Laundry Machine

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/650,564 filed May 22, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to washing or laundry machines.

Washing machines are configured to clean clothes, garments, or other clothing articles.

A laundry machine includes a cabinet, a tub, a basket, and a suspension system. The cabinet defines a first internal cavity. The tub is disposed within the first internal cavity and defines a second internal cavity. The basket is disposed within the second internal cavity. The basket is rotatably secured to the tub. The basket defines a treating chamber therein. The suspension system is operable to facilitate relative movement between the tub and the cabinet. The suspension system includes a skate plate, a skate ring, and ramped or curved surfaces. The skate plate is disposed within a lower region of the first internal cavity. The skate ring has a bottom end engaging a top surface of the skate plate. The ramped or curved surfaces extend downward from the tub and engage a top end of the skate ring. Engagement between the bottom end of the skate ring and the top surface of the skate plate facilitates movement of the tub relative to the cabinet linearly in a first horizontal direction, linearly in a second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to a vertical direction. Engagement between the ramped or curved surfaces and the top end of the skate ring facilitates movement of the tub relative to the cabinet rotationally relative to the first horizontal direction, rotationally relative to the second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to the vertical direction.

A laundry machine includes a cabinet, a tub, a friction plate, and a ring. The tub is disposed within the cabinet and has a lower region defining ramped surfaces. The friction plate is disposed below the tub. The ring is disposed between the lower region of the tub and an upper region of the friction plate. A bottom of the ring engages the upper region of the friction plate to facilitate movement of the tub relative to the cabinet in a horizontal direction and rotation of the tub relative to the cabinet about a vertical axis. The ramped surfaces engage a top of the ring to facilitate rotation of the tub relative to the cabinet about a horizontal axis and the vertical axis.

A laundry machine includes a tub, a drum, and a suspension system. The tub has a lower region defining ramped surfaces. The drum is rotatably disposed within the tub. The suspension system is operable to facilitate relative movement between the tub and the cabinet in response to rotation of the drum. The suspension system includes a friction plate and a friction ring. The friction plate is disposed below the tub. The friction ring is disposed between the ramped surfaces and the friction plate. The friction ring slidably engages the friction plate to facilitate linear movement of the tub relative to the cabinet along a first axis and rotation of the tub relative to the cabinet about a second axis. The ramped surfaces slidably engage friction ring to facilitate rotation of the tub relative to the cabinet about the first axis and the second axis.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

Illustrative washing machines in accordance with the present disclosure include a rotatable clothes mover or agitator and a rotatable basket or drum. Clothes movers generally oscillate, or rotate back and forth, in accordance with a stroke angle, to provide agitation to a laundry load during washing cycles or operations. Clothes movers and rotatable baskets generally spin together during spin cycle operations. To enable both of these functionalities, including oscillation by the clothes mover and joint spinning by the clothes mover and basket, a common drive system may be included. Such a drive system can include a drive mechanism or transmission for translating movement from an electric machine or motor into rotational movement of the basket and clothes mover by the use of a drive shaft that is operably coupled to a series of gears or gearing arrangement. Traditional drive mechanisms may include the use of a sun gear, a set of planetary gears, and an external ring gear. The planetary gears are often provided as spur gears. However, the gears may alternatively be helical gears in place of conventional spur gears in the drive mechanism. Traditional drive mechanisms, however, are not limited to planetary gear systems.

illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance shown in the form of a laundry or washing machineaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the laundry treating appliance is illustrated as a vertical axis, top-fill washing machine, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have applicability in other fabric treating appliances, non-limiting examples of which include a combination washing machine and dryer, a refreshing/revitalizing machine, an extractor, or a non-aqueous washing apparatus.

Washing machines are typically categorized as either a vertical axis washing machine or a horizontal axis washing machine. As used herein, the “vertical axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate, that holds fabric items and a clothes mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like within the drum. The clothes mover moves within the drum to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the drum. The clothes mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating rotational movement. In some vertical axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be vertical. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis. As used herein, the “horizontal axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforated or imperforate, that holds fabric items and washes the fabric items by the fabric items rubbing against one another as the drum rotates. In some horizontal axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be horizontal. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action. Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes. Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles. The illustrated exemplary washing machine ofis a vertical axis washing machine.

The washing machinemay include a structural support system comprising a cabinetthat defines an interior space or internal cavity, within which a laundry holding system resides. The cabinetmay be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame defining an interior that receives components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as electric machines (e.g., motors), pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.

The fabric holding system of the illustrated exemplary washing machinemay include a rotatable drum or baskethaving an open top that can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet(e.g., within internal cavity) and may define second internal space, internal cavity, or treating chamberfor receiving laundry articles or items for treatment. The top of the cabinetcan include a selectively openable lidto provide access into the laundry treating chamberthrough the open top of the basket. A washtub or tubcan also be positioned within the internal cavitydefined by the cabinetand can define a third interior space or internal cavitywithin which the basketcan be positioned. The tubcan have a generally cylindrical side or tub peripheral wallclosed at its bottom end by a basethat can at least partially define a sump.

The basketcan have a generally peripheral side wall, which is illustrated as a cylindrical side wall, closed at the basket end by a basket baseto at least partially define the treating chamber. The basketcan be rotatably mounted within and/or to the tubfor rotation about a vertical basket axis of rotation relative to the tuband can include a plurality of perforations, such that liquid may flow between the tuband the rotatable basketthrough the perforations. While the illustrated washing machineincludes both the tuband the basket, with the basketdefining the treating chamber, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry treating appliance to include only one receptacle, with the receptacle defining the laundry treatment chamber for receiving the load to be treated.

An agitator or clothes movermay be disposed and rotatably mounted within the basketto impart mechanical agitation to a load of laundry placed in the basket. The clothes movercan be oscillated or rotated about its axis of rotation during a cycle of operation in order to produce load motion effective to wash the load contained within the treating chamber. Types of laundry movers include, but are not limited to, an agitator, a wobble plate, and a hybrid impeller/agitator.

The basketand the clothes movermay be driven by a drive systemthat includes power sources, such as an electric machine or motor, and a transmission operably coupled with the basketand clothes mover. The electric machine or motoris configured to generate power to rotate the basketand the clothes mover, and to oscillate the clothes mover. The transmission is configured to deliver power from a power source (e.g., motor) to the basketand/or the clothes mover. The transmission may include a gearing arrangement or gear case. The transmission may also include additional components such as input and output shafts. The motormay rotate the basketat various speeds in either rotational direction about the vertical axis of rotation, including at a spin speed wherein a centrifugal force at the inner surface of the basket side wallis 1 g or greater. Spin speeds are commonly known for use in extracting liquid from the laundry items in the basket, such as after a wash or rinse step in a treating cycle of operation. A loss motion device or clutch can be included in the drive systemand can selectively operably couple the motorwith either the basketand/or the clothes mover.

A suspension systemcan dynamically hold the tubwithin the cabinet. The suspension systemcan dissipate a determined degree of vibratory energy generated by the rotation of the basketand/or the clothes moverduring a treating cycle of operation. Together, the tub, the basket, and any contents of the basket, such as liquid and laundry items, define a suspended mass for the suspension system.

A liquid supply system can provide liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more wash aids, such as detergent, into the treating chamber. The liquid supply system may include a water supply configured to supply hot or cold water. The water supply may include a hot water inletand a cold water inlet, a valve assembly, which can include a hot water valve, a cold water valve, and a diverter valve, and various conduits,,. The valves,are selectively openable to provide water, such as from a household water supply (not shown) to the conduit. The valves,can be opened individually or together to provide a mix of hot and cold water at a selected temperature. While the valves,and conduitare illustrated as positioned on the exterior of the cabinet, it may be understood that these components may be internal to the housing.

As illustrated, a detergent dispensercan be fluidly coupled with the conduitthrough a diverter valveand a first water conduit. The detergent dispensercan include means for supplying or mixing detergent to or with water from the first water conduitand can supply such treating liquid to the tub. It has been contemplated that water from the first water conduitcan also be supplied to the tubthrough the detergent dispenserwithout the addition of a detergent. A second water conduit, illustrated as a separate water inlet, can also be fluidly coupled with the conduitthrough the diverter valvesuch that water can be supplied directly to the treating chamber through the open top of the basket. Additionally, the liquid supply system can differ from the configuration shown, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through the washing machineand for the introduction of more than one type of detergent/wash aid.

A liquid recirculation system may be provided for recirculating liquid from the tubinto the treating chamber. More specifically, a sumpcan be located in the bottom of the tuband the liquid recirculation system can be configured to recirculate treating liquid from the sumponto the top of a laundry load located in the treating chamber. A pumpcan be housed below the tuband can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the sumpand an outlet configured to fluidly couple to either or both a household drainor a recirculation conduit. In this configuration, the pumpcan be used to drain or recirculate wash water in the sump. As illustrated, the recirculation conduitcan be fluidly coupled with the treating chambersuch that it supplies liquid into the open top of the basket. The liquid recirculation system can include other types of recirculation systems.

It is noted that the illustrated drive system, suspension system, liquid supply system, and recirculation and drain system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply, recirculation, and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors (such as liquid level sensors and temperature sensors), and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machineand for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply system can be configured to supply liquid into the interior of the tubnot occupied by the basketsuch that liquid can be supplied directly to the tubwithout having to travel through the basket. In another example, the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.

The washing machinecan also be provided with a heating system (not shown) to heat liquid provided to the treating chamber. In one example, the heating system can include a heating element provided in the sump to heat liquid that collects in the sump. Alternatively, the heating system can be in the form of an in-line heater that heats the liquid as it flows through the liquid supply, dispensing and/or recirculation systems.

The washing machinemay further include a controllercoupled with various working components of the washing machineto control the operation of the working components and to implement one or more treating cycles of operation. The control system can further include a user interfacethat is operably coupled with the controller. The user interfacecan include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.

The controllercan include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine. For example, the controllercan include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to implement the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID), can be used to control the various components of the washing machine.

As illustrated in, the controllercan be provided with a memoryand a central processing unit (CPU). The memorycan be used for storing the control software that can be executed by the CPUin completing a cycle of operation using the washing machineand any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of treating cycles of operation include: wash, heavy-duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash, which can be selected at the user interface. The memorycan also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of the washing machinethat can be communicably coupled with the controller. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.

The controllermay be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machinefor communicating with and/or controlling the operation of the components to complete a cycle of operation. For example, the controllermay be coupled with the hot water valve, the cold water valve, diverter valve, and the detergent dispenserfor controlling the temperature and flow rate of treating liquid into the treating chamber; the pumpfor controlling the amount of treating liquid in the treating chamberor sump; drive systemincluding motorfor controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the basketand/or the clothes mover; and the user interfacefor receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The controllercan also receive input from a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, which can detect the temperature of the treating liquid in the treating chamberand/or the temperature of the treating liquid being supplied to the treating chamber. The controllercan also receive input from various additional sensors, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of additional sensorsthat can be communicably coupled with the controllerinclude: a weight sensor, and a motor torque sensor.

While illustrated as one controller, the controllermay be part of a larger control system and may control or be controlled by various other controllers throughout the washing machine. It should therefore be understood that the controllerand one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a “controller” that controls various subcomponents or actuators of the washing machinein response to signals from various subcomponents or sensors of the washing machineto control various functions. The controllermay include the microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), which may be in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media. Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controllerin controlling the washing machine.

Control logic or functions performed by the controllermay be represented by flow charts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and/or logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon the particular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller, such as controller. Of course, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media having stored data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the washing machineor its subsystems. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a number of known physical devices which utilize electric, magnetic, and/or optical storage to keep executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.

Referring to, the drive systemis illustrated in further detail. Please note that the configuration of the drive systemmay be the same or may vary inrelative to the configuration of the drive systemillustrated in. Also, please note that for illustrative purposes, some of the components inmay be shown cross-sections while other components are not.

The drive systemincludes the motor. The motordelivers power to an agitator shaftvia a belt. The beltengages a first pulleythat is attached to the shaft of the motorand engages a second pulleythat is attached to the agitator shaft, to form a power path from the motorto the agitator shaft. Alternatively, the motormay be connected directly to the agitator shaft(e.g., See). The agitator shaftmay be connected to an agitator (e.g., the clothes mover).

A spin shaft or spin tubeis connected to the rotatable drum or basket. Only a lower portion or base of the basketis illustrated infor illustrative purposes. A brakeand a corresponding brake releasemay be included. The brakeand the corresponding brake releasemay be collectively configured to operate to connect and disconnect the spin tubeto and from the agitator shaft. Alternatively, a clutch (e.g., clutchin) may be utilized to connect and disconnect the spin tubeto and from the agitator shaft. When the spin tubeis disconnected from the agitator shaft, a power path flows from the motorto the agitator shaftto rotate the agitator shaft, while the spin tubeand basketremain motionless. When the spin tubeis connected to the agitator shaft, the agitator shaftand the spin tubemay be constrained to rotate in unison. Also, when the spin tubeis connected to the agitator shaft, a power path flows from the motor, to the agitator shaft(via the beltor directly from the motorto the agitator shaft), and to the spin tubevia the brake releaseto collectively rotate the agitator shaft, spin tube, and basket. The spin tubemay be connected to the agitator shaftduring a spin cycle of the washing machine. The spin tubemay be disconnected from the agitator shaftduring a washing or agitation cycle of the washing machine.

Referring to, an alternative configuration of the drive system′ is illustrated. The alternative configuration of the drive system′ should be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of the configuration of the drive systemillustrated inunless otherwise stated or illustrated herein. Also, please note that for illustrative purposes, some of the components inmay be shown as cross-sections while other components are not. In the alternative configuration of the drive system′, the motoris directly connected to the agitator shaft, while the belt, first pulley, and second pulleyare all excluded. Furthermore, a clutch, as opposed to the brakeand brake releasecombination, is configured to connected and disconnect the spin tubeto and from the agitator shaft.

Referring to, a suspension systemthat is operable to facilitate relative movement between the tuband the cabinet(or the frame or chassis of the cabinet) is illustrated. More specifically, the suspension systemmay be operable to facilitate relative movement between (i) the combination of the tuband basketand (ii) the cabinet. Such relative movement between the tuband the cabinetmay result from rotation of the basketwithin the tub, particular when an unbalanced load is disposed within the laundry treating chamber. Such relative movement between the tuband the cabinetis beneficial when an unbalanced load is being treated within the laundry treating chamberresulting in noise, vibration, and/or harshness (NVH). The design of the suspension systemdescribed herein removes up and down or vertical motion experienced by a hung strut design. Such up and down motion in a hung strut design may be responsible for impacts caused by an unbalanced load. This design also provides dampening in all 5 degrees of motion unlike the hung strut suspension facilitating the ability to handle larger off-balance loads.

The suspension systemincludes a friction plate or a skate platedisposed within a lower region of the internal cavitydefined by the cabinet. The skate plateis disposed below the tub. The skate platehas a top surfaceand may be elevated from a bottom end of the cabinetby stanchions or legs. Collectively, the skate plateand legsmay be referred to as the skate platform. The skate platemay be comprised a of a low friction plastic or polymer material (nylon, high-density polyethylene, etc.). The skate plateand legsmay be grounded to the cabinet(or to the frame or chassis of the cabinet). For example, the skate platemay be attached to a lower panelof the cabinet(or to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) via the legs. Since the skate plateand legsmay be grounded to the cabinet(or to the frame or chassis of the cabinet), the skate plateand legsmay be considered to part of the cabinet(or the frame or chassis of the cabinet).

The suspension systemfurther includes a friction ring or a skate ring. The skate ringis disposed between a lower region (e.g., a base) of the tuband an upper region (e.g., the top surface) of the skate plate. The skate ringhas a bottom edge or bottom endand a top edge or top end. The bottom endis operable to engage the top surfaceof the skate plate. The engagement between the bottom endof the skate ringand the top surfaceof the skate plateis a relatively low friction engagement such that the skate ringmay translate or move relative to the skate platealong the top surfaceof the skate plate.

More specifically, the skate ringmay slidably engage the skate platesuch that the skate ringmay move relative to the skate platelinearly in a first horizontal direction(e.g., in an X-direction or along an X-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), linearly in a second horizontal direction(e.g., in a Y-direction or along a Y-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), and rotationally relative to a vertical direction(e.g., rotationally about or around a Z-direction or Z-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), which facilitates movement of the tubrelative to the cabinetlinearly in the first horizontal direction, linearly in the second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to the vertical direction. The skate ringmay be made from a low friction plastic or polymer material (nylon, high-density polyethylene, etc.) to further reduce the friction between the skate ringand the skate plate.

In the event the skate ringis made from a material (e.g., a metallic material such as iron or steel) such that the friction between the skate ringand skate plateexceeds desirable levels, feethaving may be attached to the bottom endof the skate ring, where the feetengage the top surfaceof the skate plateand operate to reduce the friction between the skate ringand the skate plate. The feetmay also be made from a low friction plastic or polymer material (nylon, high-density polyethylene, etc.).

The suspension systemmay further include ramped, spherical, or curved surfacesextending downward from the tuband engaging the top endof the skate ring. The ramped, spherical, or curved surfacesmay be considered to part of the suspension systemand/or the tub. The curved surfacesmay be defined on blocks. The blocksmay be spaced apart. The blocksmay be secured to a lower end of the tub. The skate ringis disposed between the ramped, spherical, or curved surfaces(or the blocks) and the skate plate. The blocksmay be made from a low friction plastic or polymer material (nylon, high-density polyethylene, etc.) to reduce the friction between the tuband the skate platesuch that the tubmay translate or move relative to the skate ringalong the top endof the skate ring.

More specifically, the ramped surfacesmay slidably engage the skate ringsuch that the tubmay move relative to the skate ringrotationally relative to the first horizontal direction(e.g., rotationally about or around the X-direction or X-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), rotationally relative to the second horizontal direction(e.g., rotationally about or around the Y-direction or Y-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), and rotationally relative to the vertical direction(e.g., rotationally about or around a Z-direction or Z-axis on a cartesian coordinate system), which facilitates movement of the tubrelative to the cabinetrotationally relative to the first horizontal direction, rotationally relative to the second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to the vertical direction.

The blocksmay be directly secured to lower end or the baseof the tub. Alternatively, the blocksmay be secured to a tub support structure, which is separate from the tubas illustrated. The baseof the tubmay be secured to the tub support structure. Alternatively, the baseof the tubmay include a lower protruding regionextending downward therefrom and a first flangeextending around the protruding region; the tub support structuremay define a central openingand may include a second flangeextending around the central opening; and the lower protruding regionmay be disposed within the central openingwhile the first flangerests on top of the second flangesuch that the baseof the tubis supported by the tub support structurebut could be removed by lifting the baseof the tubupward and away from the tub support structure(e.g., upward along the vertical direction).

Engagement between the bottom endof the skate ringand the top surfaceof the skate plateultimately facilitates movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) linearly in the first horizontal direction, linearly in the second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to the vertical direction(e.g., rotation about the Z-axis). Engagement between the ramped or curved surfacesand the top endof the skate ringfacilitates movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) rotationally relative to the first horizontal direction(e.g., rotation about the X-axis), rotationally relative to the second horizontal direction(e.g., rotation about the Y-axis), and rotationally relative to the vertical direction(e.g., rotation about the Z-axis). The suspension systemas a whole therefore facilitates movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) along five degrees of freedom (i.e., linearly in the first horizontal direction, rotationally relative to the first horizontal direction, linearly in the second horizontal direction, rotationally relative to the second horizontal direction, and rotationally relative to the vertical direction). The suspension system, however, may not facilitate and/or may restrict movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) linearly relative to the vertical direction. More specifically, the suspension systemmay restrict downward movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet) while gravity restricts upward movement of the tub(or collectively the tuband basket) relative to the cabinet(or relative to the frame or chassis of the cabinet). Even more specifically, the engagement between bottom endof the skate ringand the upper region (e.g., the top surface) of the skate platemay restrict linear movement of the tubrelative to the cabinetin the vertical direction(e.g., downward movement of the tub).

The skate platemay define a central opening. The drive system (e.g., drive systemor drive system′) may extend downward from the tuband through the central opening. The top surfaceof the skate platemay be ramped, spherical, or curved downward and toward the central openingwhich operates to center the skate ringrelative to the skate plateand to the central opening. The bottom endof the skate ringand the top surfaceof the skate platemay form a ball joint.

The suspension systemmay further comprise dampersdisposed between the cabinetand the tub. More specifically, the dampersmay connect the baseof the tubor the tub support structureto the legs. The suspension systemmay further comprise springsdisposed between the cabinetand the tub. More specifically, the springsmay be disposed adjacent to or about the dampers. The dampersand springsmay each be horizontally oriented. The dampersand springsmay operate to reduce NVH.

The skate platesupports the weight of the tub, provides mounting for springsand/or dampers, and acts as the sliding surface for the skate ring. The friction coefficient of the top surfaceof the skate platemay be manipulated to provide more or less translation or linear motion of the skate ringin the first horizontal directionand second horizontal direction. The central openingis directly related to the size of the skate ringto provide the maximum amount of linear or translational motion of the skate ringwithout losing contact with the ring(e.g., the central openingand skate ringare positioned and sized so that the skate ringwill remain in contact with the top surfaceof the skate plateand not fall into the central opening). The skate platemay also be spherical, ramped, or curved in shape to provide a natural self-centering of the skate ringrelative to the skate plateand central opening(e.g., centering caused by gravity). More specifically, a first region (e.g., bottom end) of the skate ringmay be curved to reduce friction between the first region of the skate ringand the upper region (e.g., the top surface) of the skate plate. A second region (e.g., top end) of the skate ringmay also be curved to reduce friction between the second region of the skate ringand the ramped, spherical, or curved surfaces.

The skate ringmay be made a metal or plastic molded ring that provides the correct contact with mating features (e.g., the top surfaceof the skate plate) to provide both linear or translation and rotational motion in the system. The design allows movement along several degrees of freedom with a single part. The diameter of the skate ringis directly proportional to the central openingto provide the maximum amount of linear or translational motion.

The spherical, ramped, or curved shape (e.g., the ramped, spherical, or curved surfaces) may be integrated into the design of the tubMore specifically, the ramped, spherical, or curved surfacesmay be defined by a lower region (e.g., the base) of the tub. This may be accomplished by molding in the shape or attaching additional components to create the shape. The diameter of the shape, if spherical, contributes to the performance of the machine. The spherical, ramped, or curved shape determines the rotational location of the wash system (e.g., the rotational axis of the agitator shaftand spin tube). The rotational location of the wash system may be adjusted so that the system operates efficiently in varying conditions (e.g., under a balanced load or under an unbalanced load). The friction coefficient of the spherical, ramped, or curved shaped surfacesmay be set or controlled so that the wash system may freely gimbal. The surfacemay be designed to be a replaceable wear point in the product.

When all the parts are combined within the suspension system, they each interact with each other to control the total motion of the machine. This is all done with the physics of the model. The inherent benefit of this design is having a portion of the system mass below the rotation point of the tub. This allows the wash system to self-center on the skate plateand act as a counterweight to rotational motion. By locating the rotation point and an off-balance load (e.g., see forceapplied internally to the basketin) at the same height, the machine translates rather than rotates (e.g., the basketand tubmove horizontally as opposed to the basketrotating). This allows the machine to use the full range of motion before the tubimpacts or contacts the cabinetdue to an off-balance load. Also, an added benefit of the suspension systemis that linear or translational motion is quieter and easier to control compared to pivoting or gimbal motion, which further reduces NVH when compared to designs having pivoting or gimbal motion only.

Referring to, an alternative configuration of the suspension systemis illustrated. The alternative configuration of the suspension systemshould be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of the configuration of the suspension systemillustrated inunless otherwise stated or illustrated herein. The suspension systemincludes a skate plate, stanchions or legs, and a skate ring.

The skate plateshould be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of skate plateunless otherwise stated herein. However, skate platemay have some minor differences when compared to skate plate. For example, the legsmay be formed integrally with skate plateto form a platform or base, while legsmay be separate elements that are attached to skate plate. As another example, skate platemay have a circular outer boundary or periphery while skate platehas a rectangular outer boundary or periphery. Skate platemay have a top surface. The top surfacemay operate in the same manner as top surfacedescribed herein. However, top surfacemay specifically be spherical or curved such that the engagement between a bottom endof the skate ringand the top surfaceof the skate plateforms a ball joint.

The skate ringshould be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of skate ringunless otherwise stated herein. However, skate ringmay have a cross-sectional shape that differs from the cross-sectional shape of skate ring. For example, the skate ringmay be made from a sheet material (e.g., sheet metal) and may be pressed, bent, etc. into a cross-section shape that includes a curved, circular, or rounded bottom end; a curved, circular, or rounded top end; and recessed middle region. The recessed middle regionmay operate to increase the stiffness of the skate ring, particularly in a vertical direction (e.g., vertical direction).

The rounded bottom endoperates to engage the top surfaceof the skate platein the same manner that the bottom endof skate ringengages the top surfaceof skate plate. The curved, circular, or rounded shape of the bottom endoperates to reduce friction between the skate ringand skate plate. For example, the bottom endmay form a line contact, as opposed to a surface contact, with the skate platealong the top surface, which reduces friction.