U.S. patent application number 10/514944 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for washing machine.
Invention is credited to Choi, Soung Bong.
Application Number | 20050223754 10/514944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36803479 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050223754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi, Soung Bong |
October 13, 2005 |
Washing machine
Abstract
A washing machine is disclosed, to minimize power loss when
transmitting power generated in a motor to a washing shaft. The
washing machine includes 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.
Inventors: |
Choi, Soung Bong;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
36803479 |
Appl. No.: |
10/514944 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 6, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR04/00231 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 68/12.24;
68/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/40 20130101;
D06F 37/304 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/003.00R ;
068/012.24; 068/133 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 6, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0007361 |
Feb 6, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0007359 |
Feb 6, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0007369 |
Claims
1. 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, 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.
2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor is
an induction motor.
3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein 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 rotate the
rotor assembly with the rotary magnetic field.
4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein 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.
5. The washing machine as claimed in claimed 4, wherein 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.
6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein 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 brushing shaft
selectively connected with the power transmission device so as to
selectively rotate the inner tub.
7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotor
frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein so as to support
a lower end of the rotor.
8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rotor
supporter includes a step formed along the inner circumferential
surface thereof so as to support the lower end of the rotor.
9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein 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.
10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein 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.
11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein 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 part and the coil
part.
12. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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.
13. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein 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.
14. The washing machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the washing
shaft is rotatably provided inside the dehydrating shaft.
15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein 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.
16. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein 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.
17. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein 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.
18. The washing machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sliding
coupler is connected to the dehydrating shaft, and the motor with
serration.
19. The washing machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein 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.
20. The washing machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
elevating device includes a connection link having elasticity
between the other end of the clutch lever and the clutch motor.
21. The washing machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the clutch
assembly includes a stopper for controlling an elevating height of
the sliding coupler.
22. The washing machine as claimed in claim 21, wherein 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
motor is released.
23. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising
a brake assembly for brake of rotation of the dehydrating
shaft.
24. The washing machine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the brake
assembly includes a brake pad for fixing the dehydrating shaft by
applying friction to the outer circumferential surface of the
dehydrating shaft.
25. The washing machine as claimed in claim 23, wherein 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.
26. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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 by pulling or pushing the drain
valve.
27. The washing machine as claimed in claim 26, further comprising
a brake assembly for controlling the rotation of the inner tub.
28. The washing machine as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
operation motor operates the brake assembly and the drain valve at
the same time.
29. The washing machine as claimed in claim 28, wherein 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.
30. The washing machine as claimed in claim 29, wherein the drain
valve includes: a packing provided to close the drain passage; a
first rod being moved at 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.
31. The washing machine as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first
rod is inserted toward the axis direction inside the second by
sliding.
32. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
operation mode includes a first mode for rotating only the
agitation device.
33. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
operation mode includes a first mode for rotating only the
agitation device by separating the dehydrating shaft from the motor
by the clutch assembly, and transmitting the rotation power of the
motor to the washing shaft.
34. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
operation mode includes a second mode for rotating the agitation
device and the inner tub at the different directions.
35. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
operation mode includes a second mode for rotating the agitation
device and the inner tub at the different directions by separating
the dehydrating shaft from the motor by the clutch assembly,
simultaneously, transmitting the rotation power of the washing
shaft to the dehydrating shaft through the planet gear mechanically
connecting the washing and dehydrating shafts.
36. The washing machine as claimed in claim 21, wherein the
operation mode includes a second mode for rotating the agitation
device and the inner tub at the different directions by separating
the dehydrating shaft from the motor by the clutch assembly,
simultaneously, transmitting the rotation power of the washing
shaft to the dehydrating shaft through the planet gear mechanically
connecting the washing and dehydrating shafts according as the
sliding coupler is provided at a predetermined interval from the
stopper.
37. The washing machine as claimed in claim 36, wherein the stopper
is apart from the sliding coupler at 1-10 mm so that the stopper is
out of contact with the sliding coupler.
38. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
operation mode includes a third mode for rotating the agitation
device and the inner tub at the same direction.
39. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
operation mode includes a third mode for rotating the agitation
device and the inner tub at the same direction so as to transmit
rotation power of the motor to the washing and dehydrating shafts
by connecting the dehydrating shaft to the motor with the clutch
assembly.
40. The washing machine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the inner
tub and the washing shaft are rotated at a high speed so that
washing water rises along the inner wall of the outer tub by
centrifugal force, and drops to the inside of the inner tub.
41. The washing machine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the inner
tub and the washing shaft are rotated at a low speed so that
washing water is maintained near to the inner wall of the outer
tub.
42. The washing machine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the drain
device drains the washing water from the outer tub to the external
during rotating the inner tub and the washing shaft.
43. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor is
rotated at normal and reverse directions.
44. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein 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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, 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.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a general
pulsator-type washing machine. Referring to FIG. 1, 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.
[0004] In this state, a plurality of holes (not shown) are provided
on the wall of the inner tub 2b so that the washing water passes
through the holes between the inner tub 2b and the outer tub 2a.
Also, a pulsator 35 is rotatably provided at a lower central
portion of the inner tub 2b. Meanwhile, 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. At this time, a drain valve (not
shown) is provided at the center of the drain hose 50.
[0005] Then, 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. Also, the
washing shaft 42 is mechanically connected with the dehydrating
shaft 41 by using a clutch assembly 40 provided at a lower part of
the outer tub 2a. Meanwhile, 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 2a. At this time, the motor 3 is
connected with a lower end of the washing shaft 41 by a belt 5.
[0006] In the general pulsator-type washing machine having the
aforementioned structure, when the motor 3 is operated, rotation
power is transmitted to the washing shaft 42 by the belt 5. In this
case, if 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.
[0007] However, the general pulsator-type washing machine of the
aforementioned structure has the following disadvantages.
[0008] As mentioned above, 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.
[0009] In the general pulsator-type washing machine, it is required
to provide the belt with great tensile force so as to prevent the
belt from slipping when transmitting the power of motor. In this
case, since the belt pulls the lower end of the washing shaft with
great force, so that the inner tub and the outer tub may be leaned
in the cabinet.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] At this time, the motor is an induction motor, and 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.
[0015] Also, 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] The rotor frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein
so as to support a lower end of the rotor.
[0019] The rotor supporter includes a step formed along the inner
circumferential surface thereof so as to support the lower end of
the rotor.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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 part and
the coil part.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] The washing shaft is rotatably provided inside the
dehydrating shaft. Also, 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] The sliding coupler is connected to the dehydrating shaft,
and the motor with serration.
[0029] 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.
[0030] The elevating device includes a connection link having
elasticity between the other end of the clutch lever and the clutch
motor.
[0031] The clutch assembly includes a stopper for controlling an
elevating height of the sliding coupler.
[0032] 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.
[0033] Furthermore, a brake assembly is provided for brake of
rotation of the dehydrating shaft.
[0034] The brake assembly includes a brake pad for fixing the
dehydrating shaft by applying friction to the outer circumferential
surface of the dehydrating shaft.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] The operation motor operates the brake assembly and the
drain valve at the same time.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] The first rod is inserted toward the axis direction inside
the second rod by sliding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings;
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating
a general washing machine;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing
machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] 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;
[0045] 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;
[0046] 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;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a drain device and
a brake assembly provided in a washing machine according to the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain device
of FIG. 6;
[0049] 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,
[0050] 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,
[0051] 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, and
[0052] FIG. 8C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a
gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the first
mode;
[0053] 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
invention, wherein,
[0054] FIG. 9A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating
positions of a motor, a power transmission device and a clutch
assembly at the second mode,
[0055] 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
[0056] FIG. 9C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a
gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the
second mode; and
[0057] FIG. 10A 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,
[0058] 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,
[0059] FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a
clutch lever, a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch
assembly at the third mode, and
[0060] FIG. 10C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a
gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the third
mode.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0061] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the
embodiments, same parts will be given the same names and reference
symbols, and repetitive description of which will be omitted.
[0062] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the present
invention will be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, 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.
Then, 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. Also, an agitation device is rotatably provided
in the inner tub 22 so as to agitate washing water and laundry. In
this case, 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.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the agitation device 30 may be formed of
a pulsator having at least one projecting blade, however, it is not
limited to this. Although not shown, 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. That is, the agitation
device 30 may have any structure suitable for being rotated in the
inner tub 22 so as to generate water current.
[0065] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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.
[0066] When the direct connect of the power transmission device and
the motor, if a related art inner rotor type motor is simply
fabricated at a lower end of a related art power transmission
device, a height of washing machine is increased at a degree
corresponding to the rotor. Especially, in case of a top loading
type washing machine where an inlet for laundry is provided on the
top of cabinet, it is very uncomfortable for a user to put the
laundry to the inside of the cabinet through the inlet, and take
out the laundry therefrom.
[0067] In order to solve these problems, as shown in FIG. 2, 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.
[0068] In the washing machine having the power transmission device
being directly connected with the driving motor according to the
present invention, 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.
[0069] Hereinafter, the motor, the power transmission device, and
the drain device will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0070] 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.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the stator assembly 400 includes a core
part 420, a coil part 440, and insulators 460, 460a, 460b and 460c.
At this time, 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. Then, 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 440.
[0072] 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 420, thereby preventing the contact
between the pole 426 and the coil part 440. Then, 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.
[0073] Furthermore, a plurality of connection parts 422 projected
inwardly are provided at the center of the core part 420, and a
plurality of connection holes 424 are provided in the connection
parts 422, for a screw connection of the stator assembly 400 and
the clutch assembly 300. Also, a three-phase terminal for providing
the power is provided at one side of the coil part 440 so that the
rotary magnetic field is generated by the alternating current.
[0074] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] The rotor 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. Then, for rotation of the agitation device, a 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. After that,
a rotor bushing shaft 534b is provided at an upper part of the
rotor bushing 534a. For rotation of the inner tub, 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 650.
[0077] Also, 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. In
this state, 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.
[0078] In addition, 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. When the rotor 510 is
forcibly inserted into the rotor frame 530, the step 539 serves as
a supporter of the rotor 510 for supporting the lower end of the
rotor 510. At this time, it is possible to provide the supporter of
the rotor having various structures instead of the step 539 at the
rotor frame, for example, a projecting rib. Preferably, 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.
[0079] Next, the power transmission device of the washing machine
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIG. 3.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, 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 inner tub to transmit the rotation
power of motor, and the clutch assembly selectively rotating the
inner tub.
[0081] 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.
[0082] Also, the dehydrating shaft 100 includes upper and lower
dehydrating shafts 120 and 140. At this time, 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 predetermined
interval from the upper part of the base of the rotor assembly
500.
[0083] 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 forms
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. In this structure, if the connection
part is inserted and fixed to the connection hole, the dehydrating
shaft 100 transmits the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 to the
inner tub 22 without sliding.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] In case of that heat is generated by friction, 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.
[0087] Furthermore, the aforementioned power transmission device
includes a gear set for connection of the upper washing shaft 210
and the lower washing shaft 240. According to one preferred
embodiment of the present invention, 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 this time, at least one planet gear 200 is provided.
However, it is preferable to provide three or more planet gears 220
so as to prevent damages by overload. Also, 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.
[0088] Preferably, if the separate carrier 230 is fixed to the
upper washing shaft 210, a polygonal-shaped projection (not shown)
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 230,
and an insertion hole (not shown) having the shape corresponding to
the projection is provided at the other.
[0089] 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. By the aforementioned planet gear, 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.
[0090] Meanwhile, 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.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, 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. Also, 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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. Thus, the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is selectively
transmitted to the dehydrating shaft 100.
[0094] In a state of that the inner circumferential surface of the
sliding coupler 650 is connected to the lower dehydrating shaft 140
with serration, 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.
[0095] For example, 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. On the contrary,
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.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 3, the elevating device 600 includes a
clutch lever 640 and a clutch driving motor 620. At this time, 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.
For example, in the washing machine according to the present
invention, the clutch lever is provided in a bent structure of
"L"-shaped form.
[0097] Also, 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.
[0098] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal part 640b of
the clutch lever 640 has an end portion divided into two parts, and
the horizontal part 640b is connected to the lower part of the
sliding coupler 650. Preferably, the upper end of the vertical part
640a of the clutch lever 640 is connected to a connection link 630
provided in the clutch driving motor and having elasticity for
transmitting the power. At this time, the 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. In this case, 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.
[0099] Furthermore, 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.
[0100] For this, 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. In case of that a
fixed projection (not shown) is formed at the upper part of the
sliding coupler 650, and a fixed hole (not shown) is formed at the
lower part of the stopper 660, it is possible to obtain more stable
fixation. Also, it is possible to form the fixed projection at the
stopper 660, and to form the fixed hole at the sliding coupler 650.
Then, a guide part 660b is provided at one side of the stopper 660
to be connected with the clutch lever 640. Also, if 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.
[0101] An operation of the sliding coupler 650 by the elevating
device 600 will be described as follows.
[0102] First, if the clutch driving motor 400, 500 pulls the
connection link, the horizontal part of the clutch lever 640
rotates upward on the hinge axis 660c, whereby the sliding coupler
650 is moved upward. Accordingly, the motor and the lower
dehydrating shaft 140 are separated from each other, so that the
rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is not transmitted to the
dehydrating shaft 100. When the sliding coupler 650 is elevated
completely to be in contact with the stopper 660, it prevents the
rotation of lower dehydrating shaft 140 since the sliding coupler
650 is fixed, so that the inner tub 22 is fixed without
rotation.
[0103] Next, if the clutch driving motor 620 pushes the connection
link 630, the horizontal part of the clutch lever 640 rotates
downward on the hinge axis 660c, whereby the sliding coupler 650 is
moved downward. Accordingly, the rotor assembly 500 and the lower
dehydrating shaft 140 are connected to each other, so that the
rotation power of the motor is transmitted to the dehydrating shaft
100. Thus, the inner tub 22 is rotated at the same direction as the
agitation device 30.
[0104] At this time, the spring 660d of the stopper 660 prevents
the sliding coupler 650 from being elevated, so that it is possible
to maintain the connection of the motor and the lower dehydrating
shaft 140. In addition, the washing machine further includes a
brake assembly for controlling the rotation of dehydrating shaft,
preferably.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the brake assembly 700
includes a brake pad 780 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 720 so as to drive the brake pad.
[0106] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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.
[0107] The brake lever 720 is provided to penetrate one side of the
lower housing 300b, and a predetermined portion of the central part
thereof is hinged rotatably on the hinge axis 740 fixed to the
clutch housing 300. Also, according as the driving motor pushes or
pulls the brake lever 720, brake or release of the dehydrating
shaft 100 is carried out, thereby controlling the dehydrating shaft
100.
[0108] Next, a torsion spring 760 is provided at the hinge axis 740
of the brake lever 720, whereby the brake lever 720 has the
elasticity. In this respect, if the power of the driving motor is
removed, the torsion spring moves the brake lever to an original
position. Also, 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.
[0109] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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 frictional
force to the dehydrating shaft. Preferably, the brake pad is formed
of great abrasion-resistant material. Also, 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.
[0110] Meanwhile, 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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. At this time, 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. Meanwhile, when 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. In this method,
the first rod 77 is connected with the second rod 78 so as to open
the drain passage by the packing 76.
[0114] At this time, 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. In this state,
the first rod 77 is elastically supported with a first spring 79
inserted into the inside thereof, and the second rod 78 is
elastically supported with a second spring 80 provided on the outer
circumferential surface thereof.
[0115] In more detail, 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. When the valve lever 762 extending from the
driving motor 400, 500 and connected with the drain valve 64 is
pushed or pulled by the driving motor 400, 500, the drain valve 64
is opened or closed.
[0116] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
the driving motor 400, 500 for opening and closing the drain valve
can operate the brake assembly simultaneously.
[0117] For this, 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. Thus, when the first rod 77 is moved in case
the driving motor pushes or pulls the valve lever 762, the brake
lever 720 is simultaneously pushed or pulled by the lever
projection 767. In order to improve fabrication efficiency, 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.
[0118] The process for opening or closing the drain valve 64 will
be described in detail.
[0119] In case the 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. Thus,
the first rod 77 is moved at the predetermined distance. However,
in case of the first step mode, 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. At this time, 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. In the first step mode, 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.
[0120] Next, if the 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.
[0121] According as the second spring is pressed, 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 shaft
100 is carried out.
[0122] Hereinafter, an operation of the aforementioned washing
machine according to the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 10C.
[0123] 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.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, in the first mode, 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.
[0125] In more detail, 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. Thus, 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.
[0126] Accordingly, 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.
[0127] According to the revolution of the planet gear 220, 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.
[0128] Next, in the second mode with reference to FIG. 9A to FIG.
9C, the elevating device 600 elevates the sliding coupler 650 so
that the connection of the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft
140 is released. Thus, 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.
[0129] In the second mode, 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 1-10 mm, preferably,
3 mm, between the stopper 660 and the sliding coupler 650 so that
the stopper 660 is out of contact with the sliding coupler 650.
[0130] 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).
[0131] According to the revolution and rotation of the planet gear
220, 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. Thus, 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.
[0132] In the third mode with reference to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C,
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.
[0133] In more detail, this process will be described with
reference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B. First, when the sliding coupler
650 is connected to the rotor bushing shaft 534b of the motor with
serration according as the elevating device 600 moves the sliding
coupler 650 downward, the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected
thereto by the motor and the sliding coupler. Then, the valve
operation motor 400, 500 is operated in the first step mode so that
the drain passage is closed and the brake pad 780 releases the
brake of the dehydrating shaft. Accordingly, the rotation power of
the motor is simultaneously transmitted to the lower washing shaft
240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame, and the lower
dehydrating shaft 140 connected with the sliding coupler 650.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 10C, the rotation power of the lower
washing shaft 240 is transmitted to the sun gear 242, and the
rotation power of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is transmitted to
the ring gear (not shown) being rotated at the same number as the
sun gear 242. Accordingly, the planet gear 220 is not rotated, and
revolves once when the sun gear 242 rotates once.
[0135] According to the revolution of the planet gear 220 and the
rotation of the ring gear, the carrier 230 connected with the
rotation axis of the planet gear 220 is rotated at the same
direction as the lower washing shaft. Thus, 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 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.
[0136] At this time, when the rotor assembly 500 of the motor is
rotated at the high speed, 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.
[0137] In case the rotor assembly 500 of the motor is rotated at
the low speed, the washing water is maintained near to the inner
wall of the outer tub 21 by centrifugal force without "V"-shaped
water current of the washing water between the inner tub 22 and the
outer tub 21, thereby washing the laundry.
[0138] In the aforementioned second mode, if the valve operation
motor is operated in the second step mode, the packing 76 forming
the drain valve 64 opens the drain hose 66, whereby the dehydrating
mode is carried out.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0139] As mentioned above, the washing machine according to the
present invention has the following advantages.
[0140] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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 energy efficiency.
[0141] Also, 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. Thus, it is possible to prevent the lean of laundry
during rotation of the inner tub, whereby it prevents noise or
vibration. Thus, life span of the washing machine is increased due
to decrease of troubles.
[0142] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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.
[0143] Furthermore, 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.
[0144] In the washing machine according to the present invention,
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.
[0145] Also, in the washing machine according to the present
invention, 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.
[0146] 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 the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *