Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.

Abstract: A shopping information providing method implemented by an Internet shopping mall server, the shopping information providing method includes receiving a request of product explanation on a predetermined product from a customer; transmitting an operating principle selection page to select one of the operating principles of the predetermined product to an Internet access portal of the customer; receiving selection information on the selected one of the operating principle from the Internet access portal; and transmitting a multimedia document to simulate the selected one of the operating principles to the Internet access portal. Therefore, customers can easily understand the operating principles of a product. In addition, the Internet shopping mall operator can enhance customer loyalty to the Internet shopping mall and the goodwill of the Internet shopping mall.

Abstract: A ball balancer for a washing machine having a rotary tub is provided. The ball balancer comprises an annular casing installed coaxially atop a cylindrical body of the rotary tub and having a radial inner wall and a radial outer wall to form an annular chamber therebetween. Balancing balls and viscous fluid are movably contained in the chamber. An annular reinforcing member is arranged coaxially with the outer wall and is disposed radially inside or outside of that outer wall for reinforcing the outer wall against radially outward forces. The reinforcing member may comprise a cylindrical band attached to the outer wall, or it may be defined by an upper portion of the cylindrical tub body.

Abstract: A washing machine includes an external cabinet, an outer tub installed inside the external cabinet, a spin basket rotatably installed inside the outer tub and a plurality of suspension units for suspending the outer tub with respect to the external cabinet. Each of the suspension units comprises: a suspension bar for connecting the outer tub to the external cabinet; a main damper combined with one end of the suspension bar; and an auxiliary damper combined with the one end of the suspension bar, adjacent to said main damper. Accordingly, vibrations and noises of the outer tub can be reduced effectively.

Abstract: A front loading clothes washing machine includes a spin basket rotatably driven about a horizontal axis. Axially spaced front and rear sides of the spin basket are formed by panels. Disposed on each of the front and rear panels is a dynamic balancing mechanism comprised of an annular chamber arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation. The chamber contains a liquid and a plurality of balls freely movable within the liquid.

Abstract: A washing machine having a ball balancer is provided. The washing machine comprises: an external cabinet; an outer tub suspended inside the external cabinet; a rotary tub rotatably installed inside the outer tub for containing the laundry therein; and a ball balancer installed at a circumference of the rotary tub for balancing a rotation of the rotary tub. The ball balancer comprises: a casing installed at the circumference of the rotary tub and having at least one annual chamber formed therein; a multiplicity of balancing balls contained in the annual chamber of the casing; and a viscous fluid contained in the chamber of the casing. Here, the annual chamber of the casing is formed at the bottom of the annual chamber with at least one groove for receiving the balancing balls over a predetermind circumferencial length, and the groove has an inclined radial outer wall for guiding a upward movement of the balancing balls, as a rotational speed of the rotary tub increases.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a spin basket rotatable about a vertical axis and having a dynamic balancer mounted thereon. The balancer includes coaxial annular passageways arranged horizontally next to one another. Each passageway contains oil and a group of freely movable balls. The heights of the passageways increase in a radially outward direction, and the sizes and weights of the groups of balls increase in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine has a spin basket with upper and lower balancing devices respectively disposed on upper and lower parts of the spin basket. The lower balancing device has a liquid such as a saline solution occupying the interior thereof. The lower balancing device includes an upper body integrally formed on the spin basket, and a lower body joined to the upper body. At least one of the bodies includes radially spaced concentric ribs that form annular chambers. Liquid is disposed in each chamber, and possibly also movable balls are disposed in each chamber.

Abstract: A balancing member of a washing machine is mounted on a spin basket which is rotatable around a vertical axis. The balancing member comprises a lower member and an upper member covering the lower member, the members forming a plurality of coaxial passages containing a balancing medium such as a liquid or balls entrained in a liquid.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a spin basket on which dynamic balancers are arranged. Upper and lower balancers are mounted on the top and bottom of the spin basket, respectively. Each of the upper and lower balancers includes a plurality of separate coaxial chambers. Viscous oil and movable balls are disposed in each chamber. The chambers of the upper balancer are arranged one above the other and the cross sections of those chambers (as well as of the balls) become larger in an upward direction. The chambers of the lower balancer are arranged horizontally next to one another and the cross sections of those chambers (as well as of the balls) become larger in a radially outer direction.