Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-02-26)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
Claims

\[Claim 1\] A laundry treating apparatus comprising:
a tub for storing water therein;
a drum rotatably accommodated in the tub to accommodate laundry therein;
an pulsator disposed rotatably in the drum to agitate the laundry;
a driver coupled to the tub to provide power for rotating at least one of the drum and the pulsator; and
a clutch disposed between the driver and the pulsator to transmit the power to at least one of the drum and the pulsator, wherein the clutch includes:
a gear assembly rotating in engagement with the driver;
a rotation shaft coupled to the gear assembly to rotate the pulsator;
a housing coupled to the drum to rotate the drum, and rotatably accom- modating the gear assembly and the rotation shaft therein; and a coupler capable of connecting the driver and the housing to each other to selectively rotate the housing, wherein the coupler is accommodated inside the housing.
\[Claim 2\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driver includes:
a stator coupled to the tub to generate a rotating magnetic field;
a rotor rotatable by the stator; and a driving shaft coupled to the housing to be accommodated therein from the rotor to rotate the gear assembly, wherein the coupler selectively couples the housing and the driving shaft to each other.
\[Claim 3\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupler is disposed inside the housing and ascends and descends along the driving shaft to selectively couple the housing and the driving shaft to each other.
\[Claim 4\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the driving shaft includes:
a shaft body extending from the rotor to the gear assembly; and a power transmitting portion disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft body to be able to be coupled to the coupler to rotate the coupler,
wherein the housing includes:
a connection housing accommodating the driving shaft therein and

allowing the coupler to ascend and descend; and a coupling serration disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the connection housing to be able to be coupled to the coupler to rotate the connection housing.
\[Claim 5\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the coupler includes:
a coupler body accommodating the shaft body therein and ac- commodated in the connection housing;
an inner coupling portion disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the coupler body to be able to be coupled to the power transmitting portion; and
a surface coupling portion disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the coupler body to be able to be coupled to the coupling serration.
\[Claim 6\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein a thickness of the coupler body is smaller than a length of the shaft body.
\[Claim 7\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the driving shaft further includes a separation shaft disposed on top of or beneath the power transmitting portion, accommodated inside the coupler body, and separated from the inner coupling portion, wherein the coupling serration is disposed such that the coupling with the surface coupling portion is maintained when the coupler body ascends or descends.
\[Claim 8\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 7, wherein a length of the coupling serration is equal to or greater than an ascending and de- scending length of the coupler body.
\[Claim 9\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the separation shaft maintains a state of being coupled to the coupler body at one of a top point and a bottom point of the coupler body, wherein the separation shaft maintains a state of being spaced apart from the coupler body at the other of the top point and the bottom point of the coupler body.
\[Claim 10\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the separation shaft is coupled to or separated from the inner coupling portion before the coupler body reaches one of the top point and the bottom point.
\[Claim 11\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the separation shaft has a length equal to or smaller than a length of the coupler body.
\[Claim 12\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the housing includes a separation surface disposed on top of or beneath the coupling

serration to accommodate the coupler body therein, but be separated from the surface coupling portion, wherein the power transmitting portion is maintained to be coupled with the inner coupling portion when the coupler body ascends or descends.
\[Claim 13\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein a length of the power transmitting portion is equal to or greater than an ascending and descending length of the coupler body.
\[Claim 14\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the coupling serration maintains a state of being coupled to the coupler body at one of a top point and a bottom point of the coupler body, wherein the coupling serration maintains a state of being spaced apart from the coupler body at the other of the top point and the bottom point of the coupler body.
\[Claim 15\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the coupling serration is coupled to or separated from the surface coupling portion before the coupler body reaches one of the top point and the bottom point.
\[Claim 16\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein a length of the coupling serration is equal to or smaller than a length of the coupler body.
\[Claim 17\] The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a support for supporting the coupler to lift and lower the coupler; and a restoring portion for restoring the support to an original position thereof,
wherein at least a portion of the support and the restoring portion are disposed outside the housing.
\[Claim 18\] A laundry treating apparatus comprising:
a tub for storing water therein;
a drum rotatably accommodated in the tub to accommodate laundry therein;
an pulsator disposed rotatably in the drum to agitate the laundry;
a driver coupled to the tub to provide power for rotating at least one of the drum and the pulsator; and
a clutch disposed between the driver and the pulsator to transmit the power to at least one of the drum and the pulsator, wherein the clutch includes:
a gear assembly rotating in engagement with the driver;

a rotation shaft coupled to the gear assembly to rotate the pulsator;
a housing rotatably accommodating the gear assembly and the rotation shaft therein, and coupled to the drum; and a coupler for selectively connecting the housing and the driver to each other to rotate the housing,
wherein the coupler reciprocates between an upper end of the housing and a lower end of the housing.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.  The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A)	the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.  Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “power transmitting portion” in claims 22-34 & 38; “inner coupling portion” and ‘surface coupling portion” in claims 23-34; “separation portion” in claims 25-29; and “restoring portion” in claim 35.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may:  (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 19-21 & 36-37 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (US20190017211A1) in view Bae (US5887458A) and Jang (US20180313017A1).
As to claim 19 & 36, Kim discloses a laundry treating apparatus (abstract), comprising: a tub (Fig.1 ref 30) configured to store water therein; a drum (Fig.1 ref 40) rotatably located in the tub to receive laundry therein; a pulsator (Fig.1 ref 45) rotatably located in the drum to agitate the laundry; a driver (Fig.1 ref 70) coupled to the tub, the driver being configured to provide power to rotate at least one of the drum and the pulsator [0057]; a clutch (Fig.1 ref 100) located between the driver and the pulsator to transmit the power to at least one of the drum and pulsator; the clutch including: a gear assembly (Fig.6 ref 150) rotatably engaged with the driver (see [0063 & 0072]); a rotation shaft (Fig.6 ref 134) coupled to the gear assembly to rotate the pulsator [0065]; a housing (Fig.6 ref 110 including ref 146 including refs 142/143, see also Fig.4) coupled to the drum and to rotate the drum, the housing being configured to receive the gear assembly and the rotation shaft therein [0069, 0079, & 0098]; a coupler (Fig.3 ref 160) configured to connect and disconnect the driver and the housing to selectively rotate the housing [0067, 0082, 0097, 0103, & 0110]. Kim does not disclose the coupler being located in the housing, however providing a coupler within a housing is known in the art, as seen by Bae
Bae discloses an art related laundry apparatus (abstract), wherein it can be seen that a clutch element and its coupling (Figs.3-4 refs 82/84) can be provided within a housing portion (Figs.3-4 ref 63/64). Thus, Bae indicates that the presence of a clutch coupling within a housing is a known variation capable of providing success in the coupling of the drum or pulsator.
Jang discloses an art related driving apparatus for a washing machine (abstract), wherein it is shown that a coupler of a clutch (Figs.8-9 ref 20) can be provided such that it is provided partially within a gearbox (Fig.1 ref 3, see also Figs.8-9 & [0018-0019 & 0062]). Accordingly, Jang indicates that a known manner of allowing a clutch coupling to interact with a gearbox housing is to provide such clutch coupling at least partially within the housing.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date, to modify Kim to provide the clutch coupling within the housing, as such is a known alternative configuration for the positioning of the clutch coupler (Bae Figs.3-4 and Jang Figs.8-9). It is in the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize one known clutch coupling configuration/positioning in place of another with a reasonable expectation of success. Such a modification would merely require a simple level of effort on the part of one of ordinary skill in the art. With respect to the limitation of the coupler reciprocating between and upper and lower end of the housing, an upper end of the housing and a lower end of the housing can be arbitrarily defined so long as an upper end is defined above a lower end. Thus, under such an interpretation an upper end of the housing can be construed to correspond to the portion of the housing adjacent the coupler in the position at which the clutch coupling is at its highest (Kim Fig.14) and the lower end of the housing can be construed to correspond to the portion of the housing adjacent the coupler in the position at which the clutch coupling is at its lowest (Kim Fig.16).
As to claims 20 & 37, Modified Kim teaches the apparatus of claims 19 & 36 wherein the driver includes a stator (Kim Fig.1 ref 71) coupled to the tub; a rotor (Kim Fig.1 ref 72) configured to be rotated by the stator; a driving shaft (Kim Fig.6 ref 120) coupled to the rotor and gear assembly, the driving shaft being located in the housing; wherein the coupler is configured to selectively rotationally couple the housing and the driving shaft to each other (Kim [0063, 0075, & 0079]).
As to claim 21, Modified Kim teaches the apparatus of claim 19, wherein the coupler is configured to ascend and descend along the driving shaft (best seen by Kim Figs.14 & 16) to selectively couple the housing and the driving shaft to each other rotationally (Kim [0063, 0075, & 0079].
Claim(s) 35 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (US20190017211A1) in view Bae (US5887458A) and Jang (US20180313017A1) as applied to claim 19 above, and further in view of Lim (US20030131636A1) and Yoon (US20030177794A1).
As to claim 35, Modified Kim teaches the apparatus of claim 19, wherein a spring (Kim Fig.3 ref 176) is utilized to restore a position of the coupler (Kim [0110]) via the use of a holder (Kim Fig.3 ref 210 or 190) which lifts and lowers the holder. Kim also shows such support and spring being located outside of the housing (Figs.14 & 16). However, the configuration does not provide the restoring portion returning the support of a lower position (i.e., original position after lifting). Jang does showcase the use of a spring (Fig.8 ref 7) for lowering of a clutch coupling and support (Fig.8 ref 22). Further, such a configuration is well-known in the art, as seen by Lim and Yoon.
Lim discloses an art related washing machine driving apparatus (abstract), wherein spring (Fig.3 ref 78) which moves a coupling (Fig.3 ref 54) and its support downward after being lifted [0076 & 0091]. Yoon discloses an art related washing machine driving apparatus (abstract), wherein spring (Figs.6A-6B ref 14) which moves a support (Figs.6A-6B ref 12) and its support (Figs.6A-6B ref 12) downward after being lifted [0052 & 0073]. Thus, a skilled artisan is well apprised that the use of a spring to lower a support and coupler after it has been lifted is merely a known alternative configuration in the art.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date, to modify to provide the spring in such a manner that it allows for the lowering of the support and coupler after being lifted, as such is a known alternative configuration in the art (Lim [0076 & 0091] & Yoon [0052 & 0073]). It is in the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize one known configuration of a spring for movement of a coupler is place of another, when both configurations are well-known in the art.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 22-34 & 38 objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  Other references of note include:
Kim (US20160348296A1) discloses a tub (Fig.2 ref 134) configured to a tub (Fig.2 ref 124) configured to store water therein [0023]; a drum (Fig.2 ref 122) rotatably located in the tub to receive laundry therein [0023]; a pulsator (Fig.2 ref 133) rotatably located in the drum to agitate the laundry; a driver (i.e., stator and rotor see [0031] & ref 230) coupled to the tub, the driver being configured to provide power to rotate at least one of the drum and the pulsator; and a clutch (Fig.6 ref 138) located between the driver and the pulsator to transmit the power to the at least one of the drum and the pulsator [0024], the clutch including: a gear assembly (Figs.4-8 refs 300, 310, 370, & 380) rotatably engaged with the driver (see Figs.6-7 & [0048-0052]); a rotation shaft (Fig.4 ref 322) coupled to the gear assembly to rotate the pulsator [0032]; and a coupler (Figs.4-7 ref 320a or 320b) configured to connect and disconnect the driver and the housing to selectively rotate the housing, the coupler being located in the housing (Fig.6-7 ref 302 & 385). However, Kim does not disclose the housing coupled to the drum to rotate the drum, rather the housing merely holds the gear assembly. Further, a skilled artisan recognizes that such a function would not occur with the use of bevel gears, but instead requires planetary and ring gears. A skilled artisan would also realize that an attempt to supply such a housing but obviate the purpose the of bevel gears with the clutch coupler of Kim.
Jin (WO2018124813A1) showcases various configurations for a gearing assembly and their manner of cooperation (Figs.6, 16A-16B, 26A-26B).
None of the references of record, when taken alone or in combination, teach or suggest the invention of claims 22 or 38. Thus, claims 22 and 38 along with their dependents are considered to recite allowable subject matter.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSApplicant thanks the Examiner for the thorough consideration given the present application. Reconsideration of this application, as amended, is respectfully requested.Status of the Claims Claims 19, 21 and 23-36 are now present in this application, of which claims 19 and 36 are independent.By this Amendment, claims 20, 22, 37 and 38 have been canceled, and claims 19, 21, 23, 25, 27-31, 33, 35 and 36 have been amended. No new matter has been added.Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 Applicant thanks the Examiner for acknowledging Applicant's claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119, and receipt of the certified priority document.Information Disclosure Citation Applicant thanks the Examiner for considering the references supplied with the Information Disclosure Statement filed October 27, 2023, and for providing Applicant with an initialed copy of the PTO-SB08 form filed therewith.Drawings Applicant thanks the Examiner for indicating that the drawings are accepted.Rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) The Examiner asserts that claims 22-34 and 38 are interpreted as invoking 35 U.S.C.§112(f) because the terms "power transmitting portion," "inner coupling portion," "surface coupling portion," "separation portion," and "restoring portion" are generic placeholders that are not proceeded by a structural modifier.While not conceding the appropriateness of this assertion, but merely to advance prosecution of the present application, Applicant has amended the claims to replace each of those terms with "power serration," "inner coupling serration," "surface coupling serration," "separating shaft," and "restoring spring," respectively.Accordingly, Applicant  submits that none    of the   pending   claims  invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 19-21, 36 and 37 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Kim in view of Bae and Jang. Claim 35 stands rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Kim in view of Bae and Jang, and further in view of Lim and Yoon. These rejections are respectfully traversed.Complete discussions of the Examiner's rejections are set forth in the Office Action, and are not being repeated here.With regard to the rejections of claims 19-21 and 35-37, while not conceding the appropriateness of the Examiner's rejection, but merely to advance prosecution of the instant application, Applicant respectfully submits that independent claims 19 and 36 have been amended to include the limitations of objected-to allowable claims 22 and 38, respectively, thereby automatically placing independent claims 19 and 36 into condition for allowance, along with dependent claims 21 and 35.Accordingly, reconsideration and withdrawal of these rejections are respectfully requested.Allowable Subject Matter The Examiner states that claims 22-34 and 38 would be allowable if rewritten in independent form.Applicant thanks the Examiner for the early indication of allowable subject matter in this application.As set forth above, the limitations of objected-to claim 22 have been added into independent claim 19, along with intervening claim 20, and therefore independent claim 19 should be in condition for allowance. Also, claims 21 and 23-35 depend, either directly or indirectly, from independent claim 19, and are therefore allowable based on their dependence from claim 19, which is believed to be allowable.In addition, as set forth above, the limitations of objected-to claim 38 have been added into independent claim 36, along with intervening claim 37, and therefore independent claim 36 should be in condition for allowance.Additional Cited References Since the remaining references cited by the Examiner have not been utilized to reject the claims, but have merely been cited to show the state of the art, no comment need be made with respect thereto.Conclusion All of the stated grounds of rejection have been properly traversed, accommodated, or rendered moot. Applicant therefore respectfully requests that the Examiner reconsider all presently outstanding rejections and that they be withdrawn. It is believed that a full and complete response has been made to the outstanding Office Action, and as such, the present application is in condition for allowance.For any outstanding matters in the present application, the Examiner is respectfully requested to contact Chad D. Wells, Registration No. 50,875, at 703-205-8084 to discuss the present application. If unable to reach the above-identified contact, please call the general mailbox number 703-205-8007.If necessary, the Director is hereby authorized in this, concurrent, and future replies to charge any fees required during the pendency of the above-identified application or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account No. 02-2448.Dated: May 27, 2025

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Applicant has incorporated the allowable subject matter recited in the actions dated 02/26/2025, thus the reasons for allowance remain the same as that recited in the same action and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20190017211A1: Claims:
A washing machine comprising: a tub for storing water; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; a pulsator provided within the drum, the pulsator being rotatable independently of the drum; a motor for generating power; and a clutch assembly for transmitting the power of the motor to the drum or the pulsator, wherein the clutch assembly includes: a pulsator driving portion coupled to the pulsator to transmit the power of the motor to the pulsator; and a coupling selectively coupled to the pulsator driving portion such that the power of the motor is not transmitted to the pulsator.
a tub for storing water;
a drum rotatably disposed in the tub;
a pulsator provided within the drum, the pulsator being rotatable independently of the drum;
a motor for generating power; and
a clutch assembly for transmitting the power of the motor to the drum or the pulsator,
wherein the clutch assembly includes:
a pulsator driving portion coupled to the pulsator to transmit the power of the motor to the pulsator; and
a coupling selectively coupled to the pulsator driving portion such that the power of the motor is not transmitted to the pulsator.
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the clutch assembly transfers the power of the motor to the drum or the pulsator by raising or lowering the coupling.
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the washing machine further includes a drum driving portion coupled to the drum to transmit the power of the motor to the drum, and wherein the rotating direction of the drum is opposite to the rotating direction of the motor when the power of the motor is transmitted to the drum driving portion and the power of the motor is not transmitted to the pulsator driving portion.
wherein the rotating direction of the drum is opposite to the rotating direction of the motor when the power of the motor is transmitted to the drum driving portion and the power of the motor is not transmitted to the pulsator driving portion.
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the washing machine further includes: a sun gear for receiving the power of the motor; and a plurality of planetary gears disposed around the sun gear to be engaged with the sun gear, and wherein the pulsator driving portion includes a planetary gear connecting portion connecting a plurality of planetary gear shafts passing through rotation centers of the plurality of planetary gears, respectively.
a sun gear for receiving the power of the motor; and
a plurality of planetary gears disposed around the sun gear to be engaged with the sun gear, and
wherein the pulsator driving portion includes a planetary gear connecting portion connecting a plurality of planetary gear shafts passing through rotation centers of the plurality of planetary gears, respectively.
The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the washing machine further comprises a drum driving portion coupled to the drum to transmit the power of the motor to the drum, and wherein the drum driving portion includes a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears.
wherein the drum driving portion includes a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears.
The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein the coupling restrains the rotation of the planetary gear connecting portion to prevent the plurality of planetary gears from revolving about the sun gear so that the power is not transmitted to the pulsator.
A washing machine comprising: a tub for storing water; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; a pulsator provided within the drum, the pulsator being rotatable independently of the drum; a motor for generating power; and, a clutch assembly for transmitting the power of the motor to the drum or the pulsator, wherein the clutch assembly includes: a driving shaft receiving the power from the motor; a pulsator shaft surrounding the driving shaft and coupled to the pulsator to transmit the power of the motor to the pulsator; pulsator shaft teeth formed on the outer periphery of the pulsator shaft; and a coupling engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth to selectively restrict the rotation of the pulsator shaft.
a motor for generating power; and,
a driving shaft receiving the power from the motor;
a pulsator shaft surrounding the driving shaft and coupled to the pulsator to transmit the power of the motor to the pulsator;
pulsator shaft teeth formed on the outer periphery of the pulsator shaft; and
a coupling engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth to selectively restrict the rotation of the pulsator shaft.
The washing machine according to claim 7 , wherein the clutch assembly includes: a drum shaft surrounding the pulsator shaft and coupled to the drum to transmit the power of the motor to the drum; and drum shaft teeth formed on an outer circumference of the drum shaft.
a drum shaft surrounding the pulsator shaft and coupled to the drum to transmit the power of the motor to the drum; and
drum shaft teeth formed on an outer circumference of the drum shaft.
The washing machine according to claim 8 , wherein the coupling includes a pulsator restricting portion engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth and a drum coupling portion engaged with the drum shaft teeth.
The washing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the power of the motor is transmitted to the drum via the coupling when the drum coupling portion is engaged with the drum shaft teeth.
The washing machine according to claim 7 , wherein the clutch assembly raises or lowers the coupling such that the coupling is selectively engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth.
The washing machine according to claim 7 , wherein the washing machine further includes: a sun gear formed at one end of the driving shaft; a plurality of planetary gears disposed around the sun gear and engaged with the sun gear; and a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, wherein when the coupling is engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth and the rotation of the pulsator shaft is restricted, the plurality of planetary gears is prevented from revolving around the sun gear and the ring gear rotates.
a sun gear formed at one end of the driving shaft;
a plurality of planetary gears disposed around the sun gear and engaged with the sun gear; and
a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears,
wherein when the coupling is engaged with the pulsator shaft teeth and the rotation of the pulsator shaft is restricted, the plurality of planetary gears is prevented from revolving around the sun gear and the ring gear rotates.
A washing machine comprising: a tub for storing water; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; a pulsator provided within the drum, the pulsator being rotatable independently of the drum; a pulsator driving portion coupled to the pulsator for delivering power to the pulsator; a motor for generating power; a sun gear for receiving the power from the motor; a plurality of planetary gears disposed around the sun gear and engaged with the sun gear; and a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the pulsator driving portion rotates as the plurality of planetary gears rotate about the sun gear along the ring gear.
a pulsator driving portion coupled to the pulsator for delivering power to the pulsator;
a motor for generating power;
a sun gear for receiving the power from the motor;
wherein the pulsator driving portion rotates as the plurality of planetary gears rotate about the sun gear along the ring gear.
The washing machine according to claim 13 , wherein the washing machine further comprises a coupling for selectively restricting the rotation of the pulsator driving portion to prevent revolution of the plurality of planetary gears.
The washing machine according to claim 14 , further comprising a drum driving portion coupled to the drum to transmit the power to the drum, and wherein the drum driving portion is engaged with the ring gear to rotate integrally.
wherein the drum driving portion is engaged with the ring gear to rotate integrally.
The washing machine according to claim 14 , wherein the coupling selectively restrains the rotation of the pulsator driving portion by raising or lowering the coupling.
Ref US5887458A: Claims:
A driving system for a washing machine, including a washing shaft connected with an agitator in the center of a washing tub to stir laundry in a washing mode, and an extracting shaft positioned outside of the washing shaft and connected with an extracting tub which rotates at high speeds in an extracting mode, said driving system comprising: a power-generating means for generating power to rotate said washing shaft and said extracting shaft; a decelerating means installed under said power-generating means to reduce the number of rotations transmitted from said power-generating means; and a power-switching means for de-energizing said extracting shaft in the washing mode and for energizing said extracting shaft in the extracting mode, wherein said power-switching means includes a cam lever rotatable coupled on either side of upper and lower housings of said power generating means and closely connected with a cam at its upper part, a first clutch lever pivoting with relation to a hinge by rotation of the cam, a second clutch lever connected with said first clutch lever and an outer circumference of the extracting shaft by a serration so as to control the power by being engaged with said first clutch which is closely connected with an upper surface of a motor shaft while moving vertically, a gear lever perpendicularly connected to said cam lever thereunder and rotating together with said cam lever, a first cam and a second cam loosely engaged with each other so that said first cam rotates together with said gear lever and said second cam moves vertically by a stair-like portion formed in the loose engagement between said first cam and said second cam, and coil springs respectively installed on an inner circumference of said second cam and said second clutch lever to be compressed and expanded by rotation of said cam lever when the washing mode is switched to the extracting mode.
a power-generating means for generating power to rotate said washing shaft and said extracting shaft;
a decelerating means installed under said power-generating means to reduce the number of rotations transmitted from said power-generating means; and
a power-switching means for de-energizing said extracting shaft in the washing mode and for energizing said extracting shaft in the extracting mode, wherein said power-switching means includes a cam lever rotatable coupled on either side of upper and lower housings of said power generating means and closely connected with a cam at its upper part, a first clutch lever pivoting with relation to a hinge by rotation of the cam, a second clutch lever connected with said first clutch lever and an outer circumference of the extracting shaft by a serration so as to control the power by being engaged with said first clutch which is closely connected with an upper surface of a motor shaft while moving vertically, a gear lever perpendicularly connected to said cam lever thereunder and rotating together with said cam lever, a first cam and a second cam loosely engaged with each other so that said first cam rotates together with said gear lever and said second cam moves vertically by a stair-like portion formed in the loose engagement between said first cam and said second cam, and coil springs respectively installed on an inner circumference of said second cam and said second clutch lever to be compressed and expanded by rotation of said cam lever when the washing mode is switched to the extracting mode.
a cam lever rotatable coupled on either side of upper and lower housings of said power generating means and closely connected with a cam at its upper part,
a first clutch lever pivoting with relation to a hinge by rotation of the cam,
a second clutch lever connected with said first clutch lever and an outer circumference of the extracting shaft by a serration so as to control the power by being engaged with said first clutch which is closely connected with an upper surface of a motor shaft while moving vertically,
a gear lever perpendicularly connected to said cam lever thereunder and rotating together with said cam lever,
a first cam and a second cam loosely engaged with each other so that said first cam rotates together with said gear lever and said second cam moves vertically by a stair-like portion formed in the loose engagement between said first cam and said second cam, and
coil springs respectively installed on an inner circumference of said second cam and said second clutch lever to be compressed and expanded by rotation of said cam lever when the washing mode is switched to the extracting mode.
A driving system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power-generating means includes: a motor having a stator which creates magnetic fields by the applied power and a rotator which rotates by the magnetic fields created by said stator, and a motor shaft inserted into said stator for integrally rotating with said rotator; and wherein said upper and lower housings respectively cover said motor and said motor shaft.
a motor having a stator which creates magnetic fields by the applied power and a rotator which rotates by the magnetic fields created by said stator, and
a motor shaft inserted into said stator for integrally rotating with said rotator; and
wherein said upper and lower housings respectively cover said motor and said motor shaft.
A driving system set forth in claim 2, wherein said motor shaft includes ball bearings positioned between an inner circumference of the upper part of said motor shaft and an outer circumference of said extracting shaft, and metal bearings positioned between an inner circumference of the lower part of said motor shaft and an outer circumference of said washing shaft, so that the rotation of said motor shaft is not directly transmitted.
A driving system set forth in claim 3, wherein said motor shaft is engaged with a plurality of the planetary gears to transmit its rotation force to said plurality of planetary gears.
A driving system set forth in claim 2, wherein said motor shaft is engaged with a plurality of the planetary gears to transmit its rotation force to said plurality of planetary gears.
A driving system set forth in claim 1, wherein said decelerating means includes: an internal gear having teeth formed on its inner circumference; a plurality of planetary gears positioned in said internal gear and engaged with said teeth of said internal gear to rotate together with said internal gear; upper and lower carriers respectively installed at upper and lower parts of said plurality of planetary gears and connected to central shafts of said plurality of planetary gears for rotating said plurality of planetary gears simultaneously; and a cover for covering outside lower parts of respective components.
an internal gear having teeth formed on its inner circumference;
a plurality of planetary gears positioned in said internal gear and engaged with said teeth of said internal gear to rotate together with said internal gear;
upper and lower carriers respectively installed at upper and lower parts of said plurality of planetary gears and connected to central shafts of said plurality of planetary gears for rotating said plurality of planetary gears simultaneously; and
a cover for covering outside lower parts of respective components.
A driving system set forth in claim 6, wherein said lower carrier is coupled at a center thereof with a lower part of said washing shaft to rotate together with said washing shaft.
A driving system set forth in claim 6, wherein said internal gear has a groove on its upper surface so that the rotation of said internal gear is limited by the second cam moving downward into said groove.
A driving system set forth in claim 1, wherein said internal gear has a groove on its upper surface so that the rotation of said internal gear is limited by the second cam moving downward into said groove.
Ref US20180313017A1: Claims:
A driving apparatus for a washing machine, comprising: a clutch main body 1 in which a brake drum 13 is located inside; a clutch operation unit 2 installed at one side of the clutch main body 1 , the clutch operation unit comprising a brake lever 21 and a clutch lever 22 which rotates together when the brake lever 21 operates; a clutch coupler 20 located at the bottom of the clutch main body 1 , the clutch coupler moving up and down by the clutch lever 22 , the clutch coupler being; a decelerator 3 located at the bottom of the clutch coupler 20 ; a rotating driving means 4 located at the bottom of the decelerator; a washing shaft 5 in which a pulsator is coupled to the top end, the washing shaft being coupled to the rotating driving means 4 and rotating together with the decelerator 3 ; and a dewatering shaft 6 in which the washing shaft 5 is rotatably coupled inside and a washing tub is coupled to the top end thereof, the dewatering shaft penetrating a center of the clutch main body 1 and being rotatably coupled thereto.
a clutch main body 1 in which a brake drum 13 is located inside;
a clutch operation unit 2 installed at one side of the clutch main body 1 , the clutch operation unit comprising a brake lever 21 and a clutch lever 22 which rotates together when the brake lever 21 operates;
a clutch coupler 20 located at the bottom of the clutch main body 1 , the clutch coupler moving up and down by the clutch lever 22 , the clutch coupler being;
a decelerator 3 located at the bottom of the clutch coupler 20 ;
a rotating driving means 4 located at the bottom of the decelerator;
a washing shaft 5 in which a pulsator is coupled to the top end, the washing shaft being coupled to the rotating driving means 4 and rotating together with the decelerator 3 ; and
a dewatering shaft 6 in which the washing shaft 5 is rotatably coupled inside and a washing tub is coupled to the top end thereof, the dewatering shaft penetrating a center of the clutch main body 1 and being rotatably coupled thereto.
The driving apparatus for a washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the clutch lever 22 comprises a top lever 221 which becomes the top and a bottom lever 222 which becomes the bottom with respect to a hinge unit 223 , the hinge unit 223 is coupled to a lever holder 231 fixed at one side of the clutch main body 1 , and a top inclination unit 221 a with a shape inclined to the side direction is formed in the top lever 221 such that a side inclination unit 211 formed at one side of the brake lever 21 is coupled to move along the top inclination unit 221 a.
The driving apparatus for a washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the decelerator 3 comprises: a cup-shaped decelerator main body 31 ; a ring gear 312 formed on an inner wall of the decelerator main body 31 ; a carrier 30 which comprises a planetary gear 303 engaged to the inside of the ring gear 312 ; and a decelerator cover 32 in which a plurality of hole-shaped coupler penetrating units 323 are formed in the center.
a cup-shaped decelerator main body 31 ;
a ring gear 312 formed on an inner wall of the decelerator main body 31 ;
a carrier 30 which comprises a planetary gear 303 engaged to the inside of the ring gear 312 ; and
a decelerator cover 32 in which a plurality of hole-shaped coupler penetrating units 323 are formed in the center.
The driving apparatus for a washing machine according to claim 3 , wherein a plurality of gums 202 are formed, protruding downwardly, and a plurality of teeth 203 are formed, protruding downwardly from the gum, in the bottom of the c
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