Bottom Drive Patents (Class 68/133)
-
Publication number: 20130312462Abstract: A washing machine including a tub, a spin basket rotatably mounted in the tub, a pulsator rotatably mounted in the spin basket and having a pulsator hub part extending downward from a center portion of the pulsator, a driving device to generate rotational force, a wash shaft to transmit the rotational force generated from the driving device to the pulsator, and a buoyancy clutch upwardly and downwardly movably mounted to the pulsator hub part and configured to move up and down by buoyancy. The buoyancy clutch is configured to rotate together with the pulsator. When the buoyancy clutch moves down, the spin basket is engaged with the buoyancy clutch and receives the rotational force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Wook KIM, Myung Hee RYU, Sang Up LEE, Hong Seok KO, Sang Yeon PYO, Sung Jin KIM, Young Hyun KIM, Seung Youp LEE
-
Patent number: 8561439Abstract: A fabric treating machine according to the present invention comprises a connector which is disposed at an outer tub and is connected to a driving part which is disposed at either the center or the off-center position of the connector optionally. Therefore, not only the direct driving motor but the indirect driving motor can be disposed without change of the outer tub and the connector. Because the common use of the outer tub is possible regardless of the connecting method of the driving part, there are the advantages that the cost is reduced and productivity and assembly are improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyuk Soo Lee, Tae Hee Lee, Young Jong Kim
-
Patent number: 8448481Abstract: In the washing machine, which has a tub installed in a main body, a spin basket rotatably installed in the tub, and a pulsator unit installed in the spin basket to generate a washing water current, the pulsator unit includes a first pulsator connected to a washing shaft of a driving device, a rod member installed on the upper surface of the first pulsator such that the rod member is tilted toward a central axis of the first pulsator at a designated angle, and a second pulsator coupled with the rod member such that the second pulsator is relatively rotated against the rod member. The pulsator unit generates a combined water current in the spin basket, and thus prevents the twisting and entanglement of laundry or reduces the amount of consumed washing water.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Ryong Park, Sang Yeon Pyo, Byoung Yull Yang, Hwang Mook Cho, Dong Pil Seo, So Jung Yu, Bo Kyung Lee
-
Publication number: 20130055769Abstract: A washing machine capable of protecting a water seal to prevent foreign substance from being stuck or accumulated inside the water seal, so that the water seal is prevented from being worn out. The washing machine includes a tub configured to accommodate wash water, a rotary tub rotatably installed inside the tub, a pulsator rotatably disposed inside the rotary tub, a driving shaft connected to the rotary tub and the pulsator, a support member installed on the driving shaft, a water seal installed between the driving shaft and the tub, and a protection member provided between the support member and the water seal to prevent foreign substance from being introduced into the water seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hong Gil Ha, Seok Jin Lee, Dong Woo Lee, Ho Young Kim, Goan Su Jung
-
Publication number: 20130031938Abstract: A washing machine capable of increasing the washing capacity without enlarging the external appearance and also discharging a washing water during a washing operation or a spin-dry operation while completely isolated from electronic parts and thus reducing the risk of a power failure and fire, the washing machine including a body, a rotating tub rotatably disposed inside the body, a pulsator rotatably disposed inside the rotating tub, a driving part provided on a lower portion of the rotating tub to selectively rotate the rotating tub and the pulsator, a base plate to which the driving part is fixed, wherein a waterproofing member is provided between the base plate and a bottom of the body to seal the driving part and to prevent water from reaching the driving part.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hwang Mook CHO, Sung Hoon KIM, Jae Ryong PARK, Eun Suk BANG, Dong Pil SEO, Ji Yu LEE, Sang Yeon PYO
-
Publication number: 20130014547Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a rotary tub disposed to rotate around a driving shaft, which is vertically provided inside the inner part of the cabinet, and comprising a bottom and a sidewall, the sidewall slantingly extending from the bottom to have a diameter increasing toward an upper side of the rotary tub from the bottom, a driving apparatus disposed at a lower side of the rotary tub to rotate the rotary tub, a bracket plate connected to the rotary tub by the driving shaft at the lower side of the rotary tub and having the driving apparatus provided at a lower side thereof, a base disposed at a lower side of the bracket plate, and a suspension member having a lower side supported by the base and an upper side connected to the bracket plate at a lateral side of a center of gravity of the rotary tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyun Mook Kim, Kab Jin Jun, Je Hong Min, Sang Hyeok Lee, Ji Hoon Choi, Seung Oh Kim
-
Patent number: 8336341Abstract: A tub (100) for a washing machine, and a washing machine comprising the same are disclosed. The tub (100) is formed through injection molding with a bearing housing (200) inserted therein, and a washing machine comprises the same. Here, the bearing housing (200) comprises a bearing support (201) to receive bearings, and a flange (210) extended radially from the bearing support (201) and having radial ribs (230).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyeok Deok Kim, Byung Hwan Ahn, Hung Myong Cho
-
Publication number: 20120304703Abstract: A washing machine having an improved structure which increases washing capacity without increasing the size of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet including an outer part and a cylindrical inner part connected to the outer part, a spin basket rotatably disposed in the inner part and including a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom, a pulsator rotatably disposed in the spin basket, a motor provided under the spin basket, a clutch to selectively transmit power of the motor to the spin basket or the pulsator, a base plate to fix the clutch and the motor, and suspension members connecting the base plate to the upper portion of the cabinet. Wash water is stored within the spin basket and is not stored outside the spin basket during a washing cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyun Mook KIM, Doo Pil Kim, Je Hong Min, Kalo Jin Jun, Yong Jong Park, Jae Ryong Park, Dong Pil Seo, Sang Hyeok Lee, In Cheol Jang, Sang Yeon Pyo, Jung Hee Lee, Ji Hoon Choi, Seung Oh Kim
-
Publication number: 20120222454Abstract: A washing machine which is improved so as to firmly support a clutch. The washing machine includes a main body, a tub disposed within the main body, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, a motor provided under the tub to provide driving force to rotate the drum, a clutch connected to the motor to transmit driving force of the motor to the drum, and a mounting plate to fix the clutch and the motor to connect the clutch and the motor to the lower surface of the tub. A first flange unit connected to the clutch is provided on the lower surface of the tub, and a second flange unit connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first flange unit is provided on the mounting plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.Inventor: Sang Ho Park
-
Publication number: 20120180532Abstract: A Washing machine washes laundry in a wobbling fashion to improve washing force and to prevent damage to the laundry. The washing machine includes a pulsator rotatably mounted at the lower part of a rotary tub to generate a water current and to move laundry, a plurality of lifters protruding from the top of the pulsator to raise the laundry during rotation of the pulsator, and a movement changing member formed at the upper end of each of the lifters to drop the laundry raised by a corresponding one of the lifters. The movement changing member includes a roller rotated by friction with the laundry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Ryong PARK, Sang Yeon Pyo, Hyun Sook Kim, Sung Hoon Kim, Chang Ho Cho, Seung Oh Kim, Hyun Dong Jung, Dong Pil Seo, So Jung Yu, Ji Yu Lee
-
Publication number: 20120124755Abstract: A laundry appliance or washer for washing an associated laundry item includes a housing and an integrated agitator/basket assembly received in the housing. A drive assembly is operatively associated with the agitator and the basket for activating movement of the agitator and the basket in unison.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Derek Lee Watkins, David Scott Dunn
-
Patent number: 8151428Abstract: A method for assembling a washing machine is provided. The method includes providing a mode shifter including a solenoid, coupling a basket and an agitator to the mode shifter, and coupling a motor to the mode shifter. The solenoid selectively allows the motor to rotate at least one of the basket and the agitator. The method also includes affixing a motor controller to the motor, and electrically coupling the motor controller to each of the mode shifter and the motor. The motor controller is in operational control communication with the mode shifter and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Donald R. Dickerson, Jr., Michael Finch, William Bicknell, Robert Hollenbeck
-
Publication number: 20120006065Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a washing tub, a motor to rotate the washing tub, and a driving unit that drives the motor using a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme, mixes a three-phase PWM scheme and a two-phase PWM scheme in a common operation mode, and drives the motor using the mixed PWM scheme. Therefore, the washing machine can reduce increase of temperature of an inverter controlling the motor during the operation time of the washing machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Hansu JUNG, Jain Koo, Suncheol Bae
-
Publication number: 20110296876Abstract: A pulsator device in which a second pulsator performs different movements according to rotating directions of a first pulsator so as to reduce water consumption and improve washing performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Pil Seo, Sang Yeon Pyo, Jae Ryong Park, Sung Hoon Kim, Chang Ho Cho, Hyun Dong Jung, So Jung Yu, Ji Yu Lee
-
Patent number: 8033143Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae Kil Kim, Jae Han Lim, Seong Kwun Ahn
-
Patent number: 7841218Abstract: A washing machine clutch to rotate or oscillate an agitator or propeller and selectively rotate a basket, comprising a support member that contains a cover and a second cover, an actuator that contains a piston, a bracket that contains a lever joined to arms, terminals and a protuberance, wherein the terminals and the protuberance are in said arms, a first spring connected between said support member and said bracket, a hollow shaft and a shaft configured to rotate, a mobile clutch containing an upper wall, a groove an internal part and a lower wall, wherein said terminals rest in the groove and in said upper wall, wherein the lower wall contains a plurality of alternating teeth and grooves and wherein the mobile clutch is coupled to the hollow shaft by its internal part, a pulley-clutch containing a plurality of alternating teeth and grooves, and an internal part, wherein the pulley-clutch is coupled to the shaft by means of said pulley-clutch internal part, wherein the mobile clutch couples with the pulley-Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: MABE Mexico, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.Inventors: Jose Higinio Sanchez Dominguez, Giancarlo Hazael Paez Gonzalez, Raul Santillan Galvan, Jorge Vega Trejo, Javier Pena Aguilar
-
Patent number: 7793525Abstract: A clothes mover in a washing machine comprises a body mounted for reciprocal rotational movement about a generally vertical axis and at least one vane, which comprises a base mounted to the body and a tail extending from the base and having an upper edge that transitions into a tip. The tail can be free of the body for side-to-side flexing and can be configured such that a portion of the tail extending between the upper edge and the tip can flex from a generally vertical position toward the body. The body can be made of a first material, and the vane can be made of a second material different from the first material.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Viktor N. Kopyrin, Robert J. Pinkowski, James J. Visin, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Mary E. Zeitler, Dale E. Mueller
-
Patent number: 7757522Abstract: An agitator assembly for an automatic washing machine comprises an agitator and an auger mounted to the agitator. The auger comprises a tubular body defining a peripheral surface and having a central longitudinal axis. A vane spirals around the tubular body and extends from the peripheral surface from a root having a thickness T to a tip. The vane has a width W measured from the peripheral surface along a line perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis to the tip. The vane is formed by a plurality of ledges, with adjacent ledges joined by steps. With this configuration, the vane can have a relatively small root thickness T and a relatively large width W.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Robert J. Pinkowski, Viktor J. Kopyrin, James J. Visin, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Edward S. Hynek
-
Patent number: 7757324Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Steven Leidig, Ellingson David Irwin
-
Patent number: 7703307Abstract: A driving unit for a washing machine, and method for controlling the same. The driving unit includes a bearing housing fixedly secured to an outer tub. A motor is mounted on the bearing housing. A ring gear shaft is rotatably mounted to the bearing housing and is coupled to an inner tub. A carrier shaft is rotatably mounted in the ring gear shaft, with a driving shaft rotatably mounted in the carrier shaft. The driving shaft is coupled to the motor. A reduction gear is positioned between the ring gear shaft and the carrier shaft to reduce a speed of the ring gear shaft. A one directional holding device that holds the carrier shaft when the driving shaft rotates in a first direction, and holds two of the carrier shaft, the ring gear shaft, and the driving shaft when the driving shaft rotates in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Ki Chul Woo
-
Patent number: 7673479Abstract: A seal assembly includes a ring component for coupling a seat component to a shaft. The ring component includes a first portion having an annular shape and configured to have a sealed engagement with the shaft. The ring component also includes a second portion having a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The ring component is configured to receive the seat component between the flange and the first portion and thus form a seal seat assembly. The flange is configured to mechanically lock the seat component relative to the ring component when the seal seat assembly is disposed on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventor: John C. Dahlheimer
-
Publication number: 20090293554Abstract: A pulsator wash system includes a cabinet, a wash tub supported within the cabinet, a wash basket supported within the wash tub, and a drive system for rotating the wash basket. A pulsator is disposed adjacent a bottom of the wash basket and drivingly connected to the drive system. The pulsator includes a base portion, a central hub extending upward from the base portion, and a plurality of radially extending vanes extending upward from the base portion. Each of the plurality of radially extending vanes extends radially from about a peripheral radial edge of the base portion to a location spaced apart from the central hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Stephen E. Hettinger, James Quentin Pollett
-
Patent number: 7624602Abstract: A vane for a washing machine agitating device is provided. The agitating device includes a skirt and a center shaft extending upwardly from the skirt. The vane extends radially from the center shaft of the agitating device toward an outer perimeter of the skirt. One end of the vane includes at least two supports defining a cavity there between to lower stress experienced by a hinge point of the vane, thereby minimizing vane breakage.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kathleen M. La Belle, Rick A. Schneider
-
Patent number: 7621158Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes an inner shaft rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis, a coupling element movable between a first position engaging the inner shaft to the outer shaft for rotation therewith, and a second position disengaging the inner shaft from the outer shaft for relative rotation therebetween, and an actuating element connected to the coupling element and operable to move the coupling element between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jon Arthur Roepke, Joshua Paul Kopecky, Derek Lee Watkins, Mark Aaron Weaver, Christopher Gregory Hoppe, Bertram Joseph Stocker, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7621157Abstract: A washing machine, with an unusually easy assembly, having an electric motor with a central axis and a washing tank having a fixing bracket, to fix the electric motor to the tank. The fixing bracket includes a first arm and a second arm. The machine has structure associated with at least one of the first and second arms to lock the central axis of the motor. The insertion of the central axis in the arm and the locking thereof are shown in different embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.Inventor: Elio Marioni
-
Patent number: 7614262Abstract: An automatic washing machine comprises a spin tube coupled to the basket and an agitator shaft coupled to an agitator mounted in the basket. A motor coupled to the agitator shaft applies a torque the agitator shaft and thereby the agitator in first and second torque directions. A clutch couples the spin tube to the agitator shaft for cooperative rotation of the basket and the agitator regardless of the rotational direction of the agitator shaft. Because of the dual directionality of the clutch, reversing the motor simultaneously dynamically brakes the basket and the agitator, thereby eliminating the need for a separate friction brake for the basket.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Eric E. Chang, William K. Kangas, Kurt Werner, Scott D. Slabbekoorn, James R. Sawyer
-
Publication number: 20090211311Abstract: A basket assembly for a washing machine includes a basket and a bracket attached to the basket. A motor is coupled to the bracket and the bracket transmits rotation from the motor to the basket. The support bracket is formed of a thermoplastic and includes a hub and fins spaced from each other extending radially from the hub. Each of the fins has an attachment portion connected to the basket. The support bracket includes a reinforcement rod spaced from the hub extending from one of the fins to another of the fins for reinforcing the fins when the support bracket transmits rotation from the motor to the basket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: William J. McMaster, Stephen P. Serna, Gavin L. Jewell
-
Patent number: 7543464Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine id disclosed, to prevent malfunction and damages of the washing machine by switching the power transmission mode stably in which the method includes: (a) rotating the cam (600) by driving the clutch motor (60); (b) counting the number of pulses of power supplied to the clutch motor (60); and (c) maintaining the rotation of the cam (600) until the ounted number of pulses is equal to, or greater than a preset number of pulses.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Du Heig Choi, Bon Kwon Koo, In Haeng Cho
-
Publication number: 20090120137Abstract: Washing machine including an outer tub in a cabinet for holding washing water, an inner tub rotatably mounted on an inside of the outer tub having an agitating device rotatably mounted therein, a power transmission device having a washing shaft connected to the agitating device and a spinning shaft connected to the inner tub, a driving motor on an outside of the outer tub having a rotor assembly with a magnetism, and a hollow stator assembly arranged in the rotor, a clutch assembly for selective transmission of a driving power from the driving motor to the spinning shaft depending on operation modes, and a drain device for draining the washing water to an outside of the washing machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Ki Chul Cho, Soung Bong Choi, Myong Dok Kim
-
Patent number: 7475445Abstract: A transmission mechanism suitable to be used in a washing machine for creating dual-direction driving comprises a drive power input end and two drive power output ends, in which one of drive power output ends is connected to an agitator shaft (10) to drive the agitator shaft rotating in a first direction; while the other of drive power output ends is connected with an inner basket shaft (11) to drive the inner basket shaft rotating in a second direction opposed to the first direction. A washing machine for creating dual-direction washing and a washing method for creating dual-direction washing in a washing machine are disclosed in the present invention. Furthermore, an agitator and an inner basket suitable to be used in the washing machine are disclosed in the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignees: Haier Group Corporation, Haier Electric Appliances International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yongsen Chai, Zhancun Jiang, Kaiming Wang, Zhichun Zhang, Peishi Lu, Zezhen Hua, Sheng Xu, Zongrui Chi
-
Patent number: 7454929Abstract: Washing machine including an outer tub in a cabinet for holding washing water, an inner tub rotatably mounted on an inside of the outer tub having an agitating device rotatably mounted therein, a power transmission device having a washing shaft connected to the agitating device and a spinning shaft connected to the inner tub, a driving motor on an outside of the outer tub having a rotor assembly with a magnetism, and a hollow stator assembly arranged in the rotor, a clutch assembly for selective transmission of a driving power from the driving motor to the spinning shaft depending on operation modes, and a drain device for draining the washing water to an outside of the washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ki Chul Cho, Soung Bong Choi, Myong Dok Kim
-
Patent number: 7451625Abstract: A structure for cooling a motor of a washing machine is disclosed, which is suitable for improving cooling efficiency of the motor. A structure for cooling a motor of a washing machine, the washing machine provided with a motor assembly including a cylindrical rotor in an inner circumferential surface of a rotor housing, and a cylindrical rotor in an inner circumferential surface of the rotor, is provided with a plurality of holes on a lower surface of the rotor housing forming the stator; and a plurality of blades, each provided in one side of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yong Suck Park
-
Patent number: 7434424Abstract: A controller for a washing machine including an agitation element operable at a plurality of speeds during an agitation phase of a wash cycle is provided. The controller comprises a microcomputer configured to adjust an actuation of the agitation element in response to at least one input, said at least one input indicative of a characteristic of a laundry load.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Henry Lueckenbach, Christopher Gregory Hoppe
-
Patent number: 7418841Abstract: Full automatic washing machine, and method for controlling the same, the fall automatic washing machine including a spinning tub 2 movably fitted in an outer tub 1, a pulsator 3 rotatably fitted in the spinning tub 2 to be rotatable independent from the spinning tub 2, a spinning shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft bearing case 20 for transmission of a rotating power to the spinning tub 2, a washing shaft 4 for transmission of the rotating power to the pulsator 3, a BLDC motor 7 having a rotor 7b and a stator 7a for rotating the rotor 7b as power is applied to the stator 7a, and a clutch mechanism for switching a power transmission path of the BLDC motor 7 either to the washing shaft 4 or to the spinning shaft 5 in correspondence to a washing cycle, or a spinning cycle, thereby permitting noiseless, and stable switching of the rotation power within a short time when the rotating power is transmitted to the pulsator or the spinning tub from a driving-part having the stator and the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong No Yoon, In Geun Ahn
-
Patent number: 7409737Abstract: Device and method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing machine, the device including a clutch including a coupling for transmission of a power from a motor to a washing shaft or a spinning shaft, a clutch motor (60) for providing a power to the coupling, a switch for controlling the coupling, and a cam (600) fitted to be rotatable with the clutch motor for turning on/off the switch in response to the rotation, a power supplying part for supplying a voltage to the motor and the clutch motor (60), a pulse counting part for counting a number of pulses of a voltage supplied to the clutch motor from the power supplying part, and a microcomputer for repeating a process in which the clutch motor is stopped for a second set time period (S20) and operated again if the switch is not switched for a first set time period from a time the clutch motor is put into operation, and informs to a user that the clutch is in malfunction if the switch is not switched while the process is repeated equal to or more thanType: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: In Haeng Cho, Jae Cheol Lyu, Bon Kwon Koo, Kwon Ki Hong, Min Jin Oh, Du Heig Choi
-
Patent number: 7392672Abstract: A pulsator includes a metallic upper pulsator having an inlet at a center of the pulsator and upwardly protruding upper washing ribs radially around the inlet and a synthetic resin lower pulsator having upwardly protruding lower washing ribs and contacting a lower surface of the upper washing ribs, a guidance surface spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper pulsator and defining a flow passage for channeling water introduced through the inlet, and an outlet at an end of the guidance surface discharging water channeled through the flow passage. The lower pulsator rotates with and is fixed to a driving shaft of a washing machine. A pulsator includes a synthetic resin pulsator body having a washing rib and a metal plating layer on an outer surface of the pulsator body includes the inlet. The outlet and the flow passage are provided in the pulsator body.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jong Ho Kim, Jong Sun Yoon
-
Patent number: 7392671Abstract: A brake hub assembly for a washing machine transmission includes an input shaft, a brake hub, and a deformable isolator insert positioned between the shaft and the hub. The insert includes a plurality of substantially flat legs extending partially into an opening in the brake hub. The legs are deformed by the input shaft when the shaft is positioned within the brake hub. The legs of the isolator insert separate the hub and the shaft and prevent them from rattling.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eddie Woodrow Dooley, Mahmoud Fariz Ismail
-
Patent number: 7331202Abstract: A drum-type washing machine including a rotatable pulsator. The drum-type washing machine includes a water tub to contain water therein. A rotary drum is included in the water tub and rotating in alternating directions to hold laundry located in the rotary drum to be washed. A pulsator is rotatably mounted to a predetermined position of the rotary drum. A rotation guide unit rotates the pulsator by a rotating force of the rotary drum. The pulsator mounted to the rotary drum increases a physical force applied to laundry, thus enhancing a washing effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Ryong Park, Hyung-Gyoon Kim, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Seon-Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Byoung Yull Yang, Hyun Sook Kim
-
Patent number: 7254969Abstract: A basket for a washing machine includes a body comprising an outer wall and at least one rib extending radially inward from said wall, said rib comprising at least a first portion having a first cross section and a second portion having a second cross section, said second cross section different from said first cross section.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Larry Hawkins, Derek Lee Watkins, Ronald Miles Johnson
-
Patent number: 7254965Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed, in which a rotary power of a driving unit is stably provided to a pulsator or a washing tub in a short time. The washing machine includes a motor having a stator (7a) and a rotor (7b); a spin shaft (5) of a hollow, an upper end of the spin shaft is fastetned to a washing tub (2); a washing shaft (4) of which an upper end is fastened to a pulsator (3) inside of the washing tub; sliders (31) and (35) moving up and down along an outer circumference surface of the spin shaft to selective transmit a rotary power of the rotor to the spin shaft; an actuator (6) for inducing the up and down movement of the slider; a power transmission means between the actuator and the slider for converting a power transmittance path of the actuator and transmitting to the slider; and an attenuating means between the actuator and the slider for delaying a power generated from the actuator and then transmitting to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: In Geun Ahn
-
Patent number: 7234325Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved clothes rollover in automatic washer cycles using time-varying rotor oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and a rotor being rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The rotor is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: K. David McAllister, Carrie Ann Dickinson, Duane M. Kobos
-
Patent number: 7228718Abstract: A wobbling washing machine and a method of controlling the same. The wobbling washing machine washes laundry by causing a washboard to wobble. The wobbling washing machine has a speed varying unit which varies a wobbling speed of the washboard to correspond to a load of the laundry. The wobbling washing machine varies a rotating speed of a motor according to the load of the laundry so as to decrease the wobbling speed of the washboard in response to the load of the laundry being small, and increase the wobbling speed in response to the load of the laundry being large, thus enabling the washing machine to suitably perform a washing operation according to the load of the laundry.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyun-Sook Kim
-
Patent number: 7216516Abstract: A wobble joint particularly useful for supporting a wash plate in a wash basket of an automatic washing appliance includes inner and outer races formed with mating part-spherical surfaces having common centers of curvature about a longitudinal axis of the joint. Anti-rotation structure acts between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation of the races about the longitudinal axis, and cooperates with the part-spherical surfaces to restrict the races to two degrees of tilting movement about respective tilt axes disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to one another, such that one of the races is thereby supported for wobbling movement relative to the other of the races. In a washing appliance application, the wash plate is fixed to the outer race and wobbles relative to the inner race.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Paul Skvarla, Leland Nels Olgren
-
Patent number: 7213423Abstract: A washing machine capable of minimizing tangle and damage of the laundry is disclosed. The washing machine includes: a wash shaft installed perpendicularly at a lower center of an inner tub, and rotated by a rotational force transferred from a motor; a wash plate orbiting about a rotational center of the wash shaft to form a stream of water; and a movement converting unit for converting a rotational movement of the wash shaft to a orbiting movement of the wash plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Gwan Ryong Park, Jae Won Chang, Kyeong Hwan Kim
-
Patent number: 7171715Abstract: Full automatic washing machine, and method for controlling the same, the full automatic washing machine including a spinning tub 2 movably fitted in an outer tub 1, a pulsator 3 rotatably fitted in the spinning tub 2 to be rotatable independent from the spinning tub 2, a spinning shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft bearing case 20 for transmission of a rotating power to the spinning tub 2, a washing shaft 4 for transmission of the rotating power to the pulsator 3, a BLDC motor 7 having a rotor 7b and a stator 7a for rotating the rotor 7b as power is applied to the stator 7a, and a clutch mechanism for switching a power transmission path of the BLDC motor 7 either to the washing shaft 4 or to the spinning shaft 5 in correspondence to a washing cycle, or a spinning cycle, thereby permitting noiseless, and stable switching of the rotation power within a short time when the rotating power is transmitted to the pulsator or the spinning tub from a driving part having the stator and the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong No Yoon, In Geun Ahn
-
Patent number: 7171828Abstract: A washing machine includes a wobbling device having a rotary blade. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, and rotates the rotary blade in one direction to allow a sufficient amount of wash water to flow upward through an ascending water current guide and fall from an upper portion of a spin-drying tub onto clothes contained in the spin-drying tub, thus effectively washing the clothes. The washboard is installed at a lower portion in the spin-drying tub such that it wobbles upward and downward. The rotary blade is installed under the washboard, and is rotated in one direction by torque of a washing shaft. The rotary blade is fitted over a boss which couples a vertical rotary shaft of the wobbling device to the washing shaft, and is rotated by the torque of the washing shaft. The water current guide extends along a sidewall of the spin-drying tub from a lower end to an upper end of the spin-drying tub.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyung-Kyoon Kim, Seung-Ho Lee, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Chan-Woo Park, Myung-Gyu Lee, Hyun-Sook Kim
-
Patent number: 7089769Abstract: In a direct drive washing machine having a driving motor installed at a lower portion of an outer tub and rotating an inner tub or a pulsator by the driving motor, a pulsator shaft and a tub shaft are constructed with a dual shaft structure, respectively connected to the inner tub and the pulsator and transmitting a rotational force of the driving motor thereto, a clutch coupling being connected with an outer circumference of the tub shaft and performing a clutching operation by being connected with/separated from a rotor of the driving motor while moving up and down, and with a clutch actuator providing a force to the clutch coupling so as to separate it from the rotor, whereby it is possible to wash laundry by various methods in accordance with laundry conditions, and accordingly, the performance of washing can be improved and a load on the driving motor can be lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hee-Tae Lim, Jae-Won Chang, Dong-Won Kim
-
Patent number: 7086254Abstract: Disclosed is a direct-drive washing machine enabling to revolve a pulsator only or both of the pulsator and inner tub in accordance with a load condition such as a laundry quantity, a washing water quantity, etc, a fabric condition, and the like so as to realize an optimal washing condition as well as improve a washing efficiency. The present invention includes a first rotating shaft connected directly between the drive motor and pulsator so as to transfer a drive power of the drive motor to the pulsator directly, a second rotating shaft installed between the drive motor and inner tub separately so as to transfer the drive power of the drive motor to the inner tub selectively, a clutch installed between the second rotating shaft and drive motor so as to connect or cut off the drive power transferred from the drive motor to the inner tub, and a clutch operating device actuating the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hee-Tae Lim, Dong-Won Kim, Seung-Chul Park, Bo-Yung Chang
-
Patent number: 7082792Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed, in which a rotatory power of a driving unit can be stably transmitted in a short time and provided to a pulsator or a washing tub. The washing machine includes a motor (7) including stator (7a) and rotor (7b), a hollow spinning shaft (5) of which an upper end is connected to the washing tub (2), a washing shaft (4) connected to the pulsator (3) of which an upper end is installed within the washing tub, solders (31) and (35) moving up and down according to an outer surface of the spinning shaft and selectively transmitting the rotatory power of the rotor to the spinning shaft, and actuator (6) guiding up and down movements of the sliders, a power transmission means between the actuator and the slider to convert a power of the actuator and to transmit the power to the slider, and an attenuating means between the actuator and the slider to delay the power generated in the actuator and to transmit the power to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: In Geun Ahn
-
Patent number: RE42328Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine with a tilted washing tub. The washing machine includes a casing on the rear portion of which an opening is formed. The opening is covered with a rear cover provided with an outward protrusion. A washing tub consists of outer and inner tubs. The outer tub is positioned in the casing to be tilted forward at a predetermined angle for containing washing water. The inner tub is positioned in the outer tub for washing and spin-drying laundry. Drive means is positioned under the outer tub to rotate the outer inner tub.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ji Chang Son, Hye Yong Park, Bong Sang Lee, Chang Won Ryu