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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

However, the general pulsator-type washing machine of the aforementioned structure has the following disadvantages.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The rotor frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein so as to support a lower end of the rotor.

The rotor supporter includes a step formed along the inner circumferential surface thereof so as to support the lower end of the rotor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sliding coupler is connected to the dehydrating shaft, and the motor with serration.

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.

The elevating device includes a connection link having elasticity between the other end of the clutch lever and the clutch motor.

The clutch assembly includes a stopper for controlling an elevating height of the sliding coupler.

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.

Furthermore, a brake assembly is provided for brake of rotation of the dehydrating shaft.

The brake assembly includes a brake pad for fixing the dehydrating shaft by applying friction to the outer circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft.

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.

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.

The operation motor operates the brake assembly and the drain valve at the same time.

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.

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.

The first rod is inserted toward the axis direction inside the second rod by sliding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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;

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a general washing machine;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a drain device and a brake assembly provided in a washing machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain device of FIG. 6;

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,

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,

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

FIG. 8C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the first mode;

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,

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,

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

FIG. 9C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear set provided inside the power transmission device at the second mode; and

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,

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,

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

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

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.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hereinafter, the motor, the power transmission device, and the drain device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Next, the power transmission device of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An operation of the sliding coupler 650 by the elevating device 600 will be described as follows.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The process for opening or closing the drain valve 64 will be described in detail.

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.

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.

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.

Hereinafter, an operation of the aforementioned washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 10C.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

As mentioned above, the washing machine according to the present invention has the following advantages.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.