Garment processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet so as to store water; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub so as to contain garments; a driving unit comprising a stator positioned behind the tub so as to generate a rotating electromagnetic field, and a rotor rotated by the rotating electromagnetic field; a rotary shaft connected to the rotor so as to rotate together with the rotor, the rotary shaft penetrating the tub so as to be connected to the drum; and a bearing housing fixed to the tub so as to rotatably support the rotary shaft. The bearing housing comprises: a hub portion in which the rotary shaft is contained; a fastening portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion such that the stator is coupled thereto; a circumferential rib positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the fastening portion so as to surround the fastening portion; a support rib disposed between the fastening portion and the circumferential rib so as to connect the fastening portion and the circumferential rib; and a reinforcing boss formed at a point of intersection between the circumferential rib and the support rib so as to be thicker than the circumferential rib and the support rib.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a laundry processing apparatus including a bearing housing that supports a rotation shaft.[Background Art]

[0002] A laundry processing apparatus is a device capable of removing dust or foreign substances attached to laundry by applying physical force to the laundry, and includes a washing machine, a dryer, and a refresher (styler).

[0003] A washing machine is configured to perform a washing cycle to separate and remove foreign substances from laundry by supplying water and detergent to the laundry.

[0004] The washing machine includes a tub arranged to accommodate water, a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry, and a driver configured to supply rotational power to the drum to rotate the drum. The driver includes a stator arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor rotated by the rotating magnetic field generated from the stator. The rotational force of the rotor may be transmitted to the drum through a rotation shaft connected to the rotor.

[0005] In a front-loading type washing machine, which has an opening formed at the front of the machine, the stator may be fixed to the rear surface of the tub. In addition, the rotor may be positioned to surround the outer circumferential surface of the stator, and the rotation shaft, which is connected to the center of the rotor, may extend through the rear surface of the stator and the tub to be connected to the drum.

[0006] Since the tub is generally formed of a synthetic resin material such as plastic, vibration generated by rotation of the rotor or by maldistribution of the laundry accommodated in the drum may be applied to the tub, which may cause deformation or breakage of the tub. Accordingly, conventional laundry processing apparatuses include a bearing housing that rotatably supports the rotation shaft. The bearing housing is formed of a metal material. Thus, it is not easily broken by vibration generated during operation and may improve the durability of the tub.

[0007] The bearing housing may be inserted into the rear surface of the tub and integrally formed with the tub. The bearing housing allows the rotation shaft to extend through the rear surface of the tub and be connected to the drum, and may rotatably support the rotation shaft.

[0008] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0024252 (published on March 7, 2017, hereinafter referred to as "conventional technology") discloses a structure including a bearing housing that is insert-molded inside a tub and integrally formed with the tub to rotatably support a rotation shaft of a motor.

[0009] The bearing housing of the conventional technology includes a housing hub having a bearing mounted on an inner circumferential surface thereof to support the rotation shaft, and a plurality of housing blades extending radially outward from the housing hub. Here, the housing blades are inserted into the tub to support the housing hub on the tub.

[0010] However, in the conventional technology, the housing blades extend radially outward from the housing hub to form free ends and there is no structure to support the housing blades. Thus, it is difficult to sufficiently secure the rigidity of the housing blades. Therefore, there is a risk that the housing blades may be damaged by vibration generated by the rotation shaft.

[0011] In addition, the washing machine disclosed in the conventional technology corresponds to a top-loading type washing machine that allows laundry to loaded and unloaded from the top side of the drum. Therefore, compared to a front-loading type washing machine, the load supported by the bearing housing is relatively lower, and thus there has been little demand for improving the strength of the bearing housing.

[0012] The rigidity of the bearing housing may be secured and improved by excessively adding radial and annular ribs around the housing hub to reinforce the structure. However, in this case, the overall weight of the bearing housing may increase and unnecessary material consumption may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to derive a structure that ensures the rigidity of the bearing housing by adding a supporting structure only to weak sections in order to prevent unnecessary material consumption and reduce the overall weight of the bearing housing.[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0013] An object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of securing rigidity by improving the structure of a bearing housing.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of preventing unnecessary material consumption by improving the structure of the bearing housing to intensively reinforce the rigidity of a weak section of the bearing housing.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of preventing shrinkage deformation during casting of the bearing housing by improving the structure of the bearing housing.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of facilitating post-processing such as cutting after casting of the bearing housing by improving the structure of the bearing housing.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of reinforcing the strength of the bearing housing by improving the reinforcing structure at a point where ribs of the bearing housing intersect.

[0018] Another object of the present disclosure devised to solve the above-described problems is to provide a laundry processing apparatus capable of reducing the weight of the bearing housing by improving portions other than essential structures required to secure the rigidity of the bearing housing.

[0019] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not described may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.[Technical Solution]

[0020] To achieve these objects and other advantages, a laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment may include a cabinet, a tub arranged inside the cabinet to store water, a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry, a driver disposed behind the tub, the driver including a stator arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor that rotated by the rotating magnetic field, a rotation shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor, the rotation shaft extending through the tub to be connected to the drum, and a bearing housing fixed to the tub and arranged to rotatably support the rotation shaft, wherein the bearing housing may include a hub arranged to accommodate the rotation shaft, a fastening portion formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hub to be coupled with the stator, a circumferential rib disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion to surround the fastening portion, a support rib disposed between the fastening portion and the circumferential rib to connect the fastening portion and the circumferential rib, and a reinforcing boss formed at an intersection between the circumferential rib and the support rib, the reinforcing boss being thicker than the circumferential rib and the support rib.

[0021] Here, the fastening portion may include a plurality of fastening portions radially arranged around the hub, the fastening portions being spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub.

[0022] The circumferential rib may include a first circumferential rib disposed between the plurality of fastening portions, and a second circumferential rib spaced apart from the first circumferential rib.

[0023] The reinforcing boss may include a first reinforcing boss provided on the first circumferential rib, and a second reinforcing boss provided on the second circumferential rib.

[0024] Here, the first reinforcing boss may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the first circumferential rib and extend in a width direction of the first circumferential rib.

[0025] The support rib may extend radially from the hub and is inscribed to the second circumferential rib, wherein the second reinforcing boss may be formed at an intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib.

[0026] Here, the second reinforcing boss may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib, and may extend in a width direction of the second circumferential rib.

[0027] The support rib and the circumferential rib may intersect with each other at the same height.

[0028] Further, the support rib may extend radially from the hub and is inscribed to the circumferential rib, wherein the reinforcing boss may be formed at an intersection between the support rib and the circumferential rib.

[0029] The fastening portion may include a plurality of fastening portions radially arranged around the hub, the fastening portions being spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub, wherein the circumferential rib may be disposed between the plurality of fastening portions to connect the fastening portions, wherein the reinforcing boss may be formed at a central portion of the circumferential rib in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss extending in a width direction of the circumferential rib.

[0030] To achieve these objects and other advantages, a laundry processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet, a tub arranged inside the cabinet to store water, a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry, a driver disposed behind the tub, the driver including a stator arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor that rotated by the rotating magnetic field, a rotation shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor, the rotation shaft extending through the tub to be connected to the drum, and a bearing housing fixed to the tub and arranged to rotatably support the rotation shaft, wherein the bearing housing may include a hub arranged to accommodate the rotation shaft, a plurality of fastening portions formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hub to be coupled the stator, a circumferential rib disposed on outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening portions to surround the fastening portions, the circumferential rib including a first circumferential rib disposed between the plurality of fastening portions, and a second circumferential rib spaced apart from the first circumferential rib, a support rib disposed between the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib to connect the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib, and a reinforcing boss formed on at least one of the first circumferential rib or the second circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss being thicker than the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib.

[0031] The reinforcing boss may include a first reinforcing boss provided on the first circumferential rib, and a second reinforcing boss provided on the second circumferential rib.

[0032] The first reinforcing boss may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the first circumferential rib and may extend in a width direction of the first circumferential rib.

[0033] The support rib may extend radially from the hub and may be inscribed to the second circumferential rib,

[0034] The second reinforcing boss may extend in a width direction of the second circumferential rib at an intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential.

[0035] Here, the second reinforcing boss may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib, and may extend in a width direction of the second circumferential rib

[0036] The first circumferential rib, the second circumferential rib, and the support rib may intersect at the same height.

[0037] The fastening portion may include a plurality of fastening portions radially arranged around the hub, the fastening portions being spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub

[0038] Further, the circumferential rib may be disposed between the plurality of fastening portions to connect the fastening portions, wherein the reinforcing boss may be formed at a central portion of the circumferential rib in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss extending in a width direction of the circumferential rib.[Advantageous Effects]

[0039] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may secure rigidity by improving the structure of a bearing housing.

[0040] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may prevent unnecessary material consumption by improving the structure of the bearing housing to intensively reinforce the rigidity of a weak section of the bearing housing.

[0041] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may prevent shrinkage deformation during casting of the bearing housing by improving the structure of the bearing housing.

[0042] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may facilitate post-processing such as cutting after casting of the bearing housing by improving the structure of the bearing housing.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may reinforce the strength of the bearing housing by improving the reinforcing structure at a point where ribs of the bearing housing intersect.

[0044] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a laundry processing apparatus may reduce the weight of the bearing housing by improving portions other than essential structures required to secure the rigidity of the bearing housing.

[0045] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the effects that can be achieved with the present disclosure are not limited to what has been particularly described hereinabove and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the appended claims.[Description of Drawings]

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a laundry processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the laundry processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a bearing housing according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating the bearing housing according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the bearing housing according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5. [Best Mode]

[0047] Hereinafter, a laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The apparatus of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For clarity in the drawings, portions unrelated to the description have been omitted. Like reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to like elements. In the following description, redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0049] In the present disclosure, it should be understood that when a component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component between the connected or coupled components.

[0050] In addition, the terms employed in describing the present disclosure merely used to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] Also, the names of the components defined in describing the present disclosure are defined in consideration of the functions thereof in the present disclosure. Therefore, the components may be referred to by other names in the relevant art.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "includes" or "has" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not to be understood as precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. As used herein "A or B" may include "A," "B," or "both A and B."

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a cabinet 100 defining an exterior thereof, a tub (see FIG. 2) arranged inside the cabinet 100 to store water, and a drum 300 rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry. The cabinet 100 may include a front panel 110 defining a front surface of the laundry processing apparatus, a top panel 130 defining a top surface thereof, side panels 120 surface defining side surfaces thereof, and a rear panel (not shown) defining a rear surface thereof.

[0056] The front panel 110 may be provided with an operation panel 113. The operation panel 113 may include an input unit 114 configured to receive control instructions from a user and a display 115 configured to output information such as control instructions selectable by the user. The control instructions may include a drying course or drying option for execution of a series of drying operations. A controller (not shown) may be arranged inside the cabinet 100 to control the internal components to execute the control instructions input through the input unit 114. The controller may be connected to the components in the laundry processing apparatus to control the components to execute the input instructions.

[0057] The input unit 114 may include a power supply requester configured to request power supply to the laundry processing apparatus, a course input unit allowing the user to select a desired course from among multiple courses, and an execution requester configured to request the start of the selected course.

[0058] The display 115 may include at least one of a display panel configured to output text and graphics and a speaker configured to output audio signals and sounds.

[0059] The laundry processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a drawer 150 arranged to receive detergent supplied by a user for a washing cycle. The drawer 150 may be withdrawably arranged in the front panel 110. The user may pull out the drawer 150 to supply detergent and then push the same back in. The detergent may include various products necessary for processing of laundry, such as detergent used for washing or fabric softener used for rinsing.

[0060] The cabinet 100 may also include an inlet 111 allowing laundry to be placed in and taken out therethrough. The inlet 111 may formed in the front panel 110 in a penetrated manner. The inlet 111 may communicate with the drum 300 to allow the user to load laundry into the drum 300 or take the laundry out through the inlet 111.

[0061] The cabinet 100 may further include a door 140 arranged to open and close the inlet 111. The door 140 may be pivotably coupled to the front panel 110 to open and close the inlet 111. The door 140 may be formed of a transparent material to allow the user to check the inside of the drum 300 even when the door 140 is positioned to close the inlet 111.

[0062] For better understanding of the detailed structure of the laundry processing apparatus to be described below, directions may be defined. Based on the center of the cabinet 100, the direction toward the inlet 111 may be defined as the front side, and the opposite direction may be defined as the rear side. As the front and rear sides are set in this way, the right side and left side may be naturally defined.

[0063] FIG. 2 schematically shows the interior of the laundry processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a tub 200 arranged inside the cabinet 100 to store water and a drum 300 rotatably arranged inside the tub 200 to accommodate laundry.

[0065] A driver 500 configured to rotate the drum 300 may be installed to the rear side of the tub 200. The driver 500 may include a stator 510 configured to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor 530 rotated by the rotating magnetic field generated from the stator 510.

[0066] The laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a rotation shaft 400 connected to the rotor 530 to rotate together with the rotor 530 to rotate the drum 300. The rotation shaft 400 may extend through the tub 200 and be connected to the drum 300.

[0067] The laundry processing apparatus may further include a spring 160 and a damper 170 arranged to attenuate vibrations generated according to the operation of the driver 500 or vibrations caused by maldistribution of laundry accommodated in the drum 300. The spring 160 and damper 170 may connect the outside of the tub 200 and the inside of the cabinet 100.

[0068] The laundry processing apparatus may further include a gasket 180 connecting the tub 200 and the cabinet 100. The gasket 180 may connect the door 140 and the tub 200. The gasket 180 may prevent water leakage through an opening provided at the front of the tub 200. In other words, the gasket 180 may shield the space between the door 140 and the tub 200 when the door 140 is closed, preventing water from leaking outside the tub 200.

[0069] The laundry processing apparatus may further include a bearing housing 600 coupled to the tub 200 and arranged to rotatably support the rotation shaft 400. The bearing housing 600 may be arranged on the rear surface of the tub 200. The bearing housing 600 may be insert-molded into the rear surface of the tub 200 during manufacturing so as to be integrated with the tub 200.

[0070] The bearing housing 600 may be insert-molded into the tub 200 to allow the inside and outside of the tub 200 to communicate with each other. Also, the bearing housing 600 may be fixed to the tub to rotatably support the rotation shaft 400. At the same time, by being integrated with the rear surface of the tub 200 through insert molding, the bearing housing 600 may increase the rigidity of the rear of the tub 200.

[0071] The bearing housing 600 may not only rotatably support the rotation shaft 400 but also provide a coupling surface to which the stator 510 is coupled. The stator 510 may be coupled to and firmly supported by the bearing housing 600.

[0072] The bearing housing 600 may be formed of a metal material. Since the tub 200 is formed of a synthetic resin such as plastic, it may be at risk of damage due to impact from the drum 300 or the rotation shaft 400. However, the metal bearing housing 600 formed of a metal material may absorb impacts generated by the drum 300 or the rotation shaft 400, preventing damage.

[0073] The tub 200 may be injection-molded with the bearing housing 600 inserted. Thus, the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600 may be integrally formed. Since the tub 200 stores water, preventing leakage is important. Therefore, when the bearing housing 600 is insert-molded into the tub 200 so as to be integrated with the tub, water leakage through the joint between the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600 may be effectively prevented.

[0074] Although not shown in the figures, the laundry processing apparatus may further include a water supply part (not shown) arranged to supply water required for washing and a drainage part (not shown) arranged to discharge water stored inside the tub after the washing. The water supply part may be connected to an external water source to receive water. The drainage part may include a pump and may thus forcibly discharge the water stored in the tub to the outside of the cabinet.

[0075] Hereinafter, the bearing housing 600, which is a main component of the present disclosure, will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a bearing housing according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating the bearing housing according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the bearing housing according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bearing housing 600 may include a hub 610 arranged to accommodate a rotation shaft, and an extension part 630 arranged to support the hub 610 on the tub 200.

[0078] The hub 610 may be manufactured in the form of a hollow pipe. The hub 610 may include a shaft through-hole 611 through which the rotation shaft 400 extends. One or more bearings (not shown) may be press-fitted into the shaft through-hole 611. The bearings press-fitted into the shaft through-hole 611 may rotatably support the rotation shaft 400.

[0079] The extension part 630 may extend radially from the outer circumferential surface of the hub 610. The extension part 630 may further enhance the coupling between the hub 610 and the tub 200.

[0080] The extension part 630 may be inserted into the tub 200 so as to be fixed to the tub 200. The tub 200 may be injection-molded with the extension part 630 inserted. Therefore, the shape of the rear surface of the tub 200 may be similar to the shape of the extension part 630. That is, when the extension part 630 is inserted into the rear surface of the tub 200, the rear surface of the tub 200 may be molded to have the curvature of the extension part 630.

[0081] The extension part 630 may further include multiple circumferential ribs 631 to enhance the coupling between the bearing housing 600 and the tub 200 and to enhance the rigidity of the bearing housing 600.

[0082] The circumferential ribs 631 may be spaced apart from the hub 610 and arranged to surround the hub 610. The circumferential ribs 631 may be ring-shaped to surround the hub 610.

[0083] In addition, the extension part 630 may include a fastening portion 633 which connects the circumferential ribs 631 and the hub 610, and to which the stator 510 is coupled. The stator 510 may be coupled to the fastening portion 633.

[0084] The fastening portion 633 may include a fastening body 6331 providing a coupling surface to which the stator 510 is coupled, and a connecting body 6333 connecting the fastening body 6331 and the circumferential ribs 631.

[0085] The fastening body 6331 and the connecting body 6333 may be arranged in a stepped manner. When the fastening portion 633 is inserted into the tub 200, the fastening body 6331 may be exposed on the rear of the tub 200, and the connecting body 6333 may be inserted into and fixed to the tub 200.

[0086] The fastening portion 633 may include a fastening protrusion 6332 protruding from the fastening body 6331 toward the stator 510. The fastening protrusion 6332 may have a shape corresponding to a mounting surface of the stator 510. The fastening protrusion 6332 may include a hole into which a fastening member may be inserted.

[0087] In addition, the fastening portion 633 may include a connecting hole 6334 formed through the connecting body 6333. During the injection molding of the tub 200, molten resin may flow into the connecting hole 6334.

[0088] Therefore, a portion of the rear wall of the injection-molded tub 200 may be located in the connecting hole 6334. In other words, the connecting holes 6334 may enhance the coupling between the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600.

[0089] The opposite side of the fastening portion 633 may be formed to accommodate molten resin forming the tub 200, as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the opposite side of the fastening portion 633 to which the stator 510 is coupled may further include a recess 633a into which molten resin forming the tub 200 may flow.

[0090] In other words, the fastening portion 633 and the recess 633a may be formed by bending a metal plate in a zigzag shape around the hub 610.

[0091] The inner side of the rear wall of the tub 200 may be molded to correspond to the shape of the fastening portion 633. That is, the inner side surface of the rear wall of the tub 200 may be formed to match the bent shape of the fastening portion 633 and the circumferential ribs 631 to form an internal space.

[0092] The fastening portion 633 may include a plurality of fastening portions. The fastening portions 633 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hub 610. In the drawings, the fastening portions 633 are spaced 60 degrees apart from each other. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the fastening portions 633 may be arranged in various ways to secure the rigidity of the bearing housing 600.

[0093] Referring back to FIG. 3, the circumferential ribs 631 may also be provided in plurality. The circumferential ribs 631 may be radially spaced apart from each other. As the number of circumferential ribs 631 increases, the rigidity of the extension part 630 may increase.

[0094] However, when the number of circumferential ribs 631 is excessively increased, material may be excessively used and the weight of the apparatus may increase. Therefore, the number of circumferential ribs 631 may be designed in various ways depending on the operating environment of the laundry processing apparatus.

[0095] In the following description, it is assumed that two circumferential ribs 631 are provided. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include various embodiments.

[0096] Here, the circumferential ribs 631 may include a first circumferential rib 631a connected to the fastening portion 633 and a second circumferential rib 631b spaced radially apart outward from the first circumferential rib 631a.

[0097] The first circumferential rib 631a may be arranged to support the plurality of fastening portions 633 to secure the rigidity of the fastening portions 633. The first circumferential rib 631a may be formed in a curved shape to more effectively support the fastening portions 633, but is not limited thereto. It may be formed to be flat.

[0098] The second circumferential rib 631b may be arranged at a predetermined radial distance from the first circumferential rib 631a with respect to the hub 610. The width of the second circumferential rib 631b may be greater than the first circumferential rib 631a. Therefore, as one moves from the first circumferential rib 631a to the second circumferential rib 631b with respect to the hub 610, the strength of the bearing housing 600 may increase.

[0099] The extension part 630 may further include at least one support rib 632 connecting the first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b. The first circumferential rib 631a may be connected to the fastening portion 633 to support the hub 610.

[0100] However, the second circumferential rib 631b may not be connected to the hub 610. Therefore, the support rib 632 may connect the second circumferential rib 631b and the first circumferential rib 631a to support the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0101] The support rib 632 may extend in a radial direction of the extension part 630 with respect to the hub 610. The extension part 630, reinforced by the circumferential ribs 631 and the support rib 632, may more securely support the rotation shaft 400, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the bearing housing 600.

[0102] In addition, molten resin forming the tub 200 may flow into the space between the support ribs 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b. During the injection molding of the tub 200 with the bearing housing 600 inserted, the molten resin may surround the surfaces of the support ribs 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0103] Accordingly, upon completion of molding the tub 200, the support ribs 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b may be inserted into the tub 200 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0104] The support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b may be inserted into the rear wall of the tub 200 so as to be integrated with the tub 200. Further, the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b may support the rear wall of the tub 200 in the circumferential and radial directions, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the rear wall.

[0105] Also, at the connection or intersection points where the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b are connected to each other, the heights thereof may be the same.

[0106] Forming the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b to have different heights at the connection or intersection points where the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b are connected to each other may cause stress applied to the bearing housing 600 to be concentrated at the intersection points of the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0107] Therefore, by connecting or intersecting the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b at the same height, stress may be prevented from being concentrated at each connection and intersection point of the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0108] Further, at the intersection points where the first circumferential rib 631a or the support rib 632 crosses the second circumferential rib 631b, multiple reinforcing bosses 650 may be formed to reinforce the strength at the contact areas where the first circumferential rib 631a and the support rib 632 contact the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0109] The reinforcing bosses 650 may include multiple first reinforcing bosses 652 formed on the first circumferential rib 631a, and second reinforcing bosses 654 formed on the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0110] The first reinforcing bosses 652 and the second reinforcing bosses 654 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter, extending in the width direction of the first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b, respectively.

[0111] The first reinforcing bosses 652 may be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the first circumferential rib 631a, preferably between each pair of the support ribs 632 connected to the first circumferential rib 631a.

[0112] That is, the multiple support ribs 632 connecting the first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b are spaced apart at regular intervals between the first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0113] Further, the first reinforcing boss 652 may be positioned on the first circumferential rib 631a at the center between each pair of adjacent support ribs 632. The diameter of the first reinforcing bosses 652 may be greater than the thickness of the first circumferential rib 631a.

[0114] The second reinforcing bosses 654 may be formed at the intersection points where the support ribs 632 cross the second circumferential rib 631b. That is, in the case of the second circumferential rib 631b, the support rib 632 may contact and intersect the inner circumferential surface of the second circumferential rib 631b, and the second reinforcing boss 654 may be formed at a position where the second circumferential rib 631b and the support rib 632 contact each other.

[0115] The second reinforcing boss 654 may be formed to be thicker than the support rib 632 or the second circumferential rib 631b at the point where the support rib 632 and the second circumferential rib 631b intersect, such that it may effectively absorb the stress applied between the support rib 632 and the second circumferential rib 631b and reinforce the strength between the support rib 632 and the second circumferential rib 631b.

[0116] The bearing housing 600 is typically manufactured using a mold (not shown). To eject and separate the manufactured bearing housing 600 from the mold, eject pins (not shown) provided in the mold are used.

[0117] The eject pins may leave marks or cause deformation on the bearing housing 600 during mold separation. Such deformation or marks from the eject pins may reduce the strength of the bearing housing.

[0118] That is, in the bearing housing 600, the hub 610 is provided with the fastening portion 633 to which the stator 510 is fastened, and the extension part 630 is provided with the circumferential ribs 631 and support ribs 632 defining the rigidity of the bearing housing 600.

[0119] Here, the fastening portion 633 forms a fastening surface to which the stator 510 is fastened. If the surface where the eject pins contacts is formed on this fastening portion, the fastening portion may be deformed. In addition, since the circumferential rib 631 and the support rib 632 are relatively thin, it is relatively difficult to form the surface where the eject pin contacts.

[0120] The first reinforcing bosses 652 and the second reinforcing bosses 654 have a larger diameter than the support rib 632, the first circumferential rib 631a, and the second circumferential rib 631b, and are formed parallel to the direction in which the bearing housing 600 is ejected from the mold during the manufacturing.

[0121] Therefore, the first reinforcing bosses 652 and the second reinforcing bosses 654 may serve as surfaces contacted by the eject pins when the bearing housing 600 is ejected from the mold.

[0122] The extension part 630 may further include a flange 636 arranged to connect the free ends of the circumferential ribs 631 and the support rib 632, which face forward. The flange 636 may connect the circumferential ribs 631 and the support rib 632, thereby enhancing coupling between the circumferential ribs 631 and the support rib 632.

[0123] The extension part 630 may further include a flange hole 638 formed in the flange 636 in a penetrated manner. During tub molding, molten resin used to form the tub 200 may pass through the flange hole 638. A portion of the completed tub 200 may be positioned in the flange hole 638. The flange hole 638 may enhance the coupling between the tub 200 and the extension part 630.

[0124] Further, the flange 636 may be arranged at the ends of the circumferential ribs 631 positioned away from the stator 510. That is, in the assembled state of the bearing housing 600, the flange 636 may be arranged at the front of the circumferential ribs 631. The flange 636 may increase the front area of the circumferential ribs 631. In addition, the flange 636 may support circumferential ribs 631, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the circumferential ribs 631.

[0125] The flange 636 may increase the end area of the circumferential rib 631 to increase the moment of the cross-sectional area. Accordingly, the rigidity of the circumferential rib 631 may be improved. In addition, the extension part 630 may include the flange hole 638 provided between flanges spaced apart from each other. During the molding process of the tub 200, molten resin may flow into the flange hole 638, and a portion of the tub 200 may be positioned in the flange hole 638 after molding is completed. That is, the flange hole 638 may allow the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600 to come into contact with each other at more points, thereby enhancing the coupling between the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600.

[0126] In addition, the flange hole 638 may reduce the radial extension length of the flange 636. When the size of the flange hole 638 increases, the area of the flange 636 may decrease. During the washing process, when the tub is exposed to a high temperature and then cooled, cracks may occur in the tub 200 due to differences in cooling rates between the tub 200 and the bearing housing 600. Therefore, by reducing the radial extension length of the flange 636, the occurrence of cracks caused by differences in cooling rates may be prevented.

[0127] The radial extension length of the flange 636 may be designed to sufficiently secure the overall rigidity of the bearing housing 600 while preventing cracks. The length of the flange 636 may be determined considering various factors such as the size of the tub 200, the material of the tub 200, and the design load.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6, the first circumferential rib 631a may form one surface of the support rib 632, and the first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the radial direction.

[0129] The first circumferential rib 631a may be formed between the fastening portions 633 to connect the fastening portions 633 in the circumferential direction. The second circumferential rib 631b may be arranged spaced apart from the first circumferential rib 631a in the radial direction. The first circumferential rib 631a and the second circumferential rib 631b may be connected to each other by the support rib 632.

[0130] The bearing housing 600 may be inserted into the tub 200, with a portion thereof exposed on the rear surface of the tub 200. As described above, the tub 200 may be injection-molded with the bearing housing 600 inserted.

[0131] At this time, the molten resin forming the tub 200 may be provided to surround the entire bearing housing 600 except for the shaft-through hole 611 of the bearing housing 600 into the rotating shaft 400 is inserted.

[0132] A portion of the extension part 630 of the bearing housing 600 may be exposed to the rear side of the tub. In particular, a portion of the fastening portion 633 may be exposed to the rear side of the tub 200. When the molten resin completely surrounds the rear surface of the fastening portion 633, the fastening portion 633 is likely to have a tolerance. Therefore, when the stator 510 is coupled, an additional process such as partially machining the tub 200 located behind the tub fastening portion may be required.

[0133] However, by exposing a portion of the fastening portion 633 to the rear side of the tub 200, the stator 510 may be directly coupled to the fastening portion 633. Accordingly, the process may be shortened and assembly may be facilitated.

[0134] The fastening portion 633 may include a fastening body 6331 to which the stator is coupled and a connecting body 6333 connecting the fastening body 6331 to the circumferential rib 631. The stator 510 may be coupled to the fastening body 6331 and spaced apart from the connecting body 6333. Therefore, the connecting body 6333 may be inserted into the tub 200, and the fastening body 6331 may be exposed.

[0135] The fastening portion 633 may include a fastening protrusion 6332 protruding from the fastening body 6331 toward the stator 510. The fastening protrusion 6332, together with the fastening body 6331, may also be exposed to the rear side of the tub 200. Therefore, the stator 510 may be directly connected to the fastening protrusion 6332 and securely fastened.

[0136] When the fastening protrusion 6332 and the fastening body 6331 are not inserted into the rear wall of the tub 200 and are exposed, there is no need to consider the thickness of the tub 200, and the stator 510 may be coupled without post-processing of the tub 200, thereby simplifying the process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0137] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure will not depart from the technical scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A laundry processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub arranged inside the cabinet to store water; a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry; a driver disposed behind the tub, the driver comprising: a stator arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field; and a rotor that rotated by the rotating magnetic field; a rotation shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor, the rotation shaft extending through the tub to be connected to the drum; and a bearing housing fixed to the tub and arranged to rotatably support the rotation shaft, wherein the bearing housing comprises: a hub arranged to accommodate the rotation shaft; a fastening portion formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hub to be coupled with the stator; a circumferential rib disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion to surround the fastening portion; a support rib disposed between the fastening portion and the circumferential rib to connect the fastening portion and the circumferential rib; and a reinforcing boss formed at an intersection between the circumferential rib and the support rib, the reinforcing boss being thicker than the circumferential rib and the support rib.

2. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastening portion comprises a plurality of fastening portions radially arranged around the hub, the fastening portions being spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub.

3. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circumferential rib comprises: a first circumferential rib disposed between the plurality of fastening portions; and a second circumferential rib spaced apart from the first circumferential rib.

4. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the reinforcing boss comprises: a first reinforcing boss provided on the first circumferential rib; and a second reinforcing boss provided on the second circumferential rib.

5. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first reinforcing boss has a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the first circumferential rib and extends in a width direction of the first circumferential rib.

6. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the support rib extends radially from the hub and is inscribed to the second circumferential rib, wherein the second reinforcing boss is formed at an intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib.

7. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second reinforcing boss has a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib, and extends in a width direction of the second circumferential rib.

8. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support rib and the circumferential rib intersect with each other at the same height.

9. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support rib extends radially from the hub and is inscribed to the circumferential rib, wherein the reinforcing boss is formed at an intersection between the support rib and the circumferential rib.

10. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastening portion comprises a plurality of fastening portions radially arranged around the hub, the fastening portions being spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub, wherein the circumferential rib is disposed between the plurality of fastening portions to connect the fastening portions, wherein the reinforcing boss is formed at a central portion of the circumferential rib in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss extending in a width direction of the circumferential rib.

11. A laundry processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub arranged inside the cabinet to store water; a drum rotatably arranged inside the tub to accommodate laundry; a driver disposed behind the tub, the driver comprising: a stator arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field; and a rotor that rotated by the rotating magnetic field; a rotation shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor, the rotation shaft extending through the tub to be connected to the drum; and a bearing housing fixed to the tub and arranged to rotatably support the rotation shaft, wherein the bearing housing comprises: a hub arranged to accommodate the rotation shaft; a plurality of fastening portions formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hub to be coupled the stator; a circumferential rib disposed on outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening portions to surround the fastening portions, the circumferential rib comprising: a first circumferential rib disposed between the plurality of fastening portions; and a second circumferential rib spaced apart from the first circumferential rib; a support rib disposed between the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib to connect the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib; and a reinforcing boss formed on at least one of the first circumferential rib or the second circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss being thicker than the first circumferential rib and the second circumferential rib.

12. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing boss comprises: a first reinforcing boss provided on the first circumferential rib; and a second reinforcing boss provided on the second circumferential rib.

13. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first reinforcing boss has a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the first circumferential rib and extends in a width direction of the first circumferential rib.

14. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support rib extends radially from the hub and is inscribed to the second circumferential rib.

15. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second reinforcing boss extends in a width direction of the second circumferential rib at an intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential.

16. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second reinforcing boss has a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the intersection between the support rib and the second circumferential rib, and extends in a width direction of the second circumferential rib17. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first circumferential rib, the second circumferential rib, and the support rib intersect at the same height.

18. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fastening portions are radially arranged around the hub and spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the hub19. The laundry processing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the circumferential rib is disposed between the plurality of fastening portions to connect the fastening portions, wherein the reinforcing boss is formed at a central portion of the circumferential rib in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a thickness of the circumferential rib, the reinforcing boss extending in a width direction of the circumferential rib.

Images