U.S. patent application number 12/658299 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for tub for washer or washer/dryer machine provided with conduits.
This patent application is currently assigned to MECCANICA GENERALE S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Gianfranco Bacelli, Stefano Mancini.
Application Number | 20100206015 12/658299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41104577 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100206015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mancini; Stefano ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
Tub for washer or washer/dryer machine provided with conduits
Abstract
A tub (1) for washer or washer/dryer machine is disclosed,
comprising: a tub body composed of a basically cylindrical lateral
wall (20) connected by means of a circular connection section (21)
to a bottom wall (2) and a cover (3) provided with a circular
peripheral section (31) coupled with said bottom wall (2) of the
tub body in such a way to form a box-shaped structure. The tub body
comprises a first flange (25) that is coupled with a second flange
(35) provided in said cover to generate a fluid-tight chamber (40)
that can be used for various functions of the machine, such as
pressure intake cover (4).
Inventors: |
Mancini; Stefano; (Jesi
(AN), IT) ; Bacelli; Gianfranco; (Jesi (AN),
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Gamson, Esquire;HODES, PESSIN & KATZ, P.A.
Suite 400, 901 Dulaney Valley Road
Towson
MD
21204
US
|
Assignee: |
MECCANICA GENERALE S.R.L.
|
Family ID: |
41104577 |
Appl. No.: |
12/658299 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/26 20130101;
D06F 39/006 20130101; D06F 39/087 20130101; D06F 39/083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/3.R |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/00 20060101
D06F037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 13, 2009 |
IT |
MC2009A000027 |
Claims
1. Tub (1; 101) for washer or washer/dryer machine comprising: a
tub body composed of a basically cylindrical lateral wall (20)
connected by means of a circular connection section (21) to a flat
bottom wall (2), and a cover (3) provided with a circular
peripheral section (31) coupled with the said bottom wall (2) of
the tub body, in such a way to form a box-shaped structure,
characterised in that the tub body comprises at least a first
flange (25; 125) that is coupled with at least a second flange (35;
135) provided in the said cover, in such a way to generate a
fluid-tight chamber (40) or conduit (60) that can be used for
pressure intake cover (4) or conduit (6) for passage of fluid.
2. Tub (1; 101) according to claim 1, characterised in that the
first flange (25; 125) is arranged on the said connection section
(21) of the tub body and the second flange (35; 135) is arranged on
said peripheral section (31) of the cover.
3. Tub (1; 101) according to claim 1, characterised in that at
least one between the said first flange (25; 125) and said second
flange (35; 135) is provided with a recessed housing (26; 226) or
concave cavity (136) to define the said chamber (40) or conduit
(60).
4. Tub (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the first
flange (25) protrudes radially from the connection section (21) of
the tub body and has a recessed housing (26) and the second flange
(35) protrudes radially from the said peripheral section (31) of
the cover and has a shank (36) with a hole to receive a pipe (5)
connected to a pressure switch.
5. Tub (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the first
flange (25) protrudes radially from the connection section (21) of
the tub body and has a hole (225) that communicates with the inside
of the tub and the second flange (35) protrudes radially from the
said peripheral section (31) of the cover and has a recessed
housing (226) and a shank (36) with a hole to receive a pipe (5)
connected to a pressure switch.
6. Tub (101) according to claim 3, characterised in that: the first
flange (125) follows the connection section (21) of the tub body
for an arc of a circle of approximately 80.degree.-120.degree.and
has a first end (127) that protrudes radially outwards and a second
end with a hole (128) that communicates with a conduit (129)
obtained on the said cylindrical lateral wall (20) of the tub body,
and the second flange (135) follows the peripheral section (31) of
the cover for an arc of circle of approximately
80.degree.-120.degree.and is provided with a first end (137) that
protrudes radially outwards and has a shank (7) with an inlet
opening (70) and a second end with a cap (138) that covers the hole
(120) of the first flange.
7. Tub (1; 101) according to claim 1, characterised in that said at
least first flange (25; 125) is integral with said tub body
obtained by moulding of plastic materials.
8. Tub (1; 101) according to claim 1, characterised in that said at
least first flange (35; 135) is integral with said tub body
obtained by moulding of plastic materials.
Description
[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention
relates to a tub for washer or washer-dryer machine. The following
description makes specific reference to a washer, it being
understood that the invention is also extended to a washer/dryer
machine.
[0002] Referring to FIG. 1, as it is known, a washer comprises a
tub (1) in which a rotary drum (300) is mounted and driven into
rotation by an electric motor. A disc-shaped flange (400) is
mounted on the front of the tub (1), commonly defined as loading
mouth (400), defining an opening used to load laundry into the drum
(300).
[0003] The tub comprises a cylindrical wall (20) open on the front
that is connected to a bottom wall (2). Generally, the bottom wall
(2) is reinforced because it must receive a bearing-holder in which
the drive shaft that drives the drum into rotation is rotatably
mounted.
[0004] Referring to FIG. 1A, the patent application WO2008/102396
in the name of the same applicant, which is hereby incorporated as
reference, discloses a tub (1) comprising a cylindrical lateral
wall (20) joined by means of a connection wall (21) to a smooth
bottom wall (2) on which a suitably shaped cap (3) acting as
reinforcement is engaged and fixed. The cap (3) and the bottom wall
(2) are provided with axial holes (32, 22) in which a bearing
support (SP) is mounted to rotatably support the shaft of the drum.
In general, washers comprise hoses, conduits and chambers connected
to the tub, which are used for several applications, in order to
control various functions of the washer.
[0005] For example, the use of a pressure intake cover is known,
being a closed volume connected to a pressure switch to measure the
water level inside the tub.
[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, according to the known art, the
pressure intake cover is obtained in the separation section between
the lateral wall (20) of the tub and the loading mouth (400). This
solution is limitative whenever it is necessary to position the tub
assembly with axis with upward inclination inside the casing. In
such a case, the pressure intake cover would be mainly in the
front, and not in the lowest point of the casing. Such a condition
is not favourable for the good operation of the pressure intake
cover.
[0007] Another application is known, in which a recirculation
conduit is used to provide communication between the lower part and
the upper part of the tub. The function of the recirculation
conduit is to recirculate pumped water, bringing back in the drum
with the laundry the soapy water that is contained in the lower
part of the tub outside the drum. This operation allows for fully
using the soap, thus increasing the quality of washing (washing
class).
[0008] Said recirculation conduit, which is separated from the tub,
represents an additional cost both for the purchasing price of the
part and for its assembly.
[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the
drawbacks of the prior art, by devising a tub for washer that is
practical, versatile, inexpensive and simple to make and
assemble.
[0010] This purpose has been achieved according to the invention
with the characteristics described in the enclosed independent
claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent
claims.
[0011] The tub for washer or washer/dryer according to the present
invention comprises:
[0012] a tub body composed of a basically cylindrical lateral wall
connected by means of a circular connection section to a bottom
wall, and
[0013] a cover provided with a circular peripheral section coupled
with said bottom wall of the tub body, in such a way to form a
box-shaped structure.
[0014] The tub body comprises at least a first flange that is
coupled with at least a second flange provided in said cover, in
such a way to generate a fluid-tight chamber or conduit that can be
used for various functions of the appliance, such as pressure
intake cover or conduit for passage of fluid.
[0015] The advantages of the tub of the invention appear evident,
which makes use of the coupling between the back cover and the tub
body to generate chambers and conduits that can be used for various
functions of the washing machine, thus saving considerably on space
and avoiding the provision and assembly of additional parts.
[0016] Additional characteristics of the invention will appear
evident from the following detailed description, which refers to
merely illustrative, not limiting embodiments, illustrated in the
enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a washing assembly
for washer according to the known art;
[0018] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an improved tub
for washer according to the known art;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded partially-cut perspective view of a
first embodiment of the tub of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tub of FIG. 2 after
assembly;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure intake cover
of the tub of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 2, except for it shows a
variant of the pressure intake cover;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a back view of the tub of FIG. 5 after
assembly;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along plane VII-VII of FIG.
6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second
embodiment of the tub of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tub of FIG. 8 after
assembly; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a recirculation conduit
of the tub of FIG. 9.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of the tub
for washer according to the present invention is disclosed, which
is generally referred to with numeral (1).
[0029] The tub (1) comprises a tub body composed of a cylindrical
wall (20) open on the front and provided with a circular connection
section (21) that is connected to a preferably smooth bottom wall
(2).
[0030] A cover (3) is engaged and fixed on the bottom wall (2). The
cover (3) is provided with a circular peripheral section (31) that
is advantageously fixed on the peripheral section of the tub body
by means of ultrasound welding. Obviously, the cover (3) can be
fixed to the tub body also by means of thermowelding, gluing or
suitable fixing means.
[0031] The cover (3) is provided with cavities facing the bottom
wall (2) in such a way to form a box-shaped structure with it.
Advantageously, the cover (3) is provided with a plurality of
spokes (3a) branching off from a central hub (3b) adapted to house
a bearing support (SP) that rotatably supports a shaft of the drum
driven into rotation by an electric motor of the washer.
[0032] A pressure intake cover (4) is arranged between the
connection section (21) of the tub body and the cover (3).
[0033] A first flange (25) protrudes radially outwards from the
connection section (21) of the tub body. The flange (25) is
composed of a flat plate provided with a recessed housing (26) that
forms a chamber in communication with the inside of the tub.
[0034] A second flange (35) protrudes radially outwards from the
peripheral section (31) of the cover in such a way to be coupled
with the first flange (25), forming a fluid-tight chamber (40), as
shown in FIG. 4, which is the pressure intake cover (4).
[0035] The recessed housing (26) can be obtained only in the flange
(35) of the cover or in both flanges (25 and 35).
[0036] Evidently, tightness means, such as gaskets, can be provided
between the two flanges (25, 35) to ensure water-tightness of the
chamber (40) of the pressure intake cover. Naturally, said gaskets
are not necessary if gluing or welding technology is used to
assemble the two parts; in fact, water-tightness is equally
guaranteed in these two cases.
[0037] It must be noted that the flange (35) of the cover is
connected to the peripheral section (31) of the cover by means of a
connection section (34) arranged above the connection section (21)
of the tub body. Still referring to FIG. 2, the flange (35) of the
cover is provided with a shank (36) with through hole. A pipe (5)
is connected to the shank (36) and to a pressure switch (not shown)
to measure the pressure in the chamber (40) and consequently the
water level inside the tub.
[0038] In the following description elements identical or
corresponding to the ones described above are indicated with the
same numerals, omitting a detailed description.
[0039] FIGS. 5-7 show a variant of the tub (1), in which the
recessed housing (226) is obtained in the second flange (35) joined
to the cover. A hole (225) in communication with the inside of the
tub is obtained in the first flange (25) joined to the tub body, as
shown in FIG. 7. The shank (36) for connection of the pipe (5) is
obtained in the recessed housing (226) of the cover flange.
[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the tub of
the invention, generally indicated with numeral (101), wherein a
recirculation conduit (6) is arranged between the connection
section (21) of the tub body and the peripheral section (31) of the
cover (3).
[0041] A first flange (125) follows the connection section (21) of
the tub body for an arc of circle of approximately
80.degree.-120.degree.. The flange (125) consists in a flat plate
with curved profile. The curved flange (125) has a first end (127)
that protrudes radially outwards from the connection section (21)
of the tub body and a second end with a hole (128) that
communicates with a conduit (129) obtained on the cylindrical
lateral wall (20) of the tub body.
[0042] A second flange (135) complementary to the first flange
(125) follows the peripheral section (31) of the cover for an arc
of circle of approximately 80.degree.-120.degree.. The flange (135)
is composed of a curved plate that defines a concave cavity (136)
(see FIG. 10). The concave flange (135) has a first end (137) that
protrudes radially outwards from the peripheral section (31) of the
cover and a second end with a cap (138) that covers the hole (128)
of the first flange (125).
[0043] The end (137) of the second flange ends with a shank (7)
with inlet opening (70). A pipe is connected to the inlet opening
(70), which is connected to a pump that draws in the lower part of
the tub.
[0044] When the cover (3) is mounted on the back wall (2) of the
tub body, the two flanges (125, 126) are coupled, forming a
watertight conduit (60), as shown in FIG. 10, which is the
recirculation conduit (6) that draws soapy water in the lower part
of the tub and recirculates it in the upper part of the drum.
[0045] The concave cavity (136) can be obtained only in the flange
(125) of the tub body or in both flanges (125 and 135).
[0046] Evidently, tightness means, such as gaskets, can be provided
between the two flanges (125, 135) to ensure water-tightness of the
recirculation conduit (60).
[0047] Both the tub body and the cover together with the
corresponding flanges are made of moulded plastic material.
[0048] Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the
present embodiments of the invention by an expert of the art, while
still falling within the scope of the invention as claimed in the
enclosed claims. Claims
* * * * *