U.S. patent application number 15/062991 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for washing machine with rotating joint.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas E. GILL, Ralph F. HAKE.
Application Number | 20160258101 15/062991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56849729 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160258101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAKE; Ralph F. ; et
al. |
September 8, 2016 |
WASHING MACHINE WITH ROTATING JOINT
Abstract
A washer/dryer apparatus including a rotating joint to allow
water and/or air to be introduced into the drum, despite rotation
of the drum. In example forms, the apparatus includes a housing, a
fixed bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing, and a drum mounted
for rotation in at least one direction. In example forms, the drum
adapted for containing a quantity of wash water, and the drum is
sealingly mounted to the bulkhead at a rotating joint, in example
forms, a portion of the drum is nestably and rotatably mounted
within a portion of the bulkhead. In one form, one or more openings
extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water
therethrough.
Inventors: |
HAKE; Ralph F.; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; GILL; Thomas E.; (Laguna Niguel,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC |
Laguna Niguel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC
Laguna Niguel
CA
|
Family ID: |
56849729 |
Appl. No.: |
15/062991 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62129137 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/30 20200201;
D06F 29/02 20130101; D06F 39/088 20130101; D06F 23/02 20130101;
Y02B 40/00 20130101; Y02B 40/56 20130101; D06F 2103/50 20200201;
D06F 37/04 20130101; D06F 58/04 20130101; D06F 58/206 20130101;
D06F 21/08 20130101; D06F 35/002 20130101; D06F 23/06 20130101;
D06F 25/00 20130101; D06F 2105/26 20200201; D06F 15/02 20130101;
D06F 35/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/04 20060101
D06F037/04; D06F 29/02 20060101 D06F029/02 |
Claims
1. A washer machine for cleaning articles, the apparatus
comprising: a housing; a drum with a closed end, an open end, and a
generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the
open end, the closed end being affixed to the housing and the
tubular part being rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed
end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can rotate
relative to the housing while the closed end does not.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closed end
includes a bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the
cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part
therein such that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate
within the cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cylinder portion
is tapered.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cylinder portion
is non-tapered.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein a resilient seal is
positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the
tubular part.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal
comprises a dynamic lip seal.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal
comprises an O-ring.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal
comprises a flat O-ring.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a roller
bearing adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the
tubular part rotates relative to the housing.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
retainer for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed
end.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising one or
more openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of
air and/or water therethrough.
12. A drum for use in a washer machine or a combination
washer/dryer machine for cleaning articles, the machine of the type
having a housing, the drum comprising: a closed end, an open end,
and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and
the open end, the closed end being adapted to be affixed to the
housing and the tubular part being rotatably and sealingly mounted
to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part
can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does
not.
13. A drum as claimed in claim 12 wherein the closed end includes a
bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder
portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part therein such
that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate within the
cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.
14. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein the cylinder portion is
tapered.
15. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein the cylinder portion is
non-tapered.
16. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein a resilient seal is
positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the
tubular part.
17. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal
comprises a dynamic lip seal.
18. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal
comprises an O-ring.
19. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal
comprises a flat O-ring.
20. A drum as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a roller
bearing adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the
tubular part rotates relative to the housing.
21. A drum as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a retainer for
retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end.
22. A drum as claimed in claim 13 further comprising one or more
openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of air
and/or water therethrough.
23. A washer/dryer combination apparatus, comprising: a housing; a
fixed bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing; and a drum mounted
for rotation in at least one direction, the drum adapted for
containing a quantity of wash water, the drum sealingly mounted to
the bulkhead at a rotating joint.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein a portion of the
drum is nestably and rotatably mounted within a portion of the
bulkhead.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 further comprising one or
more openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of
air and/or water therethrough.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 62/129,137 filed Mar. 6, 2015, which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Laundry generally has been cleaned with the application of
three forms of cleaning action: chemical action, such as with
detergents and other cleaning chemicals; mechanical action, such as
by agitation, tumbling, rubbing the clothes by hand; and heat,
typically applied by heated water.
[0003] Some home laundry markets are "laundry pair" markets where
much of the sales are of a matched washer and dryer set (the United
States is such a "laundry pair" market). In Europe and in Asia, the
separate sale of dryers is a fraction of the number of washers.
This is because of the limited space in the home, limited drain and
vent infrastructure, higher energy costs, and the inefficiency of
small drum or condensing dryers which take hours to dry
clothes.
[0004] Most washer machines sold are either top loader machines or
front loader machines. A top loader washer machine design is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,277 of Wunderlich. The basic modern day top
loading automatic washer consists of a fixed outer drum, an inner
basket with agitator rotationally mounted to the outer drum, a
drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot and a cold water
fill, a drain pump and a lid. Many consumers consider the top
loader to be more convenient than the front loader for loading and
unloading. Typically, the outer and inner tubs (drums) are set on a
vertical axis. Moreover, a type of combination top loader
combination washer/dryer machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,457,969 of Roaf.
[0005] In a modern front load (horizontal) washer, the same sorts
of elements are found as in the top load washer, but typically
turned sideways on a horizontal axis. A type of front loader washer
machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,459 of Keith.
[0006] Typically, in either case most washers (e.g., vertical or
horizontal) or combination washer/dryer machines typically comprise
two drums, for example, the fixed outer drum and the inner drum
rotationally mounted to the outer drum. The outer fixed drum is
generally sealed within the housing of the machine, for example, so
that water therein is prevented from leaking therefrom. The inner
drum can freely rotate within the outer drum to agitate the clothes
during washing and rinsing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first example form, the present invention relates to a
washer machine having a drum including a rotating joint.
Preferably, the washer machine comprises a housing and a drum.
Preferably, the drum comprises a closed end, an open end, and a
generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the
open end. The closed end is generally affixed to the housing and
the tubular part is generally rotatably and sealingly mounted to
the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can
rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does not.
[0008] Preferably, the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a
cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal
portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of
the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the
closed end of the drum.
[0009] Preferably, the cylinder is tapered. Optionally, the
cylinder portion is non-tapered.
[0010] Preferably, a resilient seal is positioned between the
cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part.
Preferably, the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal.
[0011] Optionally, one or more openings extend through the bulkhead
portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.
[0012] Optionally, the resilient seal comprises an O-ring.
Optionally, the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring. Optionally,
a roller bearing is provided adjacent the rotating joint for
minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the
housing. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the
tubular part adjacent the closed end.
[0013] In another example form, the present invention relates to a
drum for use in a washer machine or a combination washer/dryer
machine for cleaning articles. The machine generally comprises a
housing. Preferably, the drum comprises a closed end, an open end,
and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and
the open end. Preferably, the closed end is adapted to be affixed
to the housing and the tubular part is rotatably and sealingly
mounted to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular
part can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does
not.
[0014] Preferably, the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a
cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal
portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of
the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the
closed end of the drum.
[0015] Preferably, the cylinder portion is tapered. Optionally, the
cylinder portion is non-tapered. Preferably, a resilient seal is
positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the
tubular part. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises a dynamic
lip seal. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises an O-ring.
Optionally, the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring. Optionally,
a roller bearing is positioned adjacent the rotating joint for
minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the
housing. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the
tubular part adjacent the closed end. Optionally, one or more
openings extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air
and/or water therethrough.
[0016] In another example embodiment, the present invention relates
to a washer/dryer combination apparatus. Preferably, the
combination washer/dryer apparatus comprises a housing, a fixed
bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing, and a drum mounted for
rotation in at least one direction. Preferably, the drum is adapted
for containing a quantity of wash water, and wherein the drum is
sealingly mounted to the bulkhead at a rotating joint. Preferably,
a portion of the drum is nestably and rotatably mounted within a
portion of the bulkhead. Optionally, one or more openings extend
through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water
therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a washer/dryer
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the washer/dryer
apparatus of Figure
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a drum portion of the
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drum of FIG. 3,
taken along view lines 4-4.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the drum portion of
FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a portion of the drum
of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a close-up, cutaway perspective view of a portion
of the drum of FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a washer/dryer
apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a washer/dryer
apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like numerals
refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7 show
particular aspects of a washer/dryer apparatus 10 according to a
first example form of the present invention. In particular, the
apparatus 10 includes a rotating joint to allow water and/or air to
be introduced into the drum, despite rotation of the drum. This is
particularly helpful in washing apparatuses, but is also
advantageous in dryers or washer/dryer combination machines, such
as is depicted in the first embodiment herein. The framework of the
apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 is for illustrative purposes only
and depicts a prototype apparatus. Commercial embodiments
incorporating features of the present invention would likely have a
different structural framework.
[0027] In example forms, the washer/dryer apparatus 10 generally
comprises a housing (here schematically depicted by the support
structure or framework 12) having a drum 20 rotatably mounted
relative to the housing 12. In example forms, a sheet metal casing
or housing-like cover SM is generally provided for attachment to
the framework 12. Optionally, the housing-like cover SM can be
provided for supporting the drum 20 therein without the framework
12. According to one example form, one or more supports 14 can be
provided for supporting one or more portions of the drum 20, for
example, to support the drum 20 as it rotates/oscillates in either
of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. A motor or other
drive mechanism can be provided for causing rotation/oscillation of
the drum 20. In some example forms, a belt or other band is linked
between the motor and the drum 20 so that movement of the motor
causes rotation of the drum 20.
[0028] In example forms, the drum 20 generally comprises a closed
end 30, an open end 32, and a generally tubular part 34 extending
between the closed end 30 and the open end 32. Generally, the
closed end 30 is affixed to the housing 12 and the tubular part 34
extends between the closed end 30 and the open end 32. The tubular
part 34 is generally rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed
end 30 at a rotating joint 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) such that the
tubular part 34 can rotate relative to the housing 12 while the
closed end 30 does not. As best seen in FIG. 3, the drum includes a
cylindrical large end 34a, a cylindrical small end 34c distal from
the large end 34a, and a conical transition part 34b connecting the
large end 34a to the small end 34c. While a nozzle-shaped drum 20
is depicted in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will
recognize that various drum shapes (profiles) can be employed, as
desired.
[0029] Preferably the apparatus includes a rotating joint depicted
generally at 60. Preferably, the closed end 40 is generally affixed
to the housing (in this example embodiment, the frame) and the
tubular part 30 of the drum is generally rotatably and sealingly
mounted to the closed end 40 at the rotating joint 60 such that the
tubular part 30 can rotate relative to the housing while the closed
end 40 does not.
[0030] Preferably, the closed end 40 includes a back plate or
bulkhead portion 41 and a cylinder portion 42 and the cylinder
portion receives a distal portion of the cylindrical end part 34c
therein such that the distal portion of the cylindrical end 34c
part can rotate within the cylinder portion 42 of the closed end 40
of the drum. In this way, the closed end 40 is like a sort of cap
or closed cylinder in which the remaining portion of the drum is
rotatably mounted.
[0031] The cylinder portion 42 can be tapered, in which case the
corresponding, nesting portion of cylindrical portion 34c would be
likewise tapered so as to help effect a good water-tight seal.
Optionally, the cylinder portion 42 can be non-tapered (a perfect
cylinder), in which case the portion 34c would be likewise
non-tapered so as to help effect a good water-tight seal. According
to example forms, the seal is water-tight and air tight.
[0032] Preferably, the closed end 40 includes a flange 46.
Preferably, a resilient seal 47 is positioned between the cylinder
portion of the closed end and the tubular part 34c. Preferably, the
resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that other types of seals can be employed, such
as round-profile O-rings, flat O-rings, rope seals, slingers, etc.
According to one example form, the resilient seal 47 can be in the
form of two radial shaft seals (e.g., lip seals) positioned in
opposing directions as depicted in FIG. 7. Furthermore, to ease
friction and provide for a more smooth and effortless movement of
the end portion 40 relative to the rotating drum portion 34c, a
bearing can be provided. As seen in FIG. 7, a roller bearing 61 can
be provided. Alternatively, a ball bearing, roller bearing, thrust
bearing, or other bearing types (or combinations thereof) can be
employed as desired. Also, instead of a bearing, a bushing can be
utilized. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the
tubular part adjacent the closed end (for keeping them together
such that they don't drift apart during rotation). Optionally
rollers, such as cam followers may be utilized for providing for
retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end. As depicted
herein, the retainer comprises a retainer ring 65 which is bolted
or screwed to the flange 46 of the closed end 40. In this regard,
the retainer ring overlies a portion of the bearing and helps to
keep the bearing captured axially along both the tubular part and
the closed end, thereby helping the bearing to act as a thrust
bearing and locking the tubular part and the closed end
together.
[0033] Preferably, at least one opening 44 extends through the
bulkhead portion 41 for passage of air and/or water therethrough.
Preferably, multiple openings 44 are provided in the bulkhead 41
for moving air into the drum, for moving water into the drum, for
removing air from the drum, and for removing water from the
drum.
[0034] With such a construction, advantageously the apparatus
allows for free air and/or water movement through the bulkhead 41,
even though (and even during, if desired) the remainder of the drum
can rotate or oscillate relative to the fixed bulkhead. This
peripheral rotating joint allows for a large bulkhead and
considerable flexibility in the selection and placement of
air/water apertures through the bulkhead. Alternatively, as shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9, an axial rotating joint can be employed, as
opposed to the peripheral rotating joint depicted in FIGS. 1-7. As
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the interior of the rotating drum 120, 220
is passed through a center axial opening to allow air or water to
be pumped in or out. Thus, a more rudimentary rotating joint 160,
260 is provided in these embodiments. Moreover, these
configurations have the disadvantage, relative to that show in
FIGS. 1-7, that fewer apertures are provided and perhaps only one,
with movement being one way at a time and one media at a time.
[0035] According to additional example embodiments of the present
invention, the bulkhead 41 is preferably mounted to the housing or
other structure of the machine such that the drum 20 is rotatable
about an axis that is generally offset at an angle a relative to a
generally horizontal axis. Preferably, the pivot axis angle a is
generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees. More preferably,
the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 35
degrees. Most preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally
between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids
in both the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a
tumbling agitation action. It can also reduce the water
requirements in wash and rinse cycle and avoid having the level of
water in the drum during the wash cycles overlie the bottom of a
front door or lid 37 to the washer/dryer apparatus, thereby
minimizing the likelihood of leakage through the front door 37.
According to one example form, the front door 37 generally
sealingly engages the open end of the drum 20. Optionally, the
front door 37 can be configured for sealing engagement or other air
tight engagement with the drum 20 as desired. As such, with the
closed end sealingly engaged with an end of the drum and the front
door sealingly engaged with the open end of the drum 20, the
interior of the drum is preferably air tight, for example, such
that the drum 20 is capable of being pressurized without air
leasing through one or more of the seals. Similarly, a vacuum can
be provided to enable negative pressure within the drum 20.
[0036] Moreover, the tilt or angle of the pivot axis can be chosen
to be lower for greater tumbling effect or can be chosen to be
higher for greater protection against water leakage. Taking such
considerations to a logical extreme, if the pivot axis angle were
increased all the way to 90 degrees (so that the pivot axis is
vertical), maximum protection against water leakage through the
door 37 is achieved, but at the expense of eliminating tumbling
action (which works with gravity). At the other extreme, if the
pivot axis angle were decreased to zero (a horizontal pivot axis),
tumbling action is maximized, but protection against leakage
through the door is at a minimum.
* * * * *