U.S. patent application number 12/216157 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for apparatus and method for detecting malfunction of a clutch of washing machine.
Invention is credited to In Geun Ahn, In Haeng Cho, Du Heig Choi, Kwon Ki Hong, Bon Kwon Koo, Jae Cheol Lyu, Min Jin Oh, Seong No Yoon.
Application Number | 20080263784 12/216157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29554013 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080263784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho; In Haeng ; et
al. |
October 30, 2008 |
Apparatus and method for detecting malfunction of a clutch of
washing machine
Abstract
Device and method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine, the device including a clutch including a coupling
for transmission of a power from a motor to a washing shaft or a
spinning shaft, a clutch motor (60) for providing a power to the
coupling, a switch for controlling the coupling, and a cam (600)
fitted to be rotatable with the clutch motor for turning on/off the
switch in response to the rotation, a power supplying part for
supplying a voltage to the motor and the clutch motor (60), a pulse
counting part for counting a number of pulses of a voltage supplied
to the clutch motor from the power supplying part, and a
microcomputer for repeating a process in which the clutch motor is
stopped for a second set time period (S20) and operated again if
the switch is not switched for a first set time period from a time
the clutch motor is put into operation, and informs to a user that
the clutch is in malfunction if the switch is not switched while
the process is repeated equal to or more than a set times, thereby
determining the clutch of being out of order and informing a result
of the determination to a user.
Inventors: |
Cho; In Haeng;
(Changwon-shi, KR) ; Lyu; Jae Cheol;
(Changwon-shi, KR) ; Koo; Bon Kwon; (Seoul,
KR) ; Hong; Kwon Ki; (Changwon-shi, KR) ; Oh;
Min Jin; (Changwon-shi, KR) ; Choi; Du Heig;
(Changwon-shi, KR) ; Ahn; In Geun; (Changwon-shi,
KR) ; Yoon; Seong No; (Changwon-shi, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
29554013 |
Appl. No.: |
12/216157 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10486100 |
Aug 24, 2004 |
7409737 |
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PCT/KR2003/000971 |
May 16, 2003 |
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12216157 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/159 ; 68/12.16;
68/12.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/304 20130101;
D06F 37/40 20130101; D06F 2103/46 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/159 ; 68/12.25;
68/12.16 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/30 20060101
D06F037/30; D06F 33/00 20060101 D06F033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 16, 2002 |
KR |
2002-0027132 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
KR |
2002-0073611 |
Nov 26, 2002 |
KR |
2002-0074057 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine having a motor and a clutch comprising: a speed sensing
part of sensing a rotating speed of the motor; a microcomputer for
determining the clutch of being out of order depending on
re-acceleration of the motor during a preset time period after
finish of braking of the motor; and a display part for displaying a
message informing the clutch being out of order under the control
of the microcomputer.
23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the microcomputer
determines the rotating speed of the motor of being reduced below a
set speed by using the speed sensing part upon reception of a
braking order from the user.
24. A method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine having a motor and a clutch, comprising the steps of: (a)
determining finish of braking of the motor when a user applies a
braking order; (b) determining re-acceleration of the motor for a
set time period when the braking of the motor is finished; (c)
determining the clutch being out of order is the motor is
re-accelerated, and displaying a message informing the clutch is
out of order.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of
determining finish of braking of the motor includes the step of
determining that the braking of the motor is finished if the speed
of the motor is reduced down below a set speed.
26. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of
displaying a message includes displaying a repair requesting
message, together with the message informing the clutch is out of
order.
27. A device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine having a motor, a motor driving part, and a power supplying
part, comprising: a clutch including: a coupling for transmission
of power to a washing shaft or a spinning shaft from the motor, a
clutch motor for providing the power to the coupling, and a clutch
driving part for driving the clutch motor; a voltage sensing part
for sensing a voltage from the power supplying part to the motor
driving part; a coupling position sensing part for sensing a
position of the coupling; and a microcomputer for determining the
clutch of being out of order if a voltage level sensed through the
voltage sensing part is higher than a set voltage level.
28. The device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a
displaying part for displaying a message informing malfunction of
the clutch under the control of the microcomputer.
29. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the voltage sensing
part includes two resistors connected in series.
30. The device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the voltage sensing
part provides a voltage level of a connection terminal between the
two resistors.
31. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the microcomputer is
provided with the voltage level sensed at the voltage sensing part
through an A/D port.
32. The device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a
coupling position sensing part for sensing a position of the
coupling.
33. A method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine having a motor, a motor driving part, a clutch, and a power
supplying part, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing a level of a
voltage supplied from the power supplying part to the motor driving
part; (b) comparing a sensed voltage level to a set voltage level;
and (c) determining the clutch of being out of order if the sensed
voltage level is higher than the set voltage level.
34. The method as claim 33, further comprising the step of
displaying a message or emitting a signal sound informing the
clutch being out of order, after the step of determining the clutch
of being out of order.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to washing machines, and more
particularly, to device and method for detecting malfunction of a
clutch in a washing machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, the washing machine removes various dirt stuck
to clothes, beddings, and the like by using softening action of
detergent, friction caused by circulation of water coming from
rotation of a pulsator, and impact applied to the laundry by the
pulsator, wherein an amount and kinds of laundry is detected with
sensors, to set a washing method automatically, washing water is
supplied appropriately according to the amount and kinds of the
laundry, and the washing is carried out under the control of a
microcomputer.
[0003] A related art full automatic washing machine is operated in
two methods, one of which is transmission of a rotating power from
a driving motor to a washing shaft or a spinning shaft with a power
transmission belt or pulley, for rotating the pulsator or a
spinning tub, and the other of which is rotating a washing and
spinning tub at different speeds in washing and spinning under the
speed control of a brushless DC motor.
[0004] However, the related art washing machine has a problem in
that malfunction of a clutch used for shifting a power transmission
path can not be detected, failing to prevent damage of the washing
machine caused by the clutch. Moreover, even if the motor is
stopped, the unavailability of means for braking the washing tub in
the case of damage to the clutch is a hazard to the user.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide device and
method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing machine,
designed to solve the related art problem, in which malfunction of
the clutch is determined, and a result of the determination is
informed to a user, for prevention of malfunction and damage to the
clutch.
[0006] The object of the present invention can be achieved by
providing a device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine including a clutch including a coupling for
selective transmission of a power from a motor either to a washing
shaft or a spinning shaft, a clutch motor for driving the coupling,
and a cam fitted to be rotatable with the clutch motor for
providing a switching signal in response to the rotation, a power
supplying part for supplying a voltage to the clutch motor, a pulse
counting part for counting a number of pulses of a voltage supplied
to the clutch motor from the power supplying part, and a
microcomputer for repeating a process in which the clutch motor is
stopped for a second set time period and operated again if the cam
fails to provide a switching signal for a first set time period,
and determines that the clutch is in malfunction if the failure of
providing the switching signal lasts while the process is repeated
equal to or more than a set times.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine including a clutch including a coupling for
transmission of a power from a motor to a washing shaft or a
spinning shaft, a clutch motor for providing a power to the
coupling, a switch for controlling the coupling, and a cam fitted
to be rotatable with the clutch motor for timing on/off the switch
in response to the rotation, a power supplying part for supplying a
voltage to the motor and the clutch motor, a pulse counting part
for counting a number of pulses of a voltage supplied to the clutch
motor from the power supplying part, and a microcomputer for
repeating a process in which the clutch motor is stopped for a
second set time period and operated again if the switch in not
switched for a first set time period from a time the clutch motor
is put into operation, and informs to a user that the clutch is in
malfunction if the switch is not switched while the process is
repeated equal to or more than a set times.
[0008] In further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine having a motor and a clutch including a speed
sensing part of sensing a rotating speed of the motor, a
microcomputer for determining the clutch of being out of order
depending on re-acceleration of the motor during a preset time
period after finish of braking of the motor, and a display part for
displaying a message informing the clutch being out of order under
the control of the microcomputer.
[0009] In still another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine including a clutch including, a coupling for
transmission of power to a washing shaft or a spinning shaft from
the motor, a clutch motor for providing the power to the coupling,
and a clutch driving part for driving the clutch motor, a voltage
sensing part for sensing a voltage from the power supplying part to
the motor driving part, a coupling position sensing part for
sensing a position of the coupling, and a microcomputer for
determining the clutch of being out of order if a voltage level
sensed through the voltage sensing part is higher than a set
voltage level.
[0010] In still further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine, including the steps of (a) putting the clutch
motor into operation for rotating the cam, (b) determining if the
cam provides a switching signal, (c) repeating a process in which
the clutch motor is stopped for a second set time period and
operated again if the cam fails to provide the switching signal for
a first set time period, and (d) displaying an error message if the
cam fails to provide the error message while the process is
repeated more than a set number of times.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine, including the steps of (a) putting the clutch
motor into operation for rotating the cam, (b) determining if the
switch is switched or not, (c) repeating a process in which the
clutch motor is stopped for a second set time period and operated
again if the switch is not switched for a first set time period,
and counting a number of repeated times of the process, (d)
displaying an error message if the switch is not switched while the
process is repeated more than a set number of times.
[0012] In yet further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine, including the steps of (a) determining finish of
braking of the motor when a user applies a braking order, (b)
determining re-acceleration of the motor for a set time period when
the braking of the motor is finished, (c) determining the clutch
being out of order is the motor is re-accelerated, and displaying a
message informing the clutch is out of order.
[0013] In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine including the steps of (a) sensing a level of a
voltage supplied from the power supplying part to the motor driving
part, (b) comparing a sensed voltage level to a set voltage level,
and (c) determining the clutch of being out of order if the sensed
voltage level is higher than the set voltage level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] 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;
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a washing machine in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, schematically;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrate sections of the clutch and motor in FIG.
1, respectively;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a clutch motor in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention:
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a disassembled perspective view of FIG.
3;
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an operative relations between a cam
and a switch when the clutch motor is driven;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a chart for describing operation among a
clutch motor, a cam, and a switch;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a device for detecting
malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate flow charts each showing the steps
of a method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance
with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a device for
detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a device for
detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates clutch coupling positions for an
impeller rotating type and a tub rotating type; and
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0028] 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. FIG.
1 illustrates a washing machine in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, schematically;
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the full automatic washing machine
includes a body 1, an outer tub 2a mounted in the body 1, and an
inner tub 2b rotatably mounted in the outer tub 2a. There is a
pulsator 3 mounted on a central part of a bottom of an inside of
the inner tub 2b for rotating in left and right directions
alternately in washing and spinning.
[0030] The full automatic washing machine also includes a spinning
shaft 5 for transmission of a rotating power to the inner tub 2b, a
washing shaft 4 for transmission of rotating power to the pulsator
3, and a clutch 6 for transmission of a power of the motor 7 to
either the washing shaft 4 or the spinning shaft 5 depending on a
cycle of being a washing cycle or a spinning cycle.
[0031] The clutch 6 has the following system. Referring to FIGS. 2A
and 2B, there is a clutch motor 60 under the outer tub 1, and a cam
600 mounted on a driving shaft 602 of the clutch motor 60. There
are a lever guide 30 fixed in a shaft support bearing case 20, and
a lever 8 having a recess 800 with a sloped surface 801, and a flat
surface 802 extended in a horizontal direction from a lower end of
the sloped surface 801 for making a linear motion guided by the
lever guide when the clutch motor 60 is driven. There is a
connecting rod 17 between the cam 600 and lever of the clutch motor
60 for pulling the lever 8 toward the clutch motor 60 when the
clutch motor 60 is turned on. There is a return spring 14 fastened
between one end of the lever guide 30 and a projection 803 from the
lever 8, for giving a restoring force to the lever 8 when the lever
8 moves away from an end of the lever guide 30. There is a
cylindrical hollow mover 9 for engaging with the recess 800 in the
lever 8 in spinning, and moving down along the sloped surface 801
until the mover 9 stops at an underside of the flat surface 802 in
turning to a washing mode. There are a plunger 10 fitted movable
up/down along a guide groove 900 inside of the mover 9, and a
damping spring 11 between the mover 9 and the plunger 10. There is
a coupling stopper 29 having gear teeth 221 formed along a
circumferential direction of the shaft support bearing case 20
fixed to an underside of the shaft support bearing case 20. There
is a fork formed rod 12 having a fore end of one side hinge coupled
with a lower end of the plunger 10, and a point of a middle part
hinge coupled with a lower end of a support bracket 220 formed
below the coupling stopper 22, for making a seesaw movement around
the point of the middle part when the plunger 10 moves up/down.
There is a coupling 15 fitted to be movable up/down along the
spinning shaft 5 for shifting a rotation power transmission path.
There is a connector assembly 16 for transmission of a rotation
power of the rotor 7b to the washing shaft 4.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cam 600 on the driving shaft
602 moves together with the driving shaft 602 and stops where the
driving shaft 602 stops.
[0033] A relation of movements of the cam 600 and the switch 650
will be described. When the cam 600 is in a state consistent to an
initial point, the switch 650 is in a turned off state. As shown in
FIG. 5C, the state consistent to an initial point of the cam 600 is
a state a rod connecting shaft 601 of the cam 600 is at an initial
point.
[0034] When it is intended to shift the power transmission path for
washing, the clutch motor 60 is put into operation, to turn the cam
600 in an anti-clockwise direction. Since a projection 650a from
the switch 650 is on a cam recess surface 600a until a rotation
angle of the cam 600 reaches to 150.degree. from the initial point,
the switch 650 is in a turned off state.
[0035] Thereafter, since the projection 650a from the switch 650
leaves the cam recess surface 600a as the rotation angle of the cam
600 reaches to 150.degree. from the initial point, the switch 650
is turned on.
[0036] When the rotation angle of the cam 600 reaches to
150.degree. from the initial point, gear teeth 151 of the coupling
15 and the gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 come into
engagement.
[0037] Then, referring to FIG. 5A, when the cam 600 reaches to a
point which is 170.degree. from the initial point, the clutch motor
60 is made to turn off. The reason that the clutch motor 60 is made
to turn off at a point consistent to a maintaining point of the cam
600 is for more firm power shift to the washing mode.
[0038] In the meantime, in spinning after finish of washing, it is
required to return of a position consistent to the initial point.
To do this, at the time of power shift to the spinning tub mode,
the clutch motor 60 is turned on again, to turn the cam 600 in the
anti-clockwise direction. In this instance, as shown in FIG. 5B,
the switch 650 maintains a turned on state until the cam 600 passes
a point which is 328.degree. from the initial point in the
anti-clockwise direction (a point 1580 from the maintaining point
in the anti-clockwise direction), when the projection 650a from the
switch 650 comes to the cam recess surface 600a, to turn off the
switch 650.
[0039] Thereafter, even if the switch 650 is turned off, the clutch
motor 60 maintains a turned on state until the cam 600 reaches to a
point consistent to the initial point under the control of the
microcomputer, when the clutch motor 60 is turned off. In this
instance, a number of pulses of an AC power supplied to the clutch
motor 60 are counted while the clutch motor 60 is maintained in the
turned on state starting from a time right after the switch 650 is
turned off to a time the cam 600 reaches to a point consistent to
the initial point. By using the number of the pulses, the clutch
motor 60 is controlled.
[0040] In the meantime, in a state the cam 600 is at the initial
point, not only the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 and the gear
teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 are disengaged, but also an
upper serration 150a and a lower serration 150b are engaged with a
serration 161b on an outside circumferential surface of an upper
part of an inner connector 16b and a serration on a lower part of
the spinning shaft 5 respectively at the same time, the spinning by
simultaneous rotation of the washing shaft 4 and the spinning shaft
5 is carried out.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 2B, before starting washing, the clutch 6
of the present invention is in a turned off state when no power is
applied to the clutch motor 60, and the coupling 15 is in a moved
down state. In this instance, the mover 9 is positioned in the
recess 800 with the sloped surface 801 of the lever 8.
[0042] In this state, when power is applied to the clutch motor 60,
to turn on the clutch motor 60, driving power of the clutch motor
60 is transmitted to the cam 600, the connecting rod 17 moves
toward the clutch motor 60 as the cam 600 rotates, and, according
to this, the lever 8 is pulled toward the clutch motor 60 along the
lever guide 30. In this instance, the return spring 14 at a rear
end of the lever guide 30 is extended.
[0043] In the meantime, the mover 9 brought into contact with the
sloped surface 801 of the lever 8 when the cam 600 rotates, moves
down along the sloped surface 801, until the mover 9 comes to the
underside of the flat surface 802 of the lever 8 as shown in FIG.
2A at a time the cam 600 comes to the maintaining point.
[0044] While the mover 9 moves down following rotation of the cam
600 and moving of the lever 8 toward the clutch motor, the mover 9
compresses the damping spring 11, and, according to this, the
plunger 10 fitted to be movable along the guide groove 900 also
moves down.
[0045] In succession to this, following the move down of the
plunger 10, the rod 12 hinge coupled with the plunger 10 rotates
around a fastening pin 12b at the point of the middle part of the
rod 12 passed through the support bracket 220 of the coupling
stopper 22 in the anti-clockwise direction.
[0046] While the rod 12 rotates around a fastening pin 12b in the
anti-clockwise direction, an end of the rod 12 is brought into
contact with, and pushes up the coupling 15 along the spinning
shaft 5 in an upper part of the shaft. According to this, as shown
in FIG. 2A, when the power shift to the washing mode is finished,
the gear teeth 151 on the upper part of the coupling 15 are engaged
with the gear teeth 221 on the coupling stopper 22.
[0047] When the gear teeth 151 on the coupling 15 are engaged with
the gear teeth 221 on the coupling stopper 22, the coupling 15 is
freed from the connector assembly 16, such that only the washing
shaft 4 rotates when the rotor 7b rotates. That is, in washing,
because the coupling 15 is engaged only with the serration on the
outside circumferential surface of the spinning shaft 5, but not
with the serration on the upper part of the inner connector 16b
engaged with the washing shaft 4, the rotation power is transmitted
from the rotor 7 only to the pulsator 3 through the washing shaft
4.
[0048] In the state the gear teeth 151 on the coupling 15 are
engaged with the gear teeth 221 on the coupling stopper 22,
rotation of the coupling 15 is prevented by the gear teeth 221 on
the coupling stopper 22.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2A, when shift of a power transmission
path to the spinning tub mode is required for progressing spinning
as the washing is finished while the washing is progressed, power
is applied to the clutch motor 60 again, to drive the clutch motor
60, and rotate the cam 600.
[0050] When the cam 600 of the clutch motor 60 rotates to a
spinning position, the lever 8 moves away from the clutch motor 60
by a restoring force of the return spring 14. According to this, as
shown in FIG. 2B, the mover 9 in contact with the flat surface 802
of the lever 8 is positioned in the recess 800 with the sloped
surface 801 of the lever 8 at the time returning of the lever 8 is
finished.
[0051] At the time the mover 9 moves up following the movement of
the lever 8, the compression on the damping spring is eased, and,
according to this, the plunger 10 moves up along the guide groove
900 in the mover 9. Following the move up of the plunger 10, the
rod 12 hinge coupled to the plunger 10 turns around the fastening
pin 12b in a clockwise direction when the drawing (FIG. 2A) is seen
from above.
[0052] Following the clockwise direction rotation of the rod 12
around the fastening pin 12b, the force of an end of the rod 12
which supports the coupling 15 is eliminated. Then, the coupling
moves down by gravity and the restoring force of the compression
spring 40, and, according to this, the gear teeth 151 of the
coupling 15 is disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the coupling
stopper 22.
[0053] When the coupling moves down fully, the serrations 150a and
150b on an inside circumferential surface of the coupling 15 are
engaged with the serration 161b and the serration in a lower part
of the spinning shaft 5, so that spinning is carried out as the
spinning of the washing shaft 4 and the spinning shaft 5 are
carried out at the time of spinning of the rotor 7b.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, a device for detecting malfunction of a
clutch in a washing machine of the present invention includes a
power supplying part 71, a pulse counting part 72, a microcomputer
100, a motor 7, a clutch 6, and a display part 700.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the clutch 6 includes a clutch
motor 60 for moving up/down a coupling 15 proper to a washing or
spinning cycle, and a cam 600 fitted to be rotatable with the
clutch motor 60 for providing a switching signal in response to the
rotation.
[0056] The power supplying part 71 supplies a voltage to the motor
7 and the clutch motor 60, and the pulse counting part 72 counts a
number of pulses of an AC power supplied to the clutch motor 60
from the power supplying part 71.
[0057] If the cam 600 fails to provide a switching signal within a
preset time period after the clutch motor 60 is put into operation,
the microcomputer 100 turns off the clutch motor 60, and puts the
clutch motor 60 into operation again, and re-determines if the cam
600 provides the switching signal. If the cam 600 fails to provide
the switching signal, the microcomputer 100 repeats a process of
the putting the clutch motor 60 into operation again and the
re-determining if the cam 600 provides the switching signal. If the
cam 600 fails to provide the switching signal even if the process
is repeated for a preset times, the microcomputer 100 determines
that the clutch 6 is not in order. Then, the microcomputer 100
provides a control signal for displaying an error message or
generating a signal sound. That is, the microcomputer 100 counts a
number of times the cam 600 fails to provide the switching signal,
and if the counted number of times is greater than a preset number
of times, the microcomputer 100 makes the display part 700 to
display the error message, or generates the signal sound.
[0058] When the cam 600 generates the switching signal normally,
the microcomputer 100 uses a counted number of pulses of the pulse
counting part 72 for maintaining driving of the clutch motor 600
for a preset time period. That is, that is, driving of the clutch
motor 600 is continued until the counted number of pulses reaches
to a preset number of pulses.
[0059] A method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention will be described for two modes, separately. One
of the modes is a pulsator mode employed in washing or rinsing, and
the other one is a spinning tub mode employed in spinning.
[0060] Of the methods for shifting a power transmission mode of a
washing machine, a process for shifting to the pulsator mode will
be described.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, under the control of the microcomputer
100, the BLDC motor 7 is alternately rotated in left and right
directions momentarily for N times (for an example, two times) or a
preset time period (one to three seconds) at an rotation angle
smaller than a rotation angle in washing (S11).
[0062] The BLDC motor 7 is alternately rotated in left and right
directions in the step S11, for eliminating a cause that impedes
moving up of the coupling 15. The moving up of the coupling 15 is
impeded by surface pressures of the serrations 150a and 110b
exerted to the serration on the lower part of the spinning shaft 5
and the serration 161b on the upper part of the inner connector 16b
in opposite directions caused by opposite direction forces of the
spinning shaft 5 and the inner connector 16b engaged with the
coupling 15 at stopping of the washing machine. Therefore, before
proceeding to the step for moving up the coupling 15 to a position
of the washing mode, the BLDC motor 7 is alternately rotated in
left and right directions for eliminating the cause that impedes
moving up of the coupling 15.
[0063] Then, the microcomputer 100 puts the clutch motor 60 into
operation for rotating the cam 600 (S12). Then, the microcomputer
100 determines if the switch 650 is turned on by the rotation of
the cam 600 (S13). The turn on of the switch 650 means that
engagement of the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the gear
teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22. Therefore, by determining a
turned on state of the switch 650, it can be known that whether the
engagement of the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the gear
teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 is done or not.
[0064] Then, as a result of the determination in the step S13, if
it is determined that the switch 650 is turned on, the pulse
counting part 72 counts a number of pulses of the AC voltage
supplied to the clutch motor 60 while the switch 650 is in a turned
on state. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines if the counted
number of pulses is greater than a preset number of pulses, for an
example, `66` (S14).
[0065] As a result of the determination in the step S14, if the
counted number of pulses is smaller than the preset number of
pulses, the process proceeds back to the step S13. Then, the step
S13 and the step S14 are repeated until the counted number of
pulses is equal to, or greater than the preset number of pulses.
While the step S13 and the step S114 are repeated thus, driving of
the clutch motor 60 is continued. Therefore, the engagement of the
gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the gear teeth 221 of the
coupling stopper 22 becomes more positive.
[0066] Opposite to this, as a result of the determination in the
step S14, if the counted number of pulses of the AC voltage is
equal to or greater than the preset number of pulses, the clutch
motor 60 is stopped (51), and the BLDC motor 7 is alternately
rotated in left and right directions momentarily (S16) under the
control of the microcomputer 100. In this instance, the BLDC motor
7 is alternately rotated in left and right directions at an angle
smaller than an angle in washing for N times (for an example, two
times) or a preset time period (one to three seconds). The two
times of left and right direction alternate rotation is made for
preventing the BLDC motor 7 from putting into operation in a state
the engagement of the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the
gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 is not perfect caused by
mechanical or motor malfunction, in advance.
[0067] In the meantime, as a result of the determination in the
step S13, if the switch 650 is not turned on, pass of a first set
time period, for an example, 7 seconds, from a time point the
clutch motor 60 is put into operation is determined (S17).
[0068] Then, as a result of the determination in the step S17, if
the first set time period is passed, the microcomputer 100
increases an `M` (a number of switch turn on failed times) by `1`
whenever failed (S18), and determines if `M` is equal to or greater
than `N` (a set number of times, for an example, four times)
(S19).
[0069] As a result of the determination in the step S19, if the `M`
is not equal to or greater than `N`, the clutch motor 60 is turned
off for a second set time period, for an example, one second,
(S20), and the clutch motor 60 is put into operation again
(S12).
[0070] In the meantime, as a result of the determination in the
step S19, if `M` is equal to or greater than the set number of
times `N`, the microcomputer 100 makes the display part 700 to
display an error message (S21). That is, if the number of times the
switch 650 is failed to turn on is equal to or greater than the
preset number of times `N`, the microcomputer 100, determining that
the cam 600 or the switch 650 is out of order, displays the error
message on the display part 700.
[0071] Of the methods for shifting a power transmission mode of a
washing machine of the present invention, a process for shifting to
the spinning tub mode will be described.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 9, Linder the control of the microcomputer
100, the BLDC motor 7 is alternately rotated in left and right
directions momentarily for N times (for an example, two times) or a
preset time period (one to three seconds) at an rotation angle
smaller than a rotation angle in washing (S31).
[0073] The BLDC motor 7 is alternately rotated in left and right
directions in the step S31, for eliminating a cause that impedes
moving up of the coupling 15. The moving up of the coupling 15 is
impeded by surface pressures of the serrations 150a and 150b
exerted to the serration on the lower part of the spinning shaft 5
and the serration 161b on the upper part of the inner connector 16b
in opposite directions caused by HHHH crossing of the spinning
shaft 5 and the inner connector 16b engaged with the coupling 15.
Therefore, before proceeding to the step for moving up the coupling
15 to a position of the washing mode, the BLDC motor 7 is
alternately rotated in left and right directions for eliminating
the cause that impedes moving up of the coupling 15.
[0074] Then, the microcomputer 100 puts the clutch motor 60 into
operation for rotating the cam 600 (S32). Then, the microcomputer
100 determines if the switch 650 is turned off by the rotation of
the cam 600 (S33). The turn off of the switch 650 means that
disengagement of the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the
gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22. Therefore, by
determining a turned off state of the switch 650, it can be known
that whether the disengagement of the gear teeth 151 of the
coupling 15 with the gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 is
done or not.
[0075] Then, as a result of the determination in the step S33, if
it is determined that the switch 650 is turned off, the pulse
counting part 72 counts a number of pulses of the AC voltage
supplied to the clutch motor 60 while the switch 650 is in a turned
off state. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines if the counted
number of pulses is greater than a preset number of pulses, for an
example, `66` (S 34).
[0076] As a result of the determination in the step S34, if the
counted number of pulses is smaller than the preset number of
pulses, the process proceeds back to the step S33. Then, the step
S33 and the step S34 are repeated until the counted number of
pulses is equal to, or greater than the preset number of pulses.
While the step S33 and the step S34 are repeated thus, driving of
the clutch motor 60 is continued. Therefore, the disengagement of
the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the gear teeth 221 of
the coupling stopper 22 becomes perfect.
[0077] Opposite to this, as a result of the determination in the
step S34, if the counted number of pulses of the AC voltage is
equal to, or greater than the preset number of pulses, the clutch
motor 60 is stopped (S35), and the BLDC motor 7 is alternately
rotated in left and right directions momentarily (S36) under the
control of the microcomputer 100. In this instance, the BLDC motor
7 is alternately rotated in left and right directions at an angle
smaller than an angle in washing for N times (for an example, two
times) or a preset time period (one to three seconds). The two
times of left and right direction alternate rotation is made for
preventing the BLDC motor 7 from putting into operation in a state
the disengagement of the gear teeth 151 of the coupling 15 with the
gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22 is not perfect caused by
mechanical or motor malfunction, in advance.
[0078] In the meantime, as a result of the determination in the
step S33, if the switch 650 is not turned off, pass of a first set
time period, for an example, 7 seconds, from a time point the
clutch motor 60 is put into operation is determined (S37).
[0079] Then, as a result of the determination in the step S37, if
the first set time period is passed, the microcomputer 100
increases an `M` (a number of switch turn off failed times) by `1`
whenever failed (S38), and determines if M is equal to or greater
than a set number of times `N` (for an example, four times)
(S39).
[0080] As a result of the determination in the step S39, if the M'
is not equal to or greater than the set number of times `N`, the
clutch motor 60 is turned off for a second set time period, for an
example, one second, (S40), and the clutch motor 60 is put into
operation again (S32).
[0081] In the meantime, as a result of the determination in the
step S39, if `M` is equal to or greater than the set number of
times `N`, the microcomputer 100 makes the display part 700 to
display an error message (S41). That is, if the number of times the
switch 650 is failed to turn off is equal to or greater than the
preset number of times `N`, the microcomputer 100, determining that
the cam 600 or the switch 650 is out of order, displays the error
message on the display part 700.
[0082] Thus, the method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention detects malfunction of the clutch when the washing
machine is shifted to the pulsator mode or the spinning tub mode,
to permit to prevent damage to the washing machine caused by the
malfunction of the clutch, and stable mode shifting.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a device for
detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11
illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a method for
detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 10, the method for detecting malfunction
of a clutch in a washing machine includes a key applying part 10
for applying an order of a user, a microcomputer 200 for providing
a control signal for the order of the user applied through the key
applying part 100, a motor 7 and a clutch 6 for being driven in
response to the control signal from the microcomputer 200, a speed
sensing part 120 for sensing a rotating speed of the motor 7, an
EEPROM 130 for storing program on operation and functions of the
washing machine, and a display part 700 for displaying a message to
the user in response to the control signal from the microcomputer
200.
[0085] In the device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, when the user applies an operational order to the key
applying part 10, the microcomputer 200 senses the order, and
provides the control signal to various loads, such as the motor 7
and the clutch 6, for operating the washing machine.
[0086] During operation of the washing machine, if the user applies
a braking order to the key applying part 110, the microcomputer 200
senses the braking order, and provides the control signal to the
motor 7, so as to reduce a rotating speed of the motor 7 to a
preset minimum.
[0087] The microcomputer 200, determining that braking of the motor
7 is finished when the rotating speed of the motor 7 is reduced to
the preset minimum, determines re-acceleration of the motor 7
within a preset time period from the determination that braking of
the motor 7 is finished. Because there may be an occurrence of a
case when the inner tub 2b (see FIG. 1) keeps rotating even if the
motor 7 is braked due to out of order of the clutch 6, resulting in
the re-acceleration of the motor 7. Therefore, if the motor 7 is
re-accelerated to a particular speed within a preset time period,
determining that the clutch 6 is out of order, the occurrence of
out of order of the clutch 6 is displayed on the display part
700.
[0088] The method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a
washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention will be described.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 11, when the user applies washing machine
operation order 110 of washing, rinsing, or spinning to the key
applying part 100, the microcomputer 200 provides a control order,
to start an operation of the user's order (S51).
[0090] During the operation of the user's order, the microcomputer
200 determines if the user applies a braking order (S52).
[0091] As a result of the determination in the step S52, if it is
determined that application of the braking order is made, the
microcomputer 200 reduces the rotating speed of the motor 7 to a
preset minimum rotating speed (S53). Then, the microcomputer 200
determines if braking of the motor 7 is finished (S54).
[0092] As a result of the determination in the step S54, if it is
determined that braking of the motor 7 is finished, the
microcomputer 200 determines if a preset time period is passed
(S55).
[0093] Then, as a result of the determination in the step S55, if
it is determined that the preset time period is not passed, the
microcomputer 200 determines if a re-acceleration of the motor 7 is
detected (S56).
[0094] As a result of the determination in the step S56, if it is
determined that the re-acceleration of the motor 7 is detected
before pass of the preset time period, the microcomputer 200,
determining that the clutch 6 is Out of order, displays a clutch
error message on the display part 700 (S57). In this instance, a
clutch repair requesting message may be displayed, together with
the clutch error message.
[0095] In the meantime, as a result of the determination in the
step S52, if it is determined that no braking order is applied, an
operation according to the user's set course is continued
(S58).
[0096] Thus, in the device and method for detecting malfunction of
a clutch in a washing machine in accordance with a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention, when the user applies a
braking order during operation, though braking is finished as a
rotating speed is reduced to a preset minimum, if the clutch is not
out of order, re-acceleration of the motor 7 within a preset time
period from finishing the braking is detected at a speed sensing
part 120, if the clutch 6 is broken or out of order.
[0097] If the re-acceleration of the motor 7 is detected, the
microcomputer 200, determining that the clutch 6 is broken or out
of order, displays an occurrence of out of order of the clutch 6 on
the display part 700, for the user to take a quick action with
reference to the display.
THIRD EMBODIMENT
[0098] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a device for
detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention, referring to which
the device for detecting malfunction of a clutch in accordance with
a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 12, the device for detecting malfunction
of a clutch includes a power supplying part 71, a motor driving
part 310 for receiving a voltage from the power supplying part 71,
and driving the motor 7, a clutch driving part 330 for driving a
clutch motor 6 to control a position of a coupling 15 (see FIGS. 2A
and 2B) of the clutch 6, a coupling position sensing part 340 for
sensing the position of the coupling 15, a voltage sensing part 320
connected to an input terminal of the motor driving part 310 for
sensing a voltage from the power supplying part 71 to the motor
driving part 310, a microcomputer 300 for controlling the motor
driving part 310 and the clutch driving part 330 so as to operate
the motor 7 and the clutch 6, and understanding as a clutch
malfunction if the voltage sensed through the voltage sensing part
320 is higher than a preset voltage, and a display part 700 for
displaying a clutch malfunction message in response to a
control-signal from the microcomputer 300.
[0100] In the present invention, the microcomputer 300 senses the
voltage to the motor driving part 310 through the voltage sensing
part 320 when the washing machine is driven in a tub rotating mode.
In this instance, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the tub rotating mode,
the coupling 15 is moved up, to engage the coupling 15 with the
outer tub 13 connected to the washing tub 2b, for transmitting a
rotation power from the motor 7 both to the pulsator 3 and the
washing tub 2b.
[0101] The voltage sensing part 320 includes first and second
resistors R1 and R12 connected in a series, with a connection
terminal between the first and second resistors R11 and R12
connected to an A/D input port of the microcomputer 300.
[0102] The microcomputer 300 receives a voltage from the voltage
sensing part 320 through the A/D input port, and understands that
the clutching operation is normal in the tub rotating mode if the
received voltage is lower than a preset voltage, and, opposite to
this, understands that a malfunction is caused by clutching
coupling breakage if the received voltage is higher than the preset
voltage.
[0103] In the tub rotating mode, in which the clutch coupling 15 is
engaged with the outer tub 13 to transmit the rotating power from
the motor 7 both to the pulsator and the washing tub, if the clutch
coupling 15 is broken or out of a regular position, causing to fail
a regular engagement of the clutch coupling 15 and the outer tub
13, a voltage higher than a regular case is occurred on opposite
terminals of the motor driving part 330.
[0104] If a voltage irregularly higher than a regular case is
sensed, i.e., if a malfunction is occurred by the breakage of the
clutch coupling 15, the microcomputer 300 provides a control signal
to the display part 700 to display an error message.
[0105] A method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing
machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the
present invention will be described.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 14, the microcomputer 300 determines if
the present operation is in a tub rotating mode (S61).
[0107] As a result of the determination in the step S61, if it is
determined that if the present operation is not in a tub rotating
mode, the microcomputer 300 puts the clutch motor 60 into
operation, to separate the clutch coupling 15 from the outer tub
13, and operates the washing machine in an impeller rotating mode
(S62). As shove in FIG. 13A, in the impeller rotating mode, the
clutch coupling 15 and the outer tub 13 are separated for
transmission of the motor 7 rotating power only to the pulsator
3.
[0108] Opposite to this, as a result of the determination in the
step S61, if it is determined that the present operation is in the
tub rotating mode, the voltage sensing part 320 senses a DC voltage
at opposite terminals of the motor driving part 330 (S63).
[0109] Then, the microcomputer 300 receives the voltage from the
voltage sensing part 320 through the A/D input port, and determines
a level of the voltage of being lower than a level of a preset
voltage (S64).
[0110] As a result of the determination in the step S64, if it is
determined that the voltage is lower than the preset voltage, the
microcomputer 300 continues the tub rotating mode (S65).
[0111] Opposite to this, as a result of the determination in the
step S64, if it is determined that the voltage is higher than the
preset voltage, the microcomputer 300 understands that the clutch
coupling 15 is out of order or broken (66), and displays an error
message on the display part 700, or emits a signal sound (S67).
[0112] Thus, the present invention can display an error message on
a malfunction caused by breakage of clutch coupling 15 when a
voltage on opposite input terminals of the motor driving part 310
high irregularly when the washing machine is in a tub rotating
mode.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0113] As has been described, the device and method for detecting
malfunction of a clutch in a washing machine can prevent
malfunction and breakage of a clutch by determining out of order of
the clutch, and informing a result of the determination to a user,
and hazard to the user can be reduced as irregular operation of the
washing tub or the spinning tub caused by the clutch malfunction or
breakage can be prevented.
[0114] 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.
* * * * *