Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines and more particularly, to a mount for a drum of a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A washing machine drum is the core component of a washing machine that receives clothes during a wash cycle. During the wash cycle, the drum may rotate clockwise and/or anticlockwise to agitate and scrub clothes to remove dirt and stains therefrom. Further, rotation of the drum during the wash cycle may sometimes be at such a high speed that vibrations get induced in the drum. Such vibrations, if not dampened, can cause vibrations in the washing machine, thereby creating noise and affecting the washing of the clothes. In some cases, the vibrations may lead to destabilization of the washing machine. Accordingly, this leads to a requirement of balancing the drum to maintain stability of the washing machine.
[0003] One of the known vibration dampening apparatuses is a suspension assembly that stabilises the drum during the wash cycle. The suspension assembly includes a rod having one end mounted on a frame of the washing machine and supporting the drum of the washing machine at the other end. The suspension assembly may include a mount having attached a spring thereto and adapted to support the drum and absorb shocks and oscillations to ensure smooth operation of the drum and prevent excessive noise. The suspension assembly also helps to maintain the balance and stability of the washing machine. Especially during the spin cycle, when the drum is moving at a rapid speed.
[0004] However, the conventional suspension assemblies often require frequent maintenance as their functionality deteriorates with time due to lack of preventive measures provided in the conventional suspension assemblies. Further, a portion of the conventional suspension assembly supporting the drum may fail due to the accumulation of point load supporting the drum, leading to failures during operation. Further, the spring attached to the mount for facilitating biasing force to absorb vibrations caused during the wash cycle of may fail due to the buckling effect, causing damage and failure of the conventional suspension assemblies.
[0005] Hence, there is a need to develop a mount for a drum of a washing machine that may prevent one or more limitations of the conventional devices.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mount for a drum of a washing machine is disclosed. The mount includes a neck section, a flange, and a base section. The neck section has a through-hole and is adapted to receive a rod therein. The neck section includes a lubricant holder around the through-hole at an opening of the neck section, adapted to hold a lubricant therein. The flange extends radially from a bottom portion of the neck section, and is adapted to support the drum thereon. The flange further includes a bottom surface adapted to receive a spring. Further, the base section extends from the bottom surface of the flange, and is adapted to support the spring.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, rod for a washing machine is disclosed. The rod includes a top support, a bottom support, and a mount. The top support is adapted to couple a top end of the rod with a top frame of the washing machine. The bottom support is adapted to hold the rod at a bottom end when the rod is coupled to a drum of the washing machine. The mount is disposed on the rod in proximity to the bottom support and adapted to support the drum of the washing machine. The mount includes a neck section, a flange, and a base section. The neck section has a through-hole and is adapted to receive the rod. The neck section includes a lubricant holder around the through-hole at an opening of the neck section, adapted to hold a lubricant therein. The flange extends radially from a bottom portion of the neck section and is adapted to support the drum thereon. The flange includes a bottom surface adapted to receive a spring. The base section extends from the bottom surface of the flange, and is adapted to support the spring. The spring is disposed between the mount and the bottom support.
[0009] The mount present disclosure may provide a significant advancement over the conventional suspension devices. For example, the lubricant holder may tend to allow a gradual flow of the lubricant into the through-hole, via the top of the opening of the through-hole to lubricate the rod. Further, the mount having the lubricant holder ensures regular lubrication of the rod and also contributes to facilitating the smooth and improved suspension of the washing machine. Further, the mount of the present disclosure is simple in construction, facilitating ease of manufacturing. Further, the mount having fewer components may also be cost-effective, contributing to the economic significance of the present disclosure.
[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a suspension assembly of a washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mount for a drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine along lines A-A′ as shown in Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of another suspension assembly of the washing machine, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a mount as shown in Figure 6 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 9 illustrates a part cross-section view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine along lines B-B′ as shown in Figure 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a mount of the washing machine, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of the mount as shown in Figure 10 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional exploded view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine along line C-C′ as shown in Figure 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0024] Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional assembled view of the mount for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0026] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0027] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0028] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[0029] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0030] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0031] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[0032] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a suspension assembly 100 of a washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The suspension assembly 100 of the present invention aims to provide a smooth and improved suspension to the washing machine, such that vibrations and shocks caused during a wash cycle of the washing machine may be absorbed, ensuring smooth operation of a drum of the washing machine during the wash cycle.
[0035] The suspension assembly 100 may include a rod 110, a top support 120, a bottom support 130, a mount 140, and a spring 150. The top support 120 may be adapted to couple a top end of the rod 110 with a top frame (not shown) of the washing machine (not shown). The bottom support 130 may be adapted to hold the rod 110 at a bottom end when the suspension assembly 100 may be coupled to the drum of the washing machine. The mount 140 may be disposed on the rod 110 in proximity to the bottom support 120. The mount 140 may be adapted to support the drum of the washing machine. The spring 150 may be disposed between the mount 140 and the bottom support 130.
[0036] Accordingly, the suspension assembly 100 may be adapted to absorb shocks and oscillation of the drum and may ensure smooth operation of the drum. Further, the mount 140 may be adapted to directly bear the load of the drum of the washing machine and provide a damping effect to absorb the vibrations caused during the wash cycle. The construction of the mount 140 will now be explained later with respect to Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5.
[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mount 140 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the mount 140 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 2 and 3 are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0038] In an embodiment, the mount 140 may include a neck section 210, a lubricant holder 220, a flange 230, and a base section 240. The neck section 210 may have a through-hole 202 and be adapted to receive the rod 110 therein.
[0039] In one example, the neck section 210 may include the lubricant holder 220 at an opening of the neck section 210, formed around the through-hole 202. The lubricant holder 220 may be adapted to hold a lubricant therein. The lubricant holder 220 at a bottom may include a floor 302 to hold the lubricant as shown in Figure 3. Further, the floor 302 may be flat and may abut a top of an opening of the through-hole 202. Furthermore, the floor 302 of the lubricant holder 220 abutted with the top of the opening of the through-hole 202 may guide a flow of the lubricant towards the rod 110 at a controlled pace. In one example, the lubricant may be damping grease.
[0040] In one example, the flange 230 may extend radially from a bottom portion of the neck section 210, and may be adapted to support the drum thereon. Further, the flange 230 may include a bottom surface 234 adapted to receive the spring 150. The base section 240 may extend from the bottom surface 234 of the flange 230. Further, the base section 240 may be adapted to support the spring 150.
[0041] The mount 140 may further include a slit 204 partially formed along the longitudinally direction of the mount 140 starting from a portion of the neck section 210 and extending all the way through the flange 230 and the base section 240. The slit 204 may bifurcate the flange 230 and the base section 240 into two portions. Accordingly, the flange 230 may be bifurcated into a first flange portion 230a and a second flange portion 230b. Similarly, the base section 240 may be bifurcated into a first base section 240a and a second base section 240b. Further, the two portions formed due to the slit 204 may facilitate pressing force onto the rod 110 when the rod 110 may be received into the through-hole 202. Further, the slit 204 may facilitate uniform distribution of damping force throughout the mount 140. Therefore, the slit 204 formed on the mount 140 may eliminate the requirement of adding a friction material between the mount 140 and the rod 110.
[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the mount 140 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bottom surface of the flange may include a spring holder 402 formed concentrically around the through-hole 202 and adapted to receive an end of the spring 150. In an embodiment, the spring holder 402 may be one of a circular groove formed on the bottom surface of the flange 230. Accordingly, the end of the spring 150 may be secured into the circular groove. Alternatively, the spring holder 402 may be a circular wall formed on the bottom surface of the flange 230, defining an enclosure.
[0043] Accordingly, the end of the spring 150 may be secured within the enclosure defined by the circular wall. Therefore, the spring holder 402 may facilitate a secure placement of the end of the spring 150 and may prevent the buckling effect of the spring 150. Further, by preventing the buckling effect, the mount 140 of the present disclosure may effectively dampen the vibrations caused during the wash cycle of the washing machine. Further, the spring holder 402 may facilitate self-aligning and interlocking of the spring 150 with the mount 140. Therefore, the mount 140 having the spring holder 402 may improve the stability and provide a smooth and effective suspension to the washing machine.
[0044] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the mount 140 for the drum of the washing machine along lines A-A′ as shown in Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] In operation, the through-hole 202 of the mount 140 may receive the rod 110 of the suspension assembly 110, the rod 110 may be coupled to the top frame of the washing machine. The vibration and lateral displacement caused by the drum, during the wash cycle, may be damped by the mount 140 supporting the drum. In particular, the flange 230 of the mount 140 may support the weight of the drum. Further, the vibrations and lateral displacements of the drum may be damped by the biasing action of the spring 150 supported by the bottom surface 234 of the flange 230. Further, due to the vibrations and lateral displacements of the drum, the mount 140 may tend to oscillate on the rod 110. Accordingly, the lubricant stored in the lubricant holder 220 may tend to gradually flow into the through-hole 202, via the top of the opening of the through-hole 202, to lubricate the rod 110. Further, based on the type of the lubricant used, the lubricant may also provide a damping force to the rod 110. Further, the mount 140, having the lubricant holder 220, ensures regular lubrication of the rod 110, thereby contributing to facilitating a smooth and improved suspension of the washing machine.
[0046] Hereafter, Figures 6 to 9 of the present disclosure illustrate another embodiment of the suspension assembly 600 of the washing machine. The suspension assembly 600 may be adapted for enhanced reinforcement and uniform distribution of the load of the drum. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of another suspension assembly 600 of the washing machine, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the construction of the top support 120, the rod 110, the spring 150, and the bottom support 130 already been explained in the description of Figures 1 to 5, are not discussed in detail.
[0047] The mount 640 of the present disclosure includes all the features of the mount 140 disclosed in Figures 1 to 5 and may operate in a similar manner. In addition, the mount 604 explained herein onwards may include additional features to provide better operation and operational strength.
[0048] As shown, the mount 640 may be disposed on the rod 110 in proximity to the bottom support 120. The mount 640 may be adapted to support the drum of the washing machine. The spring 150 may be disposed between the mount 640 and the bottom support 130.
[0049] Accordingly, the suspension assembly 600 may be adapted to absorb shocks and oscillations of the drum and may ensure smooth operation of the drum. Further, the mount 640 may be adapted to directly bear the load of the drum of the washing machine and provide a damping effect to absorb the vibrations caused during the wash cycle. The construction of the mount 640 will now be explained in detail with respect to Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9.
[0050] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the mount 640, as shown in Figure 6, for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the mount 640 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 and 8 are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0051] The mount 640 may include the neck section 210, the lubricant holder 220, the flange 230, the base section 240, a plurality of ribs 702, and a plurality of raised platforms 704. The neck section 210 may have the through-hole 202 and may be adapted to receive the rod 110 therein.
[0052] In one example, the neck section 210 of the mount 640 may include the lubricant holder 220 at the opening of the neck section 210, formed around the through-hole 202. The lubricant holder 220 may be adapted to hold the lubricant therein. The lubricant holder 220 may at the bottom may include the floor 302 to hold the lubricant, as shown in Figure 8. The floor 302 may be flat and may abut the top of the opening of the through-hole 202. Furthermore, the floor 302 of the lubricant holder 220 abutted with the top of the opening of the through-hole 202 may guide the flow of the lubricant towards the rod 110 at a controlled pace.
[0053] In one example, the plurality of ribs 702 may be formed on an outer surface of the neck section 210. The plurality of ribs 702 may extend between the opening of the neck section 210 and the flange 230. The plurality of ribs 702 may reinforce the neck section 210 and may also strengthen walls of the lubricant holder 220. Although the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 8 depicts four ribs 702, however, there may be more or lesser number of ribs 702 within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0054] In one example, the flange 230 may extend radially from the bottom portion of the neck section 210 and may be adapted to support the drum thereon. Further, the flange 230 may include a bottom surface 234 adapted to receive the spring 150. The base section 240 may extend from the bottom surface 234 of the flange 230. Further, the base section 240 may be adapted to support the spring 150.
[0055] In one example, the top surface 232 of the flange 230 may include the plurality of raised platforms 704. Further, adjacent raised platforms of the plurality of raised platforms 704 may be adapted to support the drum thereon. The plurality of raised platforms 704 may facilitate uniform distribution of the load of the drum on the flange 230. Further, the plurality of raised platforms 704 may prevent accumulation of point load on the top surface 232 and may distribute the load across the plurality of raised platforms 704. Further, as the load is distributed across the plurality of raised platforms 704, the mount 640 may prevent free-play of the drum on the top surface 232 of the flange 230. Accordingly, the mount 640 of the present disclosure may improve the stability of the washing machine.
[0056] In an embodiment, a fillet may be provided between the plurality of raised platforms 704 and the top surface 232 of the flange 230, Accordingly, there may be a smooth transition between the plurality of raised platforms 704 and the top surface 232 of the flange 230. The smooth transition may allow for a uniform and gradual transfer of the drum load onto the flange 230. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of raised platforms 704 may include a thickness of 0.1mm to 0.2mm. Further, referring to Figure 8, although the illustrated embodiment depicts two raised platforms 704, however, there may be more number of raised platforms 704 within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057] Figure 9 illustrates a part cross-section view of the mount 640 for the drum of the washing machine along lines B-B′ as shown in Figure 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] In an embodiment, the lubricant holder 220 of the mount 640 may include a plurality of chamfered surfaces 902 arranged in a sequential manner, formed between the bottom of the lubricant holder 220 and the top of the opening of the through-hole 202. The plurality of chamfered surfaces 902 may facilitate guiding the flow of the lubricant towards the rod 110 at a controlled pace. In an embodiment, an angle of the plurality of chamfered surfaces 902 may range between 10° to 30°. The plurality of chamfered surfaces 902, by allowing the flow of lubricant in a controlled manner, may facilitate the prevention of loss of the lubricant due to overflow. Accordingly, the mount 640 having the lubricant holder 220 may ensure that regular lubrication of the rod 110 may take place, thereby contributing to facilitating a smooth and improved suspension of the washing machine. Further, the mount 140, as shown in Figures 1-5, may also include a similar plurality of chamfered surfaces 902 to guide the flow of the lubricant towards the rod 110 at a controlled pace.
[0059] Hereafter, Figures 10 to 13 of the present disclosure illustrate another embodiment of the mount 1000 of the washing machine. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a mount 1000 of the washing machine, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of the mount 1000, as shown in Figure 10, for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10 and 11 are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0060] In an embodiment, the mount 1000 may be constructed in a modular configuration. In contrast to the mount 140, 640 disclosed in Figures 1-9, the mount 1000 depicted in the Figures 10-13 may not have slit formation. Alternatively, the mount 1000 may include a friction material 1102 that may facilitate pressing force onto the rod 110 when the rod 110 may be received into the through-hole 202. For the sake of brevity, the construction and working of the neck section 210, the flange 230, the base section 240, the lubricant holder 220, the rod 110, the spring 150, and other features of the mount 1000 common with the mount 140, 640 already explained in the description of Figures 1 to 9 are not discussed in detail.
[0061] In an embodiment, the neck section 210 and the flange 230 may form a top housing 1002 of the mount 1000. Further, the base section 240 may form a bottom housing 1004 of the mount 1000. Further, the top housing 1002 may be adapted to detachably attach a portion of the bottom housing 1004 to secure the bottom housing 1004 with the top housing 1002. In particular, the top housing 1002 may detachably attach to the bottom housing 1004 at the bottom surface 234 of the flange member 230.
[0062] Further, the friction material 1102 may be adapted to be disposed within the bottom housing 1004. The friction material 1102 may be adapted to engage with the rod 110 when the rod 110 may be received into the through-hole 202. Accordingly, when the friction material 1102 wears out, the top housing 1002 and the bottom housing 1004 may be detached to replace the friction material 1102. Accordingly, the mount 1000 of the present disclosure may simplify the maintenance operation. In an embodiment, the friction material 1102 may be a felt member.
[0063] Further, in case a portion of the flange 230 of the top housing 1002 may get damaged due to the load of the drum supported on the top surface 232 of the flange 230, then only the top housing 1002 may be replaced. Further, in case at least one of the neck section 210, the flange 230, and the lubricant holder 220 may get damaged, only the top housing 1002 may be replaced. Similarly, in case only the base section 240 may get damaged, then only the bottom housing 1004 may be replaced. Accordingly, the mount 1000 of the present disclosure, having the modular configuration, may effectively reduce the overall cost of maintenance.
[0064] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional exploded view of the mount 1000 for the drum of the washing machine along line C-C′ as shown in Figure 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional assembled view of the mount 1000 for the drum of the washing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 12 and 13 are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0065] As shown, the bottom housing 1004 may include a cavity 1202 adapted to receive the friction material 1102. Further, a top of the cavity 1202 may be covered by the bottom surface 234 of the flange member 230 by detachably attaching the bottom housing 1004 to the top housing 1002.
[0001] In an embodiment, the top housing 1102 may be adapted to snap-lock with the bottom housing 1004 to detachably attach with the bottom housing 1004. As shown, the top housing 1002 may include a plurality of first ridges 1204 radially extending inward from the bottom surface 234 of the flange member 230. Further, the bottom housing 1004 may include a second ridge 1206 radially extending outward from a top surface of the bottom housing 1004. In an embodiment, the second ridge 1206 may extend continuously along the circumferential length of the top surface of the bottom housing 1004. In an embodiment, the plurality of first ridge 1204 may overlap the second ridge 1206 by detachably attaching the top housing 1002 with the bottom housing 1004, forming a snap-lock. Figure 13 illustrates the top housing 1002 snap-locked with the bottom housing 1004. Further, the friction material 1102 disposed in the cavity 1202, may be adapted to engage with the rod 110 when the rod 110 may be received into the through-hole 202.
[0002] In one example, the mount 1000 may also include the plurality of raised platforms 704 formed on the top surface 232 of the flange 230 of the top housing 1002, similar to the plurality of raised platforms 704 of mount 640 as shown in Figures 6-8, within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although not illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, however, the mount 1000 may also include the plurality of ribs 702 formed on an outer surface of the neck section 210 of the top housing 1002, within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0003] The present disclosure may further include several advantages over the existing techniques. For example, the lubricant holder 220 may tend to allow a gradual flow of the lubricant into the through-hole 202, via the top of the opening of the through-hole 202 to lubricate the rod 110. Further, the mount 140, having the lubricant holder 220 ensuring regular lubrication of the rod 110, may also contribute to facilitating a smooth and improved suspension of the washing machine.
[0066] Further, the mount 140, 640, 1000 of the present disclosure is simple in construction, facilitating ease of manufacturing. Further, the mount 140, 640, 1000, having fewer components, may also be cost-effective, contributing to the economic significance of the present disclosure.
[0067] Further, the plurality of chamfered surfaces 902 arranged in a sequential manner in the lubricant holder 220 of the present disclosure may guide the flow of the lubricant towards the rod 110 at a controlled pace. Further, allowing the flow of lubricant in a controlled manner may facilitate the prevention of loss of the lubricant due to overflow.
[0068] Further, the spring holder 402 disclosed in the present disclosure may facilitate a secure placement of the end of the spring 150 and may prevent the buckling effect of the spring 150.
[0004] Further, the flange 230 having the plurality of raised platforms 704 may facilitate uniform distribution of the load of the drum on the flange 230. Further, as the load may be distributed across the plurality of raised platforms 704, free-play of the drum on the top surface 232 of the flange 230 may be prevented.
[0005] Further, the plurality of ribs 702 disclosed in the present disclosure may reinforce the neck section 210 and may also strengthen walls of the lubricant holder 220.
[0006] Furthermore, the modular construction of the mount 1000, disclosed in the present disclosure, may reduce the overall cost of maintenance, as only the damaged portion of the component may have to be replaced.
[0007] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. , C , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A mount (140, 640, 1000) for a drum of a washing machine, the mount (140, 640, 1000) comprising:
a neck section (210) having a through-hole (202) and adapted to receive a rod (110) therein, wherein the neck section (210) includes a lubricant holder (220) around the through-hole (202) at an opening of the neck section (210), adapted to hold a lubricant therein;
a flange (230) extending radially from a bottom portion of the neck section (210) and adapted to support the drum thereon, wherein the flange (230) includes a bottom surface (234) adapted to receive a spring (150); and
a base section (240) extending from the bottom surface (234) of the flange (230), and adapted to support the spring (150).

2. The mount (140, 640, 1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through-hole (202) extends through the flange (230) and the base section (240).

3. The mount (140, 640, 1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lubricant holder (220) comprises a plurality of chamfered surfaces (902) arranged in a sequential manner formed between a bottom of the lubricant holder (220) and a top of an opening of the through-hole (202).

4. The mount (140, 640, 1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein an angle of the plurality of chamfered surfaces (902) ranges between 10° to 30°.

5. The mount (140, 640, 1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom surface (234) of the flange (140) comprises a spring holder (402) formed concentrically around the through-hole (202) and adapted to receive an end of the spring (150).

6. The mount (140, 640, 1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the spring holder (402) is one of a circular groove and a circular wall formed on the bottom surface (234) of the flange (140).

7. The mount (640) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top surface (232) of the flange (230) comprises a plurality of raised platforms (704), wherein adjacent raised platforms of the plurality of raised platforms (704) are adapted to support the drum thereon.

8. The mount (640) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of ribs (702) formed on an outer surface of the neck section (210) and extending between the opening of the neck section (210) and the flange (230).

9. The mount (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the neck section (210) and the flange (230) are a unibody structure and adapted to form a top housing (1002);
the base section (240) is adapted to form a bottom housing (1004),
wherein the top housing (1002) is adapted to detachably attach a portion of the bottom housing (1004) to secure the bottom housing (1004) with the top housing (1002).

10. The mount (1000) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top housing (1002) detachably attaches the bottom housing (1004) at the bottom surface (234) of the flange member (230).

11. The mount (1000) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a friction material (1102) adapted to dispose within the bottom housing (1004), wherein the friction material (1102) is adapted to engage with the rod (110) when the rod (110) is received into the through-hole (202).

12. The mount (1000) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bottom housing (1004) includes a cavity (1202) adapted to receive the friction material (1102), wherein a top of the cavity (1202) is covered by the bottom surface (234) of the flange member (230) on detachably attaching the bottom housing (1004) with the top housing (1002).

13. The mount (1000) as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
the top housing (1002) comprises a plurality of first ridges (1204) radially extending inward from the bottom surface (234) of the flange member (230);
the bottom housing (1004) comprises a second ridge (1206) radially extending outward from a top surface of the bottom housing (1004), and
wherein the plurality of first ridge (1204) overlaps the second ridge (1206) on detachably attaching the top housing (1002) with the bottom housing (1004), forming a snap-lock.

14. A suspension assembly (100, 600) for a washing machine, the suspension assembly (100, 600) comprising:
a rod (110);
a top support (120) adapted to couple a top end of the rod (110) with a top frame of the washing machine;
a bottom support (130) adapted to hold the rod (110) at a bottom end when the suspension assembly (100, 600) is coupled to a drum of the washing machine; and
a mount (140, 640, 1000) disposed on the rod (110) in proximity to the bottom support (120) and adapted to support the drum of the washing machine, wherein the mount (140, 640, 1000) comprises:
a neck section (210) having a through-hole (202) and adapted to receive the rod (110), wherein the neck section (210) includes a lubricant holder (220) around the through-hole (202) at an opening of the neck section (210), adapted to hold a lubricant therein;
a flange (230) extending radially from a bottom portion of the neck section (210) and adapted to support the drum thereon, wherein the flange (230) includes a bottom surface (234) adapted to receive a spring (150); and
a base section (240) extending from the bottom surface (234) of the flange (230), and adapted to support the spring (150), wherein the spring (150) is disposed between the mount (140) and the bottom support (130).

15. The suspension assembly (100, 600) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lubricant holder (220) comprises a plurality of chamfered surfaces (902) arranged in a sequential manner formed between a bottom of the lubricant holder (220) and a top of an opening of the through-hole (202).