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 includes a water tub improved in strength and configured to reduce an amount of washing water consumed by the washing machine. The water tub has a bottom part, and a body part upwardly extended from a periphery of the bottom part by a certain height. The body part includes at least one annular stepped portion to reduce a diameter of the body part. The water tub includes a first annular stepped portion formed at a middle of the water tub, and second and third annular stepped portions formed above and below the first annular stepped portion, respectively. The body part of the water tub is widened upwardly. Hence, the washing machine has a water tub that is strengthened and able to reduce vibration.

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: 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 washing shaft for rotating agitating blades disposed in a dewatering tank, and the washing shaft is disposed coaxially on a hollow dewatering shaft for rotating the dewatering tank. The washing shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction mechanism, and a washing side input shaft is connected to the input side of the reduction mechanism to rotate the washing shaft by decelerating the rotation of a drive motor. A rotor of the drive motor is coupled to the lower part of the washing side input shaft. Therefore, the rotating torque of the agitating blades can be increased without increasing the torque of the drive motor. In addition, if the laundry collides against the agitating blades, the eccentricity to the washing side input shaft is suppressed, thereby the increase of the washing capacity can be handled without increasing the size of the drive motor.

Abstract: A washing machine having a variable speed motor. The washing machine has a basket for holding articles to be washed and has a first axis of rotation. A basket drive shaft connected to the basket drives the basket. An agitator disposed in the basket along the first axis of rotation agitates the article in the basket. An agitator drive shaft connected to the agitator drives the agitator. A variable speed motor, having a second axis of rotation which is not coincident with the first axis of rotation, drives the basket drive shaft and the agitator drive shaft. A coupler couples motion of the variable speed motor to the agitator drive shaft and basket drive shaft.

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: A washing machine includes a washing shaft for rotating agitating blades disposed in a dewatering tank, and the washing shaft is disposed coaxially on a hollow dewatering shaft for rotating the dewatering tank. The washing shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction mechanism, and a washing side input shaft is connected to the input side of the reduction mechanism to rotate the washing shaft by decelerating the rotation of a drive motor. A rotor of the drive motor is coupled to the lower part of the washing side input shaft. Therefore, the rotating torque of the agitating blades can be increased without increasing the torque of the drive motor. In addition, if the laundry collides against the agitating blades, the eccentricity to the washing side input shaft is suppressed, thereby the increase of the washing capacity can be handled without increasing the size of the drive motor.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for absorbing forces on an input shaft of a washing machine is described. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly is located at an upper end of the input shaft just below a pinion gear coupled to the shaft. The thrust bearing assembly includes a cage and bearing assembly positioned between washers. The thrust bearing assembly is supported on a bronze flange bearing having a bore, and the input shaft extends through the bore. The flange bearing is supported by the transmission housing, and a lubrication reservoir is formed by the transmission housing. The reservoir typically is filled with a lubricant. In operation, when the machine operates in the spin cycle, axial forces are transferred through an actuator cam, a pulley hub, and the shaft to the thrust bearing assembly. The trust bearing assembly cooperates with the transmission housing to absorb the downward axial forces on shaft.

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 includes a washing shaft for rotating agitating blades disposed in a dewatering tank, and the washing shaft is disposed coaxially on a hollow dewatering shaft for rotating the dewatering tank. The washing shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction mechanism, and a washing side input shaft is connected to the input side of the reduction mechanism to rotate the washing shaft by decelerating the rotation of a drive motor. A rotor of the drive motor is coupled to the lower part of the washing side input shaft. Therefore, the rotating torque of the agitating blades can be increased without increasing the torque of the drive motor. In addition, if the laundry collides against the agitating blades, the eccentricity to the washing side input shaft is suppressed, thereby the increase of the washing capacity can be handled without increasing the size of the drive motor.

Abstract: The field weakening of the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet is enabled. The rotor of the permanent magnet dynamo-electric machine is divided to move relatively.

Abstract: A wash basket alignment system for an automatic washing machine having a wash basket with a drive block partially inserted through a central aperture in the bottom wall of the wash plate. A spin drive tube extends longitudinally through the central aperture in the drive block and through the wash plate bottom wall. A hold down nut is threadingly engaged to the drive block from the inside chamber of the wash basket to position the wash basket within the wash tub. Concentric alignment of the wash basket along a central longitudinal axis decreases basket runout. Therefore, the drive block has a spherical outside surface where it abuts the conical shaped outer surface of the wash basket. The radius of the spherical outside surface intersects the central axis at a point. This configuration facilitates the sliding or moving of this juncture from a first position out of concentricity to a second position that is concentric about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for absorbing forces on an input shaft of a washing machine is described. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly is located at an upper end of the input shaft just below a pinion gear coupled to the shaft. The thrust bearing assembly includes a cage and bearing assembly positioned between washers. The thrust bearing assembly is supported on a bronze flange bearing having a bore, and the input shaft extends through the bore. The flange bearing is supported by the transmission housing, and a lubrication reservoir is formed by the transmission housing. The reservoir typically is filled with a lubricant. In operation, when the machine operates in the spin cycle, axial forces are transferred through an actuator cam, a pulley hub, and the shaft to the thrust bearing assembly. The thrust bearing assembly cooperates with the transmission housing to absorb the downward axial forces on shaft.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for absorbing forces on an input shaft of a washing machine is described. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly is located at an upper end of the input shaft just below a pinion gear coupled to the shaft. The thrust bearing assembly includes a cage and bearing assembly positioned between washers. The thrust bearing assembly is supported on a bronze flange bearing having a bore, and the input shaft extends through the bore. The flange bearing is supported by the transmission housing, and a lubrication reservoir is formed by the transmission housing. The reservoir typically is filled with a lubricant. In operation, when the machine operates in the spin cycle, axial forces are transferred through an actuator cam, a pulley hub, and the shaft to the thrust bearing assembly. The thrust bearing assembly cooperates with the transmission housing to absorb the downward axial forces on shaft.

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.

Abstract: A two-component seal for the spin tub of a washing machine. The two-component seal is disposed about the tub opening and a metal shroud seal to prevent water in the washer from entering a motor and bearing space. The top seal includes a metal case with multiple sealing surfaces. The presence of multiple sealing surfaces provides a sealing force against the shaft shroud seal to seal during operation and compensate for seal wear over time, extending the seal life. The top seal has a stiffener made of metal. A resilient elastomeric cover encloses the stiffener, except for top and bottom tabs. A bottom tab prevents slipping between the tub seal and bottom assembly. The bottom tabs additionally have a lip which engages the shroud seal made from materials which allow sealing lips to seal on a softer metal shaft. The bottom seal also has a resilient metallic stiffener enclosed by a resilient bottom cover. The bottom seal further has a vertical wall and a horizontal flange.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing shaft for rotating agitating blades disposed in a dewatering tank, and the washing shaft is disposed coaxially on a hollow dewatering shaft for rotating the dewatering tank. The washing shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction mechanism, and a washing side input shaft is connected to the input side of the reduction mechanism to rotate the washing shaft by decelerating the rotation of a drive motor. A rotor of the drive motor is coupled to the lower part of the washing side input shaft. Therefore, the rotating torque of the agitating blades can be increased without increasing the torque of the drive motor. In addition, if the laundry collides against the agitating blades, the eccentricity to the washing side input shaft is suppressed, thereby the increase of the washing capacity can be handled without increasing the size of the drive motor.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a water tub having a bottom with a through hole, a rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub, an electric motor including a rotor and mounted on an underside of the water tub, a hollow tub shaft rotatably mounted on the bottom of the water tub so as to extend through the hole of the water tub, the tub shaft having an upper end connected to the rotating tub and a lower end with an outer circumferential face formed with a sliding guide, a boss mounted on a central portion of the rotor so as to be located below the tub shaft, the boss including an upper portion formed with an annular connecting portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the tub shaft, an agitator shaft rotatably mounted inside the tub shaft and having an upper end connected to the agitator and a lower end connected to the boss, a cylindrical clutch having an inner circumferential face formed with an annular engaging portion engaging the sliding guide, the clutch being fitted with the lower end

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing shaft for rotating agitating blades disposed in a dewatering tank, and the washing shaft is disposed coaxially on a hollow dewatering shaft for rotating the dewatering tank. The washing shaft is connected to the output side of a reduction mechanism, and a washing side input shaft is connected to the input side of the reduction mechanism to rotate the washing shaft by decelerating the rotation of a drive motor. A rotor of the drive motor is coupled to the lower part of the washing side input shaft. Therefore, the rotating torque of the agitating blades can be increased without increasing the torque of the drive motor. In addition, if the laundry collides against the agitating blades, the eccentricity to the washing side input shaft is suppressed, thereby the increase of the washing capacity can be handled without increasing the size of the drive motor.

Abstract: A full-automatic washing machine includes a rotatable tub for accommodating laundry together with water, an agitator provided in the rotatable tub for agitating the water or the laundry, a variable-speed washing motor for directly driving the agitator, and a variable-speed dehydrating motor for directly driving the rotatable tub.

Abstract: A brake assembly of a washing machine is comprised of a brake drum rotating together with a spin basket, a brake band disposed on an outer side of the brake drum, and a brake lever for driving the brake band. A brake spring elastically pushes the brake lever so that the brake band is contacted with the brake drum. A brake link is installed on the brake lever so as to be capable of pivoting. A link spring elastically pushes the brake link in a pivoting direction thereof. A bolt is screwed to the brake lever. The screwed end of the bolt is contacted with the brake link against an elastic force of the link spring, and the relative pivoting position of the brake link with respect to the brake lever is adjusted according to a screwed position of the bolt. Thus, the error of the braking operation caused by the assembly tolerance of the brake assembly or the abrasion of the brake band can be amended.

Abstract: Bearing fretting conditions are eliminated in washing machines by providing a drive system in which the bearings are not loaded during the spin mode. The drive system includes an input shaft and first and second hubs rotatively mounted about the input shaft. The second hub is movable along the input shaft between a first position adjacent to the first hub and a second position displaced from the first hub. The drive system spins the washing machine's basket when the second hub is in its first position and oscillates the agitator when the second hub is in its second position. A brake disk is mounted to the second hub for movement therewith, and a brake surface is fixedly mounted to the washing machine adjacent to the brake disk so that the brake disk contacts the brake surface when the second hub is in its second position. Separation of the two hubs is accomplished by ball bearings which are unloaded when the second hub is in its first position.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet with an opening. A wash basket is mounted within the cabinet for rotation about a wash basket axis, and includes an access opening through which clothes may be loaded and unloaded. At least one agitator is mounted within the basket for rotation about an agitator axis which is at an angle different from the angle of the wash basket axis. A drive mechanism bathed by washing fluid interconnects a drive motor, the wash basket, and the agitator for rotating the agitator about its rotational axis.

Abstract: A motor drives, via a hollow dryer shaft, a basket doubling as a washing basket and a spin-dryer basket. The motor rotating speed is reduced by a speed reduction mechanism, thereby driving an agitator disposed in the basket via a washing shaft that is axially aligned with the dryer shaft. A clutch switches transmission of the motor driving force either to the dryer shaft or to the washing shaft. The speed reduction mechanism and the motor are axially aligned with one another. The clutch is placed within a motor bracket, and is controlled by a clutch driver that is inserted into the bracket through a hole provided on the motor bracket. These arrangements restrain unbalance of a water tub during a dehydrating step, as well as prevent water or fingers of users from entering the motor.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus of a washing machine, the apparatus employing a wash/spin-dry tub inside and outer tub and an agitating member centrally disposed inside the wash/spin-dry tub for agitating laundry, wherein the apparatus comprises upper and lower cover flanges coupled to a bottom surface of the outer tub for accommodating a driving source underneath the outer tub to generate a driving force and for supporting the driving source, a motor shaft disposed at an inner circumference of a rotor at the driving source to be integrally rotated therewith, a sealing member for sealing a space between the outer tub and the motor shaft the present water from leaking out of the outer tub and for causing the motor shaft to rotate independently from the outer tub, and a ball bearing having an inner ring thereof push-fitted from under the sealing member into an outer circumference of the motor shaft while an outer ring thereof is push-fitted into an inner circumference of the upper cover flange, and a power trans

Abstract: A washing machine having a variable speed motor. The washing machine has a basket for holding articles to be washed and has a first axis of rotation. A basket drive shaft connected to the basket drives the basket. An agitator disposed in the basket along the first axis of rotation agitates the article in the basket. An agitator drive shaft connected to the agitator drives the agitator. A variable speed motor, having a second axis of rotation which is not coincident with the first axis of rotation, drives the basket drive shaft and the agitator drive shaft. A coupler couples motion of the variable speed motor to the agitator drive shaft and basket drive shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor-clutch assembly of a direct engagement type washing machine. The assembly comprises a section for transmitting a driving force of a motor to a pulsator, a section for transmitting the driving force to a dehydrating tub, and a clutch section for transmitting or cutting off the driving force by using a cam. The clutch section comprises a lower clutch fixed on a driving shaft of the motor, an upper clutch fixed on the driving shaft and engaged with the dehydrating tub driving force transmission section so as to be engaged with or separated from the lower clutch, a clutch guide for supporting the upper clutch, a cam member for guiding the clutch guide up and down, a cam gear for moving the clutch guide along the cam member, and a lever gear for rotating the cam gear. The clutch guide is moved up and down by the rotation of the cam gear. Then, the upper clutch is moved up and down so as to be engaged with or separated from the lower clutch.