AU6412900A - Method for controlling a washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors: LG ELECTRONICS INC., of 20 Yoido-dong Youngdungpoku, Seoul, Republic of Korea So-Young CHO Young-Bok PARK In-Guen AHN DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WASHING

MACHINE"

Address for Service: Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: Popcr Asb\15002-97 div2 spe.doc-09/10/00 -lA- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling a washing machine.

Discussion of the Related Art The washing machine should wash various contaminated laundries into original states without giving damages to quality of the laundries according to certain mode settings. As various textiles are developed recently, it is required to have a washing machine of a higher washing power.

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary conventional washing 10 machine of a full automatic one tub type, such as the one disclosed in Japanese laid open patent No. H7-227494.

The conventional washing machine of a full automatic one tub type includes an outer tub 2 in a washing machine case 1, a washing/dehydrating tub 3 in the outer tub 2. A pulsator 4, an agitator, is disposed in the washing/dehydrating tub 3, and a washing motor 5 is disposed under the outer tub 2. A clutch 9 and a reduction gear 8 are disposed above the motor 5, and a washing shaft 6 and a dehydrating shaft 7 are directly connected between the reduction gear 8 and the pulsator 4. A drain valve 12 and a drain hose 13, disposed in regions below the outer tub 2, drains waste water to outside of the washing machine after washing and rinsing cycles. A tub cover 10 is provided on the upper top of the outer tub 10. A fluid balancer 11 on top of the washing/dehydrating tub 3 prevents generation of vibration and noise during washing and dehydrating.

In order to improve the washing power by simultaneous rotation of the pulsator 4 and the washing/dehydrating tub 3 in the conventional washing machine having the aforementioned system, either individual pulsator driving motor and washing/dehydrating tub driving motor, or a reduction gear 8 on either one of the motors are provided. However, the washing machine teaches rotating the pulsator 4 and the washing/dehydrating tub 3 in directions opposite to each other and a method for controlling such a washing machine. Moreover, with a configuration in which the reduction gear 8, the clutch 9 and the washing motor are unitized, though the t:-que of the washing motor 5 can be transmitted to the washing shaft 6 and the dehydrating shaft 7 positively, an accurate transmission of the torque of the motor 5 to the shafts are not possible without precise control of the motor 5, no such a washing machine comes into practical use up 15 to now.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of another exemplary conventional full automatic washing machine, such as the one disclosed in Japanese laid open patent No. H8-57186 The conventional washing machine has a system identical to the one shown in Fig. 1, except lower side constructions of the outer tub 2 and the washing/dehydrating tub 3 and combination of modes of fixing or rotating the washing/dehydrating tub 3 depending on kind of laundry or cover(not shown) opening in a washing or rinsing cycle. Particularly, in view of the system, an upper washing shaft 6a is connected to a lower washing shaft 6b through a reduction gear 8 of planetary type, and a washing motor 5 is connected to the lower washing shaft 6b. A 11 lo- i dehydrating shaft 6c is connected to an upper dehydrating shaft 6d through a brake drum And, the lower washing shaft 6b is connected to a pulley 14a on the washing motor 5 through a pulley 14b and a belt In the conventional full automatic washing machine having the aforementioned system, if a user sets a washing mode for washing a coarse laundry, an actuator is operated for a predetermined duration to pull up a lever 27 shown in Fig. 3A for a certain distance, which frees a brake drum 20 from a brake band for a certain distance, making the washing/dehydrating tub 3 to rotate freely and to rotate the pulsator 4 and the washing/dehydrating tub 3 in directions opposite to each other. In this instance, a clutch gear keeps engaged with a clutch piece as before.

If the user sets a washing mode for washing a fine laundry, the actuator is turned off to restore the brake lever 27 to-an original position and to bind the brake drum with the brake band(not o shown), making the washing/dehydrating tub 3 fixed. In this instance, if the user opens the cover while the washing/dehydrating tub 3 is free, the washing/dehydrating tub 3 is changed over to a fixed mode suddenly only in view of stability.

15 Fig. 3A explains operation of the clutch during washing cycle of the washing machine shown in Fig. 2, disclosed in Japanese laid open patent No. H8-57187.

If the brake lever 27 is moved a distance A' from to "L 1" as the actuator is turned on, though two clutch pieces 23 at a fore end of an arm 22 are still in engagement to a clutch gear 21, since the brake band(not shown) leaves the brake drum 20 for a certain distance, the upper dehydrating shaft becomes free. That is, when the clutch pieces 23 are engaged with the clutch gear 2 1, a clutch spring(not shown) does not couple the drum inserted in the lower washing shaft with the lower dehydrating shaft to become one body(can not connect), the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub rotate in directions opposite to each other. This is the free mode of the washing/dehydrating tub 3. On the other hand, if the actuator is turned off, the brake lever 27 is brought back to an original position, to an position by a spring 26 to bind the brake drum by the brake band. This is the fixed mode of the washing/dehydrating tub 3.

Fig. 3B explains operation of the clutch during a dehydrating cycle of the washing machine shown in Fig. 2, wherein if the brake drum 20 is fully released, the washing/dehydrating tub 3 can be rotated at a high speed.

If the lever 27 is moved a distance from to "L2" by the actuator, the two clutch pieces 23 at the fore end of the arm 22 come out of the clutch gear 21. This causes the drum inserted in the lower washing shaft and the lower dehydrating shaft to couple to become one body by a restoring force of the clutch spring(not shown), making the pulsator and the *..*washing/dehydrating tub to rotate in the same direction. That is, as the torque of the washing motor is directly transmitted to the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub without passing through the reduction gear, a dehydrating cycle can be carried out.

As has been explained in relation to Fig. 1, though these conventional washing machines 15 can improve washing power by rotating the pulsator 4 and the washing/dehydrating tub 3 on the same time during washing and dehydrating cycles, the sudden stop of the washing tub at opening of the door might cause the user to misunderstand that the washing machine is not in order.

And, when the pulsator is overloaded during a washing cycle, even though the opposite direction rotations of the dehydrating shaft and the washing shaft by the planetary gear, which is a speed reduction mechanism, releases the pulsator from the overload, since the overload releasing operation should be carried out repeatedly until the overload is eliminated, a longer washing time is required and the washing power is dropped.

P:\opessbI5002-97 div2 spe.do-09/10/0A) The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method for controlling washing which substantially obviates on e or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

S" •The present invention provides a method for controlling washing in a full automatic 10 washing machine having an outer tub for storing washing water, a washing/dehydrating tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub, a pulsator rotatably mounted at a bottom of the washing/dehydrating tub for generating a rotating water current, a driving motor for generating a power for rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub, a clutch for selectively transferring the power of the driving motor to the pulsator or the oo 15 washing/dehydrating tub, a brake for braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub or releasing the braking, a drain device mounted at a lower part of the outer tub for draining the washing water, a geared motor mounted at a lower part of the outer tub for operating the clutch and the brake in two movement stages, wherein the geared motor includes a motor, an output cam for turning on/off a 20 contact point by two stages according to the rotation of the motor, a T-shaped lever having a plurality of teeth and moving forwardly and backwardly according to the on/off condition of the contact point, and a relay for maintaining positions of the T-shaped lever respectively, the method comprising the steps of: enabling the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub to rotate in a reverse direction when power is supplied to the geared motor, step including moving the Tshaped lever backwardly, releasing the braking of the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub by moving the brake, and operating the relay for maintaining a first stage operation of the T-shaped lever; rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub together in one direction, step including moving the T-shaped lever more backwardly, coupling the pulsator and washing/dehydrating tub in one unit by the clutch, and maintaining a second P:Aopcssb\I5002-97 div2 spe.do~4-9/10/0) -6stage operation of the T-shaped lever by operating the relay; and stopping the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub when a door is open during a high speed rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub with no washing water, step including returning a status of the relay into a initial status by stopping supplying the power to the geared motor, returning the position of the T-shaped lever to an initial position, and braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub.

The present invention further provides a method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine having a microcomputer for controlling washing, rinsing and •dehydrating cycles of the washing machine; a driving motor for generating a power for rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub; a clutch for selectively transferring the power of the driving motor to the pulsator or the washing/dehydrating tub; a brake for braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub or releasing the braking; a drain hose mounted at a lower end of the water tank for draining the washing water in the water tank; -a geared motor provided with a motor for generating a rotating force, a connecting lever performing returning movement rectilinearly by the rotation of the motor, an output cam **which is rotated by the motor and provided with an upper cam and a lower cam located upward and downward of each other, a first switching device for switching a driving power of the motor by the control of the microcomputer, a second switching device for switching a driving power of the motor by the control of the microcomputer, a first contact point for 20 switching the driving power supplied to the motor by the upper cam of the output cam, through the first switching device, and a second contact point for switching the driving power supplied to the motor by the lower cam of the output cam, through the second switching device, the geared motor performing two movement stages by the control of the microcomputer; a connecting piece whose one end is connected to the connecting lever, for performing two movement stages by the geared motor, wherein the brake and the clutch are moved together in the first stage movement thereof; a drain valve assembly including a first rod connected to the other end of the connecting piece to move a predetermined distance in two stages by the two stages of movement of the connecting piece, a second rod which is not coupled to the first rod in a first movement thereof, but is coupled to the first rod in a second movement thereof, to move in a direction of the movement of the first rod, and a bellows connected to the second rod for covering the outer portion thereof, to open P:\opcssb\15002-97 div2 spedocAJ9/10/X00 -7or close the drain hose, the method comprising the steps of: processing the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub when the connecting lever is driven in the first stage so that the brake and the clutch are moved together without draining the washing water, by driving the geared motor from when the first contact point is on until the first contact point is off and the second contact point is on; and processing the dehydrating cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub when the connecting lever is driven in the second stage so that the first rod and the second rod are •coupled to drain the washing water, by driving the geared motor from when the second contact point is on until both the first contact point and the second contact point are off.

Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the method and structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the 15 appended drawings.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine, including the steps of determining a washing or rinsing mode and rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other according to a determined mode, issuing an alarm 20 if a door is opened in the above step, rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other at a slow speed, and determining the door of being opened after a predetermined time period and rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other when the door is closed.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine, including the steps of determining a washing or a rinsing mode and rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other if the determined mode falls on one of the modes, issuing an alarm and, on the same time, stopping the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub if a door is opened in the above step, determining the door of being opened again after a predetermined time period is elapsed from the stopping of the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub and rotating the pulsator and the P:opeesb\15002.97 div2 spc.doc-09/10/0 -8washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other in case the door is closed.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine in which a washing or rinsing mode is determined and rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other in case the determined mode falls on one of the modes, including the steps of issuing an alarm and, on the same time, stopping the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub after rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other for a predetermined time period if a door is opened.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling 10 washing in a full automatic washing machine, including the steps of supplying washing •water to an appropriate water level if the appropriate water level is set, initialising all times of a washing cycle and sensing opening of a washing machine door while rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub in opposite directions to each other until a set washing time period is elapsed, rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub 15 continuously for a set time period if the door is opened in the second step and rotating the pulsator elapsed, rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub continuously for the set time period under a state in which the door is closed after the third step to carry out remained washing and rinsing cycles, and opening a drain valve for carrying out a dehydrating cycle after the washing and rinsing cycles are finished.

20 A further embodiment relates to a full automatic washing machine which includes a clutch mechanism having a clutch lever movably fixed to an outer frame of the clutch with a bolt and a brake lever movably fixed to a fixed frame and interlocked with the clutch lever by a clearance adjusting screw, a connecting piece disposed at an end of the clutch lever and having a variable projection, a fixed piece to a drain system, and a hooking piece for a connecting lever on the geared motor, a drain valve connected to the fixed piece, and the geared motor connected to the hooking piece through the connecting piece for varying a projection on the connecting piece.

Another embodiment relates to a draining device in a full automatic washing machine having a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub rotated during a washing or rinsing cycle, including a connecting piece having a hook piece for hooking and fixing a connecting lever on a geared motor which is operative during draining, a guide long hole P:\opr\ssb\15002-97 div2 spedoc-09/10/)) -9for fixing a variable projection, and a fixed piece for hooking and fixing a drain valve in the draining device, a geared motor for pulling one end of a brake lever by hooking one end of the connecting lever onto a hooking piece formed at one side of the connecting piece, a bellows for being compressed by a torque of the geared motor and elastic forces of a plurality of springs to open the drain valve during draining, a first rod and a second rod for guiding the bellows and the springs, and the drain valve for being moved following guide of the first rod and the second rod to open a part between a hose connected to an outer tub and a draining hose.

o Yet another embodiment relates to a geared motor for a draining device in a washing machine having a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub rotated during a

*C

washing or rinsing cycle, including a motor for generating a torque for operating of the draining device, upper and lower output cams having different radii from each other and fixed on the same axis for being moved by the torque of the motor, a connecting lever go•.

•coupled to the lower output cam for pulling the connecting piece for the draining device to 15 pull an end of a clutch, double contact points for turning on/off relay contact points according to rotation of the output cams, and external connection terminals connected to the contact points.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further 20 explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention: In the drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary conventional washing machine; Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of another exemplary conventional washing machine; P:lopetssb\1002-97 div2 spedoc-09/lu/00 Fig. 3A explains operation of the clutch during washing cycle of the washing machine shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 3B explains operation of the clutch during a dehydration of cycle of the washing machine shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a full automatic washing machine; Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing connection of the clutch and e* e -11draining device in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the draining device shown in Fig. Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of key parts of a connecting device in the clutch shown in Fig. Fig. 8A illustrates a plane view showing a cut away view of key parts of the geared motor shown in Fig. Fig. 8B illustrates a cross sectional view of the output cam shown in Fig. 8A; Figs. 9A~ 9C illustrate relation of contact points between the output cam and the switch in the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A; 10 Figs. 10A 10C illustrate driving circuits -,the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 11 illustrates timing of the triac and the switch in application of power to the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 12 illustrates a block diagram showing a driving device of the full automatic washing machine; Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for controlling washing in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for controlling operation of the washing machine at opening of the door; and, Fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for controlling washing in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EIMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present P:Aopr\ssb\15002-97 div2 spe.doc-09/10/0) -12invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a full automatic washing machine.

The full automatic washing machine includes a washing shaft 46 coupled to a pulsator 44 in a washing/dehydrating tub 43 and a dehydrating shaft 47 connected to the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in an outer tub 42, the washing shaft 46 and the dehydrating shaft 47 being disposed on a same line connected through a clutch mechanism 49. A first pulley 54b coupled to the clutch mechanism 49 and a second pulley 54a coupled to a washing motor 45 are connected with a belt 55. A drain system is provided under the outer tub 42, including one or two stage drain system having a connecting hose 65 connected to 10 a bottom of the outer tub 42, a drain valve 64, a drain hose 66 and a connecting pin 63.

The drain system is connected to a geared motor 61 of double output cam mechanism by a •connecting lever 62, and the geared motor 61 rotates the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in regular or reverse direction to suit to a fixed mode, rotating mode, rotating/fixed mode, or high speed rotating mode in response to one or two stage 15 operation of the geared motor 61.

First, the full automatic washing machine having the aforementioned system conducts a general washing or rinsing cycle by rotating the pulsator 44 and the "washing/dehydrating tub 43 in regular or reverse direction respectively in a fixed, or 0 "rotating mode under the control of a microcomputer 11 (see Fig. 12).

Second, if a washing machined door 50 is opened in a rotating/fixed mode, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 is kept rotating for a predetermined time period before stopping the washing/dehydrating tub 43, in which the pulsator 44 is only kept rotating for improving a -13washing power.

Third, in a high speed rotating mode, a dehydrating cycle is carried out by rotating the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in a high speed.

Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing connection of the clutch and draining device in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the draining device shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of key parts of a connecting device in the clutch shown in Fig. .Referring to Fig. 5, in the clutch and drain system applied to the washing machine shown in Fig. 4, the clutch mechanism 49 includes a clutch lever 69 movably fastened to an outer frame 10 of the clutch mechanism 49 by a bolt 74, and a brake lever 70 movably fastened to a fixing frame 73a and in contact wit..,a-gap adjusting screw 72. The drain system, which is interlocked with the clutch mechanism, includes a connecting piece 63 having a variable projection 67, a fixed piece 63a for the drain system and a hook piece 68 for a connecting lever 62 of the geared motor 61, a drain valve 64 connected to the fixed piece 63a, and the geared motor 61 having a hook projection 75 inserted in the hook piece 68 for varying the variable projection 67 in the connecting piece 63 to a first or second stage.

With the foregoing system, when the connecting lever 62 is pulled by the driven geared motor 61, the variable projection 67 fixed on the connecting piece 63 pushes an end of the brake lever 70. As the brake lever 70 moves to push the projection 72a on the gap adjusting screw 72, the clutch piece 71 on the clutch lever 69 is released. In this instance, if the clutch piece 71 is in engagement with a clutch gear(not shown), alike the conventional washing machine, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated in directions opposite to each other, because a clutch spring(not shown) does not cause the drum inserted in the lower washing shaft -14o 1 and the lower dehydrating shaft to be coupled to become one body. On the other hand, if the clutch piece 71 is not in engagement with a clutch gear(not shown), also alike the conventional washing machine, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated at a high speed in the same direction, because the clutch spring causes the drum inserted in the lower washing shaft and the lower dehydrating shaft to be coupled to become one body. In this instance, a dehydrating cycle is carried out because torque of the washing machine motor rotates the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub directly without passing through the reduction gear. This dehydrating cycle is made possible as the drain valve 64 connected to the fixed piece 63a is opened when the connecting lever 62 on the geared motor 61 fully pulls the connecting piece 63.

0 Thus, as the brake lever 70 is interlocked with the clutch lever 69 and the brake.lever 70 binds or releases the brake drum(not shown) by means of a brake band(not the brake lever 70 can makes the full automatic washing machine to be operated in a fixed or rotating mode.

The drain system of the full automatic washing machine will be explained in detail with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

The full automatic washing machine includes a connecting piece 5 63, which is disposed in the drain system for operating during waste water draining, having a hook piece 68 for hooking a connecting lever 62 on the geared motor 61, a guide long hole 84 for fastening a variable projection 67 and a fixed piece 63a for hooking and fixing a drain valve 64 in the drain system and a geared motor 61 hooked and fixed to a hooking piece 68 at one side of the connecting piece 63 by the hook projection 75 at an end of a connecting lever 62 for pulling an end of the brake 70 by means of a variable projection 67.

The draining device includes a bellows 76 for being compressed by a horizontal pulling force from the geared motor 61 and elastic forces of a plurality of springs to open the drain valve 64, a first and second rods 77 and 78 for guiding the bellows 76 and a first and second springs 79 and 80, and the drain valve 64 for being moved following the guide of the first and second rods 77 and 78 to open or close between the connecting hose 65 to the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the drain hose 66. The variable projection 67 is inserted into the guide long hole 84, has a gap to the clutch adjusted considering a clutch gap, and fixed by a bolt 60 and nut 83. The variable projection 67 has a slot 67a on top thereof for adjusting the gap. The first rod 77 has the first spring 79 inserted therein having one end caught in a recess of the drain valve 64 and the other end caught through an opening 63b, and a step 81 disposed on the same line with a rib 82 on the second rod 78. The second rod 78 has the second spring 80 and the bellows 76 disposed 10 at the outer circumference of the second rod 78.

In the aforementioned draining device, the variable projection 67 opens or closes the drain valve 64 according to operation modes in response to the pulling action of the connecting lever **o 62, which will be explained in more detail, hereinafter.

oooo Upon pulling the connecting lever 62 a distance D, as a first stage pull, by applying power to the geared motor 61 mounted on a lower frame 73 of the full automatic washing machine during a draining cycle, the first spring 79 in the first rod 77 of the draining device is pulled. In this instance, though the first rod 77 is moved the distance D by the elastic force of the first spring 79, the second rod 76 is not moved. When the connecting lever 62 is moved the distance D, the variable projection 67, inserted in the guide long hole 84 through a pair of washers 83 and fixed by the nut 60 at a position 69a with respect to the brake lever 70, pushes the brake lever 70. The distance of pulling is below a distance E between a step 81 formed inside of one end of the first rod 77 and a rib 82 formed on an outer circumference of the second rod 78. When the geared motor 61 additionally pulls the connecting lever 62 from the first stage pulled state, the connecting P:\opcrssb I5002-97.276.do4)9/10/00io -16lever 62, the brake lever 70 and the variable projection 67 are pulled, with the step 81 on outer circumference of the first rod 77 pushing the rib 82 inside of one end of the second rod 78, to compress the second spring 80. As the second spring 80 is compressed, the bellows 76 is compressed to open the drain valve 64, thereby washing water in the washing/dehydrating tub 43 can be discharged to outside of the tub. When the geared motor 3 s turned off, the connecting lever 62, the brake lever 70, the variable projection 67, the second rod 78 and the first spring 79 are restored to an initial state in succession by the restoring force of the second spring 80 and the brake lever 70, together with the bellows 76 and the first rod 77. Draining is stopped when the bellows 76 and the drain valve 64 close 10 a part between the connecting hose 65 and the drain hose 66. Therefore, as the draining device has an effective and simple system of draining washing water in the S* washing/dehydrating tub 43, not in the first stage pull, but in the second stage pull of the geared motor 61, the draining device can use connecting parts in common. As the clutch operation in the second stage is identical to the conventional art, the detail explanation will 15 be omitted.

Fig. 8A illustrates a plane view showing a partial cut away view of key parts of the geared motor 61 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8B illustrates a cross sectional view of the output cam shown in Fig. 8A.

First, referring to Fig. 8A, the geared motor 61 is provided with an inner gear 20 portion (not shown) for acceleration and deceleration of the motor (not shown), a pinion gear 96 connected to the motor by a rotation axis 95 and rotated by an operation of the motor, a rack gear 97 geared to the pinion gear 96, and a connecting lever 62 which moves together with the rotation of the rack gear, for rectilineal movement in a first stage or a second stage.

Additionally, the geared motor is provided with a first contact point and a second contact point for switching, formed upward and downward of each other to selectively supply a power to the motor through a terminal by the control the microcomputer, in order to operate the connecting lever in the first stage or the second stage.

Further, an output cam 91 which is moved together with the pinion gear is connected to an upper part of the pinion gear. The output cam, having a pair of cams formed to cross each other upward and downward respectively, is moved together with a P perOssb\15002-97.276doc4-09/10W -17rotation of the pinion gear, and performs switching by selectively contacting the first contact point and the second contact point.

Referring to Fig. 8A, the geared motor 61 includes an internal gear part for reduction of the motor speed and the output cam 91 for turning on/off power supplied through a contact point 92 and terminals 93-1, 93-2 and 93-3 according to operation of the motor for operating the connecting lever 62 to one stage 62-1 or two stage 62-2. As shown in Fig. 8B, the output cam 91, which turns on/off the contact point, includes an upper output cam 91-1 having different radii, a lower output cam 91-2 having different radii on both sides thereof smaller than the upper output cam 91-1, a first contact point 92a and a 10 second point 92b disposed adjacent to the upper output cam 91-1 and the lower output cam 91-2 respectively, and a common contact point 93-2, for controlling the first stage, or second stage operation of the geared motor 61 according to interlocked operation of the upper output cam 91-1 and the lower output cam 91-2 of the output cam 91.

Figs. 9A- 9C illustrate relation of contact points between the output cam and the 15 switch in the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A, Figs. 10A 10 OC illustrate driving circuits of the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A, and Fig. 11 illustrates timing of the triac and the switch in application of power to the geared motor shown in Fig. 8A.

Referring to Fig. 10A, after disassembling the terminals 93-2 and 93-3, it may happen frequently that they might be assembled cross connecting the terminals by a service 20 man. Under this condition, if a first triac TR1 is turned on for the first stage operation of the geared motor, current flows from one end to the other end through the first triac TR1 the first switch SW 1 the second switch SW2. If the second switch SW2 is turned on, the circuit is shorted, breaking the triac TR1 in the controller. Therefore, in order to leave the second switch SW2 at a turned off state, a cam recess 91-3 is provided in the lower output cam 91-2.

In Fig. 10A, signal is not applied to the first triac TRI and the second triac TR2 in an initial state before the washing cycle is started. Accordingly, both of the first and second triac TR1 and TR2 is turned off. At this instance, the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off. The switch timing and actuation stages are explained further below, with reference to Table A.

1. Initial driving of first stage P:\OPER\SSB' ".",doc-02/10/00 -18since the microcomputer applies a high signal to the first triac TR1, the first triac TRI is turned on. At this instance, the first switch SW1 maintains its state of being turned on.

2. During first stage driving the first switch SW1 keeps maintaining the state of being turned on, and the second switch SW2 is turned on.

3. Completion of first stage driving as shown in Fig. 10B, while the high signal is continuously applied to the first triac TRI, the first switch SW1 is turned off. Accordingly, the second stage driving is 10 started with the second switch SW2 being turned on.

4. Initial driving of second stage the high signal is simultaneously applied to the first triac TR1 and to the second triac TR2. The first switch SW1 maintains its stage of being turned off, and the second switch SW2 maintains its stage of being turned on.

15 5. During second stage driving the first and second triacs TR1 and TR2 and the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 maintain the stage as in the initial driving of second stage.

0* 6. Completion of second stage driving while the high signal is continuously applied to the first and second triacs TR1 20 and TR2, both of the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off, as shown in Fig. P:\OPER\SSB\ 15o2-97.276 doc4)2/I/00) -19- TABLE A MICOM Mechanical Results signal TRI TR2 SW1 SW2 Stroke Initial Off Off On Off Omm First stage initial driving (Fig. 10A) On Off On Off Omm During first stage On Off On On 6mm Completion first stage (Fig. 10B) On Off Off On 13mm Second stage initial driving On On Off On 13mm During second stage On On Off On 18mm Completion second stage (Fig. 10C) On On Off Off 26mm Figs 9A and 10A show a state when no power is applied to the geared motor 61, an initial state when both the first and second triacs TRI and TR2 are turned off, wherein the first switch SW1 connected to the first triac TR1 is under a state of turned on and the second switch SW2 connected to the second triac TR2 is under a state of turned off (see the timing shown in Fig. 11).

Figs 9B and 10B show a state in which the first stage operation of the geared motor 61 is completed. That is, if only the first triac TRI is turned on under the state shown in Figs. 9B and 10B, power is supplied to a relay RY automatically, to pull in the connecting lever 62 as the geared motor 61 is supplied of power through the first switch SW1, and to rotate the output cam 91 in a counter clockwise direction. When the output cam 91 is turned to a certain extent(in general, the first switch SW1 is turned off when a time period oftl is elapsed), and the second switch SW2 of the lower output cam 91-2 is turned on. That is, though the cut-off of power to the geared motor 61 due to the turn off of the first switch SW1 stops the output cam 91 and the connecting lever 62, the first triac TR1 is remained turned on(see the timing shown in Fig. 11).

Figs. 9C and 10C show a state when the second stage operation of the geared motor 61 is completed. That is, if the second triac TR2 is turned on under the state shown in Figs. 9B and 10 10B, the geared motor 61 is rotated as power is supplied through the second switch SW2 to rotate the output cam 91 and to pull the connecting rod 62 toward the gear case. In this instance, referring to Fig. 11, though the first stage operation is in general completed when a time period o oftl is elapsed, in order to have a more stable operation, the second stage operation is designed to operate after elapse oftl+a time period from starting of the first stage operation. When the output cam 91 is rotated to a certain extent(in general, the second switch SW2 is turned off when S..a t2 time is elapsed), since the second switch SW2 is also turned off to cut off power to the geared motor 61, both the output cam 91 and the connecting lever 62 are stopped. Since the microcomputer controls to turn on at least the first triac TRI only under this condition, the connecting lever 62 is not restored, but stays at the second stage operation 62-2 under a condition that the relay RY is operated. In the meantime, referring to Fig. 10A, even though a service man assembles cross connecting the terminals after disassembling the terminals 93-2 and 93-3, no short is occurred though the geared motor 61 is not operable even if the first triac TRI is turned on for the first stage operation because the second switch SW2 is at turned off Thus, even though a -21service man misconnects the terminals, since the circuit forms an open loop by the contact point action of the double output cam, breakage of elements in the controlling part can be prevented.

Fig. 12 illustrates a block diagram showing a driving device of the full automatic washing machine Referring to Figs. 4 and 12, the driving device includes a microcomputer 110 for controlling input/output related to various control for controlling external peripherals, a key manipulation part 112 for applying a user set mode to the microcomputer 110 and displaying an operation state of the washing machine, a water level sensing part 111 for sensing an amount of oo the washing water introduced into the washing/dehydrating tub 43 under the control of the 10 microcomputer 110, a water supply valve driving part 114 for controlling a water supply valve 59 for introducing an appropriate amount of washing water into the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in response to a water level detection by the water level sensing part 111, a door opening sensing part 117 for sensing a door 50 open state during conducting a cycle of the washing machine, and first and second stage drain valve driving parts 113 and 115 for controlling a first stage or second stage operation of the drain valve 59 in the draining device by supplying power to the geared motor 61 under the control of the microcomputer 110.

In the aforementioned driving device, the microcomputer 110 controls peripheral devices of the full automatic washing machine, and the key manipulation part 112 applies a key signal of a user set mode to the microcomputer 110. Upon setting of a water level by means of either the key manipulation part 112 or laundry amount detection, the water supply valve 59 is opened by the water supply valve driving part 114. Then, as the water supply valve 59 is opened, the water level sensing part 111 detects if washing water is supplied to the set water level, and if supplied, the washing motor 45 is driven under a condition that the first stage drain valve driving part 1 13 -22pulled the drain valve 64 to the first stage, to rotate both the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44. During the washing cycle with the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 rotated, the door opening sensing part 117 senses opening of the door 50, and provides a signal of the sensing to the microcomputer 110. If a set washing duration is elapsed, the second stage drain valve driving part 115 opens the drain valve 64 to the second stage for carrying out intermittent dehydration and main dehydration.

The algorithm of the driving device will be explained with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for controlling washing in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, particularly an operation state of the washing machine when the door is opened during a washing or rinsing cycle.

When the full automatic washing machine proceeds into a washing or rinsing mode(S 130), the full automatic washing machine determines the cycle of being a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle(S 131). If it is determined from the determining step(S 131) that the cycle is a cycle other than a washing or rinsing cycle, operation is finished after the cycle is executed(S140). If it is determined from the determining step(S131) that the cycle is a washing or rinsing cycle, the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are rotated in directions opposite to each other(S132). That is, if the cycle is a washing or rinsing cycle, the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are rotated in directions opposite to each other, and a cycle other than the washing or rinsing cycle, the cycle is executed(S 140). During rotation of the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in directions opposite to each other in response to the sensing of the washing or rinsing cycle, the washing machine senses if the door is opened or not(S 133). If the door 50 is opened, an abnormal alarm announcing that it is not a regular operation is issued(S 135). This alarm may be used as a temporary stop for introduction of new laundry. After -23issuance of the alarm, -it"the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are stopped for the safety of a user. At this moment, the user may introduce the new laundry, additionally(S 139).

Opposite to the above, if the door is not opened in the door open sensing step(S133), passing of the time period setting for the washing or rinsing cycle is determined(S 134). If passed, a cycle other than the washing or rinsing cycle is executed(S 140), if not passed, the above step(S 132) is carried out repeatedly.

Then, after elapse of a predetermined period from the stop of the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43, opening of the door 50 is sensed again(S138). If the door is at closure, the washing or rinsing cycle is carried out for a remaining time period by rotating the 10 pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 in directions opposite to each other. However, even though all the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are stopped and the alarm is issued in the steps (S 135) and (S 136), there is a possibility that the user may misunderstand that the washing machine is not in order because of the sudden stop of the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 at opening of the door 50. In other words, since an alarm is issued at opening of the door, there will be many users who do not think that it is a step for the safety or the additional introduction of laundry if the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub are suddenly stopped.

In order to prevent the problem that users misunderstand the sudden stop of the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub after alarm as an out of order of the washing machine, the washing cycle may be changed as the following. That is, though not shown in the drawings, the alarm may be issued and the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub may be stopped after rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub in directions opposite to each other for a while even after the sensing of door opening. Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart showing the method -24for controlling operation of the washing machine at opening--. *the door. When a washing or rinsing cycle is selected, the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are rotated in directions opposite to each other(S130 S132). If the door opens, an alarm is issued, the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 are rotated at a slow speed considering the safety of the user and to inform the user that it is not an out of order of the washing machine(S133), (S 135) and (S 136). Moreover, a step for generating an informing signal of a laundry amount sensing(S135-1) may be added to the step(S135), and a step for generating a signal of a laundry amount re-sensing(S136-1) may be added to the other step(S136). Thus, the user can have a confirmation that the washing machine is normal as the pulsator 44 and the washing/dehydrating 10 tub 43 are rotated for a few seconds at opening of the door 50. Steps thereafter are the same with the steps explained with respect to Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for controlling washing in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

On starting of a washing cycle, setting of water level by a user is determined(S 150). If the water level is not set, a laundry amount sensing course is proceeded to sense a water level appropriate to a laundry amount, and the washing cycle is continued(S 151). If the user sets an appropriate water level in the step(S151), a normal water level and an appropriate water level are set according to a data set corresponding to the water level(S 152). Then, the water supply valve 59 is turned on(S153) to supply water to the set water level again(S154), and the water supply valve 59 is closed(S46). Then, all washing time T are initialized(S 156). The geared motor 61 is driven to pull the drain valve to the first stage(S 157), and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated in regular/reverse directions(S 158), thereby the washing cycle is carried out. That is, the full automatic washing machine of the present invention has the washing/dehydrating tub 43 operated from a fixed mode to a rotating mode according to the step(S 158). In other words, in the clutch mechanism, if the clutch lever 69 connected to the drain valve 64 is pulled a distance which would put the drain valve at a position that does not cause natural drain and is left at a state that would not cause an interlocked action with the brake lever 70, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated in the regular or reverse direction. That is, the washing machine is operated under washing or rinsing cycle.

Thereafter, the door opening sensing part 117 senses if the door of the washing machine under washing by the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 is opened *by the user(S159). If the opening of the door 59 is not sensed, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 10 and the pulsator 44 are rotated continuously for the set washing time period. If opening of the door 59 is sensed in the step(S159), the initialized time is counted and the counted time T and a predetermined time tl are compared(S160). As shown in Fig. 11, in the step(S160) for comparing the times, the time point when the geared motor 61 should be driven is determined.

This is a very important step because this time point determines the time point at which the clutch mechanism should be driven. As a result of the comparison in the step(S160), if the user closes the washing machine door 59(S161) even if the counted time period, the opened duration of the washing machine door 59 is not elapsed the predetermined time period, the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated in the regular or reverse direction continuously(S 163) under the state(S 162) that the drain valve 64 is pulled to the first stage by driving the geared motor 61. In other words, the aforementioned series of steps(S 161 S 163) make it possible that the already set washing cycle can be carried out when the user opened the washing machine door 59, confirmed a rotating state of the washing/dehydrating tub 43 with eyes, and closed the door 59. If the counted opened time period of the washing machine door is greater PAopemsb\ 5002-97.276.doj9/10/00 26 or identical to the predetermined time period as a result of the comparison in the step (S 160), the geared motor 61 is driven to restore the drain valve 64 to the first stage (S164) and the pulsator 44 is only rotated (S 165). That is, the full automatic washing machine is operated in rotating/fixed mode. After making the user to confirm the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 for the predetermined time period with eyes at opening the door during washing, when the set washing time period is elapsed (S 166), the drain valve 64 is pulled to the second stage (S 167) and the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated in the same direction, conducting a dehydrating cycle (S 168) in which intermittent dehydration and main dehydration are performed. That is, the full automatic washing machine is operated in a high speed rotating mode. Thus, by conducting a cycle in which the washing/dehydrating tub 43 and the pulsator 44 are rotated for a predetermined time period and then the pulsator 44 only is rotated when the door is opened, the cause that makes the user misunderstand the washing machine being out of order is eliminated and the washing power is improved.

As has been explained in detail, the draining device and the method for washing in a full automatic washing machine of an embodiment of the present invention have the following advantages.

1. The disposal of the connecting rod which connects the draining device to the geared motor and the clutch piece on the same axis facilitates to make the draining device and the clutch mechanism compact.

2. The attachment of the variable projection, with which a gap of the clutch piece is adjustable, to the guide long hole in the connecting piece for the first and second stage action of the draining device allows easy adjustment of the gap of the clutch lever.

-27- 3. In the clutch mechanism, a gap between the clutch lever and the brake lever can be adjusted with easy by means of the gap adjusting screw.

4. The safe operation of the contact points of the switches coming from the double structured output cam in the geared motor improves the quality and reliability of the washing machine.

The prevention of shorts, which is caused by misconnection of the connecting terminals in the geared motor, by means of the switching contact points of the double output cam allows the peripheral circuits protected.

6. The issuance of alarm at opening of the washing machine door provides safety to users.

10 7. The rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub and pulsator for a few seconds and the o subsequent only rotation of the pulsator at opening of the washing machine door allows to prevent o-0 0misunderstanding of the user that the washing machine is out of order, and allows the user to confirm the opposite direction rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub and pulsator with his own eyes.

8. The adjustment of gap between the draining device and the clutch mechanism is possible.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device for draining washing water and the method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

P:\opessb\ 15002-97.276,doc-09/10/00 28 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (4)

1. A method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine having an outer tub for storing washing water, a washing/dehydrating tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub, a pulsator rotatably mounted at a bottom of the washing/dehydrating tub for generating a rotating water current, a driving motor for generating a power for rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub, a clutch for selectively transferring the power of •the driving motor to the pulsator or the washing/dehydrating tub, a brake for braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub or releasing the braking, a drain device mounted at 10 a lower part of the outer tub for draining the washing water, a geared motor mounted at a lower part of the outer tub for operating the clutch and the brake in two movement stages, wherein the geared motor includes a motor, an output cam for turning on/off a contact point by two stages according to the rotation of the motor, a T-shaped lever having a plurality of teeth and moving forwardly and backwardly according to the on/off condition of the contact point, and a relay for maintaining positions of the T-shaped lever "respectively, the method comprising the steps of: enabling the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub to rotate in a reverse direction when power is supplied to the geared motor, step including moving the T- oo*shaped lever backwardly, releasing the braking of the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub by moving the brake, and operating the relay for maintaining a first stage operation of the T-shaped lever; rotating the pulsator and the washing/dehydrating tub together in one direction, step including moving the T-shaped lever more backwardly, coupling the pulsator and washing/dehydrating tub in one unit by the clutch, and maintaining a second stage operation of the T-shaped lever by operating the relay; and stopping the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub when a door is open during a high speed rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub with no washing water, step including returning a status of the relay into a initial status by stopping supplying the power to the geared motor, returning the position of the T-shaped lever to an initial position, and braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub. P:opessb\15002-97 div2 spc.doc4)9/o10/00

2. The method for controlling washing as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (1) further includes processing the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub without draining the washing water.

3. The method for controlling washing as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (2) further includes processing the dehydrating cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub.

4. A method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine having a 10 microcomputer for controlling washing, rinsing and dehydrating cycles of the washing machine; a driving motor for generating a power for rotating a pulsator and a washing/dehydrating tub; a clutch for selectively transferring the power of the driving motor to the pulsator or the washing/dehydrating tub; a brake for braking the rotation of the washing/dehydrating tub or releasing the braking; a drain hose mounted at a lower end of the water tank for draining the washing water in the water tank; a geared motor provided with a motor for generating a rotating force, a connecting lever performing returning movement rectilinearly by the rotation of the motor, an output cam which is rotated by the motor and provided with an upper cam and a lower cam located upward and downward of each other, a first switching device for switching a driving power of the motor by the control of the microcomputer, a second switching device for switching a driving power of the motor by the control of the microcomputer, a first contact point for switching the driving power supplied to the motor by the upper cam of the output cam, through the first switching device, and a second contact point for switching the driving power supplied to the motor by the lower cam of the output cam, through the second switching device, the geared motor performing two movement stages by the control of the microcomputer; a connecting piece whose one end is connected to the connecting lever, for performing two movement stages by the geared motor, wherein the brake and the clutch are moved together in the first stage movement thereof; a drain valve assembly including a first rod connected to the other end of the connecting piece to move a predetermined distance in two stages by the two stages of movement of the connecting piece, a second rod which is not coupled to the first rod in a first movement thereof, but is coupled to the first rod in a 1 1. P:oprssb\l5002-97 div2 spe.doc-10/10/00 -31 second movement thereof, to move in a direction of the movement of the first rod, and a bellows connected to the second rod for covering the outer portion thereof, to open or close the drain hose, the method comprising the steps of: processing the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub when the connecting lever is driven in the first stage so that the brake and the clutch are moved together without draining the washing water, by driving the geared motor from when the first contact point is on until the first contact point is off and the second contact point is on; and S* processing the dehydrating cycle by rotating the washing/dehydrating tub when the 10 connecting lever is driven in the second stage so that the first rod and the second rod are coupled to drain the washing water, by driving the geared motor from when the second contact point is on until both the first contact point and the second contact point are off. A method for controlling washing in a full automatic washing machine 15 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4 to 4* DATED this 10 th day of October, 2000 LG Electronics Inc. by its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE