U.S. patent application number 10/754612 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for washing machine.
Invention is credited to Kim, Dong-Won, Kim, Joon-Woo, Kim, Young-Ho.
Application Number | 20040139768 10/754612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32588968 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040139768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim, Young-Ho ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Washing machine
Abstract
A washing machine comprises a washing machine casing; an outer
tub disposed in the casing, for containing water therein; an inner
tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, for containing laundry
therein; an induction motor for generating a rotational force; and
a rotation transmission means for transmitting a rotational force
of the induction motor to the inner tub with a rotational speed
decelerated from a rotational speed of the induction motor in
laundering operation, and with a rotational speed identical to the
rotational speed of the induction motor in dehydrating
operation.
Inventors: |
Kim, Young-Ho; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim, Dong-Won; (Gyeonggi-Do, KR) ; Kim,
Joon-Woo; (Gyeonggi-Do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
32588968 |
Appl. No.: |
10/754612 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/12.24 ;
68/12.02; 68/13R; 68/140; 68/24; 68/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 40/00 20130101;
D06F 37/40 20130101; D06F 37/304 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/012.24 ;
068/012.02; 068/024; 068/058; 068/013.00R; 068/140 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0003029 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine, comprising: a washing machine casing; an
outer tub disposed in the casing, for containing water therein; an
inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, for containing
laundry therein; an induction motor for generating a rotational
force; and a rotation transmission means for transmitting a
rotational force of the induction motor to the inner tub with a
rotational speed decelerated from a rotational speed of the
induction motor in laundering operation, and with a rotational
speed identical to the rotational speed of the induction motor in
dehydrating operation.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the rotation
transmission means includes: a sun gear rotated by the rotational
force of the induction motor; a ring gear arranged to have a
certain interval from an outer circumference of the sun gear; a
planetary gear meshed with the outer circumference of the sun gear
and an inner circumference of the ring gear; a rotary shaft
connected to the ring gear and fixed to the inner tub to transmit
the rotational force of the ring gear to the inner tub; and a
clutching device for selectively transmitting the rotational force
of the induction motor only to the sun gear or to the sun gear and
the ring gear simultaneously.
3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the clutching device
includes: a first spline shaft formed on a circumference of a
connecting shaft for connecting the sun gear with the induction
motor; a second spline shaft extended from a side of the ring gear
toward the first spline shaft; a clutch movably disposed between
the first spline shaft and the second spline shaft and selectively
meshed only with the first spline shaft or with the first spline
shaft and the second spline shaft simultaneously; and a clutch
driving unit for moving the clutch.
4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the clutch driving unit
includes: a solenoid for moving the clutch in a certain direction
when an external power supply is applied thereto; and a return
spring for returning the clutch into an initial position thereof
when the external power supply to the solenoid is cut off.
5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the induction motor
includes: a stator; and a rotor disposed to have a certain air gap
from an outer circumference of the stator, for generating a
rotational force by mutual electromagnetic operation with the
stator.
6. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the inner tub is rotated
co-axially with a rotational center of the rotor.
7. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the rotation
transmission means includes: a sun gear rotated by the rotational
force of the induction motor; a ring gear arranged to have a
certain interval from an outer circumference of the sun gear; a
planetary gear meshed with the outer circumference of the sun gear
and an inner circumference of the ring gear; a planetary carrier
connected to the planetary gear to be rotated by revolution of the
planetary gear; a rotary shaft connected to the planetary carrier
and fixed to the inner tub to transmit the rotational force of the
planetary carrier to the inner tub; and a clutching device for
selectively transmitting the rotational force of the induction
motor only to the sun gear or to the sun gear and the ring gear
simultaneously.
8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the clutching device
includes: a first spline shaft formed on a circumference of a
connecting shaft for connecting the sun gear with the induction
motor; a second spline shaft extended from a side of the ring gear
toward the first spline shaft; a clutch movably disposed between
the first spline shaft and the second spline shaft and selectively
meshed only with the first spline shaft or with the first spline
shaft and the second spline shaft simultaneously; and a clutch
driving unit for moving the clutch.
9. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the clutch driving unit
includes: a solenoid for moving the clutch in a certain direction
when external power supply is applied thereto; and a return spring
for returning the clutch into an initial position thereof when the
external power supply to the solenoid is cut off.
10. The washing machine of claim 7, further comprising: a speed
adjusting device for controlling a rotational speed of the ring
gear to adjust a rotational speed of the rotary shaft in laundering
operation of the washing machine.
11. The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the speed adjusting
device includes: a band wound around an outer circumference of the
ring gear; and a band driving unit disposed at a side of the band
to provide tension to the band, for selectively adjusting a
frictional force between an inner circumference of the band and the
outer circumference of the ring gear.
12. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the band driving unit
includes: a solenoid fixed to both ends of the band to apply a
force for making both ends of the band approach to each other when
an external power supply is applied thereto; and a return spring
for returning the band into an initial state thereof when the
external power supply to the solenoid is cut off.
13. A washing machine, comprising: a washing machine casing; an
outer tub disposed in the casing, for containing water therein; an
inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, for containing
laundry therein; an induction motor for generating a rotational
force; a pulsator disposed in the inner tub to perform agitating
operation of the water and the laundry contained in the inner tub
while being rotated; and a rotation transmission means arranged
between the inner tub and the induction motor, for transmitting a
rotational force of the induction motor to the inner tub and the
pulsator so that the inner tub and the pulsator are rotated in the
opposite direction to each other with a rotational speed
decelerated from a rotational speed of the induction motor in
laundering operation, and for transmitting a rotational force of
the induction motor to the inner tub and the pulsator so that the
inner tub and the pulsator are rotated in the identical direction
to each other with a rotational speed identical to the rotational
speed of the induction motor in dehydrating operation.
14. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the rotation
transmission means includes: a sun gear rotated by the rotational
force of the induction motor; a ring gear arranged to have a
certain interval with an outer circumference of the sun gear; a
planetary gear meshed with the outer circumference of the sun gear
and an inner circumference of the ring gear; a planetary carrier
connected to the planetary gear to be rotated by revolution of the
planetary gear; a hollow-shaped first rotary shaft connected to the
ring gear and fixed to the inner tub to transmit the rotational
force of the ring gear to the inner tub; a second rotary shaft
rotatably disposed inside the first rotary shaft, connected to the
planetary carrier and fixed to the pulsator in order to transmit a
rotational force of the planetary carrier to the pulsator; and a
clutching device for selectively transmitting the rotational force
of the induction motor only to the sun gear or to the sun gear and
the ring gear simultaneously.
15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the clutching device
includes: a first spline shaft formed on a circumference of a
connecting shaft for connecting the sun gear with the induction
motor; a second spline shaft extended from a side of the ring gear
toward the first spline shaft; a clutch movably disposed between
the first spline shaft and the second spline shaft and selectively
meshed only with the first spline shaft or with the first spline
shaft and the second spline shaft simultaneously; and a clutch
driving unit for moving the clutch.
16. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the clutch driving
unit includes: a solenoid for moving the clutch in a certain
direction when external power supply is applied thereto; and a
return spring for returning the clutch into an initial position
when the external power supply to the solenoid is cut off.
17. The washing machine of claim 14, further comprising a speed
adjusting device for controlling a rotational speed of the ring
gear to adjust rotational speeds of the first and second rotary
shafts in laundering operation of the washing machine.
18. The washing machine of claim 17, wherein the speed adjusting
device includes: a band wound around an outer circumference of the
ring gear; and a band driving unit disposed at a side of the band
to provide tension to the band, for selectively adjusting a
frictional force between an inner circumference of the band and the
outer circumference of the ring gear.
19. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the induction motor
includes: a stator; and a rotor disposed to have a certain air gap
from an outer circumference of the stator, for generating a
rotational force by mutual electromagnetic operation with the
stator.
20. The washing machine of claim 19, wherein the inner tub and the
pulsator are rotated co-axially with a rotational center of the
rotor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and in
particular to a washing machine capable of lowering production cost
and noise, by using an induction motor as a driving motor for
rotating a tub.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional
washing machine. As depicted in FIG. 1, a conventional washing
machine includes a casing 111 in which a door 115 is installed at
an opening portion 113 on the front; an outer tub 121 disposed
inside the casing 111, for containing water; an inner tub 131
installed inside the outer tub 121 of which a rotary shaft 133 is
arranged horizontally, for containing laundry therein; a driving
motor 141 connected with the rotary shaft 133 of the inner tub 131,
for rotating the inner tub 131; a spring 127 and a damper 129
respectively arranged on the upper and lower portions of the outer
tub 121 in order to support and buff the outer tub 121.
[0005] The rotary shaft 133 of the inner tub 131 is rotatably
supported by at least one bearing 125 installed in the center of a
support plate 123 arranged on the rear of the outer tub 121.
[0006] The driving motor 141 includes a stator 143 fixed to the
support plate 123 of the outer tub 121; a rotor 145 comprising a
permanent magnet disposed around the stator 143 with a certain air
gap and rotated by mutual electromagnetic with the stator 143; and
a rotor link 146 for connecting the rotor 145 with the rotary shaft
133 so as to transmit a rotational force of the rotor 145 to the
rotary shaft 133 of the inner tub 131.
[0007] In that construction, when the driving motor 141 is
operated, the rotational force of the driving motor 141 is
transmitted to the inner tub 131 through the rotary shaft 133, and
accordingly the washing machine performs laundering and dehydrating
operations of the laundry in the inner tub 131 by the rotation of
the inner tub 131.
[0008] In the conventional washing machine, a brushless DC motor
capable of adjusting a speed for itself or a universal motor
connected with the rotary shaft of the inner tub by a belt-pulley
transmission mechanism are used as the driving motor for rotating
the inner tub. However, in case of the brushless DC motor, because
a unit cost is high, a production cost of a washing machine may
rise, and in case of the universal motor, vibration and noise may
be great in the structural aspect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a washing machine capable of lowering production cost and noise, by
using an induction motor as a driving motor for rotating a tub and
constructing an optimum rotational force transmitting
mechanism.
[0010] To achieve these and in accordance with the purpose of the
present invention, it can be characterized and is comprised of a
washing machine in accordance with the present invention includes a
washing machine casing; an outer tub disposed in the casing, for
containing water therein; an inner tub rotatably disposed in the
outer tub, for containing laundry therein; an induction motor for
generating a rotational force; and a rotation transmission means
for transmitting a rotational force of the induction motor to the
inner tub with a rotational speed decelerated from a rotational
speed of the induction motor in laundering operation, and with a
rotational speed identical to the rotational speed of the induction
motor in dehydrating operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the conventional
washing machine;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a washing machine in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged-sectional view illustrating a driving
motor and a rotational force transmitting mechanism of the washing
machine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a washing machine in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged-sectional view illustrating a driving
motor and a rotational force transmitting mechanism of the washing
machine in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a washing machine in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged-sectional view illustrating a driving
motor and a rotational force transmitting mechanism of the washing
machine in accordance with the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a washing machine in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an enlarged-sectional view illustrating a driving
motor and a rotational force transmitting mechanism of the washing
machine in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along a line X-X in FIG.
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to accompanying drawings.
[0024] Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0025] As depicted in FIG. 2, the washing machine in accordance
with the first embodiment of the present invention includes a
casing 11 in which an internal receiving space is formed and a door
15 is installed at an opening portion 13 on the front; an outer tub
21 for containing wash water suspended and supported by a spring 27
and a damper 29 in the casing 11; an inner tub 31 for containing
the laundry therein rotatably disposed in the outer tub 21; an
induction motor 51 which is disposed in the casing 11 and consists
of a stator 52 and a rotor 54 disposed to maintain a certain air
gap from an outer circumference of the stator 52, and generate a
rotational force for rotating the inner tub 31 by mutual
electromagnetic operation with the stator 52; a rotation
transmission means 50 for transmitting a rotational force of the
induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 with a rotational speed
decelerated from a rotational speed of the induction motor 51 in
the laundering operation of the washing machine, and for
transmitting a rotational force of the induction motor 51 to the
inner tub 31 with a rotational speed identical to the rotational
speed of the induction motor 51 in the dehydrating operation of the
washing machine; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the
rotation transmission means 50 automatically according to the
laundering operation and the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine.
[0026] As depicted in FIG. 3, the rotation transmission means 50
includes a connecting shaft 57 connected with the rotor 54 by a
connecting link 53 to be rotated co-axially with the rotational
center of the rotor 54; a sun gear 49 installed on an end of the
connecting shaft 57; a ring gear 42 which is arranged to have a
certain interval with an outer circumference of the sun gear 49 and
has inscribed tooth 43 on an inner circumference thereof; a
plurality of planetary gears 47 arranged between the sun gear 49
and the ring gear 42 to be meshed with the sun gear 49 and the ring
gear 42 respectively; a planetary carrier 45 connected with the
plural planetary gears 47 to be rotated with the planetary gears 47
when the planetary gears 47 revolve centering around the sun gear
49; a hollow-shaped first rotary shaft 33 connected to the ring
gear 42, supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 26 and fixed to
the inner tub 31 in order to transmit the rotational force of the
ring gear 42 to the inner tub 31; a second rotary shaft 35 disposed
inside the first rotary shaft 33 to be rotated relatively to the
first rotary shaft 33 and connected to the planetary carrier 45 to
rotate in the revolving direction of the planetary gears 47,
namely, in the rotating direction of the planetary carrier 45; and
a clutching device for transmitting the rotational force of the
induction motor 51 only to the connecting shaft 57 or to the
connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42 simultaneously.
[0027] The clutching device includes a first spline shaft 56 formed
at a side of the connecting shaft 57; a second spline shaft 44
extended from a side of the ring gear 42 toward the first spline
shaft 56 of the connecting shaft 57; a clutch 61 having a gear
tooth 62 meshed with the first spline shaft 56 of the connecting
shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the ring gear 42 and
transmitting/cutting off the rotational force of the connecting
shaft 57 to the ring gear 42 selectively while moving between the
first spline shaft 56 and the second spline shaft 44; and a clutch
driving unit 71 having a solenoid 72 disposed at a side of the
clutch 61 to move the clutch 61 in a certain direction when an
external power is applied thereto and a return spring 74 for
returning the clutch into an initial position when the external
power supply to the solenoid 72 is cut off, for rotating operating
the clutch 61 according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine while being controlled
by the control unit.
[0028] The operation of the washing machine in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The
inner tub 31 is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of
the induction motor 51 in the laundering operation, and the inner
tub 31 is rotated at a rotational speed same to that of the
induction motor 51 in the dehydrating operation. The rotational
force transmitting mechanism will be described in detail.
[0029] First, in the laundering operation of the washing machine,
the clutch driving unit 71 is operated by the control unit, while
the clutch 61 is moved, the connection of the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the
ring gear 42 is declutched. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is transmitted to the
connecting shaft 57 through the connecting link 53. Herein, the
rotational force is not transmitted to the ring gear 42.
[0030] And, when the sun gear 49 installed at the end of the
connecting shaft 57 is rotated, by the rotation of the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47 meshed with the sun gear 49 are rotated in a
direction opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49,
simultaneously, the planetary gears 47 are revolved in the same
direction with the rotational direction of the sun gear 49
centering around the sun gear 49. And, by the rotation of the
planetary gears 47, the ring gear 42 is rotated in a direction
opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49, namely,
the same direction with the rotational direction of the planetary
gears 47. Herein, the ring gear 42 is rotated at a speed lower than
a rotational speed of the sun gear 49.
[0031] Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 33 connected to the ring
gear 42 is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of the
induction motor 51, by the rotation of the first rotary shaft 33,
the inner tub 31 is rotated, and accordingly the laundering
operation of the laundry contained in the inner tub 31 is
performed.
[0032] Herein, the second rotary shaft 35 connected with the
planetary gears 47 through the planetary carrier 45 is rotated
inside the first rotary shaft 33 without restriction.
[0033] In the meantime, in the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine, by the control unit, the clutch driving unit 71 is
operated, while the clutch 61 is moved, the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 is clutched with the second spline shaft
44 of the ring gear 42. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is simultaneously transmitted
to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42 through the
connecting link 53. Accordingly, the connecting shaft 57 and the
ring gear 42 are rotated as one body. In addition, the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47, the planetary carrier 45 and the second
rotary shaft 35 are rotated as one body with the connecting shaft
57 and the ring gear 42. The first rotary shaft 33 connected to the
ring gear 42 is rotated in a direction and at a rotational speed
same with those of the induction motor 51, by the rotation of the
first rotary shaft 33, the inner tub 31 is rotated at a high speed,
and accordingly the dehydrating operation of the laundry contained
in the inner tub 31 is performed.
[0034] In the washing machine in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention, by using the induction motor
as a driving motor for rotating the inner tub and including the
rotation transmission means for adjusting a rotational speed of the
induction motor according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine and transmitting it to
the inner tub, the induction motor which is comparatively
low-priced and has little noise can be efficiently applied to the
washing machine.
[0035] Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Hereinafter, parts same with those of
the first embodiment will have the same reference numerals.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 4, the washing machine in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present invention includes a
casing 11 in which an internal receiving space is formed and a door
15 is installed at an opening portion 13 on the front; an outer tub
21 suspended and supported by a spring 27 and a damper 29 in the
casing 11 to contain wash water therein; an inner tub 31 rotatably
disposed in the outer tub 21 to contain the laundry therein; a
pulsator 81 rotatably fixed inside the inner tub 31 to perform
agitating operation of wash water and the laundry contained in the
inner tub 31 while being rotated in the laundering operation of the
washing machine; an induction motor 51 which is disposed in the
casing 11 and consists of a stator 52 and a rotor 54 disposed so as
to maintain a certain air gap from the outer circumference of the
stator 52, and generate a rotational force for rotating the inner
tube 31 by mutual electromagnetic operation with the stator 52; a
rotation transmission means 250 for transmitting a rotational force
of the induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 and the pulsator 81
so that the inner tub 31 and the pulsator 81 are rotated in the
opposition direction to each other with a rotational speed
decelerated from a rotational speed of the induction motor 51 in
the laundering operation of the washing machine, and for
transmitting a rotational force of the induction motor 51 to the
inner tub 31 and the pulsator 81 so that the inner tube 31 and the
pulsator 81 are rotated in the identical direction to each other
with a rotational speed identical to the rotational speed of the
induction motor in the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the
rotation transmission means 250 automatically according to the
laundering operation and the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine.
[0037] As depicted in FIG. 5, the rotation transmission means 50
includes a connecting shaft 57 connected with the rotor 54 by a
connecting link 53 so as to be rotated co-axially with the
rotational center of the rotor 54; a sun gear 49 installed on an
end of the connecting shaft 57; a ring gear 42 which is arranged to
have a certain interval from an outer circumference of the sun gear
49 and has inscribed tooth 43 on an inner circumference thereof; a
plurality of planetary gears 47 arranged between the sun gear 49
and the ring gear 42 to be meshed with the sun gear 49 and the ring
gear 42 respectively; a planetary carrier 45 connected with the
plural planetary gears 47 to be rotated with the planetary gears 47
when the planetary gears 47 revolve centering around the sun gear
49; a hollow-shaped first rotary shaft 233 connected to the ring
gear 42, supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 26 and fixed to
the inner tub 31 in order to transmit the rotational force of the
ring gear 42 to the inner tub 31; a second rotary shaft 235
supported to the first rotary shaft 233 by a bearing 28 in the
first rotary shaft 233 so as to be rotated relatively to the first
rotary shaft 233 and connected with the pulsator 81 and the
planetary carrier 45 so as to transmit the rotational force of the
planetary carrier 45 to the pulsator 81; and a clutching device for
transmitting the rotational force of the induction motor 51 only to
the connecting shaft 57 or to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring
gear 42 simultaneously.
[0038] The clutching device includes a first spline shaft 56 formed
at a side of the connecting shaft 57; a second spline shaft 44
extended from a side of the ring gear 42 toward the first spline
shaft 56 of the connecting shaft 57; a clutch 61 having a gear
tooth 62 meshed with the first spline shaft 56 of the connecting
shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the ring gear 42 and
transmitting/cutting off the rotational force of the connecting
shaft 57 to the ring gear 42 selectively while moving between the
first spline shaft 56 and the second spline shaft 44; and a clutch
driving unit 71 having a solenoid 72 disposed at a side of the
clutch 61 to move the clutch 61 in a certain direction when
external power is applied and a return spring 74 for returning the
clutch into an initial position when the external power supply to
the solenoid 72 is cut off, for rotating operating the clutch 61
according to the laundering operation and the dehydrating operation
of the washing machine while being controlled by the control
unit.
[0039] The operation of the washing machine in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In
the laundering operation of the washing machine, the inner tub 31
is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of the induction
motor 51, herein, the pulsator 81 performs agitating operation of
the laundry and wash water while being rotated in a direction
opposite to the rotational direction of the inner tub 31 at a
rotational speed lower than that of the induction motor 51. Herein,
in the dehydrating operation of the washing machine, the inner tub
31 and the pulsator 81 are rotated as one body at the same speed
with the rotational speed of the induction motor 51. The rotational
force transmitting mechanism will be described in detail.
[0040] First, in the laundering operation of the washing machine,
the clutch driving unit 71 is operated by the control unit, while
the clutch 61 is moved, the connection of the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the
ring gear 42 is declutched. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is transmitted to the
connecting shaft 57 through the connecting link 53. Herein, the
rotational force is not transmitted to the ring gear 42.
[0041] And, when the sun gear 49 installed at the end of the
connecting shaft 57 is rotated, by the rotation of the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47 meshed with the sun gear 49 are rotated in a
direction opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49,
simultaneously, the planetary gears 47 are revolved in the same
direction with the rotational direction of the sun gear 49
centering around the sun gear 49. And, by the rotation of the
planetary gears 47, the ring gear 42 is rotated in a direction
opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49, namely,
the same direction with the rotational direction of the planetary
gears 47. Herein, the ring gear 42 is rotated at a speed lower than
a rotational speed of the sun gear 49.
[0042] Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 233 connected to the
ring gear 42 is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of
the induction motor 51 by the rotation of the first rotary shaft
233, the inner tub 31 is rotated, and accordingly the laundering
operation of the laundry contained in the inner tub 31 is
performed
[0043] Herein, the second rotary shaft 235 connected to the
planetary carrier 45 is rotated in the revolving direction of the
planetary gears 47, namely the same direction with the rotational
direction of the sun gear 49 and is rotated in the opposite
direction to the rotational direction of the ring gear 42. And, by
the rotation of the planetary carrier 45, the pulsator 81 connected
to the second rotary shaft 235 is rotated and performs agitating
operation of the laundry contained in the inner tub 31 and wash
water. Herein, the inner tub 31 and the pulsator 81 perform the
laundering operation while being rotated in the opposite direction
to each other.
[0044] In the meantime, in the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine, by the control unit, the clutch driving unit 71 is
operated, while the clutch 61 is moved, the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 is clutched with the second spline shaft
44 of the ring gear 42. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is simultaneously transmitted
to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42 through the
connecting link 53. Accordingly, the connecting shaft 57, the ring
gear 42 and the planetary carrier 45 are rotated as one body.
Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 233 and the second rotary shaft
235 respectively connected with the ring gear 42 and the planetary
carrier 45 are rotated in the same direction at the same rotational
speed with the induction motor 51. By the rotation of the first and
second rotary shafts 233, 235, the inner tub 31 and the pulsator 81
are rotated as one body, and accordingly dehydration of the laundry
contained in the inner tub 31 can be performed.
[0045] In the washing machine in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention, by using the induction motor
as a driving motor for rotating the inner tub and including the
rotation transmission means for adjusting a rotational speed of the
induction motor according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine and transmitting it to
the inner tub, the induction motor which is comparatively
low-priced and has little noise can be efficiently applied to the
washing machine.
[0046] In addition, by the rotation transmission means, in the
laundering operation of the washing machine, the inner tub and the
pulsator are rotated in the opposite direction to each other,
efficiency of the agitating operation of the laundry and wash water
is increased, and accordingly performance of the washing machine
can be improved.
[0047] Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Hereinafter, parts same with those of
the above-mentioned embodiments will have the same reference
numerals.
[0048] As depicted in FIG. 6, the washing machine in accordance
with the third embodiment of the present invention includes a
casing 11 in which an internal receiving space is formed and a door
15 is installed at an opening portion 13 on the front; an outer tub
21 suspended and supported by a spring 27 and a damper 29 in the
casing 11 to contain wash water therein; an inner tub 31 rotatably
disposed in the outer tub 21 to contain the laundry therein; an
induction motor 51 which is disposed in the casing 11 and consists
of a stator 52 and a rotor 54 disposed to maintain a certain air
gap from an outer circumference of the stator 52 and generate a
rotational force for rotating the inner tub 31 by mutual
electromagnetic operation with the stator 52; a rotation
transmission means 350 for transmitting a rotational force of the
induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 at a decelerated speed in
comparison with a rotational speed of the inductor motor 51 in the
laundering operation of the washing machine, and for transmitting a
rotational force of the induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 at a
speed same with a rotational speed of the inductor motor 51 in the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine; and a control unit
(not shown) for controlling the rotation transmission means 350
automatically according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine.
[0049] As depicted in FIG. 7, the rotation transmission means 350
includes a connecting shaft 57 connected with the rotor 54 by a
connecting link 53 to be rotated co-axially with the rotational
center of the rotor 54; a sun gear 49 installed at an end of the
connecting shaft 57; a ring gear 42 which is arranged to have a
certain interval from the outer circumference of the sun gear 49
and has inscribed tooth 43 on the inner circumference; plural
planetary gears 47 arranged between the sun gear 49 and the ring
gear 42 to be meshed with the sun gear 49 and the ring gear 42
respectively; a planetary carrier 45 connected with the plural
planetary gears 47 to be rotated with the planetary gears 47 when
the planetary gears 47 revolve centering around the sun gear 49; a
hollow-shaped first rotary shaft 333 connected to the ring gear 42
and supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 126; a second rotary
shaft 335 supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 128, disposed
to be rotated relatively to the first rotary shaft 33, and
connected with the inner tub 31 and planetary carrier 45 to
transmit the rotational force of the planetary carrier 45 to the
inner tub 31; and a clutching device for transmitting the
rotational force of the induction motor 51 only to the connecting
shaft 57 or to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42
simultaneously.
[0050] The clutching device includes a first spline shaft 56 formed
at a side of the connecting shaft 57; a second spline shaft 44
extended from a side of the ring gear 42 to the first spline shaft
56 of the connecting shaft 57; a clutch 61 having a gear tooth 62
meshed with the first spline shaft 56 of the connecting shaft 57
and the second spline shaft 44 of the ring gear 42 and
transmitting/cutting off the rotational force of the connecting
shaft 57 to the ring gear 42 selectively while moving between the
first spline shaft 56 and the second spline shaft 44; and a clutch
driving unit 71 having a solenoid 72 disposed at a side of the
clutch 61 to move the clutch 61 in a certain direction when
external power is applied and a return spring 74 for returning the
clutch into an initial position when the external power supply to
the solenoid 72 is cut off, for rotating operating the clutch 61
according to the laundering operation and the dehydrating operation
of the washing machine while being controlled by the control
unit.
[0051] The operation of the washing machine in accordance with the
third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Unlike
the first embodiment, in the washing machine in accordance with the
third embodiment of the present invention, the first rotary shaft
333 connected to the ring gear 42 is rotated as a free end, and the
second rotary shaft 335 connected to the planetary carrier 45 is
connected to the inner tub 31. Accordingly, the inner tub 31 is
rotated in the same direction with the rotational direction of the
induction motor 51 at a decelerated speed. The rotational
transmitting mechanism will be described in detail.
[0052] First, in the laundering operation of the washing machine,
the clutch driving unit 71 is operated by the control unit, while
the clutch 61 is moved, the connection of the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the
ring gear 42 is declutched. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is transmitted to the
connecting shaft 57 through the connecting link 53. Herein, the
rotational force is not transmitted to the ring gear 42.
[0053] And, when the sun gear 49 installed at the end of the
connecting shaft 57 is rotated, by the rotation of the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47 meshed with the sun gear 49 are rotated in a
direction opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49,
simultaneously, the planetary gears 47 are revolved in the same
direction with the rotational direction of the sun gear 49
centering around the sun gear 49. And, by the rotation of the
planetary gears 47, the ring gear 42 is rotated in a direction
opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49, namely,
the same direction with the rotational direction of the planetary
gears 47. In addition, the planetary carrier 45 is rotated in the
same direction with the rotational direction of the sun gear 49 by
the revolution of the planetary gears 47. Herein, the ring gear 42
and the planetary carrier 45 are rotated at a speed lower than a
rotational speed of the sun gear 49.
[0054] Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 333 connected to the
ring gear 42 is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of
the induction motor 51 without restriction, and the second rotary
shaft 335 connected to the planetary carrier 45 is rotated by the
rotation of the planetary carrier 45. And, by the rotation of the
second rotary shaft 335, the inner tub 31 is rotated, and
accordingly the laundering operation of the laundry contained in
the inner tub 31 is performed.
[0055] In the meantime, in the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine, by the control unit, the clutch driving unit 71 is
operated, while the clutch 61 is moved, the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 is clutched with the second spline shaft
44 of the ring gear 42. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is simultaneously transmitted
to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42 through the
connecting link 53. Accordingly, the connecting shaft 57 and the
ring gear 42 are rotated as one body. In addition, the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47, the planetary carrier 45 and the second
rotary shaft 335 are rotated as one body with the connecting shaft
57 and the ring gear 42. Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 333
and the second rotary shaft 335 respectively connected to the ring
gear 42 and the planetary carrier 45 are rotated in a direction and
at a rotational speed same with those of the induction motor 51, by
the rotation of the second rotary shaft 335, the inner tub 31 is
rotated at a high speed, and accordingly the dehydrating operation
of the laundry contained in the inner tub 31 is performed.
[0056] Advantages of the washing machine in accordance with the
third embodiment of the present invention are the same with those
of the above-mentioned embodiments.
[0057] Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 8 through 10. Hereinafter, parts same with those
of the above-mentioned embodiments will have the same reference
numerals.
[0058] As depicted in FIG. 8, the washing machine in accordance
with the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a
casing 11 in which an internal receiving space is formed and a door
15 is installed at an opening portion 13 on the front; an outer tub
21 suspended and supported by a spring 27 and a damper 29 in the
casing 11 to contain wash water therein; an inner tub 31 rotatably
disposed in the outer tub 21 to contain the laundry therein; an
induction motor 51 which is disposed in the casing 11 and consists
of a stator 52 and a rotor 54 disposed so as to maintain a certain
air gap from the outer circumference of the stator 52 and generate
a rotational force for rotating the inner tub 31 by mutual
electromagnetic operation with the stator 52; a rotation
transmission means 450 for transmitting a rotational force of the
induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 at a decelerated speed in
comparison with a rotational speed of the inductor motor 51 in the
laundering operation of the washing machine and transmitting a
rotational force of the induction motor 51 to the inner tub 31 at a
speed same with a rotational speed of the inductor motor 51 in the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine; a speed adjusting
device 91 for adjusting a rotational speed deceleration quantity of
the rotation transmission means 450 in the laundering operation of
the washing machine; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling
the rotation transmission means 250 and the speed adjusting device
91 automatically according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine.
[0059] As depicted in FIG. 9, the rotation transmission means 450
includes a connecting shaft 57 connected with the rotor 54 by a
connecting link 53 to be rotated co-axially with the rotational
center of the rotor 54; a sun gear 49 installed on an end of the
connecting shaft 57; a ring gear 42 which is arranged to have a
certain interval from the outer circumference of the sun gear 49
and has inscribed tooth 43 on the inner circumference; plural
planetary gears 47 arranged between the sun gear 49 and the ring
gear 42 to be meshed with the sun gear 49 and the ring gear 42
respectively; a planetary carrier 45 connected to the plural
planetary gears 47 to be rotated with the planetary gears 47 when
the planetary gears 47 revolve centering around the sun gear 49; a
hollow-shaped first rotary shaft 433 connected to the ring gear 42
and supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 126; a second rotary
shaft 235 supported to the outer tub 21 by a bearing 128, disposed
so as to be relatively rotated to the first rotary shaft 433 and
connected to the inner tub 31 and the planetary carrier 45 to
transmit the rotational force of the planetary carrier 45 to the
inner tub 31; and a clutching device for transmitting the
rotational force of the induction motor 51 only to the connecting
shaft 57 or to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42
simultaneously.
[0060] The clutching device includes a first spline shaft 56 formed
at a side of the connecting shaft 57; a second spline shaft 44
extended from a side of the ring gear 42 toward the first spline
shaft 56 of the connecting shaft 57; a clutch 61 having a gear
tooth 62 meshed with the first spline shaft 56 of the connecting
shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the ring gear 42 and
selectively transmitting or cutting off the rotational force of the
connecting shaft 57 to the ring gear 42 while moving between the
first spline shaft 56 and the second spline shaft 44; and a clutch
driving unit 71 having a solenoid 72 disposed at a side of the
clutch 61 to move the clutch 61 in a certain direction when
external power is applied and a return spring 74 for returning the
clutch into an initial position when the external power supply to
the solenoid 72 is cut off, for operating the clutch 61 according
to the laundering operation and the dehydrating operation of the
washing machine while being controlled by the control unit.
[0061] As depicted in FIG. 10, the speed adjusting device 91
includes a band 92 wound around the outer circumference of the ring
gear 42; and a band driving unit 96 disposed at a side of the band
92 to provide tension to the band 92 in order to make the band 92
approach to or be separated from the outer circumference of the
ring gear 42.
[0062] The band driving unit 96 consists of a solenoid 97 fixed to
both ends of the band 92 so as to act power for making both ends of
the band 92 approach each other in external power supply; and a
return spring 98 for returning the band 92 into an initial state
when external power supply to the solenoid 97 is cut off. The band
driving unit 96 adjusts a rotational speed of the second rotary
shaft 435 connected to the planetary carrier 45 by braking or
releasing the ring gear 42 while adjusting a frictional force
between the band 92 and the outer circumference of the ring gear
42.
[0063] In the meantime, in order to increase a frictional force
when the band 92 is contacted to the outer circumference of the
ring gear 42, it is preferable to install a frictional member 94 on
the inner circumference of the band 92.
[0064] The operation of the washing machine in accordance with the
fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0065] First, in the laundering operation of the washing machine,
the clutch driving unit 71 is operated by the control unit, while
the clutch 61 is moved, the connection of the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 and the second spline shaft 44 of the
ring gear 42 is declutched. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is transmitted to the
connecting shaft 57 through the connecting link 53. Herein, the
rotational force is not transmitted to the ring gear 42.
[0066] And, when the sun gear 49 installed at the end of the
connecting shaft 57 is rotated, by the rotation of the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47 meshed with the sun gear 49 are rotated in a
direction opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49,
simultaneously, the planetary gears 47 are revolved in the same
direction with the rotational direction of the sun gear 49
centering around the sun gear 49. And, by the rotation of the
planetary gears 47, the ring gear 42 is rotated in a direction
opposite to the rotational direction of the sun gear 49, namely,
the same direction with the rotational direction of the planetary
gears 47. In addition, the planetary carrier 45 is rotated in the
same direction of the rotational direction of the sun gear 49 by
the revolution of the planetary gears 47. Herein, the ring gear 42
and the planetary carrier 45 are rotated at a speed lower than a
rotational speed of the sun gear 49.
[0067] Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 433 connected to the
ring gear 42 is rotated at a rotational speed lower than that of
the induction motor 51 without restriction, and the second rotary
shaft 435 connected to the planetary carrier 45 is rotated by the
rotation of the planetary carrier 45. And, by the rotation of the
second rotary shaft 435, the inner tub 31 is rotated, and
accordingly the laundering operation of the laundry contained in
the inner tub 31 is performed
[0068] Herein, the control unit operates the band driving unit 96
of the speed adjusting device 91, by the operation of the band
driving unit 96, a frictional force between the band 92 and the
ring gear 42 is adjusted, and accordingly braking or releasing of
rotation of the ring gear 42 is performed. According to that, a
rotational speed of the second rotary shaft 43 connected to the
planetary carrier 45 is adjusted. In more detail, when a frictional
force between the band 92 and the outer circumference of the ring
gear 42 is increased, a rotational force of the second rotary shaft
435 is increased, when the ring gear 42 is stopped, a rotational
force of the second rotary shaft 435 is maximum.
[0069] In the meantime, in the dehydrating operation of the washing
machine, by the control unit, the clutch driving unit 71 is
operated, while the clutch 61 is moved, the first spline shaft 56
of the connecting shaft 57 is clutched with the second spline shaft
44 of the ring gear 42. And, when the induction motor 51 is
operated, the rotor 54 of the induction motor 51 is rotated, and
the rotational force of the rotor 54 is simultaneously transmitted
to the connecting shaft 57 and the ring gear 42 through the
connecting link 53. Accordingly, the connecting shaft 57 and the
ring gear 42 are rotated as one body. In addition, the sun gear 49,
the planetary gears 47, the planetary carrier 45 and the second
rotary shaft 35 are rotated as one body with the connecting shaft
57 and the ring gear 42. Accordingly, the first rotary shaft 433
and the second rotary shaft 435 respectively connected to the ring
gear 42 and the planetary carrier 45 are rotated in a direction and
at a rotational speed same with those of the induction motor 51, by
the rotation of the second rotary shaft 435, the inner tub 31 is
rotated at a high speed, and accordingly the dehydrating operation
of the laundry contained in the inner tub 31 is performed. Herein,
the control unit makes the band 92 and the outer circumference of
the ring gear 42 be separated by operating the band driving unit 96
of the speed adjusting device 91.
[0070] In the washing machine in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of the present invention, by using the induction motor
as a driving motor for rotating the inner tub and including the
rotation transmission means for adjusting a rotational speed of the
induction motor according to the laundering operation and the
dehydrating operation of the washing machine and transmitting it to
the inner tub, the induction motor which is comparatively
low-priced and has little noise can be efficiently applied to the
washing machine.
[0071] In addition, in the washing machine in accordance with the
fourth embodiment of the present invention, by including the speed
adjusting device for adjusting a rotational speed deceleration
quantity of the rotation transmission means, it is possible to
adjust a rotational speed of the inner tub.
* * * * *