U.S. patent application number 10/375622 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for washing machine agitator having helical rib and method for using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maytag Corporation. Invention is credited to Griffith, Scott E., Lickiss, Chris P., Ruhl, Craig S..
Application Number | 20040168261 10/375622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32907851 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040168261 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffith, Scott E. ; et
al. |
September 2, 2004 |
Washing machine agitator having helical rib and method for using
same
Abstract
A washing machine includes a washing machine cabinet. A wash
basket is mounted within the washing machine cabinet. A first
agitator is mounted in the basket for rotation about a first
agitator axis that extends in a direction different from the
rotational axis of the wash basket. First agitator includes a first
helical rib thereon for engaging and agitating the materials to be
washed within the wash basket. A second agitator with a second
helical rib may also be contained within the wash basket.
Inventors: |
Griffith, Scott E.; (Newton,
IA) ; Lickiss, Chris P.; (Newton, IA) ; Ruhl,
Craig S.; (Altoona, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
ATTN: MAYTAG
801 GRAND AVENUE, SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Assignee: |
Maytag Corporation
403 West Fourth Street North
Newton
IA
50208-0039
|
Family ID: |
32907851 |
Appl. No.: |
10/375622 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/159 ; 68/131;
68/133; 68/23.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 21/08 20130101;
D06F 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/159 ;
068/023.6; 068/131; 068/133 |
International
Class: |
D06F 029/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine comprising: a washing machine cabinet; a wash
basket mounted within the washing machine cabinet for rotation
about a wash basket axis, the wash basket having an access opening
for placing materials to be washed within the wash basket; a first
agitator mounted in the basket for rotation about a first agitator
axis that extends in a direction different from the wash basket
axis; the first agitator having a first helical rib thereon for
engaging and agitating the materials to be washed within the wash
basket when the first agitator is rotating about the first agitator
axis.
2. A washing machine according to claim 1 comprising a second
agitator mounted within the basket for rotation about a second
agitator axis extending in a direction different from the wash
basket axis and the first agitator axis, the second agitator having
a second helical rib thereon for engaging and agitating the
materials to be washed within the wash basket when the second
agitator is rotating about the second agitator axis.
3. A washing machine according to claim 2 wherein the first and
second agitators each include a concave surface and the first and
second helical ribs protrude from the concave surfaces of the first
and second agitators respectively.
4. A washing machine according to claim 3 wherein an agitator drive
mechanism is connected to the first and second agitators for
driving the first and second agitators in opposite rotational
directions.
5. A washing machine according to claim 4 wherein the first and
second helical ribs extend in first and second helical directions
that are opposite to one another.
6. A washing machine according to claim 5 wherein each of the first
and second helical ribs commence adjacent the first and second
agitator axes respectively and extend in an outward radial helical
direction therefrom.
7. A washing machine according to claim 6 wherein the basket
includes a concave interior surface and each of the first and
second agitators includes a convex surface opposite from the
concave surface thereof, the convex surfaces of the first and
second agitators facing toward the concave interior surface of the
basket.
8. A washing machine according to claim 1 wherein the first
agitator is circular in shape and includes an outer rim, at least
one wedge shaped member being on the agitator adjacent the outer
rim for facilitating turnover of fabrics being washed.
9. An appliance agitator comprising: an agitator member having a
concave surface, an opposite convex surface, and a peripheral edge;
a helical rib protruding from the concave surface and extending in
an outward radial helical direction from a central starting point
to an outer end point adjacent the peripheral edge of the agitator
member.
10. An appliance agitator according to claim 9 wherein the
peripheral edge extends approximately in a circle.
11. An appliance agitator according to claim 9 wherein the starting
point of the helical rib is at the approximate center of the
circle.
12. An appliance agitator according to claim 9 and further
comprising at least one wedge shaped member on the agitator member
adjacent the peripheral edge thereof for facilitating turnover of
the fabrics being washed.
13. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a washing basket
mounted within the cabinet for rotation about a basket axis, the
washing basket having a basket cavity and concave interior surface
facing toward the basket cavity; a first agitator having a concave
surface, an opposite convex surface, and a peripheral edge, the
convex surface facing toward the concave interior surface of the
washing basket and the concave surface of the first agitator facing
toward the basket cavity; the first agitator being mounted for
rotation relative to the washing basket about a first agitator
axis; a first helical rib protruding from the concave surface of
the first agitator, the first helical rib commencing at an inner
location and progressing in a helical direction and an outward
radial direction therefrom.
14. A washing machine according to claim 13 and further comprising
a second agitator within the basket cavity having a concave surface
facing the basket cavity, a convex surface facing the concave
surface of the washing basket, and a peripheral edge, the second
agitator being mounted for rotation relative to the washing basket
about a second agitator axis, a second helical rib protruding from
the concave surface of the second agitator.
15. A washing machine according to claim 14 wherein the second
helical rib commences at an inner location and progresses in a
helical direction and an outward radial direction therefrom.
16. A method for operating a washing machine having a basket for
containing the fabrics to be washed, and first and second agitators
mounted within the basket for rotation about first and second
agitator axes respectively, the method comprising: rotating the
first and second agitators about the first and second agitator axes
respectively; lifting the fabrics being washed with first and
second helical ribs on the first and second agitators during
rotation of the first and second agitators about the first and
second agitator axes respectively; dropping the fabrics from the
first and second helical ribs after the first and second helical
ribs lift the fabrics whereby the fabrics will turn over and fall
within the basket.
17. A method according to claim 16 and further comprising rotating
the first agitator in one direction about the first agitator axis
and rotating the second agitator about the second agitator axis in
a second direction opposite from the first direction.
18. A method according to claim 17 and further comprising reversing
the rotational direction of the first and second agitators.
19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the first and second
helical ribs each include first and second side walls angling
toward one another and being joined together at an elongated
helical rib, the first side wall having a first angle of
inclination and the second side wall having a second angle of
inclination that is steeper than the first angle of inclination,
the method further comprising rotating the first and second helical
ribs about the first and second agitator axes, respectively in a
rotational direction that causes the first side walls of the first
and second helical ribs to engage and lift the fabrics.
20. A method according to claim 19 and further comprising reversing
the rotational directions of the first and second helical ribs so
that the second side walls of the first and second helical ribs
engage and lift the fabrics.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine agitator having
a helical rib and a method for using same.
[0002] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,829,277 and 6,220,063 both disclose a
washing machine having a spherical basket for containing the
fabrics to be washed. In the spherical basket are a pair of
circular concave agitators nested against the opposite side walls
of the spherical agitator basket.
[0003] In order to achieve satisfactory cleaning of the fabrics
being washed, it is desirable to achieve "turn over" of the fabrics
being washed. The two agitators accomplish this by lifting the
fabrics and causing them to be dropped downwardly towards the
center of the washing basket. It is therefore desirable to provide
agitators having the capability of lifting the fabrics during their
rotation so that the fabrics are lifted up and dropped down the
center to achieve the turn over necessary for satisfactory
cleaning.
[0004] Therefore a primary object of the present invention is the
provision of an improved washing machine agitator having a helical
rib.
[0005] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of a washing machine agitator having a helical rib which commences
at an inner central point adjacent the rotational axis of the
agitator and progresses helically and radially outwardly therefrom
to an outer edge.
[0006] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of a spiral rib or baffle which smoothly engages the fabrics near
the center of rotation of the pan and as the pan rotates the
engagement point increases in radius.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of a washing machine agitator having a helical rib or baffle that
gives the fabrics being washed a smooth application of force to
turn the load over with a minimum of tangling.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of a washing machine agitator having a helical rib with two tapered
surfaces which are joined along a helical ridge, one of the
surfaces having a sharper angle of inclination than the other of
the surfaces.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of an improved washing machine agitator that is economical to
manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The foregoing objects may be achieved by a washing machine
comprising a washing machine cabinet. A wash basket is mounted
within the washing machine cabinet for rotation about a wash basket
axis. The wash basket includes an opening for placing materials to
be washed within the wash basket.
[0011] A first agitator is mounted in the basket for rotation about
a first agitator axis that extends in a direction different from
the wash basket axis. The first agitator includes a first helical
rib thereon for engaging and agitating the materials to be washed
within the washing basket when the first agitator is rotating about
the first agitator axis.
[0012] According to another feature of the invention, a second
agitator is mounted within the basket for rotation about a second
agitator axis extending in a direction different from the wash
basket axis and the first agitator axis. The second agitator
includes a second helical rib thereon for engaging and agitating
the materials to be washed within the wash basket when the second
agitator is rotating about the second agitator axis.
[0013] According to another feature of the invention the first and
second agitators each include a concave surface and the first and
second helical ribs protrude from the concave surfaces of the first
and second agitators respectively.
[0014] According to another feature of the invention an agitator
drive mechanism is connected to the first and second agitators for
driving first and second agitators in opposite rotational
directions.
[0015] According to another feature of the present invention, the
first and second helical ribs extend in first and second helical
directions that are opposite to one another.
[0016] According to another feature of the present invention each
of the first and second helical ribs commence adjacent the first
and second agitator axes respectively and extend in an outward
radial helical direction therefrom.
[0017] According to another feature of the present invention, the
basket includes a concave interior surface and each of the first
and second agitators include a convex surface opposite from the
concave surface thereof. The convex surfaces of the first and
second agitators face toward the concave interior surface of the
basket.
[0018] According to the method of the present invention, the
fabrics being washed are lifted with the first and second helical
ribs on the first and second agitators during rotation of the first
and second agitators about the first and second agitator axes
respectively. The helical ribs then drop the fabrics after they
lift the fabrics whereby the fabrics will turn over and fall into
the center portion of the basket.
[0019] According to another feature of the method of the present
invention, the first and second agitators are rotated in first and
second opposite rotational directions.
[0020] According to another feature of the method of the present
invention, the rotational directions of the first and second
agitators are reversed.
[0021] According to another feature of the present invention, each
of the first and second helical ribs include first and second side
walls which angle toward one another and are joined together at an
elongated helical rib. The first side wall has a first angle of
inclination and the second side wall has a second angle of
inclination that is steeper than the first angle of inclination.
The method further comprises rotating the first and second helical
ribs about the first and second agitator axes respectively in a
rotational direction that causes the first side wall of the first
and second helical ribs to engage and lift the fabrics.
[0022] According to another feature of the present invention the
rotational directions of the first and second helical ribs are
reversed so that the second side walls of the first and second
helical ribs engage and lift the fabrics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective detail showing one of the agitators
and the gear mechanism for rotating the agitator.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the agitators of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second of the agitators
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring to the drawings the numeral 10 generally
designates the washing machine of the present invention. Washing
machine 10 includes a cabinet 12, a control panel 14, an access
opening 15 (FIG. 2), and a door 16 which is hinged to move from an
open to a closed position over the access opening 15.
[0029] Mounted within the lower end of cabinet 12 on a web 23 is a
reversible motor 18 of conventional construction. Motor 18 has an
output shaft 20 which extends upwardly through a bearing 22 in the
web 23. Motor 18 is attached to the web 23 by brackets 24. Shaft 20
extends upwardly through a clutch 26 shown schematically in FIG. 2.
Clutch 26 is adapted to respond to rotation of the shaft 20 in a
first direction to drive a hub 34 which is connected to a
spherically shaped basket 40. Rotation of the shaft 20 in the
opposite direction disengages the clutch and permits the shaft 20
to rotate independently of hub 34.
[0030] A tub 28 includes at its lower end a basin 30 for holding
washing fluid. Extending upwardly from basin 30 is a spherically
shaped lower tub portion 31. The tub 28 extends upwardly to the top
of basket 40 and terminates at an upper edge 32. A tub cover 33 is
attached to the upper edge 32 and extends inwardly over a portion
of the top opening 41 of basket 40. The tub cover 33 is cooperable
with access opening 15 for providing an access into basket 40.
[0031] Hub 34 includes a central bore 36 which receives output
shaft 20. Output shaft 20 is attached at its upper end to a drive
gear 38.
[0032] Hub 34 extends through the basin 30 by way of rotary seal
arrangement shown schematically at 43 in FIG. 2, and is attached to
the basket 40 which includes a spherical portion 42 and a gear box
portion 44 at its lower end. Extending over the top of the gear box
portion 44 is a curved wall 46 which forms an extension of the
spherically shaped walls of spherical portion 42. Curved wall 46
includes a first gear hole 48 and a second gear hole 50 therein.
The space below the curved wall 46 comprises a gear box chamber 52
for housing the gear drive to be described hereafter.
[0033] Basket 40 includes a plurality of perforations or apertures
54 in its spherically shaped walls 42 for permitting fluid
communication between the interior of basket 40 and the tub 28.
Thus as fluid is introduced into the basket 40, the fluid flows
through the apertures 54 and enters the tub 28 also. As further
depicted in FIG. 2 the web 23, drive motor 18 and the washing
assembly are shown suspended from the inside of cabinet 12 by a
conventional hung strut suspension system 25 which is of known
construction and does not comprise part of the instant
invention.
[0034] Agitators or lifters 56, 58 each include a circular
peripheral rim 60 and a circular gear 62 which extends
circumferencially around the back side of the rim 60. Agitators or
lifters 56, 58 are each rotatably mounted to the basket 40 by an
agitator mount assembly 64. The agitator mount assembly 64 is shown
and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,063, and is adapted to permit
the agitators 56, 58 to rotate about the axes identified by the
numerals 116, 118 respectively.
[0035] The individual structure of agitator 56 is shown in FIG. 4
and of agitator 58 is shown in FIG. 5. Each agitator 56, 58
includes a concave surface 66 (FIG. 2) which is presented inwardly
toward the interior of the tub 40 (FIG. 2). At the center of the
concave surface 66 is a central bulge 68, and commencing from this
central bulge is a helical rib or baffle 70. Each helical rib 70
includes a central starting point 72 which commences adjacent the
rotational axes 116, 118 (FIG. 2) respectively of agitators 56, 58.
The helical rib or baffle 70 progresses in an outward radial
direction and also in a helical direction to an outer peripheral
end 74 which is located adjacent the rim 60 of the agitators 56,
58. Each helical rib 70 includes a first wall 76 and a second wall
78 which are tapered toward one another and which join together at
a helical ridge 80. As can be seen in FIG. 2 the first wall 76 is
inclined at a less steep angle of inclination than the second wall
78. As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 the ridge 80 commences in
the center bottom of agitators 56, 58, and progresses upwardly to
the approximate level of rim 60 of agitators 56, 58. Ridge 80 also
progresses in a spiral or helix from the center to the outer rim 60
of agitators 56, 58.
[0036] A pair of spaced apart wedges 81 are positioned on the outer
edge of each agitator 56, 58 as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each
wedge has a steep surface 83 and a less steep surface 85. The steep
surfaces 83 of wedges 81 are facing toward the more steep wall 78
of helical rib 70. These wedges 81 facilitate tumbling of small
loads of fabric. Each of the agitators 56, 58 is provided with a
plurality of holes 87 that permit flow through of washing
fluid.
[0037] Each of the agitators 56, 58 includes a convex back surface
82 which is opposite from the concave surface 66. The convex
surface 82 nests against the concave surface 84 of spherical basket
40. The helical direction of the first agitator 56 commences at the
center and progresses outward in a clockwise helical direction as
viewed in FIG. 4. The helical shape of the rib 70 in the agitator
58 is in the opposite direction, commencing at the center and
progressing in a counterclockwise direction toward the outer radial
rim 60.
[0038] The spinner rotational position is random. The agitators 56,
58 preferably rotate in a cooperative rotational direction to cause
the clothes load to tumble in one direction as indicated by arrows
86, 88 in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively. When rotating in this
direction the less steep walls 76 of the two helical ribs engage
the fabrics 134 being washed and lift them upwardly as shown in
FIG. 2. At the top of the rotational cycle, the fabrics 134 are
dropped downwardly in a central direction, and as they are dropped
they turn over in the direction indicated by arrows 120, 122. This
creates the turnover necessary in order to adequately clean the
fabrics. It is possible however, to reverse the direction of the
rotational movement of the agitators 56, 58 so that the steeper
wall 78 engages the fabrics and lifts them. This imparts a more
aggressive cleaning action. If desired, the agitators 56, 58 can
initially be operated in one rotational direction and then
reversed.
[0039] Also, the relative positions of the helical ribs 70 in
agitators 56, 58 are preferably set so that agitator 58 points at
12 o'clock and the agitator 56 points at 6 o'clock. This places the
two helical ribs 70, 180.degree. out of phase with one another and
results in further agitation of the fabrics for improved
cleaning.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a gear assembly 92 is housed
within the gear box chamber 52 and includes a first driven gear 94
which directly engages the annular teeth of the drive gear 38.
First driven gear 94 is connected to a first agitator gear 96. An
idler gear 100 in turn engages gear 104 which has a second agitator
gear 106 on its upper surface.
[0041] In operation shaft 20 drives gear 38 in a clockwise
direction indicated by arrow 108 (FIG. 3). This rotates gears 94,
100 in the directions shown by arrows 110, 114 respectively.
Rotation of gear 94 causes similar rotation of the first agitator
gear 96 in the direction indicated by arrow 112. The first agitator
gear 96 engages the teeth of circumferencial gear 62 on the back of
peripheral rim 60 of agitator 56. This causes rotation of the
agitator 56 about its axis formed by the agitator mount assembly 64
in the direction shown by arrow 86.
[0042] Agitator gears 96, 106 rotate in opposite directions,
thereby causing the agitators 56, 58 also to rotate in opposite
directions. Alternatively, gearing can be provided to cause the
agitators 56, 58 to rotate in the same direction if desired or to
reverse the rotational direction of agitators 56, 58.
[0043] As can be seen in FIG. 2 the water or washing fluid level
126 is at approximately the level of the agitator mounts 64. The
rotation of the two agitators 56, 58 creates a tumbling action of
the fabrics being washed within the washing basket 40. This
tumbling action is facilitated by the helical ribs or baffles
70.
[0044] The. helical ribs 70 of the present invention provide an
improved washing capability. The tumbling action provided by the
helical ribs 70 during rotation of the agitators 56, 58 is a gentle
action that minimizes damage and wear to delicate
fabrics.-Furthermore, the helical ribs 70 cause a lifting of the
washing fluid and improve the cleaning of the fabrics within the
basket.
[0045] After the washing cycle has been completed, motor 18 is
reversed and the reverse rotation of shaft 20 causes the clutch 26
to engage with the hub 34, thereby causing the basket 40 to rotate
for its spin cycle. During the spin cycle the washing fluid passes
outwardly through apertures 54 due to centrifugal force. The fluid
within tub 28 is drained away.
[0046] In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a
preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms
are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and
the proportion of parts as well as in the substitution of
equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render
expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as further defined in the following claims.
* * * * *