Washing machine and clothes treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in efficiently managing high torque at low speed and low torque at high speed requirements for washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased noise and wear due to the use of speed reducers and clutches.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine and clothes treating apparatus with a driving device that incorporates a planetary gear assembly, sealed with lubricating oil, and a sealing member to reduce friction and noise, while integrating a motor, speed reducer, and clutch for efficient torque management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a speed reducer and clutch are used to manage torque variations, then the washing machine can handle both high torque at low speed and low torque at high speed, but the device complexity increases and noise and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speed reducer and clutch into a single integrated planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear mechanism provides both speed reduction and torque multiplication functions, while the clutch mechanism is integrated within the same assembly to enable high-speed rotation without engagement. This merging eliminates the need for separate speed reducer and clutch components, reducing device complexity while maintaining torque management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a speed reducer, a torque multiplier, and a clutch mechanism. The same planetary gears that reduce speed and increase torque also function as the clutch engagement elements. This multi-functionality allows the washing machine to handle both washing mode (high torque, low speed) and spin-drying mode (low torque, high speed) with a single unified driving device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a speed reducer and clutch are used for torque management, then the washing machine can switch between washing and spin-drying modes, but noise and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the clutch mechanism within the planetary gear assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate clutch components that would generate additional noise and wear. The planetary gears themselves serve as the clutch engagement elements, reducing the number of friction surfaces and moving parts that contribute to noise and wear during mode switching between washing and spin-drying.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a planetary gear assembly is used to reduce noise and wear, then friction is reduced through lubricating oil sealing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function as a distinct component (sealing member) separate from the planetary gear assembly itself. This sealing member is specifically designed to seal the gap between the planetary gear assembly and the case, creating a sealed cavity that retains lubricating oil. By extracting the sealing function into a dedicated component, the patent reduces friction and noise through effective lubrication while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
4Reliability
If a sealing member is added to seal the planetary gear assembly, then lubricating oil is retained and friction is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate sealing member component that can be independently designed, manufactured, and installed. This sealing member includes a sealing body and sealing cover that work together to create an effective seal around the planetary gear assembly. By extracting the sealing function into a dedicated component rather than integrating it into the gear assembly itself, the patent improves lubrication effectiveness while maintaining design simplicity through modular architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, durable, and low-noise driving device capable of efficiently managing torque variations, enhancing the washing machine's performance and reducing wear and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear to transmit a rotary power of the sun gear to the carrier
Implementation Method 2
a sealed space formed in which the planetary gear is located and to be filled with a lubricating oil therein
Implementation Method 3
a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the carrier and the internal gear
Implementation Method 4
The sealing member may further include an elastic body to apply an elastic force toward the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine including a main body, a tub, a drum, and a driving device. The driving device includes a drum shaft, a motor, and a planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly includes a sun gear connected to a rotor, a carrier connected to the drum shaft, a planetary gear to transmit a rotary power of the sun gear to the carrier, an internal gear engaged with the planetary gear, and a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the carrier and the internal gear.