DE112007000459T5 - Drum washing machine and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Washing machine that has
a housing having an access opening formed thereon;
a tub, which is mounted in the housing;
a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and having an access hole provided on a cylindrical peripheral surface of the drum,
a drum door that moves to open and close the access hole;
a motor mounted on the housing, wherein a rotor of the motor is rotationally fixed to one of the drum and the drum door; and
a clutch unit that selectively couples the rotor to the other of the drum and the drum door.

Description

Technical area

The The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine, and more particularly an access hole and a drum door of such a washing machine and method for controlling the same.

Technical background

Washing machines are used to do laundry using chemical effects that are based on washing water and detergents are based. Washing machines can be based on the procedure categorized, which is used to a washing process perform. For example, you can Washing machines in an agitator washing machine, categorized a pulsator washer and a drum washing machine become. An agitator washing machine points a vertical agitator on, the backward and forward is turned to washing perform. A Pulsatorwaschmaschine has a plate-shaped pulsator, which moves is going to water flows to produce the washing. A drum washing machine does that Washing by turning a horizontally oriented cylindrical drum out, which has several lifters inward to the center of the drum protrude. When the drum rotates, the lifters generate one Frictional force between the washing water and the laundry.

The Rotary shafts of the drums in the agitator washing machine and the Pulsatorwaschmaschine are oriented vertically. They also need this Types of machines typically take less time to complete a washing process to complete. However, the fabric of the laundry being washed may be in the agitator washing machines and the pulsator washing machines are damaged. In contrast to the rotary shaft of a drum washing machine is provided horizontally, and the drum washing machine usually damages tissue less than the other guys.

drum washing machines can a front loading system, wherein a door has one end of the cylindrical Drum closes. In other types of drum washing machines, the ends of the cylindrical Drum closed, however, is an access hole on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical drum formed. If an access hole in the peripheral surface of cylindrical drum is formed, the access hole is through a drum door open and closed, which is coupled to the cylindrical drum. It can also be a separate door on the housing Give the washing machine in a position that the drum door at the corresponds to cylindrical drum.

Around To use the drum washing machine, a user opens the door on the washing machine housing and then the drum door, to wash in to load the drum. The user then closes the drum door and locks the drum door using a tie. After he / she closes the door on the housing, the user releases a wash off. Once the washing is completed, the opens User the enclosure door, releases the latch and opens the drum door, for the laundry through the access hole to unload.

Disclosure of the invention

Technical problem

In some cases can it for uncomfortable for the user, open the drum door with his / her hands and shut down to have to. If the user tries to open and close the drum door, can it in addition possible be that the user his hands injured.

Technical solution

Around the above mentioned solve technical problem represents an aspect of the embodiment a washing machine comprising: a housing having a housing formed thereon access opening having; a tub, which is mounted in the housing; a drum, which is rotatably mounted in the tub and has an access hole, provided on a cylindrical peripheral surface of the drum is; a drum door, which moves to open and close the access hole; one Engine on the housing attached, wherein a rotor of the motor to one of the drum and the drum door is rotationally fixed; and a coupling unit that selectively the Rotor rotates with the other of the drum and the drum door.

One another aspect of the embodiment provides a method for controlling a washing machine, which is a cylindrical Drum and a drum door having substantially parallel to the cylindrical surface of the Drum moves to an access hole on the cylindrical surface of the Drum open and close comprising: rotationally coupling a rotor of an engine of the washing machine with both the drum and the drum door, so that the motor and the drum the drum door turns together; Separating one of the drum and the drum door from the rotor; and turning the rotor and the other of the drum and the drum door to the drum door regarding the To move drum to open the access hole of the drum and close.

Yet another aspect of the embodiment provides a method of controlling a washing machine that a cylindrical drum and a drum door, which are substantially parallel to the cylindrical surface the drum moves to an access hole on the cylindrical surface of the Drum open and close, where the washing machine as well a housing with an access opening , the method comprising: rotating both the drum as well as the drum door along with a motor until the access hole aligns with the access opening is; Disconnect the drum from the engine so that the drum door always is still rotationally coupled to the engine; and moving the drum door with respect to Drum with the motor to open the access hole of the drum.

Advantageous effects

In a washing machine according to the embodiments Both the drum and the drum door which opens the drum and closes, through a motor operated. There as well the driving force of the motor through the coupling unit selectively transferred to the drum The engine can both the drum and the drum door at the same time turn or the engine can only rotate the drum door relative to the drum to to open the access hole of the drum and close. As a result, the drum door automatically opened and closed, what for the user is comfortable. Furthermore must the User the drum door do not open directly and close, and it allows the user to use the washing machine safely.

Brief description of the drawings

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements. Show it:

1 a diagram schematically illustrating a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment;

2 a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a drum, a tub and a driving part, which in the drum washing machine of 1 are provided;

3 a cross-sectional view, the sections of in 2 shown drum represents;

4 and 5 Partial cross-sectional views showing the driving part of in 2 represent washing machine shown;

6 a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a coupling unit of a washing machine, as shown in 2 will be shown; and

7 a flowchart of a method for controlling a drum washing machine.

Form for The invention

It will now be referred in detail to specific embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings become. Wherever possible are through the drawings through the same reference numerals used to refer to the same or similar parts.

As in 1 As shown, a drum type washing machine includes a housing 10 on, that has an access opening 11 has, for example, provided at an upper front portion thereof. It is a tub 20 in the case 10 provided to absorb water. It is a rotatable drum 100 in the tub 20 intended. An access hole 110 and a drum door 200 are along a peripheral surface of the drum 100 intended. Laundry can through the access hole 110 in the drum 100 be loaded, and the drum door 200 can the access hole 110 open and close. There can also be several through holes on the drum 100 be formed, and water can go through the through holes.

There is an opening in the tub 20 provided to the access opening 11 of the housing 10 and the access hole 110 the drum 100 to connect with each other. As a result, a user can wash the laundry through the access hole 110 in the drum 100 load or unload from it. The door 15 the washing machine opens and closes both the access opening 11 of the housing 10 as well as the opening of the tub 20 , If therefore the door 15 closed, the tub can 20 Take up water. The drum door 200 opens and closes the access hole 110 the drum 100 ,

As in 2 and 3 shown, the drum washing machine additionally has a motor 300 on top of the drum 100 and the drum door 200 actuated. The motor 300 has a stator 310 and a rotor 320 on. As in 2 shown is the stator 310 at the tub 20 secured, and the rotor 320 covers the stator 310 ,

The rotor of the engine 300 is at the drum door 200 coupled to the drum door 200 to press. In particular, there is a door shaft 210 between the rotor 320 and a predetermined section of the drum door 200 coupled. As a result, the drum door 200 rotated with the rotor when the rotor 320 rotates.

The drum door 200 is with respect to the drum 100 movable. The drum door 200 moves along a direction substantially parallel to the peripheral surface of the drum 100 is. Typically, the drum door 200 at an inner portion of the drum 100 provided, and it slides along an inner circumference of the drum 100 to the access hole 110 the drum 100 to open and close. A middle section of the drum door 200 has a shape that is the access hole 110 equivalent. An end of the drum door 200 extends down one end of the cylindrical drum and is on the door shaft 210 secured, as in 4 shown. Consequently, if the rotor 320 The drum door can be turned 200 through the door shaft 210 rotated relative to the drum, thereby causing the central portion of the drum door 200 along the circumferential direction of the drum 100 slides to the access hole 110 to open and close.

There is at least one first pole 120 from an edge of the access hole 110 the drum 100 to the inside of the drum 100 in front. There is at least a second pole 130 from the other opposite edge of the access hole 110 to the inside of the drum 100 in front. It is at least a first hook 220 on an edge of the drum door 200 trained, and the first rod 120 occurs with the first hook 220 engaged. It is at least a second hook 230 on the other opposite edge of the drum door 200 trained, and the second rod 130 occurs with the second hook 230 engaged. As in 3 shown, assign the first hook 220 or the second hook 230 curved forms. If the access hole 110 is closed, are the first hook 220 and the second hook 230 the first pole 120 or the second rod 130 across from.

After a rotation in a certain direction during a wash can, even after the drum 100 stops, the first hook 220 with the first rod 120 engage.

However, as in 3 shown, the second hook can be 230 slightly from the second pole 130 disconnect after the drum 100 stops, so that it can be prevented that the second rod 130 and the second hook 230 an opening movement of the drum door 200 to disturb. When the drum door is the access hole 110 covers, and the drum 100 turns, becomes the second hook 230 by a centrifugal force against the second rod 130 pressed so that the door remains closed.

The drum door 200 can be a weight 250 have that on the second hook 230 or attached to a predetermined section adjacent to the second hook 230 adjoins so that the second rod 130 with the second hook 230 will remain engaged while the drum 100 rotates. That to the drum door 200 attached weight 250 pushes the drum door 200 to an inside of the drum 100 , wherein a centrifugal force is used when the drum 100 rotates. The result is the drum door 200 tight with the drum 100 in contact, to prevent the laundry in the drum 100 exits through a gap.

While the drum door 200 directly with the engine 300 is connected and connected to the rotor of the engine 300 moves, the drum becomes 100 through a coupling unit selectively with the engine 300 connected. The coupling unit 400 transfers the rotational force of the motor 300 selectively on the drum 100 ,

As in 4 to 6 shown is a hollow drum shaft 150 on the drum 100 attached. One end of the drum shaft 150 is on the drum 100 attached and the opposite end of the drum shaft 150 goes through the tub 20 so that it becomes the engine 300 extends. The door shaft 210 and the drum shaft 150 are arranged in the same shaft direction, and the door shaft 210 goes through the drum shaft 150 , It is an oilless warehouse 215 between the door shaft 210 and the drum shaft 150 arranged. In addition, there is a warehouse 155 between the drum shaft 150 and the tub 20 arranged to the drum 100 regarding the tub 20 to keep it rotatable.

The coupling unit 400 is between the drum shaft 150 and the engine 300 provided to the rotational force of the engine 300 selectively on the drum shaft 150 transferred to. The coupling unit 400 has a coupling element 410 and an actuator 450 on. The coupling element 410 is along a longitudinal direction of the door shaft 210 and the drum shaft 150 movable. The actuator 450 actuates the coupling element 410 ,

The coupling element 410 has a first serration 411 and a second serration 412 on. As in 4 shown are the first serrations 411 and the second serration 412 on inner circumferential surfaces of cylindrical portions of the coupling element 410 educated. The first serration 411 is capable with the rotor 320 of the motor 300 to engage, and the second serration 412 is capable with the hollow drum shaft 150 to engage the drum 100 is appropriate. The coupling element 410 is shaped so that one end of the drum shaft 150 can be received in a hollow cylindrical portion of the coupling element, that's the second serration 412 having.

As in 4 shown, enters a fourth serration 330 on the rotor 320 with the first serration 411 engaged to the coupling element 410 with the rotor 320 rotationszukoppeln. A fifth serration 151 on the hollow drum shaft 150 occurs with the second serration 412 engaged to the coupling element with the drum 100 rotationszukoppeln.

Furthermore, the coupling element 410 a third serration 413 which is capable of having a sixth serration 25 at the tub 20 to engage. As in 5 shown may be the third serration 413 with the sixth serration 25 of the tub 20 engage when the first serration 411 from the fourth serration 330 of the motor 300 is solved. At the same time, the second serration would 412 with the fifth serration 151 the hollow drum shaft 150 engage the drum 100 is appropriate.

When the coupling element 410 to the engine 300 moves, as in 4 shown, the first serration occurs 411 with the fourth serration 330 of the rotor 320 engaged, and the second serration 412 occurs with the fifth serration 151 on the hollow drum shaft 150 engaged. As a result, the rotational force of the rotor 320 on the drum 100 as well as on the drum door 200 transfer. In this configuration, the drum becomes 100 along with the drum door 200 turned when the rotor is turning.

When the coupling element 410 to the drum 100 moves, as in 5 shown, the first serration dissolves 411 from the fourth serration 330 what the rotor and the drum 100 decoupled. At the same time, the second serration occurs 412 and the third serration 413 with the fifth serration 151 or the sixth serration 25 engaged. In this configuration will be the drum 100 do not rotate together with the rotor of the motor. When the rotor moves, only the drum door becomes instead 200 turned by the rotor of the motor. Consequently, the movement of the rotor will cause the door 200 the access hole 110 the drum 100 opens and closes. Note that the engagement between the hollow drum shaft 150 and the coupling element 410 , and the engagement between the coupling element 410 and the tub 20 prevent the drum from moving relative to the tub 20 rotates.

In alternative embodiments, the sixth serration 25 that with the third serration 413 on the coupling element 410 engages on another fixed portion of the washing machine, such as a holder, on the tub 20 is attached, or a portion of the housing 10 be educated. This would also prevent the tub from turning, if only the door 200 to be moved.

The actuator 450 moves the coupling element 410 along the door shaft 210 and the drum shaft 150 , The actuator 450 may have many different mechanisms that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. With reference to the 4 and 5 may in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 450 an electromagnet 451 and a magnetic element 452 exhibit. The electromagnet 451 Can either on the tub 20 or on the coupling element 410 to be appropriate. The magnetic element 452 would be at the other of the tub 20 and the coupling element 410 be provided. When electric current to the electromagnet 451 is applied, the electromagnet would 451 at the magnetic element 452 pull, and consequently would the coupling element 410 from the in 4 shown position to the in 5 shown position to the tub 20 move. When the direction of the polarity of the electromagnet 451 applied electric current is reversed, the coupling element could 410 be moved in an opposite direction, so that it to the in 4 returns to the position shown.

In some embodiments, a spring 430 between the rotor 320 and the coupling element 410 arranged to the coupling element 410 to bias to a certain position. The electromagnet 451 would be used to force the spring 430 overcome and thereby move the coupling element to a new position. If then the to the electromagnet 451 applied current is taken away, the spring would 430 the coupling element 410 move back to its original position, as in 4 shown.

In an alternative embodiment, as in 6 shown, the actuator has 450 a lever 453 on that with the coupling element 410 connected, and the engine 300 operates the lever 453 , An end of the lever 453 would be directly or indirectly with the engine 300 be connected. A middle section of the lever 453 is with a joint 454 connected.

The opposite end of the lever 453 is with the coupling element 410 connected.

If the engine 300 operated in a first direction, at the end of the lever 453 to pull, the lever turns 453 in a first direction around the joint 453 to the coupling element 410 to one of the engine 300 and the drum 100 to draw. If the engine 300 operated in a second direction to reach the end of the lever 453 To press, the lever rotates 453 in a second direction around the joint 454 , and consequently the coupling element moves 410 to the other of the engine 300 and the drum 100 , As a result, the coupling element 410 according to the direction of engine operation either to the engine 300 or to the drum 100 emotional.

On 2 coming back, can be a first sensor 31 and a second sensor 32 be provided in the drum washing machine to monitor a rotational position of the drum in the tub. The first sensor 31 is on the drum 100 appropriate. The second sensor 32 is at a non-rotating section of the washing machine, like the tub 20 appropriate. The first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 may include a magnet and a Hall sensor that interact to send a signal indicating the rotational position of the drum. In particular, the sensors indicate when the access opening 11 of the housing and the access hole 110 the drum 100 are aligned.

If in particular the drum 100 through the engine 300 is slowly turned, and the first sensor 31 in alignment with the second sensor 32 is brought so that they face each other, a signal would be generated to indicate that the access opening 11 and the access hole 110 are aligned. That through the first sensor 31 and / or the second sensor 32 the transmitted signal would be transmitted to a controller (not shown). The controller then determines that the access port 11 and the access hole 110 are aligned. Consequently, the control device (not shown) sends a control signal to the clutch unit 400 to press.

In a washing machine, as described above, the drum can 100 as well as the drum door 200 by a motor 300 be operated. A control device of the washing machine would be the coupling unit 400 steer to the engine 300 both with the drum 100 as well as the drum door 200 to connect, so that the engine 300 the drum 100 and the drum door 200 rotates. The control device would also be the coupling unit 400 control the drum 100 from the engine 300 to disconnect, so that the drum door 200 concerning the drum 100 can be turned to the drum 100 to open and close. The coupling unit would be the drum 100 with a solid part, like the tub 20 Couple to effectively prevent the drum 100 along with the drum door 200 turns when the drum door 200 concerning the drum 100 is turned.

Even though the embodiment described above a drum, which by the coupling unit selectively with could be coupled to the rotor in alternative embodiments the drum door be the element that is selectively coupled to the motor while the Drum itself is always coupled with the engine. In this alternative embodiment would the Clutch to the door to open and close the drum door decouple from the motor and then turn the drum with respect to the drum door, to open the access hole and close. The clutch unit could also do so serve, the drum door while the door opening and closing operations with to couple to a fixed part of the washing machine.

A method of controlling a drum type washing machine and a door of a rotary drum of the washing machine will now be described with reference to FIG 7 described. This method will refer to an embodiment as illustrated in the drawings where the drum is selectively coupled to the engine. However, the method could easily be modified if an alternative embodiment of the washing machine were used where the motor is selectively coupled to the drum door instead.

During operation, or when the washing machine is stopped, the controller (not shown) would determine if there was a command to open the drum 100 (S100) or a command to close the drum 100 (S200). When the controller (not shown) issues a command to open the drum 100 first, the controller (not shown) first determines whether the rotational speed of the drum 100 is below a predetermined value (S110). The speed of the drum 100 can be determined by a speed sensor or by the monitoring of signals passing through the first and second sensors 31 and 32 be issued. If it is determined that the speed of the drum 100 is significantly higher than the predetermined value, the controller (not shown) controls the motor 300 and the drum 100 to reduce the speed below a predetermined value (S115). This is because it is preferred to use the drum 100 stop when the access hole 110 and the access opening 11 are aligned, and it is easier to do so when the rotational speed of the drum is low.

When the drum 100 stopped or the speed of the drum 100 is below the predetermined value, the controller (not shown) determines whether the access hole 110 the drum, through the drum door 200 is covered, and the access opening 11 of the housing 10 are aligned (S120). Here, the controller (not shown) determines whether the access hole 110 and the Zu -opening 11 are aligned by using the signals coming from the first sensor 31 and / or the second sensor 32 be issued. If it is found that the access hole 110 and the access opening 11 are not aligned, the controller (not shown) repeatedly checks whether the access hole 110 and the access opening 11 are aligned when the engine 300 the drum 100 and the drum door 200 continues to rotate at the specified speed. When the control device by signals of the first and / or second sensor 31 and 32 determines that the access hole 110 and the access opening 11 The control device (not shown) controls the drum 100 to stop turning (S130).

When the drum 100 stops, the control device (not shown) actuates the coupling unit 400 to the drum from the engine 300 to be disconnected (S140). Even if the engine 300 and the drum 100 are separated, the connection between the engine 300 and the drum door 200 maintained. If the engine 300 is rotated in this state, as a result, the drum door 200 concerning the drum 100 turned.

If the engine 300 and the drum are separated from each other, the control means (not shown) secures the drum 100 on a fixed part of the washing machine, for example the tub 20 or a holder attached to the tub 20 (S150) is fixed, so that it can be prevented that the drum 100 by the operation or the vibration of the engine 300 along with the drum door 200 is turned.

If the engine 300 from the drum 100 is separated and the drum 100 at the tub 20 is secured, the engine is 300 operated by the controller (not shown). Consequently, the drum door 200 concerning the drum 100 turned and the access hole 110 the drum 100 is opened (S160). In some embodiments, the rotation of the engine stops 300 after the rotor rotates by a predetermined angle, around the access hole 100 completely open. In alternative embodiments, the engine may 300 just turn around the access hole 110 open until another rotation is impossible. In this case, a projection or the like on the drum 100 be provided for the rotation of the drum door 200 to limit.

When the drum 100 opened by the above procedure, the user can do laundry in the drum 100 load or unload from it. When a command to close the drum 100 is transmitted by the user or a preset program (S200), the controller (not shown) rotates the rotor 320 of the motor 300 to the access hole 110 the drum 100 with the drum door 200 close. As described above, this could be turning the rotor 320 and the drum door 200 at a given angle, or until the drum door 200 the movement stops and the first hook 220 engaged with the first rod 120 the drum 100 occurs.

When the drum door 200 the drum 100 closes, the controller (not shown) controls the clutch unit 400 , the drum 100 with the engine 300 to connect (S220). If a command to turn the drum 100 is received (S230), for example, preset washing programs are to be performed, the controller (not shown) operates the motor 300 , and consequently the drum 100 and the drum door 200 rotated simultaneously (S240).

Everyone Reference in this specification to "an embodiment", "a Embodiment "," example embodiment ", etc. means that a particular Characteristic, a structure or property associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention is. The appearance of such phrases in different places in the description does not necessarily refer to the whole same embodiment. Further, if a particular feature, structure, or property is described in connection with any embodiment, is given to consider that it is in The field of a person skilled in the art is such a feature Structure or property in conjunction with other of the embodiments perform.

Even though various embodiments described It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by professionals who are in the spirit and Fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. In particular are Variations and modifications of the components and / or the combination of objects of arrangements possible, while they are still in the frame of this revelation, the drawings and the attached claims fall. additionally for variations and modifications of the components and / or arrangements Experts will also come up with alternative applications.

Industrial applicability

In a washing machine, as described above, both the drum and the drum door which opens and closes the drum are operated by a motor. In addition, since the driving force of the engine is selectively transmitted to the drum by the clutch unit, the Mo tor the drum as well as the drum door simultaneously, or the motor can only rotate the drum door relative to the drum to open and close the access hole of the drum. As a result, the drum door can be automatically opened and closed, which is convenient for the user. In addition, the user does not have to directly open and close the drum door, and it allows the user to safely use the washing machine.

Summary

A Drum washing machine has an access hole and a drum door to close the access hole provided on the cylindrical side wall of the drum is. The housing The washing machine has an access opening with the access hole the drum is aligned. An engine of the washing machine is both with the drum door coupled as well as the drum itself. Consequently, the engine can be used be to the drum and the door while washes to turn. A coupling unit couples and decouples the engine selectively from the drum, so that the drum door with respect to the Drum can be rotated to open the access hole of the drum and close.

Claims (20)

Washing machine that has a case that an access opening formed thereon having; a tub, which is mounted in the housing; a Drum which is rotatably mounted in the tub and an access hole having provided on a cylindrical peripheral surface of the drum is a drum door, which moves to open and close the access hole; one Engine on the housing attached, wherein a rotor of the motor on one of the drum and the drum door is rotationally fixed; and a coupling unit that is selective the rotor is rotationally coupled with the other of the drum and the drum door. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the drum door is relatively moved to the drum in one direction, which is essentially parallel to the cylindrical peripheral surface the drum is to open and close the access hole. Washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the drum door in the Drum is arranged and wherein the drum door during rotation of the drum through a centrifugal force against the inner cylindrical surface of the Drum pressed becomes. Washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the coupling unit the rotor with the other of the drum and the Trom meltür rotation coupled, the drum and the drum door rotate together with the rotor. Washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, when the coupling unit decoupling the rotor from the other of the drum and the drum door, a rotation of the rotor causes the drum door with respect to the Drum moves to open and close the access hole. Washing machine according to claim 5, wherein, when the coupling unit decoupling the rotor from the other of the drum and the drum door, the clutch unit as well the other of the drum and the drum door attached to a fixed part of the Washing machine couples. Washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the fixed part having the tub. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: one first sensor part attached to the drum; and one second sensor part attached to a fixed part of the washing machine like that is appropriate that the first sensor will pass the second sensor when the drum rotates, and wherein at least one of the first and second sensor parts generates a signal when the first and second sensor parts are mutually different are adjacent. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a hollow drum shaft having a first end coupled to the drum is, and has a second end that goes through the tub and extends from him; and a door shaft rotatably coupled to the rotor, being the door shaft goes through the hollow drum shaft and attached to the drum door is. Washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the coupling unit having: a coupling element with the hollow drum shaft is rotationally coupled and movable between the rotor and the hollow drum shaft is attached, wherein the coupling element along one longitudinal direction the hollow drum shaft can move, and wherein the coupling element can be selectively rotationally coupled to the rotor; and one actuator for moving the coupling element in the longitudinal direction of the hollow drum shaft. Washing machine according to claim 10, wherein a first serration on the rotor selectively with egg ner second serration on the coupling element can engage to rotationally couple the coupling element with the rotor. Washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the actuating member can work to move the coupling element in a longitudinal direction, so that the second serration on the coupling element of the first serration on the rotor releases. Washing machine according to claim 12, wherein, if that Coupling element is moved to a position where the second serration on the coupling element is detached from the first serration on the rotor, the coupling element on a fixed part of the washing machine is rotationally fixed. Washing machine according to claim 12, wherein, if that Coupling element is moved to a position where the second serration on the coupling element is detached from the first serration on the rotor, a third serration on the coupling element with a fourth Serration engaging a fixed portion of the washing machine occurs to the coupling element on the fixed section of the washing machine rotationszubefestigen. Washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the actuating member Furthermore can work to move the coupling element in a longitudinal direction, so that the second serration on the coupling element with the first serration engages the rotor. The washing machine of claim 12, further comprising a biasing member which biases the coupling element to a position, at the second serration on the coupling element with the first Serration engages the rotor. Method for controlling a washing machine, the one cylindrical drum and a drum door, which is substantially moved parallel to the cylindrical surface of the drum to to open an access hole on the cylindrical surface of the drum and close, comprising: Rotary coupling of a rotor of an engine of the washing machine with both the drum and the drum door, so that the motor the drum and the drum door turns together; Separating one of the drum and the drum door from the rotor, and turning the rotor and the other of the drum and the drum door to the drum door in terms of to move the drum to open the access hole of the drum and close. The method of claim 17, further comprising rotatably mounting one of the drum and the drum door separate from the rotor, on a fixed part of the washing machine before performing the Turning has. Method for controlling a washing machine, the one cylindrical drum and a drum door, which is substantially moved parallel to the cylindrical surface of the drum to to open an access hole on the cylindrical surface of the drum and close, being the washing machine as well a housing with an access opening comprising, the method comprising: Turn both the drum and the drums door together with a motor until the access hole aligns with the access opening is; Disconnect the drum from the engine so that the drum door always is still rotationally coupled to the engine; and Moving the drum door in terms of the drum with the motor to open the access hole of the drum. The method of claim 19, further comprising rotatably mounting the drum on a fixed part of the washing machine before performing the moving step having.