INTEGRATION OF BLOWER WITH WASHER MOTOR SHAFT OR DRIVE SHAFT

摘要

A blower is provided having a fan element that is directly connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is attached to a wash drum and is rotated by a washer motor. When the washer motor rotates the drive shaft, the fan element also rotates and can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor. Alternatively, the fan element of the blower is directly connected to a motor shaft extending from the motor, such that when the motor shaft is rotated, the blower can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor.

主权项

1. A washing machine appliance, comprising:
a wash tub; a wash drum rotatably mounted within said wash tub and configured to rotate about an axial direction; a drive shaft extending from said wash drum in the axial direction and configured to rotate said wash drum; a washer motor in mechanical communication with said drive shaft and configured to selectively rotate said drive shaft; and a blower having a fan element directly connected to said drive shaft and in fluid communication with said wash tub and said wash drum, such that said blower provides an airflow to said wash tub and said wash drum when said drive shaft is rotated by said washer motor.