Washing Machine Drive Assembly With Belt-Clutch Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine drive systems face issues with high energy consumption, rigidity, and axial space utilization, particularly due to the use of outer rotor motors and complex designs that increase costs and assembly difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A drive system for washing machines utilizing an inner rotor motor with a belt transmission mechanism and a gear transmission mechanism, allowing the pulsator and drum to switch between synchronous and differential rotation modes, reducing energy consumption and axial size while improving rigidity and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an outer rotor DD motor is used to drive the pulsator and drum, then the starting torque is sufficient, but the energy consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the outer rotor DD motor with a traditional inner rotor motor combined with a belt transmission mechanism. The inner rotor motor provides rotational power, and the belt transmission (with clutch) transmits this power to the pulsator shaft, achieving the required starting torque without the high energy consumption and cost associated with outer rotor DD motors.
2Device complexity
If the rotor is directly fixed on the pulsator shaft to simplify the structure, then the assembly is simpler, but the rigidity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulsator shaft as an intermediary component between the motor and the pulsator. The pulsator shaft is supported by bearings (front and rear bearing brackets) that provide rigid support, thereby enhancing the overall rigidity of the drive system while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Length of moving object
If a split design of front and rear bearing brackets with a gear box between them is used to reduce axial size, then the mounting function is realized, but the assembly becomes more difficult and axial space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the front bearing bracket and rear bearing bracket into a single integrated bearing support structure. This unified design eliminates the need for a gear box positioned between separate brackets, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining compact axial dimensions through optimized bearing arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch mechanism is added to switch between synchronous and differential rotation modes, then the adaptability to different fabric types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a clutch mechanism that enables dynamic switching between two operational modes: synchronous rotation (for gentle washing of delicate fabrics) and differential rotation (for vigorous washing of sturdy fabrics). The clutch can be engaged or disengaged to change the speed relationship between the pulsator and drum, providing adaptability to different fabric types while adding minimal complexity through a straightforward engagement mechanism.
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 reduces energy and cost consumption, enhances the drive system's rigidity and axial space efficiency, and allows the washing machine to adapt to different fabric types by switching between washing modes, improving cleaning performance and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a belt transmission mechanism configured to transmit power of the motor to the drum shaft sleeve and drive the drum shaft sleeve to rotate
Implementation Method 2
a gear transmission mechanism, through which a second end of the pulsator shaft is connected to the belt transmission mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a clutch mechanism configured to cooperate with one of the gear transmission mechanism and the bracket component, wherein in a configuration where the clutch mechanism cooperates with the gear transmission mechanism, the pulsator shaft and the drum shaft sleeve rotate synchronously; wherein in a configuration where the clutch mechanism cooperates with the bracket component, the pulsator shaft and the drum shaft sleeve rotate at different speeds
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a drive system (10) of a washing machine (100), and a drum washing machine (100) having same. The drive system (10) includes: a pulsator shaft (1), with a first end of the pulsator shaft (1) being adapted to be connected to a pulsator (40); a drum shaft sleeve (2), with a first end of the drum shaft sleeve (2) being adapted to be connected to a drum (30); a bracket component (3), with the drum shaft sleeve (2) being arranged on the bracket component (3); a motor (4); and a belt transmission mechanism (5), wherein the belt transmission mechanism (5) includes a belt pulley (51) and a belt (52), one end of the belt (52) is fitted over an outer peripheral side of an output shaft (41) of the motor (4), and the other end of the belt (52) is fitted over an outer peripheral side of the belt pulley (51); and the belt pulley (51) is connected to a second end of the drum shaft sleeve (2).