Garment processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet so as to store water; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub so as to contain garments; a driving unit 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

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device. More specifically, the invention relates to a connector coupled to a drum and a rotating shaft to transmit power from a motor to the drum.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device that can remove dust or foreign substances attached to clothing by applying physical force to the clothing, and includes washing machines, dryers, and refreshers (stylers).

[0003] A washing machine is equipped to perform a washing cycle that supplies water and detergent to clothes to separate and remove foreign substances from the clothes.

[0004] In the case of a washing machine, it is equipped with a tub that holds water, a drum that is rotatably installed inside the tub to hold clothes, and a driving unit that supplies rotational power to the drum and rotates the drum. The driving unit includes a stator that generates a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor that rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator, and the rotational power of the rotor can be transmitted to the drum through a rotating shaft connected to the rotor.

[0005] In the case of a front-loading type washing machine having an opening at the front of the washing machine, the stator may be fixed to the rear surface of the tub. Furthermore, the rotor may be positioned to surround the outer periphery of the stator, and a rotational shaft connected to the center of the rotor may be connected to the drum by penetrating the rear surface of the stator and the tub.

[0006] These conventional washing machines were equipped with a connector to connect the drum and the rotating shaft. Rather than simply connecting the rotating shaft to the center of the drum, the connector extended radially from the center of the drum to transmit the rotational force of the rotating shaft to the radial outer surface of the drum, and had an arm that could be attached to the drum. Because the drum and the rotating shaft were connected via the connector, the rotation of the rotating shaft could be transmitted more efficiently to the drum, and damage to the rotating shaft could be prevented.

[0007] Meanwhile, some conventional washing machines are equipped with a shaft flange that performs the same function as the connector described above (Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0038185). A rotating shaft is coupled to the shaft flange, and the shaft flange is coupled to the rear surface of the drum, transmitting the rotational power of the motor to the drum through the rotating shaft and the shaft flange. To reinforce the strength of the shaft flange, a main reinforcing rib is provided between the front and rear blades, so that the blade section has an I-beam shape.

[0008] However, there was a problem that various foreign substances, such as dust from clothing, would get stuck in the space formed by the main reinforcing rib and the front and rear wing sections, and the main reinforcing rib extended from the center to the end of the wing section, requiring a lot of material, and the increased weight consumed unnecessary power to rotate it.

[0009] Therefore, the rotational power provided by the motor can be stably transmitted to the drum,

[0010] It was necessary to derive a new connector structure that could minimize weight while maximizing durability.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector that stably transmits rotational power provided by a motor to a drum and a clothing treatment device equipped with the connector.

[0012] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector and a clothing treatment device equipped with a connector that can minimize weight while ensuring durability.

[0013] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector and a clothing treatment device equipped with a connector that can prevent damage from occurring in a region where stress is concentrated.

[0014] In addition, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector and a garment processing device equipped with the connector that can reduce weight by improving a portion excluding the essential structure for securing rigidity of the bearing housing.

[0015] Meanwhile, the purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a clothes treatment device, comprising: a cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet to store water; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and to accommodate clothes; a driving unit including a stator positioned at the rear of the tub to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor rotated by the rotating magnetic field; a rotational shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor and penetrating the tub and connected to the drum; and a connector connecting the drum and the rotational shaft and transmitting rotational force transmitted through the rotational shaft to the drum, wherein the connector comprises: a hub to which the rotational shaft is connected; It includes a plurality of arms extending in the radial direction of the drum from the hub, the arms including a first body arm extending adjacent to the drum and forming one side of the arm, a second body arm extending in parallel and spaced apart from the first body arm by a predetermined interval, and a connecting rib arranged at a predetermined interval between the first body arm and the second body arm to connect the first body arm and the second body arm, and it is preferable that the width of the first body arm is formed smaller than the width of the second body arm.

[0017] Additionally, it is preferable that the width of the first body arm decreases as it extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0018] Additionally, it is preferable that the width of the second body arm decreases as it extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0019] Additionally, it is preferable that the thickness of the first body arm decreases as it extends in the radial direction of the drum from the hub.

[0020] Additionally, it is preferable that the thickness of the second body arm decreases as it extends from the hub in the radial direction of the drum.

[0021] In addition, it is preferable that the gap between the first body arm and the second body arm decreases as the gap extends in the radial direction of the drum.

[0022] Here, it is preferable that a first reinforcing rib is formed on the outer surface of the first body arm, protruding from the center of the hub along the center of the first body arm.

[0023] Additionally, it is preferable that a second reinforcing rib extending along the outer surface of the arm is further formed between the first body arm and another body arm adjacent to the first body arm.

[0024] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the connecting rib includes a first connecting rib that is provided to be inclined downward toward the hub on one side based on the center of the extension direction of the arm, and a second connecting rib that is provided to be inclined downward toward the hub on the other side based on the center of the extension direction of the arm.

[0025] Here, it is preferable that the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib are connected at the center of the extension direction of the arm and are provided in a pointed V shape toward the hub.

[0026] In addition, it is preferable that the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib have a spacing that decreases as they move radially outward from the center of the extension direction of the arm.

[0027] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the drum has a rear surface formed to accommodate the connector, and that the rear surface has a connector accommodation groove formed in a concave shape toward the front surface of the drum.

[0028] Here, it is preferable that the connector receiving groove is further formed with a plurality of grooves corresponding to the arm and in which the arm is received.

[0029] Meanwhile, it is preferable that a fastening hole is formed at each end of the plurality of arms, and a fastening rib is further provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rear surface of the drum, which is in contact with the end of the arms and has a fastening groove corresponding to each fastening hole.

[0030] In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of arms extend at the same angle in the radial direction of the hub with the hub as the center.

[0031] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the hub includes a first body hub located at the rear surface of the drum and at the center of rotation of the drum, from which the first body arm extends, and a second body hub located toward the rear of the drum, from which the rotation axis is fixed, and from which the second body arm extends.

[0032] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the connecting rib connects the first body arm and the second body arm while being spaced apart from each other to form a passage for water to pass between the first body arm and the second body arm.

[0033] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the hub, the first body arm, the second body arm, and the connecting rib are formed integrally from the same material.

[0034] According to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a connector that stably transmits rotational power provided by a motor to a drum and a garment treatment device equipped with the connector.

[0035] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a connector and a garment treatment device equipped with a connector that can secure durability while minimizing weight.

[0036] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a connector and a garment treatment device equipped with a connector that can prevent breakage from occurring in a region where stress is concentrated.

[0037] In addition, according to the garment treatment device according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing a connector and a garment treatment device equipped with a connector that can reduce weight by improving a portion excluding the essential structure for securing rigidity of the bearing housing.

[0038] Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram briefly showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a drum and connector of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 is a front view showing a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 is a side view showing a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a bottom view showing a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and like reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to designate similar parts. In the following description, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0049] Additionally, when describing the present invention, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, there may be other components present in between. On the other hand, when this specification refers to a component as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0050] Additionally, the terms used in describing the present invention are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in the following description, singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] Additionally, the names of each component defined in describing the present invention are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention. Therefore, the names defined for each component may be referred to by different names in the art.

[0052] In addition, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” in describing the present invention are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Additionally, when describing the present invention, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any item among multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram briefly showing a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a drum and a connector of a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a garment treatment device according to the present invention may include a cabinet (100) forming an exterior, a tub (see FIG. 2) provided inside the cabinet (100) to store water, and a drum (300) rotatably provided inside the tub and in which garments are accommodated. The cabinet (100) may include a front panel (110) forming a front surface of the garment treatment device, an upper panel (130) forming an upper surface, a side panel (120) forming a side surface, and a back panel (not shown) forming a back surface.

[0056] An operation panel (113) may be installed on the front panel (110). The operation panel (113) may be provided with an input unit (114) for receiving a control command from a user, and a display unit (115) for outputting information such as control commands that can be selected by the user. The control commands may include a drying course or drying option that can perform a series of drying operations. A control unit (not shown) that controls internal components to perform the control commands input through the input unit (114) may be installed inside the cabinet (100). The control unit may be connected to components inside the garment treatment device and control the corresponding components to perform the input commands.

[0057] The above input unit (114) may be provided to include a power supply request unit that requests power supply to the garment treatment device, a course input unit that allows the user to select a desired course from among a plurality of courses, and an execution request unit that requests the start of a course selected by the user.

[0058] The above display unit (115) may be provided to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and shapes, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds.

[0059] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention may include a drawer (150) for supplying detergent required for the washing process to the user. The drawer (150) may be provided so as to be inserted or withdrawn from the front panel (110). The user may withdraw the drawer (150) to supply detergent and then insert the drawer (150) again. The detergent described above may include various products required for treating garments, such as detergent used during washing or fabric softener used during rinsing.

[0060] In addition, the cabinet (100) may include an inlet (111) through which laundry is fed. The inlet (111) may be provided to penetrate the front panel (110). The inlet (111) is provided to communicate with the drum (300), so that a user can feed clothes into the drum (300) or take clothes out of the drum (300) through the inlet (111).

[0061] In addition, the cabinet (100) may include a door (140) that opens and closes the inlet (111). The door (140) is rotatably connected to the front panel (110) to open and close the inlet (111). The door (140) may be made of a transparent material so that a user can check the inside of the drum (300) even when the door (140) closes the inlet (111).

[0062] To facilitate understanding of the detailed structure of the garment processing device described below, directions may be defined. The direction toward the input port (111) based on the center of the cabinet (100) may be defined as the front side, and the opposite direction may be defined as the rear side. Depending on the setting of the front-back direction, the right side and the left side may be naturally defined.

[0063] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a tub (200) provided inside a cabinet (100) to store water, and a drum (300) rotatably provided inside the tub (200) to accommodate garments.

[0064] A driving unit (500) that rotates a drum (300) may be installed at the rear of the above tub (200). The driving unit (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).

[0065] In addition, the garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention 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).

[0066] The above-mentioned rotary shaft (400) is rotatably supported by a bearing housing that penetrates the tub (200) and is insert-molded into the tub (200), and can be connected to the drum (300) by a connector (700) that is connected to the drum (300). Accordingly, the rotary force of the driving unit (500) can be transmitted to the drum through the rotary shaft (400) and the connector (700) to which the rotary shaft is connected.

[0067] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device may include a spring (160) and a damper (170) to attenuate vibrations generated by the operation of the driving unit (500) or vibrations generated by imbalance of garments accommodated inside the drum (300). The spring (160) and the damper (170) may be provided to connect between the outside of the tub (200) and the inside of the cabinet (100).

[0068] In addition, the garment treatment device may include a gasket (180) connecting the tub (200) and the cabinet (100). The gasket (180) may connect the door (140) and the tub (200). The gasket (180) may prevent water from leaking through an opening provided at the front of the tub (200). In other words, the gasket (180) may block the space between the door (140) and the tub (200) when the door (140) is closed, thereby preventing water from leaking to the outside of the tub (200).

[0069] The drum (300) may be provided with a cylindrical drum body (310) having an empty interior. That is, the drum body (310) may be provided with a circumferential surface with both opposing sides open, a disk-shaped front surface (330) fixed to the circumferential surface to form the front surface of the drum body, and a rear surface (350) fixed to the circumferential surface to form the rear surface of the drum body.

[0070] A drum inlet (312) is formed on the front surface (330) to introduce clothes supplied through the drum inlet (312) into the interior of the drum body (310). In addition, a plurality of drainage holes (312) are formed on the drum body (310), the front surface (330), and the rear surface (350) to communicate the interior of the drum body (310) with the interior of the tub (200).

[0071] In addition, the garment treatment device may further include a water supply unit (not shown) that supplies water necessary for washing to the tub (200) and a drain unit (not shown) that discharges water contained within the tub (200) after washing is completed. The water supply unit may be connected to an external water source to receive water. In addition, the drain unit may include a pump to forcibly drain water contained within the tub (200) to the outside of the cabinet.

[0072] The drum (300) receives power provided by the driving unit (500) through the connector (700). Meanwhile, the connector (700) may be provided with only a rotational shaft (400) connecting the rotor (530) and the drum body (310). In this case, the rotational shaft (400) is provided to penetrate the rear surface of the tub (200), and one end is fixed to the rear surface (350) of the drum body, and the other end is fixed to the rotor (530).

[0073] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connector (700) may further include a hub (401) to which the rotational shaft (400) is fixed, and a plurality of arms (702, 703, 704) extending from the hub (701) toward the edge of the rear surface (350). If the rotational shaft (400) is directly connected to the rear surface (350) of the drum body (310), the rotational force of the rotational shaft (400) may be concentrated on the rear surface (350) when the rotational shaft (400) rotates, which may cause the rear surface (350) to be damaged.

[0074] Meanwhile, in order to enable the rotational force provided by the connector (700) to be easily transmitted to the drum body (310), a connector receiving groove (351) may be provided on the rear surface (350). The connector receiving groove (351) may be formed in a groove shape in which the rear surface (350) is concavely bent toward the direction in which the front surface (330) is positioned.

[0075] The connector receiving groove (351) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the hub (701) and the three arms (702, 703, 704). Accordingly, the connector receiving groove (351) can stably transmit the rotational power transmitted from the hub (701) and the three arms (702, 703, 704) to the drum (300).

[0076] In addition, in order to fix the connector (700) to the drum body (310), the drum (300) may further be provided with a fastening rib (353) to which the hub (701) and three arms (702, 703, 704) are fastened. The fastening rib (353) is provided as a cylindrical pipe that is fixed to the outer surface of the drum body (310) or the rear surface (350), and the fastening rib (353) may be provided with a first fastening hole (355), a second fastening hole (356), and a third fastening hole (357) to which the three arms (702, 703, 704) of the connector (700) are respectively connected.

[0077] Meanwhile, each free end of the three arms (702, 703, 704) of the connector (700) may be provided with fastening grooves (not shown) corresponding to each fastening hole (355, 356, 357) of the fastening rib (353), and a separate fastening member (not shown) penetrating each fastening hole (355, 356, 357) is fastened to each fastening groove, thereby fixing the connector (700) to the drum (300).

[0078] Hereinafter, the connector (700) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings 4 to 7.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a front view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connector (700) according to the present embodiment may include a hub (701) forming the center of the connector and to which the rotational axis is connected, and first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) extending from the hub (701) in the radial direction of the drum. Here, the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) of the present invention are exemplified as being composed of three, but may be increased or decreased as needed, and the angle formed by each arm may form the same angle.

[0081] Meanwhile, 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 connecting rib (741, 743) that connects the first body (710) and the second body (73) at a distance.

[0082] The first body (710) may include a first body hub (711) fixed to the rear surface (350) and positioned at the center of rotation of the drum (300), and first body arms (713, 714, 715) extending radially from the first body hub (711) toward the edge of the rear surface (350) to form one side of the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704).

[0083] The second body (730) may include a second body hub (731) positioned toward the rear surface of the tub (200) to which the rotation shaft (400) is fixed, and a second body arm (733, 734, 735) extending in the radial direction of the drum (300) in the same direction as the direction in which the first body arm (713, 714, 715) extends from the second body hub (731).

[0084] The above connecting ribs (741, 743) not only keep the first body (710) and the second body (730) separated from each other, but also form a passage through which water can pass between the first body (710) and the second body (730).

[0085] These connecting ribs (741, 743) may be formed in multiple numbers between the first body arms (713, 714, 715) of the first body and the second body arms (733, 734, 735) of the second body, and may be formed with a certain interval therebetween. Preferably, the connecting ribs (741, 743) may be formed so that the interval therebetween becomes narrower as they move in the radial direction of the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704).

[0086] Meanwhile, the first body (710), the second body (730) and the connecting ribs (741, 743) described above can be integrally formed of the same material by a mold.

[0087] The outer surface of the first body (710) may be provided with a number of reinforcing ribs (702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, 707) to reinforce the strength of the first body (710).

[0088] The above reinforcing ribs (702a, 703a, 704a) may include a first reinforcing rib (702a) extending parallel along the center of the first body arm (713) from the first body hub (711), a second reinforcing rib (703a) extending parallel along the center of the second body arm (714) from the first body hub (711), and a third reinforcing rib (704a) extending parallel along the center of the third body arm (715) from the first body hub (711).

[0089] These first, second, and third reinforcing ribs (702a, 703a, 704a) are formed by extending and protruding from one surface of the first, second, and third body arms (702, 703, 704), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the first, second, and third body arms (702, 703, 704).

[0090] Meanwhile, the reinforcing ribs (705, 706, 707) may include a fourth reinforcing rib (705) extending 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 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 between the second body arm (715) and the third body arm (715) on the outer surface of the first body (710).

[0091] These fourth, fifth, and sixth reinforcing ribs (705, 706, 707) are 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), thereby reinforcing the rigidity between the first, second, and third body arms (702, 703, 704).

[0092] Here, each of the reinforcing ribs (702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, 707) as described above can be formed to extend in a parallel direction along the extension direction of the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704). Accordingly, water remaining on the surface of the first body (710) can be discharged by centrifugal force along the extension direction of the reinforcing ribs (702a, 703a, 704a, 705, 706, 707).

[0093] Meanwhile, in the case of the connector (700), first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) may be formed radially around the hub (701), and the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) may be formed by the first body arms (713, 714, 715) extending from the first body (710), the second body arms (733, 734, 735) extending from the second body (730), and a plurality of connecting ribs (741, 743) connecting the first body arms (713, 714, 715) and the second body arms (733, 734, 735).

[0094] In addition, the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) of the connector can all be formed in the same shape. Therefore, the following description will be made representatively of the first arm (702) and 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).

[0095] However, the shape of the first arm (702) of the connector (700) is not limited, and is only described as representing the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704). Accordingly, each of the first, second, and third arms (702, 703, 704) may be formed in a different shape as needed, and may be changed for additional functions.

[0096] Meanwhile, the connecting ribs (741, 743) may be provided as a first connecting rib (741) that is provided to be inclined downward toward the rotation axis (400) at the left end of the first arm (702) and a second connecting rib (743) that is provided to be inclined downward toward the rotation axis (400) at the right end of the first arm (702).

[0097] The first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) may each extend from the first body arm (713) at one end and extend from the second body arm (733) at the other end. That is, the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting 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), respectively. In addition, the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) may be formed integrally with the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733).

[0098] In addition, one end of the first connecting rib (741) and one end of the second connecting rib (743) may be formed to be connected to each other. Hereinafter, the part where one end of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) are connected will be referred to as a connecting point (not shown).

[0099] The first connecting rib (741) may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle (α1) with respect to the extension direction of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733), and the second connecting rib (743) may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle (α2) with respect to the extension direction of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733).

[0100] Here, the angle (α1) at which the first connecting rib (741) is formed and the angle (α2) at which the second connecting rib (743) is formed can be formed at the same angle in a symmetrical manner with the first arm (702) (i.e., the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733)) as the center (see FIG. 5).

[0101] Meanwhile, the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) may be arranged such that the connecting points are in a sharp V shape toward the hub (701). When the connecting points of each connecting rib (741, 743) are provided in a sharp V shape toward the hub (701), the connector (700) may have resistance to a force acting in the width direction of the first arm (702), a force acting in the length direction of the first arm (702), and a force acting in the thickness direction of the first arm (702).

[0102] The first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) as described above may be provided in multiple numbers, and it is preferable that each connecting rib (741, 743) be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the first arm (702).

[0103] In addition, the angle (α1) at which the first connecting rib (741) is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to the extension direction of another third arm (704) adjacent to the first arm (702), and the angle (α2) at which the second connecting rib (743) is formed may be formed in a direction parallel to the extension direction of another first arm (702) adjacent to the first body arm.

[0104] Meanwhile, the plurality of first connecting ribs (741) and second connecting ribs (743) formed on the first arm (702) may have a predetermined interval (G1-G5) based on the connection point where each connecting rib comes into contact. At this time, the distance between the connection points of each connecting rib (741, 743) may be formed such that the interval becomes narrower as it goes toward the outside of the first arm (702) with the hub (701) as the center (see FIG. 7).

[0105] That is, in the case of the connector (700), the first arm (702) extends radially with the hub (701) as the center, and the greatest moment can be applied to the outermost part of the first arm (702). Therefore, in order to increase the strength of the outer part of the first arm (702), the spacing between the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) arranged between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) can be varied to increase the strength of the outer part of the first arm (702).

[0106] Meanwhile, the first body arm (713) may extend radially around the hub (701) with a width that is relatively narrower than that of the first body arm (713). That is, the width (W2) of the second body arm (733) may be formed to be relatively larger than the width (W1) of the first body arm (713).

[0107] In this case, when the connector (700) is fastened to the rear surface (350) of the drum (300), the size of the connector receiving groove (351) for fastening the connector (700) can be reduced. If the size of the connector receiving groove (351) is reduced, the internal space of the drum (300) can be expanded (see FIG. 8).

[0108] In addition, when the first body arm (713) extends around the first body hub (711), the width (RT1) of the end of the first body arm (713) can be formed to be narrower than the width (RT2) on the side of the first body hub (711).

[0109] In the case of the first arm (702), strength is formed by the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) formed between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733), and in the case of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743), as described above, the width of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) is formed to become narrower as they are arranged toward the radial outer side of the first arm (702), so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm (702) can be reinforced.

[0110] Accordingly, even if the width of the first body arm (713) becomes narrower as it progresses outward from the first body hub (711), the strength of the first body arm (713) can be maintained. That is, the first body arm (713) can be formed so that the width (RT1) of the outer portion is narrower than the width (RT2) of the first body hub (711) side.

[0111] In addition, when the width of the first body arm (713) is reduced as it moves outward from the first body hub (711), the size of the connector receiving groove (351) in which the connector (700) is seated can be further reduced, and by further reducing the size of the connector receiving groove (351), the internal space of the drum (300) can be further expanded.

[0112] In addition, when the second body arm (733) extends around the second body hub (731), the width (RB1) of the end of the second body arm (733) can be formed to be narrower than the width (RB2) on the side of the second body hub (731).

[0113] In the case of the first arm (702), strength is formed by the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) formed between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733), and in the case of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743), as described above, the width of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) is formed to become narrower as they are arranged toward the radial outer side of the first arm (702), so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm (702) can be reinforced.

[0114] Accordingly, even if the width of the second body arm (733) becomes narrower as it goes outward from the second body hub (731), the strength of the second body arm (733) can be maintained. That is, the second body arm (733) can be formed so that the width (RB1) of the outer portion is narrower than the width (RB2) of the second body hub (731) side.

[0115] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the gap between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) forming the first arm (702) may become narrower as the first arm (702) moves in the direction in which it extends based on the hub (701).

[0116] That is, the gap (D1) between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) adjacent to the hub (701) can be formed to be larger than the radial outer gap (D2) between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733).

[0117] In the case of the first arm (702), strength is formed by the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) formed between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733), and in the case of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743), as described above, the width of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) is formed to become narrower as they are arranged toward the radial outer side of the first arm (702), so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm (702) can be reinforced.

[0118] Accordingly, even if the gap between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) becomes narrower as it progresses from the hub (701) side to the outside, the strength of the first arm (702) can be maintained. That is, the gap between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) can be formed so that the gap (D2) on the outside is narrower than the gap (D1) on the hub (701) side.

[0119] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the thickness of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) may become thinner as the first arm extends outward from the hub.

[0120] That is, the thickness (T1) of the first body arm (713) adjacent to the hub (701) may be formed to be greater than the radially outer thickness (T1) of the first body arm (713), and the thickness (T3) of the second body arm (733) adjacent to the hub (701) may be formed to be greater than the radially outer thickness (T4) of the second body arm (733).

[0121] That is, the respective thicknesses (T1, T3) of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) adjacent to the hub (701) may be formed to be greater than the respective outer thicknesses (T2, T4) of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) in the radial direction.

[0122] In the case of the first arm (702), strength is formed by the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) formed between the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733), and in the case of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743), as described above, the width of the first connecting rib (741) and the second connecting rib (743) is formed to become narrower as they are arranged toward the radial outer side of the first arm (702), so that the strength of the outer portion of the first arm (702) can be reinforced.

[0123] Accordingly, even if the thickness of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) is formed to become thinner from the hub (701) side to the outside, the strength of the first arm (702) can be maintained. That is, the thickness of the first body arm (713) and the second body arm (733) can be formed so that the thickness (T2, T4) of the outside is thinner than the thickness (T1, T3) of the hub (701) side.

[0124] In the above description, the first arm (702) was described, but the structure of the first arm (702) can be applied to the second and third arms (703, 704) in the same manner.

[0125] In the case of the connector (700) as described above, in order to reduce the size of the connector receiving groove (351) of the drum (300), the thickness, width, and spacing of the first and second body arms (713, 714, 715, 733, 734, 735) forming the connector (700) and the spacing of the connecting ribs (741, 743) have been described, but each can be individually applied to the connector (700) and implemented.

[0126] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, modifications to future embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet to store water; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and to accommodate clothes; a driving unit including a stator located at the rear of the tub to generate a rotating magnetic field and a rotor rotated by the rotating magnetic field; a rotating shaft connected to the rotor to rotate together with the rotor and penetrating the tub and connected to the drum; and a connector connecting the drum and the rotating shaft and transmitting the rotating force transmitted through the rotating shaft to the drum, wherein the connector comprises: A hub to which the above rotational axis is connected; A plurality of arms extending radially from the above hub to the drum, The above cancer A first body arm forming one side of the arm and extending adjacent to the drum, A second body arm extending parallel to the first body arm at a predetermined interval, A connecting rib is disposed at a predetermined interval between the first body arm and the second body arm to connect the first body arm and the second body arm, A clothing processing device characterized in that the width of the first body arm is formed to be smaller than the width of the second body arm.

2. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the first body arm decreases as it extends in the radial direction of the drum from the hub.

3. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second body arm has a width that decreases as it extends in the radial direction of the drum from the hub.

4. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the first body arm decreases as it extends in the radial direction of the drum from the hub.

5. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the second body arm decreases as it extends in the radial direction of the drum from the hub.

6. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap between the first body arm and the second body arm decreases as the gap extends in the radial direction of the drum.

7. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that a first reinforcing rib is formed on the outer surface of the first body arm, protruding from the center of the hub along the center of the first body arm.

8. A garment treatment device according to claim 7, characterized in that a second reinforcing rib extending along the outer surface of the arm is further formed between the first body arm and another body arm adjacent to the first body arm.

9. In paragraph 1, the connecting rib A first connecting rib provided on one side with a downward slope toward the hub based on the center of the extension direction of the above cancer, A garment treatment device characterized in that it includes a second connecting rib that is provided on the other side with a downward slope toward the hub based on the center of the extension direction of the cancer.

10. A garment treatment device, characterized in that in paragraph 9, the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib are connected at the center of the extension direction of the arm and are provided in a pointed V shape toward the hub.

11. A garment treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first connecting rib and the second connecting rib have a spacing that decreases as they move radially outward from the center of the extension direction of the arm.

12. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the drum has a rear surface formed to receive the connector, and the rear surface has a connector receiving groove formed in a concave shape toward the front surface of the drum.

13. A garment treatment device according to claim 12, wherein the connector receiving groove is further formed with a plurality of grooves corresponding to the arm and in which the arm is received.

14. A garment treatment device characterized in that, in the 12th paragraph, a fastening hole is formed at each end of the plurality of arms, and a fastening rib is further provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rear surface of the drum, which is in contact with the end of the arms and has a fastening groove formed corresponding to each fastening hole.

15. A clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms are each extended at the same angle in the radial direction of the hub with the hub as the center.

16. In the first paragraph, the hub A first body hub located at the rear surface of the drum and at the center of rotation of the drum, from which the first body arm extends; A garment treatment device characterized by comprising a second body hub positioned toward the rear of the drum, the rotation axis being fixed, and the second body arm extending therefrom.

17. In the first paragraph, the connecting rib A clothing treatment device characterized in that the first body arm and the second body arm are connected and spaced apart from each other to form a passage through which water passes between the first body arm and the second body arm.

18. A garment treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hub, the first body arm, the second body arm, and the connecting rib are formed integrally from the same material.

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