Laundry machine

Abstract

A laundry machine (10) includes a drum (30), agitator (38), spin tube (88), agitator shaft (80), brake (90), electric machine (41), and brake release (92). The spin tube (88) is secured to the drum (30). The agitator shaft (80) is secured to the agitator (38). The brake (90) is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube (88) and disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube (88). The electric machine (41) is configured to generate power to rotate the spin tube (88) and the agitator shaft (80). The brake release (92) is configured to disengage the brake (90) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft (80) in a first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold. The brake release (92) is also configured to not disengage the brake (90) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft (80) in the first direction to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold or in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

LAUNDRY MACHINECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 581,781 filed on September 11, 2023, and U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 566,031 filed on March 15, 2024, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to washing or laundry machines.BACKGROUND

[0003] Washing machines are configured to clean clothes, garments, or other clothing articles.SUMMARY

[0004] A laundry machine includes a drum, an agitator, a spin tube, an agitator shaft, a brake, an electric machine, and a brake. The drum defines an internal space configured to receive articles for treatment therein. The agitator is disposed within the internal space. The spin tube is secured to the drum. The agitator shaft is secured to the agitator. The brake is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube. The electric machine is configured to generate power to rotate the spin tube and the agitator shaft. The brake release is configured to disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison. The brake release is configured to not disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold or in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.

[0005] A laundry machine includes a spin tube, an agitator shaft, a brake, and a brake release. The brake is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube. The brake release is configured to disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison. The brake release is configured to facilitate engagement of the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold or in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.

[0006] A laundry machine includes a spin tube, an agitator shaft, a motor, a brake, and a brake release. The motor has a rotor coupled to the agitator shaft and is operable to deliver power to the agitator shaft. The brake is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube. The brake release is configured to disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison. The brake release is configured to facilitate engagement of the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a laundry or washing machine according to the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a controller for controlling the operation of one or more components of the laundry treating appliance;

[0009] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower end of the laundry treating appliance illustrating a drive system for the laundry treating appliance;

[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a brake for the spin tube of the laundry treating appliance;

[0011] Figure 5 illustrates a brake release;

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates a cam and a torsion spring that form a portion of the brake release;

[0013] Figure 7 illustrates a one-way bearing that forms a portion of the brake release;

[0014] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower end of the laundry treating appliance illustrating an alternative configuration of the drive system for the laundry treating appliance;

[0015] Figure 9 illustrates a brake for the spin tube utilized in the alternative configuration of the drive system;

[0016] Figure 10 illustrates a brake release utilized in the alternative configuration of the drive system;

[0017] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an engagement of the brake release in the alternative configuration of the drive system;

[0018] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the lower end of the laundry treating appliance illustrating a second alternative configuration of the drive system for the laundry treating appliance; and

[0019] Figures 14-17 illustrate a brake release utilized in the second alternative configuration of the drive system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Variouscombinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0021] Illustrative washing machines in accordance with the present disclosure include a rotatable clothes mover or agitator and a rotatable basket or drum. Clothes movers generally oscillate, or rotate back and forth, in accordance with a stroke angle, to provide agitation to a laundry load during washing cycles or operations. Clothes movers and rotatable baskets generally spin together during spin cycle operations. To enable both of these functionalities, including oscillation by the clothes mover and joint spinning by the clothes mover and basket, a common drive system may be included. Such a drive system can include a drive mechanism or transmission for translating movement from an electric machine or motor into rotational movement of the basket and clothes mover by the use of a drive shaft that is operably coupled to a series of gears or gearing arrangement. Traditional drive mechanisms may include the use of a sun gear, a set of planetary gears, and an external ring gear. The planetary gears are often provided as spur gears. However, the gears may alternatively be helical gears in place of conventional spur gears in the drive mechanism. Traditional drive mechanisms, however, are not limited to planetary gear systems.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance shown in the form of a laundry or washing machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the laundry treating appliance is illustrated as a vertical axis, top-fill washing machine, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have applicability in other fabric treating appliances, non-limiting examples of which include a combination washing machine and dryer, a refreshing / revitalizing machine, an extractor, or a non-aqueous washing apparatus.

[0023] Washing machines are typically categorized as either a vertical axis washing machine or a horizontal axis washing machine. As used herein, the “vertical axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate, that holds fabric items and a clothes mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like within the drum. The clothes mover moves within the drum to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the drum. The clothes mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating rotational movement. In some vertical axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, therotational axis need not be vertical. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis. As used herein, the “horizontal axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable drum, perforated or imperforate, that holds fabric items and washes the fabric items by the fabric items rubbing against one another as the drum rotates. In some horizontal axis washing machines, the drum rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be horizontal. The drum may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action. Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes. Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles. The illustrated exemplary washing machine of Figure 1 is a vertical axis washing machine.

[0024] The washing machine 10 may include a structural support system comprising a cabinet 14 that defines an interior space or internal cavity 15, within which a laundry holding system resides. The cabinet 14 may be a housing having a chassis and / or a frame defining an interior that receives components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as electric machines (e.g., motors), pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.

[0025] The fabric holding system of the illustrated exemplary washing machine 10 may include a rotatable drum or basket 30 having an open top that can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet 14 (e.g., within internal cavity 15) and may define second internal space, internal cavity, or treating chamber 32 for receiving laundry articles or items for treatment. The top of the cabinet 14 can include a selectively openable lid 28 to provide access into the laundry treating chamber 32 through the open top of the basket 30. A washtub or tub 34 can also be positioned within the internal cavity 15 defined by the cabinet 14 and can define a third interior space or internal cavity 33 within which the basket 30 can be positioned. The tub 34 can have a generally cylindrical side or tub peripheral wall 12 closed at its bottom end by a base 16 that can at least partially define a sump 60.

[0026] The basket 30 can have a generally peripheral side wall 18, which is illustrated as a cylindrical side wall, closed at the basket end by a basket base 20 to at least partially define the treating chamber 32. The basket 30 can be rotatably mounted within the tub 34 for rotation about a vertical basket axis of rotation relative to the tub 34 and can include a plurality of perforations 31 , such that liquid may flow between the tub 34 and the rotatable basket 30 through the perforations 31. While the illustrated washing machine 10 includes both the tub 34 and the basket 30, with the basket 30 defining the treating chamber 32, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry treating appliance to include only one receptacle, with the receptacle defining the laundry treatment chamber for receiving the load to be treated.

[0027] An agitator or clothes mover 38 may be disposed and rotatably mounted within the basket 30 to impart mechanical agitation to a load of laundry placed in the basket 30. The clothes mover 38 can be oscillated or rotated about its axis of rotation during a cycle of operation in order to produce load motion effective to wash the load contained within the treating chamber 32. Types of laundry movers include, but are not limited to, an agitator, a wobble plate, and a hybrid impeller / agitator.

[0028] The basket 30 and the clothes mover 38 may be driven by a drive system 40 that includes power sources, such as an electric machine or motor 41 , and a transmission operably coupled with the basket 30 and clothes mover 38. The electric machine or motor 41 is configured to generate power to rotate the basket 30 and the clothes mover 38, and to oscillate the clothes mover 38. The transmission is configured to deliver power from a power source (e.g., motor 41) to the basket 30 and / or the clothes mover 38. The transmission may include a gearing arrangement or gear case. The transmission may also include additional components such as input and output shafts. The motor 41 may rotate the basket 30 at various speeds in either rotational direction about the vertical axis of rotation, including at a spin speed wherein a centrifugal force at the inner surface of the basket side wall 18 is 1 g or greater. Spin speeds are commonly known for use in extracting liquid from the laundry items in the basket 30, such as after a wash or rinse step in a treating cycle of operation. A loss motion device or clutch can be included in the drive system 40 and can selectively operably couple the motor 41 with either the basket 30 and / or the clothes mover 38.

[0029] A suspension system 22 can dynamically hold the tub 34 within the cabinet 14. The suspension system 22 can dissipate a determined degree of vibratory energy generated by the rotation of the basket 30 and / or the clothes mover 38 during a treating cycle of operation. Together, the tub 34, the basket 30, and any contents of the basket 30, such as liquid and laundry items, define a suspended mass for the suspension system 22.

[0030] A liquid supply system can provide liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more wash aids, such as detergent, into the treating chamber 32. The liquid supply system may include a water supply configured to supply hot or cold water. The water supply may include a hot water inlet 44 and a cold water inlet 46, a valve assembly, which can include a hot water valve 48, a cold water valve 50, and a diverter valve 55, and various conduits 52, 56, 58. The valves 48, 50 are selectively openable to provide water, such as from a household water supply (not shown) to the conduit 52. The valves 48, 50 can be opened individually or together to provide a mix of hot and cold water at a selected temperature. While the valves 48, 50 and conduit 52 are illustrated as positioned on the exterior of the cabinet 14, it may be understood that these components may be internal to the housing.

[0031] As illustrated, a detergent dispenser 54 can be fluidly coupled with the conduit 52 through a diverter valve 55 and a first water conduit 56. The detergent dispenser 54 can include means for supplying or mixing detergent to or with water from the first water conduit 56 and can supply such treating liquid to the tub 34. It has been contemplated that water from the first water conduit 56 can also be supplied to the tub 34 through the detergent dispenser 54 without the addition of a detergent. A second water conduit, illustrated as a separate water inlet 58, can also be fluidly coupled with the conduit 52 through the diverter valve 55 such that water can be supplied directly to the treating chamber through the open top of the basket 30. Additionally, the liquid supply system can differ from the configuration shown, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of detergent / wash aid.

[0032] A liquid recirculation system may be provided for recirculating liquid from the tub 34 into the treating chamber 32. More specifically, a sump 60 can be located in the bottom of thetub 34 and the liquid recirculation system can be configured to recirculate treating liquid from the sump 60 onto the top of a laundry load located in the treating chamber 32. A pump 62 can be housed below the tub 34 and can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the sump 60 and an outlet configured to fluidly couple to either or both a household drain 64 or a recirculation conduit 66. In this configuration, the pump 62 can be used to drain or recirculate wash water in the sump 60. As illustrated, the recirculation conduit 66 can be fluidly coupled with the treating chamber 32 such that it supplies liquid into the open top of the basket 30. The liquid recirculation system can include other types of recirculation systems.

[0033] It is noted that the illustrated drive system, suspension system, liquid supply system, and recirculation and drain system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply, recirculation, and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in Figure 1, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors (such as liquid level sensors and temperature sensors), and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply system can be configured to supply liquid into the interior of the tub 34 not occupied by the basket 30 such that liquid can be supplied directly to the tub 34 without having to travel through the basket 30. In another example, the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.

[0034] The washing machine 10 can also be provided with a heating system (not shown) to heat liquid provided to the treating chamber 32. In one example, the heating system can include a heating element provided in the sump to heat liquid that collects in the sump. Alternatively, the heating system can be in the form of an in-line heater that heats the liquid as it flows through the liquid supply, dispensing and / or recirculation systems.

[0035] The washing machine 10 may further include a controller 70 coupled with various working components of the washing machine 10 to control the operation of the working components and to implement one or more treating cycles of operation. The control system can further include auser interface 24 that is operably coupled with the controller 70. The user interface 24 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.

[0036] The controller 70 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine 10. For example, the controller 70 can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 70. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends / receives one or more electrical signals to / from each of the various working components to implement the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID), can be used to control the various components of the washing machine 10.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 2, the controller 70 can be provided with a memory 72 and a central processing unit (CPU) 74. The memory 72 can be used for storing the control software that can be executed by the CPU 74 in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of treating cycles of operation include: wash, heavy-duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash, which can be selected at the user interface 24. The memory 72 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of the washing machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 70. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.

[0038] The controller 70 may be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine 10 for communicating with and / or controlling the operation of the components to complete a cycle of operation. For example, the controller 70 may be coupled with the hot water valve 48, the cold water valve 50, diverter valve 55, and the detergent dispenser 54 for controllingthe temperature and flow rate of treating liquid into the treating chamber 32; the pump 62 for controlling the amount of treating liquid in the treating chamber 32 or sump 60; drive system 40 including motor 41 for controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the basket 30 and / or the clothes mover 38; and the user interface 24 for receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The controller 70 can also receive input from a temperature sensor 76, such as a thermistor, which can detect the temperature of the treating liquid in the treating chamber 32 and / or the temperature of the treating liquid being supplied to the treating chamber 32. The controller 70 can also receive input from various additional sensors 78, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of additional sensors 78 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 70 include: a weight sensor, and a motor torque sensor.

[0039] While illustrated as one controller, the controller 70 may be part of a larger control system and may control or be controlled by various other controllers throughout the washing machine 10. It should therefore be understood that the controller 70 and one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a “controller” that controls various subcomponents or actuators of the washing machine 10 in response to signals from various subcomponents or sensors of the washing machine 10 to control various functions. The controller 70 may include the microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) 74, which may be in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media. Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer- readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller 70 in controlling the washing machine 10.

[0040] Control logic or functions performed by the controller 70 may be represented by flow charts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and / or logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies such asevent-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon the particular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller, such as controller 70. Of course, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media having stored data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the washing machine 10 or its subsystems. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a number of known physical devices which utilize electric, magnetic, and / or optical storage to keep executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, the drive system 40 is illustrated in further detail. Please note that the configuration of the drive system 40 may be the same or may vary in Figure 3 relative to the configuration of the drive system 40 illustrated in Figure 1. Also, please note that for illustrative purposes, some of the components in Figure 3 may be shown in a cross-section while other components are not.

[0042] The drive system 40 includes the motor 41. The motor 41 delivers power to an agitator shaft 80 via a belt 82. The belt 82 engages a first pulley 84 that is attached to the shaft of the motor 41 and engages a second pulley 86 that is attached to the agitator shaft 80, to form a power path from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80. Alternatively, the motor 41 may be connected directly to the agitator shaft 80 (e.g., See Figure 8). The agitator shaft 80 may be connected to an agitator (e.g., the clothes mover 38).

[0043] A spin shaft or spin tube 88 is connected to the rotatable drum or basket 30. Only a lower portion or base of the basket 30 is illustrated in Figure 3 for illustrative purposes. A brake 90 and a corresponding brake release 92 are collectively configured to operate to connect and disconnectthe spin tube 88 to and from the agitator shaft 80. When the spin tube 88 is disconnected from the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80 to rotate the agitator shaft 80, while the spin tube 88 and basket 30 remain motionless. When the spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, the agitator shaft 80 and the spin tube 88 may be constrained to rotate in unison. Also, when the spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41, to the agitator shaft 80 (via the belt 82 or directly from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80), and to the spin tube 88 via the brake release 92 to collectively rotate the agitator shaft 80, spin tube 88, and basket 30. The spin tube 88 may be connected to the agitator shaft 80 during a spin cycle of the washing machine 10. The spin tube 88 may be disconnected from the agitator shaft 80 during a washing or agitation cycle of the washing machine 10.

[0044] Referring to Figures 3-7, the brake 90 and the brake release 92 are illustrated in further detail. The brake 90 is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube 88 and disengage to facilitate or allow rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 90 may generally refer to a brake assembly. The brake 90 may include one or more pads or shoes 94 that are secured to the spin tube 88 and a drum 96 that is grounded to a non-moving component of the washing machine 10, such as the cabinet 14. The shoes 94 are configured to pivot about pin 98 to either engage or disengage the drum 96. More specifically, the shoes 94 may be connected to lever arms 99 that pivot about the pin 98 and may be secured to the spin tube 88 and drum 96 via the levers arms 99. Engagement between the shoes 94 and the drum 96 may correspond to an engagement of the brake 90 that restricts rotation of the spin tube 88. Disengagement between the shoes 94 and the drum 96 may correspond to a disengagement of the brake 90 that facilitates or allows rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 90 may include a biasing element 100, such as a spring, that biases the shoes 94 into engagement with the drum 96.

[0045] The brake release 92 is configured disengage the brake 90 (e.g., disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in a first rotational direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold. The threshold may correspond to a preset number, fraction, or range of rotations or revolutions of the agitator shaft 80 from a neutral position. The neutral position may correspond to an unwound condition of a torsion spring (e.g., see torsion spring 116 below) or preloaded minimum load of such a torsion spring. The brake release 92, however, is configured to not disengage the brake 90 (e.g., the shoes 94 are configuredto remain engaged with the drum 96) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold. Furthermore, the brake release 92 is also configured to not disengage the brake 90 (e.g., the shoes 94 are configured to remain engaged with the drum 96) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in a second direction 104. The second direction 104 may be opposite to the first direction 102. It is noted that the first and second directions 102, 104 may be opposite to what is illustrated. When the brake 90 is engaged (e.g., when the shoes 94 remain engaged with the drum 96), the agitator shaft 80 may rotate alone while the spin tube 88 remains stationary.

[0046] The brake release 92 is configured to couple the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 such that the spin tube 88 and agitator shaft 80 rotate in unison in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than the threshold. The brake release 92 is also configured to transfer power from the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

[0047] The brake release 92 may include a one-way bearing 106 that is disposed about the agitator shaft 80. The one-way bearing 106 may include an inner race 108 and an outer race 110. The inner race 108 may be connected to the agitator shaft 80 such that the inner race 108 and the agitator shaft 80 are configured to rotate in unison in both the first and second directions 102, 104. The inner race 108 may rotate independently of the outer race 110 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104. However, the inner race 108 and the outer race 110 may be constrained to rotate in unison when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102.

[0048] The brake release 92 may further include a cam 112. The cam 112 may be configured to rotate about the spin tube 88. The cam 112 may be configured release the brake shoes 94 (e.g., disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96) to disengage the brake 90. More specifically, when the cam 112 is rotated in the first direction 102, the cam 112 engages cam followers 114 that are disposed on the shoes 94 to disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96 to disengage the brake 90. More specifically, the cam followers 114 may be disposed on the lever arms 99. It is noted that the cam 112 must apply a force that is sufficient to overcome biasing element 100 in order to disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96.

[0049] A torsional spring 116 may connect the cam 112 to the outer race 110 of the one-way bearing 106. Spring retainers or sleeves may be secured or fixed to each of the outer race 110 and / or the cam 112. Alternatively, such spring retainers or sleeves may be integral to the outer race 110 and / or the cam 112. The torsional spring 116 may more specifically be secured or fixed to the spring retainers or sleeves. Power does not transfer from the inner race 108 to the outer race 110 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104 since the inner race 108 may rotate independently of the outer race 110 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104. However, power does transfer from the inner race 108 to the outer race 110 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102 since the inner race 108 and the outer race 110 are constrained to rotate in unison when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102. Therefore, once the agitator shaft 80 begins to be rotated in the first direction 102, the power generated by the motor 41 is transferred from the agitator shaft 80, to the outer race 110, to the torsional spring 116, and then to the cam 112.

[0050] Initially, once the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102, the torsional spring 116 will begin to wind, wrap, or tighten. At first, sufficient energy will not be transferred through the torsional spring 116 to the cam 112, and the cam 112 will not be able to overcome the force of the biasing element 100 to disengage the brake 90 (e.g., the cam 112 will not be able to disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96). However, as the torsional spring 116 further winds, wraps, or tightens, the torsional spring 116 will be able to transfer sufficient energy to the cam 112 and the cam 112 will overcome the force of biasing element 100 and disengage the brake 90 (e.g., the cam 112 will operate to disengage the shoes 94 from the drum 96).

[0051] Once the brake 90 is disengaged and the agitator shaft 80 continues to rotate in the first direction, the power generated by motor 41 transfers from the agitator shaft 80, through the oneway bearing 106, through the torsional spring 116, through the engagement between the cam 112 and cam followers 114, and to the spin tube 88 such that the agitator shaft 80 and spin tube 88 will rotate in unison the first direction 102. It is noted that the cam followers 114 are connected to the shoes 94 and lever arms 99, which are connected to the spin tube 88 allowing power to transfer through the engagement between the cam 112 and cam followers 114.

[0052] The rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 prior to the torsional spring 116 being able to transfer sufficient energy to the cam 112 so that the cam 112 is able to overcome the force of biasing element 100 and disengage the brake 90, may correspond to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 within angular displacement values that are less than the threshold. The rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 where the torsional spring is able to transfer sufficient energy to the cam 112 so that the cam 112 is able to overcome the force of biasing element 100 and disengage the brake 90, may correspond to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 within angular displacement values that are greater than the threshold. The torsional spring 116 may be designed so that the agitator shaft 80 may be operated to a desired angular displacement in the first direction 102 (e.g., up to the threshold) so that the agitator shaft 80 oscillate between rotation in the first and second directions 102, 104 during a washing cycle without coupling the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 and without restraining the agitator shaft 80 to rotate in unison with the spin tube 88.

[0053] The motor 41 may be operated to change the direction of operation between the first and second directions 102, 104 in order to oscillate the agitator shaft 80. The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a washing cycle, control the motor 41 to oscillate rotation of the agitator shaft 80 between the first direction 102 and the second direction 104. The controller 70 may further operate to maintain the angular displacement of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 during the washing cycle to less than the threshold. The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a spin cycle, control the electric machine 41 to rotate the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater the threshold so that brake release 92 couples the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 and such that the agitator shaft 80 and the spin tube 88 are constrained to rotate in unison.

[0054] Referring to Figure 8, an alternative configuration of the drive system 40' is illustrated. The alternative configuration of the drive system 40' should be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of the configuration of the drive system 40 illustrated in Figure 3 unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein. Also, please note that for illustrative purposes, some of the components in Figure 9 may be shown in a cross-section while other components are not.In the alternative configuration of the drive system 40', the motor 41 may be directly connected to the agitator shaft 80, while the belt 82, first pulley 84, and second pulley 86 may be excluded.

[0055] The drive system 40' includes the motor 41. The motor 41 delivers power to the agitator shaft 80 (either directly as illustrated in Figure 9 or via the belt 82, first pulley 84, and second pulley 86 as illustrated in Figure 3). The agitator shaft 80 may be connected to an agitator (e.g., the clothes mover 38). The spin shaft or spin tube 88 is connected to the rotatable drum or basket 30. A brake 190 and a corresponding brake release 192 are collectively configured to operate to connect and disconnect the spin tube 88 to and from the agitator shaft 80. When the spin tube 88 is disconnected from the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80 to rotate the agitator shaft 80, while the spin tube 88 and basket 30 remain motionless. When the spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, the agitator shaft 80 and the spin tube 88 may be constrained to rotate in unison. Also, when the spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41, to the agitator shaft 80 (via the belt 82 or directly from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80), and to the spin tube 88 via the brake release 192 to collectively rotate the agitator shaft 80, spin tube 88, and basket 30. The spin tube 88 may be connected to the agitator shaft 80 during a spin cycle of the washing machine 10. The spin tube 88 may be disconnected from the agitator shaft 80 during a washing or agitation cycle of the washing machine 10.

[0056] Referring to Figures 8-12, the brake 190 and the brake release 192 are illustrated in further detail. The brake 190 is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube 88 and disengage to facilitate or allow rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 190 may generally refer to a brake assembly. The brake 190 may include one or more pads or shoes 194 that are secured to the spin tube 88 and a drum 196 that is grounded to a non-moving component of the washing machine 10, such as the cabinet 14. A brake cam 198 secures the shoes 194 to the spin tube 88. The brake cam 198 is configured to extend and retract the shoes 194 to either engage or disengage the drum 196. Engagement between the shoes 194 and the drum 196 may correspond to an engagement of the brake 190 that restricts rotation of the spin tube 88. Disengagement between the shoes 194 and the drum 196 may correspond to a disengagement of the brake 190 that facilitates or allows rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 190 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the shoes 194 into engagement with the drum 196.

[0057] The brake release 192 is configured disengage the brake 190 (e.g., disengage the shoes 194 from the drum 196) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first rotational direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold. The threshold may correspond to a preset number, fraction, or range of rotations or revolutions of the agitator shaft 80 from a neutral position. The neutral position may correspond to an unwound condition of a torsion or clock spring (e.g., see clock spring 216 below) or preloaded minimum load of such a torsion spring. The brake release 192, however, is configured to not disengage the brake 190 (e.g., the shoes 194 are configured to remain engaged with the drum 196) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold. Furthermore, the brake release 192 is also configured to not disengage the brake 190 (e.g., the shoes 194 are configured to remain engaged with the drum 196) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in a second direction 104. The second direction 104 may be opposite to the first direction 102. It is noted that the first and second directions 102, 104 may be opposite to what is illustrated. When the brake 190 is engaged (e.g., when the shoes 194 remain engaged with the drum 196), the agitator shaft 80 may rotate alone while the spin tube 88 remains stationary.

[0058] The brake release 192 is configured to couple the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 such that the spin tube 88 and agitator shaft 80 rotate in unison in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than the threshold. The brake release 192 is also configured to transfer power from the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

[0059] The brake release 192 may include a one-way bearing 206 that is disposed about the agitator shaft 80. The one-way bearing 206 may include an inner race 208 and an outer race 210. The inner race 208 may be connected to the agitator shaft 80 such that the inner race 208 and the agitator shaft 80 are configured to rotate in unison in both the first and second directions 102, 104. The inner race 208 may rotate independently of the outer race 210 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104. However, the inner race 208 and the outer race 210 may be constrained to rotate in unison when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102.

[0060] The brake release 192 may further include an actuating device or cam plate 212. The cam plate 212 may be configured to rotate about the spin tube 88. The cam plate 212 may be fixed or secured to the outer race 210 of the one-way bearing 206 such that the cam plate 212 and outer race 210 are configured to rotate in unison. The cam plate 212 may be configured release the brake shoes 194 (e.g., disengage the shoes 194 from the drum 196) to disengage the brake 190. More specifically, when the cam plate 212 is rotated in the first direction 102, the cam plate 212 includes a protrusion 213 having a contact surface 215 that engages a contact surface 217 on a corresponding protrusion 219 on the brake cam 198 to disengage the shoes 194 from the drum 196 to disengage the brake 190.[0061 [ A torsional or clock spring 216 may connect the cam plate 212 to the spin tube 88. Spring retainers or ridges 221 may retain the clock spring 216 on the cam plate 212. A first end 223 of the clock spring 216 may be secured to the spin tube 88 while a second end 225 of the clock spring 216 may be secured to the protrusion 213 extending from the cam plate 212. The contact surface 215 may be formed on the second end 225 of the clock spring 216 as opposed to the protrusion 213 extending from the cam plate 212. Power does not transfer from the inner race 208 to the outer race 210 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104 since the inner race 208 may rotate independently of the outer race 210 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the second direction 104. However, power does transfer from the inner race 208 to the outer race 210 when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102 since the inner race 208 and the outer race 210 are constrained to rotate in unison when the agitator shaft 80 is rotated in the first direction 102. Therefore, once the agitator shaft 80 begins to be rotated in the first direction 102, the power generated by the motor 41 is transferred from the agitator shaft 80, to the outer race 210, to the cam plate 212, and to the clock spring 216, which then begins to wind due to the rotation of the cam plate 212. Once contact surface 215 engages contact surface 217, the power generated by the motor 41 transfers from the cam plate 212 and to the brake cam 198, which disengages the brake 190.

[0062] Once the brake 190 is disengaged and the agitator shaft 80 continues to rotate in the first direction, the power generated by motor 41 transfers from the agitator shaft 80, through the outer race 210, through the cam plate 212, through the engagement between the cam plate 212 and brake cam 198 (via the engagement between contact surface 215 and contact surface 217), and to thespin tube 88 such that the agitator shaft 80 and spin tube 88 will rotate in unison the first direction 102.

[0063] The rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 prior to the engagement between the cam plate 212 and brake cam 198 (e.g., the engagement between contact surface 215 and contact surface 217), may correspond to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 within angular displacement values that are less than the threshold. The rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 up to and beyond the engagement between the cam plate 212 and brake cam 198 (e.g., the engagement between contact surface 215 and contact surface 217), may correspond to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 within angular displacement values that are greater than the threshold.

[0064] Protrusion 213 and corresponding protrusion 219 may be designed so that they are separated by a desired rotational displacement threshold (e.g., 360°) prior to engaging each other, so that the agitator shaft 80 may be operated to a desired angular displacement in the first direction 102 (e.g., up to the threshold), which allows the agitator shaft 80 oscillate between rotation in the first and second directions 102, 104 during a washing cycle without coupling the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 and without restraining the agitator shaft 80 to rotate in unison with the spin tube 88 up to the threshold.

[0065] The motor 41 may be operated to change the direction of operation between the first and second directions 102, 104 in order to oscillate the agitator shaft 80. The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a washing cycle, control the motor 41 to oscillate rotation of the agitator shaft 80 between the first direction 102 and the second direction 104. The controller 70 may further operate to maintain the angular displacement of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 during the washing cycle to less than the threshold (e.g., to less than the desired rotational displacement threshold). The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a spin cycle, control the electric machine 41 to rotate the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater the threshold (e.g., to greater than the desired rotational displacement threshold) so that the brake release 192 couples the agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 and such that the agitator shaft 80 and the spin tube 88 are constrained to rotate in unison.

[0066] The design in Figures 8-12 uses mechanical motion to engage and disengage the brake 190. The brake 190 is engaged via the clock spring 216, which allows only the agitation shaft 80 to spin. The brake 190 is connected to the spin tube 88, which is connected to the wash basket 30. The one-way-bearing 206 allows the agitation shaft 80 to freely spin in one direction (e.g., the second direction 104). When the system is reversed (e.g., when rotated in the first direction 102) the one-way-bearing 206 engages to the agitation shaft 80. The clock spring 216 is attached to the spin tube 88 and the actuating device (e.g., the cam plate 212 of the brake release 192), and allows the actuating device (e.g., the cam plate 212 of the brake release 192) to reset the location back to neutral (e.g., see Figure 11). After so many degrees of rotation in the first direction 102 the driving device (e.g., the cam plate 212) will contact the brake cam 198 and the motor 41 will be directly coupled to the spin tube 88 through the brake 190, or more specifically through the brake cam 198. After a specified rotational displacement in the first direction 102 (e.g., a threshold angular displacement) in the first direction 102, the brake 190 will release and the power from the motor 41 will be transferred into the basket 30 to provide spin. When the motion is reversed (e.g., when rotated in the second direction 104 after engagement between the cam plate 212 and the brake cam 198) the clock spring 216 will reset the cam to the neutral 0° position (e.g., see Figure 11). This allows you to get approximately 360° degrees of rotation before reaching an engaged position (e.g., see Figure 12) after each reset.

[0067] Referring to Figures 13-17, a second alternative configuration of the drive system 40" is illustrated. The second configuration of the drive system 40" uses mechanical motion to engage and disengage a brake system 290. The brake 290 is engaged via a shift pawl or paw which allows only the agitation shaft 80 to spin. The brake 290 is hard connected to the spin tube 88 which is connected to the wash basket 30. The shift paw follows a helical track allowing the agitation shaft 80 to freely spin in one direction. When the system is reversed the helical track spins so that the paw is guided out to an engagement point. The helical track may be defined along a rotor of the motor 41.

[0068] After so many degrees of rotation the helical track (or a stopping / contacting surface of a protrusion at an end of the helical track) will contact the shift paw which then actuates the brake cam. At that moment the motor 41 is directly coupled to the spin tube through the brake. After a small degree of rotation (e.g., 45° or less), the brake 290 will release driving all the power into thebasket 30 to provide spin. When the motion is reversed the paw will follow the helical groove “unscrewing” the paw and shift the paw back in a direction toward the center of the helical path (e.g., toward the center of the motor 41, toward the agitation shaft 80, toward the spin tube 88, etc.) A “shift wedge” which is able to slip freely in any direction, angles the paw inward or outward depending on the direction of rotation. The helical design may be molded right into the rotor of the motor 41 allowing parts to be easily removed from the system.

[0069] The system (e.g., the second configuration of the drive system 40") eliminates all electronic shifting controls and a clutch that is often utilized to connect the motor 41 to the spin tube 88, allows a washer to be completely operated with just the control of the drive motor 41 (e.g., by controlling operating the motor 41 in either clockwise and counterclockwise directions), eliminates the need for a mechanically or electronically actuated shifter, (e.g., rotational motion does the shifting by linking a series of reactions to engage and disengage a brake, and allows bi-directional agitation and spin of up to 700° in both directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). In sum, the system reduces complexity of the overall drive system and improves serviceability of the system.

[0070] Referring to Figure 13, the second configuration of the drive system 40" is illustrated. The second configuration of the drive system 40" should be construed to include all of the elements, subcomponents, and functionality of the configuration of the drive system 40 illustrated in Figure 3 and the drive system 40' illustrated in Figure 8 unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein. In second configuration of the drive system 40", the motor 41 may be directly connected to the agitator shaft 80, while the belt 82, first pulley 84, and second pulley 86 may be excluded.

[0071] The drive system 40" includes the motor 41. The motor 41 delivers power to the agitator shaft 80 (either directly as illustrated or via the belt 82, first pulley 84, and second pulley 86 as illustrated in Figure 3). The agitator shaft 80 may be connected to an agitator (e.g., the clothes mover 38). The spin shaft or spin tube 88 is connected to the rotatable drum or basket 30. The brake 290 and a corresponding brake release 292 are collectively configured to operate to connect and disconnect the spin tube 88 to and from the agitator shaft 80. When the spin tube 88 is disconnected from the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41 to the agitator shaft 80 to rotate the agitator shaft 80, while the spin tube 88 and basket 30 remain motionless. Whenthe spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, the agitator shaft 80 and the spin tube 88 may be constrained to rotate in unison. Also, when the spin tube 88 is connected to the agitator shaft 80, a power path flows from the motor 41 and to the spin tube 88 via the brake release 292 to collectively rotate the agitator shaft 80, spin tube 88, and basket 30.

[0072] Referring to Figures 13-17, the brake 290 and the brake release 292 are illustrated in further detail. The brake 290 is configured to engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube 88 and disengage to facilitate or allow rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 290 may generally refer to a brake assembly. The brake 290 may include one or more pads or shoes 294 that are secured to the spin tube 88 and a drum 296 that is grounded to a non-moving component of the washing machine 10, such as the cabinet 14. A brake cam 298 secures the shoes 294 to the spin tube 88. The brake cam 298 is configured to extend and retract the shoes 294 to either engage or disengage the drum 296. Engagement between the shoes 294 and the drum 296 may correspond to an engagement of the brake 290 that restricts rotation of the spin tube 88. Disengagement between the shoes 294 and the drum 296 may correspond to a disengagement of the brake 290 that facilitates or allows rotation of the spin tube 88. The brake 290 may include a biasing element 299, such as a spring, that biases the shoes 294 into engagement with the drum 296. Spring 299 may be clock spring or torsional spring that applies a constant torque to the shoes 294, which allows the brake 290 to actuate (e.g., the shoes 294 engage the drum 296) after the motor 294 has ceased to input torque into the drive system 40".

[0073] The brake release 292 is configured disengage the brake 290 (e.g., disengage the shoes 294 from the drum 296) in response to rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first rotational direction 102 resulting in an engagement between the motor 41 and the pawl or paw 300 of the brake release 292. The paw 300 of the brake release is rotatably connected to the brake cam 298 via pivot pin 302. The pivot pin 302 may extend upward from the paw 300. A guide pin 304 extends from the paw 300 in on an opposing side of the paw 300 relative to the pivot pin 302. The guide pin 304 may extend downward from the paw 300.

[0074] A partition or wall 306 extends from a rotor 308 of the motor 41. The motor 41 may also include a stator 309. The wall 306 may extend upward from the rotor 308 and may be spiral or helical shaped. A groove or track 310, also spiral or helical in shaped, is defined between thespiraling sections of the wall 306. A stop block or protrusion 312 is disposed at the end of the track 310. The guide pin 304 is disposed and contained within the track 310. A shift wedge 314 is disposed along a central region of the rotor 308 and radially inward of the paw 300. The shift wedge 314 is able slip freely in any direction. The shift wedge 314 is configured to engage the paw 300 along a first end such that the paw 300 pivots on the pivot pin 302 to angle or bias a second opposing end of the paw 300 radially inward (e.g., Figure 16) or radially outward (e.g., Figure 17) depending on the direction of rotation. For example, Figure 16 illustrates the shift wedge 314 biasing the second end of the paw 300 radially inward during rotation of the rotor 308 in the second direction 104 while Figure 17 illustrates the shift wedge 314 biasing the second end of the paw 300 radially outward during rotation of the rotor 308 in the first direction 102.

[0075] During rotation of the rotor 308 and agitator shaft 80 in the second direction 104 an angled surface 318 on the protrusion 312 is allowed the protrusion to slip past the paw 300 along angled surfaces 320 of the paw 300, and the guide pin 304 is directed toward the radial innermost region of the track 310 due to the biasing force of the shift wedge 314. This ensures the brake 290 remains engaged and the spin tube 88 remains stationary, allowing the agitator shaft 80 to rotate alone in the second direction 104. A small gap 322 along the innermost region of the track 310 provides a continuous path for the guide pin 304 along the innermost region of the track 310 allowing continuous rotation of the rotor 308 in the second direction 104 while also maintaining engagement of the brake 290.

[0076] During rotation of the rotor 308 and agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 immediately after being rotated in the second direction 104, the shift wedge 314 biases the second end of the paw 300 radially outward such the guide pin 304 moves radially outward along the spiral or helical shape of the track 310. After a number of rotations in the second direction (up to 700°), the second end of the paw 300 is pushed radially outward to such an extent that that a stopping or contacting surface along the end of the paw 300 engages a stopping or contacting surface on the on the protrusion 312 (e.g., Figure 17), which results in releasing the brake 290 and coupling the motor 41 (or more specifically the rotor 308) and agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88. This allows the agitator shaft 80 to rotate in both the first direction 102 up to a threshold (e.g., up to 700°) and the second direction 104, which is desirable during an agitation cycle. It is noted that the first and second directions 102, 104 may be opposite to what is illustrated.

[0077] The brake release 292 is configured to couple the motor 41 (or more specifically the rotor 308) and agitator shaft 80 to the spin tube 88 such that the spin tube 88, rotor 308, and agitator shaft 80 rotate in unison in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102. The brake release 292 is also configured to transfer power from the motor 41 (or more specifically the rotor 308) to the spin tube 88 in response to the rotation of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 once the stopping or contacting surface along the end of the paw 300 engages the stopping or contacting surface on the on the protrusion 312.

[0078] Once the brake 290 is disengaged, the power generated by motor 41 transfers from the rotor 308, through the engagement between the protrusion 312 and the paw 300, through the pivot pin 302, through the brake cam 298 (which is fixed to the spin tube 88), and to the spin tube 88 such that the agitator shaft 80, rotor 308, and spin tube 88 will rotate in unison the first direction 102.

[0079] The motor 41 may be operated to change the direction of operation between the first and second directions 102, 104 in order to oscillate the agitator shaft 80. The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a washing cycle, control the motor 41 to oscillate rotation of the agitator shaft 80 between the first direction 102 and the second direction 104. The controller 70 may further operate to maintain the angular displacement of the agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 during the washing cycle to less than a threshold (e.g., to less than 700°) to prevent releasing the brake 290 and coupling the spin tube 88 to the agitator shaft 80. The controller 70 may be programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a spin cycle, control the electric machine 41 to rotate the rotor 308 and agitator shaft 80 in the first direction 102 to an angular displacement that is greater the threshold so that the brake release 292 couples the agitator shaft 80 and rotor 308 to the spin tube 88 and such that the agitator shaft 80, rotor 308, and the spin tube 88 are constrained to rotate in unison.

[0080] It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component, state, or condition described herein that does not have a numerical designation may be given a designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the specific component, state, or condition are claimed.

[0081] The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A laundry machine comprising: a drum defining an internal space configured to receive articles for treatment therein; an agitator disposed within the internal space; a spin tube secured to the drum; an agitator shaft secured to the agitator; a brake configured to (i) engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and (ii) disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube; an electric machine configured to generate power to rotate the spin tube and the agitator shaft; and a brake release configured to (i) disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison and (ii) not disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft (a) in the first direction to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold or (b) in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.

2. The laundry machine of claim 1 further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a washing cycle, control the electric machine to oscillate rotation of the agitator shaft between the first direction and the second direction, wherein an angular displacement in the first direction during the washing cycle remains less than the threshold.

3. The laundry machine of claim 1 further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is programmed to, in response to initiation of and during a spin cycle, control the electric machine to rotate the agitator shaft in the first direction to an angular displacement that is greater the threshold.

4. The laundry machine of claim 1, wherein the brake release couples the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake such that power is transferred from the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake release and via the brake in response to (i) disengaging the brake and (ii) rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

5. The laundry machine of claim 4, wherein the brake release further comprises a cam configured to disengage the brake.

6. The laundry machine of claim 5, wherein (i) the brake release further comprises a one-way bearing disposed about the agitator shaft, (ii) the one-way bearing includes an outer race and an inner race, (iii) the agitator shaft is connected to the inner race, (iv) the inner race rotates independently of the outer race when the agitator shaft is rotated in the second direction, and (v) the inner race and the outer race rotate in unison when the agitator shaft is rotated in the first direction.

7. The laundry machine of claim 6, wherein the brake release further comprises a torsional spring coupling the cam to the outer race of the one-way bearing, and wherein the torsional spring is operable to wind and to transfer energy from the agitator shaft to the cam via the one-way bearing in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to facilitate contact between the cam and the brake to disengage the brake and to facilitate transferring power from the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake release and via the brake.

8. The laundry machine of claim 7, wherein the torsional spring is sized such that the energy transferred from the agitator shaft to the cam via the torsional spring and via the one-way bearing facilitates disengaging the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

9. The laundry machine of claim 8, wherein the torsional spring is sized such that the energy transferred from the agitator shaft to the cam via the torsional spring and via the one-way bearing does not disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is less than the threshold.

10. A laundry machine comprising: a spin tube; an agitator shaft; a brake configured to (i) engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and (ii) disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube; and a brake release configured to (i) disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison and (ii) facilitate engagement of the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft (a) in the first direction to an angular displacement that is less than the threshold or (b) in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.

11. The laundry machine of claim 10, wherein the brake release couples the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake such that power is transferred from the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake release and via the brake in response to (i) disengaging the brake and (ii) rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

12. The laundry machine of claim 11, wherein the brake release further comprises a cam configured to disengage the brake.

13. The laundry machine of claim 12, wherein (i) the cam comprises a cam plate and a first protrusion extending from the cam plate, (ii) the brake includes a second protrusion extending therefrom, and (iii) the first protrusion is configured to engage the second protrusion to disengage the brake and to facilitate transferring power from the agitator shaft to the spin tube via the brake release and via the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

14. The laundry machine of claim 13, wherein (i) the brake release further comprises a one-way bearing disposed about the agitator shaft, (ii) the one-way bearing includesan outer race and an inner race, (iii) the agitator shaft is connected to the inner race, (iv) the cam plate is connected to the outer race, (v) the inner race rotates independently of the outer race when the agitator shaft is rotated in the second direction, and (vi) the inner race and the outer race rotate in unison when the agitator shaft is rotated in the first direction to facilitate engagement between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

15. The laundry machine of claim 14, wherein the brake release further comprises a torsional spring coupling the cam plate to the spin tube, and wherein the torsional spring is operable to wind in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction.

16. The laundry machine of claim 15, wherein the torsional spring is operable to displace the first protrusion relative to the second protrusion from a position where the first protrusion is in contact with the second protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the second direction or ceasing rotation of the agitator shaft such that a subsequent engagement between the first protrusion and second protrusion occurs only after a subsequent rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to the angular displacement that is greater than the threshold.

17. A laundry machine comprising: a spin tube; an agitator shaft; a motor (i) having a rotor coupled to the agitator shaft and (ii) operable to deliver power to the agitator shaft; a brake configured to (i) engage to restrict rotation of the spin tube and (ii) disengage to facilitate rotation of the spin tube; and a brake release configured to (i) disengage the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a first direction such that the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotate in unison and (ii) facilitate engagement of the brake in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction such that the agitator shaft rotates alone while the spin tube remains stationary.

18. The laundry machine of claim 17, wherein (i) brake release comprises (a) a shift pawl pivotably secured to the brake and (b) a protrusion extending from the rotor, (ii) the shift pawl is operable to engage the protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction to an angular displacement that is greater than a threshold, and (iii) engagement between the shift pawl and the protrusion is operable to disengage the brake and couple the agitator shaft to the spin tube to facilitate the spin tube and the agitator shaft rotating in unison.

19. The laundry machine of claim 18, wherein (i) the rotor defines a spiralshaped track, (ii) a guide pin extends from the shift pawl and into the spiral-shape track, (iii) engagement between the guide pin and spiral-shaped track is operable to guide the shift pawl toward the protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction, and (iv) engagement between the guide pin and spiral-shaped track is operable to guide the shift pawl away from the protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the second direction.

20. The laundry machine of claim 19, wherein brake release further comprises a shift wedge operable to engage the shift pawl to (i) bias the shift pawl toward engagement with the protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the first direction and (ii) bias the shift pawl toward disengagement with the protrusion in response to rotation of the agitator shaft in the second direction.

Images