Suspension system for washing machine

Abstract

An easy to assemble upper ball joint assembly for a wash tub suspension system is described. In accordance with one embodiment, the upper ball joint assembly includes a socket configured to be located within a keyed opening in the suspension system upper frame, and a ball joint configured to be secured to a suspension rod extending from the suspension system lower frame through the opening in the upper frame. The socket includes a seating surface which, in one embodiment, is substantially spherical shaped and concave. A slot extends from the socket opening to a periphery of the socket. The slot is configured so that the suspension rod can be moved through the slot and located within the socket opening. By orienting the socket so that the slot extends radially outward from a center axis of the wash tub, the suspension rod is allowed more movement relative to the socket since the rod can also move within the slot. The ball joint has a seating surface for mating with the socket seating surface, and the ball joint seating surface is substantially spherical shaped and convex. The ball joint further includes a substantially cylindrical central support member. A support flange extends from a periphery of the ball joint seating surface, and a plurality of support members extend from the support flange to the substantially cylindrical central support member. The suspension rod extends through an opening in the ball joint, which opening includes a bore extending through the central support member, and an end of suspension rod is deformed, or crimped, so that the ball joint is trapped between the end of suspension rod and the socket.