Washing Machine Comprising a Laundry Tub

Abstract

A laundry tub pertaining to a washing machine, said laundry tub comprising a laundry driving system that can be driven from outside the tub by means of a disk-shaped drive element. At least one of the facing surfaces of the tub and the drive element has a surface structure. One such laundry tub presents the risk that the surface structures act like an oscillator in the washing machine, causing disturbing noises during the spinning program. According to the invention, said risk can be at least reduced by providing one of the two surfaces with a cover homogenizing the surface structure.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . A washing machine comprising a laundry tub having a rear wall with a first facing surface and a laundry driving system located therein, that can be driven from outside the tub by a disk-shaped drive element having a second facing surface, the first and second facing surfaces facing one another, wherein at least one of the first and second facing surfaces has a surface structure and a cover disposed over the surface structure homogenizing the surface structure and providing a substantially flat disc-shaped surface.  
   
   
       10 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , further comprising a pulley serving as a drive element comprising a rim which guides the belt and a number of spokes which connect a hub to the rim, wherein the spokes are provided with a cover over the second facing surface having a substantially flat disc-shaped surface.  
   
   
       11 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the rear wall of the tub includes spoke-like reinforcements obtained from a meander-shaped folding of the base wall, a substantially flat disc-shaped cover being disposed over the spoke-like reinforcements.  
   
   
       12 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the cover includes a film.  
   
   
       13 . The washing machine according to  claim 12 , wherein the film includes a highly flexible plastic film.  
   
   
       14 . The washing machine according to  claim 12 , wherein the film is affixed by means of mechanical means to at least one of the drive element and to the rear wall.  
   
   
       15 . The washing machine according to  claim 11 , further comprising a pulley serving as a drive element comprising a rim which guides the belt and a number of spokes which connect a hub to the rim, wherein the spokes are provided with a cover over the second facing surface having a substantially flat disc-shaped surface, the cover includes a film at least partially glued to at least one of the drive element and to the rear wall.  
   
   
       16 . The washing machine according to  claim 15 , wherein the film is glued to at least one of the spokes of the drive element and the spoke-like reinforcements of the tub.  
   
   
       17 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a tub including a rear wall having a hub;    a drum disposed within the tub and mounted for rotation with respect to the tub;    a pulley disposed adjacent the rear wall and driving the drum and having a pulley hub, a rim, and multiple spokes extending between the pulley hub and rim;    a cover mounted on the pulley covering the spokes and providing a substantially flat disc-shaped surface facing the rear wall.    
   
   
       18 . The washing machine according to  claim 17 , further comprising a shaft extending through the hub of the tub and connecting the pulley and the drum to one another, the drum and the shaft rotating in response to rotation of the pulley;  
   
   
       19 . The washing machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the cover includes a flexible plastic film material.  
   
   
       20 . The washing machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the cover is mounted on the pulley with an adhesive.  
   
   
       21 . The washing machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the cover is mounted on the pulley with a mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       22 . The washing machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the rear wall of the tub includes multiple spoke-like reinforcements extending radially outwardly from the hub and cavities formed between the spoke-like reinforcements, the washing machine further comprising a second cover mounted on the tub covering the spoke-like reinforcements of the rear wall and providing a substantially flat disc-shaped surface facing the pulley.  
   
   
       23 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a tub including a rear wall having a hub, multiple spoke-like reinforcements extending radially outwardly from the hub, and cavities formed between the spoke-like reinforcements;    a drum disposed within the tub and mounted for rotation with respect to the tub;    a pulley disposed adjacent the rear wall and driving the drum;    a cover mounted on the tub covering the spoke-like reinforcements of the rear wall and providing a substantially flat disc-shaped surface facing the pulley.    
   
   
       24 . The washing machine according to  claim 23 , further comprising a shaft extending through the hub of the tub and connecting the pulley and the drum to one another, the drum and the shaft rotating in response to rotation of the pulley;  
   
   
       25 . The washing machine according to  claim 23 , wherein the cover includes a flexible plastic film material.  
   
   
       26 . The washing machine according to  claim 23 , wherein the cover is mounted on the rear wall with an adhesive.  
   
   
       27 . The washing machine according to  claim 23 , wherein the cover is mounted on the rear wall with a mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       28 . The washing machine according to  claim 23 , wherein the pulley includes a pulley hub, a rim, and multiple spokes extending between the pulley hub and rim, the washing machine further comprising a second cover mounted on the pulley covering the spokes and providing a substantially flat disc-shaped surface facing the rear wall, the cover and second cover being formed from a flexible plastic film material.