Suspension apparatus for washing machine

Abstract

A suspension apparatus for a washing machine comprises: a connection rod having one end mounted to a body of a washing machine; a damper cap having another end of the connection rod penetratingly installed thereat, and mounted to an outer tub; a damper spring installed in the damper cap; a damper base mounted to the damper cap, sling along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring, and; and extension springs disposed below the damper base, and configured to extend an edge of the damper base to an inner surface of the damper cap, wherein the extension springs have a consecutive circumference. Accordingly, an air gap between the damper base and the damper cap can have a uniform clearance, and lowering of a viscous damping force due to excessive abrasion of a specific part can be prevented.

1 . A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
 a connection rod having one end mounted to a body of a washing machine;   a damper cap having another end of the connection rod penetratingly installed thereat, and mounted to an outer tub;   a damper spring installed in the damper cap;   a damper base mounted to the damper cap, sliding along an inner circumferential surface of the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the damper spring and   an extension spring disposed below the damper base, and configured to extend an edge of the damper base to an inner surface of the damper cap, wherein the extension springs have a consecutive circumference.   
   
   
       2 . A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
 a connection rod having one end mounted to a body of a washing machine;   a damper cap having another end of the connection rod penetratingly installed thereat, and mounted to an outer tub;   an elastic means installed in the damper cap;   a damper base mounted to the damper cap, and configured to support the connection rod or the elastic means; and   an extension spring disposed below the damper base, and configured to outwardly extend an edge of the damper base,   wherein an interval between the damper cap and the damper base is constantly maintained in a circumferential direction by the extension spring.   
   
   
       3 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the extension spring is configured so that some parts thereof can overlap each other. 
   
   
       4 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 3 , wherein the extension spring is mounted to a concaved groove formed at a lower side of the damper base. 
   
   
       5 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 3 , wherein either stopping jaws for preventing separation of the extension spring or slits for extending a lower side of the damper base, or both of them are formed at a lower side of the damper base. 
   
   
       6 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 3 , wherein the extension spring has both ends curved toward the center. 
   
   
       7 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 3 , wherein an air hole for air damping is formed at the damper cap. 
   
   
       8 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 1  or  2 , further comprising a base cap mounted to a lower side of the damper cap, and configured to reduce an amount of leakage of air inside the damper cap. 
   
   
       9 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein the base cap and the damper cap are coupled to each other by a hook. 
   
   
       10 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein an air hole for air damping is formed at the base cap. 
   
   
       11 . A suspension apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
 a connection rod having a predetermined length;   a damper cap to penetratingly insert a part of the connection rod at the center thereof;   a damper base mounted to one end of the damper cap, and configured to support one end of the connection rod; and   an extension spring disposed below the damper base, and configured to constantly maintain an air gap between the damper cap and the damper base, and thus to increase a viscous damping force by air leaked through the air gap.   
   
   
       12 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 11 , wherein the extension spring consecutively contact lower side surfaces of the damper base. 
   
   
       13 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 11  or  12 , wherein a base cap for preventing leakage of air inside the damper cap is mounted below the damper cap. 
   
   
       14 . The suspension apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 13 ,
 wherein an air hole for a viscosity damping is formed at either the damper cap or the base cap, or at both of them.