Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing apparatus includes a drum, a pulsator, a drum drive motor rotates the drum in a first direction or a second direction, a pulsator drive motor rotates the pulsator in the first direction or the second direction, and a controller controls the drum drive motor to rotate the drum in the first direction and to rotate the drum in the second direction when an operation period expires. When a drum drive current value is greater than a first reference current value during the first direction rotation of the drum, the controller controls the drum drive motor so that the drum drive motor stops rotating the drum in the first direction. When the operation period expires the controller controls the drum drive motor so that the drum is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A laundry processing apparatus includes: an outer tub for accommodating washing water therein; an inner tub disposed inside the outer tub and containing laundry therein; a pulsator provided in a lower portion of the inner tub; a blade provided below the pulsator; a driving motor disposed outside the outer tub for rotating a washing shaft; a pulsator connecting shaft penetrating a lower side surface of the outer tub for rotating the pulsator; a blade connecting shaft which also penetrates a lower side surface of the outer tub for rotating the blade; and a gear module disposed outside the outer tub for transmitting a rotational force of the washing shaft to the pulsator connecting shaft and the blade connecting shaft respectively.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus for treating laundry includes a main washing device and a secondary washing device. The secondary washing device includes a tub configured to receive wash water, a drum rotatably provided in the tub and configured to receive laundry, and a pulsator rotatably provided in the drum and configured to be rotated by motion of one or both of the wash water and the laundry that are received in the drum.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine and a washing method. The washing machine includes a cabinet, an outer tub disposed in the cabinet and provided with an opened top through which wash water is supplied into the outer tub, an inner tub that is disposed in the outer tub to receive laundry and rotates about a vertical axis, a base that supports the cabinet and stores the wash water that is splattered from the outer tub by rotation of the inner tub, and an electrode sensor that is disposed on the base to detect the wash water splattered out of the outer tub.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine and a washing method. The washing machine includes a cabinet, an outer tub disposed in the cabinet and provided with an opened top through which wash water is supplied into the outer tub, an inner tub that is disposed in the outer tub to receive laundry and rotates about a vertical axis, a base that supports the cabinet and stores the wash water that is splattered from the outer tub by rotation of the inner tub, and an electrode sensor that is disposed on the base to detect the wash water splattered out of the outer tub.

Abstract: A link lever configured to assist operation of a clutch assembly is disclosed. In particular, a link lever configured to assist operation of a clutch assembly in a washing machine and that applies force to securely engage and completely release a coupling of the clutch assembly when the coupling is moved by a clutch lever between different sets of teeth in the clutch assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are a self-cleaning washing machine and a control method. The washing machine comprises an outer drum (1), an inner drum (2), a wave wheel (3) and a water drainage apparatus (4), wherein cleaning pellets (6) to clean the inner wall of the outer drum and the outer wall of the inner drum are provided in a chamber (5) between the inner drum (2) and the outer drum (1).

Abstract: This invention consists of a floating clutch for two concentric shafts. This is achieved by means of a movable body transmitting energy from one shaft to the other via cogs that engage or disengage vertically depending on the presence of fluid; torque of the inner shaft is transmitted to the coupler and from the coupler to the movable body, and in turn, to the fixed cog, and then to the outer shaft, when it is in the clutch position. The invention also consists of a group of chambers and peripheral walls that allow the assembly to operate in optimal conditions, avoiding malfunctions, breakdowns and unhealthy conditions by preventing the buildup of fluff, scale, fibers, sediments, dirt or undesired objects hampering the correct operation of the invention and of a home-type washing machine.

Abstract: A washing machine containing a tub and basket placed within the tub, a basket bottom, a driving shaft coupled to the basket, a motor coupled to the driving shaft, a propeller located within the bottom and impelled by an end of the driving shaft, the propeller containing a scrubber, a center and a support, the scrubbers have a transversal section made from at least three arch circumference sections; a lower face of the propeller has a fin, which along with the bottom, functions as a centrifugal pump creating a current or washing liquor flow which is led through the water tower. In a preferred embodiment, the driving shaft has a solar gear coupled thereto which rotates a satellite gear and over the upper face of the support and between the scrubbers a mini-propeller is provided, the satellite gear is coupled to an axis that rotates the mini-propeller.

Abstract: A steam-augmented washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A steam generator is disposed within the casing and is in communication with the tub to introduce steam into the wash basket. A plurality of fluid vanes are circumferentially spaced around the side wall adjacent the top end of the wash basket. The fluid vanes have a radial aspect so as to extend radially from side wall, wherein upon rotation of the wash basket within the tub, the fluid vanes generate a circulating vertically oriented steam flow path through the wash basket.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A laundry machine has a tub and a spin basket in said tub. A drive assembly includes a shaft and agitator. The shaft passes through a wall of the spin basket. The agitator is located within the spin basket. A lost motion clutch is physically located in the tub. The lost motion clutch interconnects between the drive assembly and the spin basket and absorbs greater than one revolution of relative rotation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A washing machine with a wobbling unit including a washing plate which wobbles in a vertical direction without rotating, thus washing laundry. The wobbling unit further includes a vertical rotating shaft rotating by a washing shaft and an inclined rotating shaft provided at a predetermined position above the vertical rotating shaft. A first rotary member allows the vertical rotating shaft to rotate along with the inclined rotating shaft. A second rotary member rotatably receives the inclined rotating shaft therein. The wobbling unit also includes a projecting pin, a wobbling pin, and a leveling pin to control positions of the first and second rotary members. A position of the washing plate is changed to a level position or a wobbling position by an operation of the pins. Further, a clutch is mounted to the second rotary member so that the position of the washing plate is securely changed to a desired position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A washing machine having a wobbling device. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, thus effectively washing the clothes. This wobbling device includes a vertical rotary shaft rotated by a washing shaft, and an inclined rotary shaft arranged above the vertical rotary shaft. A first rotary unit couples the inclined rotary shaft to the vertical rotary shaft, thus rotating the two shafts at the same time. An upper surface of the first rotary unit forms a first sloping surface inclined at an angle of inclination. A second rotary unit rotatably receives the inclined rotary shaft therein, and is provided at its lower surface with a second sloping surface corresponding to the first sloping surface of the first rotary unit.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus of a washing machine is provided. The clutch apparatus includes a coupling unit comprising a magnetic unit at least in one part, combined around the basket shaft, and combined with a rotor of the driving motor in a state where the coupling unit moves downward, the coupling unit for transmitting the rotary power of the driving motor to the basket shaft and a solenoid actuator comprising a solenoid coil and fixed to the lower portion of the tub, the solenoid actuator for supplying electromagnetic repulsive force between the solenoid actuator and the coupling unit so that the coupling unit is separated from the rotor of the driving motor, to thus push the coupling unit upward. The clutch apparatus is formed to have a repulsive type structure unlike a conventional attractive type clutch apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to collision noise generated when the coupling unit rises and to reduce the amount of consumption of power for maintaining a state where the coupling member rises.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine with a float type clutch in which a float connects a rotating force from a motor to a spin-drying shaft or disconnects the rotating force from the spin-drying shaft as it is upwardly or downwardly moved in accordance with supply or drainage of wash water, thereby allowing a washing operation or a dehydrating operation to be carried out, while forming an air layer for preventing wash water from reaching gears included in the float type clutch.

Abstract: A brake cam actuator assembly for a washing machine includes an actuator having a cylindrical body that is drivingly coupled to a transmission pulley hub through a wrap spring clutch circumscribing the transmission pulley hub and brake cam actuator body. A first end of the brake cam actuator includes a segmented ring that reduces knocking noises due to imperfections and manufacturing defects in the transmission pulley hub and brake cam actuator first end which interface one another. The segmented ring also forms controlled flow path for normal fluid leaks and prevents contamination of a ramped cam surface on a second end of brake cam actuator and contamination of a friction brake surface that may produce friction material squeaking noises.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing machine cabinet. A wash basket is mounted within the washing machine cabinet. A first agitator is mounted in the basket for rotation about a first agitator axis that extends in a direction different from the rotational axis of the wash basket. First agitator includes a first helical rib thereon for engaging and agitating the materials to be washed within the wash basket. A second agitator with a second helical rib may also be contained within the wash basket.

Abstract: A washing machine with a wobbling unit including a washing plate which wobbles in a vertical direction without rotating, thus washing laundry. The wobbling unit further includes a vertical rotating shaft rotating by a washing shaft and an inclined rotating shaft provided at a predetermined position above the vertical rotating shaft. A first rotary member allows the vertical rotating shaft to rotate along with the inclined rotating shaft. A second rotary member rotatably receives the inclined rotating shaft therein. The wobbling unit also includes a projecting pin, a wobbling pin, and a leveling pin to control positions of the first and second rotary members. A position of the washing plate is changed to a level position or a wobbling position by an operation of the pins. Further, a clutch is mounted to the second rotary member so that the position of the washing plate is securely changed to a desired position.

Abstract: A washing and drying machine and a clothes dryer including an air circulating duct for circulating air into the inner tub for washing or drying inputted clothes. An inner portion of a drum and an evaporator of the refrigerating cycle, may be positioned in the air circulating duct to dehumidify the circulated air to improve the efficiency of the dehumidifcation process of the circulated air, to reduce the required time for drying clothes and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates a washing machine having a floatage clutch for performing the conversion of a cleansing step and a dehydrating step. This floatage clutch can be actuated only by using floatage and gravity to be generated during the feeding/draining of water without a separate driving part. Accordingly, the construction of clutch part can be simplified, and consequently the cost of manufacturing of the washing machine can be reduced.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub that is rotated by a switched reluctance motor. The tub includes an outer tub and an inner tub. The drive is a direct drive or a drive assembly that includes a shaft, a belt and a spinner pulley connected to the tub. The switched reluctance motor includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies. Winding wire is wound around a stator segment core of the stator segment assemblies. A rotor is connected to the shaft that drives the belt and rotates the spinner pulley. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on a rotational position of the rotor. End cap assemblies are connected to opposite axial ends of the stator segment core. The end cap assemblies define an annular channel for receiving the winding wire and for preventing winding creep.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.

Abstract: The present invention relates a washing machine of direct drive pulsator manner that is directly connected to a motor. In this washing machine, the conversion of cleansing/dehydrating processes can be smoothly achieved by a floatage clutch capable of being actuated by floatage and gravity to be induced during the supply/drain of water.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: A drawer-type washing machine and process of washing laundry using the washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has a housing opened at its front to form a cavity. A cabinet, opened at its top, is received in the cavity of the housing such that the cabinet is movable forward or backward relative to the housing. A washing tub unit, consisting of an outer tub and an inner tub, is set within the cabinet. This washing tub unit contains washing water therein, and carries out both a washing operation and a spin-drying operation for laundry contained therein. A drive unit is installed at a position under the outer tub of the washing tub unit, and rotates the inner tub of the washing tub unit. A suspension unit supports the washing tub unit within the cabinet while performing a damping function of attenuating operational vibrations of the washing tub unit.

Abstract: There are provided an outer tub suspended elastically in an enclosure, an inner tub for containing clothes supported rotatably within the outer tub, and a rotary impeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of the inner tub. The inner tub and/or the rotary impeller are driven by a motor. A drying blower delivers air into the inner tub, and a heater heats the air delivered by the blower unit. A controller controls operation of the motor, the drying blower, the heater, and the like, thereby controlling each process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying. In the hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the inner tub while also driving the drying blower to maintain delivery of air into the inner tub.