Drive unit and laundry treatment apparatus using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus including an outer tub containing washing water, an inner tub provided inside the outer tub and containing laundry, and a pulsator provided inside the inner tub, and including an inner tub driving mode in which the inner tub is driven, a pulsator driving mode in which the pulsator is driven, and a simultaneous driving mode in which the inner tub and the pulsator are simultaneously driven, comprising a stator and a rotor. A washing shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the rotor and rotates together with the rotor, and the upper end of which is connected to the impeller and rotates the impeller; a hollow dehydration shaft having a hollow portion for accommodating the washing shaft, the lower end of the dehydration shaft being disposed adjacent to the rotor, and the upper end of the dehydration shaft being connected to the inner tank; the planetary gear module is arranged in the dewatering shaft and transmits rotation of the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft after speed reduction; the coupler is arranged on one side of the dewatering shaft in a liftable manner and selectively connects the dewatering shaft to the rotor; and a clutch mechanism for providing power for lifting and moving the coupler. The clutch mechanism is configured to allow the coupler to transmit the rotation of the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft in the inner tank driving mode, restrict the rotation of the dewatering shaft in the impeller driving mode so as to block the transmission of the rotation of the washing shaft to the dewatering shaft, and release the restriction of the dewatering shaft in the simultaneous driving mode. The rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the dewatering shaft through the planetary gear module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a garment handling apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a drive unit for improving the operation of a drive unit and a clutch mechanism for selectively rotating an inner groove and an impeller, and a garment handling apparatus utilizing the drive unit. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a garment processing device, which removes contaminants from soiled laundry through washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes, includes a main body forming the exterior, a storage tank disposed inside the main body and storing water, and a rotating tank rotatably disposed inside the storage tank.

[0003] Such garment handling devices place laundry, water, and detergent into a rotating drum, which then rotates to apply physical impact to the laundry, thus washing it. They typically operate in two modes: one where the pulsator rotates at a low speed during washing, and another where both the pulsator and the inner drum rotate at a high speed during spin-drying.

[0004] On the other hand, in order to selectively rotate the impeller and the rotating groove, the ordinary garment processing device is provided with a clutch mechanism for selectively transmitting power to the impeller and the rotating groove, and a clutch drive unit for operating the clutch mechanism. By rotating the clutch drive unit, the clutch mechanism is linked, thereby enabling the impeller and the rotating groove to rotate selectively.

[0005] On the other hand, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0092767 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art") discloses a clutch for a washing machine and a washing machine having the clutch. In the prior art washing machine, an inner tub 2 compatible with washing and spin-drying is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 1 of the washing machine body, and an impeller 3 capable of rotating independently of the inner tub 2 is disposed inside the inner tub 2. In addition, it has: a spin-drying shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft support bearing housing 20 and transmitting rotational power to the inner tub 2; a washing shaft 4 transmitting rotational power to the impeller 3; a motor 7 that rotates the rotor 7b when the stator 7a is energized; and a clutch mechanism capable of switching the power transmission path of the motor 7 to the washing shaft 4 or the spin-drying shaft 5 according to the washing program or the spin-drying program.

[0006] Here, the prior art clutch mechanism has: a clutch motor 6 disposed at the lower part of the outer groove 1; a cam 600 coupled to the camshaft 602 of the clutch motor 6; a lever guide 30 fixed on the shaft support bearing housing 20; a lever 8 that receives the guidance of the lever guide 30 and moves linearly when the clutch motor 6 is driven, having a groove 800 with an inclined surface 801 and a flat surface 802 extending horizontally from the lower end of the inclined surface 801; and a connecting rod 17 disposed between the cam 600 of the clutch motor 6 and the lever 8, which pulls the lever 8 toward the clutch motor 6 when the clutch motor 6 is "open".

[0007] In such existing technology, in order to selectively rotate the inner tank 2 or the impeller 3, the power transmission path of the motor 7 is switched to the washing shaft 4 or the spin-drying shaft 5 by operating the clutch mechanism.

[0008] However, in such existing clutch mechanisms, there is a problem that the power transmission path of the motor 7 cannot be switched to the washing shaft 4 or the spin-drying shaft 5 simply for the selective rotation of the inner tank 2 or the impeller 3.

[0009] In other words, for the washing machine to process clothes, the inner tub and the impeller need to operate in various ways. In addition to the selective operation of the inner tub and the impeller, the operation of the clutch mechanism needs to be improved so that the inner tub and the impeller can rotate simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a drive unit that enables selective operation of the inner groove and the impeller and simultaneous operation of the inner groove and the impeller by improving the operation of the clutch mechanism, and a clothing processing device using the drive unit.

[0012] In addition, the present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a drive unit capable of changing the operation of the clutch mechanism to inner groove operation, impeller operation, and simultaneous operation of inner groove and impeller, and a clothing processing device using the drive unit.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other purposes not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer tank for containing washing water, an inner tank disposed inside the outer tank for containing laundry, and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tank. The device includes an inner tank driving mode, a pulsator driving mode, and a simultaneous driving mode where the inner tank and the pulsator are driven simultaneously. Preferably, it includes: a drive motor, including a stator and a rotor; a washing shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the rotor and rotates together, and the upper end of which is connected to the pulsator to rotate the pulsator; and a hollow spin-drying shaft, having a hollow portion to accommodate the washing shaft, the lower end of which is adjacent to the rotor, and the upper end of which is connected to the inner tank. The system includes: a planetary gear module disposed inside the spin-drying shaft to reduce the rotation of the washing shaft and transmit it to the spin-drying shaft; a coupler movably disposed on one side of the spin-drying shaft to selectively connect the spin-drying shaft to the rotor; and a clutch mechanism providing power to move the coupler up and down. The clutch mechanism is preferably configured such that, in the inner tank drive mode, the coupler transmits the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; in the impeller drive mode, it blocks the transmission of the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft by restricting the rotation of the spin-drying shaft; and in the simultaneous drive mode, it releases the restriction on the spin-drying shaft, allowing the rotation of the washing shaft to be transmitted to the spin-drying shaft via the planetary gear module.

[0016] Preferably, the device includes: a fixing portion through which the dehydration shaft passes and is rotatably supported, the fixing portion engaging with the coupler to restrict the rotation of the dehydration shaft; and a dehydration shaft engagement portion that allows the dehydration shaft to selectively engage with the rotor using the coupler; preferably, in the inner tank drive mode, the clutch mechanism engages the coupler with the dehydration shaft engagement portion; in the impeller drive mode, the clutch mechanism engages the coupler with the fixing portion; and in the simultaneous drive mode, the clutch mechanism disengages the coupler from the fixing portion and the engagement of the coupler with the dehydration shaft engagement portion.

[0017] On the other hand, preferably, an upper engaging portion is formed at the lower part of the fixed portion, and a lower engaging portion is formed at the upper part of the dehydration shaft coupling portion; an upper tooth surface that engages with the upper engaging portion is formed at the upper part of the coupler, and a lower tooth surface that engages with the lower engaging portion is formed at the lower part of the coupler; the height of the upper tooth surface and the lower tooth surface is less than the distance between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion.

[0018] In addition, the clutch mechanism preferably includes: a clutch motor; a cam that converts the rotational force of the clutch motor into linear motion; a lever that is connected to the cam and moves linearly; a plunger that moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the lever; and a clutch lever that rotates with the movement of the plunger to move the coupler up and down.

[0019] Here, the lever is preferably formed with a plurality of lifting surfaces that set the vertical movement height of the plunger; the lifting surfaces preferably include: a first lifting surface that sets the height of the plunger so as to engage the coupler with the dehydration shaft connection in the inner groove drive mode; a second lifting surface that sets the position of the plunger so as to disengage the coupler from the dehydration shaft connection and the coupler from the fixed part in the simultaneous drive mode; and a third lifting surface that sets the position of the plunger so as to engage the coupler with the fixed part in the impeller drive mode.

[0020] On the other hand, the clutch mechanism preferably includes: a lever guide for guiding the movement of the lever; and a return spring disposed on the lever guide for imparting a restoring force to the lever; the return spring preferably provides elastic force to the lever so that the plunger is located on the first lifting surface.

[0021] On the other hand, the planetary gear module preferably includes: a sun gear that rotates with the rotation of the washing shaft; a plurality of planetary gears that mesh with the sun gear and rotate around the sun gear; and a planet carrier that is rotatably connected to the rotation axis of each of the plurality of planetary gears and rotates coaxially with the sun gear.

[0022] On the other hand, the washing shaft preferably includes: a lower washing shaft, the upper part of which is connected to the lower part of the sun gear and the lower part of which is connected to the rotor; and an upper washing shaft, the upper part of which is connected to the impeller and the lower part of which is connected to the planetary carrier.

[0023] In addition, the dehydration shaft preferably includes: a lower dehydration shaft, the lower end of which is selectively connected to the rotor via the coupler, and the upper end of which is connected to the planetary carrier; and an upper dehydration shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the planetary carrier, and the upper end of which is connected to the inner tank.

[0024] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the drive unit of one embodiment of the present invention preferably includes: a drive motor, including a stator and a rotor; a washing shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the rotor and rotates together; a hollow spin-drying shaft, having a hollow portion for accommodating the washing shaft, the lower end of which is disposed adjacent to the rotor; a planetary gear module disposed inside the spin-drying shaft, which decelerates the rotation of the washing shaft and transmits it to the spin-drying shaft; a coupler, which is vertically and vertically disposed on one side of the spin-drying shaft and selectively connects the spin-drying shaft to the rotor; and a clutch mechanism, which provides power to move the coupler vertically and vertically to perform one of the following operations: a) the coupler transmits the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; b) restricts the rotation of the spin-drying shaft to block the transmission of the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; c) releases the restriction on the spin-drying shaft so that the rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the spin-drying shaft through the planetary gear module.

[0025] Here, the drive unit preferably includes: a fixing part through which the dehydration shaft passes and is rotatably supported, the fixing part engaging with the coupler to restrict the rotation of the dehydration shaft; and a dehydration shaft engagement part that allows the dehydration shaft to selectively engage with the rotor using the coupler.

[0026] Additionally, preferably, the coupler engages with the dehydration shaft when the coupler transmits the rotation of the washing shaft to the dehydration shaft.

[0027] Alternatively, preferably, the coupler engages with the fixing part when the rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the dehydrating shaft by restricting the rotation of the dehydrating shaft.

[0028] Additionally, preferably, when the rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the dehydration shaft via the planetary gear module by releasing the restriction of the dehydration shaft, the engagement between the coupler and the fixing part and the engagement between the coupler and the dehydration shaft are released.

[0029] Preferably, an upper engaging portion is formed at the lower part of the fixing portion, and a lower engaging portion is formed at the upper part of the dehydration shaft coupling portion; an upper tooth surface that engages with the upper engaging portion is formed at the upper part of the coupler, and a lower tooth surface that engages with the lower engaging portion is formed at the lower part of the coupler; the height of the upper tooth surface and the lower tooth surface is less than the distance between the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion.

[0030] On the other hand, the clutch mechanism preferably includes: a clutch motor; a cam that converts the rotational force of the clutch motor into linear motion; a lever that is connected to the cam and moves linearly; a plunger that moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the lever; and a clutch lever that rotates with the movement of the plunger to move the coupler up and down.

[0031] Here, the lever is preferably formed with a plurality of lifting surfaces that set the vertical movement height of the plunger. The lifting surfaces preferably include: a first lifting surface that sets the height of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the dehydration shaft; a second lifting surface that sets the position of the plunger so as to disengage the coupler from the dehydration shaft and the coupler from the fixing part; and a third lifting surface that sets the position of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the fixing part.

[0032] On the other hand, the clutch mechanism preferably includes: a lever guide for guiding the movement of the lever; and a return spring disposed on the lever guide for imparting a restoring force to the lever; the return spring preferably provides elastic force to the lever so that the plunger is located on the first lifting surface.

[0033] Invention Effects

[0034] According to the present invention, the drive unit and the garment processing apparatus utilizing the drive unit have the effect of enabling the inner groove and the impeller to operate selectively and simultaneously by improving the operation of the clutch mechanism.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the drive unit and the garment processing apparatus utilizing the drive unit of the present invention, there is an effect of providing a garment processing apparatus that can change the operation of the clutch mechanism to the operation of the inner groove, the operation of the impeller, or the simultaneous operation of the inner groove and the impeller.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the claims that other effects not mentioned are also present. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive section of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the clutch mechanism of a garment handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4This is an operational diagram showing the impeller drive state of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an operational diagram showing the inner tank drive state of a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an operational diagram showing the simultaneous driving state of the impeller and inner groove of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the invention. The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] To clearly illustrate the invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for the same or identical constituent elements.

[0045] The technical terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, singular phrases as used herein include plural forms. The word "comprising" as used in the specification means specific features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be additionally interpreted as having meanings consistent with those in the technical literature and the present disclosure, and shall not be construed as having idealized or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined as such.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0050] Reference Figure 1Typically, the garment handling device 1 may include: a housing 10 forming the appearance; a top cover 11 disposed at the upper end of the housing 10; and a base 12 disposed at the lower end of the housing 10.

[0051] The housing 10 is square in shape with an internal space, and its upper and lower ends are open. Various devices required for washing can be installed inside the housing 10.

[0052] The top cover 11 is disposed at the open upper end of the housing 10, forming a laundry inlet 21 for inserting laundry. Additionally, a door 13 is provided on the upper side of the top cover 11 for opening and closing the laundry inlet. For example, the door 13 may be rotatable by the user.

[0053] The base 12 is configured to cover the open lower end of the housing 10. The bottom surface of the base 12 is provided with one or more support legs (not shown) to separate the base 12 from the ground. Additionally, the level of the garment handling device 1 can be adjusted by rotating the support legs.

[0054] In addition, the garment processing device 1 is provided with a control panel 15 consisting of various devices capable of controlling the garment processing device 1. The control panel 15 may be located on the top surface of the top cover 11.

[0055] The control panel 15 may be equipped with various input sections and a display section. The input sections allow the user to operate the garment processing device 1, and the display section can show the user the status of the garment processing device 1. Furthermore, the control panel 15 may be configured with various PCBs (not shown) to control the configuration of the garment processing device 1 based on signals input through the input sections.

[0056] The garment processing device 1, formed by the housing 10, the top cover 11, and the base 12, has a cylindrical outer groove 20 and an inner groove 30 within its internal space. The inner groove 30 has a smaller diameter than the outer groove 20 so as to be accommodated inside the outer groove 20.

[0057] The outer tank 20 is filled with washing water for washing clothes. The outer tank 20 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the top surface may have an opening 21 for clothes to enter and exit.

[0058] The outer groove 20 can be provided inside the housing 10, spaced upwards from the base 12 at predetermined intervals, using a support member 22. For example, the upper end of the support member 22 can support the upper part of the housing 10, and the lower end can be connected to the lower part of the outer groove 20. In addition, a shock absorber 24 for absorbing vibrations generated in the outer groove 20 and the inner groove 30 can be provided at the lower end of the support member 22.

[0059] The shock absorber 24 may include a spring that absorbs vibrations generated in the inner groove 30 or the drive unit 100 (described later) and transmitted to the outer groove 20 through elastic deformation.

[0060] The inner tank 30 can be defined as a washing tank that is rotated by the drive unit 100 described later for washing, rinsing, and dehydrating laundry. The inner tank 30 can be housed inside the outer tank 20, and the outer surface of the inner tank 30 is separated from the inner surface of the outer tank 20 by a predetermined distance.

[0061] A plurality of washing holes 32 are formed on the side of the inner tank 30 for washing water to flow in and out. Therefore, washing water supplied to the outer tank 20 can fill the inner tank 30 through the plurality of washing holes 32.

[0062] Additionally, the inner circumferential surface of the inner tank 30 may be provided with a filter unit 34 for capturing various foreign objects, including lint, contained in the washing water. A plurality of filter units 34 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner tank 30.

[0063] On the other hand, the garment processing device 1 is internally provided with a water supply path 51, which is connected to an external water source to supply washing water to the outer tank 20 and the inner tank 30. The water supply path 51 is provided with a water supply valve (not shown) for opening and closing the water supply path 51. Multiple water supply valves may be provided depending on the type of water supplied. For example, the water supply valve may include a warm water valve and a cold water valve.

[0064] In addition, the garment processing device 1 is internally provided with a drain passage 45 for discharging washing water from the outer tank 20 and the inner tank 30 to the outside of the garment processing device 1. The drain passage 45 is provided with a drain valve 46 for opening and closing the drain passage 45. In addition, the drain passage 45 may also be provided with a drain pump 47 for pumping the washing water discharged into the drain passage 45 to the outside.

[0065] In addition, a pulsator 50 for forming a water flow for washing is rotatably provided on the bottom surface of the inner tank 30.

[0066] Additionally, the garment handling device 1 is internally provided with a drive unit 100 that provides power to rotate the inner tub 30 or the impeller 50. The drive unit 100 includes a spin-drying shaft 120 for rotating the inner tub 30 and a washing shaft 110 for rotating the impeller 50, and the drive unit 100 selectively rotates the spin-drying shaft 120 and the washing shaft 110.

[0067] On the other hand, the drive unit 100 is disposed at the lower part of the outer groove 20. The drive unit 100 can be understood as a means of providing power for rotating the impeller 50 or for rotating the impeller 50 and the inner groove 20 together.

[0068] The drive unit 100 may include: a washing shaft 110 that transmits power to the impeller 50; a spin-drying shaft 120 that transmits rotational power to the inner tub 30; a bearing housing 130 that supports the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120; and a drive motor 180, 190 disposed at the lower part of the bearing housing 130 that provides driving force to the washing shaft 110 or the spin-drying shaft 120.

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive section of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As described above, the drive unit 100 includes a washing shaft 110, a spin-drying shaft 120, a bearing housing 130, and drive motors 180 and 190.

[0072] In detail, the washing shaft 110 includes an upper washing shaft 111 and a lower washing shaft 115 located below the upper washing shaft 111. Additionally, the spin-drying shaft 120 includes an upper spin-drying shaft 121 and a lower spin-drying shaft 125 located below the upper spin-drying shaft 121.

[0073] The upper washing shaft 111 passes through the center of the upper dehydration shaft 120 and protrudes into the interior of the inner tank 30. One end of the upper washing shaft 111 protruding into the interior of the inner tank 30 is connected to the impeller 50. In addition, the other end of the upper washing shaft 111 extends downward and connects to the planetary gear module 140 disposed inside the bearing housing 130.

[0074] The upper washing shaft 111 is fixed to the bottom of the inner tub 30 and rotates integrally with the inner tub 30. The lower washing shaft 115 is spaced downwards from the upper washing shaft 111. The lower end of the lower washing shaft 115 is connected to the rotor 190 of the drive motor, and the upper end is connected to the planetary gear module 140. That is, the planetary gear module 140 connects the lower end of the upper washing shaft 111 to the upper end of the lower washing shaft 115.

[0075] The upper washing shaft 111 is inserted through the interior of the upper dehydration shaft 121, and the upper dehydration shaft 121 and the upper washing shaft 111 are concentric. One end of the upper dehydration shaft 121 is connected to the inner groove 30 and transmits rotational force to the inner groove 30, and the other end is connected to the planetary gear module 140.

[0076] The lower dehydration shaft 125 is positioned downwards from the upper dehydration shaft 121. The lower washing shaft 115 is inserted through the lower dehydration shaft 125, and the lower dehydration shaft 125 and the lower washing shaft 115 are concentric. The upper end of the lower dehydration shaft 125 is connected to the planetary gear module 140, and the lower end is coupled to the rotor 190 via a coupler 150 (described later) and receives rotational force.

[0077] At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125 is formed with an inner peripheral tooth surface (not shown) for meshing with the coupler 150. Therefore, the coupler 150 is configured to be able to move up and down along the lower dehydration shaft 125.

[0078] According to the drive unit 100 described above, the rotational force generated by the drive motors 180 and 190 is reduced in speed by the planetary gear module 140 and then transmitted to the upper washing shaft 111 and / or the upper spin-drying shaft 121. Therefore, the impeller 50 or the inner tank 30 can rotate with higher torque to effectively utilize the drive motors 180 and 190.

[0079] The bearing housing 130 supports the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120, and internally accommodates a planetary gear module 140 including a plurality of gears. The bearing housing 130 is disposed on the lower side of the outer groove 20. The bearing housing 130 can be fixed to the bottom surface of the outer groove 20 by means of fastening members.

[0080] The bearing housing 130 forms an internal space for accommodating the planetary gear module 140. More specifically, the bearing housing 130 may include: a housing shell 130a that accommodates the planetary gear module 140 in its center; and a cover 130b that covers the top surface of the opening of the housing shell 130a.

[0081] On the other hand, the upper washing shaft 111 and the upper dehydration shaft 121 are inserted through the center of the top surface of the bearing cover 130, that is, the center of the cover 130b.

[0082] Specifically, a sleeve 130c for bearing insertion can extend from the center of the cover 130b, through which the upper dehydration shaft 121 can pass and connect to the planetary gear module 140. Furthermore, an upper shaft support bearing 103 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the upper dehydration shaft 121 and the sleeve 130c, rotatably supporting the upper dehydration shaft 121. When the upper dehydration shaft 121 rotates, the upper shaft support bearing 103 prevents friction between the upper dehydration shaft 121 and the sleeve 130c.

[0083] In addition, the lower washing shaft 115 and the lower dehydration shaft 125 are inserted through the center of the bottom surface of the bearing cover 130, that is, the center of the bottom of the cover housing 130a.

[0084] Additionally, a sleeve 130d extends from the bottom center of the housing 130a, through which the lower dehydration shaft 125 passes and connects to the planetary gear module 140. Furthermore, a lower shaft support bearing 105 is provided between the sleeve 130d and the lower dehydration shaft 125, rotatably supporting the lower dehydration shaft 125.

[0085] In addition, a fixing part 126 is provided at the lower part of the housing 130a, and the fixing part 126 has an upper engagement part 126a that engages with the upper tooth surface 153 formed on the upper part of the coupler 150.

[0086] The drive motor is disposed below the bearing housing 130. The drive motor includes: a stator 180 that generates magnetic force using an applied power source; and a rotor 190 that rotates under the influence of an induced electromotive force through interaction with the stator 180.

[0087] In detail, the stator 180 includes: a yoke 181 formed by stacking magnetic cores (not shown) on the inner circumferential surface; magnetic poles 183 that are radially protruding from the side of the yoke 181 and spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the yoke 181, and on which coils 182 are wound; and an insulator 184 that covers the outer circumferential surface of the magnetic core to prevent the coils 182 from directly contacting the magnetic core.

[0088] Additionally, the stator 180 also includes the inner peripheral surface of the yoke 181, specifically, a fastening protrusion 185 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the insulator 184 toward the center of the yoke 181. The fastening protrusion 185 is the portion that uses fastening members to fasten the stator 180 to the bearing housing 130.

[0089] A fastening hole 186 is formed in the fastening protrusion 185, and the fastening member is inserted into the bottom surface of the bearing cover 130 after passing through the fastening hole 186.

[0090] The rotor 190 is the portion that rotates under the influence of the electrode difference between the rotor 190 and the stator 180. The rotor 190 is configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the stator 180. As an example, the rotor 190 can be configured as a flat cylindrical shape with an open top surface. In addition, the stator 180 is placed inside the rotor 190 through the open top surface, thereby forming an external rotor type motor.

[0091] Additionally, a shaft engagement portion 195 is provided at the center of the rotor 190 for engaging the lower washing shaft 115 and the lower dehydration shaft 125. The shaft engagement portion 195 includes: a shaft engagement boss 197 having a shaft through hole 197a through which the lower washing shaft 115 passes; and a dehydration shaft engagement portion 198 having a lower engagement portion 198a formed on the outer side of the shaft engagement boss 197 that engages with the lower tooth surface 155 of the coupler 150.

[0092] The shaft coupling 195 is fixedly coupled to the rotor 190 and rotates integrally with the rotor 190. In addition, a fastening member 199 is inserted into the end of the lower washing shaft 115 that passes through the shaft coupling 195, so that the lower washing shaft 115, the shaft coupling 195 and the rotor 190 rotate integrally.

[0093] On the other hand, the planetary gear module 140 constituting the drive unit 100 is a means of reducing the rotational force generated by the drive motor in order to increase the torque transmitted to the impeller 50.

[0094] In detail, the planetary gear module 140 includes: a planetary gear housing 145, a sun gear 144 housed inside the planetary gear housing 145, a plurality of planetary gears 142 meshing with the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 144, and a planet carrier 141 supporting the plurality of planetary gears 142.

[0095] More specifically, in the planet carrier 141, a plurality of gear shafts 143 into which planetary gears are inserted are arranged circumferentially, and a through hole is formed at the center of each planetary gear 142 for the gear shafts 143 to pass through. With this structure, the planet carrier 141 can support the plurality of planetary gears 142 while rotating together with them. Furthermore, a sun gear 144 is arranged at the center of the plurality of planetary gears 142, and the planetary gears 142 mesh and rotate with the sun gear 144. Simultaneously, the plurality of planetary gears 142 mesh and rotate with the tooth surfaces formed on the inner circumferential surface of the planetary gear housing 145.

[0096] In addition, the upper end of the lower dehydration shaft 125 is fixed to the bottom surface of the planetary gear housing 145, so that the lower dehydration shaft 125 rotates integrally with the planetary gear housing 145.

[0097] As shown in the figure, the lower dehydration shaft 125 can be composed of a cylindrical shaft portion 125a through which the lower washing shaft 115 passes, and a circular support portion 125b extending horizontally from the upper end of the shaft portion 125a in a direction orthogonal to the shaft portion 125a. Furthermore, the support portion 125b can form the bottom surface of the planetary gear housing 145 and support the sun gear 144 and a plurality of planetary gears 142.

[0098] Furthermore, the upper end of the planetary gear housing 145 is integrally connected to the upper dehydration shaft 121. Additionally, an octagonal groove with rounded corners is formed on the upper part of the planetary carrier 141 to engage with the lower end of the upper washing shaft 111. Therefore, the planetary carrier 141 and the upper washing shaft 111 rotate integrally.

[0099] Additionally, the sun gear 144 is connected to the upper end of the lower washing shaft 115. In the washing mode, the rotational force generated by the drive motor is transmitted via the lower washing shaft 115 in the order of sun gear 144, planetary gear 142, planet carrier 141, and upper washing shaft 111. Furthermore, the rotational force generated by the drive motor is converted into a state of decreased rotational speed and increased torque under the action of the planetary gear module 140 before being transmitted to the upper washing shaft 111.

[0100] The coupler 150 can be coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125 and moves with the lower dehydration shaft 125 in the vertical direction (up and down direction). The vertical movement of the coupler 150 along the lower dehydration shaft 125 serves to selectively transmit the rotational force caused by the rotation of the rotor 190 to the lower dehydration shaft 125 and the lower washing shaft 115.

[0101] In detail, the coupler 150 includes a cylindrical body 151 having an upper toothed surface 153 and a lower toothed surface 155. A through hole (not shown) is formed at the center of the body 151 for the lower dehydration shaft 125 to pass through. Additionally, an inner circumferential toothed surface (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole that meshes with the outer circumferential surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125.

[0102] With the inner circumferential tooth surface formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole engaged with the outer circumferential tooth surface (not shown) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125, the coupler 150 descends along the lower dehydration shaft 125, causing the lower tooth surface 155 formed on the bottom surface of the coupler 150 to engage with the lower meshing portion 198a of the dehydration shaft engagement portion 198. Conversely, if the coupler 150 rises, the lower meshing portion 198a of the dehydration shaft engagement portion 198 of the rotor 190 separates from the tooth surface formed on the bottom surface of the coupler 150.

[0103] The upper end of the main body 151 has a flange portion 152 that expands radially along the main body 151. Furthermore, the upper tooth surface 153 can be formed along the circumferential direction along the upper edge of the flange portion 152. Additionally, the lower tooth surface 155 can be formed along the circumferential direction along the lower edge of the main body 151, and the lower tooth surface 155 can engage with the lower meshing portion 198a of the dehydration shaft coupling portion 198.

[0104] On the other hand, the height of the upper tooth surface 153 and the lower tooth surface 155 of the coupler 150 is less than the interval between the upper engaging portion 126a and the lower engaging portion 198a. That is, when the coupler 150 is located between the upper tooth surface 153 and the lower tooth surface 155, the upper tooth surface 153 and the upper engaging portion 126a, and the lower tooth surface 155 and the lower engaging portion, can be formed at a predetermined interval.

[0105] In addition, a compression spring 157 may be provided between the upper surface of the coupler 150 and the lower shaft support bearing 105. When switching from washing mode to spin-drying mode, the compression spring 157 pushes the coupler 150 downward.

[0106] Additionally, the drive unit 100 may also include a clutch mechanism 170 that switches the power transmission path of the drive motor to the washing shaft 110 or the spin-drying shaft 120 corresponding to the washing or spin-drying program. The clutch mechanism 170 functions to move the coupler 150 up and down to the rising position by utilizing the operation of the clutch motor.

[0107] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a clutch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0108] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the clutch operating part of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, the clutch mechanism 170 may include: a clutch motor 160 disposed at the lower part of the outer groove 20; a cam 162 coupled to the drive shaft 161 of the clutch motor 160 and having an eccentric shaft 163; a lever guide 171 fixed inside the bearing housing 130; and a lever 172 that receives the guidance of the lever guide 171 and reciprocates linearly when the clutch motor is on or off.

[0110] In addition, the clutch mechanism 170 may also include: a connecting rod 173 disposed between the cam 162 and the lever 172 of the clutch motor 160, which serves to pull the lever 172 toward the clutch motor side as the clutch motor is driven; and a return spring 171a with one end fixed to the lever guide 171 and the other end fixed to the lever 172 to impart a restoring force to the lever 172.

[0111] Here, the clutch motor 160 can be configured as a geared motor that transmits power to the drive shaft 161 connected to the cam 162 after being reduced in speed by an internal reduction gear. Alternatively, the clutch motor 160 can be configured as a stepping motor, so as to move the lever a set distance.

[0112] Therefore, as the clutch motor 160 rotates, the drive shaft 161 rotates, and the cam 162, which is fastened to the drive shaft 161, rotates. The lever 172, which is connected to the eccentric shaft 163 of the cam 162, can perform linear reciprocating motion along the lever guide 171.

[0113] Additionally, the clutch mechanism 170 may further include: a mover 174 that rises or falls as the respective inclined surfaces 172d, 172e and the respective lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, 172c of the lever 172 move when the clutch motor 160 is running; a plunger 175 that moves up and down along a guide groove inside the mover 174; and a buffer spring 176 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger 175.

[0114] In addition, the lower end of the plunger 175 is provided with a clutch lever 177 for actually supporting the coupler 150. One end of the clutch lever 177 is engaged with the plunger 175, and the other end is in contact with the coupler 150, thereby enabling the coupler 150 to move up and down.

[0115] In more detail, the lever 172 can be configured to reciprocate horizontally along the lever guide 171, and its lower part can be formed with a plurality of lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, 172c for raising and lowering the plunger 175. Inclined surfaces 172d, 172e are formed between each of the lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, 172c. Each of the lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, 172c is used to set the lifting height of the mover 174, and each of the inclined surfaces 172d, 172e has an inclination for smooth movement of the mover between the lifting surfaces.

[0116] On the other hand, each of the lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, and 172c can correspond to the position of the coupler 150. Each of the lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, and 172c can include a first lifting surface 172a, a second lifting surface 172b, and a third lifting surface 172c. The first lifting surface 172a can correspond to the position where the lower tooth surface 155 of the coupler 150 engages with the lower meshing portion 198a of the dehydration shaft coupling portion 198. The third lifting surface 172c can correspond to the position where the upper tooth surface 153 of the coupler 150 engages with the upper meshing portion 126a of the fixing portion 126. The second lifting surface 172b can correspond to the position where the upper tooth surface 153 and the lower tooth surface 155 of the coupler 150 are separated from the upper meshing portion 126a and the lower meshing portion 198a, respectively.

[0117] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 172d and 172e are formed between the first lifting surface 172a, the second lifting surface 172b, and the third lifting surface 172c, to facilitate the movement of the movable element 174 as it moves with the lever, moving along the first lifting surface 172a, the second lifting surface 172b, and the third lifting surface 172c. Here, the end of the movable element 174 can be formed at a predetermined angle corresponding to the inclination of each of the inclined surfaces 172d and 172e.

[0118] Additionally, the clutch lever 177 can engage with the end of the plunger 175, extend toward the coupler 150, extend from its two side edges, and be rotatably secured by a rotating pin 178.

[0119] On the other hand, the clutch lever 177 can be configured to extend in a “Y” shape toward the coupler 150 in a state of being rotatably supported by the rotating pin 178, so as to surround the edge of the coupler 150.

[0120] That is, the clutch lever 177 can rotate as the plunger 175 rises and falls, causing the coupler 150 to rise and fall. Specifically, when switching to the washing mode as the coupler 150 rises and falls, the coupler 150 is raised to its uppermost position and the upper tooth surface 153 is pressed to engage with the upper engagement portion 126a; or the position of the coupler 150 is controlled so that the upper tooth surface 153 and the lower tooth surface 155 of the coupler 150 are located between the upper engagement portion 126a and the lower engagement portion 198a.

[0121] On the other hand, the end of the clutch lever 177 can be configured to rest on the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the coupler 150, or it can be fixed to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coupler 150. That is, in addition to the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this specification, there are various other methods for the clutch lever 177 to contact the coupler 150.

[0122] Additionally, the drive unit 100 may also include a clutch stop (not shown) that limits the amount of rotation of the clutch lever 177. The clutch stop functions to suppress the movement of the coupler 150 to prevent the coupler 150 from rotating and impacting the clutch motor, the washing shaft 110, or the spin-drying shaft 120 after the coupler 150 is disengaged from the rotor 190.

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the operation of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0124] Figure 4 This is an operational diagram showing the impeller drive state of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an operational diagram showing the inner tank drive state of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is an operational diagram showing the simultaneous driving of the impeller and inner groove of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] In describing this invention, the garment handling apparatus 1 of this invention can perform a washing program for laundry through processes such as a washing program, a rinsing program, and a spin-drying program. Hereinafter, the operation of the drive unit 100, which is the main focus of this invention, and the operation of the clutch mechanism 170 for controlling the operation of the drive unit 100 will be mainly described. However, the washing program of the garment handling apparatus 1 is not limited; any program that includes the operation of the drive unit 100 and the clutch mechanism 170 for controlling the operation of the drive unit 100 can be considered to correspond to the technical scope of the garment handling apparatus 1 of this invention.

[0126] In addition, the garment processing device 1 of the present invention may include a pulsator drive mode in which the pulsator 50 rotates alone during a washing or rinsing program, a simultaneous drive mode in which the pulsator 50 and the inner tub 30 rotate in opposite directions to each other, and an inner tub drive mode in which the inner tub 30 is driven alone during a spin-drying program.

[0127] First, refer to Figure 4 The impeller drive mode that operates during the washing or rinsing program is explained.

[0128] If a washing command is input into the garment handling device 1, the clutch motor 160 of the clutch mechanism 170 will operate. If the clutch motor 160 operates, the connecting rod 173 will be pulled toward the clutch motor 160, thereby pulling the lever 172 together.

[0129] At this time, the clutch motor 160 causes the lever 172 to move horizontally, so that the position of the mover 174 is located on the third lifting surface 172c. Here, as the lever 172 moves horizontally toward the clutch motor 160, the mover 174 moves through the first lifting surface 172a, the second lifting surface 172b, and each of the inclined surfaces 172d and 172e toward the third lifting surface 172c.

[0130] Here, the mover 174 descends as it moves toward the third lifting surface 172c. If the plunger 175 descends together with the mover 174, the clutch lever 177 rotates upward toward the coupling 150 side about the rotating pin 178 as the rotating axis.

[0131] At this time, as the clutch lever 177 rotates, the clutch lever 177 pushes the coupler 150 upward, and the coupler 150 rises with the lower dehydration shaft 125.

[0132] Here, the coupler 150 is disengaged from the dehydration shaft engagement portion 198 of the rotor 190 and engaged with the fixing portion 126 of the lower dehydration shaft 125. In this case, the coupler 150 is disengaged from the rotor 190, so when the rotor 190 rotates, only the washing shaft 110 rotates.

[0133] That is, in the impeller drive mode, the tooth surface formed on the inner circumferential surface of the coupler 150 is in a state of only meshing with the tooth surface on the outer circumferential surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125, and the tooth surface of the dehydration shaft engagement part 198 that meshes with the lower washing shaft 115 is not in a state of meshing. Therefore, the rotational force of the rotor 190 is transmitted to the impeller 50 only through the washing shaft 110.

[0134] In detail, the process of transmitting the rotational force of the rotor 190 in the impeller drive mode is explained. The rotational force of the rotor 190 is transmitted sequentially to the shaft engagement boss 197 of the rotor 190, the lower washing shaft 115 which is engaged with the shaft engagement boss 197, the sun gear 144, the planetary gear 142, the planet carrier 141, and the upper washing shaft 111.

[0135] That is, in the impeller drive mode, if the coupler 150 rises, the lower engagement part 198a separates from the lower tooth surface 155, the power transmission between the lower dehydration shaft 125 and the rotor 190 is cut off, the rotor 190 rotates while the lower dehydration shaft 125 remains stationary.

[0136] On the other hand, a shaft engagement boss 197 may be fixed at the center of the dehydration shaft engagement portion 198, and the shaft engagement boss 197 is formed with a shaft through hole 197a through which the lower end of the lower washing shaft 115 passes.

[0137] Therefore, as the position of the mover 174 is located on the third lifting surface 172c, the coupler 150 is combined with the fixing part 126 of the lower dehydration shaft 125, and the rotational force of the rotor 190 can be transmitted only to the washing shaft 110, causing only the impeller 50 to rotate.

[0138] The following is for reference Figure 5 The driving mode in which the impeller and the inner tank rotate in opposite directions during the execution of the washing or rinsing program is described.

[0139] If a washing command is input to the garment handling device 1, the clutch motor 160 of the clutch mechanism 170 operates. If the clutch motor 160 operates, the connecting rod 173 is pulled toward the clutch motor 160, and the lever 172 is pulled simultaneously.

[0140] At this time, the clutch motor 160 causes the lever 172 to move horizontally so that the mover 174 is positioned on the second lifting surface 172b. Here, as the lever 172 moves horizontally toward the clutch motor 160, the mover 174 moves toward the second lifting surface via the first lifting surface 172a and the inclined surfaces 172d and 172e.

[0141] Here, the mover 174 descends as it moves toward the second lifting surface. If the plunger 175 descends together with the mover 174, then as the plunger 175 descends, the clutch lever 177 rotates about the rotating pin 178 as its axis, and its coupling 150 rotates laterally upward at a predetermined angle.

[0142] At this time, as the clutch lever 177 rotates, the clutch lever 177 pushes the coupler 150 upward by a preset distance, and the coupler 150 rises with the lower dehydration shaft 125.

[0143] Here, as the coupler 150 disengages from the spin-drying shaft coupling 198 of the rotor 190, it also disengages from the fixing portion 126 of the lower spin-drying shaft 125. With the coupler 150 disengaged from the rotor 190, when the rotor 190 rotates, the washing shaft 110 rotates. As the washing shaft 110 rotates, the planetary gear module 140 meshing with it also rotates, and a portion of the rotational force of the washing shaft 110 is transmitted to the spin-drying shaft 120 through the planetary gear module 140.

[0144] That is, in the simultaneous drive mode, since the tooth surface formed on the inner circumferential surface of the coupler 150 is not in a state of meshing with the tooth surface on the outer circumferential surface of the lower dehydration shaft 125, while the tooth surface of the dehydration shaft engagement portion 198 that meshes with the lower washing shaft 115 is not in a state of meshing, the rotational force of the rotor 190 is transmitted to the impeller 50 and the inner groove 30 through the washing shaft 110, the planetary gear module 140, and the dehydration shaft 120.

[0145] In detail, the rotational force transmission process of the rotor 190 in the simultaneous drive mode is explained. The rotational force of the rotor 190 is transmitted sequentially to the shaft engagement boss 197 of the rotor 190, the lower washing shaft 115 engaged with the shaft engagement boss 197, the sun gear 144, the planetary gear 142, the planet carrier 141, and the upper washing shaft 111.

[0146] That is, in the impeller drive mode, the coupler 150 is configured such that the upper meshing part 126a and the upper tooth surface 153, as well as the lower meshing part 198a and the lower tooth surface 155 are completely separated.

[0147] Therefore, the rotational force of the rotor 190 is transmitted to the planetary gear module 140 through the washing shaft 110, and then to the dehydration shaft 120 through the power transmission of the sun gear 144 and the planetary gears of the planetary gear module.

[0148] Therefore, as the position of the mover 174 is located on the second lifting surface 172b, the coupler 150 forms a power connection with the dehydration shaft 120 and the washing shaft 110, enabling the impeller 50 and the inner circumference to rotate simultaneously.

[0149] Here, the spin-drying shaft 120 receives the rotational force of the washing shaft 110 via the planetary gear module 140. Inside the planetary gear module 140, when the sun gear 144 rotates with the lower washing shaft 115, the planetary gear 142, while rotating on its own axis and meshing with the sun gear 144, revolves around the sun gear 144. Therefore, the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120 rotate in opposite directions. Consequently, the impeller 50 connected to the washing shaft 110 and the inner tank 30 connected to the spin-drying shaft 120 rotate in opposite directions.

[0150] The following is for reference Figure 6 The inner tank drive mode in which the inner tank 30 rotates independently when the dehydration process is executed is described.

[0151] If a spin-drying command is input to the garment processing device 1, the clutch motor of the clutch mechanism 170 operates. If the clutch motor 160 operates, the connecting rod 173, which is pulled towards the clutch motor 160 side, returns to its original position under the action of the return spring 171a, and the mover 174 is located on the first lifting surface of the lever 172. At this time, if the plunger 175 rises together with the mover 174, the clutch lever 177 rotates downward.

[0152] At this time, the clutch lever 177 is moved downward, and the coupler 150 descends under its own weight and the tension of the compression spring 157. If the coupler 150 descends completely along the lower dehydration shaft 125, the lower tooth surface 155 formed at the lower part of the coupler 150 engages with the lower meshing part 198a of the dehydration shaft engagement part 198.

[0153] In other words, if the coupler 150 is fully lowered, it is engaged with both the rotor 190 and the lower spin-drying shaft 125. In this state, the coupler 150 transmits the rotational force generated by the rotor 190 to both the lower washing shaft 115 and the lower spin-drying shaft 125 simultaneously, enabling the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120 to rotate at high speed and perform spin-drying.

[0154] Furthermore, since the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120 rotate as a single unit, inside the planetary gear module 140, when the sun gear 144 and the lower washing shaft 115 rotate, the planetary gear 142 does not rotate on its own axis, but instead revolves around the sun gear 144 while meshing with it. Therefore, the washing shaft 110 and the spin-drying shaft 120 rotate at the same speed.

[0155] In the garment handling apparatus 1 of the present invention as described above, the position of the mover 174 can be changed with the first to third lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, and 172c formed on the lever 172 of the clutch mechanism 170. As the mover 174 is located at one of the first to third lifting surfaces 172a, 172b, and 172c, it can drive the impeller 50 or the inner groove 30 individually, as well as drive the impeller 50 and the inner groove 30 simultaneously.

[0156] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can modify this invention into other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of this invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0157] The scope of this invention should be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description above, and it should be understood that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning, scope and equivalent concepts of the claims are included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment handling device includes an outer tub for containing washing water, an inner tub disposed inside the outer tub for containing laundry, and a pulsator disposed inside the inner tub. It also includes an inner tub drive mode driven by the inner tub, a pulsator drive mode driven by the pulsator, and a simultaneous drive mode in which both the inner tub and the pulsator are driven. Drive motor, including stator and rotor; A washing shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the rotor and rotates together, and the upper end of which is connected to the impeller and causes the impeller to rotate; A hollow-shaped dewatering shaft is formed with a hollow portion to accommodate the washing shaft. The lower end of the dewatering shaft is arranged adjacent to the rotor, and the upper end of the dewatering shaft is connected to the inner tank. A planetary gear module is disposed inside the spin-drying shaft to reduce the rotation of the washing shaft and transmit it to the spin-drying shaft; A coupler, vertically and flexibly mounted on one side of the dewatering shaft, selectively connects the dewatering shaft to the rotor; and A clutch mechanism provides the power to move the coupler up and down; The clutch mechanism is configured such that, in the inner tank drive mode, the coupler transmits the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; in the impeller drive mode, the rotation of the spin-drying shaft is restricted to block the transmission of the rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; and in the simultaneous drive mode, the restriction on the spin-drying shaft is released so that the rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the spin-drying shaft through the planetary gear module.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A fixing part, through which the dehydration shaft passes and is rotatably supported, the fixing part engaging with the coupler to restrict the rotation of the dehydration shaft; as well as The dehydration shaft engagement allows the dehydration shaft to selectively mesh with the rotor using the coupler.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the inner tank drive mode, the clutch mechanism engages the coupler with the dehydration shaft connection. In the impeller drive mode, the clutch mechanism engages the coupler with the fixed part. In the simultaneous drive mode, the clutch mechanism disengages the coupler from the fixed part and the coupler from the dehydration shaft connection.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An upper meshing portion is formed at the lower part of the fixed portion, and a lower meshing portion is formed at the upper part of the dehydration shaft joint portion; An upper tooth surface that engages with an upper meshing part is formed on the upper part of the coupler, and a lower tooth surface that engages with a lower meshing part is formed on the lower part of the coupler.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The height of the upper tooth surface and the lower tooth surface is less than the distance between the upper meshing part and the lower meshing part.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism has: Clutch motor; The cam converts the rotational force of the clutch motor into linear motion; The lever is connected to the cam and moves linearly. The plunger moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the lever; and The clutch lever rotates as the plunger moves, causing the coupler to move up and down.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lever has a plurality of lifting surfaces that set the vertical movement height of the plunger.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting surface includes: The first lifting surface sets the height of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the dehydration shaft in the inner groove drive mode; The second lifting surface sets the position of the plunger to disengage the coupling between the coupler and the dehydration shaft and the coupling between the coupler and the fixing part in the simultaneous drive mode; and The third lifting surface sets the position of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the fixed part in the impeller drive mode.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes: A lever guide that guides the movement of the lever; and A return spring, disposed on the lever guide, imparts a restoring force to the lever.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The return spring provides elastic force to the lever so that the plunger is positioned on the first lifting surface.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planetary gear module includes: The sun gear rotates with the rotation of the washing shaft; A plurality of planetary gears mesh with the sun gear and rotate around the sun gear; and The planet carrier is rotatably connected to the rotation axis of each of the plurality of planetary gears and rotates coaxially with the sun gear.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The washing shaft includes: A lower washing shaft, the upper part of which is connected to the lower part of the sun gear, and the lower part of which is connected to the rotor; and The upper washing shaft is connected to the impeller at its upper part and to the planetary carrier at its lower part.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The dehydration shaft includes: A lower dehydration shaft, the lower end of which is selectively connected to the rotor via the coupler, and the upper end of which is connected to the planetary carrier; and The upper dehydration shaft has its lower end connected to the planetary carrier and its upper end connected to the inner tank.

14. A driving unit, characterized in that, include: Drive motor, including stator and rotor; A washing shaft, the lower end of which is connected to the rotor and rotates together; A hollow-shaped dewatering shaft is formed with a hollow portion to accommodate the washing shaft, and the lower end of the dewatering shaft is arranged adjacent to the rotor; A planetary gear module is disposed inside the spin-drying shaft to reduce the rotation of the washing shaft and transmit it to the spin-drying shaft; A coupler, which is vertically and flexibly disposed on one side of the dewatering shaft, selectively connects the dewatering shaft to the rotor; as well as A clutch mechanism provides power to move the coupler up and down to perform one of the following operations: a) the coupler transmits rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; b) restricts rotation of the spin-drying shaft to block the transmission of rotation of the washing shaft to the spin-drying shaft; c) releases the restriction on the spin-drying shaft so that rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the spin-drying shaft through the planetary gear module.

15. The drive unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, include: A fixing part, through which the dehydration shaft passes and is rotatably supported, the fixing part engaging with the coupler to restrict the rotation of the dehydration shaft; as well as The dehydration shaft engagement allows the dehydration shaft to selectively mesh with the rotor using the coupler.

16. The drive unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, When the coupler transmits the rotation of the washing shaft to the dehydrating shaft, the coupler engages with the dehydrating shaft.

17. The drive unit according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the rotation of the washing shaft is transmitted to the dehydrating shaft by restricting the rotation of the dehydrating shaft, the coupler engages with the fixing part.

18. The drive unit according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the restriction on the spin-drying shaft is released, allowing the rotation of the washing shaft to be transmitted to the spin-drying shaft via the planetary gear module, the engagement between the coupler and the fixing part and the engagement between the coupler and the spin-drying shaft are released.

19. The drive unit according to claim 18, characterized in that, An upper meshing portion is formed at the lower part of the fixed portion, and a lower meshing portion is formed at the upper part of the dehydration shaft joint portion; An upper tooth surface that meshes with an upper meshing part is formed on the upper part of the coupler, and a lower tooth surface that meshes with a lower meshing part is formed on the lower part of the coupler. The height of the upper tooth surface and the lower tooth surface is less than the distance between the upper meshing part and the lower meshing part.

20. The driving unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes: Clutch motor; The cam converts the rotational force of the clutch motor into linear motion; The lever is connected to the cam and moves linearly. The plunger moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the lever; and The clutch lever rotates as the plunger moves, causing the coupler to move up and down.

21. The driving unit according to claim 20, characterized in that, The lever has a plurality of lifting surfaces that set the vertical movement height of the plunger; The lifting surface includes: The first lifting surface sets the height of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the dehydration shaft joint. The second lifting surface sets the position of the plunger to disengage the coupling between the coupler and the dehydration shaft and the coupling between the coupler and the fixing part; and The third lifting surface sets the position of the plunger so that the coupler engages with the fixed part.

22. The driving unit according to claim 21, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes: A lever guide that guides the movement of the lever; and A return spring, disposed on the lever guide, imparts a restoring force to the lever; The return spring provides elastic force to the lever so that the plunger is positioned on the first lifting surface.

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