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MODE SHIFTER
AGITATE
PROGRAM
RUNS
(18 SEC)
Mode Shifter Operation - Agitation
The mode shifter is controlled by the motor inverter circuit. When the washer starts the agitation
cycle, the inverter energizes the mode shifter coil. The magnetic field of the coil lifts the mode shifter
cam, disengaging it from the drive pulley. Without the cam engaged, the drive pulley rotates only
the agitator shaft.
At the beginning of the agitation cycle, the inverter energizes the mode shifter coil with
135 VDC (PWM) for approximately 18 seconds. This high voltage pulls the mode shifter
cam up from the drive pulley. During this time, the motor also rotates clockwise and
counterclockwise in short strokes to ensure the mode shifter cam has been released
from the drive pulley. This operation is called the
Mode
Shifter Agitate Program
. It is
normal to hear metal-to-metal "clunking" sounds during this time as the cam and drive
pulley disengage. The washer runs this program when the agitation cycle first starts,
when power is restored if lost during agitation or when the user restarts the washer if
paused. during agitation.
Once the Mode Shifter Agitate Program has completed (18 seconds), agitation begins. During
agitation, the inverter continues to supply 30 VDC (PWM) to the mode shifter coil. This voltage is
sufficient to hold the mode shifter cam away from the drive pulley throughout the remainder of the
agitation cycle.
The inverter motor controls the speed of agitation. The agitator stroke rate is approximately 30
strokes per minute. This rate is the same for all cycles. The speed of the motor controls the arc. At
fast speed, the arc is approximately 360 degrees. At slower speeds, the arc is substantially less. It is
the distance of the arc that determines normal or gentle wash cycles.
Mode Shifter Operation - Spin
At the beginning of the spin cycle, the inverter runs a short sequence (approximately
30 seconds) to make certain the mode shifter cam is engaged with the drive pulley. The
inverter does not supply voltage to the mode shifter coil during this sequence. Since
the coil is not energized, the spring loaded cam drops down into the teeth of the drive
pulley. During this time, the motor also rotates clockwise and counterclockwise in
short strokes to ensure the cam has engaged with the drive pulley. This 30 second
operation is called the
Mode
Shifter Spin Program
. It is normal to hear metal-to-metal
"clunking" sounds during this time as the cam and drive pulley engage.
MODE SHIFTER
SPIN
PROGRAM RUNS
(30 SEC
Notes:
If the washer is in agitation and power is lost, the inverter control will run the Mode Shifter Agitate
Program when power is restored.
If the washer is in spin and power is lost, the inverter control will run the Mode Shifter Spin Program
when power is restored.
To help prevent out-of-balance conditions, the last 10 seconds of agitation on certain cycles will be
short, fast strokes to help redistribute the clothes load prior to entering the spin cycle.
