Balancing device for use on washing machines

摘要

A speed dependent response control balancing device of the present invention provides control of vibrations in a rotatable member such as a rotatable basket of a washing machine. The balancing device has two compartments including an annular ball race and a reservoir. A plurality of balls are positioned within the annular ball race and move within the ball race to counteract the imbalance of the basket. A varying amount of viscous fluid is delivered from the reservoir into the ball race depending on a rotational speed of the balancing device. Accordingly, the reaction or "quickness" of the response of the balls within the ball race changes with the rotational speed of the balancing device to provide quick response during a start-up period and slower response at high rotational speeds.