US20090031762A1 - Suspension apparatus for washing machine - Google Patents
Suspension apparatus for washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090031762A1 US20090031762A1 US12/181,089 US18108908A US2009031762A1 US 20090031762 A1 US20090031762 A1 US 20090031762A1 US 18108908 A US18108908 A US 18108908A US 2009031762 A1 US2009031762 A1 US 2009031762A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- damper
- cap
- washing machine
- base
- suspension apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 89
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 76
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 14
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 12
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/20—Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casing; Preventing or damping vibrations
- D06F37/24—Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casing; Preventing or damping vibrations in machines with a receptacle rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/20—Mountings, e.g. resilient mountings, for the rotary receptacle, motor, tub or casing; Preventing or damping vibrations
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
- D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
Definitions
- the present invention relates to subject matter contained in priority Korean Application No. 10-2007-0076581, filed on Jul. 30, 2007, which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of effectively reducing excessive vibration by maintaining a viscous damping force even when a washing machine is used for a long time.
- a washing machine serves to wash laundry by using a softening process by detergent, a frictional process by water stream occurring as washing blades rotate, an impact process by washing blades, etc.
- a motor serving as a main driving force
- the washing machine performs a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process so as to wash laundry with using detergent and water.
- the washing machine comprises a motor serving as a driving unit, a mechanical part for transmitting energy to laundry, a controller for controlling washing processes, a water supply unit for supplying water, and a water drain unit for discharging water.
- the washing machine is largely divided into a cylinder type, an agitator type, and a pulsator type according to washing methods.
- an agitator protruding from the center of an inner tub with a wing shape is rotated in right and left directions thus to wash laundry.
- laundry is washed by using turbulent stream occurring as a disc-shaped pulsator is rotated.
- water, detergent, and laundry are put into a drum having a plurality of protrusions, and then are rotated with a low speed in a horizontal axis, thereby washing laundry by an impact occurring as the laundry is lifted and dropped by the protrusions.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with the related art
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line ‘II-II’ of FIG. 1 .
- a washing machine 1 comprises a body or a casing 10 that forms appearance; an outer tub 12 mounted in the casing 10 ; an inner tub 13 mounted in the outer tub 12 ; a suspension apparatus 20 or suspensions each having one end connected to an upper inner circumferential surface of the body or the casing 10 , having another end connected to a lower outer circumferential surface of the outer tub 12 , and configured to support the outer tub 12 ; and a driving unit 15 disposed below the outer tub 12 , and configured to drive the inner tub 13 .
- Each of the suspensions 20 comprises a damper cap 22 installed below the outer tub 12 ; a connection rod 21 having one end penetrating the damper cap 22 , and another end mounted to the casing 10 ; a damper spring 23 mounted in the damper cap 22 , and configured to absorb vibration from the outer tub 12 ; and a damper base 24 installed at a lower opening of the damper cap 22 , and configured to support the connection rod 21 or the damper spring 23 .
- a narrow air gap 26 is formed between the damper cap 22 and the damper base 24 , and extension springs 25 are installed below the damper base 24 .
- the extension springs 25 serve to extend a lower portion of the damper base 24 .
- each of the extension springs 25 has both ends separated from each other, i.e., a non-consecutive circumference.
- said both ends separated from each other are curved. Since a non-consecutive part 25 a does not come in contact with the damper base 24 , the extension spring 25 does not consecutively contact a lower portion of the damper base 24 .
- the suspensions 20 serve to reduce a very large vibration or amplitude occurring by a resonance at the time of excessive vibration (i.e., at the time of starting a dehydration process).
- vibration occurring from the inner tub 13 is reduced by a viscous damping force occurring as air is discharged through an air hole (not shown) of the damper cap 22 , and by a frictional damping force occurring as the damper cap 22 and the damper base 24 come into friction with each other.
- excessive vibration or amplitude is reduced by a viscous damping force.
- An air gap 26 which allows a reciprocation of the washing machine is formed between the damper cap 22 and the damper base 24 . If the washing machine 1 is used by approximately 1000 cycles, a clearance of the air gap 26 increases to allow a large amount of air to leak through the air gap 26 . This causes a viscous damping force to be greatly lowered, thereby not reducing excessive vibration.
- the extension springs 25 are used to prevent the air gap 26 from having an increased clearance, a large amount of air is leaked through non-consecutive parts of the extension springs 25 . That is, the damper base 24 is not outwardly pushed at the non-consecutive parts 25 a of the extension springs 25 , but has a flat part 24 a .
- the flat part 24 a has a larger clearance than any other parts, which causes a large amount of air to be leaked and thus a viscous damping force to be lowered.
- a lubricant such as grease is deposited onto the surface of the damper cap 22 so as to prevent friction or interference between the damper cap 22 and the outer tub 12 .
- the lubricant blocks an air hole (not shown) of the damper cap 22 . This causes a viscous damping process not to be smoothly performed.
- a suspension apparatus for a washing machine comprising: 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 one end of the damper cap, sliding along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring,; 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.
- the 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; an elastic means installed in the damper cap; a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the elastic means; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to outwardly extend an edge of the damper base, wherein an interval between the damper cap and the damper base is constantly maintained in a circumferential direction by the extension springs.
- abrasion of the damper cap and the damper base in a circumferential direction can be constantly maintained, lowering of a viscous damping force due to increase of non-uniform air gap can be reduced, and durability can be enhanced.
- the extension spring is configured so that some parts thereof can overlap each other in a longitudinal direction. This causes the extension spring to have a consecutive circumference, and allows all parts of the damper base to be outwardly extended.
- the extension spring is mounted to a concaved groove formed at a lower side of the damper base.
- the concaved groove formed at a lower inner surface of the damper base serves to stably mount the extension spring thereto, and to prevent the extension spring from being separated from the damper base while the suspension apparatus is operated.
- a stopper for preventing the extension spring from being separated from the damper base may be formed at a lower portion of the damper base.
- a slit for facilitating extension of a lower portion of the damper base may be formed at a lower portion of the damper base.
- Both ends of the extension spring are curved toward the center.
- the extension spring is firstly made to have a reduced size with the curved portions being pressed, and then is mounted to the damper base.
- An air hole for air damping may be formed at the damper cap.
- the air hole may be formed to be disposed at a high position so that the air hole can be prevented from being blocked by a lubricant such as grease.
- the suspension apparatus for a washing machine may further comprise a base cap mounted to a lower side of the damper cap, and configured to reduce a leakage amount of air inside the damper cap.
- a base cap mounted to a lower side of the damper cap, and configured to reduce a leakage amount of air inside the damper cap.
- the base cap and the damper cap are coupled to each other by a hook, but are not limited thereto.
- the base cap and the damper cap may be coupled to each other by forming a screw thread at a coupling portion therebetween.
- An air hole for air damping may be formed at the base cap.
- an air hole may be formed at the base cap.
- an air hole may be formed at the base cap rather than at the damper cap, thereby preventing blocking of the air hole due to a lubricant such as grease.
- the suspension apparatus for a washing machine comprises: a connection rod having a predetermined length; a damper cap to penetratingly insert a part of the connection rod at the center thereof; a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to constantly maintain an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base, and thus to increase a viscous damping force by air leaked through the air gap.
- the extension springs consecutively contact lower side surfaces of the damper base. Accordingly, even if a lower portion of the damper base comes into friction with the damper cap to be abraded, an abrasion degree of the lower portion is lower than that of any other portions.
- a base cap for preventing leakage of air inside the damper cap is mounted below the damper cap.
- An air hole for a viscosity damping is formed at either the damper cap or the base cap, or at both of them.
- the extension spring having a consecutive circumference is mounted to the damper base, thereby uniformly maintaining a clearance of an air gap between the damper base and the damper cap, and preventing lowering of a viscous damping force due to excessive abrasion of a specific part.
- an additional base cap is mounted to an opening of the damper cap, thereby preventing lowering of a viscous damping force even if an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base is increased.
- the present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of preventing lowering of a viscous damping force by forming an additional air hole at a base cap mounted to a lower side of a damper cap, in which the air hole of the base cap is prevented from being blocked by a lubricant deposited to the damper cap.
- the present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of enhancing productivity by forming an extension spring so that some parts thereof can overlap each other in a circumferential direction or a longitudinal direction, or by forming curved portion at the extension spring, and capable of maintaining an elastic restoration force of the extension spring for a long time.
- the present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of reducing a large amplitude or noise due to excessive vibration at the time of a dehydration process even when a washing machine is used for a long time.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with the related art
- FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine in accordance with the related art
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a damper base of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4 ;
- FIGS. 6A to 6C are views respectively showing an extension spring of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4 ;
- FIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification example of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 9 is an experimental graph comparing a damping force of the conventional suspension apparatus for a washing machine with a damping force of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4 according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are experimental graphs respectively comparing excessive horizontal and vertical vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which the suspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which the suspension apparatus 200 of FIG. 4 is applied.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a damper base of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4
- a washing machine according to the present invention has the same configuration as the conventional washing machine 1 except a suspension apparatus 200 . Therefore, explanation about the same configuration except the suspension 200 of the present invention will be omitted.
- the suspension apparatus 200 for a washing machine comprises: a connection rod 210 ; a damper cap 220 having one end of the connection rod 210 penetratingly formed thereat; a damper spring 230 installed in the damper cap 220 ; a damper base configured to support one end of the connection rod 210 penetratingly installed at the damper cap 220 ; extension springs 260 mounted to a lower side of the damper base 240 ; and a base cap 250 mounted to a lower side of the damper cap 220 .
- An upper portion of the damper cap 220 is upwardly extending like a neck of a bottle, and the upwardly extending portion encompasses the connection rod 210 .
- connection rod 210 is positioned inside the damper cap 220 via a through hole 222 formed at the upper portion of the damper cap 220 .
- One end of the through hole 222 is protruding to inside of the damper cap 220 , thereby constituting a connection rod supporting portion 223 that encompasses and supports the connection rod 210 .
- connection rod fixing portion 245 is protruding from an upper side of the damper base 240 , and has a predetermined height so as to stably support the connection rod 210 .
- a plurality of protrusions 246 are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the connection rod fixing portion 245 .
- the plurality of protrusions 246 are forcibly inserted into an inner circumferential surface of the damper spring 230 , thereby stably supporting the damper spring 230 .
- a lower end of the damper spring 230 is supported by the protrusions 246 on the surface of the connection rod fixing portion 245 , and an upper end of the damper spring 230 is supported by a spring supporting portion 224 formed on an inner surface of the damper cap 220 .
- the damper spring 230 preferably maintains a compressed state, and the damper base 240 for supporting the damper spring 230 is positioned at an inner side of a lower end of the damper cap 220 .
- the reason is as follows. Once laundry or washing water is introduced into the inner tub 13 (refer to FIG. 1 ), the damper spring 230 is extended due to a weight of the laundry or washing water, and the damper base 240 moves to a lower side of the damper cap 220 .
- the damper base 240 is positioned at the end of the damper cap 220 , laundry, etc. is introduced into the inner tub 13 , and the damper base 240 may be completely separated from the damper cap 220 .
- the damper spring 230 is preferably a compression coil spring, but is not limited thereto.
- any elastic means having an elastic restoration force and configured to absorb or attenuate vibration can be used.
- a rubber member may be used to connect one end of the connection rod 210 and the connection rod fixing portion 245 of the damper base 240 .
- a rubber pillar (not shown) having a cavity therein may be used as the damper spring 230 .
- one end of the connection rod 210 disposed in the damper cap 220 is preferably disposed inside the damper spring 230 .
- An air hole 221 is formed at an upper portion of the damper cap 220 , through which a viscous damping process due to air inside the damper cap 220 is performed. Between an inner surface of the damper cap 220 and an outermost circumference of the damper base 240 , a minute air gap 223 is formed. A frictional damping process occurs through the air gap 223 .
- the base cap 250 may be mounted to a lower opening of the damper cap 220 .
- the base cap 250 is coupled to the damper cap 220 by a hook (not shown) formed at the damper cap 220 with receiving the damper base 240 therein.
- the damper cap 220 and the base cap 250 may be coupled to each other by forming a screw thread at a coupling portion therebetween.
- the damper base 240 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 .
- connection rod fixing portion 245 connected to one end of the connection rod 210 is formed above the damper base 240 , and the plurality of protrusions 246 are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the connection rod fixing portion 245 .
- a spring supporting portion 247 is integrally formed below the connection rod fixing portion 245 .
- the spring supporting portion 247 is formed in a wide disc shape so as to sufficiently support the damper spring 230 .
- a skirt portion 243 having an area wider than that of the spring supporting portion 247 is integrally formed below the spring supporting portion 247 .
- the skirt portion 243 is in a thin cylindrical shape having a predetermined height, and an air gap 223 is formed between an outer surface of the skirt portion 243 and an inner surface of the damper cap 220 .
- a plurality of slits 242 are formed at the skirt portion 243 in a height direction, and an extension spring 260 is mounted to an inner surface of the skirt portion 243 .
- a concaved groove 244 or stopping jaws 241 are formed on an inner surface of the skirt portion 243 .
- the extension spring 260 Since the extension spring 260 is mounted to the skirt portion 243 with a diameter decreased than the original diameter, it has an elastic restoration force to restore the original diameter. Due to the elastic restoration force, the edge of the damper base 240 is extended to an inner surface of the damper cap 220 . That is, the skirt portion 243 is pushed to the damper cap 220 thus to be extended.
- the skirt portion 243 can have a large extension degree by having the plurality of slits 242 .
- the skirt portion 243 can be outwardly extended even by the extension spring 260 having a small elastic restoration force.
- Either the stopping jaws 241 or the slits 242 , or both the stopping jaws 241 and the slits 242 can be formed with consideration of the size of the damper base 240 , or an elastic force of the extension spring 260 , etc.
- the extension spring 260 has to be provided with a consecutive circumference.
- the extension spring 260 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIGS. 6A to 6C are views respectively showing an extension spring of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4
- FIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the extension spring 260 of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine is in a ring shape having a consecutive circumference (refer to FIG. 6B ), whereas when viewed from the side, the extension spring 260 has some parts overlapping each other in a longitudinal direction (refer to FIG. 6C ). That is, the extension spring 260 is wound so that both ends thereof can overlap each other by a predetermined length.
- curved portions 260 a and 260 b are formed at both ends of the extension spring 260 toward the center of the extension spring 260 .
- the curved portions 260 a and 260 b are used to mount the extension spring 260 to the damper base 240 .
- a diameter of one side of the extension spring 260 is decreased to allow the extension spring 260 to be easily mounted to the damper base 240 .
- the extension spring 260 is restored to the original state.
- the skirt portion 243 is outwardly extended.
- the extension spring 260 consecutively contacts lower side surfaces of the damper base 240 , i.e., the skirt portion 243 , due to its consecutive circumference. That is, all parts of the extension spring 260 come in contact with the skirt portion 243 . Accordingly, the air gap 223 between the damper cap 220 and the damper base 240 is uniformly maintained in a circumferential direction of the extension spring 260 , thereby preventing non-uniform clearance of the air gap 223 .
- the skirt portion 243 of the damper base 240 is prevented from being flatly abraded even when coming into friction with an inner surface of the damper cap 220 .
- Unexplained reference numeral ‘211’ denotes one end of the connection rod 210 .
- FIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- An extension spring 261 of FIG. 7 has the same shape as the extension spring 260 of FIG. 6 except that curved portions are not formed at both ends thereof.
- the extension spring 261 When viewed from the front, the extension spring 261 is in a ring shape having a consecutive circumference (refer to FIG. 7B ), whereas when viewed from the side, the extension spring 261 has some parts overlapping each other in a longitudinal direction (refer to FIG. 7C ).
- the extension spring 261 can maintain its elastic restoration force for a long time due to its overlapping parts, and can be easily mounted to the skirt portion 243 . That is, once the extension spring 261 is held by a user with its central part being pressed, a diameter of one side of the extension spring 261 is decreased to allow the extension spring 261 to be easily mounted to the skirt portion 243 .
- the extension spring 261 of FIG. 7 has the same shape as the extension spring 260 of FIG. 6 , except that the curved portions 260 a and 260 b are formed at both ends of the extension spring 260 of FIG. 6 . Accordingly, the extension springs 260 and 261 can be fabricated by using the same molding pattern. More concretely, the extension spring 260 of FIG. 6 can be fabricated by a molding pattern of the extension spring 261 of FIG. 7 , and then by forming two curved portions at both ends thereof in a pressing manner, etc. Accordingly, one molding pattern can be used to fabricate two types of extension springs, which enhances the productivity.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification example of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine of FIG. 4 .
- the suspension apparatus 200 ′ of FIG. 8 is different from the suspension apparatus 200 of FIG. 4 in that an air hole 251 is formed at a base cap 250 ′.
- the base cap 250 is mounted to a lower side of the damper cap 220 , but an air hole is not formed at the base cap 250 .
- This allows air leakage through the air gap 223 to be prevented, but causes air inside the damper cap 220 to have a difficulty in being discharged out, which can not reduce excessive vibration.
- the air hole 251 may be formed at the base cap 250 ′.
- the air hole 251 of the base cap 250 ′ is formed approximately at a lower surface of the suspension apparatus 200 ′. Accordingly, even if a lubricant such as grease deposited on the damper cap 220 flows down, the air hole 251 is not blocked.
- the air hole 251 is formed at the base cap 250 ′, it is preferable not to form the air hole 221 blocked by a lubricant at the damper cap 220 .
- a sufficient viscous damping force can not be obtained from the air hole 251 of the base cap 250 ′, it is effective to form the air hole 221 at the damper cap 220 .
- the air hole 221 is formed at an upper side.
- either the air hole 221 of the damper cap 220 or the air hole 251 of the base cap 250 ′, or both of them may be formed. This selection has to be performed in the aspect of vibration with consideration of a capacity of the washing machine, a rotation speed of the inner tube at the time of a dehydration process, etc.
- the air gap 223 between the damper cap 220 and each of the dampers bases 250 and 250 ′ can be constantly maintained. This causes a viscous damping force by air leaked through the air gap 223 to be increased.
- a viscous damping force can be enhanced by two times or more than that of the conventional suspension apparatus 20 (refer to FIG. 1 ). This allows excessive vibration of the inner tub 13 (refer to FIG. 1 ) to be enhanced by 30% or more than that of the conventional washing machine.
- the function of the suspension apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be compared to that of the conventional suspension apparatus with reference to experimental data.
- FIG. 9 shows an experimental graph showing an amplitude (mm) according to time (seconds).
- the conventional suspension apparatus 20 shows a damping factor ( ⁇ ) of 0.32
- the suspension apparatus 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention shows a damping factor ( ⁇ ) of 0.74.
- the damping factor ( ⁇ ) denotes a decreasing ratio of a function expressed as coordinates or time, which may be used to represent an indicator to prevent vibration of an object.
- a damping function of the suspension apparatus 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is enhanced by approximately two times or more than that of the conventional suspension apparatus 20 .
- FIG. 10 is an experimental graph comparing excessive horizontal vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which the suspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which the suspension apparatus 200 of FIG. 4 is applied.
- FIG. 11 is an experimental graph comparing excessive vertical vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which the suspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which the suspension apparatus 200 of FIG. 4 is applied.
- the horizontal axis of the graph denotes X-directional vibration and Y-directional vibration of an upper portion of the outer tub 12 , and X-directional vibration and Y-directional vibration of a lower portion of the outer tub 12 , and the vertical axis denotes an amplitude (mm).
- the graph of FIG. 10 shows that all the amplitudes according to each horizontal vibration of the present invention were decreased by 1 mm ⁇ 8.8 mm than those of the conventional art.
- the horizontal axis of the graph denotes each Z-directional vibration of upper and lower portions of the outer tub 12
- the vertical axis denotes an amplitude (mm).
- the graph of FIG. 11 shows that all the amplitudes according to each vertical vibration of the present invention were decreased by 2.5 mm ⁇ 2.8 mm than those of the conventional art.
- suspension apparatus applied to a washing machine
- suspension apparatus may also be applied to various fields such as a washing machine compatible with a drier, a dryer, or a combined washing system.
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- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
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.
Description
- The present invention relates to subject matter contained in priority Korean Application No. 10-2007-0076581, filed on Jul. 30, 2007, which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of effectively reducing excessive vibration by maintaining a viscous damping force even when a washing machine is used for a long time.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- Generally, a washing machine serves to wash laundry by using a softening process by detergent, a frictional process by water stream occurring as washing blades rotate, an impact process by washing blades, etc. By using a motor as a main driving force, the washing machine performs a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process so as to wash laundry with using detergent and water. The washing machine comprises a motor serving as a driving unit, a mechanical part for transmitting energy to laundry, a controller for controlling washing processes, a water supply unit for supplying water, and a water drain unit for discharging water.
- The washing machine is largely divided into a cylinder type, an agitator type, and a pulsator type according to washing methods.
- According to the agitator type, an agitator protruding from the center of an inner tub with a wing shape is rotated in right and left directions thus to wash laundry. According to the pulsator type, laundry is washed by using turbulent stream occurring as a disc-shaped pulsator is rotated. According to the cylinder type, water, detergent, and laundry are put into a drum having a plurality of protrusions, and then are rotated with a low speed in a horizontal axis, thereby washing laundry by an impact occurring as the laundry is lifted and dropped by the protrusions.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with the related art, andFIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line ‘II-II’ ofFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , awashing machine 1 comprises a body or acasing 10 that forms appearance; anouter tub 12 mounted in thecasing 10; aninner tub 13 mounted in theouter tub 12; asuspension apparatus 20 or suspensions each having one end connected to an upper inner circumferential surface of the body or thecasing 10, having another end connected to a lower outer circumferential surface of theouter tub 12, and configured to support theouter tub 12; and adriving unit 15 disposed below theouter tub 12, and configured to drive theinner tub 13. - Each of the
suspensions 20 comprises adamper cap 22 installed below theouter tub 12; aconnection rod 21 having one end penetrating thedamper cap 22, and another end mounted to thecasing 10; adamper spring 23 mounted in thedamper cap 22, and configured to absorb vibration from theouter tub 12; and adamper base 24 installed at a lower opening of thedamper cap 22, and configured to support theconnection rod 21 or thedamper spring 23. - A
narrow air gap 26 is formed between thedamper cap 22 and thedamper base 24, andextension springs 25 are installed below thedamper base 24. - The
extension springs 25 serve to extend a lower portion of thedamper base 24. - Referring to
FIG. 3 showing a bottom surface of the suspension apparatus ofFIG. 2 , each of theextension springs 25 has both ends separated from each other, i.e., a non-consecutive circumference. Here, said both ends separated from each other are curved. Since anon-consecutive part 25 a does not come in contact with thedamper base 24, theextension spring 25 does not consecutively contact a lower portion of thedamper base 24. - The
suspensions 20 serve to reduce a very large vibration or amplitude occurring by a resonance at the time of excessive vibration (i.e., at the time of starting a dehydration process). - According to a basic vibration reducing mechanism, vibration occurring from the
inner tub 13 is reduced by a viscous damping force occurring as air is discharged through an air hole (not shown) of thedamper cap 22, and by a frictional damping force occurring as thedamper cap 22 and thedamper base 24 come into friction with each other. Here, excessive vibration or amplitude is reduced by a viscous damping force. - However, the conventional mechanism has the following problems.
- An
air gap 26 which allows a reciprocation of the washing machine is formed between thedamper cap 22 and thedamper base 24. If thewashing machine 1 is used by approximately 1000 cycles, a clearance of theair gap 26 increases to allow a large amount of air to leak through theair gap 26. This causes a viscous damping force to be greatly lowered, thereby not reducing excessive vibration. - Besides, since the
driving unit 12 is eccentrically installed from the center (C) below theouter tub 2, an initial static deflection of theouter tub 2 is toward thedriving unit 12. - Furthermore, when the
extension springs 25 are used to prevent theair gap 26 from having an increased clearance, a large amount of air is leaked through non-consecutive parts of theextension springs 25. That is, thedamper base 24 is not outwardly pushed at thenon-consecutive parts 25 a of theextension springs 25, but has aflat part 24 a. Theflat part 24 a has a larger clearance than any other parts, which causes a large amount of air to be leaked and thus a viscous damping force to be lowered. - Furthermore, when a lubricant such as grease is deposited onto the surface of the
damper cap 22 so as to prevent friction or interference between thedamper cap 22 and theouter tub 12, the lubricant blocks an air hole (not shown) of thedamper cap 22. This causes a viscous damping process not to be smoothly performed. - Therefore, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of constantly maintaining an air gap between a damper base and a damper cap by pushing the damper base in a circumferential direction with a constant force, and capable of reducing lowering of a viscous damping force due to increase of non-uniform clearance of the air gap, in which extension springs having a consecutive shape are mounted below the damper base.
- It is a second object of the present invention to provide a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of preventing a large amount of air leakage due to increase of an air gap between a damper cap and a damper base by mounting a base cap to a lower opening of the damper cap.
- It is a third object of the present invention to provide a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of preventing lowering of a viscous damping force occurring as an air hole is blocked by a lubricant, by forming an air hole at a base cap rather than at a damper cap.
- It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of maintaining an elastic restoration force of an extension spring for a long time by overlapping some parts of the extension spring in a longitudinal direction, and capable of easily mounting the extension spring to a damper base.
- It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of constantly maintaining abrasion of a damper base in a circumferential direction by applying an extension spring consecutively contacting the damper base in a circumferential direction, and thus capable of enhancing reliability.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising: 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 one end of the damper cap, sliding along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring,; 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.
- According to another aspect, the 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; an elastic means installed in the damper cap; a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the elastic means; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to outwardly extend an edge of the damper base, wherein an interval between the damper cap and the damper base is constantly maintained in a circumferential direction by the extension springs.
- Under the above configuration, abrasion of the damper cap and the damper base in a circumferential direction can be constantly maintained, lowering of a viscous damping force due to increase of non-uniform air gap can be reduced, and durability can be enhanced.
- Here, the extension spring is configured so that some parts thereof can overlap each other in a longitudinal direction. This causes the extension spring to have a consecutive circumference, and allows all parts of the damper base to be outwardly extended.
- The extension spring is mounted to a concaved groove formed at a lower side of the damper base. The concaved groove formed at a lower inner surface of the damper base serves to stably mount the extension spring thereto, and to prevent the extension spring from being separated from the damper base while the suspension apparatus is operated.
- Here, rather than the concaved groove, a stopper for preventing the extension spring from being separated from the damper base may be formed at a lower portion of the damper base.
- Here, a slit for facilitating extension of a lower portion of the damper base may be formed at a lower portion of the damper base. By forming the slit, a lower portion of the damper base can be easily extended even if an extension spring having a small elastic restoration force is used.
- Both ends of the extension spring are curved toward the center. In order to enhance convenience for installation, the extension spring is firstly made to have a reduced size with the curved portions being pressed, and then is mounted to the damper base.
- An air hole for air damping may be formed at the damper cap. The air hole may be formed to be disposed at a high position so that the air hole can be prevented from being blocked by a lubricant such as grease.
- The suspension apparatus for a washing machine may further comprise a base cap mounted to a lower side of the damper cap, and configured to reduce a leakage amount of air inside the damper cap. By mounting the base cap to a lower opening of the damper cap, air leakage through an air gap between the damper cap and the base cap can be completely prevented. It is preferable to maintain a viscous damping force by forming an air hole at the damper cap.
- Preferably, the base cap and the damper cap are coupled to each other by a hook, but are not limited thereto. The base cap and the damper cap may be coupled to each other by forming a screw thread at a coupling portion therebetween.
- An air hole for air damping may be formed at the base cap.
- If air leakage through an air gap is prevented by mounting the base cap to the damper cap, a viscous damping process is not smoothly performed, which may cause excessive vibration. In order to prevent the excessive vibration occurrence, an air hole may be formed at the base cap. Alternately, an air hole may be formed at the base cap rather than at the damper cap, thereby preventing blocking of the air hole due to a lubricant such as grease.
- According to still another aspect, the suspension apparatus for a washing machine comprises: a connection rod having a predetermined length; a damper cap to penetratingly insert a part of the connection rod at the center thereof; a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to constantly maintain an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base, and thus to increase a viscous damping force by air leaked through the air gap.
- Here, the extension springs consecutively contact lower side surfaces of the damper base. Accordingly, even if a lower portion of the damper base comes into friction with the damper cap to be abraded, an abrasion degree of the lower portion is lower than that of any other portions.
- A base cap for preventing leakage of air inside the damper cap is mounted below the damper cap. An air hole for a viscosity damping is formed at either the damper cap or the base cap, or at both of them.
- Under the above configuration, lowering of a viscous damping force due to air inside the damper cap is prevented.
- In the present invention, the extension spring having a consecutive circumference is mounted to the damper base, thereby uniformly maintaining a clearance of an air gap between the damper base and the damper cap, and preventing lowering of a viscous damping force due to excessive abrasion of a specific part.
- In the present invention, increase of a clearance of an air gap due to abrasion of the damper base slidable with respect to the damper cap is prevented, thereby prolonging the life-span of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine.
- In the present invention, an additional base cap is mounted to an opening of the damper cap, thereby preventing lowering of a viscous damping force even if an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base is increased.
- The present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of preventing lowering of a viscous damping force by forming an additional air hole at a base cap mounted to a lower side of a damper cap, in which the air hole of the base cap is prevented from being blocked by a lubricant deposited to the damper cap.
- The present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of enhancing productivity by forming an extension spring so that some parts thereof can overlap each other in a circumferential direction or a longitudinal direction, or by forming curved portion at the extension spring, and capable of maintaining an elastic restoration force of the extension spring for a long time.
- The present invention also provides a suspension apparatus for a washing machine capable of reducing a large amplitude or noise due to excessive vibration at the time of a dehydration process even when a washing machine is used for a long time.
- The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and 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.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with the related art; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine in accordance with the related art; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a damper base of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIGS. 6A to 6C are views respectively showing an extension spring of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification example of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 9 is an experimental graph comparing a damping force of the conventional suspension apparatus for a washing machine with a damping force of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 according to the present invention; and -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are experimental graphs respectively comparing excessive horizontal and vertical vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which thesuspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which thesuspension apparatus 200 ofFIG. 4 is applied. - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.
- Explanation for well-known configurations or functions will be omitted. And the same reference numerals will be given to the same parts as those of the aforementioned configurations, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.
-
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 5 is a perspective view of a damper base of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 - A washing machine according to the present invention has the same configuration as the
conventional washing machine 1 except asuspension apparatus 200. Therefore, explanation about the same configuration except thesuspension 200 of the present invention will be omitted. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thesuspension apparatus 200 for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: aconnection rod 210; adamper cap 220 having one end of theconnection rod 210 penetratingly formed thereat; adamper spring 230 installed in thedamper cap 220; a damper base configured to support one end of theconnection rod 210 penetratingly installed at thedamper cap 220; extension springs 260 mounted to a lower side of thedamper base 240; and abase cap 250 mounted to a lower side of thedamper cap 220. - An upper portion of the
damper cap 220 is upwardly extending like a neck of a bottle, and the upwardly extending portion encompasses theconnection rod 210. - The
connection rod 210 is positioned inside thedamper cap 220 via a throughhole 222 formed at the upper portion of thedamper cap 220. One end of the throughhole 222 is protruding to inside of thedamper cap 220, thereby constituting a connectionrod supporting portion 223 that encompasses and supports theconnection rod 210. - One end of the
connection rod 210 is fixed to a connectionrod fixing portion 245 of thedamper base 240. Preferably, the connectionrod fixing portion 245 is protruding from an upper side of thedamper base 240, and has a predetermined height so as to stably support theconnection rod 210. - A plurality of
protrusions 246 are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the connectionrod fixing portion 245. The plurality ofprotrusions 246 are forcibly inserted into an inner circumferential surface of thedamper spring 230, thereby stably supporting thedamper spring 230. - A lower end of the
damper spring 230 is supported by theprotrusions 246 on the surface of the connectionrod fixing portion 245, and an upper end of thedamper spring 230 is supported by aspring supporting portion 224 formed on an inner surface of thedamper cap 220. - At an initial state, i.e., at a state that the washing machine is not provided with washing water or laundry therein, the
damper spring 230 preferably maintains a compressed state, and thedamper base 240 for supporting thedamper spring 230 is positioned at an inner side of a lower end of thedamper cap 220. The reason is as follows. Once laundry or washing water is introduced into the inner tub 13 (refer toFIG. 1 ), thedamper spring 230 is extended due to a weight of the laundry or washing water, and thedamper base 240 moves to a lower side of thedamper cap 220. Here, if thedamper base 240 is positioned at the end of thedamper cap 220, laundry, etc. is introduced into theinner tub 13, and thedamper base 240 may be completely separated from thedamper cap 220. - Here, the
damper spring 230 is preferably a compression coil spring, but is not limited thereto. As thedamper spring 230, any elastic means having an elastic restoration force and configured to absorb or attenuate vibration can be used. For example, a rubber member may be used to connect one end of theconnection rod 210 and the connectionrod fixing portion 245 of thedamper base 240. Also, a rubber pillar (not shown) having a cavity therein may be used as thedamper spring 230. When thedamper spring 230 is used as an elastic means, one end of theconnection rod 210 disposed in thedamper cap 220 is preferably disposed inside thedamper spring 230. - An
air hole 221 is formed at an upper portion of thedamper cap 220, through which a viscous damping process due to air inside thedamper cap 220 is performed. Between an inner surface of thedamper cap 220 and an outermost circumference of thedamper base 240, aminute air gap 223 is formed. A frictional damping process occurs through theair gap 223. - The
base cap 250 may be mounted to a lower opening of thedamper cap 220. Thebase cap 250 is coupled to thedamper cap 220 by a hook (not shown) formed at thedamper cap 220 with receiving thedamper base 240 therein. In order to ensure a sealed state inside thedamper cap 220, thedamper cap 220 and thebase cap 250 may be coupled to each other by forming a screw thread at a coupling portion therebetween. - The
damper base 240 will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG. 5 . - The connection
rod fixing portion 245 connected to one end of theconnection rod 210 is formed above thedamper base 240, and the plurality ofprotrusions 246 are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the connectionrod fixing portion 245. Aspring supporting portion 247 is integrally formed below the connectionrod fixing portion 245. Preferably, thespring supporting portion 247 is formed in a wide disc shape so as to sufficiently support thedamper spring 230. - A
skirt portion 243 having an area wider than that of thespring supporting portion 247 is integrally formed below thespring supporting portion 247. Here, theskirt portion 243 is in a thin cylindrical shape having a predetermined height, and anair gap 223 is formed between an outer surface of theskirt portion 243 and an inner surface of thedamper cap 220. - A plurality of
slits 242 are formed at theskirt portion 243 in a height direction, and anextension spring 260 is mounted to an inner surface of theskirt portion 243. Here, in order to prevent theextension spring 260 from being separated from theskirt portion 243, aconcaved groove 244 or stoppingjaws 241 are formed on an inner surface of theskirt portion 243. - Since the
extension spring 260 is mounted to theskirt portion 243 with a diameter decreased than the original diameter, it has an elastic restoration force to restore the original diameter. Due to the elastic restoration force, the edge of thedamper base 240 is extended to an inner surface of thedamper cap 220. That is, theskirt portion 243 is pushed to thedamper cap 220 thus to be extended. - Here, the
skirt portion 243 can have a large extension degree by having the plurality ofslits 242. Theskirt portion 243 can be outwardly extended even by theextension spring 260 having a small elastic restoration force. - Either the stopping
jaws 241 or theslits 242, or both the stoppingjaws 241 and theslits 242 can be formed with consideration of the size of thedamper base 240, or an elastic force of theextension spring 260, etc. - The
extension spring 260 has to be provided with a consecutive circumference. Theextension spring 260 will be explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7 . -
FIGS. 6A to 6C are views respectively showing an extension spring of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 , andFIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. - When viewed from the front, the
extension spring 260 of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a ring shape having a consecutive circumference (refer toFIG. 6B ), whereas when viewed from the side, theextension spring 260 has some parts overlapping each other in a longitudinal direction (refer toFIG. 6C ). That is, theextension spring 260 is wound so that both ends thereof can overlap each other by a predetermined length. - Here,
curved portions extension spring 260 toward the center of theextension spring 260. Thecurved portions extension spring 260 to thedamper base 240. When thecurved portions extension spring 260 is decreased to allow theextension spring 260 to be easily mounted to thedamper base 240. Then, when thecurved portions extension spring 260 is restored to the original state. At the same time, theskirt portion 243 is outwardly extended. - As shown in
FIG. 6A , theextension spring 260 consecutively contacts lower side surfaces of thedamper base 240, i.e., theskirt portion 243, due to its consecutive circumference. That is, all parts of theextension spring 260 come in contact with theskirt portion 243. Accordingly, theair gap 223 between thedamper cap 220 and thedamper base 240 is uniformly maintained in a circumferential direction of theextension spring 260, thereby preventing non-uniform clearance of theair gap 223. - As the
extension spring 260 having a consecutive circumference is used, theskirt portion 243 of thedamper base 240 is prevented from being flatly abraded even when coming into friction with an inner surface of thedamper cap 220. - Unexplained reference numeral ‘211’ denotes one end of the
connection rod 210. -
FIGS. 7A to 7C are views respectively showing an extension spring of a suspension apparatus for a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. - An
extension spring 261 ofFIG. 7 has the same shape as theextension spring 260 ofFIG. 6 except that curved portions are not formed at both ends thereof. - When viewed from the front, the
extension spring 261 is in a ring shape having a consecutive circumference (refer toFIG. 7B ), whereas when viewed from the side, theextension spring 261 has some parts overlapping each other in a longitudinal direction (refer toFIG. 7C ). - The
extension spring 261 can maintain its elastic restoration force for a long time due to its overlapping parts, and can be easily mounted to theskirt portion 243. That is, once theextension spring 261 is held by a user with its central part being pressed, a diameter of one side of theextension spring 261 is decreased to allow theextension spring 261 to be easily mounted to theskirt portion 243. - The
extension spring 261 ofFIG. 7 has the same shape as theextension spring 260 ofFIG. 6 , except that thecurved portions extension spring 260 ofFIG. 6 . Accordingly, the extension springs 260 and 261 can be fabricated by using the same molding pattern. More concretely, theextension spring 260 ofFIG. 6 can be fabricated by a molding pattern of theextension spring 261 ofFIG. 7 , and then by forming two curved portions at both ends thereof in a pressing manner, etc. Accordingly, one molding pattern can be used to fabricate two types of extension springs, which enhances the productivity. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification example of the suspension apparatus for a washing machine ofFIG. 4 . - The
suspension apparatus 200′ ofFIG. 8 is different from thesuspension apparatus 200 ofFIG. 4 in that anair hole 251 is formed at abase cap 250′. - According to the
suspension apparatus 200 ofFIG. 4 , thebase cap 250 is mounted to a lower side of thedamper cap 220, but an air hole is not formed at thebase cap 250. This allows air leakage through theair gap 223 to be prevented, but causes air inside thedamper cap 220 to have a difficulty in being discharged out, which can not reduce excessive vibration. In order to solve this problem, theair hole 251 may be formed at thebase cap 250′. - The
air hole 251 of thebase cap 250′ is formed approximately at a lower surface of thesuspension apparatus 200′. Accordingly, even if a lubricant such as grease deposited on thedamper cap 220 flows down, theair hole 251 is not blocked. - When the
air hole 251 is formed at thebase cap 250′, it is preferable not to form theair hole 221 blocked by a lubricant at thedamper cap 220. However, when a sufficient viscous damping force can not be obtained from theair hole 251 of thebase cap 250′, it is effective to form theair hole 221 at thedamper cap 220. In this case, in order to prevent theair hole 221 of thedamper cap 220 from being blocked by a lubricant such as grease, theair hole 221 is formed at an upper side. - In order to reduce excessive vibration of the washing machine by using a viscous damping force occurring from air leakage, either the
air hole 221 of thedamper cap 220 or theair hole 251 of thebase cap 250′, or both of them may be formed. This selection has to be performed in the aspect of vibration with consideration of a capacity of the washing machine, a rotation speed of the inner tube at the time of a dehydration process, etc. - By using each of the
suspension apparatuses air gap 223 between thedamper cap 220 and each of the dampers bases 250 and 250′ can be constantly maintained. This causes a viscous damping force by air leaked through theair gap 223 to be increased. - In the present invention, a viscous damping force can be enhanced by two times or more than that of the conventional suspension apparatus 20 (refer to
FIG. 1 ). This allows excessive vibration of the inner tub 13 (refer toFIG. 1 ) to be enhanced by 30% or more than that of the conventional washing machine. Hereinafter, the function of the suspension apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be compared to that of the conventional suspension apparatus with reference to experimental data. -
FIG. 9 shows an experimental graph showing an amplitude (mm) according to time (seconds). Referring toFIG. 9 , theconventional suspension apparatus 20 shows a damping factor (ζ) of 0.32, whereas thesuspension apparatus 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention shows a damping factor (ζ) of 0.74. The damping factor (ζ) denotes a decreasing ratio of a function expressed as coordinates or time, which may be used to represent an indicator to prevent vibration of an object. - The larger the damping factor is, the more enhanced a damping function is. Accordingly, it can be inferred that a damping function of the
suspension apparatus 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is enhanced by approximately two times or more than that of theconventional suspension apparatus 20. -
FIG. 10 is an experimental graph comparing excessive horizontal vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which thesuspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which thesuspension apparatus 200 ofFIG. 4 is applied. And,FIG. 11 is an experimental graph comparing excessive vertical vibration of the outer tub of the conventional washing machine to which thesuspension apparatus 20 is applied, with that of the washing machine of the present invention to which thesuspension apparatus 200 ofFIG. 4 is applied. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , the horizontal axis of the graph denotes X-directional vibration and Y-directional vibration of an upper portion of theouter tub 12, and X-directional vibration and Y-directional vibration of a lower portion of theouter tub 12, and the vertical axis denotes an amplitude (mm). The graph ofFIG. 10 shows that all the amplitudes according to each horizontal vibration of the present invention were decreased by 1 mm˜8.8 mm than those of the conventional art. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , the horizontal axis of the graph denotes each Z-directional vibration of upper and lower portions of theouter tub 12, and the vertical axis denotes an amplitude (mm). The graph ofFIG. 11 shows that all the amplitudes according to each vertical vibration of the present invention were decreased by 2.5 mm˜2.8 mm than those of the conventional art. - As aforementioned, when the
suspension apparatuses - So far, the present applicant explained about the suspension apparatus applied to a washing machine, but the suspension apparatus may also be applied to various fields such as a washing machine compatible with a drier, a dryer, or a combined washing system.
- The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.
- As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
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, sliding along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring and
an extension spring 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.
2. A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
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;
an elastic means installed in the damper cap;
a damper base mounted to the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the elastic means; and
an extension spring disposed below the damper base, and configured to outwardly extend an edge of the damper base,
wherein an interval between the damper cap and the damper base is constantly maintained in a circumferential direction by the extension spring.
3. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the extension spring is configured so that some parts thereof can overlap each other.
4. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 3 , wherein the extension spring is mounted to a concaved groove formed at a lower side of the damper base.
5. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 3 , wherein either stopping jaws for preventing separation of the extension spring or slits for extending a lower side of the damper base, or both of them are formed at a lower side of the damper base.
6. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 3 , wherein the extension spring has both ends curved toward the center.
7. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 3 , wherein an air hole for air damping is formed at the damper cap.
8. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a base cap mounted to a lower side of the damper cap, and configured to reduce an amount of leakage of air inside the damper cap.
9. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 8 , wherein the base cap and the damper cap are coupled to each other by a hook.
10. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 8 , wherein an air hole for air damping is formed at the base cap.
11. A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
a connection rod having a predetermined length;
a damper cap to penetratingly insert a part of the connection rod at the center thereof;
a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support one end of the connection rod; and
an extension spring disposed below the damper base, and configured to constantly maintain an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base, and thus to increase a viscous damping force by air leaked through the air gap.
12. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 11 , wherein the extension spring consecutively contact lower side surfaces of the damper base.
13. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 11 or 12 , wherein a base cap for preventing leakage of air inside the damper cap is mounted below the damper cap.
14. The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of claim 13 ,
wherein an air hole for a viscosity damping is formed at either the damper cap or the base cap, or at both of them.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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KR10-2007-0076581 | 2007-07-30 | ||
KR1020070076581A KR100879570B1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2007-07-30 | Suspension apparatus for washing machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090031762A1 true US20090031762A1 (en) | 2009-02-05 |
Family
ID=40336855
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/181,089 Abandoned US20090031762A1 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2008-07-28 | Suspension apparatus for washing machine |
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US (1) | US20090031762A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100879570B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101387061B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008203386B2 (en) |
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US20140367536A1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2014-12-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Washing machine suspension ball support |
US20220186423A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2022-06-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry machine |
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CN102345218B (en) * | 2010-08-03 | 2015-11-25 | 海尔集团公司 | A kind of small/micro impeller type washing machine |
CN102373600B (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2015-11-25 | 海尔集团公司 | A kind of slip damping device of small/micro impeller type washing machine |
CN103243520B (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2016-01-13 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | For washing machine damping device and there is its washing machine |
KR102133190B1 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2020-07-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine and method of manufacturing the same |
CN112144230B (en) * | 2019-06-11 | 2024-03-22 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof |
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US20220186423A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2022-06-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry machine |
US12043943B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2024-07-23 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry machine |
US20140367536A1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2014-12-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Washing machine suspension ball support |
US9297104B2 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2016-03-29 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Washing machine suspension ball support |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101387061B (en) | 2011-08-17 |
KR100879570B1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
CN101387061A (en) | 2009-03-18 |
AU2008203386A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 |
AU2008203386B2 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
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Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KIM, YOUNG-JONG;JUNG, KYUNG-MUN;NOH, HYUN-WOO;REEL/FRAME:021317/0313;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080721 TO 20080722 |
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