US20050005649A1

US20050005649A1 - Introduced to clothes washing and drying machines

Info

Publication number: US20050005649A1
Application number: US10/494,988
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcelo Monteiro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-31
Filing date: 2002-08-30
Publication date: 2005-01-13
Also published as: MXPA04003033A; CN1318676C; EP1440201A1; CN1582350A; AU2002325694A1; CA2463934A1; WO2003018898A1; BR0106808A; BR0106808B1

Abstract

Improvements introduced to clothes and drying machines, according to which the application of the innovative circumscribed ring-motor (1) is established, and now also the flat ring-motor (6) and its respective variations, in mini washing machines and mini-clothes dryers. The circumscribed ring-motor (1) and the flat ring-motor (6) properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water, considerably substitute various normal mechanical components necessary for the movement of the tub (20) and washing such as belts, pulleys, gears and gearbox. The constructive simplicity of the motor permits pat of it to be coupled on the surface of the washing chamber, tub (20) on the lid (21) or on the outside botton part of the machine, generating the alternate circular movement of the washing chamber, tub (20) directly or indirectly without the assitance of secondary parts, thus permiting a vast number of variations and allowing the tube (20) to be removed at the end of the washing process and serve to transport the clothing.

Description

This report refers to an Invention Patent that addresses improvements introduced in clothes washing machines and dryers. These improvements are essentially characterized b the fact that they introduce two new types of electric motors in the construction of the aforementioned equipment.
As known by the technical expert, clothes washing machines in general, also called washers, are basically characterized by accelerating the clothes washing process by means of the friction created by the resulting movement inside the washing chamber (tub).
There is a wide variety of washing machines and washing systems on the market. Generally speaking, there are two representative systems: washing by tumbling and by agitation.
In their basic configuration, conventional washing machines use water or water vapor (which is considered a universal solvent), and a chemical agent, considered a facilitator for the loosening of dirt, such as soap powder, among others.
As mentioned above, in the washing system by tumbling, the clothing is placed inside the washing chamber (tub), which is arranged horizontally and receives the circular movement of the motor through a belt and pulley and starts to revolve 360¹around an axis. The water, clothing and chemical agent accompany the circular movement of the tub until they reach its upper part, after which the tub falls, forced downwards by the force of gravity, promoting the collision and friction of the water and clothing with the surface of the basket, thus loosening of dirt.
According to this conception, the clothing is not totally submersed, hence less water is required than with washing by agitation, where the clothing is totally submersed. In this type of machine the clothing is loaded from the front (door), obliging consumers to lean down, thus representing an ergonomic problem.
In some machines that wash by tumbling, the water is substituted by water vapor (dry cleaning), and the soap powder by other chemical agents (products), including perchloretylene, Dry Part and Acqua Clean.
In washing by agitation, the movement of the water, clothing and chemical agent contained inside the tub is induced by the alternate horizontal movement of the axis with blades located at the center of the actual tub.
Hence the alternate movement of the respective axis with blades inside the tub represents the element responsible for friction between the water and clothing, and consequently for the loosening of dirt. However, the direct contact between the axis with blades and the clothing reduces the useful life of fabrics.
In this conception, the clothing is totally submersed, contributing towards a relatively high consumption of water. Furthermore, the motor is constantly required to promote the alternate horizontal movement of the axis with blades, thus increasing the amperage and consequently the consumption of electric power. In this system the clothing is accessed from the top of the machine (lid), thus guaranteeing better ergonomics.
In machines that operate by agitation, the concentration of clothing in the lower and upper part of the washing chamber remains almost unaltered, thus promoting a differentiated kind of wash.
In parallel, with conventional dryers the tumblers, which are usually horizontal and cylindrical, rotate 360¹around an axis together with the clothing at a fixed speed that decreases after the upper part of the tub is reached. Hot air is simultaneously introduced in the tub from a fan positioned at the back, top or lower part of this tub, which provokes the flow of air by a heated element. Once heated, the air circulates naturally around the tub and consequently over the surface of the clothing, drying it.
Motors in clothes dryers only execute the task of rotating the tank at a constant low speed of around 50 rpm; in washing machines the tubs rotate at two speeds, one for washing and the other for spinning, hence they need different motors.
This is the basic configuration of the two most representative systems of clothes washing machines and dryers.
In the prior patent application from the same applicant, PL-9806475-4, the tumbling of the spherical tub was executed in two directions simultaneously and for this purpose established the use of two motors, one to execute the 360° turn around an “x” axis and the other to execute the 360¹turn around a “Y” axis. In this case, the actual surface of the washing tank was used to fix a part of the second motor; in this manner, a second motor was obtained, consisting of a belt or ring of induced or inductors covered by plastic and fastened to the middle point of the surface of the tank to isolate the current; the other part of the motor, comprising another ring of induced or inductors sealed off from contact with water was coupled to the internal surface of the supporting arch, which covered the entire tank, and consequently the ring or belt of induced or inductors at its middle point. Hence the elements that comprise an electric motor were obtained i.e., inductor and induced. An electric current was supplied to this assembly in order to generate a magnetic field that executed the 360° turn around the second axis.
Thus a series of technical and operational advantages was obtained in comparison with conventional clothes washers.
Continuing with studies and research on the topic, the Applicant has now developed other forms and variations of the innovative electric motor and its respective applications.
The purpose of this patent is to substantially alter the concept of conventional clothes washing and drying machines in order to provide for the application of the innovative ring-motor concept (circumscribed) and now also of the flat ring-motor and respective variations, in mini clothes washing and drying machines that are more compact than current ones. The circumscribed and flat ring-motor, encapsulated with plastic and protected from contact with water applied directly or Indirectly on the surface of the tank or tub serves as an excellent substitute for various normal mechanic components necessary for the movement of the washing tub, such as belts, pulleys, gears and gearbox, thus generating new advantages.
These advantages include the optimization of the washing process, with consequent economy of water, space and electric power, since the washing process is executed in a compact machine with much smaller dimensions than current ones, which on average wash 5 kg and consume around 240 liters of water in their total cycle.
Another advantage of a constructive nature consists of the application of the aforementioned electric motor concept to the compact machine or mini washer mini dryer concept, thus facilitating their construction and balancing further to simplifying their use.
Another advantage refers to the fact that part of the ring-motor can be coupled on the surface of the tank, of the tub, of the lid, of the axis with blades or on the outside lower part of the tank, generating the circular or alternate movement of the washing chamber (tub) directly or indirectly without the assistance of secondary parts. In this manner the components are optimized the machine is consequently compacted.
The combination of the compact machine and circumscribed ring-motor or flat ring-motor (with flat active sides facing each other) concepts can be applied to the agitation system (vertical cylindrical tanks) and to the tumbling system (horizontal cylindrical tanks), only now with reduced dimensions and with a specific internal anatomy that occasionally substitutes the axis with blades.
Another advantage is the possibility of coupling part of this motor (estator) on the surface of the machine door while the other part (rotor) can be coupled on the surface of the tub. Hence when the door of the machine is opened, the rotor is automatically separated from the stator, turning it off and expanding the use and application of the concept.
An additional advantage refers to the fact that the tub can be optionally removed at the end of the washing process and serve to transport the clothing.
Another advantage is related to the fact that we can use the electric ring-motor as an autonomous and independent component of the clothes tub assembly, that can therefore be coupled circumstantially to execute specific tasks, in tanks of varied dimensions suited to the quantity of clothing.
Yet another advantage refers to the fact that the parts of the ring-motor, i.e., rotor and stator, are independently encapsulated in plastic, thus guaranteeing sealing against water and the insulation of the current. For this purpose when the aforementioned parts are manufactured they will be injected with plastic or ferrite (syntherized) and subsequently polymerized.
The reduction of mechanic parts allows for a wider range of uses of electronic components that add value and functionality to the washing machine.
The circumscribed ring-motor must be differentiated from the flat ring- motor. The former type has the basic components of a conventional motor: rotor (permanent magnets, electromagnets or even a squirrel grid) and stator (coil), only in this case in a ring format, with one ring circumscribed to the other, i.e., one ring (rotor) with a smaller diameter totally covered by another ring (stator) with a large diameter or vice versa, thus obtaining the elements that form an electric motor, i.e., inductor and induced. An electric current is induced to this plastically encapsulated assembly protected from contact with water to generate a magnetic field, which drives the circular movement of the rotor around an axis.
The flat ring-motor has the same components: rotor and ring-stator, only arranged in parallel, with the active sides of their rings facing, contrary to the previous one whose rings are circumscribed. Hence the ring or rotor disc with its permanent magnets are positioned equidistantly and with their active side facing the active side of the ring or coiled stator disc. However, in the two previous designs, it is possible to substitute the permanent magnets of the ring or rotor disc with a magnetic belt or squirrel grid, thus adapting the construction of the motor to the implicit requirements, whether for a synchronous or asynchronous motor.
The use of permanent magnets is indicated in synchronous motors as we have precise control of the RPM (rotation per minute) and of the speed. In asynchronous motors where “slipping” is a known feature, the RPM and speed control are imprecise.
The ring format of the motor permits the arrangement of a greater number of permanent magnets on its surface, and respectively, a greater number of poles, making for a wide range of variations from high to reduced speeds automatically, without the need for a mechanic speed reducer (gearbox).
The larger the quantity of poles and permanent magnets the greater the speed reduction possibility, and the better the physical-magnetic properties of the magnets, the fewer magnets required.
The use of natural or polymerized ferrite (syntherized) magnets in the rotor naturally establishes protection against the action of water and does away with the need for subsequent encapsulation. The use of neodimeo magnets that are naturally more powerful reduces the number of necessary magnets in comparison to other less powerful ones.
Based on this, we can specifically use a BDC type Brushless motor, consisting of a stator ring with an embricado type three phase bearing with 90 poles, covered by a magnetic core (crown of the stator) without teeth, and a rotor ring consisting of 90 permanent magnets arranged in parallel and equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor (rotor crown). The stator bearings are supplied with power by an “drive”, with a single phase 220V inlet.
However, by altering the number of permanent magnets, and consequently poles an ample constructive variation is obtained, suited to needs without altering the original concept.
Hence in other possible variations a BDC type Brushless motor is established, consisting of a stator ring with embricado type three phase bearing, with an “N” number of poles (suited to the necessary power and speed), covered by a toothless magnetic core (stator crown) and a rotor ring, consisting of an “N” number of permanent magnets arranged in parallel and equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor arch (rotor ring).
The supply and control of the speed and rotation of the motor is executed by an electronic Drive device that controls and establishes a low speed for washing and a higher one for spinning.
The application of part of the ring-motor on the body of the tank and tub represents a considerable advantage, since the surface of the object to be spun is used to guarantee its mounting. However, the same motor components, i.e., rotor and stator, do not operate separately, hence the patent establishes the assembly of the ring- motor independently, for the distance and alignment of its rings (rotor and stator) to be maintained unaltered, and for the motor to effectively perform the function for which it is designed.
One of the forms of independent assembly consists of coupling the motor components, i.e., rotor and stator respectively, on the surface of two discs arranged in parallel; the first equipped with a hole and central bearing and the second equipped with an activating axis coupled at its center. This axis fits into and overreaches the hole and the bearing of the first disc, thus maintain the assembly mounted and aligned.
Another form is to apply the components of the ring-motor, i.e., rotor and stator , to the surface of the rings of a bearing with specific dimensions and properties, thus transforming the simple bearing into a “ring-motor bearing”, i.e., a bearing with a coupled electric motor in its body.
The basic configuration of conventional bearings consists of an internal ring and another external ring, separated by one or two tracks of spheres or ring rollers that guarantee the concentricity, assembly and independent movement of the rings.
This set of innovations serves to simplify the construction of the machines, reducing the number of component parts and making the viability of the new concept effectively more concrete.
On the other hand, this set of innovations also applies to conventional simple tumbling washers and dryers (horizontal cylindrical tanks) and washers and dryers that operate by agitation (vertical cylindrical tanks). With the application of the innovations developed here in the aforementioned conventional machines, these become more compact, lighter and substantially simpler, both in constructive and operational terms.
The subject matter of this patent will be described in detail with reference to the drawings listed below, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the circumscribed ring-motor or magnet of the parts, i.e., the permanent magnet rotor, totally circumscribed by the permanent magnets, totally circumscribed by the stator;
FIG. 2 illustrates the rotor of the circumscribed ring-motor separately;
FIG. 3 Illustrates the rotor and stator of the circumscribed motor arranged separately;
FIG. 4 illustrates the rotor of the circumscribed ring-motor using a magnetic belt or squirrel grid to substitute the permanent magnets;
FIG. 5 illustrates the rotor of the flat ring-motor;
FIG. 6 Illustrates the rotor and stator of the flat ring-motor arranged in parallel and with their active sides turned towards each other;
FIG. 7 shows a variation of the flat ring-motor using a magnetic belt or squirrel grid to substitute the permanent magnets of the rotor;
FIG. 8 illustrates the independent assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor with the rotor and stator mounted on the surface of the two discs arranged in parallel and interconnected at the center by an axis;
FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-section of another form of independent assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor, only coupled on the surface of a bearing;
FIG. 10 presents a blown-up view of the assembly described in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 illustrates the independent assembly of the flat ring-motor with the rotor and stator, mounted on the surface of two discs arranged in parallel and interconnected at the center by an axis;
FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate possible forms of mounting the circumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks in the agitation system;
FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;
FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor In mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks that wash by agitation;
FIGS. 21 to 23 show possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;
FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with tilted cylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;
FIGS. 27 to 29 show possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor in mini washing machines with tilted cylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;
FIGS. 30 and 31 respectively illustrate possible forms of assembly of the circumscribed and flat ring-motors in mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks in the agitation system, only using an axis with blades to promote the movement of the water and clothing directly;
FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the circumscribed and flat ring-motor in mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks in the agitation system, using an axis with blades, only separated from direct contact with the clothing by a perforated grid;
FIGS. 34 to 36 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks;
FIGS. 37 to 39 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks;
FIG. 40 illustrates the components of the circumscribed ring-motor, i.e. rotor and stator, mounted separately and independently, of the tank and tub assembly, transforming the aforementioned motor into an autonomous component now called an agitator;
FIG. 41 illustrates the agitator, now using the components of a flat ring-motor, i.e., rotor and stator; and
FIG. 42 shows the agitator totally mounted and encapsulated with the central axis.
FIG. 1 illustrates the electric circumscribed ring- motor 1, previously mentioned in an upper perspective view o with rotor 2, of permanent magnets 3, surrounded by the stator ring (coil) 4, which totally circumscribes it. An electric current is induced to this assembly in order to generate a magnetic field that causes the circular or alternate movement of rotor 2 around an axis.
FIG. 2 illustrates the rotor ring 2 of the circumscribed ring-motor 1 separately with its permanent magnets 3, arranged in parallel and equidistantly, over its surface.
FIG. 3 illustrates the rotor ring 2, with its permanent magnets 3, and the stator ring 4, of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, arranged separately.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective of the rotor 2 of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, using a squirrel grid or magnetic belt 5, to substitute the permanent magnets 3.
FIG. 5 illustrates the ring or rotor disc 7 of the flat ring-motor 6 separately, with its permanent magnets 8, arranged equidistantly, over its surface.
FIG. 6 illustrates the ring or rotor disk 7, and the ring or stator disk 9, of the flat ring-motor 6, arranged in parallel with their active sides facing each other.
FIG. 7 illustrates the variation of the flat ring-motor concept 6, with the front of the stator ring 9, turned to the front of the rotor ring 7, a rotor with a squirrel grid or magnetic belt 10 coupled on its surface to substitute the permanent magnets 8.
FIG. 8 shows an independent form of mounting the ring-motor, including a circumscribed ring-motor 1, with the stator ring 4, mounted on the internal perimeter structure of a disc 11, with a hole 12 in its center. This disc totally circumscribes the rotor ring 2, a rotor which in turn is coupled on the external perimeter surface of another disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 through an axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the central hole 12 of the disc 11. In turn, this hole has a fitted bearing 15, which surrounds and supports the axis 14, thus guaranteeing the movement of the rotor ring 2, further to the mounting and alignment of the assembly.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view with a cross-section of another form of independent assembly on the surface of a bearing (R). For this purpose a circumscribed ring-motor 1 is provided for, in which the rotor ring 2 and the stator ring 4 are respectively coupled on the surface of the internal bearing rings 16 and external bearing 17 of a bearing (R). In this case the external surface of the internal bipartite bearing ring 16 is used to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the rotor 2, and on the internal surface of the external bearing ring 17 the other part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, or vice versa, separated by two tracks of spheres or ring rollers 18, which guarantee the concentricity, assembly and independent movement of the rings, with the advantage of having cleared the central space or core of the rings to fix the object to be rotated directly in this space.
FIG. 10 highlights the detail of the mounting of the assembly described in FIG. 9, where the following components can be seen: rotor 2, stator 4, internal bearing ring 16 and external bearing ring 17 and track of spheres or ring rollers 18 of the circumscribed motor 1.
FIG. 11, in the same way as FIG. 8, Illustrates the independent mounting of the ring-motor, only in its flat ring configuratiori, i.e., flat ring-motor 6, with part, i.e., with the stator ring 9 mounted on the front of a disc 11, which has a hole 12 in its center. This entire disc faces the rotor ring 7 in parallel, and the rotor is coupled on the front of another disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 through an axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the central hole 12 of the disc 11. In turn, this hole has a fitted bearing 15, which surrounds and supports the aforementioned part further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly.
The innovations arising from the use of the ring-motor permit operating advantages, including the possibility of using the actual surface of the basket and tank to fix part of the ring-motor.
The subject matter of this patent refers to “Improvements Introduced to Clothes Washing and Drying Machines”, according to which, to execute the circular or alternate movement of the washing tub in the so-called agitation system with a vertical cylindrical tank, the following components are provided for: an encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1, with part, i.e., the stator ring 4, supported on the outside lower surface of the water containment tank (tank) 19, which entirely circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular and alternate circular movement of the rotor 2, to the perforated washing chamber (tub) 20 containing the clothing, through a central axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the aforementioned tank 19, and touches the tub 20, thus causing its circular or alternate movement and permitting the optional removal of the aforementioned tub 20 at the end of the washing process (pursuant to FIG. 12).
To make the alternate circular movement of the tub 20 in the agitation system in a more simplified manner, we have developed other forms. One of these consists of using the actual immobile top surface of the tank 19 to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water; and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2, also encapsulated in plastic, coupled to the top surface of the tub 20 and totally covered by the stator ring 4, thus obtaining the elements of an electric motor, i.e.: rotor and stator that execute the alternate circular movement of the tub and at the end of the washing process permit the optional removal of the tub to transport the clothing, together with the rotor 2 (pursuant to FIG. 13).
FIG. 14 illustrates another advantage concerning the possibility of coupling part of this encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1 on the surface of lid 21 of the washing machine, i.e., stator 4, while the other part, the encapsulated rotor 2, can be coupled on the surface of the tub 20, permitting the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub 20, thus expanding the use and application of the concept in the so-called agitation system, although emphasizing the importance of keeping the distance and alignment of the rotor 2 in relation to the stator 4, unaltered.
In addition, we can apply the innovative concepts illustrated above in the agitation system with vertical cylindrical tub to the so-called tumbling system with a horizontal cylindrical tub.
Hence FIG. 15 illustrates a circumscribed ring-motor 1, with part, i.e., the stator ring 4, supported on the outside posterior surface of the tank 19, which totally circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate circular movement of the rotor 2, to the tub 20, through an axis 14 positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the aforementioned tank 19, and touches the tub 20, thus causing the circular or alternate circular movement and permitting the optional removal of the aforementioned tub at the end of the washing process.
To executed the circular or alternate circular movement of the tub 20 in the tumbling system in a more simplified manner, we have developed some other forms. One of these consists of using the actual immobile front surface of the tank 19, to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water; and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2, also encapsulated In plastic and protected against contact with water, coupled to the front surface of the tub 20, totally circumscribed by the stator ring 4, thus obtaining the elements of an electric motor, i.e. rotor and stator that execute the circular or alternate circular movement of the tub and at the end of the washing process, permit the optional removal of the tank for use to transport the clothing, together with the rotor 2 (pursuant to FIG. 16).
FIG. 17 illustrates another advantage related to the possibility of coupling part of this encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1 on the surface of the lid 21 of the clothes machine, comprising a stator 4, while the other part consisting of a rotor 2 can be coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus permitting its circular or alternate circular movement and expanding the use and application of the concept in the so-called tumbling system.
Likewise the application of the flat ring-motor 6 is established in the six alternatives previously illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, although considering the difference in the design and arrangement of the rotor in relation to the stator, with the active sides of its rings or discs parallel and facing each other, contrary to the circumscribed ring-motor where the rotor ring is circumscribed to the stator ring or vice versa, as illustrated by FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
In FIG. 18, as in FIG. 12, access to the tub 20 is made from the top of the machine, one of the parts of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6, the stator 9, is integrated to the outside lower surface of the tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 7, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the alternate circular movement of the rotor 7 to the tub 20 through the axis 14, central driver.
In FIG. 19, as in FIG. 13, part of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6, i.e., the stator 9, is coupled on the immobile top surface of the tank 19, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the encapsulated rotor 7, is coupled to the upper surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 20, as in FIG. 14, part of the flat ring-motor 6, the stator 9, is encapsulated, coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the washing machine, while the other part, i.e., the encapsulated rotor 7, is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub 20. In FIG. 21, as in FIG. 15, access to the tub 20 is made from the front of the machine, and part of the flat ring-motor 6, the encapsulated stator 9, is coupled to the outside posterior surface of the tank 19; while another part, the rotor 7, is coupled to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the alternate circular movement of the rotor 7 to the tub 20 through an axis 14, central driver.
In FIG. 22, as in FIG. 16, part of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6, i.e. the stator 9, is coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank 19, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the encapsulated rotor 7, is coupled to the front surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 23 with horizontal cylindrical tanks, as in FIG. 17, part of the flat ring-motor 6, the encapsulated stator 9, is coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid 21 of the washing machine, while the other part, i.e., the encapsulated rotor 7, is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of this tub 20.
Furthermore, and also thanks to the use of these innovations in the machines describe above, another highly important application is obtained: in simple tumbling with a tilted washing chamber, preferably at around 451; this promotes an improved accommodation and a more homogeneous distribution of clothing inside the tub, which is now tilted, besides combining the ergonomic advantages of machines that wash by agitation, where access to the clothing is made from the top of the machine, with the advantages of washing by simple tumbling, as illustrated by FIGS. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.
In FIG. 24, as in FIG. 12, access to the tub 20 is made at the top of the machine, which is tilted. One of the parts of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, the stator 4, is integrated to the outside top surface of the tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 2, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the alternate circular movement of the rotor 2 to the tub 20 through an axis 14.
In FIG. 25, as in FIG. 13, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, is coupled on the immobile upper surface of the tank 19, now tilted, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2, is coupled to the top surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 26, as in FIG. 14, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, is coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the washing machine, now tilted, while the other part (rotor 2) is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of this tub 20.
In FIG. 27, as in FIG. 18, access to the tub 20 is made via the tilted top part of the machine, only with the flat ring-motor 6, with one of its parts, the stator 9, integrated to the outside lower surface of the tank 19; and another part, the rotor 7, integrated to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 to the tub 20 through an axis 14.
FIG. 28, like FIG. 19, now shows s part of the flat ring-motor 6, i.e., the stator 9, coupled on the immobile top surface of the tank 19, now tilted, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 7, coupled to the top surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 29, as in FIG. 20, part of the flat ring-motor 6, the stator 9, is coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the now tilted washing machine, while the other part (rotor 7) is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of this tub 20.
We can extend the application of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, and of the flat motor 6, in machines that wash by agitation with vertical tanks, although using an axis with blades. Hence the alternate movement of the respective axis with blades inside the tank represents the element responsible for friction between the water and the clothing. This friction can be caused by direct contact of the axis with blades and the water and clothing, or by indirect contact, if we have a smaller axis with blades separated from direct contact with the clothing by a screen or perforated grid, in this case the axis with blades moves the water which in turn moves the clothing.
To execute the alternate circular movement of the axis with blades 22 inside the tub 20 using the so-called agitation system, a circumscribed ring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e., the stator ring 4, supported on the outside bottom surface of the tank 19, which circumscribes the entire rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 to the axis with blades 22, through a central driving axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22, touches the tub during the spinning cycle (pursuant to FIG. 30).
To execute the alternate circular movement of the axis with blades 22 inside the tub 20, using the so-called agitation system, a flat ring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e. the stator ring 9, supported on the outside bottom surface of the water contention tank, tank 19, which completely faces the rotor ring 7, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 to the axis with blades 22, through a central driving axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22, touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle (pursuant to FIG. 31).
FIG. 32 illustrates the application of the circumscribed ring-motor 1 in the same manner as in FIG. 30, only with the blade axis separated from direct contact with the clothing. For this purpose a circumscribed ring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e. the stator ring 4, supported on the outside bottom surface of the tank 19, and that totally circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 to the axis with blades 22, separated from direct contact with the clothing by a screen or grid 23, through a central driving axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and t hat after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22, touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle.
FIG. 33 illustrates the application of the flat ring-motor 6 in the same manner as in FIG. 31, only with the blade axis separated from direct contact with the clothing. For this purpose a flat ring-motor 6 is established with part, i.e., the stator ring 9, supported on the outside bottom surface of the water contention tank, tank 19, which completely faces the rotor ring 7, which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 to the axis with blades 22, separated from direct contact with the clothing by a screen or grid 23, through a central driving axis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22, touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle.
The improvements established herein can also be applied to mini clothes dryers, which like mini washing machines eliminate or reduce various mechanical components used in transmission such as pulleys, belts and gears, as illustrated in FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39.
In FIG. 34, the clothing is accessed from the front part of the mini dryer. One of the parts of the circumscribed ring-motor 24, the stator 26, is integrated to the outside posterior surface of the tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 25, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the circular movement of the rotor 25 to the tub 20, through a driving axis 14.
In FIG. 35, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 24 of the mini drier, i.e. the stator 26, is coupled on the immobile front surface or coupled to the front surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 36, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 24 of the mini drier, i.e. the stator 26, is coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid 21 of the clothes dryer, while the other part, the rotor 25, is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub 20.
In FIG. 37, as in FIG. 34, one of the parts of the flat ring-motor 27 of the mini dryer, the stator 29, is integrated to the outside posterior surface of the tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 28, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the circular movement of the rotor 28, to the tub 20, through an axis 14.
In FIG. 38, as In FIG. 35, part of the flat ring-motor 27 of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator 29, is coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank 19; and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 28, is coupled to the front surface of the tub 20.
In FIG. 39, as in FIG. 36, part of the flat ring-motor 27, i.e. the stator 29, is coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid 21 of the dryer, while the other part, the rotor 28, is coupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular movement of this tub 20.
Finally the applicant has developed other variations that are related to the fact that we have fully separated the circumscribed and flat ring-motor from the assembly formed by the tank and tub, hence the ring-motor is mounted as an autonomous component, totally independent and now called an agitator, responsible for the movement of the tank and tub assembly for washing, spinning or drying.
The tub and tank assembly can occasionally be coupled to the aforementioned agitator for the execution of an intended task.
In this manner we obtain some advantages, including that of being able to couple varied tanks with dimensions suited to the quantity of clothing.
Another advantage of an operational nature consists of having the components responsible for the movement, in the case of the ring-motor, of the remaining assembly, tub and tank, totally separate, thus permitting the separate packaging, transport, handling and even purchase of the aforementioned components.
In brief, the agitator is the independent ring-motor consisting of a rotor and stator appropriately mounted and encapsulated, which transmits the circular movement of the rotor through an axis fastened to the assembly, in the case of the tank and tub, the central.
FIG. 40 illustrates the aforementioned agitator 30, comprising a circumscribed electric ring-motor 1, with the stator ring 4, mounted on the internal perimetric structure of a disc 31, with a hole in its center 32. This disc fully circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which is coupled on the outside perimetric surface of a disc 33, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 through an axis 34, positioned in the center of disc 33, which overreaches the central hole 32 of the disk 31. In turn, a bearing 35 is lodged in this hole and surrounds the supports the aforementioned axis 34, thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotor ring 2, further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly, which In turns is closed by a lid 36.
FIG. 41 shows the agitator assembly 37, now using the flat ring-motor 6, with the stator ring 9 mounted on the front of a disc 38, with a hole 39 in its center. This disc fully faces the rotor ring 7 in parallel, and this rotor is coupled on the front of another disc 40, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 through an axis 34, positioned in the center of the disc 40. This axis overreaches the central hole 39 of the disk 38. In turn, this hole has an lodged bearing 35, which surrounds and supports this axis 34, thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotor ring 7, further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly, which in turn is closed by a lid 36.
FIG. 42 shows the agitator assembly 30, totally mounted and closed with its central axis 34.
These are obviously just a few schematic examples. It is clear than any alterations introduced in this invention are included in and protected by this patent.

Claims

1. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, characterized by the established incorporation in the aforementioned clothes washing machines and dryers of a circumscribed ring-motor (1) with rotor and stator rings circumscribed to each other, encapsulated separately by plastic and protected from contact with water. The aforementioned motor (1) consists more specifically of a rotor ring (2) with a smaller diameter and permanent magnets (3) on its surface, arranged in parallel and equidistantly, while the other part of the motor consists of another ring, i.e., the stator (coil) (4) with a larger diameter that completely surrounds and circumscribes the rotor ring (2) or vice versa, making It rotate circularly around an axis.

2. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the application of a squirrel grid (5) encapsulated in plastic to substitute the permanent magnets (3) of the rotor (2) and of the ring-motor (1):

3. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, characterized by the established incorporation in the aforementioned clothes washing machines and dryers of a flat ring-motor (6) separately encapsulated in plastic, protected from contact with water and consisting of a flat rotor ring (7) with permanent magnets (9) arranged equidistantly on its surface, while the other part of this motor consists of a stator ring (coil) (9), arranged in parallel to the rotor ring (7) with its active side facing the active side of the rotor ring (7), making it rotate circularly around an axis.

4. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the application of a squirrel grid (10) to substitute the permanent magnets (8) of the rotor (7) and of the ring-motor (6).

5. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the independent mounting of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), with its stator ring (4) mounted on the internal perimetric structure of a disc (11) with a hole (12) in its center. This disc totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled on the external perimetric surface of another disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2) via an axis (14) positioned in the center of the aforementioned disk (13), which overreaches the central hole (12) of the disc (11). This hole has a lodged bearing (15), which surrounds and supports the aforementioned axis (14), thus guaranteeing the movement of the rotor ring (2) as well as the mounting and alignment of the assembly.

6. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the independent mounting of the flat ring-motor (6), with part of this motor, i.e., its stator ring (9) mounted on the front of a disc (11), with a hole (12) in its center. This disc fully faces the rotor ring (7) in parallel, which in turn is coupled on the front of another disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (7) through an axis (14) positioned in the center of the aforementioned disk (13), which overreaches the central hole (12) of the disk (11). This hole has a lodged bearing (15), which surrounds and supports the aforementioned axis (14), thus guaranteeing the movement of the rotor ring (7) further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly.

7. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by another form of independent mounting of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), in which the rotor ring (2) and the stator ring (4) are coupled respectively on the surface of the internal bearing rings (16) and external bearing (17) of a bearing (R). In this case the outside surface of the internal bipartite bearing ring (16) is used to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the rotor (2) and on the internal surface of the external bearing ring (17) the other part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator (4), or vice versa, and between them two tracks of spheres or ring rollers (18), which guarantee the concentricity, mounting and independent movement of the rings, and keep the central space or core of the rings free for direct fastening of the object to be rotated.

8. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by the establishment of a Brushless BDC type ring-motor, comprising an encapsulated stator ring with embricado type three phase bearing, with an “N” number of poles, covered by a toothless magnetic core (crown of the stator) and an encapsulated rotor consisting of “N” permanent magnets arranged equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor arch (rotor ring). The bearings of the stator are supplied by a drive with a mono phase input.

9. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims I or 3, and in a variation, characterized by the optional presentation of a Brushless BDC type ring-motor, encapsulated in plastic, comprising a stator ring (4) with an embricado type three phase bearing with 90 poles, covered by a toothless magnetic core (crown of the stator) and a rotor (2) consisting of 90 permanent magnets (3) arranged in parallel and equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor ring (rotor crown). The bearings of the stator are supplied by an Adrive with a mono phase 220-volt input.

10. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by the fact that the permanent magnets of the rotor (2) of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), and rotor (7) of the flat ring-motor (6) are manufactured in ferrite (syntherized) and subsequently polymerized.

11. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that parts of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine with vertical cylindrical tanks that wash by agitation.

12. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 11, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator ring (4), supported on the outside lower surface of the water contention chamber, tank (19) which totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13) and transmits the circular and alternate circular movement of the rotor (2), to the perforated washing chamber, tub (20), through a central axis (14), positioned at the center of the disk (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20) thus causing its circular or alternate movement.

13. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 11, and in a variation, characterized by the use of the actual immobile upper surface of the tank (19) to fix part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1) i.e., the stator (4), properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water. The other part of this motor, consisting of the also plastically encapsulated rotor (2), is coupled to the upper surface of tub (20), and totally surrounded by the stator ring (4).

14. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 11, and in a variation, characterized by the fact that part of this circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e. the stator (4), is coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the washing machine, while the other part of this motor, i.e., the rotor (2), can be coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

15. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that parts of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine with vertical cylindrical tanks, which wash by tumbling.

16. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that a circumscribed ring-motor (1) is established as part of same, i.e., the stator ring (4) supported on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19), which totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular and alternate circular movement of the rotor (2), to the tub (20), through an axis (14), positioned In the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing its circular or alternate circular movement.

17. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 15, and in a variation, characterized by the use of the actual immobile front surface of the tank (19) to fix part of the circumscribed motor (1), i.e. the stator (4), properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water; while the other part of the aforementioned motor, consisting of the rotor (2), which is encapsulated in plastic and protected from contact with water, is coupled to the front surface of the tub (20), totally circumscribed by the stator ring (4), thus obtaining the elements of an electric motor, i.e., rotor and stator, which execute the circular or alternate circular movement of the tub (20).

18. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 15, and in a variation, characterized by the fact that part of this circumscribed ring-motor (1), consisting of the stator (4) is coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the washing machine, while the other part of this motor, consisting of a rotor (2), can be coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular or alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

19. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that parts of the flat ring-motor (6) are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine with vertical cylindrical tanks that wash by agitation.

20. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 19, and in a variation, characterized by the fact that part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring (9), is supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), which completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate circular movement of the rotor (7) to the tub (20) through an axis (14) positioned in the center of the disk (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing the circular or alternate circular movement.

21. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 19, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled to the immobile upper surface of the tank (19) while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (7), is coupled to the upper surface of the tub (20), thus causing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

22. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 19, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the mini washing machine, while the other part, i.e. the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

23. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that parts of the flat ring-motor (6), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine with horizontal cylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling.

24. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 23, and in a variation, characterized by the fact that part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring (9), is supported on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19), which fully faces the rotor ring (7), which In turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate circular movement of the rotor (7) to the tub (20) through an axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing the circular or alternate circular movement.

25. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 23, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank (19), while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (7) is coupled to the front surface of the tub (20).

26. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 23, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid (21) of the mini washing machine, while the other part of this motor, i.e., the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

27. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that parts of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine that washes by tumbling with cylindrical tanks arranged in a tilted fashion.

28. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the circumscribed ring-motor (1), is applied in mini washing machines that wash by simple tumbling, with cylindrical tanks arranged at a tilt, preferably at 451.

29. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 27, and In a variation, characterized by the design of part of the encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator ring (4), supported on the outside lower surface of the tilted tank (19), which totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which In turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular and alternate circular movement of the rotor (2) to the perforated washing chamber, tub (20), through a central axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19) and touches the s tub (20), thus causing its circular or alternate movement.

30. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 27, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator (4), coupled on the Immobile upper surface of the tilted tank (19), while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (2), is coupled to the upper surface of the tub (20).

31. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 27, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), I.e., the stator (4), coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the tilted washing machine, while the other part, i.e., the rotor (2), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

32. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that parts of the flat ring-motor (6) are applied In mini washing machines that wash by simple tumbling, with cylindrical tanks (19) arranged in a tilted fashion.

33. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that that the flat ring-motor (6) is applied in mini washing machines that wash by simple tumbling, with cylindrical tanks arranged in a tilted fashion, preferably at 451.

34. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 32, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring (9), supported on the outside lower surface of the tilted tank (19), which completely faces the rotor ring (7), which In turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate circular movement of the rotor (7), to the tub (20) through an axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing the circular or alternate circular movement.

35. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 32, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring (9), coupled on the immobile upper surface of the tilted tank (19), while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (7) is coupled to the upper surface of the tub (20).

36. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 32, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the now tilted stator ring (9), coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the tilted washing machine, while the other part, i.e., the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

37. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the established application of the circumscribed ring-motor (1) in mini washing machines that wash by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to the central base of the aforementioned tub (20), to cause direct friction between the water and clothing.

38. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 37, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of a circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e. the stator ring (4), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), and that completely circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2), to the axis with blades (22) through a central driving axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis with blades (22), which in turn directly touches the water and clothing during the washing cycle, making them rotate alternately, and that after having been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tub (20) during the spinning cycle.

39. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, and in a variation, characterized by the established application of the circumscribed ring-motor (1) In mini washing machines that wash by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to the central base of the aforementioned tub (20), to indirectly move the water and clothing, now separated from direct contact with the clothing by a perforated grid (23).

40. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 39, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of a circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e. the stator ring (4), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), and that completely circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2), to the axis with blades (22), separated from direct contact with clothing by a screen or grid (23), through a central driving axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis with blades (22) during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and that after having been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tub during the spinning cycle.

41. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the established application of the flat ring-motor (6) in mini washing machines that wash by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to the central base of the aforementioned tub (20), to cause direct friction between the water and clothing.

42. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 41, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of a flat ring-motor (6), i.e. the stator ring (9), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), and that completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (7), to the axis with blades (22) through a central driving axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis with blades (22), which in turn directly touches the water and clothing during the washing cycle, making them rotate alternately, and that after having been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tub during the spinning cycle.

43. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, and in a variation, characterized by the established application of the flat ring-motor (6) in mini washing machines that wash by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to the central base of the aforementioned tub (20), to indirectly move the water and clothing, now separated from direct contact with clothing by a perforated grid (23).

44. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 43, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of a flat ring-motor (6), i.e. the stator ring (9), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), and that completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (7), to the axis with blades (22), separated from direct contact with the clothing by a screen or grid (23), through a central driving axis (14), positioned In the center of the disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis with blades (22) during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and that after having been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tub (20) during the spinning cycle.

45. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the circumscribed ring-motor (1) is also applied in mini dryers, with horizontal cylindrical tanks.

46. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 45, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., the stator ring (26), integrated to the outside posterior surface of the tank (19); and the other part, i.e. the rotor (25), integrated to the surface of a disc (13), that transmits the circular movement of the rotor (25) to the tub (20) through a driving axis (14).

47. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 45, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., the stator (26), coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank (19), and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor (25), coupled to the front surface of the tub (20).

48. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 45, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., the stator (26), coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid (21) of the clothes dryer, while the other part, i.e. the rotor (25), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

49. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that they are also applied in mini dryers with horizontal tanks.

50. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 49, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (27) of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator (29), coupled on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19), and the other part of the motor, i.e. the rotor (28), integrated to the surface of a disc (13), that transmits the circular movement of the rotor (28) to the tub (20) through an axis (14).

51. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 49, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (27) of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator (29), coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank (19), and the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (28), coupled to the front surface of the tub (20).

52. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 49, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (27) of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator (29), coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid (21) of the dryer, while the other part, i.e. the rotor (28) is coupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).

53. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the circumscribed ring-motor (1) is totally isolated as an independent and autonomous component to be coupled to the assembly (tank and tub) for specific tasks such as washing and spinning or drying, now called an agitator.

54. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 53, characterized by establishing that the agitator (30) shall consist of a circumscribed electric ring-motor (1), with the stator ring (4) mounted on the internal perimetric structure of a disc (31), with a hole (32) in its center. This disc totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which is coupled on the outside perimetric surface of a disc (33), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2), through an axis (34) positioned in the center of the disc (33), which overreaches the central hole (32) of the disc (31). In turn, this hole has a lodged bearing (35), which surrounds and supports this axis (34), thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotor ring (2), further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly, which in turn is closed by a side lid (36).

55. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the flat ring-motor (6) is totally isolated as an independent and autonomous component to be coupled to the assembly (tank and tub) for specific tasks such as washing and spinning or drying, now called an agitator.

56. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 55, characterized by establishing that the agitator (37) shall consist of a flat ring-motor (6), with the stator ring (9) mounted on the front of a disc (38), with a hole (39) in its center. This disc totally faces the rotor ring (7) in parallel, and this ring is coupled on the front of another disc (40), which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (7), through an axis (34) positioned in the center of the disc (43). This axis overreaches the central hole (39) of the disc (38). In turn, this hole has a lodged bearing (35), which surrounds and supports this axis (34), thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotor ring (7), further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly, which in turn is closed by a lid (36).

57. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by the fact that circumscribed ring-motors (1) and flat ring-motors (6) are also applied in washing machines that operate by simple tumbling with horizontal cylindrical tanks.

58. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by the fact that circumscribed ring-motors (1) and flat ring-motors (6) are also applied in washing machines that operate by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks.

59. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 11, or 15, or 19, or 20, or 23, or 27 or 28, characterized by the fact that the tub (20) can be optionally removed from the washing machine at the end of the washing process, together with the clothing.