Abstract: A washing machine and a control method therefor are provided. The washing machine includes a water tank, a washing tub, a pulsator, a drive motor, a coupling flange connected to the drive motor, a drive shaft that rotates the pulsator, a dewatering shaft that rotates the washing tub, a coupler configured to move up and down along the dewatering shaft and to be placed in a first position where the coupler engages the coupling flange and in a second position where the coupler is placed above the coupling flange, a solenoid module that moves the coupler, a coupler guide configured to be rotated by the coupler and fix the coupler in the second position, and a controller configured to control the solenoid module to move the coupler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration motor including: a housing having a receiving space; a vibrator received in the receiving space; coils configured to drive the vibrator to reciprocate; and two stop assemblies received in the receiving space and spaced apart from each other, the vibrator reciprocates between the two stop assemblies and includes first magnets spaced apart from each other and at least one second magnet arranged between the first magnets, every two adjacent first magnets of the first magnets have opposite magnetization directions, and a magnetization direction of the second magnets is perpendicular to a magnetization direction of the at least one first magnet. Compared with the related art, the vibration motor provided by the present invention has higher reliability.

Abstract: One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a linear vibration motor which improves damping performance and reduces assembly costs. Accordingly, the present invention provides a linear vibration motor having a housing body with an inner cavity; a weight accommodated in the housing body; a stator located in the housing body; and an elastic member suspending the weight in the housing body. The elastic member includes a first elastic member having a first fixed part fixedly connected to one side of the weight and a first elastic bracket extending from the first fixed part, and a second elastic member fixedly connected to an opposite side of the weight a first damping glue locating between the first elastic member and the weight, and locating at one end of the first elastic bracket close to the first fixed part.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tank, a washing tub, a pulsator, a drive motor, a drive shaft, a dewatering shaft that rotates about the same axis of the drive shaft and spins the washing tub, a coupler that is mounted to move up and down along the dewatering shaft and transmits the torque of the drive motor to the dewatering shaft, a solenoid module that moves the coupler upward in a lengthwise direction of the dewatering shaft so as to cut off torque from the drive motor to the dewatering shaft or transmit the torque to the dewatering shaft, when a magnetic field is generated by applying an electric current to a coil, and a coupler guide that rotates itself or fixes the position of the coupler, by coming into contact with the coupler when the coupler moves upward in the lengthwise direction of the dewatering shaft.

Abstract: A drive assembly may transmit a driving force in a washing machine and comprise a stator and a rotor, a washing shaft connected to the rotor and to a pulsator of the washing machine, a spin-drying shaft surrounding the washing shaft and connected to an inner tub of the washing machine, a coupler provided to be vertically movable in an inner side of the spin-drying shaft to selectively connect the spin-drying shaft to and from the rotor, and a clutch providing power to move the coupler. A first bearing may support an upper outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft and a second bearing may support a lower outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft. The coupler may be provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in an axial direction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotor for an electrical machine having internal permanent magnets including a yoke consisting of a stack of sheets defining a plurality of recesses for receiving parallelepipedal permanent magnets, the recesses being surrounded by magnetically saturated external transverse isthmuses, by radial isthmuses, lateral isthmuses and oblique isthmuses, wherein the magnets are assembled in pairs of magnets magnetized in the same direction and perpendicular to the radial direction of the radial isthmuses arranged between the coupled magnets, the radial isthmuses having a thickness of less than 5% of the diameter of the rotor, and the perimeter of the cross section of the rotor is formed by a succession of curved profiles, between two consecutive pairs of magnets, and tangential linear profiles at the external transverse isthmuses. The disclosure also relates to the application of such a rotor for creating a motor, in particular a motor for a turbo compressor, or an electrical generator.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine comprises a pulsator rotatably disposed in a rotation tub, a washing shaft rotating in conjunction with the pulsator, and a connecting member which connects the washing shaft and a motor to transmit a driving force of the motor to the washing shaft, wherein the connecting member comprises a first bush coupled to the washing shaft and a second bush coupled to the motor, and the second bush is coupled to the washing shaft to which the first bush is coupled and rotates in engagement with the first bush.

Abstract: An axial flux machine is provided with an integrated clutch assembly, which is housed within the bore of an annulus-shaped stator of the machine. First and second rotors, located either side of the stator are attached to the clutch basket of the clutch assembly, and rotate in unison relative to the stator. A machine housing is provided between the stator and an engagement face of the clutch basket, seated on bearings between the clutch basket and machine housing, to provide a rigid structure.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a dewatering shaft for rotating a washing tub, a drive shaft for rotating a pulsator in the washing tub, a coupler configured to move along the dewatering shaft to couple or decouple the drive shaft and the dewatering shaft, a solenoid configured to move the coupler, and a coupler guide configured to be rotated by contact with the coupler or to maintain the coupler in the second position. The coupler includes locking protrusions configured to lock onto an upper side of the coupler guide. The coupler guide includes first guide projections disposed on an outer perimeter of the coupler guide and configured to contact one of the locking protrusions to rotate the coupler guide, and second guide projections disposed opposite to the first guide projections and configured to contact another of the locking protrusions to rotate the coupler guide.

Abstract: A drum washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably arranged in the tub; an agitator rotatably arranged in the drum; a drive in transmission connection with the drum via a main shaft which transmits a torque of the driver to the drum; and a planetary gear assembly in transmission connection with the main shaft and the agitator and transmitting a torque of the main shaft to the agitator.

Abstract: Disclose is a machine including: an inner stator having a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth; an outer stator having a plurality of radially inwardly extending teeth that are offset from the radially outwardly extending teeth; a rotor including an extension between the plurality of stators, the extension including a plurality of rotor magnet slots and a plurality of flux barrier slots; the plurality of rotor magnet slots and the plurality of flux barrier slots contact one another and are arranged in a circumferentially alternating sequence, one after another, such that each of the rotor magnet slots is circumferentially bounded by a pair of the flux barrier slots; and a portion of each of the plurality of rotor magnet slots is disposed along a machine radial axis and/or a portion of each of the plurality of flux barrier slots is disposed at an angle to the machine radial axis.

Abstract: In a washing machine of the present disclosure, a drive shaft rotating a pulsator and a dehydration shaft rotating a washing tub are connected to each other or disconnected from each other while a clutch operated by a solenoid is lifted, a current is intermittently applied to the solenoid while the clutch is lowered, and thus, a lowering speed of the clutch can be reduced.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing tub rotatably disposed to accommodate laundry, a pulsator rotatably disposed in the washing tub, a drive shaft to rotate the pulsator, a dehydration shaft to be connected to the washing tub and through which the drive shaft passes, a solenoid to form a magnetic field when a current is applied, a fixing core to surround the solenoid, and a clutch to couple and uncouple the drive shaft and the dehydration shaft. The clutch includes an armature to be lifted by a magnetic force of the solenoid, and a clutch coupler to be elevated along the dehydration shaft, perform coupling between the drive shaft and the dehydration shaft in a first position, and perform uncoupling between the drive shaft and the dehydration shaft in a second position lifted from the first position. The shape of the armature provides a more uniform lifting force.

Abstract: A washing machine includes: a vertical axis type washing tub in which laundry and a washing liquid are housed and a washing operation including a wash step is performed; and a roller rotatably provided in an inner wall portion of the washing tub in a state that a rotation axis is vertically oriented, the roller being rotated to facilitate movement of laundry, wherein a water level of the washing liquid in the washing tub is settable in a plurality of levels ranging from a minimum water level to a maximum water level, and the roller is disposed such that an entire vertical length extends over two or more water levels among the plurality of set water levels.

Abstract: A driving device for a washing machine includes a motor comprising a stator and a rotor configured to rotate inside the stator, a shaft configured to receive torque of the motor and rotate an inner tub of the washing machine, a planetary gear located at a front end of the shaft and configured to adjust a rotation speed of the inner tub by changing the torque of the motor at a preset reduction gear ratio, and an electronic clutch located between the shaft and the planetary gear and configured to operate to adjust connection and disconnection between the shaft and the planetary gear according to an operation mode change signal of the washing machine.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a motor for generating power and a clutch assembly that receives the power from the motor and drives a drum and a pulsator. The clutch assembly includes a driving shaft that receives the power from the motor and rotates, a pulsator drive portion selectively receiving the power from the driving shaft to rotate the pulsator, and a drum driving portion selectively receiving the power from the driving shaft to rotate the drum, The clutch assembly is provided to selectively drive a driving portion of at least one of the drum driving portion and the pulsator drive portion. With this configuration, the washing machine capable of running various modes of a washing mode and dehydration mode is implemented.

Abstract: A drive system (21), for use in a washing machine (10), that includes a motor (23) and a planetary gearbox (26) having an outer casing (29) rotatably mounted by bearings (31A and 31B) between a tub (13) of the washing machine and the motor. A clutch (38) is selectively operable to engage the gears in a first mode to connect an input shaft (25) to drive at least a first output shaft (15) without speed reduction and, in a second mode, to drive the first output shaft at a controlled and reduced speed in one direction while simultaneously driving a second output shaft (18) at a second controlled and reduced speed the opposite rotational direction. The first gearbox output shaft (15) and the outer casing (29) are permanently rotationally fixed together in both first and second modes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving apparatus for a washing machine, which includes a washing shaft and a dewatering shaft which penetrate into the inside; an annular clutch holder installed at the bottom of the clutch housing; a clutch lever hinge-coupled to the clutch holder, the clutch lever consisting of a top rotating unit and a coupler receiving unit; a driving lever having a lever arm connected to the top rotating unit of the clutch lever by a linking spring to operate; a clutch coupler laid on the top of the coupler receiving unit to make up and down spline movement by the coupler receiving unit; and a motor assembly comprising a stator assembly coupled to the bottom of the clutch holder and comprising a stator core, and a rotor assembly comprising a rotor housing.

Abstract: A radial portion of a rotor is rotatably mounted to a stator and a cylindrical portion axially extends over radial teeth formed on the stator. A first surface of the first soft ferromagnetic material element is mounted to an inner surface of the cylindrical portion and a second surface of the first soft ferromagnetic material element has mounted on it a first magnet such that a surface of a pole of the first magnet is oriented substantially non perpendicular to a line from the centre of the rotor to the first magnet. A first surface of a second soft ferromagnetic material element is mounted to the first magnet such that the first magnet is sandwiched between the first and second soft ferromagnetic material elements. A second surface of the second soft ferromagnetic material element is substantially perpendicular to the line from the centre of the rotor to the first magnet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motor driving device and a laundry treatment apparatus. An inverter is configured to convert a DC voltage of DC terminals into an AC voltage according to a switching operation and to output the AC voltage to a motor. A DC terminal voltage detector is configured to detect the voltage of the DC terminals, and an output current detector is configured to detect an output current flowing through the motor. A controller is configured to control the inverter based on the detected output current. The controller controls the motor to operate based on a flux current command value from among the flux current command values and a torque current command value for driving the motor in an overvoltage protection mode when the detected DC terminal voltage is higher than a first predetermined value and power is supplied from the motor to the DC terminals. Abrupt DC terminal voltage increase may be prevented.

Abstract: A reduction clutch for positioning an inner tub has an input shaft connected to an output shaft. An input shaft sleeve is connected to an output shaft sleeve. A clutch shaft sleeve slides axially downward to connect to a driving device and slides upward to connect to a fixed disk at one position in the circumferential direction. The positioning of the input shaft sleeve, the output shaft sleeve and an inner tub in the circumferential direction is achieved by the connecting position. A first water drainage hole is arranged at the bottom of the inner tub. An included angle between a protrusion on the upper portion of the clutch shaft sleeve and the first water drainage hole of the inner tub is equal to an included angle between a recess on the fixed disk fitting with the protrusion and the water drainage control mechanism on the outer tub.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a washing machine including: a housing; a brake drum rotatably disposed inside the housing; a dewatering shaft coupled to the brake drum; a washing shaft rotatably disposed inside the dewatering shaft; a rotor to which the washing shaft is coupled; a stator disposed inside the rotor; a brake lever disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing and adapted to operate a brake pad connected to one end thereof to control the rotation of the brake drum; a coupling clutch moved upwardly and downwardly along a lower end portion of the dewatering shaft; a clutch lever mounted on the housing and rotating upon the rotation of the brake lever to move the coupling clutch upwardly and downwardly; and a pressurizing lever coupled to the brake lever to rotate together with the brake lever and to push and rotate the clutch lever.

Abstract: A clutch positioning assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The assembly uses a cam that can be rotated so as to position the clutch between different positions that provide for engaging or disengaging a motor from a wash basket. A leaf spring, configured as a yoke in one exemplary embodiment, provides a force to urge the clutch into a position that e.g., disengages the wash basket from the motor during e.g., wash modes while also allowing the clutch to be moved into a position that engages the wash basket with the motor during spin modes. The clutch positioning assembly can be provided as a modular unit that is connected with the appliance during manufacturing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A washing machine capable of preventing damages of a clutch, a motor, etc., by sensing whether the clutch is normally operated. The clutch transmits a rotational force of the rotor to a dehydration shaft. The washing machine includes a washing shaft configured to rotate a pulsator, a dehydration shaft configured to rotate a drum disposed in a reservoir, a rotor coupled with the washing shaft and configured to transmit a rotational force to the washing shaft, a clutch configured to selectively transmit a rotational force of the rotor to the dehydration shaft a shielding member mounted to the clutch, a magnet provided at the rotor, and a magnetic sensor disposed to face the magnet. The magnetic sensor senses a position of the clutch as the shielding member shields a space between the magnet and the magnetic sensor by a motion of the clutch.

Abstract: In a method for determining a load and/or an unbalance of a laundry drum of a washing machine driven by an electric motor having a stator with at least one winding coupled to a power inverter controlled by a control unit, the laundry drum is accelerated to a predetermined rotational speed and then slowed down. During the slow-down, the motor operates in generator mode and an electric current flowing through the at least one winding and/or an electric intermediate circuit voltage is measured. The time dependence of the electric power supplied by the electric motor in generator mode is evaluated during a revolution of the laundry drum. The unbalance and/or the load are determined from the measured current values and/or the intermediate circuit voltage and from the determined electric power. A corresponding circuit arrangement and a washing machine with this circuit arrangement are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: 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: 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 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-

Abstract: A motor for a washing machine including a driving shaft coupled to a drum, a stator for forming a magnetic field with a coil wound on a core, and a rotor rotatably mounted on an outside of the stator coupled to the driving shaft for driving the driving shaft, wherein the rotor includes a rotor frame having magnets attached to an inside surface of an outer end, a back yoke on an outside surface of the outer end for reinforcing the rotor frame and forming a magnetic path, a shaft supporting housing at a center of the rotor frame having one end portion of the driving shaft secured thereto, a bushing of a non-conductive resin having the shaft supporting housing formed as one body at a center, the bushing being secured to the rotor frame, and fastening members for fastening the bushing to the rotor frame.

Abstract: 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.

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 vibration-absorbing structure for preventing the transfer of the vibration of the driving part is disclosed. The washing machine includes a rotor housing 50 in which a rotor is installed and which is rotatably moved, a driving shaft 20, 31, 33 for rotating a washing tub or a pulsator using a rotational force transferred from the rotor housing, a power transferring member 120 for transferring the rotational force of the rotor housing to the driving shaft, a rotor bushing 110 coupled to the rotor housing and through which the driving shaft penetrates to be slidingly moved, and at least one vibration-absorbing member 140, 150 installed on a path where a power is transferred from the rotor housing to the driving shaft, for absorbing vibration of the rotor housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combination rotating/tipping mechanism for an agitator arranged in an inner tub of a washing machine includes a drive member, a tipping member fixedly mounted to the agitator and pivotally mounted to the drive member, and a pivot link interconnecting the tipping member and the inner tub of the machine. In operation, rotation of the drive member imparts an oscillating/rotating motion to the tipping member about a rotational axis. Simultaneously, the pivot link is caused to pivot about a pivotal axis, thereby restricting the movement of the tipping member and causing the tipping member to pivot about another pivotal axis.

Abstract: A tipping mechanism for a vertical axis washing machine includes an agitator, a drive member, a tipping member and a stationary pivot member. The pivot member preferably takes the form of a ball which is received in a socket defined by the tipping member. In a preferred form of the invention, the pivot member is provided with at least one guide member which is received in an arcuate channel, including both horizontal and vertical components, defined by the tipping member. In operation, the drive member causes the tipping member to rotate, while the arrangement of the guide member in the arcuate channel forces the tipping member to shift in various planes. This movement imparts a combination rotating and tipping motion to the agitator.

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 with a vibration-absorbing structure for preventing the transfer of the vibration of the driving part is disclosed. The washing machine includes a rotor housing 50 in which a rotor is installed and which is rotatably moved, a driving shaft 20, 31, 33 for rotating a washing tub or a pulsator using a rotational force transferred from the rotor housing, a power transferring member 120 for transferring the rotational force of the rotor housing to the driving shaft, a rotor bushing 110 coupled to the rotor housing and through which the driving shaft penetrates to be slidingly moved, and at least one vibration-absorbing member 140, 150 installed on a path where a power is transferred from the rotor housing to the driving shaft, for absorbing vibration of the rotor housing.

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 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 clutch for washing machine includes a rotating hub driven by a motor. The hub engages a ratable intermediate plate which is mounted in spaced relationship inside an annular hub. As the rotational speed of the intermediate plate increases it expands radially outwardly and engages the hub to complete the clutch engagement.

Abstract: An inner tub for a washing machine, which is able to increase a dried degree of laundries and to increase a reliability of the washing machine by improving a structure of an inner tub hub and reinforcing the inner tub to make a spin-drying of high speed possible, comprises an inner tub body; an inner tub base formed on a lower part of the inner tub body; and an inner tub hub coupled on a lower surface of the inner tub base, including a rotating shaft coupling portion to which a rotating shaft for transmitting a rotating force of a driving motor is coupled, a radial supporting portion extended in an outer boundary direction of the rotating shaft coupling portion with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a ring type supporting portion having a predetermined width in an outer circumferential direction of the radial supporting portion formed integrally.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of a rotor for a brushless motor which can improve structural stiffness, restrict noise generation by reducing vibration during the rotation, use cheap materials, reduce a fabrication cost by fabricating a back yoke and a base plate unit in a single body. improve durability, and efficiently cool a heat generated in the motor during the operation by facilitating an external air inflow.