U.S. patent application number 10/931988 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for washing machine using bldc motor.
Invention is credited to Lee, Woon Yong.
Application Number | 20050126232 10/931988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34651413 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050126232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Woon Yong |
June 16, 2005 |
Washing machine using BLDC motor
Abstract
A washing machine using a BLDG motor is disclosed. The washing
machine having a brushless DC motor for rotating a tub includes a
case, a dynamic braking resistor, mounted with respect the case,
producing heat energy when the brushless DC motor is braked, and a
mount, coupled to the case and the dynamic braking resistor, for
impeding a transfer of the heat energy of the dynamic braking
resistor to the case.
Inventors: |
Lee, Woon Yong;
(Gwangsan-gu, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
Song K. Jung
1900 K. Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
34651413 |
Appl. No.: |
10/931988 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/131 ; 68/132;
68/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/304
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/131 ;
068/132; 068/133 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2003 |
KR |
P2003-90700 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine having a brushless DC motor for rotating a
tub, comprising: a case; a dynamic braking resistor, mounted with
respect the case, producing heat energy when the brushless DC motor
is braked; and a mount, coupled to the case and the dynamic braking
resistor, for impeding a transfer of the heat energy of the dynamic
braking resistor to the case.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises: a
first mounting member for fixing the dynamic braking resistor; and
a second mounting member for separating the fixed dynamic braking
resistor from the case.
3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the first and second
mounting members are integrally formed as one body.
4. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the first mounting
member comprises: a flange fixed to the dynamic braking resistor;
and a frame, connected to the second mounting member, for
supporting the flange.
5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the frame has at least
one aperture for facilitating air circulation with respect to the
dynamic braking resistor.
6. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the frame comprises a
bent perimeter for imparting the frame with rigidity.
7. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the second mounting
member establishes a predetermined distance between the frame and
the case, based on the height of the dynamic braking resistor.
8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the second mounting
member has a length greater than the height of the dynamic braking
resistor.
9. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the flange extends from
the frame to separate the fixed dynamic braking resistor from the
frame.
10. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein the second mounting
member has a length greater than the height of the dynamic braking
resistor plus the separation between the fixed dynamic braking
resistor and the frame.
11. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the second mounting
member is secured to an upper surface of the case.
12. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the dynamic braking
resistor is disposed between the first mounting member and the
upper surface of the case.
13. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dynamic braking
resistor is fixed to the first mounting member using at least one
screw.
14. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dynamic braking
resistor is fixed to the first mounting member using two
screws.
15. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the second mounting
member is secured to the case using at least one screw.
16. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the second mounting
member is secured to the case using four screws.
17. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the mount further
comprises: a plurality of substantially flat surfaces formed of a
rigid material; and a channel, formed in the flat surfaces, for
increasing the rigidity of the flat surfaces.
18. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the first mounting
member comprises parallel sides joined by a central strut, the
parallel sides being supported on the second mounting member.
19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the first mounting
member further comprises a plurality of channels, respectively
formed in the parallel sides and the central strut.
20. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the second mounting
member comprises four legs, each leg supporting the first mounting
member at a separate point.
21. The washing machine of claim 20, wherein the second mounting
member further comprises a plurality of channels, respectively
formed in each leg.
22. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the dynamic braking
resistor is disposed above the case.
23. The washing machine of claim 22, wherein the mount is secured
to an upper surface of the case.
24. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the mount is formed of
a material having a low heat transfer coefficient.
25. A washing machine having a brushless DC motor for rotating a
tub, comprising: a case; a dynamic braking resistor, mounted with
respect the case, producing heat energy when the brushless DC motor
is braked; a flange fixed to the dynamic braking resistor; a frame,
connected to the second mounting member and separated from the
flange, for supporting the flange; and at least one leg, having one
end connected to the frame and the other end secured to the case,
the at least one leg having a length greater than a height of the
dynamic braking resistor plus the separation of the flange from the
frame.
26. The washing machine of claim 25, wherein the frame has at least
one aperture for facilitating air circulation with respect to the
dynamic braking resistor.
27. The washing machine of claim 25, wherein the flange, the frame,
and the at least one leg are formed as substantially flat surfaces
of a rigid material, at least one surface comprising a channel for
increasing the rigidity of the flat surfaces.
28. The washing machine of claim 25, wherein at least one of the
flange, the frame, and the at least one leg is formed of a material
having a low heat transfer coefficient.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Application
No. P2003-090700, filed on Dec. 12, 2003, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a washing machine using a
BLDC motor, and more particularly, to a mount fixing a dynamic
braking resistor of a washing machine.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a washing machine as a representative one of home
appliances is an apparatus for removing filth or dirt attached to a
laundry using interaction between water and detergent. Such a
washing machine is categorized into various types according to a
laundry-impacting system. A washing machine using a BLDC (brushless
direct current) motor removes the dirt attached to the laundry by
rotating a tub at a different speed during washing or dewatering by
regulating the speed of the BLDC motor. The washing machine is
explained in detail by referring to FIG. 1 as follows.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
using BLDC motor according to a related art. Referring to FIG. 1, a
case 10 forms an exterior of a washing machine 1. A tub 20 is
rotatably provided within the case 10. A pulsator 30 enabling to
independently rotate regardless of the tub 20 is provided within
the tub 20. A BLDC motor 40 is provided under the tub 20 to
transfer a dynamic force to the tub 20 or pulsator 30. A dynamic
braking resistor 50 is provided to a topside of the case 10. The
dynamic braking resistor 50 is a device for transforming braking
energy generated from sudden stop of the BLDC motor into thermal
energy to dissipate.
[0007] Specifically, when the BLDC motor 40 is suddenly stopped, a
counter electromotive force is generated from the BLDC motor 40 to
provide high voltage. The provided high voltage causes damage to
the BLDC motor 40. Hence, a voltage detecting circuit detects the
provided high voltage and excessive energy is then dissipated into
heat by the dynamic braking resistor 50 that is an energy
dissipater. However, the heat generated from the dynamic braking
resistor transforms a topside of the case while the dynamic braking
resistor thermally dissipates electricity. Moreover, the heat
generated from the dynamic braking resistor is transferred to other
devices of the washing machine to cause thermal transformation of
the corresponding devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing
machine using a BLDC motor that substantially obviates one or more
of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related
art.
[0009] An object of the present invention, which has been devised
to solve the foregoing problem, lies in providing a heat-transfer
preventing mount, by which heat generated from a dynamic braking
resistor is prevented from being transferred to a case or other
devices of a washing machine.
[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination
of the following or may be learned from a practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the subject matter particularly
pointed out in the specification and claims hereof as well as in
the appended drawings.
[0011] To achieve these objects and other advantages in accordance
with the present invention, as embodied and broadly described
herein, a washing machine having a brushless DC motor for rotating
a tub includes a case, a dynamic braking resistor, mounted with
respect the case, producing heat energy when the brushless DC motor
is braked, and a mount, coupled to the case and the dynamic braking
resistor, for impeding a transfer of the heat energy of the dynamic
braking resistor to the case.
[0012] The mount may include a first mounting member for fixing the
dynamic braking resistor, and a second mounting member for
separating the fixed dynamic braking resistor from the case. The
first and second mounting members are integrally formed as one
body. The first mounting member may include a flange fixed to the
dynamic braking resistor, and a frame, connected to the second
mounting member, for supporting the flange. The frame may have at
least one aperture for facilitating air circulation with respect to
the dynamic braking resistor. The frame may include a bent
perimeter for imparting the frame with rigidity.
[0013] The second mounting member may establish a predetermined
distance between the frame and the case, based on the height of the
dynamic braking resistor. The second mounting member may have a
length greater than the height of the dynamic braking resistor. The
flange may extend from the frame to separate the fixed dynamic
braking resistor from the frame. The second-mounting member has a
length greater than the height of the dynamic braking resistor plus
the separation between the fixed dynamic braking resistor and the
frame. The second mounting member may be secured to an upper
surface of the case.
[0014] The dynamic braking resistor may be disposed between the
first mounting member and the upper surface of the case. The
dynamic braking resistor may be fixed to the first mounting member
using at least one screw. The dynamic braking resistor may be fixed
to the first mounting member using two screws. The second mounting
member may be secured to the case using at least one screw. And,
the second mounting member may be secured to the case using four
screws.
[0015] The mount may include a plurality of substantially flat
surfaces formed of a rigid material, and a channel, formed in the
flat surfaces, for increasing the rigidity of the flat surfaces.
Herein, the first mounting member may include parallel sides joined
by a central strut, the parallel sides being supported on the
second mounting member. The first mounting member may also include
a plurality of channels, respectively formed in the parallel sides
and the central strut. The second mounting member may include four
legs, each leg supporting the first mounting member at a separate
point. The second mounting member may also include comprises a
plurality of channels, respectively formed in each leg. The dynamic
braking resistor may be disposed above the case. And, the mount may
be secured to an upper surface of the case. The mount may be formed
of a material having a low heat transfer coefficient.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, a washing
machine having a brushless DC motor for rotating a tub includes a
case, a dynamic braking resistor, mounted with respect the case,
producing heat energy when the brushless DC motor is braked, a
flange fixed to the dynamic braking resistor, a frame, connected to
the second mounting member and separated from the flange, for
supporting the flange, and at least one leg, having one end
connected to the frame and the other end secured to the case, the
at least one leg having a length greater than a height of the
dynamic braking resistor plus the separation of the flange from the
frame.
[0017] Herein, the frame may have at least one aperture for
facilitating air circulation with respect to the dynamic braking
resistor. And, the flange, the frame, and the at least one leg may
be formed as substantially flat surfaces of a rigid material, at
least one surface comprising a channel for increasing the rigidity
of the flat surfaces. At least one of the flange, the frame, and
the at least one leg is formed of a material having a low heat
transfer coefficient.
[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing explanation
and the following detailed description of the present invention are
exemplary and illustrative and are intended to provide further
explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
according to a related art;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of a mount according to
the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a mount according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings,
like elements are indicated using the same or similar reference
designations where possible.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
using a BLDC motor according to the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 2, an exterior of a washing machine using a BLDC motor is
configured by a case. A washing machine 100 according to the
present invention includes a case 110, a tub 120, a motor 130, a
dynamic braking resistor 150, and a mount 200 preventing heat
transfer. The case 110 forms an exterior of the washing machine 100
and the tub 120 is rotatably provided within the case 110. And, a
pulsator may be rotatably provided within the tub 120. Besides, a
cover 160 may be further provided to a topside of the tub 120 to
open/close the tub 120. A motor 130 is provided beneath the tub 120
to rotate the tub 120. In the present invention, the motor 130 is a
BLDC (brushless direct current) motor 130.
[0026] Meanwhile, in the washing machine 100 using the BLDC motor
130 enabling electrical braking without a mechanical braking
device, if a user opens the cover 160 in the course of high-speed
dewatering, a safety device (not shown in the drawing) makes a
sudden stop of the motor 130. In doing so, the motor 130 plays a
role of generator or dynamo to generate a counter electromotive
force, whereby high voltage is produced. In order to prevent
various devices of the washing machine 100 from being broken, a
dynamic braking resistor 150, which transforms electricity of high
voltage into heat to dissipate, is provided within the washing
machine 100. Although the dynamic braking resistor 150 fails to be
clearly shown in the drawing, a nicrome wire emitting heat at high
temperature is loaded within a glass tube and a space between the
nicrome wire and the glass tube is filled with an insulating
material.
[0027] And, the mount 200 fixes the dynamic braking resistor 150 to
an inside of the washing machine 100 and prevents the heat
generated from the dynamic braking resistor 150 from being
transferred to other devices of the washing machine 100. The mount
200 is explained in detail by referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 as
follows. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the mount 200 includes a
first mounting member 210 and a second mounting member 250. The
first mounting member 210 is coupled to the dynamic braking
resistor 150. And, the second mounting member 250 extends from the
first mounting member 210 to separate the dynamic braking resistor
150 from a device of the washing machine 100.
[0028] The first mounting member 210 includes a coupling part 220
coupled to the dynamic braking resistor 150 and a support part 230
supporting the coupling part 220. In order to reduce a contact area
between the dynamic braking resistor 150 and the mount 200, the
coupling part 220 protrudes from the support part 230 to have a
predetermined height. Namely, the coupling part 220 protrudes
upward or downward from the support part 230 to have the
predetermined height different from that of the support part 230.
The coupling part 220 protrudes upward if the dynamic braking
resistor 150 is coupled to a topside of the support part 230.
Alternatively, the coupling part 220 protrudes downward if the
dynamic braking resistor 150 is coupled to a bottom side of the
support part 230.
[0029] The coupling part 220 includes a hole 221 penetrated by a
screw 170 to be coupled to the dynamic braking resistor 150. Hence,
the dynamic braking resistor 150 is coupled to the first mounting
member 210, i.e., the coupling part 220 by the screw 170. And, the
support part 230 includes an opening 221 facilitating the dynamic
braking resistor 150 to be smoothly contacted with air to activate
cooling. The opening 231 is formed across an overall area of the
support part 230. In order to reinforce rigidity of the support
part 230, a rim 232 of the support part 230 is bent downward.
[0030] As mentioned in the foregoing description, the second
mounting member 250 extends from the first mounting member 210, and
more particularly, from the support part 230 to be coupled to a
device of the washing machine. Specifically, the second mounting
member 250 includes at least one or more legs. One side of each of
the legs is connected to the support part 230 and the other side of
each of the legs is coupled to a topside of the case 110.
[0031] In order not to occupy a space excessively, the dynamic
braking resistor 150 is coupled to a bottom side of the first
mounting member 210. In doing so, the second mounting member 250 is
formed longer than a height of the dynamic braking resistor 150 to
separate the dynamic braking resistor 150 from the device of the
washing machine 100. And, the second mounting member 250 is coupled
to the device of the washing machine 100 by another screw 170.
Specifically, a tip of the second mounting member 250 is bent
parallel to a topside of the device of the washing machine 100, and
more particularly, to the topside of the case 110. A hole 251 is
formed in the bent portion of the second mounting member 250 so
that the second mounting member 250 can be coupled to the topside
of the case 110.
[0032] Meanwhile, the mount 200 may be bent by the weight of the
dynamic braking resistor 150. In order to prevent the bending of
the mount 200, the mount 200 further includes a bead 260
reinforcing rigidity. Specifically, at least one of the coupling
part 220, support part 230, and second mounting member 250, i.e., a
plurality of the legs, should further include the bead 260. In
order to facilitate the coupling to the washing machine 100, the
mount 200 is preferably provided to the topside of the case 110.
Moreover, in order to prevent the heat generated from the dynamic
braking resistor 150 from being transferred to the case 110 and the
device of the washing machine 100, the mount 200 is formed of a
material having a low heat transfer coefficient. Specifically, at
least one of the coupling part 220, support part 230, and second
mounting member 250, i.e., a plurality of the legs, is formed of a
material having a low heat transfer coefficient.
[0033] An operation of the washing machine 100 using the BLDC motor
130 according to the present invention is explained as follows.
[0034] First of all, the mount 200 having the dynamic braking
resistor 150 coupled thereto is fixed to the topside of the case
110. When the dynamic braking resistor 150 emits heat, the mount
200 prevents the heat from being transferred to the topside of the
case 110 and the device of the washing machine 100. Hence, the
topside of the case 100 and the device of the washing machine
enable to avoid being transformed by the heat.
[0035] Namely, while the dynamic braking resistor 150 is coupled to
the first mounting member 210, the second mounting member 250
extending from the first mounting member 210 is coupled to the
topside of the case 110 or the device of the washing machine. In
this case, as the second mounting member 250 has the length greater
than the height of the dynamic braking resistor 150, the dynamic
braking resistor 150 is separated from the topside of the case 110
or the device of the washing machine to leave a predetermined
distance from each other.
[0036] Accordingly, the present invention has the following
advantages or effects.
[0037] First of all, the mount prevents the heat emitted from the
dynamic braking resistor from being transferred to the case,
whereby the case is not transformed by the heat. Secondly, the
mount prevents the heat emitted from the dynamic braking resistor
from being transferred to the device of the washing machine,
whereby the device of the washing machine enables to avoid being
transformed by the heat.
[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications
and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *