and the orifice 210 of the second idler arm 204. Fasteners (such as shoulder bolts 252 (FIG. 10)) may be received through the fastener slot 250 of the idler support 240 to securely attach the idler assembly 200 to the front bracket 42 of the motor housing 35. As shown in FIG. 10, the shoulder bolt 252 may include a threaded portion 254. The threaded portion 254 may define a threaded portion diameter. Additionally, the shoulder bolt 252 may include a shoulder portion 256. The shoulder portion 256 may be concentric with the threaded portion 254. The shoulder portion 256 may define a shoulder portion diameter larger than the threaded portion diameter. In this respect, when the shoulder bolt 252 is rotated or screwed into place together with the threaded portion 254, the shoulder portion 256 can act as a washer to prevent the shoulder bolt 252 from being overtightened.
[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. This list of other examples is intended to be within the scope of the claims if it includes structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if it includes equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the literal language of the claims.
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: chassis; A drum, which is rotatably mounted within the housing, defines a chamber for receiving articles for drying; A motor configured to rotate the roller; A conveyor belt is connected between the motor and the roller, thereby causing the roller to rotate during operation of the motor; and The idler wheel assembly includes: The first arm is rotatably connected to a pivot joint at one end of the first arm; A first pulley is connected to the first arm, and the first pulley includes a surface, a portion of which contacts a portion of the conveyor belt; The second arm is rotatably connected to the pivot joint at one end of the second arm; A second pulley, coupled to the second arm, includes a surface, a portion of which contacts a portion of the conveyor belt; and A bushing, comprising a plate positioned between the first arm and the second arm.
2. The washing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The bushing includes an interface that contacts the first arm and the second arm; and The interface of the bushing is made of only non-metallic material.
3. The washing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The bushing plate is the first plate; The bushing further includes a second plate spaced apart from the first plate, thereby defining a gap between the first plate and the second plate; and The second arm is positioned in the gap between the first plate and the second plate.
4. The washing equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The first plate and the second plate together form a single piece of the overall terrain.
5. The washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the bushing further comprises: A hinge that integrally forms the first plate and the second plate into a single piece, thereby allowing the first plate and the second plate to rotate relative to each other.
6. The washing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A bracket for supporting the motor within the washing machine; and A positioning protrusion protrudes from the surface of the second plate of the bushing. The positioning protrusion is received within a positioning aperture defined to pass through the bracket for positioning the bushing on the bracket.
7. The washing equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The bushing further includes a third plate spaced apart from the first plate, such that a gap is defined between the first plate and the third plate, the first plate being positioned between the third plate and the second plate; and The first arm is positioned in the gap between the first plate and the third plate.
8. The washing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The pivot joint includes an idler wheel support, which is simultaneously received through orifices defined through the first and second arms; and The surface of the idler support defines an idler support lubricant channel along which lubricant flows, thereby providing lubricant between the surfaces of the first arm and the second arm and the surface of the idler support.
9. The washing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The idler wheel support includes a lubricant nozzle inlet that defines an orifice through which lubricant is received; and The lubricant nozzle inlet is in fluid communication with the lubricant channel of the idler wheel support, so that the lubricant flows between the lubricant nozzle inlet and the lubricant channel of the idler wheel support.
10. The washing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The idler wheel support defines a fastener slot through which it passes; and The shoulder bolt is received through the fastener slot of the idler wheel support, the shoulder bolt comprising a threaded portion defining the diameter of the threaded portion and a shoulder portion concentric with the threaded portion and defining a shoulder portion diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion.
11. A washing machine, comprising: chassis; A drum, which is rotatably mounted within the housing, defines a chamber for receiving articles for drying; A motor configured to rotate the roller; A conveyor belt is connected between the motor and the roller, thereby causing the roller to rotate during operation of the motor; and The idler wheel assembly includes: An arm, which is rotatably coupled to a pivot joint at one end of the arm, wherein, during rotation of the arm, the surface of the arm moves on the surface of the pivot joint; A pulley, coupled to the arm, the pulley including a surface, a portion of which contacts a portion of the conveyor belt; and A bushing comprising a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a gap between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the arm is positioned within the gap between the first plate and the second plate.
12. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The arm is the second arm; and The idler wheel assembly further includes: A first arm, rotatably coupled at one end to the pivot joint, wherein, during rotation of the first arm, a surface of the first arm moves on a surface of the pivot joint; and The first plate of the bushing is positioned between the first arm and the second arm.
13. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The bushing is made of only non-metallic materials.
14. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The first plate and the second plate together form a single piece of the overall terrain.
15. The washing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the bushing further comprises: A hinge that integrally forms the first plate and the second plate into a single piece, thereby allowing the first plate and the second plate to rotate relative to each other.
16. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: A bracket for supporting the motor within the washing machine; and A positioning protrusion protrudes from the surface of the second plate of the bushing. The positioning protrusion is received within a positioning aperture defined to pass through the bracket for positioning the bushing on the bracket.
17. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The bushing further includes a third plate spaced apart from the first plate, such that a gap is defined between the first plate and the third plate, the first plate being positioned between the third plate and the second plate; and The arm is positioned in the gap between the first plate and the third plate.
18. The washing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The pivot joint includes an idler wheel support, the surface of which defines an idler wheel support lubricant channel along which lubricant flows, and thereby the lubricant is provided between the surface of the arm and the surface of the idler wheel support.
19. The washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The bushing further includes a third plate spaced apart from the first plate, such that a gap is defined between the first plate and the third plate, the first plate being positioned between the third plate and the second plate; The arm is positioned in the gap between the first plate and the third plate; and At least one of the first plate, the second plate, or the third plate defines a plate lubricant channel, the plate lubricant channel being in fluid communication with the idler wheel support lubricant channel, such that lubricant flows between the plate lubricant channel and the idler wheel support lubricant channel.
20. The washing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The idler wheel support includes a lubricant nozzle inlet that defines an orifice through which lubricant is received. and The lubricant channel of the idler wheel support is in fluid communication with the lubricant nozzle inlet and the plate lubricant channel, so that the lubricant flows directly between the lubricant nozzle inlet and the lubricant channel of the idler wheel support, and flows directly between the lubricant channel of the idler wheel support and the plate lubricant channel.