Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus including a drum configured to rotate about a rotational axis extending in a front-rear direction, and a first lifter and a second lifter arranged on the drum in the front-rear direction. The first lifter includes at least one insertion protrusion, the drum has one or more mounting slots in a first group and one or more mounting slots in a second group, the mounting slots in the second group are formed in a region shifted rearward within a range in which the mounting slots in the second group partially overlap the mounting slots in the first group, and the at least one insertion protrusion is selectively inserted into the mounting slots in the first group or the mounting slots in the second group.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application with application number 201911346264.1 (application date: December 24, 2019, invention title: clothing processing device). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a garment processing device that can adjust the position of a lifter installed in a rotating drum according to the length of the drum. Background Technology

[0003] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2007-0048913 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 1") discloses a method for manufacturing a drum for a washing machine. According to this manufacturing method, a cylindrical drum is manufactured by forming mounting holes for mounting a lifting device in a quadrilateral metal plate and then rolling up the metal plate.

[0004] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0358903 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2") discloses a structure in which a lifter is mounted on a roller using mounting holes. The mounting holes are arranged at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction of the roller, and a set of mounting holes is used to mount one lifter. Specifically, hooks are formed in the lifter in number corresponding to the set of mounting holes, and each hook is captured by a mounting hole.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2004057657A (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 3") discloses a structure in which a pair of lifters (or baffles) constituting a set are arranged in a row along the front-back direction or arranged on the inner circumferential surface of a roller, and the lifters are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumference of the roller.

[0006] 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 shorter rollers (i.e., small-capacity rollers) by cutting the metal sheet to the side of the metal sheet corresponding to the front-to-back length of the roller to be manufactured, based on the design dimensions.

[0007] 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. The disadvantage of this structure, where the interval between the lifter positioned at the front and the lifter positioned at the rear is inevitably constant regardless of the length of the roller, is that clothing positioned at the front or rear of the roller cannot contact the lifters due to the distance between the front end of the lifter positioned at the front and the front end of the roller, or between the lifter positioned at the rear and the rear end of the roller, and this distance increases with the increase of the roller length. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment processing apparatus in which a first lifter and a second lifter are arranged in a drum in a front-back direction, and the installation position of the first lifter (or the second lifter) can be changed in the front-back direction.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus in which a common front / rear lifter can be applied to rollers of different lengths, and the position of the front lifter (or rear lifter) can be appropriately changed according to the length of the roller.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling device capable of adjusting the interval between the front lift and the rear lift.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus that reduces the possibility that some garments fed into the drum may not come into contact with the lifter.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus that improves washing capacity by allowing the lifter and the garment to come into frequent contact with each other.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a drum is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction, and a first lifter and a second lifter are arranged in the drum in the front-rear direction.

[0015] The first lifter includes at least one insertion protrusion, and the roller has one or more mounting slots in a first group and one or more mounting slots in a second group.

[0016] At least one insertion protrusion may be selectively inserted into either the mounting slot in the first group or the mounting slot in the second group. The installation position of the first lifter is determined based on whether at least one insertion protrusion is inserted into (or fastened to) the mounting slot in the first group or the mounting slot in the second group.

[0017] The mounting slots in the second group are positioned at a location shifted backward by a predetermined distance from the mounting slots in the first group. Therefore, when the insertion protrusion in one group provided on the first lifter is inserted into the mounting slot in the first group, the first lifter is installed further forward compared to the case where the insertion protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the second group.

[0018] The mounting slots in the second group are formed in a region that is rearwardly shifted within a range where the mounting slots in the second group partially overlap with those in the first group. When at least one insert protrusion is inserted into a mounting slot in either the first or second group, the mounting slot in the other group can be concealed inside the roller by the first lifter.

[0019] When at least one insertion protrusion is inserted into any of the mounting slots in any group, the front end of the first lifter can be positioned forward from any mounting slot belonging to the first group and any mounting slot belonging to the second group, and the rear end of the first lifter can be positioned backward from any mounting slot belonging to the first group and any mounting slot belonging to the second group.

[0020] When at least one insert protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the second group, the distance from the front end of the roller to the front end of the first lifter may be shorter than the distance from the front end of the roller to the front end of the mounting slot in the first group.

[0021] When at least one insert protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the first group, the distance from the front end of the roller to the rear end of the first lifter may be longer than the distance from the front end of the roller to the rear end of the mounting slot in the second group.

[0022] The first group of mounting slots may include two or more first mounting slots, which are arranged in a first row extending in a front-rear direction at a first interval. The second group of mounting slots may include two or more second mounting slots, which are arranged in a first row at a position shifted backward by a second interval from the mounting slots in the first group, where the second interval is smaller than the first interval.

[0023] The first lifter may have a fastening boss, and the roller may have: a first fastening hole that engages with the fastening boss when at least one insert protrusion is inserted into a mounting slot in the first group; and a second fastening hole that is rearwardly spaced from the first fastening hole and engages with the fastening boss when at least one insert protrusion is inserted into a mounting slot in the second group. Here, the distance D5 from the front end of the first lifter to the fastening boss may be longer than the second interval.

[0024] In this case, the distance D5 from the front end of the first elevator to the fastening boss can be longer than the distance D between the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

[0025] The mounting slots in the first group may further include two or more first mounting slots, which are arranged at a first interval along a second row parallel to the first row. The mounting slots in the second group may include two or more second mounting slots, which are arranged along the second row at a position shifted backward by a second interval from the mounting slots in the first group.

[0026] At least one insertion protrusion may include: a vertical portion configured to pass through the mounting slot radially along the roller; and a capturing portion that bends from the vertical portion and has a width greater than the vertical portion.

[0027] The mounting slot may include: an insertion section having a width through which the capture portion passes; and a connecting section extending forward or backward from the insertion section and having a width smaller than that of the capture portion.

[0028] The first lifter may have a capture protrusion. The roller may include: a pair of openings spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction; and a pair of capture tabs extending from the outer periphery of the pair of openings, respectively, and configured to selectively contact the capture protrusion based on whether at least one insertion protrusion is inserted into a mounting slot in a first set or into a mounting slot in a second set.

[0029] The first lifting device may have a fastening boss. The roller may have a pair of fastening holes, which are selectively fastened to the fastening boss by means of a predetermined fastening member based on whether at least one insertion protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the first group or the mounting slot in the second group.

[0030] The second lifter may include at least one insertion protrusion. The roller may also include mounting slots in a third group, into which at least one insertion protrusion disposed on the second lifter is respectively inserted.

[0031] The mounting slots in the third group can be formed at positions that are circumferentially shifted from the mounting slots in the first group and the second group. The mounting slots in the third group can be arranged rearward from the mounting slots in the first group and the second group.

[0032] When viewed from the front, the areas forming the mounting slots in the first and second groups and the areas forming the mounting slots in the third group may at least partially overlap each other.

[0033] The first lifter may include: a lifter frame having at least one insertion protrusion; and a frame cover configured to cover the lifter frame and contact the garments in the roller.

[0034] The lifting frame can be made of synthetic resin, and the rollers and frame cover can be made of metal.

[0035] A garment handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a roller configured to rotate about a predetermined axis of rotation extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter disposed on the roller and having at least one insertion protrusion. The roller has one or more mounting slots in a first group and one or more mounting slots in a second group corresponding to the at least one insertion protrusion. The mounting slots in the second group are formed in a region that is forward or backward shifted within a range where the mounting slots in the second group partially overlap with the mounting slots in the first group, and at least one insertion protrusion is selectively inserted into the mounting slot in the first group or the mounting slot in the second group.

[0036] One or more mounting slots belonging to the first group can be spaced apart from each other by a first interval in the front-to-back direction. One or more mounting slots belonging to the second group can be formed at a position shifted back by a second interval from the one or more mounting slots belonging to the first group, the second interval being smaller than the first interval.

[0037] When at least one insertion protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in either the first or second group, the front end of the first lifter in the lifter can be positioned forward from any mounting slot belonging to the first group and any mounting slot belonging to the second group, and the rear end of the second lifter in the lifter can be positioned backward from any mounting slot belonging to the first group and any mounting slot belonging to the second group.

[0038] A garment handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a roller configured to rotate about a predetermined axis of rotation extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter having a pair of first insertion protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along a first row and a pair of second insertion protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along a second row, the second row being parallel to the first row. The roller has a pair of first mounting slots formed along the first row into which the pair of first insertion protrusions are inserted. The roller also has a pair of additional first mounting slots formed along the first row at predetermined intervals, and any one of the pair of additional first mounting slots is arranged between the pair of first mounting slots into which the pair of first insertion protrusions are inserted. The roller has a pair of second mounting slots formed along the second row into which the pair of second insertion protrusions are inserted. The roller also has a pair of additional second mounting slots formed along the second row at predetermined intervals, and any one of the pair of additional second mounting slots is arranged between the pair of second mounting slots into which the pair of second insertion protrusions are inserted.

[0039] A garment handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a roller configured to rotate about a predetermined axis of rotation extending in a front-rear direction; and a lifter having a pair of first insertion protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along a first row. The roller has a pair of first mounting slots formed along the first row at positions corresponding to the pair of first insertion protrusions, and the pair of first insertion protrusions are inserted into the pair of first mounting slots. The roller also has a pair of additional first mounting slots formed at predetermined intervals along the first row. Either of the pair of additional first mounting slots is arranged between the pair of first mounting slots formed at positions corresponding to the pair of first insertion protrusions.

[0040] The lifting device may include a pair of second insertion protrusions arranged at intervals along a second row, the second row being parallel to the first row. The roller may have a pair of second mounting slots formed along the second row at positions corresponding to the pair of second insertion protrusions, and the pair of second insertion protrusions are inserted into the pair of second mounting slots. The roller also has a pair of additional second mounting slots formed at predetermined intervals along the second row, and either of the pair of additional second mounting slots may be arranged between the pair of second mounting slots formed at positions corresponding to the pair of second insertion protrusions.

[0041] According to the garment handling apparatus of this disclosure, two sets of mounting slots for mounting the lifter on the roller are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the mounting position of the lifter can be changed based on which set of mounting slots at least one insertion protrusion provided on the lifter is inserted into.

[0042] In particular, during the manufacturing process of the roller, the spacing between the front and rear lifters arranged in the roller can be easily adjusted according to the roller's capacity (or length). Therefore, the arrangement of the lifters can be optimized according to the roller's capacity.

[0043] Because the installation position of the lifting device can be changed according to the capacity or length of the drum, the clothes in the drum can smoothly contact the lifting device whether the drum has a large capacity or a small capacity, thereby improving the washing capacity.

[0044] In addition, even when a front / rear lifter with the same structure as that used for a small-capacity roller is applied to a large-capacity roller, the interval between the front / rear lifters can be adjusted to be greater than the interval in the small-capacity roller. This reduces the interval between the front end of the large-capacity roller and the front end of the front lifter or the interval between the rear end of the large-capacity roller and the rear end of the rear lifter, thereby minimizing the area where the garment cannot contact the lifter.

[0045] Furthermore, when manufacturing large-capacity or small-capacity rollers, the process of cutting metal plates with common mounting slots differs only in terms of roller capacity, while other manufacturing processes can be the same for both types of rollers. Moreover, by simply selecting which mounting slot in the roller's mounting slot to insert the insertion protrusions provided on the lifter into, the arrangement of the lifter can be optimized according to the roller's capacity, thus effectively improving product versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a garment processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the illustrated elevator.

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the elevator shown;

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The illustrated plan view of the elevator;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating raw material (a) being cut to manufacture a large-capacity roller and raw material (b) being cut to manufacture a small-capacity roller;

[0052] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 Enlarged view (a) of the roller portion corresponding to the illustrated portion A and the portion corresponding to... Figure 5 Enlarged view (b) of the roller portion corresponding to the illustrated portion B;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part B of the roller illustrated in (a) and (a) Figure 5 Enlarged view (b) of portion C of the roller illustrated in (b);

[0054] Figure 8 It is a top view of the elevator frame, and Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the elevator frame;

[0055] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The illustrated cross-sectional view of line AA;

[0056] Figure 11 This is a front view of the elevator frame, and Figure 12 This is a side view of the elevator frame;

[0057] Figure 13 This is a top plan 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;

[0058] Figure 16 This is an example Figure 1 A view of the pair of front and rear lifters illustrated;

[0059] Figure 17 This illustrates the view from the front. Figure 16 The illustrated view of the elevator;

[0060] Figure 18 This is an example Figure 1 A view (a) illustrating the state of the drum in its unfolded state and a view (b) showing the unfolded state of the drum of a lifter arranged according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 19 These are views (a) illustrating the height change of the first fabric caused by the rear lifter according to the rotation angle of the roller, and views (b) illustrating the height change of the second fabric caused by the front lifter, which together with the rear lifter.

[0062] Figure 20 This is a view illustrating the inner circumferential surface of a roller with mounting slots according to a modified example, wherein (a) illustrates a small-capacity roller, and (b) illustrates a large-capacity roller; and

[0063] Figure 21 This is a view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the elevator. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing them, will become apparent from the following description of the various aspects herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the aspects disclosed herein, but can be implemented in a variety of different forms. The aspects are provided to make the description of this disclosure thorough and to fully convey 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.

[0065] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, and quantities of the elements given in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary, and therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details. The same reference numerals designate the same elements throughout the specification.

[0066] In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions may be omitted where it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known art would unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0067] 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,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude 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 are not to be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0068] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or the intervening element or layer may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, the intervening element or layer may not be present. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in the same manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations relating to one or more of the listed items.

[0069] The terms “connection” and “linkage” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or linkages, and may include electrical connections or linkages, whether direct or indirect. A connection can permanently link objects together or releasably link them together. The term “communicationally linked” is defined as a connection, directly or indirectly with the aid of intervening components, and the connection is not necessarily limited to a physical connection, but rather is a connection adapted for the transfer of data, fluids, or other substances between such described components.

[0070] While 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 may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Spatial relative terms (such as "inside," "outside," "below," "below," "down," "above," "upper," etc.) are used herein for convenience to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another / some elements or features as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatial relative terms may be intended to include not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, then an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both the above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0072] As used herein, the term "or" will be interpreted as including or meaning any one 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.

[0073] In the following text, a washing machine will be described as an example of a garment handling device, but garment handling devices are not limited to washing machines. A garment handling device is a device for handling garments (or objects to be dried) (such as clothes placed in drum 51), and may be a dryer or a washer-dryer.

[0074] Reference Figure 1A garment handling apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing 13 configured to define an exterior; a water tank 31 disposed within the housing 13 and configured to store washing water; a washing tub 50 rotatably mounted within the water tank 31 and configured to receive garments; and a motor 25 configured to rotate the washing tub 50. A damper 16 may be provided in the housing 13, configured to absorb vibrations of the water tank 31.

[0075] The drum 51 can rotate about a rotation axis O extending in the front-to-back direction, and the drum 51 can form the washing tub 50. The rotation axis is approximately horizontal. However, the term "horizontal" does not strictly mean "geometrically horizontal." In cases where the tilt is closer to the horizontal axis than the vertical axis (even if the tilt is...), the horizontal axis is considered more horizontal. Figure 1 (For example, if formed at a certain angle relative to the horizontal axis, the drum 51 or the washing tub 50 is considered to rotate about the horizontal axis.)

[0076] A clothing inlet port is formed in the front surface of the housing 13, and a door 21 configured to open or close the clothing inlet port is rotatably mounted on the housing 13. 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 outer periphery of the clothing inlet port of the housing 13, and the rear end of the gasket 22 can be connected to the outer periphery of the inlet of the water tank 31.

[0077] Water supply valve 33, water supply pipe 34, and water supply hose 37 can be installed in housing 13. When water supply valve 33 is opened and water is supplied for washing, the water that has passed through water supply pipe 34 can be mixed with detergent in dispenser 35 which stores detergent, and then the water can be supplied to water storage tank 31 via water supply hose 37.

[0078] The inlet port of pump 24 is connected to the water storage tank 31 via a drain hose 17, and the outlet port 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.

[0079] The washing tub 50 may include a drum 51, a front cover 52 coupled to the front end of the drum 51, and a rear cover 53 coupled to the rear end of the drum 51. The drum 51 may be formed in the form of a tubular (or cylindrical) body, which is achieved by rolling up a metal sheet (e.g., made of stainless steel) having a plurality of through holes 51h (see [reference]). Figure 5Then the two ends of the metal plate are joined together. Water stored in the water storage tank 31 can be introduced into the washing tub 50 through the through hole 51h. Multiple raised portions 51a formed by plastic processing can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51 (see...). Figure 5 Furthermore, through holes 51h can be formed between the raised portions 51a.

[0080] An opening can be formed in the front cover 52 to allow clothing to be fed into the drum 51. The inlet of the water tank 31 communicates with the opening. The front cover 52 can be made of the same type of material as the drum 51.

[0081] 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 coupled 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 coupled to the center of the spider 26.

[0082] The drum 51 is equipped with multiple lifting devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b. When the drum 51 rotates, the clothes are lifted by the lifting devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b.

[0083] The plurality of lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b include a first lifter and a second lifter arranged in the front-rear direction of the roller 51. Hereinafter, an example will be described where the first lifter is a front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a and the second lifter is a rear lifter 61b, 62b, and 63b spaced rearward from the front lifter. However, according to an embodiment, the first lifter may be a rear lifter, and the second lifter may be a front lifter.

[0084] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 18 The plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, together with the plurality of rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b, are respectively defined as 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 around 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 around the axis of rotation O, or five groups of lifters can be arranged at 72-degree intervals.

[0085] In the following description, examples of front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b having the same structure will be described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0086] Reference Figures 2 to 4Each 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 from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51 (towards the interior 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The lifter, made of metal, is not only exceptionally strong but also luxurious and hygienic. To directly connect the lifter to the metal roller, it must be welded to raw material cut into the shape of an unfolded roller. The material is rolled into a cylinder and then welded together at the points where the ends meet. However, the flat material bends during the rolling process, raising concerns that stress might be applied to the weld between the lifter and the roller, potentially causing the weld to separate.

[0089] To address this concern, 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.

[0090] At the same time, refer to Figure 3 and Figures 8 to 12 The entire outer surface 620a of the lifting frame 620 (see Figure 8 The elevator frame 620 has a convex shape, and the inner surface 620b of the elevator frame 620 (see...) Figure 9 It has a concave shape. Specifically, the lifting frame 620 may include a frame base 621, a frame top plate 623, and a frame side wall 622.

[0091] The frame base 621 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51. The frame base 621 may have an annular shape (or a closed shape formed by a single line) with an opening at its central portion.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The frame sidewall 622 is shaped such that the profile of its cross section gradually decreases upward (or radially along the roller 51) from the lower end connected to the frame base 621 (or gradually decreases in the direction away from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51), and the profile of the cross section is minimized at the portion where it meets the frame upper plate 623.

[0094] One or more water inlet holes may be formed in the drum 51 to allow washing water stored in the water storage 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 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 also be water inlet holes.

[0095] One or more water flow holes 624 and 624a may be formed in the elevator frame 620. Any opening can be a water flow hole 624, as long as the opening is formed in the elevator frame 620 and allows communication between the interior and exterior of the elevator frame 620.

[0096] Water flow holes 624 may be formed in the frame sidewalls 622 and / or the frame top plate 623. Washing water stored in the recesses of the lift frame 620 can be discharged via the water flow holes 624.

[0097] One or more water discharge holes 646h can 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 recessed space inside the lifter frame 620 can pass through the water flow hole 624 and then be discharged into the drum 51 via the water discharge hole 646h.

[0098] The outer surface 640a of the frame cover 640, which is exposed to the interior of the roller 51 and in contact with the clothing, is convex, and the inner surface of the frame cover 640 is concave, 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.

[0099] 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. A plurality of water discharge holes 646h may be formed in the cover plate 646.

[0100] 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 in the direction away from the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51), and the profile of the cross-section is minimized at the part where it meets the cover plate 646.

[0101] The lifter frame 620 includes spacers 625 that protrude from the frame top plate 623 and contact the frame cover 640, thereby allowing the frame cover 640 to be spaced apart from the frame top plate 623.

[0102] The spacer 625 protrudes from the outer surface 620a of the elevator 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 upper plate 623 is separated from the frame cover 640, the frame cover 640 can remain separated from the frame upper plate 623 even if the frame cover 640 is pressed against the elevator frame 620 by an external force.

[0103] The spacer 625 may have a cross-shaped rib structure. Specifically, the spacer 625 may include: a vertical rib 625a extending longitudinally (or longitudinally) on the upper plate 623 of the lifter frame 620; and a horizontal rib 625b extending while intersecting the vertical rib 625a. The vertical rib 625a and the horizontal rib 625b may be orthogonal to each other.

[0104] Reference Figure 10 The inner surface of the cover plate 646 can be separated 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 serve as a flow path for guiding washing water to the water discharge hole 646h.

[0105] A separation space g2 can also be formed between the frame sidewall 622 and the cover sidewall 645. The mounting groove 621r, described below (see...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The cover 640 is formed in the frame base 621 and is arranged at a predetermined distance from the frame sidewall 622, facing the outside of the frame base 621. Therefore, the lower end of the cover sidewall 645, which is positioned in the mounting groove 621r, is separated from the frame sidewall 622. Because the lower end of the frame cover 640 is separated from the frame sidewall 622 by the mounting groove 621r, and the cover plate 646 is separated from the frame upper plate 623 by the spacer 625, the lower end of the frame cover 640 and the portion of the frame cover 640 supported by the spacer 625 are forcibly separated from the lifter frame 620. Therefore, the cover sidewall 645, which is positioned between these two points, is kept separated from the lifter frame 620.

[0106] 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 via a water discharge hole 646h formed in the frame cover 640 or via 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; therefore, this configuration can be advantageous in maintaining the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b in a clean state.

[0107] The frame cover 640 may have domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 formed at positions corresponding to the spacers 625. That is, the spacers 625 may be arranged below the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644. In the exemplary embodiment where multiple spacers 625 are formed, multiple domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be formed at positions corresponding to the multiple spacers 625.

[0108] Domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be formed on the cover plate 646. The inner surface of each dome 641, 642, 643, and 644 facing the spacer 625 may be recessed, and the outer surface of each dome 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be protruding. The recessed inner surface of each dome 641, 642, 643, and 644 may contact the spacer 625.

[0109] The vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644 are formed protrudingly by pressing a cover plate 646 made of metal. Multiple vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 646 (or along the longitudinal direction of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b). One or more water discharge holes 646h may be formed between adjacent vaults 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0110] The domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may include two or more domes, the depths of the recesses on their inner surfaces being different from each other. More specifically, the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may include: large domes 641 and 644, each having a recess of a first depth; and small domes 642 and 643, each having a recess of a second depth less than the first depth. The heights of the spacers 625a and 625d corresponding to the large domes 641 and 644 may be greater than the heights of the spacers 625b and 625c corresponding to the small domes 642 and 643.

[0111] Domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may comprise two or more domes with different dimensions. Each dome 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 recesses on the inner surfaces of each dome 641, 642, 643, and 644 when viewed from above; 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 dome 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 dome 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0112] The dimensions of spacer 625 can also vary according to the dimensions of each vault 641, 642, 643, and 644. That is, in the case of... Figure 13 In the case of large domes 641 and 644 and small domes 642 and 643, the spacer 625 corresponding to the large domes 641 and 644 can be larger than the spacer 625 corresponding to the small domes 642 and 643.

[0113] Two small arches 643 and 644 can be positioned between a pair of large arches 641 and 642, and a water discharge hole 646h can be formed between arches 641, 642, 643, and 644. Multiple water discharge holes 646h can be arranged in a direction intersecting with the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b (or in a direction orthogonal to the length of each elevator 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b).

[0114] Water stored in the water storage tank 31 is introduced into the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b through openings. The elevator frame 620 has a structure with one or more water flow holes 624, and the water introduced into the elevators 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b can reach the water discharge hole 646h through the water flow holes 624.

[0115] With the washing water in the lifting devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b, the washing water introduced into the lifting devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a and 63b is raised by the rotation of the washing tub 50, and in the process, the washing water is discharged (or sprayed) through the water discharge hole 646h.

[0116] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 as well as Figures 13 to 15 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 necessarily limited thereto. When the frame cover 640 is made of metal, the wash protrusions 603 and 604 may be formed by extrusion.

[0117] Each wash protrusion 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. Since the contour of the lid sidewall 645 decreases upward between the wash protrusions 603 and 604, the wash protrusion positioned on the upper side is smaller than the other wash protrusion.

[0118] The frictional force applied between the clothes and the washing protrusions 603 and 604 generates a frictional effect on the clothes, thereby improving washing performance. Furthermore, because the washing protrusions 603 and 604 facilitate the lifting of the clothes, even when the height of each of the lifting protrusions 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.

[0119] The frame cover 640 can be connected to the lifting frame 620. (See 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 For example, when the frame cover 640 is viewed from the front, the connecting tab 648 may be formed on the lower left side 645L or the right side 645R. The left side 645L and the right side 645R may be straight segments extending in the front-rear direction.

[0120] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9A tab engagement port 621h can be formed in the lifter frame 620 for the connecting tab 648 to pass through from above. The tab engagement ports 621h can 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 captured 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.

[0121] 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 positioned in the mounting groove 621r. In this case, a tab engagement port 621h can be formed in the mounting groove 621r.

[0122] The structure by which the lifting frame 620 and the roller 51 are connected to each other will be described below.

[0123] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 as well as 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. Further, refer to... Figures 5 to 7 The roller 51 may have mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2. Each of the groups 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.

[0124] The mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may include a number of mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) corresponding 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 front lifter 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0125] Similarly, according to the embodiment, when the mounting slots in the first group G1 and the second group G2 are used to install the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, the number of mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 and the number of mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 can correspond to the number of insertion protrusions 627 provided on each rear lifter 61b, 62b and 63b.

[0126] 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 mounting position of the lifters 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.

[0127] In the following text, an example of using the mounting slots 511a that constitute the first group G1 and the second group G2 to install the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a will be described, but the mounting slots can be formed in the same way for installing the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b.

[0128] Within the range where the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 partially overlaps with the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is formed in the rearwardly shifted region. For reference, in Figure 6 In the text, the first region M1 indicates the region forming the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, and the second region M2 indicates the region forming the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2. In the following text, as... Figure 6 For example, the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is arranged backward from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1.

[0129] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2 is separated from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1 by a predetermined distance D in the rearward direction. Therefore, when the insertion protrusion 627 is installed in the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a is further positioned forward 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 For example, compared to the case of a small-capacity roller, the metal plate of the large-capacity roller 51 extends forward a further distance E. In the case of a large-capacity roller ( Figure 5(a) The front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a are installed using the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1, so that when the roller is a small capacity roller ( Figure 5 Compared to (b), the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a can be installed further forward. Therefore, as the roller 51 rotates, clothing positioned in the area corresponding to distance E can easily come into contact with the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0130] 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 the overall structure is viewed without distinguishing the groups, the mounting slots 511a can be positioned 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.

[0131] More specifically, the mounting slots 511a1 in the first group G1 may include two or more first mounting slots 511a1(1) and 511a1(2), which are arranged at a first interval T to extend in a first row P1 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), which are arranged at a first interval T to form a second row P2 parallel to the first row P1.

[0132] 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 along the first row P1 at a position shifted 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.

[0133] 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 along the second row P2 at a position shifted backward by a first interval T from the mounting slot 511a1 in the first group G1.

[0134] In the following text, mounting slots 511a1 and 511a2, which can be used to install front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, are defined as being in the front lifter mounting group, and mounting slot 511b, which can be used to install rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 (a) is defined as being in the rear lift assembly.

[0135] Multiple front or rear lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b and 63b can be arranged circumferentially along the roller 51, so that multiple front lifter mounting groups can be arranged circumferentially, and similarly, multiple rear lifter mounting groups can also be arranged circumferentially.

[0136] In the following text, the mounting slot belonging to the front lifter mounting group is referred to as front mounting slot 511a, and the mounting slot belonging to the rear lifter mounting group is referred to as rear mounting slot 511b.

[0137] Reference Figures 8 to 12 The insertion protrusion 627 may protrude from the frame base 621. The insertion protrusion 627 may include a vertical portion 627a protruding downward from the bottom surface of the frame base 621 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 11 It also includes a capture portion 627b that curves horizontally from the vertical portion 627a. When viewed from above, the capture portion 627b can protrude toward the interior of the annular frame base 621.

[0138] like Figure 11 For example, when the elevator frame 620 is viewed from the front, insertion protrusions 627 may be formed on the left and right sides of the frame base 621, respectively. Two or more insertion protrusions 627 may be formed along one side of the frame base 621 (or in the front-rear direction).

[0139] Specifically, the insertion protrusion 627(L) formed on the left side of the frame base 621 may include a right-bending capture portion 627b. Conversely, the insertion protrusion 627(R) formed on the right side of the frame base 621 may include a left-bending capture portion 627b.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 Each mounting slot 511a and 511b can be shaped to have a length L1 in an approximately front-rear direction of the roller 51. Each mounting slot 511a and 511b can include: an insertion segment S1 having a predetermined width W1; and a connecting segment S2 extending rearward or forward from the insertion segment S1, and having a width less than the insertion segment S1 (W2 < W1). In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting segment S2 extends rearward from the rear end of the insertion segment S1, but this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Instead, the connecting segment S2 may extend forward from the front end of the insertion segment S1.

[0141] In addition, as described below Figure 20 For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the connecting segment S2 of the front mounting slot 511a can extend forward from the front end of the insertion segment S1, and the connecting segment S2 of the rear mounting slot 511b can extend backward from the rear end of the insertion segment S1.

[0142] At the same time, refer to Figures 5 to 7When the lifting frame 620 is installed in the roller 51, the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifting frame 620 passes through the insertion section S1, and the lifting frame 620 is pushed backward, causing the vertical part 627a to move forward along the connecting section S2, thereby positioning the capturing part 627b below the connecting section S2. In this case, since 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 part 627b (see...) Figure 11 The width of the connecting section S2 is greater than the width W2 of the connecting section S2, so the capturing part 627b cannot pass through the connecting section S2 from the bottom to the top.

[0143] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The 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.

[0144] Reference Figure 6 Openings 512a and 512b, into which the capture protrusions 626 are inserted, can be formed in the roller 51. A pair of openings 512a1 and 512a2 for mounting the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a can be spaced apart from each other by a distance D in the front-rear direction.

[0145] 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 capturing protrusion 626 is selectively inserted into either of the pair of openings 512a1 and 512a2.

[0146] Capturing tabs 514a and 514b, which contact (or are captured by) the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626, may be formed on the edges of the openings 512a and 512b. The capturing tabs 514a and 514b may contact the side surface of the capturing protrusion 626, thereby restricting the lateral movement of the capturing protrusion 626.

[0147] 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 segment S1 of the connecting segment S2. That is, as... Figure 6 For example, when the engaging segment S2 is positioned behind the inserting segment 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 as it is about to move forward (i.e., the inserting protrusion 627 is about to move from the engaging segment S2 to the inserting segment S1).

[0148] On the contrary, with Figure 20 Similar to the illustrated mounting slot 511a, when the engaging section S2 is positioned in front of the insert section 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 insert protrusion 627 is about to move from the engaging section S2 to the insert section S1).

[0149] The capturing tabs 514a and 514b can be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the outside of the roller 51 based on the portions connected to the edges of the openings 512a and 512b. Even when the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626 is not inserted into the openings 512a and 512b, the side surface of the capturing protrusion 626 can contact the capturing tabs 514a and 514b.

[0150] When the lifting frame 620 is about to move (i.e., will move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the lifting frame 620 is installed) so that the vertical part 627a moves from the connecting section S2 to the insertion section S1, the movement is restricted by the interference of the capturing tabs 514a and 514b with the lower end of the capturing protrusion 626.

[0151] Reference 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 elevator frame 620 fully installed, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b may be positioned in the first recess 626a.

[0152] 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 elevator frame 620 is installed with the front and rear sides of the elevator frame 620 altered, the capturing tabs 514a and 514b may be positioned in the second recess 626b.

[0153] Reference Figure 9 The fastening boss 628 may be formed on at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b. The fastening boss 628 may project downward from the inner surface 620b of the lifter frame 620. The fastening boss 628 may extend from the upper plate 623 of the frame. Two or more fastening bosses 628 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0154] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6Fastening holes 513a and 513b may be formed in roller 51. Fastening holes 513a and 513b may include: a first fastening hole 513a1, which is 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, which is 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 configured 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.

[0155] Reference Figure 7 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) based 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.

[0156] 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, so that the lifter frame 620 can be fully installed.

[0157] At the same time, as mentioned above, such as Figure 7 (a) or Figure 7 As illustrated in (b), the mounting position of the lifter frame 620 can vary depending on whether the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511a1 or the mounting slot 511a2. In either 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 covered 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 positioned inside the frame cover 640, thereby not being exposed to the interior of the roller 51.

[0158] 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) of any one of the mounting slots 511a in 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 the lifter.

[0159] More specifically, with at least one insertion protrusion 627 provided on each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a inserted into the mounting slot in any one of the first group G1 and the second group G2 (e.g., G1), the front end (FE) of each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a (see...) Figure 4 The front end FE 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 frame cover 640.

[0160] In addition, the rear end of each front lifter 61a, 62a and 63a can be positioned rearward from any mounting slot 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) belonging to the first group G1 and the second group G2.

[0161] Depending on the viewpoint, 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 [reference]). Figure 20 (a)), from the front end of roller 51 to the front end FE of each front lifter 61a, 62a and 63a (see (a)). Figure 4 The distance can be shorter than the distance from the front end of roller 51 to the front end of each mounting slot 511a1(1) to 511a1(4) in the first group G1 (i.e. the front end of the mounting slot located at the foremost side in the mounting slots of the first group).

[0162] Additionally, 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 from the front end of roller 51 to the rear end of each front lifter 61a, 62a and 63a can be longer than the distance 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). Since all 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.

[0163] Meanwhile, the distance D5 from the front end FE of each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a to the fastening boss 628 (see...) Figure 9 It can be longer than the interval D (see...) Figure 6 (D5>D). In this case, even when the fastening boss 628 is connected to the second fastening hole 513a2 (see... Figure 7 (In an exemplary embodiment, with the fastening member 98 passing through the second fastening hole 513a2 and fastened to the fastening boss 628), the front end FE of each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a is positioned forward from the first fastening hole 513a1 (see...) Figure 7 This ensures that the first fastening hole 513a1 remains hidden by each of the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0164] Manufacturers of garment processing equipment sometimes produce various types of products with rollers of different capacities. In this case, based on 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 cut raw material 51' or 51 is rolled up (see...). Figure 5 The ends of the raw materials are joined together to manufacture roller 51. In this case, the metal sheet is cut to a predetermined length based on 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.

[0165] For example, such as Figure 5 For example, the spacing between the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b when the length of the roller 51' is relatively long (see...). Figure 5 (a) needs to be greater than the spacing between the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b when the length of the roller 51” is shorter (see [reference]). Figure 5(b)) ensures that even with a large-capacity drum 51, clothes can be lifted evenly by the front and rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b.

[0166] Therefore, an additional mounting slot 511a is also formed in the roller 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 length of the roller is changed.

[0167] In this exemplary embodiment, the additional mounting slot 511a is configured to adjust the mounting positions of the front lifters 51a, 52a, and 53a, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the exemplary embodiment, the additional mounting slot 511b can be configured to adjust the mounting positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0168] Additional mounting slots 511a can be formed in the lift 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 "mounting slots"), and the additional mounting slots 511a can be formed at points spaced a predetermined distance D from each mounting slot in a forward or backward 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 mounting position of the lift frame 620 can be changed by a distance D.

[0169] Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment, the additional opening 512a is configured to adjust the mounting positions of the front lifters 51a, 52a, and 53a, but this disclosure is not limited to this. According to the embodiment, the additional opening 512b can also be configured to adjust the mounting positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0170] Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment, the additional fastening hole 513a is configured to adjust the mounting positions of the front lifters 51a, 52a, and 53a, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the embodiment, the additional fastening hole 513b can also be configured to adjust the mounting positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0171] Figure 20 Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. To install 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 section S1. To install 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 section S1.

[0172] Conversely, in order to separate the lifting frame 620 from the roller 51, the lifting frame 620 is pushed forward or backward so that the capturing part 627b of the insertion protrusion 627 moves from the connecting section S2 and aligns the capturing part 627b with the insertion section S1, and the lifting frame 620 is lifted so that the capturing part 627b passes through the insertion section S1, and the lifting frame 620 can be separated from the roller 51.

[0173] Figure 16 This is an example Figure 1 A view of a pair of front and rear lifters as illustrated. Figure 17 This illustrates the view from the front. Figure 16 A view of the elevator as illustrated. Figure 18 This is an example Figure 1 The illustrated view (a) shows the state of the drum in its unfolded state, and the unfolded view (b) shows the drum of a lifter arranged according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 View (a) illustrates the height change of the first fabric caused by the rear lifter according to the rotation angle of the roller, and view (b) illustrates the height change of the second fabric caused by the front lifter, which forms a group with the rear lifter. In the following text, reference will be made to... Figures 16 to 19 Describe it.

[0174] Each front lifter 61a, 62a, and 63a is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the roller 51 and extends in the front-rear direction. The multiple front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a are arranged at equal angles based on the axis of rotation O.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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 outer periphery. 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 before the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a by the degree corresponding to the phase angle Δθ.

[0177] like Figure 16 and Figure 17For example, assuming each elevator 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), then the circumferential distance corresponding to the phase angle (C3 = Δθr, see [link]) is... Figure 19 The value is greater than 0 and equal to or less than twice the circumferential width C2 of each front elevator 61a, 62a and 63a.

[0178] Reference Figure 18 A lifterless region SE without a front or rear lifter is formed between any pair of front / rear lifters (e.g., 61a and 61b) on the inner circumferential surface of roller 51 and another pair of front / rear lifters (e.g., 62a and 62b). The lifterless region SE can extend from the front end to the rear end of roller 51.

[0179] Specifically, the liftless region SE extends from the front end of the roller 51, passes between two adjacent sets of lifters, and extends to the rear end of the roller 51. Specifically, the liftless region SE extends straight from the front end of the roller 51 to the rear end of the roller, passing between two adjacent front lifters (e.g., 61a and 62a) of a plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, and between two rear lifters 61b and 62b that each form a phase angle Δθ with each of the two adjacent front lifters 61a and 62a.

[0180] Since 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.

[0181] Typically, the washing machine detects the eccentricity of the drum 51 before performing the spin-drying process. When the detected eccentricity is within a reference value, the drum accelerates, causing the rotational speed of the 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 within the 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, it is determined that the fabric distribution has failed, and the spin-drying process stops.

[0182] In the washing machine according to this exemplary embodiment, the first fabric positioned behind the drum 51 (i.e., the fabric lifted by the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b) and the second fabric positioned in front of the drum 51 (i.e., the fabric lifted by the front lifter) flow with a time difference (or phase difference) of the phase angle Δθ formed by the front lifters 61a, 62a and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b and 63b, thus allowing for smoother fabric distribution.

[0183] More specifically, refer to Figure 19When the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are positioned at the lowest point (θ = 0) of the roller 51 and the roller 51 is rotated in the clockwise direction CW, the first fabric is first lifted by the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b, and then after the time corresponding to the phase angle Δθ has passed, the second fabric is lifted by the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0184] Assuming the fabric rolls (θ < π / 2) and the position P where the fabric lifted by elevators 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b and 63b falls is position Pd, then the first fabric lifted by the rear elevators 61b, 62b and 63b reaches position (or height) Pd and falls first, and then the second fabric lifted by the front elevators 61a, 62a and 63a reaches position Pd and falls.

[0185] The first and second fabrics move with a time difference to avoid clumping, thus ensuring even distribution. Therefore, the number of times fabric distribution is repeated can be reduced, fewer instances of fabric not reaching the spin-drying stage can be avoided, and the total washing time, including spin-drying time, can be reduced.

[0186] In addition, because the fabric flows with a phase difference when it rolls or tumbles, friction or collisions between fabrics caused by relative movement occur more frequently, making it possible to remove contaminants more effectively through the washing operation (i.e., improve washing power).

[0187] at the same time, Figure 20 This is a view illustrating a modified example of the arrangement of the lifting device, where (a) illustrates a small-capacity roller and (b) illustrates a large-capacity roller. See 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, instead of being separated from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0188] Figure 21 This is a view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the elevator. Figure 21 The illustrated exemplary embodiment provides a lifter 64 that includes a lifter frame 620' and a frame cover 640' that are slightly different in shape from the exemplary embodiment described above but similar in detailed construction. Therefore, components identical to those in the exemplary embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0189] While the invention has been described with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various modifications of the invention 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 that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0190] Cross-references to related applications

[0191] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0013927 entitled "LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS" filed on February 1, 2019, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0080610 entitled "LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS" filed on July 4, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, the garment processing device comprising: A roller, configured to receive clothing and rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction of the clothing handling equipment; as well as A lifting device, the lifting device being disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the roller, and wherein the lifting device comprises: A front lifter, the front lifter being disposed in the front portion of the inner circumferential surface; and A rear lifter, disposed in the rear portion of the inner circumferential surface, wherein each of the front and rear lifters includes a plurality of insertion protrusions, and The roller includes: A front groove, the front groove being formed on the front portion of the inner circumferential surface; and A rear slot is formed on the rear portion of the inner circumferential surface, wherein the front slot is configured to correspond to the insertion protrusion of the front lifter, and the rear slot is configured to correspond to the insertion protrusion of the rear lifter. Among them, the number of the front groove and the rear groove exceeds the number of their corresponding insertion protrusions, and The insertion protrusion of one of the front lifters and the rear lifters is configured to selectively insert into a portion of the mounting slot, such that one of the lifters is configured to be selectively arranged at different positions in the front-rear direction. The installation slots include: a first set of slots and a second set of slots. The region where the first set of slots is formed is configured to overlap with the region where the second set of slots is formed in the front-back direction, and The lifting device's insertion protrusion is configured to insert into a slot in one of the first set of slots and the second set of slots, and the lifting device is configured to cover all sets of slots when the lifting device's insertion protrusion is inserted into one of the first set of slots and the second set of slots.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, in, The first set of slots and the second set of slots have the same number of slots, the number of slots corresponding to the number of insertion protrusions of each lifter.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 2, in, The first set of slots includes a first slot and a second slot respectively formed along the front-rear direction on the inner circumferential surface, and The second set of slots includes a first slot and a second slot formed on the inner circumferential surface along the front-rear direction, respectively. In this configuration, the first slot of the second set of slots is positioned further forward than the second slot of the first set of slots.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, in, The distance between the front lifter and the rear lifter is greater when the front slot includes both sets of slots and the insertion protrusion of the front lifter is selectively inserted into the first set of slots than the distance between the front lifter and the rear lifter is when the insertion protrusion of the front lifter is inserted into the second set of slots.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, in, The distance between the front and rear lifters is shorter when the rear slot includes both sets of slots and the insertion protrusion of the rear lifter is selectively inserted into the first set of slots than the distance between the front and rear lifters when the insertion protrusion of the rear lifter is inserted into the second set of slots.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The first group includes two or more first mounting slots, which are spaced apart from each other by a first interval (T) and arranged along a first row extending in the front-rear direction. The second group includes two or more second mounting slots disposed along the first row, each of the two or more second mounting slots being defined at a position that is rearwardly shifted by the first interval (T) relative to one of the two or more first mounting slots.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The first group further includes two or more third mounting slots, which are spaced apart from each other by the first interval (T) and arranged along a second row parallel to the first row. The second group includes two or more fourth mounting slots arranged along the second row, each of the two or more fourth mounting slots being positioned at a location that is rearwardly shifted by the first interval (T) relative to one of the two or more third mounting slots.

8. The garment processing equipment according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the two or more second mounting slots is positioned at a location shifted backward by a second interval (D) relative to one of the two or more first mounting slots, the second interval (D) being smaller than the first interval (T).

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The front lifter includes a fastening boss, which is spaced from the front end of the front lifter by a distance greater than the first interval. The roller is defined as follows: A first fastening hole, configured to engage with the fastening boss when the insertion protrusion of the lifter is inserted into one of the two or more first mounting slots; as well as The second fastening hole is spaced rearward from the first fastening hole and is configured to engage with the fastening boss when the insertion protrusion of the lifter is inserted into one of the two or more second mounting slots.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The distance between the front end of the front lifter and the fastening boss is greater than the distance between the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, One of the elevators is configured as follows: When the insertion protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the first group, it covers the mounting slot in the second group, and When the insertion protrusion is inserted into the mounting slot in the second group, it covers the mounting slot in the first group.

12. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The front lifter is configured to cover all mounting slots in the first and second groups when the insert protrusion is inserted into the mounting slots in the first or second group, and Wherein, the front end of the front lifter is positioned forward relative to the foremost mounting slot in the first group, and the rear end of the front lifter is positioned rearward relative to the last mounting slot in the second group.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, With the insertion protrusion inserted into the mounting slot in the second group, the distance from the front end of the roller to the front end of the front lifter is less than the distance from the front end of the roller to the foremost mounting slot in the first group.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, With the insertion protrusion inserted into the mounting slot in the first group, the distance from the front end of the roller to the rear end of the front lifter is greater than the distance from the front end of the roller to the rearmost mounting slot in the second group.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The rear slot is configured to be located at a position offset from the front slot along the circumference of the roller and rearward relative to the front slot.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, A first region is defined for the front groove to be arranged in the front portion of the inner circumferential surface, and Specifically, a second region is defined for the rear groove to be arranged in the rear part of the inner circumferential surface, and The second region partially overlaps with the first region in the circumferential direction of the roller.

17. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting device includes: A lifter frame having an insertion protrusion projecting from the lower part of the lifter frame; and A frame cover, which covers the lifter frame and is configured to contact the garments received in the drum, and The lifting frame is made of plastic, while the rollers and the frame cover are made of metal.

18. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, in, The first slot in the second group is arranged between the first slot and the second slot in the first group.

19. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The first row and the second row extend parallel to the front-back direction and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the roller.

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