Assembly comprising a washing drum and an imbalance compensation device, household appliance for handling items to be washed, and method for securing an imbalance compensation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching an annular imbalance compensation device to a laundry drum in washing machines are inefficient, requiring significant installation space, complex screwing processes, and prone to detachment due to radial deformations, leading to vibrations and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A coupling area with two contact walls at an angle is integrated into the laundry drum, featuring a coupling element with angled coupling webs that interlock with the imbalance compensation device, providing a stable and secure fastening without additional fastening elements, ensuring mechanical stability and preventing rotation and axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to attach the imbalance compensation device to the laundry drum, then the attachment is secure, but the installation space requirement increases and the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate fastening elements (screws, clips) by integrating the fastening function directly into the coupling element structure. The coupling element is formed as an integral part of the housing wall, eliminating additional components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides structural support, enables form-fitting connection through its geometry, and ensures secure attachment to the laundry drum. This merging of functions reduces device complexity and assembly steps.
2Ease of operation
If latching elements are used to secure the imbalance compensation device, then the attachment is simplified, but the connection becomes prone to detachment due to radial deformations during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is pre-formed with a specific geometry that anticipates and compensates for radial deformations during drum operation. The form-fitting design is created in advance to maintain stable engagement even when the drum ovalizes, preventing detachment before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element's geometry is designed to accommodate and cushion against the effects of radial deformations. The form-fitting connection includes geometric features that maintain engagement stability despite the dynamic loading and deformation conditions during washing machine operation.
3Reliability
If extensions with radial bores are provided on the imbalance compensation device, then screw attachment is enabled, but the useful volume of the laundry room is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for radial extensions and bores by forming the coupling element directly from the housing wall material. This extraction of unnecessary structural additions preserves the internal volume of the laundry room while still providing secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element utilizes the housing wall itself as the attachment structure, effectively using the existing shell material without adding bulky extensions. This approach maintains the compact design and maximizes the available laundry room volume.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for a household appliance (1) for handling items to be washed, comprising at least one washing drum (3) for receiving items to be washed, and comprising at least one ring-shaped imbalance compensation device (13, 14) that is installed in a circumferential recess (39) of the washing drum (3), wherein the washing drum (3) has a coupling region (24) for coupling with the imbalance compensation device (13, 14), which has two contact walls (28, 29) positioned at an angle to one another, and wherein the imbalance compensation device (13, 14) has a housing (18) with a first housing wall (18a) on which at least one coupling element (30) is formed, said coupling element being raised in the radial direction and projecting over the first housing wall (18a), and which coupling element has two coupling bars (32, 33) oriented at an angle β to one another, wherein each coupling bar (32, 33) is in contact with a respective contact wall (28, 29).