Washing machine and method for controlling the same

Abstract

A washing machine includes a washing shaft that extends through an outer tub, and is coupled to an inner tub and a double rotor motor coupled to the washing shaft. The double rotor motor has two rotors drivable independently from each other and wound independently from each other.

1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a washing shaft that extends through an outer tub, and is coupled to an inner tub; and    a double rotor motor coupled to the washing shaft, the double rotor motor having two rotors drivable independently from each other and wound independently from each other.    
   
   
       2 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the double rotor motor comprises; 
 a stator secured to the outer tub to surround the washing shaft, the stator having an inner winding portion, and an outer winding portion,    an outer rotor having a rotational center connected to the washing shaft, and having at least a portion arranged opposite to the outer winding portion, and    an inner rotor connected to the outer rotor or to the washing shaft, and arranged opposite to the inner winding portion.    
   
   
       3 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the stator is configured in an annular shape around the washing shaft, 
 the inner rotor comprises magnets opposed to the inner winding portion of the stator, and    the outer rotor surrounds an outer side of the stator and the inner rotor, and comprises magnets opposed to the outer winding portion.    
   
   
       4 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the inner rotor extends from an outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft toward an inner surface of the stator.  
   
   
       5 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the inner rotor is extends from a surface of the outer rotor toward the outer tub.  
   
   
       6 . A method for controlling a washing machine comprising: 
 applying power to an outer winding portion to rotate a washing shaft to perform a washing operation; and    applying power to the inner winding portion, to rotate the washing shaft to perform a spinning operation.    
   
   
       7 . The method as claimed in  claim 6 , further comprising applying power to the inner winding portion or the outer winding portion, to rotate the washing shaft to perform a rinsing operation.  
   
   
       8 . The method as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the washing shaft rotates at a high speed in the spinning operation relative to the washing operation.  
   
   
       9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the washing shaft is rotated in regular/reverse direction in the washing operation.  
   
   
       10 . A method for controlling a washing machine comprising: 
 applying power for washing to an inner winding portion to rotate a washing shaft; and    applying power for spinning to the outer winding portion, to rotate the washing shaft.    
   
   
       11 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising applying power for rinsing to the inner winding portion or the outer winding portion, to rotate the washing shaft.  
   
   
       12 . The method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the washing shaft rotates at a high speed in the spinning relative to the washing.  
   
   
       13 . The method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the washing shaft is rotated in regular/reverse direction in the washing step.  
   
   
       14 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a first washing shaft that extends through an outer tub, and is coupled to an inner tub;    a second washing shaft rotatably positioned in the first washing shaft, and coupled to a pulsator; and    a double rotor motor coupled to the first washing shaft, and the second washing shaft, the double rotor motor configured to rotate the first washing shaft and the second washing shaft, independently.    
   
   
       15 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the double rotor motor includes: 
 a stator fixedly secured to the outer tub to surround the first washing shaft, the stator having an inner winding portion and an outer winding portion,    an inner rotor secured to the first washing shaft, and arranged opposite to the inner winding portion, and    an outer rotor having a rotation center connected to the second washing shaft, and arranged opposite to the outer winding portion.    
   
   
       16 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the double rotor motor is an induction motor, or a brushless motor.  
   
   
       17 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising bearings between the first washing shaft, the second washing shaft, and the outer tub, respectively.  
   
   
       18 . A method for controlling a washing machine comprising: 
 for rotating an inner rotor and an outer rotor in opposite directions to perform washing; and    for rotating the inner rotor and the outer rotor in the same direction to perform spinning.    
   
   
       19 . The method as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising rotating the inner rotor and the outer rotor in opposite directions to perform rinsing.  
   
   
       20 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising rotating the inner rotor at a speed higher than the outer rotor to perform washing.  
   
   
       21 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising rotating the inner rotor at a same speed as the outer rotor to perform spinning.  
   
   
       22 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 19 , further comprising rotating the inner rotor at a speed higher than the outer rotor to perform rinsing.  
   
   
       23 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising rotating the inner rotor and the outer rotor alternately to perform washing.