Garment processing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure 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 including a stator positioned behind the tub so as to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor rotated by the rotating magnetic field; a rotary shaft connected to the rotor and configured to rotate together with the rotor, the rotary shaft being connected to the drum through the tub; and a connector for connecting the drum and the rotary shaft such that torque is transferred to the drum through the rotary shaft. The connector includes a hub to which the rotary shaft is connected and multiple arms extending from the hub in the radial direction of the drum. The arms include: a first body arm extending adjacent to the drum so as to form one surface of the arm; a second body arm extending in parallel to the first body arm while being spaced apart from the first body arm by a predetermined distance; and a connecting rib disposed between the first body arm and the second body arm at a predetermined interval so as to connect the first body arm and the second body arm. The first body arm has a width formed to be smaller than the width of the second body arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a connector coupled to a drum and a rotation shaft to transmit power of a motor to the drum.Background

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

[0003] The washing machine is configured to perform a washing cycle capable of separating and removing the foreign substances from the laundry by supplying water and a detergent to the laundry.

[0004] The washing machine includes a tub that accommodates water therein, a drum that is rotatably disposed inside the tub and accommodates the laundry therein, and a driver that supplies rotational power to the drum to rotate the drum. The driver includes a stator that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor that rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator, and a 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 having an opening defined in a front side thereof, the stator may be fixed to a rear surface of the tub. In addition, the rotor may be positioned to surround an outer circumferential surface of the stator, and the rotation shaft connected to a center of the rotor may be connected to the drum by extending through the stator and the rear surface of the tub.

[0006] Such an existing washing machine includes a connector to connect the drum and the rotation shaft to each other. The connector is used, which includes an arm that extends radially from a center of the drum and is able to be coupled to the drum, in order to transmit a rotational force of the rotation shaft from the center of the rotation shaft to the radially outer side of the drum, rather than merely connecting the rotation shaft to the center of the drum. Because the drum and the rotation shaft are connected to each other through the connector, rotation of the rotation shaft may be more efficiently transmitted to the drum, and the rotation shaft may be prevented from being damaged.

[0007] Among the existing washing machines, there is one includes a shaft flange that performs the same function as the above-described connector (Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0038185). The rotation shaft is coupled to the shaft flange, the shaft flange is coupled to a rear surface of the drum, and a rotational power of a motor is transmitted to the drum through the rotation shaft and the shaft flange. In order to reinforce a strength of the shaft flange, a main reinforcing rib is disposed between a front wing and a rear wing, and thus, a cross-section of a wing is formed in an I-beam shape.

[0008] However, various foreign substances such as dust coming from the laundry are stuck in a space defined by the main reinforcing rib, the front wing, and the rear wing. Further, because the main reinforcing rib extends from a center to an end of the wing, a large amount of material is required. In addition, as a weight of the shaft flange increases, unnecessary power is consumed to rotate the same.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to derive a new structure of the connector capable of stably transmitting the rotational power provided by the motor to the drum, and maximizing durability thereof while minimizing a weight thereof.Summary Technical Problem

[0010] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that stably transmits rotational power provided by a motor to a drum, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of minimizing weight and securing durability at the same time, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of preventing damage from occurring in a portion where stress is concentrated, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0013] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of reducing weight by improving portions thereof except for an essential structure for securing rigidity of a bearing housing, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0014] Technical purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical purposes, and other technical purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.Technical Solutions

[0015] A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical purposes includes: a cabinet; a tub disposed inside the cabinet and constructed to store water therein; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and constructed to accommodate laundry therein; a driver including a stator that is positioned at the rear of the tub and generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor that rotates by the rotating magnetic field; a rotation shaft that is connected to the rotor and rotates together with the rotor, wherein the rotation shaft extends through the tub and is connected to the drum; and a connector that connects the drum with the rotation shaft and transmits a rotational force transmitted through the rotation shaft to the drum, wherein the connector includes: a hub connected with the rotation shaft; and multiple arms extending from the hub in a radial direction of the drum, wherein each arm includes: a first body arm forming one surface of the arm and extending adjacent to the drum; a second body arm spaced apart from the first body arm by a predetermined distance and extending in parallel with the first body arm; and connection ribs disposed between the first body arm and the second body arm and arranged at a predetermined spacing to connect the first body arm with the second body arm, wherein a width of the first body arm is smaller than a width of the second body arm.

[0016] Further, the width of the first body arm may decrease as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0017] Further, the width of the second body arm may decrease as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0018] Further, a thickness of the first body arm may decrease as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0019] Further, a thickness of the second body arm may decrease as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0020] Further, the spacing between the first body arm and the second body arm may decrease as the first body arm and the second body arm extend in the radial direction of the drum.

[0021] Further, a first reinforcing rib protruding from a center of the hub along a central portion of the first body arm may be formed on an outer surface of the first body arm.

[0022] Further, a second reinforcing rib may be further formed between the first body arm and a further body arm adjacent to the first body arm, wherein the second reinforcing rib extends along an outer surface of the arm.

[0023] Further, the connection ribs may include: each first connection rib disposed on one side of a central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub; and each second connection rib disposed on an opposite side of the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub.

[0024] Further, the first connection rib and the second connection rib may be connected to each other at the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and be formed in a V shape pointed toward the hub.

[0025] Further, a spacing between the first connection ribs and a spacing between the second connection ribs along the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, may decrease as the first connection rib and the second connection rib extend radially outwards.

[0026] Further, the drum may have a rear surface where the connector is accommodated, and the rear surface may have a connector accommodating groove defined in a shape concave toward a front surface of the drum.

[0027] Further, the connector accommodating groove may further include multiple grooves corresponding to the multiple arms to accommodate the multiple arms therein, respectively.

[0028] Further, a fastening hole may be defined in an end of each of the multiple arms, and a fastening rib may be further disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rear surface of the drum, wherein the fastening rib is in contact with the end of each arm and has a fastening groove defined therein corresponding to each fastening hole.

[0029] Further, the multiple arms may extend about the hub by forming the same angle in a radial direction of the hub.

[0030] Further, the hub may include: a first body hub positioned on a rear surface of the drum, positioned at a center of rotation of the drum, and allowing the first body arm to extend therefrom; and a second body hub positioned at the rear of the drum, fixing the rotation shaft thereto, and allowing the second body arm to extend therefrom.

[0031] Further, the connection ribs may connect the first body arm and the second body arm to each other, and at the same time, allow the first body arm and the second body arm to be spaced apart from each other to defined a flow channel where water passes therebetween.

[0032] Further, the hub, the first body arm, the second body arm, and the connection ribs may be made of the same material and be integrally formed.Advantageous Effects

[0033] According to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector that stably transmits the rotational power provided by the motor to a drum, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0034] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of minimizing the weight and securing the durability at the same time, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0035] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of preventing the damage from occurring in the portion where the stress is concentrated, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0036] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of reducing the weight by improving the portions thereof except for the essential structure for securing the rigidity of the bearing housing, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0037] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a drum and a connector of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a mounted state of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Best Mode

[0039] Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and may not be limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, to clearly illustrate the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the present document. In a following description, redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0041] Further, in describing the present disclosure, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected with" another component, the component may be directly connected with the other component or intervening components may also be present. In contrast, in the present document, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "directly connected with" another component, there are no intervening components present.

[0042] Further, terms used in describing the present disclosure are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and are not used as a limitation of the present disclosure. Further, in a following description, a singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context.

[0043] Further, names of the respective components defined in describing the present disclosure have been defined in consideration of functions thereof in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the respective components for which the names are defined may be referred to by different names in the art.

[0044] Further, in describing the present disclosure, the terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described herein exist and it should be thus understood that the possibility of existence or addition of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof is not precluded in advance.

[0045] Further, in describing the present disclosure, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. Herein, 'A or B' may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a drum and a connector of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a cabinet 100 that forms an outer appearance of the apparatus, a tub (see FIG. 2) that is disposed inside the cabinet 100 and stores water therein, and a drum 300 that is rotatably disposed inside the tub and accommodates laundry therein. The cabinet 100 may include a front panel 110 forming a front surface of the laundry treating apparatus, a top panel 130 forming a top surface thereof, side panels 120 forming side surfaces thereof, and a rear panel (not illustrated) forming a rear surface thereof.

[0048] A manipulation panel 113 may be installed at the front panel 110. The manipulation panel 113 may include an input unit 114 that receives a control command from a user, and a display 115 that outputs information such as a control command selectable by the user. The control command may include a drying course or a drying option capable of performing a series of drying cycles. A controller (not illustrated) that controls internal components to execute the control command input through the input unit 114 may be installed inside the cabinet 100. The controller may be connected to the internal components of the laundry treating apparatus and control the corresponding components to execute the input command.

[0049] The input unit 114 may include a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the laundry treating apparatus, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course among multiple courses, and an execution request unit that requests initiation of the course selected by the user.

[0050] The display 115 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting texts and figures and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds.

[0051] In one example, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a drawer 150 for supplying a detergent required for a washing cycle by the user. The drawer 150 may be retractable into or extendable from the front panel 110. The user may extend the drawer 150 to supply the detergent, and may retract the drawer 150 again. The above-described detergent may include various products necessary for treatment of the laundry, such as a detergent used for washing or a fabric softener used for rinsing.

[0052] In addition, the cabinet 100 may include a laundry inlet 111 through which the laundry is introduced and withdrawn. The laundry inlet 111 may be defined to extend through the front panel 110. The laundry inlet 111 may be in communication with the drum 300, so that the user may introduce the laundry into the drum 300 or withdraw the laundry from the drum 300 through the laundry inlet 111.

[0053] In addition, the cabinet 100 may include a door 140 that opens and closes the laundry inlet 111. The door 140 may be pivotably coupled to the front panel 110 and open and close the laundry inlet 111. The door 140 may be made of a transparent material, so that the user may check the inside of the drum 300 even when the door 140 closes the laundry inlet 111.

[0054] Directions may be defined to help understand a detailed structure of the laundry treating apparatus to be described below. Based on a center of the cabinet 100, a side where the laundry inlet 111 is defined may be defined as a front side, and an opposite side thereof may be defined as a rear side. A right side and a left side may be naturally defined based on the setting of the front and rear sides.

[0055] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tub 200 that is disposed inside the cabinet 100 and stores water therein, and the drum 300 that is rotatably disposed inside the tub 200 and accommodates the laundry therein.

[0056] A driver 500 that rotates the drum 300 may be installed at the rear of the tub 200. The driver 500 may include a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor 530 that rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 510.

[0057] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rotation shaft 400 that is connected to the rotor 530 and rotates together with the rotor 530 to rotate the drum 300.

[0058] The rotation shaft 400 may be rotatably supported by a bearing housing that extends through the tub 200 and is insert-injected into the tub 200, and may be connected to the drum 300 by a connector 700 that is connected to the drum 300. Accordingly, a rotational force of the driver 500 may be transmitted to the drum through the rotation shaft 400 and the connector 700 to which the rotation shaft is connected.

[0059] In one example, the laundry treating apparatus may include a spring 160 and a damper 170 for damping vibration generated by operation of the driver 500 or vibration generated by an imbalance of the laundry items accommodated in the drum 300. The spring 160 and the damper 170 may connect an outer side of the tub 200 with an inner side of the cabinet 100.

[0060] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may include a gasket 180 connecting the tub 200 with the cabinet 100. The gasket 180 may connect the door 140 with the tub 200. The gasket 180 may prevent water from leaking through an opening defined in a front side of the tub 200. In other words, the gasket 180 may shield a space between the door 140 and the tub 200 in a state in which the door 140 is closed, thereby preventing water from leaking to the outside of the tub 200.

[0061] The drum 300 may be equipped as a cylindrical drum body 310 with a hollow defined therein. That is, the drum body 310 may be composed of a circumferential surface having both opposite surfaces open, a disk-shaped front surface 330 fixed to the circumferential surface and forming a front surface of the drum body, and a rear surface 350 fixed to the circumferential surface and forming a rear surface of the drum body.

[0062] The front surface 330 includes a drum inlet 312 through which the laundry supplied through the drum inlet 312 is introduced into the drum body 310. In addition, multiple drain holes 312 that allow the inside of the drum body 310 to be in communication with the inside of the tub 200 are defined in the drum body 310, the front surface 330, and the rear surface 350.

[0063] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may further include a water supply (not illustrated) that supplies water necessary for the washing to the tub 200, and a water discharge (not illustrated) that discharges water accommodated in the tub 200 after the washing is completed. The water supply may be connected to an external water supply source and receive water. In addition, the water discharge may include a pump, so that it will be able to forcibly drain water accommodated in the tub 200 to the outside of the cabinet.

[0064] The drum 300 receives power provided by the driver 500 through the connector 700. In one example, the connector 700 may be composed only of the rotation shaft 400 connecting the rotor 530 with the drum body 310. In this case, the rotation shaft 400 extends through a rear surface of the tub 200, so that one end thereof will be fixed to the rear surface 350 of the drum body and an opposite end thereof will be fixed to the rotor 530.

[0065] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connector 700 may further include a hub 401 to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and multiple arms 702, 703, and 704 extending from the hub 701 toward an edge of the rear surface 350. When the rotation shaft 400 is directly connected to the rear surface 350 of the drum body 310, the rotational force of the rotation shaft 400 may be concentrated on the rear surface 350, and thus the rear surface 350 may be damaged when the rotation shaft 400 rotates.

[0066] In one example, a connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in the rear surface 350 such that the rotational force provided by the connector 700 is easily transmitted to the drum body 310. The connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in a shape of a groove in which the rear surface 350 is concavely bent in a direction toward the front surface 330.

[0067] The connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in a shape corresponding to shapes of the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704. Accordingly, the connector accommodating groove 351 may stably transmit the rotational power transmitted from the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704 to the drum 300.

[0068] In addition, in order to fix the connector 700 to the drum body 310, the drum 300 may further include a fastening rib 353 for fastening the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704. The fastening rib 353 may be formed as a cylindrical pipe fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the drum body 310 or the rear surface 350, and the fastening rib 353 may include a first fastening hole 355, a second fastening hole 356, and a third fastening hole 357 to which the three arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector 700 are respectively connected.

[0069] In one example, fastening grooves (not illustrated) corresponding to the respective fastening holes 355, 356, and 357 of the fastening rib 353 may be defined at respective free ends of the three arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector 700, and a separate fastening member (not illustrated) passing through each fastening hole 355, 356, and 357 may be fastened to each fastening groove so that the connector 700 may be fixed to the drum 300.

[0070] Hereinafter, the connector 700 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connector 700 according to the present embodiment may include the hub 701 forming a center of the connector and to which the rotation shaft is connected, and the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 extending from the hub 701 in a radial direction of the drum. Here, it is illustrated that there are three arms in a case of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 of the present disclosure, but the number of arms may increase or decrease as necessary, and angles formed by the respective arms may be the same.

[0073] In one example, the connector 700 includes a first body 710 fixed to the rear surface 350 of the drum 300, a second body 730 to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and a connection rib 741 and 743 that separately connects the first body 710 and the second body 73 to each other.

[0074] The first body 710 may include a first body hub 711 fixed to the rear surface 350 and positioned at a center of rotation of the drum 300, and first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extending radially from the first body hub 711 toward the edge of the rear surface 350 and forming respective one surfaces of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0075] The second body 730 may include a second body hub 731 positioned to face the rear surface of the tub 200 and to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and second body arms 733, 734, and 735 extending in the radial direction of the drum 300 from the second body hub 731, in the same direction as the direction in which the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extend.

[0076] The connection rib 741 and 743 not only allows the first body 710 and the second body 730 to remain spaced apart from each other, but also allows a flow channel through which water may pass to be defined in a space between the first body 710 and the second body 730.

[0077] Such a connection rib 741 and 743 may include a plurality of connection ribs formed between the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 of the first body and the second body arms 733, 734, and 735 of the second body, and the plurality of connection ribs may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing. Preferably, the connection ribs 741 and 743 may be formed such that a spacing between two ribs decreases in a radially outward direction of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0078] In one example, the first body 710, the second body 730, and the connection rib 741 and 743 described above may be made of the same material and integrally formed by a mold.

[0079] Multiple reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707 for reinforcing a strength of the first body 710 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first body 710.

[0080] The reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, and 704a may include a first reinforcing rib 702a extending in parallel along a central portion of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, a second reinforcing rib 703a extending in parallel along a central portion of the second body arm 714 from the first body hub 711, and a third reinforcing rib 704a extending in parallel along a central portion of the third body arm 715 from the first body hub 711.

[0081] Such first, second, and third reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, and 704a may be formed to extend and protrude from the respective one surfaces of the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704, thereby reinforcing rigidity of the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0082] In one example, the reinforcing ribs 705, 706, and 707 may include a fourth reinforcing rib 705 extending along a space between the first body arm 713 and the third body arm 715 on the outer surface of the first body 710, a fifth reinforcing rib 706 extending along a space between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 714 on the outer surface of the first body 710, and a sixth reinforcing rib 706 extending along a space between the second body arm 715 and the third body arm 715 on the outer surface of the first body 710.

[0083] Such fourth, fifth, and sixth reinforcing ribs 705, 706, and 707 may be formed to extend and protrude between the first body arm 715 and the third body arm 715, between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 714, and between the second body arm 714 and the third body arm 715, respectively, thereby reinforcing rigidity of the spaces between the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0084] In this regard, the reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707 as described above may be formed to extend in directions parallel to extension directions of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704. Accordingly, water remaining on a surface of the first body 710 may be discharged by a centrifugal force along the extension directions of the reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707.

[0085] In one example, in the case of the connector 700, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed in the radial direction around the hub 701, and the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed by the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extending from the first body 710, the second body arms 733, 734, and 735 extending from the second body 730, and the multiple connection ribs 741 and 743 connecting the first body arms 713, 714, and 715, with the second body arm 733, 734, and 735.

[0086] In addition, all of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector may be formed in the same shape. Therefore, hereinafter, the first arm 702, the first body arm 713 of the first body 710 forming the first arm 702, and the second body arm 733 of the second body 730 forming the first arm 702 will be described as representative.

[0087] However, the description is not intended to limit a shape of the first arm 702 of the connector 700; rather, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 are merely described representatively. Accordingly, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed in different shapes as needed, and may be changed for additional functions.

[0088] In one example, the connection rib 741 and 743 may include a first connection rib 741 inclined downwards toward the rotation shaft 400 from a left end of the first arm 702 and a second connection rib 743 inclined downwards toward the rotation shaft 400 from a right end of the first arm 702.

[0089] One end of each of the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may extend from the first body arm 713, and an opposite end thereof may extend from the second body arm 733. That is, each of the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be formed to extend from one surface of the first body arm 713 and one surface of the second body arm 733 facing the one surface of the first body arm 713. In addition, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be integrally formed with the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733.

[0090] In addition, the one end of the first connection rib 741 and the one end of the second connection rib 743 may be formed to be connected to each other. Hereinafter, a portion at which the one end of the first connection rib 741 is connected to the second connection rib 743 will be referred to as a connection point (not illustrated).

[0091] The first connection rib 741 may be formed to be inclined by a predetermined angle α1 with respect to an extension direction of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, and the second connection rib 743 may be formed to be inclined by a predetermined angle α2 with respect to the extension direction of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733.

[0092] In this regard, the angle α1 at which the first connection rib 741 is formed and the angle α2 at which the second connection rib 743 is formed may be the same angle in a form symmetrical to each other with respect to the first arm 702 (that is, the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733) (see FIG. 5).

[0093] In one example, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be arranged such that the connection point thereof is formed in a V shape in a direction toward the hub 701 and. When the connection point of the connection ribs 741 and 743 has the V shape pointed toward the hub 701, the connector 700 may have a resistance force against a force acting in a width direction of the first arm 702, a force acting in a longitudinal direction of the first arm 702, and a force acting in a thickness direction of the first arm 702.

[0094] As described above, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may include multiple first connection ribs 741 and multiple second connection ribs 743, respectively. Further, it is preferable that the multiple first connection ribs 741 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and the multiple second connection ribs 743 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the first arm 702.

[0095] In addition, the angle α1 at which the first connection rib 741 is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to an extension direction of another third arm 704 adjacent to the first arm 702, and the angle α2 at which the second connection rib 743 is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to an extension direction of another first arm 702 adjacent to the first body arm.

[0096] In one example, the multiple first connection ribs 741 and the multiple second connection ribs 743 formed at the first arm 702 may have predetermined spacings G1 to G5 based on the connection points at which respective pairs thereof are in contact with each other. In this regard, a spacing between the connection points, each of which is formed by a pair of the connection ribs 741 and 743, may decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702 from the hub 701 (see FIG. 7).

[0097] That is, in the case of the connector 700, the first arm 702 may extend in the radial direction about the hub 701, and a moment may be the greatest at an outermost portion of the first arm 702. Therefore, in order to increase strength of an outer portion of the first arm 702, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743, which are disposed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, may vary, thereby increasing the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702.

[0098] In one example, the first body arm 713 may extend in the radial direction about the hub 701 with a width relatively narrower than that of the first body arm 713. That is, a width W2 of the second body arm 733 may be relatively greater than a width W1 of the first body arm 713.

[0099] In this case, when the connector 700 is fastened to the rear surface 350 of the drum 300, a size of the connector accommodating groove 351 for the connector 700 to be fastened may be reduced. When the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 is reduced, an inner space of the drum 300 may be expanded (see FIG. 8).

[0100] In addition, when the first body arm 713 extends about the first body hub 711, a width RT1 of an end of the first body arm 713 may be narrower than a width RT2 of a portion of the first body arm 713 adjacent to the first body hub 711.

[0101] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0102] Therefore, even though the width of the first body arm 713 decreases in the outward direction of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, the strength of the first body arm 713 may be maintained. That is, the width RT1 of the outer portion of the first body arm 713 may be narrower than the width RT2 of the portion of the first body arm 713 adjacent to the first body hub 711.

[0103] In addition, when the width of the first body arm 713 decreases in the outward direction of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 in which the connector 700 is seated may be further reduced. As the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 is further reduced, the inner space of the drum 300 may be further expanded.

[0104] In addition, when the second body arm 733 extends about the second body hub 731, a width RB1 of an end of the second body arm 733 may be narrower than a width RB2 of a portion of the second body arm 733 adjacent to the second body hub 731.

[0105] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0106] Therefore, even though a width of the second body arm 733 decreases in an outward direction of the second body arm 733 from the second body hub 731, a strength of the second body arm 733 may be maintained. That is, the width RB1 of the outer portion of the second body arm 733 may be narrower than the width RB2 of the portion of the second body arm 733 adjacent to the second body hub 731.

[0107] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 constituting the first arm 702 may decrease along an extension direction of the first arm 702 from the hub 701.

[0108] That is, a spacing D1 between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at a side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a spacing D2 between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at a radially outer side.

[0109] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0110] Therefore, even though the spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 decreases as they extend outwards from the hub 701, the strength of the first arm 702 may be maintained. That is, in terms of the spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, the spacing D2 at the outer portion may be narrower than the spacing D1 at the side adjacent to the hub 701.

[0111] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 may decrease in the direction in which the first arm extends outwards about the hub.

[0112] That is, a thickness T1 of the first body arm 713 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a thickness T1 of the first body arm 713 at the radially outer side, and a thickness T3 of the second body arm 733 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a thickness T4 of the second body arm 733 at the radially outer side.

[0113] That is, the respective thicknesses T1 and T3 of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than the respective thicknesses T2 and T4 of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at the radially outer side.

[0114] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0115] Therefore, even when the thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 decrease as they extend outwards from the hub 701, the strength of the first arm 702 may be maintained. That is, in terms of the thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, the thicknesses T2 and T4 at the outer sides may be smaller than the thicknesses T1 and T3 at the sides adjacent to the hub 701.

[0116] Although the first arm 702 has been described above, the structure of the first arm 702 may be applied to the second and third arms 703 and 704 in the same manner.

[0117] In the case of the connector 700 as described above, in order to reduce the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 of the drum 300, the thicknesses, widths, and spacings of the first and second body arms 713, 714, 715, 733, 734, and 735 constituting the connector 700, and the spacings of the connection ribs 741 and 743 have been described, but they may be individually applied to the connector 700.

[0118] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, but those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may modify and implement the present disclosure in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, future changes in the embodiments of the present disclosure will not be able to deviate from the technology of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040]The present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and may not be limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, to clearly illustrate the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the present document. In a following description, redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0041]Further, in describing the present disclosure, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected with" another component, the component may be directly connected with the other component or intervening components may also be present. In contrast, in the present document, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "di...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a connector coupled to a drum and a rotation shaft to transmit power of a motor to the drum.Background

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

[0003] The washing machine is configured to perform a washing cycle capable of separating and removing the foreign substances from the laundry by supplying water and a detergent to the laundry.

[0004] The washing machine includes a tub that accommodates water therein, a drum that is rotatably disposed inside the tub and accommodates the laundry therein, and a driver that supplies rotational power to the drum to rotate the drum. The driver includes a stator that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor that rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator, and a 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 having an opening defined in a front side thereof, the stator may be fixed to a rear surface of the tub. In addition, the rotor may be positioned to surround an outer circumferential surface of the stator, and the rotation shaft connected to a center of the rotor may be connected to the drum by extending through the stator and the rear surface of the tub.

[0006] Such an existing washing machine includes a connector to connect the drum and the rotation shaft to each other. The connector is used, which includes an arm that extends radially from a center of the drum and is able to be coupled to the drum, in order to transmit a rotational force of the rotation shaft from the center of the rotation shaft to the radially outer side of the drum, rather than merely connecting the rotation shaft to the center of the drum. Because the drum and the rotation shaft are connected to each other through the connector, rotation of the rotation shaft may be more efficiently transmitted to the drum, and the rotation shaft may be prevented from being damaged.

[0007] Among the existing washing machines, there is one includes a shaft flange that performs the same function as the above-described connector (Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0038185). The rotation shaft is coupled to the shaft flange, the shaft flange is coupled to a rear surface of the drum, and a rotational power of a motor is transmitted to the drum through the rotation shaft and the shaft flange. In order to reinforce a strength of the shaft flange, a main reinforcing rib is disposed between a front wing and a rear wing, and thus, a cross-section of a wing is formed in an I-beam shape.

[0008] However, various foreign substances such as dust coming from the laundry are stuck in a space defined by the main reinforcing rib, the front wing, and the rear wing. Further, because the main reinforcing rib extends from a center to an end of the wing, a large amount of material is required. In addition, as a weight of the shaft flange increases, unnecessary power is consumed to rotate the same.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to derive a new structure of the connector capable of stably transmitting the rotational power provided by the motor to the drum, and maximizing durability thereof while minimizing a weight thereof.Summary Technical Problem

[0010] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that stably transmits rotational power provided by a motor to a drum, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of minimizing weight and securing durability at the same time, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of preventing damage from occurring in a portion where stress is concentrated, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0013] In addition, the present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems, and a technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of reducing weight by improving portions thereof except for an essential structure for securing rigidity of a bearing housing, and a laundry treating apparatus including the connector.

[0014] Technical purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical purposes, and other technical purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.Technical Solutions

[0015] A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical purposes includes: a cabinet; a tub disposed inside the cabinet and constructed to store water therein; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and constructed to accommodate laundry therein; a driver including a stator that is positioned at the rear of the tub and generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor that rotates by the rotating magnetic field; a rotation shaft that is connected to the rotor and rotates together with the rotor, wherein the rotation shaft extends through the tub and is connected to the drum; and a connector that connects the drum with the rotation shaft and transmits a rotational force transmitted through the rotation shaft to the drum, wherein the connector includes: a hub connected with the rotation shaft; and multiple arms extending from the hub in a radial direction of the drum, wherein each arm includes: a first body arm forming one surface of the arm and extending adjacent to the drum; a second body arm spaced apart from the first body arm by a predetermined distance and extending in parallel with the first body arm; and connection ribs disposed between the first body arm and the second body arm and arranged at a predetermined spacing to connect the first body arm with the second body arm, wherein a width of the first body arm is smaller than a width of the second body arm.

[0016] Further, the width of the first body arm may decrease as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0017] Further, the width of the second body arm may decrease as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0018] Further, a thickness of the first body arm may decrease as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0019] Further, a thickness of the second body arm may decrease as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0020] Further, the spacing between the first body arm and the second body arm may decrease as the first body arm and the second body arm extend in the radial direction of the drum.

[0021] Further, a first reinforcing rib protruding from a center of the hub along a central portion of the first body arm may be formed on an outer surface of the first body arm.

[0022] Further, a second reinforcing rib may be further formed between the first body arm and a further body arm adjacent to the first body arm, wherein the second reinforcing rib extends along an outer surface of the arm.

[0023] Further, the connection ribs may include: each first connection rib disposed on one side of a central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub; and each second connection rib disposed on an opposite side of the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub.

[0024] Further, the first connection rib and the second connection rib may be connected to each other at the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and be formed in a V shape pointed toward the hub.

[0025] Further, a spacing between the first connection ribs and a spacing between the second connection ribs along the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, may decrease as the first connection rib and the second connection rib extend radially outwards.

[0026] Further, the drum may have a rear surface where the connector is accommodated, and the rear surface may have a connector accommodating groove defined in a shape concave toward a front surface of the drum.

[0027] Further, the connector accommodating groove may further include multiple grooves corresponding to the multiple arms to accommodate the multiple arms therein, respectively.

[0028] Further, a fastening hole may be defined in an end of each of the multiple arms, and a fastening rib may be further disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rear surface of the drum, wherein the fastening rib is in contact with the end of each arm and has a fastening groove defined therein corresponding to each fastening hole.

[0029] Further, the multiple arms may extend about the hub by forming the same angle in a radial direction of the hub.

[0030] Further, the hub may include: a first body hub positioned on a rear surface of the drum, positioned at a center of rotation of the drum, and allowing the first body arm to extend therefrom; and a second body hub positioned at the rear of the drum, fixing the rotation shaft thereto, and allowing the second body arm to extend therefrom.

[0031] Further, the connection ribs may connect the first body arm and the second body arm to each other, and at the same time, allow the first body arm and the second body arm to be spaced apart from each other to defined a flow channel where water passes therebetween.

[0032] Further, the hub, the first body arm, the second body arm, and the connection ribs may be made of the same material and be integrally formed.Advantageous Effects

[0033] According to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector that stably transmits the rotational power provided by the motor to a drum, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0034] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of minimizing the weight and securing the durability at the same time, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0035] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of preventing the damage from occurring in the portion where the stress is concentrated, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0036] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, the connector capable of reducing the weight by improving the portions thereof except for the essential structure for securing the rigidity of the bearing housing, and the laundry treating apparatus including the connector may be provided.

[0037] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a drum and a connector of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a mounted state of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Best Mode

[0039] Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and may not be limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, to clearly illustrate the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the present document. In a following description, redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0041] Further, in describing the present disclosure, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected with" another component, the component may be directly connected with the other component or intervening components may also be present. In contrast, in the present document, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "directly connected with" another component, there are no intervening components present.

[0042] Further, terms used in describing the present disclosure are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and are not used as a limitation of the present disclosure. Further, in a following description, a singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context.

[0043] Further, names of the respective components defined in describing the present disclosure have been defined in consideration of functions thereof in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the respective components for which the names are defined may be referred to by different names in the art.

[0044] Further, in describing the present disclosure, the terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described herein exist and it should be thus understood that the possibility of existence or addition of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof is not precluded in advance.

[0045] Further, in describing the present disclosure, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. Herein, 'A or B' may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a drum and a connector of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a cabinet 100 that forms an outer appearance of the apparatus, a tub (see FIG. 2) that is disposed inside the cabinet 100 and stores water therein, and a drum 300 that is rotatably disposed inside the tub and accommodates laundry therein. The cabinet 100 may include a front panel 110 forming a front surface of the laundry treating apparatus, a top panel 130 forming a top surface thereof, side panels 120 forming side surfaces thereof, and a rear panel (not illustrated) forming a rear surface thereof.

[0048] A manipulation panel 113 may be installed at the front panel 110. The manipulation panel 113 may include an input unit 114 that receives a control command from a user, and a display 115 that outputs information such as a control command selectable by the user. The control command may include a drying course or a drying option capable of performing a series of drying cycles. A controller (not illustrated) that controls internal components to execute the control command input through the input unit 114 may be installed inside the cabinet 100. The controller may be connected to the internal components of the laundry treating apparatus and control the corresponding components to execute the input command.

[0049] The input unit 114 may include a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the laundry treating apparatus, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course among multiple courses, and an execution request unit that requests initiation of the course selected by the user.

[0050] The display 115 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting texts and figures and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds.

[0051] In one example, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a drawer 150 for supplying a detergent required for a washing cycle by the user. The drawer 150 may be retractable into or extendable from the front panel 110. The user may extend the drawer 150 to supply the detergent, and may retract the drawer 150 again. The above-described detergent may include various products necessary for treatment of the laundry, such as a detergent used for washing or a fabric softener used for rinsing.

[0052] In addition, the cabinet 100 may include a laundry inlet 111 through which the laundry is introduced and withdrawn. The laundry inlet 111 may be defined to extend through the front panel 110. The laundry inlet 111 may be in communication with the drum 300, so that the user may introduce the laundry into the drum 300 or withdraw the laundry from the drum 300 through the laundry inlet 111.

[0053] In addition, the cabinet 100 may include a door 140 that opens and closes the laundry inlet 111. The door 140 may be pivotably coupled to the front panel 110 and open and close the laundry inlet 111. The door 140 may be made of a transparent material, so that the user may check the inside of the drum 300 even when the door 140 closes the laundry inlet 111.

[0054] Directions may be defined to help understand a detailed structure of the laundry treating apparatus to be described below. Based on a center of the cabinet 100, a side where the laundry inlet 111 is defined may be defined as a front side, and an opposite side thereof may be defined as a rear side. A right side and a left side may be naturally defined based on the setting of the front and rear sides.

[0055] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tub 200 that is disposed inside the cabinet 100 and stores water therein, and the drum 300 that is rotatably disposed inside the tub 200 and accommodates the laundry therein.

[0056] A driver 500 that rotates the drum 300 may be installed at the rear of the tub 200. The driver 500 may include a stator 510 that generates a rotating magnetic field and a rotor 530 that rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 510.

[0057] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rotation shaft 400 that is connected to the rotor 530 and rotates together with the rotor 530 to rotate the drum 300.

[0058] The rotation shaft 400 may be rotatably supported by a bearing housing that extends through the tub 200 and is insert-injected into the tub 200, and may be connected to the drum 300 by a connector 700 that is connected to the drum 300. Accordingly, a rotational force of the driver 500 may be transmitted to the drum through the rotation shaft 400 and the connector 700 to which the rotation shaft is connected.

[0059] In one example, the laundry treating apparatus may include a spring 160 and a damper 170 for damping vibration generated by operation of the driver 500 or vibration generated by an imbalance of the laundry items accommodated in the drum 300. The spring 160 and the damper 170 may connect an outer side of the tub 200 with an inner side of the cabinet 100.

[0060] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may include a gasket 180 connecting the tub 200 with the cabinet 100. The gasket 180 may connect the door 140 with the tub 200. The gasket 180 may prevent water from leaking through an opening defined in a front side of the tub 200. In other words, the gasket 180 may shield a space between the door 140 and the tub 200 in a state in which the door 140 is closed, thereby preventing water from leaking to the outside of the tub 200.

[0061] The drum 300 may be equipped as a cylindrical drum body 310 with a hollow defined therein. That is, the drum body 310 may be composed of a circumferential surface having both opposite surfaces open, a disk-shaped front surface 330 fixed to the circumferential surface and forming a front surface of the drum body, and a rear surface 350 fixed to the circumferential surface and forming a rear surface of the drum body.

[0062] The front surface 330 includes a drum inlet 312 through which the laundry supplied through the drum inlet 312 is introduced into the drum body 310. In addition, multiple drain holes 312 that allow the inside of the drum body 310 to be in communication with the inside of the tub 200 are defined in the drum body 310, the front surface 330, and the rear surface 350.

[0063] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may further include a water supply (not illustrated) that supplies water necessary for the washing to the tub 200, and a water discharge (not illustrated) that discharges water accommodated in the tub 200 after the washing is completed. The water supply may be connected to an external water supply source and receive water. In addition, the water discharge may include a pump, so that it will be able to forcibly drain water accommodated in the tub 200 to the outside of the cabinet.

[0064] The drum 300 receives power provided by the driver 500 through the connector 700. In one example, the connector 700 may be composed only of the rotation shaft 400 connecting the rotor 530 with the drum body 310. In this case, the rotation shaft 400 extends through a rear surface of the tub 200, so that one end thereof will be fixed to the rear surface 350 of the drum body and an opposite end thereof will be fixed to the rotor 530.

[0065] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connector 700 may further include a hub 401 to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and multiple arms 702, 703, and 704 extending from the hub 701 toward an edge of the rear surface 350. When the rotation shaft 400 is directly connected to the rear surface 350 of the drum body 310, the rotational force of the rotation shaft 400 may be concentrated on the rear surface 350, and thus the rear surface 350 may be damaged when the rotation shaft 400 rotates.

[0066] In one example, a connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in the rear surface 350 such that the rotational force provided by the connector 700 is easily transmitted to the drum body 310. The connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in a shape of a groove in which the rear surface 350 is concavely bent in a direction toward the front surface 330.

[0067] The connector accommodating groove 351 may be defined in a shape corresponding to shapes of the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704. Accordingly, the connector accommodating groove 351 may stably transmit the rotational power transmitted from the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704 to the drum 300.

[0068] In addition, in order to fix the connector 700 to the drum body 310, the drum 300 may further include a fastening rib 353 for fastening the hub 701 and the three arms 702, 703, and 704. The fastening rib 353 may be formed as a cylindrical pipe fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the drum body 310 or the rear surface 350, and the fastening rib 353 may include a first fastening hole 355, a second fastening hole 356, and a third fastening hole 357 to which the three arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector 700 are respectively connected.

[0069] In one example, fastening grooves (not illustrated) corresponding to the respective fastening holes 355, 356, and 357 of the fastening rib 353 may be defined at respective free ends of the three arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector 700, and a separate fastening member (not illustrated) passing through each fastening hole 355, 356, and 357 may be fastened to each fastening groove so that the connector 700 may be fixed to the drum 300.

[0070] Hereinafter, the connector 700 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connector 700 according to the present embodiment may include the hub 701 forming a center of the connector and to which the rotation shaft is connected, and the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 extending from the hub 701 in a radial direction of the drum. Here, it is illustrated that there are three arms in a case of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 of the present disclosure, but the number of arms may increase or decrease as necessary, and angles formed by the respective arms may be the same.

[0073] In one example, the connector 700 includes a first body 710 fixed to the rear surface 350 of the drum 300, a second body 730 to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and a connection rib 741 and 743 that separately connects the first body 710 and the second body 73 to each other.

[0074] The first body 710 may include a first body hub 711 fixed to the rear surface 350 and positioned at a center of rotation of the drum 300, and first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extending radially from the first body hub 711 toward the edge of the rear surface 350 and forming respective one surfaces of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0075] The second body 730 may include a second body hub 731 positioned to face the rear surface of the tub 200 and to which the rotation shaft 400 is fixed, and second body arms 733, 734, and 735 extending in the radial direction of the drum 300 from the second body hub 731, in the same direction as the direction in which the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extend.

[0076] The connection rib 741 and 743 not only allows the first body 710 and the second body 730 to remain spaced apart from each other, but also allows a flow channel through which water may pass to be defined in a space between the first body 710 and the second body 730.

[0077] Such a connection rib 741 and 743 may include a plurality of connection ribs formed between the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 of the first body and the second body arms 733, 734, and 735 of the second body, and the plurality of connection ribs may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing. Preferably, the connection ribs 741 and 743 may be formed such that a spacing between two ribs decreases in a radially outward direction of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0078] In one example, the first body 710, the second body 730, and the connection rib 741 and 743 described above may be made of the same material and integrally formed by a mold.

[0079] Multiple reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707 for reinforcing a strength of the first body 710 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first body 710.

[0080] The reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, and 704a may include a first reinforcing rib 702a extending in parallel along a central portion of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, a second reinforcing rib 703a extending in parallel along a central portion of the second body arm 714 from the first body hub 711, and a third reinforcing rib 704a extending in parallel along a central portion of the third body arm 715 from the first body hub 711.

[0081] Such first, second, and third reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, and 704a may be formed to extend and protrude from the respective one surfaces of the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704, thereby reinforcing rigidity of the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0082] In one example, the reinforcing ribs 705, 706, and 707 may include a fourth reinforcing rib 705 extending along a space between the first body arm 713 and the third body arm 715 on the outer surface of the first body 710, a fifth reinforcing rib 706 extending along a space between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 714 on the outer surface of the first body 710, and a sixth reinforcing rib 706 extending along a space between the second body arm 715 and the third body arm 715 on the outer surface of the first body 710.

[0083] Such fourth, fifth, and sixth reinforcing ribs 705, 706, and 707 may be formed to extend and protrude between the first body arm 715 and the third body arm 715, between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 714, and between the second body arm 714 and the third body arm 715, respectively, thereby reinforcing rigidity of the spaces between the first, second, and third body arms 702, 703, and 704.

[0084] In this regard, the reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707 as described above may be formed to extend in directions parallel to extension directions of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704. Accordingly, water remaining on a surface of the first body 710 may be discharged by a centrifugal force along the extension directions of the reinforcing ribs 702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, and 707.

[0085] In one example, in the case of the connector 700, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed in the radial direction around the hub 701, and the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed by the first body arms 713, 714, and 715 extending from the first body 710, the second body arms 733, 734, and 735 extending from the second body 730, and the multiple connection ribs 741 and 743 connecting the first body arms 713, 714, and 715, with the second body arm 733, 734, and 735.

[0086] In addition, all of the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 of the connector may be formed in the same shape. Therefore, hereinafter, the first arm 702, the first body arm 713 of the first body 710 forming the first arm 702, and the second body arm 733 of the second body 730 forming the first arm 702 will be described as representative.

[0087] However, the description is not intended to limit a shape of the first arm 702 of the connector 700; rather, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 are merely described representatively. Accordingly, the first, second, and third arms 702, 703, and 704 may be formed in different shapes as needed, and may be changed for additional functions.

[0088] In one example, the connection rib 741 and 743 may include a first connection rib 741 inclined downwards toward the rotation shaft 400 from a left end of the first arm 702 and a second connection rib 743 inclined downwards toward the rotation shaft 400 from a right end of the first arm 702.

[0089] One end of each of the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may extend from the first body arm 713, and an opposite end thereof may extend from the second body arm 733. That is, each of the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be formed to extend from one surface of the first body arm 713 and one surface of the second body arm 733 facing the one surface of the first body arm 713. In addition, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be integrally formed with the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733.

[0090] In addition, the one end of the first connection rib 741 and the one end of the second connection rib 743 may be formed to be connected to each other. Hereinafter, a portion at which the one end of the first connection rib 741 is connected to the second connection rib 743 will be referred to as a connection point (not illustrated).

[0091] The first connection rib 741 may be formed to be inclined by a predetermined angle α1 with respect to an extension direction of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, and the second connection rib 743 may be formed to be inclined by a predetermined angle α2 with respect to the extension direction of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733.

[0092] In this regard, the angle α1 at which the first connection rib 741 is formed and the angle α2 at which the second connection rib 743 is formed may be the same angle in a form symmetrical to each other with respect to the first arm 702 (that is, the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733) (see FIG. 5).

[0093] In one example, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may be arranged such that the connection point thereof is formed in a V shape in a direction toward the hub 701 and. When the connection point of the connection ribs 741 and 743 has the V shape pointed toward the hub 701, the connector 700 may have a resistance force against a force acting in a width direction of the first arm 702, a force acting in a longitudinal direction of the first arm 702, and a force acting in a thickness direction of the first arm 702.

[0094] As described above, the first connection rib 741 and the second connection rib 743 may include multiple first connection ribs 741 and multiple second connection ribs 743, respectively. Further, it is preferable that the multiple first connection ribs 741 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and the multiple second connection ribs 743 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the first arm 702.

[0095] In addition, the angle α1 at which the first connection rib 741 is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to an extension direction of another third arm 704 adjacent to the first arm 702, and the angle α2 at which the second connection rib 743 is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to an extension direction of another first arm 702 adjacent to the first body arm.

[0096] In one example, the multiple first connection ribs 741 and the multiple second connection ribs 743 formed at the first arm 702 may have predetermined spacings G1 to G5 based on the connection points at which respective pairs thereof are in contact with each other. In this regard, a spacing between the connection points, each of which is formed by a pair of the connection ribs 741 and 743, may decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702 from the hub 701 (see FIG. 7).

[0097] That is, in the case of the connector 700, the first arm 702 may extend in the radial direction about the hub 701, and a moment may be the greatest at an outermost portion of the first arm 702. Therefore, in order to increase strength of an outer portion of the first arm 702, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743, which are disposed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, may vary, thereby increasing the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702.

[0098] In one example, the first body arm 713 may extend in the radial direction about the hub 701 with a width relatively narrower than that of the first body arm 713. That is, a width W2 of the second body arm 733 may be relatively greater than a width W1 of the first body arm 713.

[0099] In this case, when the connector 700 is fastened to the rear surface 350 of the drum 300, a size of the connector accommodating groove 351 for the connector 700 to be fastened may be reduced. When the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 is reduced, an inner space of the drum 300 may be expanded (see FIG. 8).

[0100] In addition, when the first body arm 713 extends about the first body hub 711, a width RT1 of an end of the first body arm 713 may be narrower than a width RT2 of a portion of the first body arm 713 adjacent to the first body hub 711.

[0101] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0102] Therefore, even though the width of the first body arm 713 decreases in the outward direction of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, the strength of the first body arm 713 may be maintained. That is, the width RT1 of the outer portion of the first body arm 713 may be narrower than the width RT2 of the portion of the first body arm 713 adjacent to the first body hub 711.

[0103] In addition, when the width of the first body arm 713 decreases in the outward direction of the first body arm 713 from the first body hub 711, the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 in which the connector 700 is seated may be further reduced. As the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 is further reduced, the inner space of the drum 300 may be further expanded.

[0104] In addition, when the second body arm 733 extends about the second body hub 731, a width RB1 of an end of the second body arm 733 may be narrower than a width RB2 of a portion of the second body arm 733 adjacent to the second body hub 731.

[0105] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0106] Therefore, even though a width of the second body arm 733 decreases in an outward direction of the second body arm 733 from the second body hub 731, a strength of the second body arm 733 may be maintained. That is, the width RB1 of the outer portion of the second body arm 733 may be narrower than the width RB2 of the portion of the second body arm 733 adjacent to the second body hub 731.

[0107] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 constituting the first arm 702 may decrease along an extension direction of the first arm 702 from the hub 701.

[0108] That is, a spacing D1 between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at a side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a spacing D2 between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at a radially outer side.

[0109] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0110] Therefore, even though the spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 decreases as they extend outwards from the hub 701, the strength of the first arm 702 may be maintained. That is, in terms of the spacing between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, the spacing D2 at the outer portion may be narrower than the spacing D1 at the side adjacent to the hub 701.

[0111] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 may decrease in the direction in which the first arm extends outwards about the hub.

[0112] That is, a thickness T1 of the first body arm 713 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a thickness T1 of the first body arm 713 at the radially outer side, and a thickness T3 of the second body arm 733 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than a thickness T4 of the second body arm 733 at the radially outer side.

[0113] That is, the respective thicknesses T1 and T3 of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at the side adjacent to the hub 701 may be greater than the respective thicknesses T2 and T4 of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 at the radially outer side.

[0114] In the case of the first arm 702, the strength may be formed by the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743 formed between the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733. Further, in the case of the first connection ribs 741 and the second connection ribs 743, as described above, the spacing between the respective first connection ribs 741 and the spacing between the respective second connection ribs 743 decrease in the radially outward direction of the first arm 702, so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm 702 may be reinforced.

[0115] Therefore, even when the thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733 decrease as they extend outwards from the hub 701, the strength of the first arm 702 may be maintained. That is, in terms of the thicknesses of the first body arm 713 and the second body arm 733, the thicknesses T2 and T4 at the outer sides may be smaller than the thicknesses T1 and T3 at the sides adjacent to the hub 701.

[0116] Although the first arm 702 has been described above, the structure of the first arm 702 may be applied to the second and third arms 703 and 704 in the same manner.

[0117] In the case of the connector 700 as described above, in order to reduce the size of the connector accommodating groove 351 of the drum 300, the thicknesses, widths, and spacings of the first and second body arms 713, 714, 715, 733, 734, and 735 constituting the connector 700, and the spacings of the connection ribs 741 and 743 have been described, but they may be individually applied to the connector 700.

[0118] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, but those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may modify and implement the present disclosure in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, future changes in the embodiments of the present disclosure will not be able to deviate from the technology of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040]The present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and may not be limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, to clearly illustrate the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the present document. In a following description, redundant descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0041]Further, in describing the present disclosure, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected with" another component, the component may be directly connected with the other component or intervening components may also be present. In contrast, in the present document, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "di...

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub disposed inside the cabinet and constructed to store water therein; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and constructed to accommodate laundry therein; a driver including a stator positioned at the rear of the tub and configured to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor configured to rotate by the rotating magnetic field; a rotation shaft connected to the rotor and configured to rotate together with the rotor, wherein the rotation shaft extends through the tub and is connected to the drum; and a connector connecting the drum with the rotation shaft and configured to transmit a rotational force transmitted through the rotation shaft to the drum, wherein the connector includes: a hub connected with the rotation shaft; and multiple arms extending from the hub in a radial direction of the drum, wherein each arm includes: a first body arm forming one surface of the arm and extending adjacent to the drum; a second body arm spaced apart from the first body arm by a predetermined distance and extending in parallel with the first body arm; and connection ribs disposed between the first body arm and the second body arm and arranged at a predetermined spacing to connect the first body arm with the second body arm, wherein a width of the first body arm is smaller than a width of the second body arm.

2. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the first body arm decreases as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

3. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the second body arm decreases as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

4. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first body arm decreases as the first body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

5. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the second body arm decreases as the second body arm extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

6. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacing between the first body arm and the second body arm decreases as the first body arm and the second body arm extend in the radial direction of the drum.

7. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first reinforcing rib protruding from a center of the hub along a central portion of the first body arm is formed on an outer surface of the first body arm.

8. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 7, wherein a second reinforcing rib is further formed between the first body arm and a further body arm adjacent to the first body arm, wherein the second reinforcing rib extends along an outer surface of the arm.

9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection ribs include: each first connection rib disposed on one side of a central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub; and each second connection rib disposed on an opposite side of the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and inclined downwards toward the hub.

10. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first connection rib and the second connection rib are connected to each other at the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, and are formed in a V shape pointed toward the hub.

11. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein a spacing between the first connection ribs and a spacing between the second connection ribs along the central portion, defined along the extension direction of the arm, decrease as the first connection rib and the second connection rib extend radially outwards.

12. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drum has a rear surface where the connector is accommodated, and the rear surface has a connector accommodating groove defined in a shape concave toward a front surface of the drum.

13. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the connector accommodating groove further includes multiple grooves corresponding to the multiple arms to accommodate the multiple arms therein, respectively.

14. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein a fastening hole is defined in an end of each of the multiple arms, and a fastening rib is further disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rear surface of the drum, wherein the fastening rib is in contact with the end of each arm and has a fastening groove defined therein corresponding to each fastening hole.

15. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the multiple arms extend about the hub by forming the same angle in a radial direction of the hub.

16. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hub includes: a first body hub positioned on a rear surface of the drum, positioned at a center of rotation of the drum, and allowing the first body arm to extend therefrom; and a second body hub positioned at the rear of the drum, fixing the rotation shaft thereto, and allowing the second body arm to extend therefrom.

17. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection ribs connect the first body arm and the second body arm to each other, and at the same time, allow the first body arm and the second body arm to be spaced apart from each other to defined a flow channel where water passes therebetween.

18. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hub, the first body arm, the second body arm, and the connection ribs are made of the same material and are integrally formed.

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