Patent · US Active

Drive apparatus for a washing machine

US7741741B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by

10References

9Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Dielh AKO Stiftung & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

Martin Weinmann · Bad Waldsee, DE
Alexander Muller · Steinen, DE
Thomas Mehrer · Eslarn, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Jul 13, 2007
Grant date	Jun 22, 2010
Priority date	—
Expiry date	May 22, 2028

Classification

Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
CPC primaryY10S310/06
WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A drive apparatus for a washing machine includes an electric motor, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor for rotary drive, a fan for cooling the electric motor and electronics for controlling operation of the electric motor. In order to achieve a compact construction, the electric motor and the electronics are integrated in a common unit, such as a motor housing. In order to protect the electronics and at the same time ensure that the electronics are sufficiently cooled, the common unit has a dividing wall, with the electric motor and a printed circuit board of the electronics disposed on opposite sides of the dividing wall. The dividing wall has at least one aperture. The electronics include power components protruding at least partially through the aperture and being in contact with the dividing wall and/or with a cooling air stream generated by the fan.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.