Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drain pump driving apparatus and a laundry treatment machine including the same. A drain pump driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a converter; a voltage dropper to drop the DC voltage from the converter; an inverter module to operate based on a first voltage from the voltage dropper and to output AC voltage converted by a switching operation to a drain pump motor; a controller to operate based on a second voltage from the voltage dropper and to control the inverter module; and a voltage adjuster to adjust the level of voltage information of the motor outputted from the inverter module and to output the adjusted voltage information to the controller. Accordingly, it is possible to stably drive the drain motor.

Abstract: A control device includes: a current detector that detects rotating electrical machine currents flowing to the rotating electrical machine; a position estimator that estimates a rotor position of the rotating electrical machine based on the rotating electrical machine currents; a controller that calculates drive voltage commands based on the rotating electrical machine currents and information on the rotor position, adds position estimation voltage commands and the drive voltage commands to obtain rotating electrical machine voltage commands. The position estimator extracts position estimation currents included in the rotating electrical machine currents, the position estimation currents being changed according to the position estimation voltage commands, and estimates the rotor position of the rotating electrical machine using a DC component of amplitudes of the position estimation currents extracted, the DC component being not changed according to the rotor position.

Abstract: Provided are a motor driving apparatus and a clothing treatment apparatus including the same. The motor driving apparatus includes an inverter unit including a plurality of upper switches and a plurality of lower switches and configured to output AC power to a motor by a switching operation and a processor configured to control the inverter unit to perform power generation braking by maintaining the plurality of upper switches in a full off state and maintain the plurality of lower switches in a full on state. The processor performs a current control step of complementarily switching phase currents flowing into the plurality of upper switches and the plurality of lower switches prior to the power generation braking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drain pump driving apparatus and a laundry treatment machine including the same. The drain pump driving apparatus and the laundry treatment machine including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention include a motor to operate the drain pump, an inverter to convert a direct current (DC) power to an alternating current (AC) power by a switching operation and output the converted AC power to the motor, an output current detector to detect an output current flowing to the motor, and a controller to control the inverter, wherein the controller may calculate a speed ripple of the motor based on the output current and performs a control operation based on the calculated speed ripple of the motor to change a speed of the motor.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine motor including: an outer shaft connected to a washing tub; an inner shaft rotatably disposed inside the outer shaft and connected to a pulsator; an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft; an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft; a stator disposed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor with an air gap; and a planetary gear setmounted on the inner shaft so as to reduce a rotational speed. The washing machine motor includes the planetary gear set which increases a torque by reducing a rotational speed in the inner shaft connected to the pulsator to thereby allow implementation of a large-capacity washing machine.

Abstract: A motor suited for use in a direct drive laundry machine. The described motor has a stator core including an annular ring with an inner diameter between 120 mm and 250 mm, a radial width between 5 mm and 15 mm, and 24 or 27 stator poles projecting outward from the annular ring a distance of between 15 mm and 40 mm. Each stator pole is associated with one of three phase windings. A rotor for the motor has inwardly facing permanent magnet poles whereby the ratio of rotor poles to stator poles is 4:3.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a rotatable treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment, and a motor for rotating the treating chamber, and may be operated such that during the acceleration of the laundry load toward a satellizing speed, the satellizing of the laundry load may be detected, whereby subsequent operation of the laundry treating appliance may be controlled based on the detection.

Abstract: A basket assembly (24) for a washing machine includes a basket and a support bracket (36) adjacent the basket. The basket has a first end (54) and a second end (56) and defines a cavity at the first end for receiving laundry. The support bracket (36) includes a base (40) having a front side (42) and at least two attachment portions (60) extending from the front side. The attachment portions are spaced from each other and are connected to the second end (56) of the basket. At least two fins (74) integrally extend from the front side of the base toward the first end of the basket. The fins (74) are integral with the attachment portions (60) of the support bracket (36) for reinforcing the attachment portions.

Abstract: An electric motor system having substantially independent hardware-based and software-based pathways for detecting and initiating responses to fault conditions, such as over-current conditions, in an electric motor which is powered by a power inverter which is controlled by a power module and a microprocessor. Each pathway involves comparing a voltage, which is representative of an electric current flowing to the motor, to a predetermined maximum voltage, and if the former exceeds the latter using hardware or software to initiate shutting off the motor, such as by shutting off the power inverter. When one pathway detects a fault condition it may notify the other pathway, and the notified pathway may also initiate shutting off the motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine, including a housing; a tub in the housing and having an opening; a drum in the tub; a rotary driving member in the housing configured to provide motive power to the drum and/or to rotate the drum; a tilting driving member between a side wall of the tub and the housing to provide the motive power to tilt the tub; and one or more damping members between the side wall of the tub and the housing to support the tub. The damping member(s) can be varied by tilting the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine (1) comprising a casing (10), a rotatable laundry container (7) suitable for receiving the laundry to be treated and one or more peripheral units (F1, H1, T1, SW1, SW2, S1, 11, Ml, M2, P1) which enable the treatment to be carried out. The laundry treating machine (1) comprises a control unit (20; 120; 220) comprising a printed circuit board (21; 121; 221) with electric and/or electronic devices (22) mounted thereon. The control unit (20; 120; 220) comprises a control and communication section (31) for communicating with a user interface (11), a motor driving section (32; 132) for setting and varying the speed of at least a motor and/or a high power loads section (28) comprising switching devices suitable for controlling at least one heater device (H1, R1, R2) and a power section (24) for supplying power to at least one of said sections (28, 31, 32; 132).

Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by changing the duty cycling profile of the heater and/or mechanical action of the basket in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: An off-balance detection method comprises a plurality of off-balance detection schemes that utilize wash basket speed to detect an off-balance load condition at speed ranges that span the entire spin cycle and include speeds corresponding to natural frequencies of a mass comprising a wash tub and a wash basket. The schemes can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other schemes. The off-balance detection method can further comprise a power limiting method to prevent motor overload when an off-balance condition is present.

Abstract: Provided is a method of operating a motor at a low speed. The method includes sensing an event corresponding to an angular position of the motor. If the event occurs between a first time threshold and a second time threshold, the method includes slowing the motor. If the event has not occurred by the first time threshold, the method includes increasing driving power to the motor.

Abstract: In a washing machine, a power management apparatus and a method of controlling the same, washing operation and drying operation commands are input by a user, power rate information for each time period is received from an EMS, a drying operation execution time is confirmed, and power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are determined based on the power rate information for each time period. Then, the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are compared with the standard power rates to determine whether the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates, and an algorithm of a final spinning mode in the washing operation is adjusted if the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates.

Abstract: A pulley electric motor for a washing machine, comprising a stator, a rotor, electronic power circuitry for actuating the rotor, and electronic control circuitry for controlling both the electronic power circuitry to control movement of the rotor and a discharge electric pump of the washing machine. An actuation system for a washing machine is also described, comprising a pulley electric motor for the actuation of a washing drum and a discharge electric pump for discharging water, controlled by the electronic control circuitry, the pulley electric motor equipped with electronic control circuitry which also controls the discharge electric pump. Also described is a washing machine comprising a housing body for a rotary washing drum, a pulley electric motor connected to the drum through a kinematic belt/pulley coupling, a discharge electric pump, and electronic control circuitry for controlling the pulley electric motor. The electronic control circuitry also controls the discharge electric pump.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for controlling operation of a washing machine motor. Different control algorithms may be used during different time periods of operation of the motor where each algorithm is configured to provide different operating characteristics of the motor based on the needs of the washing machine system. The method and apparatus both provide for changing from one motor control algorithm to another algorithm while the motor is spinning. For certain type motors, a time period may be established between operation of the motor under a first or second control algorithms where no energy is supplied to the motor but the motor is permitted to continue to spin. During this period of time for these type motors, magnetic fields in the motor are permitted to subside prior to application of the second control algorithm.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine a speed at which the laundry satellizes, comparing the same to a given amount or range, and altering execution of the at least one cycle of operation based on comparison such that the laundry treating appliance may be operated in an effective and efficient manner.

Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1), the drum of the washer/dryer (1) is rotated by an electric motor (2), and over heating of the electric motor (2) is controlled by a thermal protector (8) that cuts off the current passing through it when the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined limit value. The thermal protector (8) is energized by the triac (7) that drives the door lock (6) and thereby is prevented from being subjected to high currents.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting a root moisture content of clothing in a clothes dryer. The dryer has two conducting bars situated in the dryer bin. A pulse generator circuit is coupled to the conducting bars. A microcontroller is coupled to an output of the pulse generator circuit. The pulse generator circuit generates a pulse when wet clothing contacts the conducting bars in the dryer bin. The microcontroller receives the pulses and counts the pulses that are longer than a threshold length. The microcontroller issues a termination signal based on the number of counted pulses.

Abstract: A washing machine for reducing vibration and noise during a spin-drying cycle, and a control method thereof. According to the washing machine and the control method thereof, cloth piled up randomly in the washing tub is shaken and loosened through the stirring from side to side of the pulsator or the washing tub before water is supplied after putting the cloth therein, so that distribution of the cloth is made uniform to reduce vibration and noise during the spin-drying cycle. Further, unsatisfactory spin-drying due to abnormal vibration is prevented so that it is possible to reduce unnecessary consumption of water and spin-drying time. Further, even when the user does not put detergent in the detergent box but puts it directly onto the cloth, the detergent is shaken by the movement of the cloth, so it is possible to improve washing performance as the detergent and water are mixed well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine having an improved structure that maintains efficiency over a certain level both in washing and dehydration. The washing machine includes a body, a tub disposed within the body, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, and a motor coupled to a rear surface of the tub to drive the drum. The motor includes a stator including a plurality of stator cores and a plurality of magnets arranged between the stator cores, and a rotor rotatably disposed at an inner side or outer side of the stator.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation including a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber in which a laundry load is received for treatment, a motor rotatably driving the drum in response to a motor control signal, and a controller outputting a motor control signal to rotate the drum according to a speed profile having at least a constant speed phase, where the drum is rotated at a constant speed, and an acceleration phase, where the drum is accelerated to the constant speed and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine an inertia of the laundry load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an inertia of a laundry load for a laundry treating appliance during an acceleration phase.

Abstract: Provided is a motor drive device for a motor for a washing machine of a double-rotor/double-stator structure that can selectively rotate a pulsator and a dehydrator without having a separate clutch, and a motor control method thereof. The motor drive device includes: a motor controller that generates a drive signal according to a laundry control signal to thus control a motor for the washing machine to be driven: an inverter that generates three-phase alternating-current (AC) power under the control of the motor controller, and outputs the three-phase AC power to a first three-phase stator coil for rotating an outer rotor in the motor for the washing machine, and a second three-phase stator coil for rotating an inner rotor therein; and a rotor drive controller that is provided between the inverter and the second three-phase stator coil, to thus block or pass the three-phase AC power under the control of the motor controller and simultaneously change the direction of rotation of the inner rotor.

Abstract: Control method for a washing household appliance comprising a drainage pump unit with an impeller and a motor supplied with an alternating supply voltage of a determined frequency from among a plurality of possible preset frequencies. According to one implementation the method involves an adjustment stage in which the frequency of the motor supply voltage is regulated between the preset frequencies. The method also includes an application stage in which a stator voltage is applied to the motor, the frequency of the motor supply voltage being regulated between the preset frequencies in accordance with the stator voltage applied.

Abstract: A washing machine that calculates a temperature of a balancer to effectively control a motor and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. The washing machine comprises a rotatable drum that receives laundry, a motor that rotates the drum, a balancer that is connected to the drum, the balancer changing a center of gravity of the drum, and a controller that rotates the motor at a constant rotational speed and then calculates a temperature of the balancer based on a period of a variation in rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: A washer dryer including a DC power supply generator that generates a DC power supply from an AC power supply; a heat pump that circulates refrigerant between a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator; an air circulatory path that circulates air between the condenser and the evaporator; a first inverter circuit that receives the DC power supply to drive a compressor motor; a rotary tub disposed rotatably within an exterior tub; a rotary tub motor that directly drives the rotary tub at least during dehydration; a second inverter circuit that receives the DC power supply having an output terminal connected to windings of the rotary tub motor; a voltage detector that detects DC voltage occurring between the second inverter circuit and a power supply bus; a brake controller that controls the DC voltage within a predetermined range by controlling a regenerative electric power when braking is applied.

Abstract: A motor controller includes a power converter energizing a motor based on a commutation signal, the motor including a rotor provided with a permanent magnet and a coil-wound stator; an estimator estimating rotor rotational speed and rotational position; a controller outputting the commutation signal to the power converter, the commutation signal taking a predetermined energization pattern based on a command rotational speed during startup, and being outputted based on the rotational position estimated by the estimator during position estimation; a current detector detecting current flowing in the coil winding; an input power calculator calculating input power of the motor by voltage applied to the coil winding and the current detected by the current detector; an output power calculator calculating output power of the motor by the rotational speed estimate; and a rotational abnormality determiner determining occurrence of rotational abnormality based on comparison of the input power with the output power.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a washing machine is disclosed which includes a dual-motor type motor.

Abstract: A method of braking a washing machine from an operational speed to a reduced non-zero speed is provided (as well as a washing machine incorporating the method) for a washing machine driven by one of a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Upon receipt of a speed reduction signal, the motor rotating magnetic fields are collapsed for a defined time period. After the defined time period, DC braking voltage is applied to the motor stator windings at a controlled ramp-up rate to an amplitude to generate a controlled ramped braking torque on the motor until the motor has slowed to a defined reduced speed. Thereafter, the amplitude of the DC braking voltage is set to 0V and the motor is soft started to an amplitude and reduced frequency needed to maintain the defined reduced speed.

Abstract: A method of braking a washing machine from an operational speed to a zero speed is provided (as well as a washing machine incorporating the method) for a washing machine driven by one of a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Upon receipt of a stop signal, collapsing the motor rotating magnetic fields are collapsed for a predefined time period. After the predefined time period, DC braking voltage is applied to the motor stator windings at a controlled ramp-up rate to a fixed amplitude to generate a controlled ramped braking torque on the motor. The braking torque is applied until the motor is stopped.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a wash basin having a plurality of apertures and an annular liquid reservoir formed at an upper portion of the basin. A plurality of flow channels are arranged around the exterior surface of the wash basin. The plurality of flow channels includes upward flow channels, configured for directing wash liquid extracted from the wash basin into the reservoir under centrifugal force generated in a spin cycle. The plurality of flow channels also includes downward flow channels configured for directing wash liquid from the reservoir to a central drain following the spin cycle. The arrangement avoids the need for an outer wash tub, and at the same time provides stabilization to the wash basin during high speed spins. In another aspect, the wash basin may include wash action ramps provided on a bottom surface of the wash basin and at an upper sidewall of the wash basin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board assembly of an electronic appliance including a plurality of boards on which electrical parts to perform functions necessary for the electronic appliance are separately arranged according to the specification of the electronic appliance. The printed circuit board assembly is divided into a plurality of boards, such that electrical parts having a common specification and electrical parts having different specifications are arranged on different boards, thereby optimizing the printed circuit board assembly and configuring the boards according to the specification of the electronic appliance without loss. Microprocessors are arranged on the boards, and the boards are connected to each other in a serial communication, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses (W/H) and thus configuring the printed circuit board assembly with high reliability.

Abstract: A laundry machine configured to supply a first amount of water to the wash tub wherein a wash plate can be oscillated such that clothes items directly above and in contact with the impeller are frictionally dragged in a oscillatory manner with the wash chamber while continuing to oscillate said wash plate, an additional supply of water is added to said wash tub such that as cloth items lost frictional engagement with the wash plate, the cloth items continue to move along an inverse toroidal rollover path at higher water levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determines a load size of a laundry load located in a laundry treating appliance having a drum defining a treatment chamber that is rotated by a motor based on a given amount of energy applied to the motor, and a measurement of coast time after the given amount of energy is removed.

Abstract: A method of operating a motor, the method comprising: operating a motor at a first speed; operating the motor in negative slip; imbalancing at least one phase of the motor to dissipate regeneration energy using windings of the motor; and wherein a next motor speed is decreased to a speed less than the first speed. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also presented.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a dehydrating tub which is rotatably mounted, a pulsator which is rotatably mounted in the dehydrating tub, a motor which rotates the dehydrating tub and the pulsator, a washing shaft which transmits a rotational force of the motor to the pulsator, a dehydrating shaft which intermittently transmits the rotational force of the washing shaft to the dehydrating shaft, and a power transmission device which is moved according to rotation of the washing shaft.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device is provided, especially for determining a rotational frequency of a rotary body, for example of a washing drum and for detecting the amount and/or of the humidity grade of a laundry situated in the washing drum. The sensor device comprises a first electrode device for the irradiation of an alternating electric field, a second electrode device, into which the alternating electric field irradiated by the first electrode device can be coupled, and an evaluation circuit, which is coupled with the first electrode device and which is formed to generate the alternating electric field irradiated at the first electrode device, for detecting field-electrical interactions on at least one of the two electrode devices. The second electrode device preferably comprises a modulator for modulating the alternating electric field irradiated by the first electrode device.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a drainage pump of a washing machine. The drainage pump is powered by a synchronous motor that is connected to a mains voltage bus by a switch. During one or more stages of a washing program the switch is operated to apply in each half cycle of the mains voltage a delay time from the zero setting of the mains voltage to cause the motor to operate in a cut-wave mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine and a control method thereof to alleviate high-frequency noise generated during rotation of a motor. The washing machine includes a speed sensing unit to sense a speed of the motor, and a control unit to output a speed control signal to adjust the speed of the motor. The control unit confirms whether to enter a constant-speed period upon progress of a dehydration operation, and repeatedly raises or lowers the speed of the universal motor within a predetermined magnitude range if it is confirmed to enter the constant-speed period, thereby alleviating high-frequency noise.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a thermal insulation pad placed in a confined space in the dryer cabinet between the blower fan housing and the dryer cabinet side wall closest to the blower fan housing. The thermal insulation pad is press fit into the space so as to take up much of the volume of the confined space preventing the accumulation of dust or lint over time in the confined space while also preventing the flow of oxygen to the confined space. Accordingly, the thermal insulation pad reduces the risk of a fire starting in the confined area of the dryer cabinet between the blower wheel housing and the adjacent side wall of the cabinet. A thermal insulation pad also acts as sound insulation.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a household appliance, wherein the circuit includes a switched-mode power supply for converting the power supply of a public power supply network into direct supply voltage. The circuit also includes a controller that is connected to the switched-mode power supply for being supplied with the direct supply voltage and for controlling processes of the household appliance. An EMC filter is provided to protect the public supply network from interference signals from the household appliance. The EMC filter includes a condenser that is connected between a phase conductor pole and a neutral conductor pole of the public power supply network; a bleeder resistor that is connected in parallel with the condenser; and a switch that can be activated by the controller to connect the condenser and the bleeder resistor to the neutral conductor pole.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub mounted within the cabinet, and a basket rotationally mounted within the tub for relative rotation therewith. A suspension assembly supports the tub within the cabinet. A variable speed motor is included for rotating the basket about a rotation axis, and an inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor and is configured to control the motor based on a drag torque on the basket.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a washing machine having a basket rotatably mounted within a tub includes a motor having a first pulley. A washing apparatus is mounted within the basket. A rotatable shaft has first and second ends, the first end being directly coupled to the washing apparatus. A second pulley is mounted on the second end of the shaft. A drive belt connects the first pulley to the second pulley. An inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor based on a predetermined agitation profile.

Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.