Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

A garment processing apparatus according to this disclosure includes: a drum configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter disposed within the drum. The lifter includes: a lifter frame mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the drum; and a frame cover coupled to the lifter frame and projecting radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the drum. The lifter frame has water flow through holes formed in its upper and side surfaces to allow communication between the interior and exterior of the lifter frame, and the frame cover has a water discharge hole formed through a portion of the upper surface of the frame cover, through which washing water passing through the water flow through holes is discharged into the drum.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application No. 201911354126.8 (filed on December 25, 2019, invention title: clothing processing device). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a garment handling apparatus having a rotating drum equipped with an elevator, and more specifically to a garment handling apparatus having such an elevator, the elevator including an elevator frame connected to the drum and a frame cover configured to cover the elevator frame. Background Technology

[0003] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2018-0072336 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 1") discloses a washing machine in which clothes are tumbling. A drum having a lifter configured to lift the clothes rotates at a predetermined speed, causing the clothes in the drum to rise to a predetermined height and then roll down along the inner circumferential surface of the drum. The tumbling motion generates a gentle rubbing effect on the clothes by means of friction generated between the clothes and the drum during the tumbling process.

[0004] Because the higher the lifter, the easier it is to lift the clothes, it becomes difficult to achieve a rolling motion if the lifter height exceeds a certain level. This is because, due to the drag force of the lifter, the clothes are lifted high, and even if the roller rotates at a low speed, the falling height of the clothes increases, so the clothes fall directly onto the bottom of the roller instead of rolling (i.e., tumbling).

[0005] With a low lifter height, even if the roller rotates at a higher speed than in the prior art, clothing falling during rolling (i.e., clothing that has not yet reached the lowest point of the roller) can still tumble over the lifter during the rolling motion, resulting in the clothing possibly rolling for a longer period of time.

[0006] However, since the clothes falling near the lowest point of the roller need to be lifted by the lifter, it is necessary to consider a structure in which friction greater than a certain level is generated between the lifter and the clothes.

[0007] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0082055 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2") discloses a washing machine having a plurality of lifters on the inner circumferential surface of the drum, the drum rotating about a generally horizontal axis of rotation.

[0008] The lifter includes: a first component coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the drum; and a second component mounted on the first component and protruding into the interior of the drum to lift garments as the drum rotates.

[0009] The second component is generally formed in an arch shape to define the space for accommodating clothing. The first component includes: a first portion mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the roller; and a middle second portion that protrudes from the mounting portion and inserts into the space.

[0010] The base of the arch shape of the second member contacts the second part, but the apex of the arch shape, which is radially spaced from the bottom, is spaced from the second part.

[0011] Because the apex of the arch shape cannot be supported by the first component, there is a disadvantage: when the second component is pressed by an external force, the internal space of the second component (especially the apex of the arch shape) is compressed.

[0012] That is, because the upper plates of the first component and the second component do not correspond to each other, it is impossible to properly cope with the deformation caused by external forces.

[0013] In particular, when the second component is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel), a disadvantage is that the second component cannot return to its original shape due to the plastic deformation of the material.

[0014] Furthermore, if the second component cannot return to its original shape due to plastic deformation, the balance between the lifters is disrupted. As a result, eccentricity occurs during drum rotation, and imbalance is even generated by the load applied to the drum by the lifters. In severe cases, the drum may deform or be damaged as a result.

[0015] Furthermore, when the gap between the outer surface of the first component and the inner surface of the second component becomes smaller due to the deformation of the second component, foreign objects may get stuck in the gap, causing hygiene problems.

[0016] Specifically, even when washing water is introduced into the elevator through the washing water inlet hole formed in the first component, the washing water is also rapidly discharged through the washing water outlet hole formed in the second component. This is because the washing water inlet hole and the washing water outlet hole are respectively formed in the upper plates of the corresponding first and second components.

[0017] Therefore, the following disadvantage exists: even when washing water is introduced into the elevator, the washing water remains in the elevator for a short time, making it difficult to effectively clean the inside of the elevator.

[0018] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2007-0048913 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 3") discloses a method for manufacturing a drum of a washing machine. According to this manufacturing method, a cylindrical drum is manufactured by forming mounting holes for mounting a lifter in a quadrilateral metal plate and then rolling the metal plate.

[0019] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0358903 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 4") discloses a structure in which a lifter is mounted in a drum using mounting holes. These mounting holes are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction of the drum, and a set of mounting holes arranged in this manner is used to mount one lifter. Specifically, the lifter has hooks corresponding to the number of these mounting holes, and each hook is engaged by one of the mounting holes.

[0020] Japanese Patent Application Publication JP 2004057657A (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 5") discloses a structure in which a set of a pair of lifters (or baffles) are arranged in a row along the front-back direction on the inner circumferential surface of a roller, and the lifters are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumference of the roller.

[0021] At the same time, manufacturers need to design rollers with different capacities according to product specifications. In this case, manufacturers can selectively manufacture rollers that are longer in the front-to-back direction (i.e., large-capacity rollers) and relatively short rollers (i.e., small-capacity rollers) by cutting the metal sheet according to the design dimensions so that the length of the side of the metal sheet corresponds to the length of the roller to be manufactured in the front-to-back direction.

[0022] However, the distance between a pair of lifters needs to be varied depending on the length of the roller in the front-to-back direction. However, because in the prior art disclosed above, the hooks formed on the lifters are only fastened to designated mounting holes, the interval between a pair of lifters inevitably remains constant even when the length of the roller changes. As described above, this structure, where the interval between the front lifter and the rear lifter is inevitably constant regardless of the roller length, has the following disadvantage: since the distance between the front end of the front lifter and the front end of the roller, or between the rear lifter and the rear end of the roller, increases with the increase of the roller length, clothing located at the front or rear end of the roller cannot contact the lifters.

[0023] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0358903 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 6") discloses a washing machine having a drum equipped with a lifter. A hook protrudes from one surface of the lifter, and a hook through hole is formed in the drum, such that the hook is engaged by the hook through hole.

[0024] The hook includes: a neck extending from the body of the lifter; and a head extending from the end of the neck to have a width greater than that of the neck. The lifter is configured such that the head is held in place by the outer surface of the roller while the neck is positioned within the hook passage hole.

[0025] However, in order to injection mold the lifter having the hook as described above, the mold includes: an upper mold configured to form the upper surface of the lifter body; and a lower mold configured to form the lower surface of the lifter body. However, a disadvantage is that undercutting occurs because a portion of the head overlaps with the lifter body in the vertical direction. Summary of the Invention

[0026] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus in which frictional action occurs smoothly between a lifter and the garment (fabric).

[0027] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment processing device that can improve the operation of rubbing garments by utilizing the friction between the lifter and the garment, even when the height of the lifter is reduced.

[0028] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus that can maintain the friction between the lifter and the garment at a predetermined level or higher, thereby enabling a smooth lifting operation of the garment using the lifter.

[0029] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment processing device in which the rigidity of the lifter is increased, making the lifter less prone to deformation.

[0030] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling device in which sufficient rigidity of the lifter is ensured even when the frame cover defining the shape of the lifter is formed of a thin metal sheet.

[0031] The aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0032] A garment handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a drum configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter disposed in the drum.

[0033] The lifter may include: a lifter frame fixed to the roller; and a frame cover configured to cover the lifter frame.

[0034] The lifter frame may include water flow through holes formed in the frame upper plate and the frame side wall respectively, so that the interior and exterior of the lifter frame are in communication with each other, and the frame cover may include water flow discharge holes formed in the cover upper plate, through which washing water passing through the water flow through holes is discharged into the drum.

[0035] The number of water flow through the holes can be relatively greater than the number of water flow out of the holes.

[0036] The upper and side surfaces of the lifter frame and the frame cover can correspond to each other.

[0037] The side surfaces of each of the lifter frame and the frame cover may be formed to be inclined.

[0038] At least a portion of the water flow through the hole and at least a portion of the water flow out of the hole may be arranged so that they are not aligned with each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the roller.

[0039] The lifter frame can be made of synthetic resin, and the frame cover can be made of metal.

[0040] The frame cover may include: a cover plate forming the upper plate portion of the lifter; and a cover sidewall forming the sidewall portion of the lifter. A connecting tab is formed at the lower end of the frame cover, and a tab engagement port for inserting the connecting tab may be formed in the lifter frame.

[0041] The lifter frame may include: a frame base fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the roller and having a mounting groove, the lower end of the frame cover being inserted into the mounting groove; a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward the interior of the roller; and a frame sidewall configured to connect the frame upper plate and the frame base. The tab engagement opening may be formed in the mounting groove.

[0042] The inner surface of the frame cover can be spaced apart from the frame upper plate by means of a spacer protruding from the frame upper plate toward the inner surface of the frame cover.

[0043] The spacer may contact the inner surface of the frame cover, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and non-contact spacers may be provided.

[0044] The roller may have at least one water inlet hole formed in the area covered by the frame cover, and the lifter frame may have at least one water through hole that allows the interior and exterior of the lifter frame to communicate with each other.

[0045] The frame cover may have an arch that projects upward at a position corresponding to the spacer. Multiple arches may be formed spaced apart from each other, and the water discharge hole may be formed between adjacent arches.

[0046] Multiple lifters can be provided, and the multiple lifters may include multiple front lifters arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum and multiple rear lifters arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum behind the multiple front lifters.

[0047] A garment processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a tub configured to receive washing water; a drum configured to receive garments and rotate within the tub about a rotation axis extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter disposed within the drum.

[0048] The lifter includes: a lifter frame fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the roller and made of synthetic resin; and a frame cover made of metal and configured to cover the lifter frame.

[0049] A water discharge hole can be formed by penetrating a portion of the upper surface of the frame cover, and an upper plate protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the frame cover can be formed in the frame cover by plastic forming of the frame cover.

[0050] According to the garment processing apparatus disclosed herein, the effect of rubbing the garment is improved by the friction between the garment and the washing protrusions formed on the lifter.

[0051] Furthermore, compared to existing technologies, even when the height of the lifter is reduced, it is still possible to lift the clothes to a predetermined level or higher by utilizing the friction between the washing protrusions and the clothes.

[0052] In addition, it improves fabric flow and facilitates smooth fabric distribution through the friction between the wash protrusions and the garment.

[0053] Furthermore, water flow through holes are formed at locations other than where water discharge holes are formed. This ensures a more diverse flow path for the washing water, which is guided along this path to the separation space between the lifter frame and the frame cover, and then discharged into the drum, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the interior of the lifter.

[0054] Furthermore, because the upper and side surfaces of the lifter frame and the frame cover are formed to correspond to each other, they can exhibit higher rigidity, thereby minimizing deformation and damage when the lifter deforms due to external forces.

[0055] Furthermore, because the frame sidewalls and cover sidewalls are formed to be inclined as described above, the washing water passing through the water flow through the hole can clean the inside of the lifter while colliding with the inclined surface, and the washing water can be naturally guided along the inclined surface to the water flow discharge hole. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a garment processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the lift shown;

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the lift shown;

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The plan view of the elevator shown;

[0061] Figure 5 The diagram shows raw materials (a) cut to manufacture large-capacity rollers and raw materials (b) cut to manufacture small-capacity rollers.

[0062] Figure 6 It is a roller and Figure 5 Enlarged view (a) of part A corresponding to the roller shown, and the roller's... Figure 5 Enlarged view (b) of the part corresponding to part B shown;

[0063] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part B shown in (a) and (a) Figure 5 Enlarged view of part C shown in (b);

[0064] Figure 8 This is a top view of the lifter frame, and Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the lifter frame;

[0065] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken along line AA shown;

[0066] Figure 11 This is the front view of the lifter frame, and Figure 12 This is a side view of the lifter frame;

[0067] Figure 13 This is a top view of the frame cover. Figure 14 This is the front view of the frame cover, and Figure 15 This is a side view of the frame cover;

[0068] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a pair of front and rear lifters;

[0069] Figure 17 This shows the view from the front. Figure 16 The diagram of the lift shown;

[0070] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 1A diagram (a) showing the drum in its unfolded state and a diagram (b) showing the drum having a lifter arranged according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 19 Figure (a) shows the height change of the first fabric caused by the rear lifter according to the rotation angle of the roller, and Figure (b) shows the height change of the second fabric caused by the front lifter. The front lifter and the rear lifter together constitute a set of lifters.

[0072] Figure 20 The diagram illustrates a variant example with an elevator, wherein (a) shows a small-capacity roller, and (b) shows a large-capacity roller; and

[0073] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the lifter. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for implementing them, will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided so that the description of this disclosure is thorough and fully communicates the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims.

[0075] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, and number of elements given in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary, and therefore this disclosure is not limited to the details shown. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0076] Regarding the description of this disclosure, a detailed description may be omitted when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known art unnecessarily obscures the essential points of this disclosure.

[0077] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus expressly indicate the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as having to be performed in a particular order as discussed or illustrated, unless the order is specifically specified. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0078] When an element or layer is described as being “on” or “joined,” “connected,” or “linked” to another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on or joined, connected, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is described as being directly “on” or “directly joined,” “directly connected,” or “directly linked” to another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0079] The terms “connection” and “linkage” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or linkages, and may include direct or indirect electrical connections or linkages. A “connection” can result in objects being permanently or releasably connected. The term “connecting in a connected manner” is defined as a connection, directly or indirectly, via an intermediate component, and the connection is not necessarily limited to a physical connection, but rather adapted to the connection for the transfer of data, fluid, or other substances between the described components.

[0080] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, and / or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, and / or portion.

[0081] For ease of description, this document uses spatially relative terms (e.g., "inside," "outside," "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may also be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0082] As used herein, the term "or" will be interpreted inclusively as either or any combination thereof. Therefore, "A, B, or C" means any one of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C". Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or actions is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0083] In the following description, a washing machine is used as an embodiment of a garment processing device, but the garment processing device is not limited to a washing machine. A garment processing device is a device for processing garments (or items to be dried), such as clothes fed into drum 51, and can be a dryer or a washer-dryer.

[0084] refer to Figure 1 A garment handling apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing 13 configured to define an exterior; a water storage tank 31 disposed within the housing 13 and configured to store washing water; a washing tub 50 rotatably mounted within the water storage tank 31 and configured to receive garments placed inside; and a motor 25 configured to rotate the washing tub 50. A damper 16 may be provided in the housing 13, the damper 16 being configured to absorb vibrations from the water storage tank 31.

[0085] The drum 51 can rotate about a rotation axis O extending in the front-to-back direction, and the drum 51 can form a washing tub 50. The rotation axis is generally horizontal. However, the term "horizontal" does not mean "geometrically horizontal" in a strict sense. Even when tilted closer to the horizontal axis than to the vertical axis (even if...), the horizontal axis is still present. Figure 1 As shown, it is tilted at a certain angle relative to the horizontal axis, so it can be said that the drum 51 or the washing tub 50 rotates around the horizontal axis.

[0086] A clothing inlet is formed in the front surface of the housing 13, and a door 21 is rotatably provided on the housing 13, the door 21 being configured to open or close the clothing inlet. A tubular gasket 22 is configured to communicate with the inlet of the water tank 31. The gasket 22 is made of a soft material (e.g., rubber). The front end of the gasket 22 can be connected to the circumference of the clothing inlet of the housing 13, and the rear end of the gasket 22 can be connected to the circumference of the inlet of the water tank 31.

[0087] The housing 13 may be equipped with a water supply valve 33, a water supply pipe 34, and a water supply hose 37. When the water supply valve 33 is opened and water is supplied for washing, the water passing through the water supply pipe 34 can be mixed with the detergent in the detergent distributor 35, and then the water can be supplied to the water storage tank 31 through the water supply hose 37.

[0088] The inlet of pump 24 is connected to the water storage tank 31 via a drain hose 17, and the outlet of pump 24 is connected to the drain pipe 19. Water discharged from the water storage tank 31 via the drain hose 17 is pumped by pump 24, flows through the drain pipe 19, and is then discharged to the outside of the garment processing equipment.

[0089] The washing tub 50 may include a drum 51, a front cover 52 connected to the front end of the drum 51, and a rear cover 53 connected to the rear end of the drum 51. The drum 51 may be formed in the form of a tubular (or cylindrical) body by having multiple through holes 51h (see...). Figure 5 A metal sheet (e.g., made of stainless steel) is rolled up, and then the two ends of the metal sheet are joined to form the tubular body. Water stored in the water storage tank 31 can be introduced into the washing tub 50 through the through hole 51h. A plurality of raised portions 51a (see...) can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51. Figure 5 Furthermore, through holes 51h can be formed between raised portions 51a, which are formed by plastic processing.

[0090] An opening may be formed in the front cover 52 to allow clothing to be placed into the drum 51. The inlet of the water tank 31 communicates with the opening. The front cover 52 may be made of the same type of material as the drum 51.

[0091] The rear cover 53 closes the open rear side of the drum 51, and the spider 26 connected to the drive shaft 25a of the motor 25 can be connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 53. The spider 26 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the drive shaft 25a to the washing tub 50, and the drive shaft 25a of the motor 25 can be connected to the center of the spider 26.

[0092] Multiple lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b are provided in the drum 51. When the drum 51 rotates, the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b lift the clothes.

[0093] The plurality of lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b include first and second lifters arranged in the front-rear direction along the roller 51. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in which the first lifters are front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, and the second lifters are rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b spaced rearward from the front lifters. However, according to an embodiment, the first lifter may be a rear lifter, and the second lifter may be a front lifter.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 18The plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, together with the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b, define groups (or pairs). The three groups of lifters 61 (61a and 61b), 62 (62a and 62b), and 63 (63a and 63b) can be arranged at equal angles about the axis of rotation O, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, four groups of lifters can be arranged at 90-degree intervals, or five groups of lifters can be arranged at 72-degree intervals about the axis of rotation O.

[0095] The following will describe embodiments in which the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a have the same structure as the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] refer to Figures 2 to 4 Each lifter 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b includes: a lifter frame 620 fixed to the roller 51; and a frame cover 640 configured to cover the lifter frame 620. The frame cover 640 protrudes radially inward (towards the interior of the roller 51) from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51 and contacts the clothing. The frame cover 640 is fixed to the roller 51 by means of the lifter frame 620, rather than being directly fixed to the roller 51.

[0097] The lifter frame 620 may be made of synthetic resin. The lifter frame 620 is preferably formed by injection molding, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] Metal elevators are not only exceptionally strong but also luxurious and hygienic. To directly attach the elevator to the metal roller, it is necessary to weld the elevator to raw material cut into an unfolded roller shape, roll the material into a cylinder, and then weld the intersecting ends of the material together. However, during the rolling process, the flat material can bend, resulting in stress that may be applied to the weld between the elevator and the roller, potentially causing the weld to separate.

[0099] To address this problem, this disclosure proposes a construction in which a frame cover 640 made of metal is fixed to a roller 51 by means of a lifter frame 620 made of synthetic resin.

[0100] At the same time, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figures 8 to 12 The entire outer surface 620a of the lifter frame 620 (see...) Figure 8 The lifter frame 620 has a convex shape, and the inner surface 620b of the lifter frame 620 (see...) Figure 9 It has a concave shape. Specifically, the lifter frame 620 may include a frame base 621, a frame upper plate 623, and a frame sidewall 622.

[0101] The frame base 621 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51. The frame base 621 may have an annular shape with an opening in its central part (or a closed shape formed by a single line).

[0102] The frame upper plate 623 is spaced apart from the frame base 621 in the direction toward the interior of the roller 51 and is connected to the frame base 621 by means of the frame sidewall 622. The frame sidewall 622 may be formed in the form of a tubular (or cylindrical) body, such that the lower end of the frame sidewall 622 is connected to the frame base 621 and the upper end of the frame sidewall 622 is connected to the frame upper plate 623.

[0103] The frame sidewall 622 is shaped such that the profile of its cross section gradually decreases upward from the lower end connected to the frame base 621 (or along the radial direction of the roller 51) (or gradually decreases in the direction away from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51), and the profile of this cross section is minimized at the portion where it contacts the frame upper plate 623.

[0104] One or more water inlet holes may be formed in the drum 51 to allow washing water stored in the water tank 31 to be introduced into the interior of the frame cover 640. Any opening formed in the area covered by the frame cover 640 may be a water inlet hole. For example, some of the through holes 51h located inside the frame cover 640 may be water inlet holes. In addition, the mounting slots 511a and 511b, the fastening holes 513a and 513b, and the openings 512a and 512b, which will be described below, may be water inlet holes.

[0105] One or more water flow through holes 624 and 624a may be formed in the lift frame 620. Any opening can be a water flow through hole 624, as long as the opening is formed in the lift frame 620 and allows the interior and exterior of the lift frame 620 to communicate with each other.

[0106] Water can flow through holes 624 formed in the frame sidewalls 622 and / or the frame top plate 623. Washing water stored in the concave space of the lifter frame 620 can be discharged through the water flow through holes 624.

[0107] In this case, the water flow through hole 624 formed in the upper plate 623 of the frame can be referred to as the first water flow through hole, and the water flow through hole 624 formed in the side wall 622 of the frame can be referred to as the second water flow through hole.

[0108] One or more water discharge holes 646h may be formed in the frame cover 640 to discharge washing water from the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b into the drum 51. Washing water in the concave space inside the lifter frame 620 can pass through the water flow through hole 624 and then be discharged into the drum 51 via the water discharge hole 646h.

[0109] The outer surface 640a of the frame cover 640 is exposed to the interior of the roller 51 and comes into contact with the clothing. This outer surface has a convex shape, while the inner surface of the frame cover 640 has a concave shape corresponding to the convex outer surface 620a of the lifter frame 620. The frame cover 640 may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The frame cover 640 may be formed by plastic forming (e.g., pressing) a metal sheet having a predetermined thickness.

[0110] The frame cover 640 may include: a cover sidewall 645 extending upward from a lower end adjacent to the frame base 621; and a cover plate 646 configured to cover the upper side of the cover sidewall 645. The cover plate 646 is approximately parallel to the frame upper plate 623. Specifically, the cover plate 646 may be formed to have a corresponding surface parallel to the frame upper plate 623 and having a substantially the same area as the frame upper plate 623. A plurality of water discharge holes 646h may be formed in the cover plate 646.

[0111] The cover sidewall 645 is shaped such that the profile of its cross-section gradually decreases from the bottom up (or along the radial direction of the roller 51) (or gradually decreases along the direction away from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51), and the profile of the cross-section is smallest at the portion where it meets the cover plate 646. In this case, the cover sidewall 645 may also be formed to have a corresponding surface parallel to the frame sidewall 622.

[0112] As described above, since the upper and side surfaces of the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 are formed to correspond to each other, they can exhibit higher rigidity and thus reduce deformation and damage when the lifter deforms due to external forces.

[0113] The lifter frame 620 includes a spacer 625 projecting from the frame top plate 623, such that the frame cover 640 is spaced apart from the lifter frame 620. The spacer 625 projects from the frame top plate 623 toward the inner surface of the frame cover 640.

[0114] The inner surface of the frame cover 640 can be spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 to a degree equal to or greater than the length (or height) of the spacer 625 protruding from the frame upper plate 623. The spacer 625 can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the frame cover 640 by a predetermined distance. In this case, the inner surface of the frame cover 640 is spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 by a distance equal to the sum of the height of the spacer 625 and the distance between the spacer 625 and the inner surface of the frame cover 640. When the frame cover 640 is pressed by an external force, the frame cover 640 contacts the frame upper plate 623, thereby preventing further deformation of the frame cover 640.

[0115] Alternatively, depending on the implementation, the spacer 625 may be configured to contact the frame cover 640. In this case, the spacer 625 protrudes from the outer surface 620a of the lifter frame 620 and abuts the inner surface of the frame cover 640. Because the spacer 625 supports the inner surface of the frame cover 640 while the frame plate 623 is spaced apart from the frame cover 640, the frame cover 640 can remain spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 even if the frame cover 640 is pressed against the lifter frame 620 by an external force.

[0116] The spacer 625 may have a cross-shaped rib structure. Specifically, the spacer 625 may include: a vertical rib 625a extending on the upper plate 623 of the frame in the longitudinal (or front-to-back) direction of the lifter frame 620; and a horizontal rib 625b extending intersecting (intersecting) with the vertical rib 625a. The vertical rib 625a and the horizontal rib 625b may be orthogonal to each other.

[0117] The portion of the spacer 625 where the vertical ribs 625a and horizontal ribs 625b intersect can be spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 to a maximum extent. Depending on the implementation, in the case of a non-contact type spacer 625, the intersecting portion is spaced apart from the inner surface of the frame cover 640; in the case of a contact type spacer 625, the intersecting portion is in contact with the inner surface of the frame cover 640.

[0118] refer to Figure 10 The inner surface of the cover plate 646 can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the frame plate 623. That is, a predetermined separation space (or gap g1) can be formed between the inner surface of the cover plate 646 and the outer surface of the frame plate 623, and the separation space g1 can be used as a flow path to guide washing water to the water discharge hole 646h.

[0119] A separation space g2 may also be formed between the frame sidewall 622 and the cover sidewall 645. A mounting groove 621r, described later, is formed in the frame base 621 (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 The mounting slot 621r is positioned at a predetermined distance from the frame sidewall 622, facing the outer side of the frame base 621. Therefore, the lower end of the cover sidewall 645 located in the mounting slot 621r is spaced apart from the frame sidewall 622. Because the lower end of the frame cover 640 is spaced apart from the frame sidewall 622 by means of the mounting slot 621r, and the cover plate 646 is spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 by means of the spacer 625, two points of the frame cover 640 (the lower end of the frame cover 640 and the portion of the frame cover 640 supported by the spacer 625) are forcibly spaced apart from the lifter frame 620. As a result, the state in which the cover sidewall 645 located between the two points is spaced apart from the lifter frame 620 is maintained.

[0120] Washing water introduced into each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b is introduced into separation spaces g1 and g2, and the water flow formed in separation spaces g1 and g2 during the rotation of the washing tub 50 cleans the outer surface of the lifter frame 620 and the inner surface of the frame cover 640. Foreign matter generated during the cleaning process can be discharged through a water discharge hole 646h formed in the frame cover 640 or through a water inlet hole formed in the drum 51. The separation spaces g1 and g2 form a flow path between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640, resulting in a configuration that helps maintain the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b in a clean state.

[0121] In particular, because the water flow through hole 624 is formed at a location other than where the water flow discharge hole 646h is formed (the second water flow through hole is formed in the frame sidewall 622), it is possible to ensure a variety of flow paths for the washing water, which is guided along these paths to the separation spaces g1 and g2 between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640, and then discharged into the drum 51.

[0122] With the water flow through hole 624 and the water flow discharge hole 646h forming a corresponding configuration, the washing water guided to the separation spaces g1 and g2 between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 can be quickly discharged into the drum 51 via the shortest path.

[0123] Since the cleaning effect inside the lifter cannot be expected under these circumstances, it is necessary to allow the washing water to flow through the separation spaces g1 and g2 between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 for the longest possible time via more diverse paths.

[0124] Therefore, when the water flow through the hole 624 is formed at a position other than the position of the water flow discharge hole 646h, the internal effect of each of the cleaning lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b can be improved.

[0125] In this case, the number of water flows through hole 624 can be relatively greater than the number of water flows out through hole 646h.

[0126] In addition, the opening area of ​​the water discharge hole 646h can be relatively smaller than the opening area of ​​the water flow through hole 624.

[0127] Therefore, the washing water can easily circulate in the separation spaces g1 and g2 between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640, thus this configuration is more conducive to keeping the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b in a clean state.

[0128] Furthermore, and even more preferably, at least a portion of the water flow through hole 624 formed in the upper plate of the frame 623 and at least a portion of the water flow discharge hole 646h formed in the upper plate of the cover 646 are arranged to be misaligned with each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51.

[0129] That is, when viewed from above, the arrangement of the water flow through hole 624 and the water flow discharge hole 646h such that the water flow through hole 624 and the water flow discharge hole 646h are not perfectly aligned with each other further complicates the path for the discharge of washing water, thereby helping to improve the internal effect of each of the cleaning lifts 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b.

[0130] Furthermore, the frame sidewall 622 can connect the frame upper plate 623 and the frame base 621 in an inclined manner. For this purpose, the frame upper plate 623 can be relatively smaller than the frame base 621, so that the horizontal projection plane of the frame upper plate 623 is positioned within the circumference of the frame base 621.

[0131] Furthermore, when the frame sidewall 622 is inclined, the cover sidewall 645 corresponding to the frame sidewall 622 is also inclined.

[0132] Because the frame sidewall 622 and the cover sidewall 645 are formed to be inclined as described above, the washing water passing through the water flow through the hole 624 can clean the inside of the lifter while colliding with the inclined surface, and the washing water can be naturally guided along the inclined surface to the water flow discharge hole 646h.

[0133] The frame cover 640 may have vaults 641, 642, 643 and 644 formed at positions corresponding to the spacers 625. That is, the spacers 625 may be arranged below the vaults 641, 642 and 643.

[0134] In the exemplary embodiment where a plurality of spacers 625 are formed, a plurality of domes 641, 642, 643 and 644 may be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of spacers 625.

[0135] Domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be formed on the cover plate 646. The inner surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 facing the spacer 625 may be recessed, and the outer surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be convex. The recessed inner surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be spaced apart from the spacer 625. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; the spacer 625 may contact the recessed inner surface.

[0136] The vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644 are formed by stamping a cover plate 646 made of metal. Multiple vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 646 (or the longitudinal direction of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b). One or more water discharge holes 646h can be formed between adjacent vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0137] Assuming the cover plate 646 has multiple regions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, water discharge holes 646h can be formed in each region. In this exemplary embodiment, water discharge holes 646h are formed in three regions, and the three (i.e., multiple) water discharge holes 646h are arranged in each region along the width direction of the cover plate 646.

[0138] The spacer 625 can be located between the plurality of regions. That is, when the cover plate 646 is viewed from above, the spacer 625 can be located between two adjacent regions among the plurality of regions.

[0139] Domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may comprise two or more domes with recesses on their inner surfaces of varying depths. More specifically, domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may comprise: large domes 641 and 642, each having a recess of a first depth; and small domes 643 and 644, each having a recess of a second depth less than the first depth. The heights of spacers 625a and 625d corresponding to the large domes 641 and 642 may be greater than the heights of spacers 625b and 625c corresponding to the small domes 643 and 644.

[0140] Domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may comprise two or more domes with different dimensions. Each of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may have a circular shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Here, the “dimension” may be determined based on the shape of the recess on the inner surface of each of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 when viewed from above, and, for example, the “dimension” may be defined as the diameter of the recess. However, since the difference between the inner and outer diameters of each of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 is solely due to the thickness of the material, the dimension may be defined based on the outer diameter of each of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0141] The dimensions of spacer 625 can also be varied according to the dimensions of each of the vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644. That is, in the presence of large vaults 641 and 642 and small vaults 643 and 644 (e.g.) Figure 13As shown), the spacer 625 corresponding to the large domes 641 and 642 can be larger than the spacer 625 corresponding to the small domes 643 and 644.

[0142] Two small domes 643 and 644 can be located between a pair of large domes 641 and 642, and a water discharge hole 646h can be formed between domes 641, 642, 643 and 644. Multiple water discharge holes 646h can be arranged in a direction intersecting with (or orthogonal to) the length of each of the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b.

[0143] Because the vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644 protrude from the cover plate 646, a gap is maintained between the clothing and the surface at the periphery of the drain hole 646h, even when clothing is placed on the vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644. Therefore, the drain hole 646h is prevented from being blocked by clothing, and water drained from the drain hole 646h into the gap can be applied to the clothing.

[0144] Water stored in the water storage tank 31 is introduced into the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b through openings. The lifter frame 620 has a structure with one or more water flow through holes 624, and the water introduced into the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b can reach the water discharge hole 646h through the water flow through holes 624.

[0145] With the washing water in the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b, the rotation of the washing tub 50 causes the washing water introduced into the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b to rise, and during this process, the washing water is discharged (or sprayed) through the water discharge hole 646h.

[0146] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figures 13 to 15 Each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b includes: an upper lifter plate portion spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51; and a sidewall lifter portion having a lower end adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the drum and an upper end connected to the upper lifter plate portion, and one or more washing protrusions 603, 604 are formed on the sidewall lifter portion. The washing protrusions 603 and 604 protrude from the outer surface of the sidewall lifter portion and extend along the outer surface of the sidewall lifter portion in a circumferential manner.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, when each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b includes a lifter frame 620 and a frame cover 640, the cover plate 646 and the cover sidewall 645 of the frame cover 640 are respectively the lifter upper plate portion and the lifter sidewall portion.

[0148] Because each of the wash protrusions 603 and 604 is formed as a ring, the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b are not easily deformed even when an external force is applied in any direction. In particular, sufficient rigidity can be maintained when the frame cover 640 is formed as a thin plate of metal (e.g., stainless steel).

[0149] The frame cover 640 may include one or more annular wash protrusions 603 and 604 or one or more wash rings projecting from the outer surface of the cover sidewall 645. The plurality of wash protrusions 603 and 604 may be arranged parallel to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, two wash protrusions 603 and 604 are provided, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. When the frame cover 640 is made of metal, the wash protrusions 603 and 604 may be formed by stamping.

[0150] Each of the wash protrusions 603 and 604 has a shape corresponding to (or similar to) the contour of the lid sidewall 645, and preferably, the wash protrusion can protrude from the lid sidewall 645 to a predetermined height. Because the contour of the lid sidewall 645 decreases upward, the upper wash protrusion of wash protrusions 603 and 604 is smaller than the other wash protrusion.

[0151] The frictional force applied between the clothes and the washing protrusions 603 and 604 creates a rubbing effect, thereby improving washing efficiency. Furthermore, because the washing protrusions 603 and 604 facilitate the lifting of the clothes, even when the height of each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b is reduced to a height less than that in the prior art, the same physical force (e.g., the force used to lift or strike the clothes) can be applied to the clothes as in the prior art.

[0152] The frame cover 640 can be connected to the lifter frame 620. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 One or more connecting tabs 648 may be formed at the lower end of the frame cover 640. For example... Figure 14 As shown, when the frame cover 640 is viewed from the front, the connecting tab 648 can be formed on the lower left side 645L or the right side 645R. The left side 645L and the right side 645R can be straight portions extending in the front-rear direction.

[0153] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The lifter frame 620 may have a tab engagement port 621h for the connecting tab 648 to pass through from above. The tab engagement ports 621h may be formed at positions corresponding to the connecting tabs 648. The connecting tab 648 passes through the tab engagement port 621h, and the passing portion of the connecting tab 648 is bent and held in place by the edge of the tab engagement port 621h (or the bottom surface of the frame base 621), so that the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 can be connected to each other.

[0154] Simultaneously, a mounting groove 621r corresponding to the lower end of the frame cover 640 can be formed in the frame base 621 of the lifter frame 620. The lower end of the frame cover 640 can be inserted into and placed in the mounting groove 621r. In this case, a tab engagement port 621h can be formed in the mounting groove 621r.

[0155] The following section will describe the structure in which the elevator frame 620 and the roller 51 are connected to each other.

[0156] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 One or more insertion protrusions 627 may be formed on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and / or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b. Furthermore, refer to... Figures 5 to 7 The roller 51 may have a mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1 and a mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2. Each group in G1 and G2 may include one or more mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4). Here, "group" is a set of mounting slots and may include one or more mounting slots.

[0157] The mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may include multiple mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4), the number of which corresponds to the number of one or more insertion protrusions 627. That is, when the mounting slots in the first group G1 and the second group G2 are used to mount the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a, the number of mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and the number of mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may correspond to the number of insertion protrusions 627 provided on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0158] Similarly, depending on the implementation, when the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b are installed using the mounting slots in the first group G1 and the second group G2, the number of mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and the number of mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may correspond to the number of insertion protrusions 627 provided on each of the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b.

[0159] One or more insertion protrusions 627 formed on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b can be selectively fastened to the mounting slots 511a2 in the first group G1 or the second group G2. The position of the lifter can be determined based on whether one or more insertion protrusions 627 formed on each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b are inserted into the mounting slots constituting either the first group G1 or the second group G2.

[0160] The following describes an embodiment of mounting the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a using the mounting slots 511a that constitute the first group G1 and the second group G2, but the mounting slots for mounting the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b can be formed in the same manner.

[0161] The mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is formed in a rearwardly offset region within the area where the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 partially overlaps with the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1. For reference, in Figure 6 In the text, the first region M1 represents the region where the mounting groove 511a1 of the first set G1 is formed, and the second region M2 represents the region where the mounting groove 511a2 of the second set G2 is formed. In the following text, as... Figure 6 As shown, the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is arranged backward from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1.

[0162] refer to Figures 5 to 7 The mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is spaced a predetermined distance D from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1 in the rearward direction. Therefore, when the insertion protrusion 627 is installed in the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a is positioned further forward by a distance D compared to the case where the insertion protrusion 627 is installed in the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2. Figure 5 As shown, compared to the case where the roller is a small-capacity roller 51, the metal plate of the large-capacity roller 51 extends forward a further distance E. In the case of the large-capacity roller ( Figure 5In the case of (a)), the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a are installed by using the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, so that the roller is a small capacity roller. Figure 5 Compared to case (b), the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a can be installed further forward. Therefore, as the drum 51 rotates, the garments located in the area corresponding to the distance E can easily come into contact with the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0163] The mounting slots 511a in each group G1 and G2 can be arranged in rows in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the mounting slots 511a in each group G1 and G2 are arranged in two rows. Furthermore, when viewing the overall structure without distinguishing the groups, the mounting slots 511a can be arranged along a common baseline extending in the front-to-back direction. Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting slots are arranged on two straight lines parallel to each other.

[0164] More specifically, the mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 may include two or more first mounting slots 511a1(3) and 511a1(4) arranged at a first interval T in the first row P1 extending in the front-rear direction. In addition, the mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 may also include two or more first mounting slots 511a1(3) and 511a1(4) arranged at a first interval T in the second row P2, the second row P2 being parallel to the first row P1.

[0165] The mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 may include two or more second mounting slots 511a2(1) and 511a2(2), which are arranged in the first row P1 at a position offset backward by a second interval D from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, where the second interval D is smaller than the first interval T.

[0166] In addition, the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 may also include two or more second mounting slots 511a2(3) and 511a2(4), which are arranged in the second row P2 at a position offset backward by a second interval D from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1.

[0167] In the following text, mounting slots 511a1 and 511a2, which can be used to install the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a, are defined as being located in the front lifter mounting group, and mounting slot 511b, which can be used to install the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b (see mounting slot 511b). Figure 6 (a) is defined as being located in the rear lifter assembly.

[0168] Multiple front lifters 61a, 62a, 63a or rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b can be arranged circumferentially along the drum 51, so that multiple front lifter assembly groups can be arranged circumferentially, and similarly, multiple rear lifter assembly groups can also be arranged circumferentially.

[0169] In the following text, the installation slot belonging to the front lifter assembly will be referred to as the front installation slot 511a, and the installation slot belonging to the rear lifter assembly will be referred to as the rear installation slot 511b.

[0170] refer to Figures 8 to 12 The insertion protrusion 627 can protrude from the frame base 621. The insertion protrusion 627 may include: a vertical portion 627a (see...) Figure 11 The vertical portion 627a protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the frame base 621; and the capturing portion 627b bends horizontally from the vertical portion 627a. When viewed from above, the capturing portion 627b can protrude toward the interior of the annular frame base 621.

[0171] like Figure 11 As shown, when the lifter frame 620 is viewed from the front, insertion protrusions 627 can be formed on the left and right sides of the frame base 621, respectively. Two or more insertion protrusions 627 can be formed along one side of the frame base 621 (or in the front-rear direction).

[0172] Specifically, the insertion protrusion 627(L) formed on the left side of the frame base 621 may include a right-bent capturing portion 627b. Conversely, the insertion protrusion 627(R) formed on the right side of the frame base 621 may include a left-bent capturing portion 627b.

[0173] refer to Figure 6 Each of the mounting slots 511a and 511b can be shaped to have a length L1 approximately in the front-rear direction of the roller 51. Each of the mounting slots 511a and 511b can include: an insertion portion S1 having a predetermined width W1; and a connecting portion S2 extending rearward or forward from the insertion portion S1 and having a width smaller than that of the insertion portion S1 (W2 < W1). In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion S2 extends rearward from the rear end of the insertion portion S1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Instead, the connecting portion S2 can extend forward from the front end of the insertion portion S1.

[0174] In addition, as will be described below Figure 20 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the joint S2 of the front mounting slot 511a can extend forward from the front end of the insertion part S1, and the joint S2 of the rear mounting slot 511b can extend backward from the rear end of the insertion part S1.

[0175] At the same time, refer to Figures 5 to 7When the lifter frame 620 is installed in the roller 51, the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifter frame 620 passes through the insertion portion S1 and pushes the lifter frame 620 backward, causing the vertical portion 627a to move forward along the joint portion S2, thus positioning the capturing portion 627b below the joint portion S2. In this case, because the bottom surface of the frame base 621 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51, and the width W3 of the capturing portion 627b (see...) Figure 11 The width W2 of the joint S2 is greater than that of the joint S2, so the capturing part 627b cannot pass through the joint S2 from the bottom to the top.

[0176] refer to Figures 8 to 11 The frame sidewall 622 may include: a left sidewall 622L having a lower end connected to the left side 621a of the frame base 621; and a right sidewall 622R having a lower end connected to the right side 621b of the frame base 621. At least one of the left sidewall 622L and the right sidewall 622R may define an acute angle relative to the frame base 621. In particular, when viewed from the front, the left sidewall 622L and the right sidewall 622R may be symmetrical to each other.

[0177] When the lifter frame 620 is viewed vertically downward from above, the frame sidewall 622 may have a demolding opening 624a (also the aforementioned water flow passage 624a) formed at a position corresponding to the insertion protrusion 627. The demolding opening 624a may be formed in at least one of the left sidewall 622L and the right sidewall 622R.

[0178] The lifter frame 620 can be formed by injection molding. In this case, the mold may include an upper mold forming the upper surface of the lifter frame 620 and a lower mold forming the lower surface of the lifter frame 620.

[0179] The upper surface of the insertion protrusion 627 can be formed by the upper mold. Because the insertion protrusion 627 is located on the lower side of the frame sidewall 622, an opening needs to be formed in the area overlapping with the insertion protrusion 627 along the direction of opening the upper mold on the frame sidewall 622 (or along the direction vertically upward from the frame base 621). During the mold opening process, the portion of the upper mold that defines the upper surface of the insertion protrusion 627 can pass through this opening, so that the mold portion of the upper mold that forms the upper surface of the insertion protrusion 627 (in particular, the upper surface of the capturing part 627b) can move upward (or so that the upper mold can be pulled out without bottom cutting during the mold opening process), and the demolding port 624a is the opening.

[0180] like Figure 8As shown, when the lifter frame 620 is viewed vertically downwards from above (hereinafter referred to as the "plan view of the lifter frame"), the capturing portion 627b of the insertion protrusion 627 is located in (or overlaps with) the demolding opening 624a. Specifically, the entire capturing portion 627b is positioned within the demolding opening 624a. Furthermore, in the plan view of the lifter frame, the periphery of the capturing portion 627b, except for the portion connected to the vertical portion 627a, is spaced apart from the edge of the demolding opening 624a.

[0181] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 A capture protrusion 626 may be formed on at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b. The capture protrusion 626 may protrude downward from the recessed inner surface 620b of the lifter frame 620.

[0182] refer to Figure 6 The roller 51 may have openings 512a and 512b for inserting the capture protrusion 626. A pair of openings 512a1 and 512a2 for mounting the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a may be spaced apart from each other by a distance D in the front-rear direction.

[0183] Depending on whether the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1 or the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2, the capture protrusion 626 is selectively inserted into either of the pair of openings 512a1 and 512a2.

[0184] Capturing tabs 514a and 514b may be formed on the edges of the openings 512a and 512b, both of which contact (or are captured by) the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626. The capturing tabs 514a and 514b may contact the side surfaces of the capturing protrusion 626 in the openings 512a and 512b, thereby restricting the lateral movement of the capturing protrusion 626.

[0185] Simultaneously, the positions of the capturing tabs 514a and 514b can be determined based on the relative positions of the mounting slots 511a and 511b with respect to the insertion portion S1 of the joint S2. That is, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the connecting portion S2 is positioned rearward from the insertion portion S1, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b are positioned in the first recess 626a on the front side of the capturing protrusion 626. The capturing tabs 514a and 514b can extend rearward from the front end of the opening 512 to restrict the movement of the capturing protrusion 626 when it is about to move forward (i.e., the insertion protrusion 627 is about to move from the connecting portion S2 to the insertion portion S1).

[0186] On the contrary, similar to Figure 20As shown in the mounting slot 511a, when the connecting portion S2 is positioned forward from the insertion portion S1, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b are positioned in the second recess 626b on the rear side of the capturing protrusion 626. The capturing tabs 514a and 514b can extend forward from the rear end of the opening 512 to restrict the movement of the capturing protrusion 626 when it is about to move rearward (i.e., when the insertion protrusion 627 is about to move from the connecting portion S2 to the insertion portion S1).

[0187] Based on the portions connected to the edges of the openings 512a and 512b, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b can be bent outwards toward the phase roller 51 at a predetermined angle. Even when the capturing protrusion 626 is not inserted into the openings 521a and 512b, the side surface of the capturing protrusion 626 can contact the capturing tabs 514a and 514b.

[0188] When the lifter frame 620 is about to move (i.e., will move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the lifter frame 620 is mounted) so that the vertical part 627a moves from the joint part S2 to the insertion part S1, the movement is restricted because the capturing tabs 514a and 514b interfere with the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626.

[0189] refer to Figure 9 At the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626, a first recess 626a may be formed on the side facing the capturing tabs 514a and 514b. With the lifter frame 620 fully installed, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b may be located in the first recess 626a.

[0190] At the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626, a second recess 626b may be further formed on the side opposite to the first recess 626a. When the lifter frame 620 is installed with the front and rear sides of the lifter frame 620 changed, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b may be located in the second recess 626b.

[0191] refer to Figure 9 At least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b may have a fastening boss 628 formed thereon. The fastening boss 628 may protrude downward from the inner surface 620b of the lifter frame 620. The fastening boss 628 may extend from the frame upper plate 623. Two or more fastening bosses 628 spaced apart from each other may be provided in the front-rear direction.

[0192] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6Fastening holes 513a and 513b may be formed in the roller 51. Fastening holes 513a and 513b may include: a first fastening hole 513a1, formed at a position corresponding to the fastening boss 528 when the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifter frame 620 is installed in the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1; and a first fastening hole 513a2, formed at a position corresponding to the fastening boss 528 when the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifter frame 620 is installed in the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2. A pair of first fastening holes 513a1(1) and 513a1(2) are provided to correspond to a pair of fastening bosses 528, and a second fastening hole 513a2 including a pair of second fastening holes 513a2(1) and 513a2(2) may be provided.

[0193] refer to Figure 7 Depending on whether the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1 or the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2, the fastening boss 628 can be selectively fastened to the first fastening hole 513a1 or the second fastening hole 513a2 by means of a predetermined fastening member (hereinafter, for illustrative purposes, screw 98).

[0194] With the insertion protrusion 627 inserted into the mounting slot 511a and the lifter frame 620 temporarily assembled, the screw 98 passes through the fastening hole 513a from the outside of the roller 51 and is then fastened to the fastening boss 628, thereby allowing the lifter frame 620 to be fully installed.

[0195] At the same time, as mentioned above, such as Figure 7 (a) or Figure 7 As shown in (b), the mounting position of the lifter frame 620 can be changed depending on whether the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511a1 or the mounting slot 511a2. In any case, with the lifter fully installed, the mounting slots 511a1 and 511a2, the openings 512a1 and 512a2, and the fastening holes 513a1 and 513a2 are hidden by the frame cover 640. That is, the mounting slots 511a1 and 511a2, the openings 512a1 and 512a2, and the fastening holes 513a1 and 513a2 are located inside the frame cover 640 and are therefore not exposed to the interior of the roller 51.

[0196] In other words, with at least one insertion protrusion 627 on each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b and 63b fastened to the mounting slot (e.g. 511a1) in any of the first group G1 and the second group G2, the mounting slot (e.g. 511a2) in the other group (e.g. G2) can be hidden inside the roller 51 by means of the lifter.

[0197] More specifically, with at least one insertion protrusion 627 on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a inserted into the mounting slot in any of the first group G1 and the second group G2 (e.g., G1), the front end (FE) of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a (see...) Figure 4 All of them can be positioned forward from the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) belonging to the first group G1 and the second group G2. Here, the front end FE can be the front end of the lifter cover 640.

[0198] Furthermore, the rear end of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a can be rearwardly positioned from any of the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) belonging to the first group G1 and the second group G2.

[0199] According to this view, in the state where at least one insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into one of the mounting slots 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) in the second group G2 (see...) Figure 20 (a)), from the front end of roller 51 to the front end FE of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a (see (a)). Figure 4 The distance D1 can be shorter than the distance D2 (D1) from the front end of roller 51 to the front end of each of the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) in the first group G1 (i.e., the front end of the foremost mounting slot in the first group). <D2)。

[0200] Furthermore, in the state where at least one insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into one of the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) in the first group G1 (see...) Figure 20(b) The distance D3 from the front end of roller 51 to the rear end of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a can be longer than the distance D4 from the front end of roller 51 to the rear end of the mounting slot in the second group G2 (i.e., the rear end of the mounting slot located on the last side in the mounting slot in the second group) (D3>D4). Since all the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) for mounting the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a are located between the front end and the rear end of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a, the mounting slots can be hidden by being covered by the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0201] Meanwhile, the distance D5 from the front end FE of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a to the fastening boss 628 (see...) Figure 9 It can be compared to the interval D (see Figure 6 ) length (D5>D). In this case, even if the fastening boss 628 is connected to the second fastening hole 513a2 (see Figure 7 In the state of (in an exemplary embodiment, the fastening member 98 passes through the second fastening hole 513a2 and is fastened to the fastening boss 628), the front end FE of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a exits from the first fastening hole 513a1 (see...) Figure 7 Position it forward so that the first fastening hole 513a1 remains hidden by each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0202] Manufacturers of garment processing equipment sometimes produce various types of products with rollers of different capacities. In this case, according to predetermined standards, metal plates with mounting slots 511a and 511b, openings 512a and 512b, fastening holes 513a and 513b, etc., are cut out, and the raw materials 51′ or 51″ cut in this manner (see...) Figure 5 The raw materials are rolled up, and the ends are joined together to manufacture roller 51. In this case, the metal sheet is cut to a predetermined length according to the roller standard. In order to manufacture two rollers with different lengths, the spacing between the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b needs to be adjusted differently according to the length of the rollers.

[0203] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the length of roller 51' is long (see...) Figure 5 (a) The spacing between the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b needs to be greater than when the length of roller 51” is short (see [reference]). Figure 5(b) The spacing between the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, so that even in the case of a large-capacity drum 51, the clothes can be lifted evenly by the front and rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b.

[0204] Therefore, additional mounting slots 511a are further formed in the drum 51 to adjust the mounting position of at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b in the front-rear direction when the drum length changes.

[0205] In this exemplary embodiment, an additional mounting slot 511a is provided to adjust the mounting positions of the front lifters 51a, 52a, and 53a; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the exemplary embodiment, an additional mounting slot 511b may be provided to adjust the mounting positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0206] Additional mounting slots 511a can be formed in the lifter frame 620 such that the number of additional mounting slots 511a corresponds to the number of mounting slots 511a into which the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted (hereinafter referred to as "installation slots"), and the additional mounting slots 511a can be formed at points spaced apart from the respective installation slots by a predetermined distance D in the front-rear direction. By separating the insertion protrusion 627 from the mounting slot (e.g., 511a1) and then inserting the insertion protrusion 627 into the additional mounting slot (e.g., 511a2), the installation position of the lifter frame 620 can be changed by a distance D.

[0207] Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment, an additional opening 512a is provided to adjust the mounting position of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, but this disclosure is not limited to this. According to the embodiment, an additional opening 512b may also be provided to adjust the mounting position of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0208] Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, an additional fastening hole 513a is provided to adjust the mounting position of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, an additional fastening hole 513b may also be provided to adjust the mounting position of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0209] Figure 20 Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. To mount the lifter frame 620 via the front mounting slot 511a, the lifter frame 620 needs to be pushed forward after the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the insertion portion S1. To mount the lifter frame 620 via the rear mounting slot 511b, the lifter frame 620 needs to be pushed backward after the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the insertion portion S1.

[0210] Conversely, in order to separate the lifter frame 620 from the roller 51, the lifter frame 620 is pushed forward or backward to move the capturing part 627b of the insertion protrusion 627 from the engagement part S2 and align the capturing part 627b with the insertion part S1, and the lifter frame 620 is lifted so that the capturing part 627b passes through the insertion part S1, and the lifter frame 620 can be separated from the roller 51.

[0211] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a pair of front and rear lifters. Figure 17 This shows the view from the front. Figure 16 The diagram shows the lift. Figure 18 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram (a) shows the state of the drum unfolded, and the diagram (b) shows the unfolded state of the drum, illustrating the arrangement of the elevator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 Figure (a) shows the height change of the first fabric caused by the rear lifter according to the rotation angle of the roller, and Figure (b) shows the height change of the second fabric caused by the front lifter, which together constitute a set of lifters. Reference will be made below. Figures 16 to 19 Describe it.

[0212] Each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51 and extends in the front-rear direction. The plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a are arranged at equal angles based on the axis of rotation O.

[0213] Rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of roller 51 and are positioned rearward from the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a. Like the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are arranged at equal angles based on the axis of rotation O.

[0214] The rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are arranged to form a predetermined phase angle with the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a relative to the rotation axis O. Here, the "phase angle" is defined as the rotation angle of the roller 51 by defining the time when the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b reach a point on the circumference. Assuming that in the exemplary embodiment the roller 51 rotates in a clockwise direction CW, the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b reach the same height as the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a to a degree corresponding to the phase angle Δθ.

[0215] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, assume that each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b has a length C1 extending in the front-to-back direction and a width C2 defined in the left-to-right direction (or a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction), corresponding to a circumferential distance of the phase angle (C3 = Δθr, see...). Figure 19 It is greater than 0 and less than or equal to twice the circumferential width C2 of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0216] refer to Figure 18 A lifterless region SE, in which no front or rear lifter exists, is formed between any pair of front / rear lifters (e.g., 61a and 61b) and another pair of front / rear lifters (e.g., 62a and 62b) on the inner circumferential surface of roller 51. The lifterless region SE can extend from the front end to the rear end of roller 51.

[0217] Specifically, the lift-less region SE extends from the front end of roller 51, between two sets of adjacent lifters, and to the rear end of roller 51. Specifically, the lift-less region SE extends straight from the front end of roller 51 to the rear end of roller 51, passing between two adjacent front lifters (e.g., 61a and 62a) and between two rear lifters 61b and 62b, which form a phase angle Δθ with each of the two adjacent front lifters 61a and 62a, respectively.

[0218] Because the liftless area SE extends straight from the front end to the rear end of the roller 51, the clothes can be evenly distributed in the liftless area SE to the front and rear areas of the roller 51.

[0219] Typically, the washing machine detects the eccentricity of drum 51 before spin-drying. If the detected eccentricity is within a reference value, the drum accelerates, causing the rotation speed of drum 51 to reach a predetermined spin-drying speed (or spin-drying RPM). Otherwise, fabric distribution is performed to change the position of the fabric in drum 51. If the detected eccentricity does not reach the reference value, the fabric distribution is repeated. When the number of repeated fabric distributions reaches a predetermined number, fabric distribution is determined to have failed, and spin-drying stops.

[0220] In the washing machine according to this exemplary embodiment, the first fabric located on the rear side of the drum 51 (i.e., the fabric to be lifted by the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b) and the second fabric located on the front side of the drum 51 (i.e., the fabric to be lifted by the front lifter) flow with a time difference (or phase difference) generated by the phase angle Δθ formed by the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, so that the fabric distribution can be performed more smoothly.

[0221] More specifically, see reference Figure 19 When the roller 51 is rotated clockwise CW with the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b at the lowest point (θ = 0), the first fabric is first lifted by the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, and then after a time corresponding to the phase angle Δθ, the second fabric is lifted by the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0222] Assuming the fabric rolls (θ < π / 2), and the fabric lifted by elevators 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b and 63b falls to position Pd, then the first fabric lifted by the rear elevators 61b, 62b and 63b first reaches position (or height) Pd and falls, and then the second fabric lifted by the front elevators 61a, 62a and 63a reaches position Pd and falls.

[0223] The first and second fabrics move with a time difference, preventing clumps from forming and allowing for even distribution. As a result, the number of times the fabric is repeatedly distributed is reduced, fewer instances of fabric not reaching the spin-drying stage are eliminated, and the total washing time, including spin-drying time, is reduced.

[0224] In addition, because the fabric flows with a phase difference when it rolls or tumbles, friction or collisions between the fabrics caused by the relative movement between them occur more frequently, thus allowing for more effective removal of contaminants through the washing operation (i.e., improved washing power).

[0225] at the same time, Figure 20 This is a diagram showing a variant arrangement with a lifter, where (a) shows a small-capacity roller and (b) shows a large-capacity roller. Reference Figure 20 A set of front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b can be arranged in a row in the front-rear direction. That is, the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b constituting a set can be arranged on the same line and not spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0226] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the lifter. Figure 21 The exemplary embodiment shown provides a lifter 64, which includes a lifter frame 620' and a frame cover 640'. The shapes of the lifter frame 620' and the frame cover 640' are slightly different from those in the exemplary embodiment described above, but are similar in detailed construction to those in the exemplary embodiment described above. Therefore, the same components as those in the exemplary embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and their specific descriptions will be omitted.

[0227] Although the invention has been described with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various modifications of the embodiments thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0228] Cross-references to related applications

[0229] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0013926 entitled "Clothing Processing Equipment" filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 1, 2019, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0135452 entitled "Clothing Processing Equipment" filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 29, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, the garment processing device comprising: A bucket, constructed to receive washing water; A roller, which is disposed inside the tub and configured to receive clothing, is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction of the tub. as well as A plurality of lifters are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation based on the rotation of the drum, the plurality of lifters comprising: A plurality of front lifters are disposed at the front of the roller and arranged circumferentially along the roller. Multiple rear lifters are disposed at the rear of the drum and arranged circumferentially along the drum. The plurality of front lifters and the plurality of rear lifters define multiple sets of lifters, each set having a pair of lifters, wherein the pair of lifters includes a front lifter from the plurality of front lifters and a rear lifter from the plurality of rear lifters. In each of the plurality of lifting units, the front lifting unit and the rear lifting unit are circumferentially spaced apart from each other, thereby defining the phase angle between the front lifting unit and the rear lifting unit about the axis of rotation in each of the plurality of lifting units. In this configuration, the front lifter and the rear lifter in each of the multiple sets of lifters overlap each other along the front-back direction.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, One of the front lifter and the rear lifter is configured such that the roller, rotating in the direction of rotation, reaches a point on the circumference of the barrel before the other of the front lifter and the rear lifter reaches that point.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The rear lifter is configured to reach a point on the circumference of the bucket before the front lifter reaches a point on the circumference of the bucket, based on the clockwise rotation of the roller.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The circumferential distance corresponding to the phase angle between the front lifter and the rear lifter is equal to the circumferential width of the front lifter.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The circumferential distance corresponding to the phase angle between the front lifter and the rear lifter is greater than zero and less than the circumferential width of the front lifter.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The circumferential distance corresponding to the phase angle between the front lifter and the rear lifter is greater than 0 and less than or equal to twice the width of the front lifter in the circumferential direction.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of lifters includes: A lifter frame, which is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the roller and is made of synthetic resin; and A frame cover that covers and is connected to the lifter frame.

8. The garment processing equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The lifter frame includes a frame base having an annular shape and being connected to the inner circumferential surface of the roller. A portion of the frame base is exposed between the frame cover and the roller, and The frame cover includes: The cover sidewall extends upward from the lower end of the frame cover and connects to the frame base, and A cover plate defines the upper part of the frame cover.

9. The garment processing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The lifter frame also includes frame sidewalls extending inward from the frame base. The frame base includes an insertion protrusion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the frame base and inserts into a defined mounting slot in the roller, thereby connecting the frame base to the roller. Specifically, based on the lifter frame viewed vertically downwards, the frame sidewall defines a demolding opening at a position corresponding to the insertion protrusion.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The demolding opening is defined in a region of the frame sidewall surrounding at least a portion of the insertion protrusion.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The insertion protrusion includes: A vertical portion that extends downward from the bottom surface of the frame base; and The capturing part bends inward from the lower end of the vertical part along the periphery of the frame base, and In the plan view of the elevator frame, at least a portion of the capturing part is positioned within the demolding opening.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, In the plan view of the elevator frame, the outer surface of the capturing part is spaced apart from the edge of the demolding opening.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The lifting frame also includes a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base and connected to the frame sidewall. Wherein, the frame sidewalls are inclined relative to the frame base and the frame top plate, and In the plan view of the lifting frame, the outer boundary of the upper plate of the frame is surrounded by the periphery of the frame base.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, In the plan view of the elevator frame, the demolding opening is located between the outer boundary of the upper plate of the frame and the periphery of the frame base.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The roller has a plurality of mounting slots defined at each of its front and rear portions. The lifter frame includes: A frame base extending along the aforementioned front-rear direction; and Multiple insertion protrusions protrude from the bottom surface of the frame base and connect to the roller, and The number of the plurality of mounting slots defined at one of the front and rear portions of the roller is greater than the number of the plurality of insertion protrusions inserted into the one of the front and rear portions of the roller.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The roller has a plurality of mounting slots defined at each of its front and rear portions. The lifter frame includes: A frame base extending along the aforementioned front-rear direction; and Multiple insertion protrusions protrude from the bottom surface of the frame base and connect to the roller. The plurality of mounting slots define multiple sets of mounting slots at one of the front and rear portions of the roller, and the plurality of mounting slots are arranged along the front-rear direction. In this configuration, the plurality of insertion protrusions of one of the plurality of lifters are inserted into one of the plurality of sets of mounting slots.

17. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of mounting slots includes a first set of mounting slots and a second set of mounting slots that at least partially overlap each other along the front-back direction, and In this embodiment, the plurality of insertion protrusions of one of the plurality of lifters are configured to connect to one of the first set of mounting slots and the second set of mounting slots.

18. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The plurality of mounting slots includes an additional mounting slot defined at at least one of the front and rear portions of the roller, such that the number of the plurality of mounting slots is greater than the number of the plurality of insertion protrusions of one of the front lifter and the rear lifter.

19. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, A portion of the second set of mounting slots is positioned rearward relative to a portion of the first set of mounting slots.

20. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The first set of mounting slots includes a first mounting slot, which is spaced apart from each other by a first interval in the front-rear direction and arranged in a first row extending in the front-rear direction. The second set of mounting slots includes a second mounting slot, which is spaced apart from each other by the first interval in the front-back direction and arranged along the first row. In this arrangement, a second mounting slot of the second group of mounting slots is disposed along the first row between the first mounting slots of the first group of mounting slots.

21. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The first set of mounting slots further includes a third mounting slot, which is spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction by the first interval and arranged along the second row, which is spaced apart from the first row in the circumferential direction. The second set of mounting slots includes a fourth mounting slot, which is spaced apart from the first interval in the front-to-back direction and arranged along the second row. In this configuration, a fourth mounting slot in the second group of mounting slots is disposed along the second row between the third mounting slots in the first group of mounting slots.

22. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, One of the first mounting slots and one of the third mounting slots define a first front mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots, and Wherein, one of the second mounting slots and one of the fourth mounting slots define a second front mounting slot pair in the second set of mounting slots, the second front mounting slot pair being positioned rearward relative to the first front mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots.

23. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, The first row is parallel to the second row.

24. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, According to the arrangement of the plurality of mounting slots along the first and second rows, the plurality of insertion protrusions of the frame base are arranged along a pair of rows, and the plurality of insertion protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction by the first interval.

25. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, The rear end of the second front mounting slot pair in the second set of mounting slots is located at a position offset by a second interval from the rear end of the first front mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots.

26. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The second interval is smaller than the first interval.

27. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The first distance from the front end of the roller to the front end of the front lifter is less than the second distance from the front end of the roller to the first front mounting slot pair.

28. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, The other of the first mounting slots and the other of the third mounting slots define a first rear mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots, the first rear mounting slot pair being positioned rearward relative to the first front mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots; and Wherein, one of the second mounting slots and one of the fourth mounting slots define a second rear mounting slot pair in the second set of mounting slots, the second rear mounting slot pair being positioned rearward relative to the first rear mounting slot pair in the first set of mounting slots.

29. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, The third distance from the front end of the roller to the rear end of the front lifter is greater than the fourth distance from the front end of the roller to the second rear mounting slot pair in the second set of mounting slots.

30. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, All mounting slots in the first set of mounting slots and the second set of mounting slots are located between the front and rear ends of the front lifter, such that the front lifter covers additional mounting slots defined in the front of the roller.

31. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The front lifter and the rear lifter are arranged along a line extending in the front-rear direction and passing through the extension of both the front lifter and the rear lifter.

32. A garment processing device, the garment processing device comprising: A bucket, constructed to receive washing water; A roller, which is disposed inside the tub and configured to receive clothing, is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction of the tub. Multiple front lifters are disposed at the front of the inner circumferential surface of the roller and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation based on the rotation of the roller; as well as Multiple rear lifters, spaced apart from the front lifters and disposed at the rear of the inner circumferential surface of the roller, The plurality of front lifters and the plurality of rear lifters define multiple sets of lifters, each set having a pair of lifters, wherein the pair of lifters includes a front lifter from the plurality of front lifters and a rear lifter from the plurality of rear lifters. In this configuration, the front lifter and the rear lifter in each of the multiple sets of lifters are arranged along the extension line that extends in the front-rear direction and passes through both the front lifter and the rear lifter.

33. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 32, wherein, The front lifter and the rear lifter are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the roller, thereby defining a phase angle between the front lifter and the rear lifter about the axis of rotation.

34. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, The front lifter extends along a first extension line parallel to and passing through the front lifter. The rear lifter extends along a second extension line parallel to and passing through the first extension line, the second extension line being circumferentially spaced from the first extension line. The phase angle between the front lifter and the rear lifter is defined based on the circumferential distance between the first extension line and the second extension line.

35. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein, The circumferential distance between the first extension line and the second extension line is less than the circumferential width of each of the front lifter and the rear lifter.

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