Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
  • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
  • D06F37/304—Arrangements or adaptations of electric motors
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
  • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
  • D06F37/40—Driving arrangements  for driving the receptacle and an agitator or impeller, e.g. alternatively

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine driven by an outer rotor type motor and having a power transmission device for transmitting power of the motor to an inner tub receiving laundry therein and an agitation device for agitating the laundry.
• a washing machine is an apparatus performing washing, rinsing and dehydrating strokes so as to eliminate contaminant from laundry such as clothes by interaction of detergent and washing water.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a general pulsator-type washing machine.
• an outer tub 2a for storing washing water therein is provided in a cabinet 1 forming the exterior of the general pulsator-type washing machine, the outer tub 2a supported by a damper 15. Then, an inner tub 2b is rotatably provided in the outer tub 2a.
• a plurality of holes are provided on the wall of the imier tub 2b so that the washing water passes through the holes between the inner tub 2b and the outer tub 2a.
• a pulsator 35 is rotatably provided at a lower central portion of the inner tub 2b.
• one end of a drain hose 50 is connected with the outer tub 2a, and the other end is connected with the outside of the cabinet 1.
• a drain valve (not shown) is provided at the center of the drain hose 50.
• a dehydrating shaft 41 is connected with the inner tub 2b, and a washing shaft 42 is provided at the pulsator 35 to penetrate the dehydrating shaft 41 and the inner tub 2b.
• the washing shaft 42 is mechanically connected with the dehydrating shaft 41 by using a clutch assembly 40 provided at a lov/er part of the outer tub 2a.
• a motor 3 for generating the power is provided at a predetermined interval with the clutch assembly 40 at the lower part of the outer tub
• the. motor 3 is connected with a lower end of the washing shaft 41 by a belt 5.
• rotation power is transmitted to the washing shaft 42 by the belt 5.
• the clutch assembly 40 separates the washing shaft 42 from the dehydrating shaft 41, only pulsator 35 rotates. According to this, the washing machine performs the washing or rinsing stroke by using water current and frictional force generated with rotation of the pulsator 35. Meanwhile, if the clutch assembly 40 connects the washing shaft 42 with the dehydrating shaft 41, the pulsator 35 rotates with the inner tub 2b. Accordingly, the washing machine performs the dehydrating stroke for eliminating moisture from the laundry.
• the general pulsator-type washing machine of the aforementioned structure has the following disadvantages.
• the general pulsator-type washing machine has the structure for indirectly transmitting the rotation power of motor to the washing shaft by the belt, thereby causing great power loss by the slip and friction of the belt.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine to minimize power loss when transmitting power generated in a motor to a washing shaft.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having an improved structure so as to prevent an inner tub and an outer tub from being leaned even if a washing machine is used for a long time in a state of providing a motor and a power transmission device.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having an improved structure of a motor so as to lower a height of washing machine for improving a user's convenience.
• the object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a washing machine comprising an outer tub provided in a cabinet and storing washing water therein; an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub and receiving laundry therein; an agitation device rotatably provided in the inner tub and agitating the laundry and washing water; an outer rotor type motor for rotating the agitation device and the inner tub; a power transmission device connected between the motor/agitation device and the inner tub to have the same rotation axis in the motor, the agitation device and the inner tub, and transmitting power of the motor to the agitation device and the inner tub according to an operation mode; and a drain device for draining the washing water from the outer tub to the external.
• the motor is an induction motor
• the induction motor includes a rotor assembly being directly connected with and rotated by the power transmission device; and a stator assembly provided inside the rotor assembly and generating a rotary magnetic field by an alternating current so as to rotate the rotor assembly with the rotary magnetic field.
• the rotor assembly includes a rotor frame being directly connected with the power transmission device at a lower central part thereof; and a rotor fixed to the inside of the rotor frame.
• the rotor includes a rotor core formed by depositing a plurality of iron sheets each having a plurality of holes; a metal bar penetrating the hole of the rotor core and interlinking a magnetic flux; and upper and lower end rings covering upper and lower parts of the rotor core by being respectively connected with both ends of the metal bar.
• the rotor frame includes a rotor bushing provided at the rotation axis of the induction motor and connected with the power transmission device so as to rotate the agitation device; and a bushing shaft selectively connected with the power transmission device so as to selectively rotate the inner tub.
• the rotor frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein so as to support a lower end of the rotor.
• the rotor supporter includes a step formed along the inner circumferential surface thereof so as to support the lower end of the rotor.
• the rotor frame includes an upper fixation part projecting from the sidewall thereof so as 'to fix an upper end of the rotor for preventing the rotor from being separated.
• the stator assembly includes a core part having a plurality of iron sheets and poles being formed in one body on the outer circumferential surface of the iron sheets; a coil part wound on the poles; and an insulator provided to prevent a contact between the core part and the coil part.
• the insulator includes upper and lower insulators provided at upper and lower parts of the core part to prevent the contact between the pole and coil; and an inner insulator provided between the poles, so as to prevent the contact between the core
• the power transmission device includes a washing shaft transmitting rotation power to the agitation device; a dehydrating shaft transmitting rotation power to the inner tub; and a clutch assembly selectively connecting the dehydrating shaft with the motor.
• the washing shaft includes an upper washing shaft connected with the agitation device; and a lower washing shaft having a lower end connected with the motor, and an upper part connected with the upper washing shaft by a gear set.
• the washing shaft is rotatably provided inside the dehydrating shaft.
• the gear set includes a sun gear fixed to the upper part of the lower washing shaft and being coaxial-rotated; a ring gear formed on the inner circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft; and a planet gear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear and having a rotation axis connected eccentrically to the upper washing shaft.
• the dehydrating shaft includes a drum having an upper end connected with the inner tub, a lower end provided at a predetermined interval from the motor, and a predetermined portion of a central part at which the ring gear as the planet gear is provided.
• the clutch assembly includes a sliding coupler moving up and down along a longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft so as to selectively connect the dehydrating shaft with the motor; and an elevating device moving the sliding coupler up and down.
• the sliding coupler is connected to the dehydrating shaft, and the motor with serration.
• the elevating device includes a clutch lever having one end connected with the sliding coupler, and one central portion hinged on an hinge axis; and a clutch motor moving the sliding coupler up and down in a method of rotating the clutch lever on the hinge axis by pulling or pushing the other end of the clutch lever.
• the elevating device includes a connection link having elasticity between the other end of the clutch lever and the clutch motor.
• the clutch assembly includes a stopper for controlling an elevating height of the sliding coupler. At this time, a hollow is provided at any one of the stopper and the sliding coupler, and a projection is provided at the other so as to prevent rotation of the sliding coupler when the connection of the sliding coupler and the motor is released.
• a brake assembly for brake of rotation of the dehydrating shaft.
• the brake assembly includes a brake pad for fixing the dehydrating shaft by applying friction to the outer circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft.
• the brake assembly includes a brake pad provided on the outer circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft; a brake lever having one end connected with the brake pad, and a predetermined portion of a central part thereof hinged on the hinge axis; and a driving motor braking the dehydrating shaft or releasing the brake of dehydrating shaft by pulling or pushing the other end of the brake lever.
• the drain device includes a drain passage being in communication with the external of a cabinet from the outer tub; a drain valve opening or closing the drain passage; and an operation motor opening or closing the drain passage by pulling or pushing the drain valve.
• the operation motor operates the brake assembly and the drain valve at the same time.
• the operation motor includes a first step mode for controlling the rotation of the inner tub; and a second step mode for opening or closing the drain valve in a state of releasing the brake of inner tub.
• the drain valve includes a packing provided to close the drain passage; a second rod connected with the packing; and a first rod being moved at a predetermined distance not to move the second rod when the driving motor is operated in the first step mode, and connected with the first rod so as to open the drain passage by the packing in a method of being caught to the second rod and moved with the second rod when the driving motor is operated in the second step mode.
• the first rod is inserted toward the axis direction inside the second rod by sliding.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a general washing machine
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outer rotor type motor and a power transmission device provided in a washing machine according to the present invention
• FIG. 4 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a stator assembly of a motor of FIG. 3 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a rotor assembly applied to a motor of FIG. 3 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a drain device and a brake assembly provided in a washing machine according to the present invention
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain device of FIG. 6; • FIG. 8A to FIG 8C illustrate connection, of components at a first mode for rotating only pulsator in a washing machine according to the present invention, wherein,
• FIG. 8A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of a motor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the first mode
• FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever, a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the first mode
• FIG. 8C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the first mode
• FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C illustrate connection of components at a second mode for rotating a pulsator and an inner tub at the different direction in a washing machine according to the present mvention, wherein, FIG. 9 A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of a motor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the second mode,
• FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever, a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the second mode, and
• FIG. 9C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the second mode.
• FIG. lOA to FIG. 10C illustrate connection of components at a third mode for rotating a pulsator and an inner tub at the same direction in a washing machine according to the present invention, wherein,
• FIG. 10A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of a motor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the third mode
• FIG 1 OB is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever, a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the third mode
• FIG IOC is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the third mode.
• an outer tub 21 for storing washing water therein is provided in a cabinet 10 for forming the exterior of the washing machine according to the present invention.
• an inner tub 22 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 21, and a plurality of holes (not shown) are provided on the wall of the inner tub 22.
• an agitation device is rotatably provided in the inner tub 22 so as to agitate washing water and laundry.
• the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30 are rotated with an outer rotor type motor provided at a lower part of the outer tub 21.
• the agitation device 30 may be formed of a pulsator having at least one projecting blade, however, it is not limited to this.
• the agitation device 30 may be formed of a rod-shaped agitator being projected toward the inside of the inner tub 22. In this case, it is preferable to provide the agitator having at least one blade on the outer circumferential surface thereof. Accordingly, the agitation device 30 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 2.
• the agitation device 30 may have any structure suitable for being rotated in the inner tub 22 so as to generate water ' current.
• the motor is connected with the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30 by a power transmission device. At this time, the motor and the power transmission device are directly connected to each other so as to have the same rotation axis.
• the outer rotor type motor especially, an induction motor is provided to rotate the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30. That is, some components of the power transmission device are received in a space formed inside the rotor forming the outer rotor type motor, thereby lowering the total height.
• the induction motor generates rotation power by using rotary magnetic field generated by an alternating current.
• the power transmission device includes a clutch assembly for selectively transmitting the power of motor to the inner tub 22, whereby the inner tub 22 is selectively rotated at need. Also, some components of drain device for draining the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 and brake assembly for controlling rotation of the inner tub 22 are organically provided to be operated as one driving motor.
• the outer rotor type motor includes a rotor assembly 500 being rotated in a state of being directly connected with the power transmission device, and a stator assembly 400 provided inside the rotor assembly to generate the rotary magnetic field by the alternating current so as to be rotated at normal and reverse directions.
• the stator assembly 400 includes a core part 420, a coil part 440, and insulators 460, 460a, 460b and 460c.
• the core part 420 has a plurality of iron sheets and poles being formed in one body on the outer circumferential surface of the iron sheets.
• the coil part 440 is wound on the pole 425 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the core part 420, and the insulators are provided to prevent a contact between the core part 420 and the coil part
• the core part 420 is formed in a method of depositing the plurality of doughnut-shaped iron sheets having the hollow, and the pole 426 is formed as a projection formed on the outer circumferential surface of the core part 420. Also, a coil for forming the coil part 440 is wound on the pole 426. After that, the upper and lower insulators 460a and 460b are provided at upper and lower parts of the core part
• the inner insulator 460c of synthetic resin film is inserted to the space between the poles 426, so as to prevent the contact between the core part 420 and the coil part 440.
• the rotor assembly 500 includes a rotor frame 530 for forming the exterior of the rotor assembly 500 and being directly connected with the power transmission device at a lower central part thereof, and a rotor 510 fixed to the inside of the rotor frame 530 and forming a closed circuit.
• the rotor 510 includes a rotor core 512 formed by depositing a plurality of iron sheets each having a plurality of holes 513, a metal bar 512 penetrating the hole 513 of the rotor core 512 and interlinking a magnetic flux, and upper and lower end rings 516 and 518 covering upper and lower sides of the rotor core 512 and respectively connected with upper and lower ends of the metal bar 512 to form a second closed circuit.
• the fotor frame 530 including a sidewall 532 and a base 534 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an open top, and the rotor 510 is forcibly inserted and fixed to the inside of the rotor frame 530.
• connection hole 536 is provided at the center of the base 534, and a rotor bushing 534a directly connected with the power transmission device is inserted to and connected with the connection hole 536.
• a rotor bushing shaft 534b is provided at an upper part of the rotor bushing 534a.
• the rotor bushing shaft 534b has serration on the outer circumferential surface thereof, whereby the rotor bushing shaft 534b is selectively connected with a sliding coupler
• the rotor bushing 534a has the hollow at the center thereof in an axis direction, and an internal serration is provided at the center of the rotor bushing 534a in an axis direction.
• the internal serration is engaged with an external serration provided on an outer circumferential surface of a lower end of a lower washing shaft 240 in the power transmission device with serration.
• a step 539 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower sidewall of the rotor frame 530 since the lower sidewall of the rotor frame 530 has a smaller diameter than that of the upper sidewall.
• the step 539 serves as a supporter of the rotor 510 for supporting the lower end of the rotor 510.
• the supporter of the rotor having various structures instead of the step 539 at the rotor frame, for example, a projecting rib.
• the rotor frame includes an upper end fixation part 538 being projected from the sidewall 532 of the rotor 510 so as to support and fix the upper end of the rotor 510.
• the power transmission device includes a washing shaft 200 connected with the agitation device by penetrating the outer tub 21 and the inner tub 22 to transmit the rotation power of motor to the agitation device, a dehydrating shaft 100 connected with the im er tub to transmit the rotation power of motor, and the clutch assembly selectively rotating the inner tub.
• the washing shaft 200 includes upper and lower washing shafts 210 and 240, in which the upper end of the upper washing shaft 210 is connected with the agitation device 30, and the lower end of the lower washing shaft 240 is connected with and fixed to the driving motor, and more particularly, to the rotor bushing 534a connected with the base of the rotor assembly 500.
• the dehydrating shaft 100 includes upper and lower dehydrating shafts
• the upper end of the upper dehydrating shaft 120 is connected with the inner tub 22, and the lower end of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected with the driving motor, and more particularly, at a predete ⁇ nined interval from the upper part of the base of the rotor assembly 500.
• the upper dehydrating shaft 120 For connection of the upper dehydrating shaft 120 and the inner tub 22, the upper dehydrating shaft 120 forms a polygonal connection part (not shown), for example, an octagonal connection part at the upper end being connected with the inner tub, and fo ⁇ ns a connection hole (not shown) having the shape corresponding to the connection part for being connected with the connection part at the lower part of the inner tub.
• the dehydrating shaft 100 transmits the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 to the inner tub 22 without sliding.
• the lower dehydrating shaft 140 forms the serration for connection with the sliding coupler 650 of the clutch assembly on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end thereof. Also, the lower dehydrating shaft 140 may be formed in one body with the upper dehydrating shaft 120. However, it is preferable to form the lower dehydrating shaft 140 and the upper dehydrating shaft 120 separately, and to fix the lower and upper dehydrating shafts 140 and 120 by force fit and connection means (not shown) such as screw.
• the washing shaft 200 is inserted to the dehydrating shaft 100 at the axis direction. Also, a bearing for supporting the washing shaft 200 is inserted between the washing shaft 200 and the dehydrating shaft 100 so that the washing shaft 200 is rotated in vertical to the lower surface of the inner tub. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an oilless bearing 180 is provided between the washing shaft 200 and the dehydrating shaft 100, especially, between the upper washing shaft 210 and the upper dehydrating shaft 120.
• the oilless bearing 180 provides oil to an external portion having the friction. Accordingly, if the heat is generated by friction with the upper washing shaft 120 as the upper washing shaft 210 rotates, the frictional portion is lubricated with the oil provided from the oilless bearing 180. Thus, the washing shaft 200 is rotated smoothly. Also, an extension part 211 is projected from the outer circumferential surface of the upper washing shaft 210 so as to prevent the washing shaft 200 from sliding downward, so that the extension part 211 is put on the oilless bearing 180.
• the aforementioned power transmission device includes a gear set for connection of the upper washing shaft 210 and the lower washing shaft 240.
• the gear set includes a sun gear 242 fixed to the upper part of the lower washing shaft and being coaxial- rotated, a ring gear formed on the inner circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft, and a planet gear 220 provided between the ring gear and the sun gear and having a rotation axis 222 connected eccentrically to the upper washing shaft.
• at least one planet gear 200 is provided.
• the rotation axis 222 of the planet gear 220 may be provided in one body with the lower end of the upper washing shaft 210, or provided separately so that the upper and lower ends of the rotation axis 222 are connected with a fixed carrier 230 for being eccentric to the rotation axis of the upper washing shaft 210.
• a polygonal-shaped projection such as octagonal shape is provided at any one of the lower end of the upper washing shaft 210 and the upper end of the carrier
• the planet gear 220 provided between the washing shaft 200 and the dehydrating shaft 100 simultaneously performs revolution and rotation, and connects the ring gear (not shown) with the sun gear 242.
• the washing shaft 200 is rotated at an opposite direction to the dehydrating shaft 100, or at the same direction as the dehydrating shaft 100, thereby washing laundry.
• the clutch assembly for selectively connecting the motor with the dehydrating shaft 100 includes a clutch housing 300 for receiving the dehydrating shaft to which the washing shaft is inserted, a sliding coupler 650 connected with the lower part of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 and selectively connecting the motor with the dehydrating shaft 100 by elevating at the longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft 100, and an elevating device 600 for elevating the sliding coupler 650.
• the clutch housing 300 includes an upper housing 300a for supporting the dehydrating shaft 100 to be rotated, simultaneously, fixing other components, and a lower housing 300b coupled with the upper housing 300a by screw. Then, an upper bearing 330 is provided between the upper dehydrating shaft 120 and the upper housing 300a, and a lower bearing 340 is provided between the lower dehydrating shaft 140 and the lower housing 300b.
• the upper and lower bearings support the dehydrating shaft 100 so that the dehydrating shaft 100 is stably rotated.
• the aforementioned clutch housing 30 is stably fixed to a bracket (not shown) fixed to the inside of the cabinet 10 in the washing machine.
• the sliding coupler 650 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow therein, the hollow forming an internal gear therein, so that the lower end of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is inserted to and connected with the sliding coupler 650. Also, a discus-shaped flange having a flat upper surface is provided at an upper end of the cylindrical-shaped sliding coupler 650. Then, as the sliding coupler 650 moves up and down, the serration formed at the lower end of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected to the hollow of the sliding coupler 650 with serration, so that the sliding coupler 650 is selectively connected or separated from the motor, especially, the rotor bushing shaft 534b.
• the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is selectively transmitted to the dehydrating shaft 100.
• the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is elevated at the longitudinal direction. Also, the sliding coupler 650 is selectively connected to the rotor bushing shaft 534b with serration, whereby the rotation power of the rotor assembly 500 is selectively transmitted to the lower dehydrating shaft 140.
• the sliding coupler 650 when the sliding coupler 650 is moved downward, the upper part of the sliding coupler 650 is connected to the lower dehydrating shaft 140 with serration, and the lower part of the sliding coupler 650 is connected to the rotor bushing shaft 534b with serration. Thus, the rotation power of the rotor assembly 500 is transmitted to the lower dehydrating shaft 140.
• the sliding coupler 650 when the sliding coupler 650 is moved upward, the connection of the sliding coupler 650 and the rotor bushing shaft 534b is released, whereby the rotation power of the rotor assembly 500 is not transmitted to the lower dehydrating shaft 140. Accordingly, the sliding coupler 650 selectively transmits the rotation power of the rotor assembly 500 to the inner tub 22 connected with the dehydrating shaft 100.
• the elevating device 600 includes a clutch lever 640 and a clutch driving motor 620.
• the clutch lever 640 has one end connected with the sliding coupler 650, and a central portion hinged on a hinge axis 660c, whereby the sliding coupler 650 is moved upward in case the clutch driving motor 620 pushes and pulls the other end of the clutch lever 640.
• the clutch lever is provided in a bent structure of "L"-shaped form.
• a horizontal part 640b of the clutch lever 640 supports the lower part of the sliding coupler 650, and a vertical part 640a is connected with the clutch motor 400, 500. Then, the hinge axis 660c is provided at a bent portion crossing the horizontal part 640b and the vertical part 640a. Accordingly, if the clutch motor 400, 500 pulls the vertical part 640a, the clutch lever 640 rotates on the hinge axis 660c, whereby the horizontal part 640b elevates the sliding coupler 650. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal part 640b of the clutch lever
• connection link 630 includes a motor connection part 630a having one side connected with the clutch driving motor, a lever connection part 630b having one end rotatably connected with the upper end of the vertical part of the clutch lever 640, and an elastic connection part 630c having elasticity and connecting the motor connection part 630a with the lever connection part 630b.
• the elastic connection part 630c includes elastic means such as spring, thereby preventing excessive force applied to the clutch lever 640 by the driving motor.
• the clutch assembly includes a stopper 660 provided at the upper part of the sliding coupler 650 and fixed to the lower part of the clutch housing 300, so as to control the elevating height of the sliding coupler 650, simultaneously, prevent the rotation of dehydrating shaft 100. That is, the stopper 660 has a plurality of connection holes 660a for connection with the clutch housing 300. In this state, the sliding coupler 650 is elevated to a predetermined height. When the sliding coupler 650 is connected with the stopper 660 after the sliding coupler 650 is separated from the motor and elevated in the highest, the stopper fixes the sliding coupler 650 so as to prevent the rotation of dehydrating shaft 100.
• the sliding coupler 650 may be fixed by frictional force generated by contact of the upper surface of the sliding coupler and the lower surface of the stopper 660.
• a fixed projection (not shown) is formed at the upper part of the sliding coupler 650
• a fixed hole (not shown) is formed at the lower part of the stopper 660
• a guide part 660b is provided at one side of the stopper 660 to be connected with the clutch lever 640.
• the sliding coupler 650 is moved downward for being connected with the motor to rotate the inner tub 22 at the same direction as the agitation device 30, it is preferable to provide elastic means 660d such as spring for maintaining the connection of the sliding coupler 650 and the motor.
• the washing machine further includes a brake assembly for controlling the rotation of dehydrating shaft, preferably.
• the brake assembly 700 includes a brake pad
• a brake lever 720 for fixing the dehydrating shaft by applying friction to the outer circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft, a brake lever 720 having one end connected with the brake pad 780, and a driving motor connected with the other end of the brake lever
• the control of the dehydrating shaft 100 by the brake assembly 700 is performed by controlling a central portion of the dehydrating shaft 100, and more particularly, a cylindrical-shaped drum 160 having the inner circumferential surface on which the ring gear is formed.
• the brake lever 720 is provided to penetrate one side of the lower housing
• a torsion spring 760 is provided at the hinge axis 740 of the brake lever
• the brake lever 720 has the elasticity.
• the torsion spring moves the brake lever to an original position.
• the brake pad 780 is rotatably hinged on an additional hinge axis 790, whereby the brake pad is moved in two stages according to the rotation of brake lever 720.
• the brake pad 780 is provided in a belt-shaped form wound on the outer circumferential surface of the drum 160. That is, when the brake lever 720 rotates to pull the brake pad 780, the brake pad 780 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the drum 160 for the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100. Meanwhile, if the brake lever 720 is rotated at the reverse direction, the contact of the brake pad 780 and the drum 160 is released, whereby the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100 is released. At this time, it is possible to provide the brake pad in a block form. That is, the brake pad may be formed in any form for applying the fiictional force to the dehydrating shaft.
• the brake pad is formed of great abrasion-resistant material.
• the brake assembly 700 is generally used in a case for rotating only the washing shaft 200 during a washing stroke, or in a case for braking the dehydrating shaft 100 momentarily during a dehydrating stroke.
• a drain device for draining the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 to the external is provided at one side of the lower part of the outer tub 21. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG 6 and FIG. 7, the drain device includes a drain passage 65, 66 communicating the external of the cabinet with the outer tub, a drain valve 64 for opening or closing the drain passage, and a valve operation motor 761 for changing the drain passage by pushing or pulling the drain valve 64.
• the drain passage is comprised of a connection hose 65 connected with the outer tub, and a drain hose 66 having one end connected with the connection hose 65 and being communicated with the external, and being opened or closed by the drain valve 64.
• the driving motor 400, 500 is operated according to a first step mode for controlling the rotation of the inner tub, and a second step mode for opening or closing the drain valve 64 in a state of releasing the brake of the inner tub 22.
• the drain valve 64 includes a bellows-type packing 76 provided to close the drain passage, a second rod 78 connected with the packing 76, and a first rod 77 connected with the second rod 78.
• the first rod 77 is moved at a predetermined distance not to move the second rod 78 when the driving motor is operated in the first step mode.
• the driving motor is operated in the second step mode, the first rod 77 is caught in the second rod 78 and moved with the second rod 78.
• the first rod 77 is connected with the second rod 78 so as to open the drain passage by the packing 76.
• one end of the first rod 77 is connected with the valve operation motor 761, and is inserted into the second rod at the axis direction by sliding, so that the drain passage, especially, the drain hose 66 is opened or closed.
• the first rod 77 is elastically supported with a first spring 79 inserted into the inside thereof
• the second rod 78 is elastically supported with a second spring 80 provided on the outer circumferential surface thereof.
• the first spring 79 being inserted and fixed to the inside of the first rod 77, has one end caught and fixed to a hook 763 of a valve lever 762 operated by the driving motor. Then, the first rod 77 forms a step 81 having one side lower than the other on the outer circumferential surface thereof.
• the second rod 78 has the second spring 80 and the packing 76 on the outer circumferential surface thereof. Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the second rod 78, a rib 82 caught to the step 81 of the first rod is projected inwardly so that the rib 82 has one end, near to the valve lever 762, to be thicker than the other end thereof.
• the driving motor In the washing machine according to the present invention, the driving motor
• the brake lever 720 provided in the brake assembly 700 has one end connected with a lever projection 767 provided in the valve lever 762.
• the valve lever 762 may be provided in a method of connecting unit levers additionally fabricated. At this time, any one of the unit levers may have a "T"-shaped connection projection, and the other may have a receiver for the connection projection, thereby forming the valve lever 762.
• valve operation motor 761 provided to the outer tub 21 of the automatic washing machine is operated in the first step mode when draining the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 to the external, the valve lever 762 is moved at the. predetermined distance D, whereby the first spring is pulled.
• the first ' rod 77 is moved at the predetermined distance.
• the step 81 of the first rod is not caught to the rib 82 of the second rod, so that it has no effect on the second rod 76.
• the lever projection 767 pulls one end of the brake lever 720, whereby the brake pad 780 is separated from the drum, thereby releasing the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100.
• the moving distance of the first rod 77 is determined within a range below a distance E between the step 81 of the first rod 77 and the rib 82 of the second rod 78 in a state of that the first rod is not pulled.
• valve operation motor 761 pulls the valve lever 762 more than the limit distance E of the first step mode
• the valve lever 762, the brake lever 720 and the lever projection 767 are simultaneously pulled. According to this, the step 81 of the first rod 77 is caught to the rib 82 of the second rod 78, whereby the second spring is pressed as the second rod moves.
• the drain valve 64 is opened so that the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 drains to the external through the drain passage. Then, when power of the valve operation motor 761 is turned off, the valve lever 762, the lever projection 767, the brake lever 720, the second rod 78 and the first rod 77 are restored to original positions with restoring force of each spring. Thus, the drain hose 66 of the drain passage is closed, whereby the brake of the dehydrating
• the operation mode of the washing machine having the aforementioned structure includes a first mode for rotating only the agitation device 30, a second mode for rotating the agitation device 30 and the inner tub 22 at the different directions, and a third mode for rotating the agitation device 30 and the inner tub 22 at the same direction.
• the clutch assembly 600 releases the connection of the dehydrating shaft 100 and the motor 400, 500, whereby the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is transmitted only to the washing shaft 200, thereby rotating only the agitation device 30.
• this process will be described with reference to FIG. 8A and
• FIG. 8B First, the elevating device 600 elevates the sliding coupler 650 in the highest so that the sliding coupler 650 is in contact with the stopper 660.
• the connection of the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is released not to operate the valve operation motor 761, whereby the drain hose 66 is closed, and the brake pad 780 is in contact with the drum 160 of the dehydrating shaft 100, thereby carrying out the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100.
• the rotation power of motor is transmitted to the lower washing shaft 240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame. Then, the rotation power of lower washing shaft 240 is transmitted to the planet gear 220 through the sun gear 242, as shown in FIG. 8C, the planet gear 220 revolves around the sun gear at the same direction as the rotation of sun gear 242, simultaneously, rotates at the opposite direction to the rotation of sun gear 242.
• the carrier 230 connected with the rotation axis of the planet gear 220 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft 240, whereby the agitation device 30 connected with the upper washing shaft 210 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft, thereby agitating the laundry and washing water.
• the elevating device 600 elevates the sliding coupler 650 so that the connection of the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is released.
• the valve operation motor 400, 500 is operated in the first mode, whereby the drain hose 66 is closed, and the brake pad 780 releases the brake of the dehydrating shaft.
• the sliding coupler 650 is elevated to the position not being in contact with the stopper 660 so that the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100 is released completely to prevent noise or scratch generated by friction of the sliding coupler 650 and the stopper 660 according as the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30 are rotated at the opposite direction. For this, it is required to obtain an interval of
• the stopper 660 is out of contact with the sliding coupler 650. That 'is, the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is transmitted to the lower washing shaft 240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame. Also, the rotation power of the lower washing shaft 240 is transmitted to the planet gear 220 though the sun gear 242. As shown in FIG. 9C, the planet gear 220 simultaneously revolves and rotates to rotate the ring gear (not shown). According to the revolution and rotation of the planet gear 220, the carrier
• the agitation device 30 connected with the upper washing shaft 210 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft.
• the upper dehydrating shaft 120 is rotated at the opposite direction to the agitation device 30 according to rotation of the ring gear (not shown), thereby agitating the laundry and washing water.
• the clutch assembly connects the dehydrating shaft with the motor so as to transmit the rotation power of the motor to the washing shaft 200 and the dehydrating shaft 100, whereby the agitation device 30 and the inner tub 22 are rotated at the same direction.
• the planet gear 220 is not rotated, and revolves once when the sun gear 242 rotates once.
• the carrier 230 connected with the rotation axis of the planet gear 220 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft.
• the agitation device 30 connected with the upper washing shaft 210 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft 240, and the rotation power of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is re ⁇ transmitted to the upper dehydrating shaft 120, whereby the inner tub 22 is rotated at the same direction and speed as those of the agitation device 30, thereby washing or rinsing the laundry.
• the washing water rises along the inner wall of the outer tub 21 by centrifugal force, and drops to the inside of the inner tub 22, thereby generating "V"-shaped water current. Also, the washing water permeates the laundry from the inner tub side to the outer tub side, thereby washing the laundry.
• the packing 76 forming the drain valve 64 opens the drain hose 66, whereby the dehydrating mode is carried out.
• the washing machine according to the present mvention has the following advantages.
• the power of motor for rotating the inner tub and the agitation device is directly transmitted to the power transmission device. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the power loss when transmitting the power generated in the motor to the washing shaft, thereby improving
• the driving motor, agitation means and inner tub are rotated at the same rotation axis so that the inner and outer tubs are not leaned.
• the outer rotor type induction motor is directly connected with the power transmission device for rotating the agitation device and the inner tub, whereby it is possible to lower a height of the washing machine for improving a user's convenience.
• the planet gear for organically connecting the washing shaft with the dehydrating shaft is provided in the power transmission device, so that it is possible to improve efficiency in washing and rinsing strokes by rotating the agitation device and the inner tub in various methods.
• the clutch assembly having the simplified structure is provided to control the power between the power transmission device and the induction motor, thereby improving product's reliability without malfunction.
• one driving motor is used to simultaneously control the drain valve and the brake assembly for controlling the rotation of the dehydrating shaft, thereby decreasing manufacturing cost by decreasing the number of components, and improving yield with simplified manufacturing process steps.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)

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• 2004
  • 2004-02-06 WO PCT/KR2004/000231 patent/WO2004069019A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2004-02-06 JP JP2006502702A patent/JP2006517125A/ja active Pending
  • 2004-02-06 AU AU2004210279A patent/AU2004210279A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-02-06 EP EP04708926A patent/EP1589863A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2004-02-06 US US10/514,944 patent/US20050223754A1/en not_active Abandoned

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