Balance ring attachment in an automatic washer

摘要

A balancing ring attachment system for an automatic washer including a wash basket having an annular top edge defining a circular opening at a top end thereof. An inwardly projecting annular ledge surface is formed into the wash basket below the top edge. A plurality of slots are provided on the wash basket between the ledge and the top edge. A balancing ring, sized to fit within the inner diameter of the wash basket, rests on the annular ledge and a plurality of resilient hooks outwardly extending from the balancing ring snap fit into the slots provided on the basket thereby securing the ring to the basket. Inset portions are provided in the ring behind each of the outwardly extending tabs while the basket further includes a plurality of bumps formed into the top edge of the wash basket wherein the bumps are formed as pairs along the top edge and define the location of the slots. During assembly, the bumps are received into the inset portion provided on the ring thereby controlling alignment and preventing missassembly. A plurality of flexible fingers are molded downwardly extending from the balancing ring wherein the fingers resiliently engage the annular ledge such that the fingers deflect and bias the balancing ring upwardly.