Clutch device for washing machines

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a clutch device for washing machines. The clutch device comprises a washing shaft for transmitting a rotating force to a pulsator, a dewatering shaft disposed along the outer circumference of the washing shaft in a coaxial fashion for transmitting the rotating force to a washing tub, and a spiral spring, having one end fixedly connected to the washing shaft and the other end fixedly connected to the dewatering shaft, for transmitting the rotating force from the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft when the spiral spring comes into tight contact with the washing shaft or the dewatering shaft as the washing shaft is rotated. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of simplifying the overall structure of the clutch device. The clutch device further comprises a friction member attached to the washing shaft or the dewatering shaft for generating a frictional force when the spiral spring is extended or compressed. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of decreasing wear of the washing shaft and dewatering shaft, with which the spiral spring is in tight contact, and of improving efficiency of rotating force transmission.

1 . A clutch device for washing machines, comprising: 
 a washing shaft for transmitting a rotating force to a pulsator;    a dewatering shaft disposed along the outer circumference of the washing shaft in a coaxial fashion for transmitting the rotating force to a washing tub; and    a spiral spring, having one end fixedly connected to the washing shaft and the other end fixedly connected to the dewatering shaft, for transmitting the rotating force from the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft when the spiral spring comes into tight contact with the washing shaft or the dewatering shaft as the washing shaft is rotated.    
   
   
       2 . The device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the washing shaft, the dewatering shaft, and the spiral spring is provided with a friction member for generating a frictional force when the spiral spring is extended or compressed.  
   
   
       3 . The device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the friction member is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the dewatering shaft at the position where the spiral spring comes into frictional contact with the dewatering shaft when the spiral spring is extended.  
   
   
       4 . The device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the friction member.  
   
   
       5 . The device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the spiral spring comes into tight contact with the friction member when the spiral spring is maximally extended.  
   
   
       6 . The device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the friction member is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft at the position where the spiral spring comes into frictional contact with the washing shaft when the spiral spring is compressed.  
   
   
       7 . The device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the friction member.  
   
   
       8 . The device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the spiral spring comes into tight contact with the friction member when the spiral spring is maximally compressed.  
   
   
       9 . A clutch device for washing machines, comprising: 
 a washing shaft for transmitting a rotating force to a pulsator;    a dewatering shaft disposed along the outer circumference of the washing shaft in a coaxial fashion for transmitting the rotating force to a washing tub;    a spiral spring having one end fixedly connected to the washing shaft or the dewatering shaft, the spiral spring being extended or compressed as the washing shaft is rotated;    a spring fixing part formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, the spring fixing part being disposed between the washing shaft and the dewatering shaft, while the other end of the spiral spring, fixedly connected to neither the washing shaft nor the dewatering shaft, is fixedly connected to the spring fixing part, for transmitting the rotating force from the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft when the spiral spring comes into tight contact with the spring fixing part as the spiral spring is extended or compressed; and    a friction member disposed between the spring fixing part and the washing shaft or the dewatering shaft, to which the spiral spring is fixedly connected, for generating a frictional force.    
   
   
       10 . The device as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein one end of the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the washing shaft, and the other end of the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the inner circumferential surface of the spring fixing part.  
   
   
       11 . The device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the friction member is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the spring fixing part or the inner circumferential surface of the dewatering shaft.  
   
   
       12 . The device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the frictional force is generated between the washing shaft and the friction member when the spiral spring is maximally compressed.  
   
   
       13 . The device as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein one end of the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the dewatering shaft, and the other end of the spiral spring is fixedly connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spring fixing part.  
   
   
       14 . The device as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the friction member is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the spring fixing part or the outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft.  
   
   
       15 . The device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the frictional force is generated between the dewatering shaft and the friction member when the spiral spring is maximally extended.  
   
   
       16 . A clutch device for washing machines, comprising: 
 a washing shaft for transmitting a rotating force to a pulsator;    a dewatering shaft disposed along the outer circumference of the washing shaft in a coaxial fashion for transmitting the rotating force to a washing tub;    a clutch connection device connected between a first set consisting of the pulsator and the washing shaft and a second set consisting of the dewatering shaft for transmitting the rotating force from the first or second set to the second or first set when the first or second set is rotated more than predetermined revolutions in one direction; and    a friction member attached to at least one of the washing shaft, the dewatering shaft, and the clutch connection device for generating a frictional force when the rotating force is transmitted by the clutch connection device.    
   
   
       17 . The device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the clutch connection device comprises a coil spring.  
   
   
       18 . The device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the clutch connection device is connected between the washing shaft and the dewatering shaft.  
   
   
       19 . The device as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein the clutch connection device comprises a coil spring.  
   
   
       20 . The device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the washing shaft and the dewatering shaft are provided with elastic member mounting rings, respectively, to which both ends of the coil spring are fixedly mounted, respectively.