Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a washing tub which washes laundry by using carbon dioxide, and which forms an inner space that can be sealed to maintain the pressure of carbon dioxide accommodated therein; a drum rotatably provided inside the washing tub; a driving device for providing rotational force to rotate the drum; and a gear device for transmitting the rotational force of the driving device to the drum, wherein the gear device includes: an outer rotor which can rotate by receiving the rotational force from the driving device, and which is disposed outside the washing tub; an inner rotor disposed inside the washing tub so as to be spaced apart from the outer rotor; and a pole piece disposed between the outer rotor and the inner rotor, and spaced apart from each of the outer rotor and the inner rotor in the radial direction.

Description

washing machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

[0002] Typically, washing machines are devices that use water as a detergent. Conversely, there are dry cleaning washing machines that use detergents, which are volatile organic compounds, instead of water to clean laundry without using water. Dry cleaning washing machines can use solvents, such as solvents or petroleum-based detergents.

[0003] Washing machines that use water pollute the environment by generating wastewater during the washing process, and solvent-based and petroleum-based cleaning solvents used in dry cleaning machines are harmful to the human body and can pollute the environment.

[0004] Carbon dioxide can be used as a replacement for the aforementioned cleaning solvents. Carbon dioxide has a lower viscosity than water, allowing it to easily penetrate fibers and remove contaminants. After washing, the carbon dioxide containing foreign substances can be vaporized to separate the carbon dioxide and the contaminants, and the vaporized carbon dioxide can be reused.

[0005] Carbon dioxide is a component of the general atmosphere, so it does not pollute the environment, and since liquid carbon dioxide is vaporized and liquefied and reused, carbon dioxide emissions are low, so it can also contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of transmitting a high-speed rotational force of a driving device to a drum by including a magnetic gear, thereby transmitting a low-speed, high-torque rotational force.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of transmitting power of a driving device to a drum inside a pressure vessel without using complex sealing by correspondingly arranging an outer rotor and an inner rotor inside and outside the pressure vessel, respectively.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a washing machine is provided to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, and includes a washing tub that forms an internal space that can be sealed to maintain the pressure of the contained carbon dioxide, a drum that is provided to be rotatable within the washing tub, a driving device that provides rotational force to rotate the drum, and a gear device that transmits the rotational force of the driving device to the drum, wherein the gear device includes an outer rotor that is provided to be rotatable by receiving rotational force from the driving device and is disposed outside the washing tub, an inner rotor that is disposed inside the washing tub so as to be spaced apart from the outer rotor, and a pole piece that is disposed between the outer rotor and the inner rotor and is spaced apart in a radial direction from the outer rotor and the inner rotor, respectively.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, a drum configured to be rotatable within the washing tub, a driving device that provides rotational force to rotate the drum, and a gear device configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device to the drum, wherein the gear device includes an outer rotor configured to be rotatable by receiving rotational force from the driving device, an inner rotor that rotates in the opposite direction to the outer rotor due to magnetic interaction with the outer rotor when the outer rotor rotates, and a pole piece disposed between the outer rotor and the inner rotor and radially spaced apart from the outer rotor and the inner rotor, and at least a portion of the washing tub is disposed between the outer rotor and the inner rotor.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide flow in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a washing tub of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the inside of a washing tub of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of Figure 3.

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0016] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 3.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing an exploded view of a gear device of a washing machine tub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0019] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0022] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0023] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0025] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0026] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0027] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0028] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0029] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0030] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0031] The drum can rotate within the housing and perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycles. A plurality of holes can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum.

[0032] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting rotational force generated by the drive motor to the drum.

[0033] The driving device can perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0034] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0035] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0036] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0037] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0038] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle, operating time of the washing machine, and washing / rinsing settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0039] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0040] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0041] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0042] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0043] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0044] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0045] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, and rinsing, based on user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum.

[0046] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a storage tank (10) configured to store carbon dioxide, a washing tub (20) that performs laundry internally using carbon dioxide, a distillation tank (30) configured to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20), a foreign substance tank (70) configured to store and discharge foreign substances discharged from the distillation tank (30), a compressor (50) configured to compress and move carbon dioxide, and a chiller (11) configured to cool the storage tank (10). The washing machine (1) may further include a replenishment tank (60) configured to replenish carbon dioxide lost in the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing.

[0050] The storage tank (10) may be configured to store carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may be configured to store gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure so as to store liquid carbon dioxide. For example, the internal pressure of the storage tank (10) may be approximately 30 to 70 bar.

[0051] The storage tank (10) may include a first outlet provided to discharge gaseous carbon dioxide and a second outlet provided to discharge liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may include an inlet through which gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced from the outside. The first outlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the first outlet. The inlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the inlet. For example, the first outlet and the inlet may be formed at a position higher than the full water level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10).

[0052] The chiller (11) may be provided to cool the storage tank (10). The chiller (11) may liquefy gaseous carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) by cooling the storage tank (10). Through this, gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the washing tank (20) and the distillation tank (30) may be liquefied. The liquefied carbon dioxide may be discharged from the storage tank (10) back to the washing tank (20) and used for washing. The chiller (11) may liquefy the carbon dioxide recovered in a gaseous state, thereby allowing the carbon dioxide to circulate through the storage tank (10), the washing tank (20), and the distillation tank (30). The chiller (11) may include an evaporator of a heat pump. Alternatively, the chiller (11) may include at least one of various types of cooling devices.

[0053] The washing tub (20) can provide a space for washing laundry using liquid carbon dioxide as a washing solvent. The washing tub (20) can store liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide inside. The washing tub (20) can maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure so that the liquid carbon dioxide can be stored inside. The internal pressure of the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 30 to 60 bar. A drum (26) can be rotatably arranged inside the washing tub (20).

[0054] The washing tank (20) can be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) can be moved from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) without power by gravity.

[0055] During the process of loading laundry into the drum (26) within the washing tub (20), air may be introduced into the washing tub (20). If air is introduced into the washing tub (20), moisture contained in the air may condense during the process of lowering the pressure within the washing tub (20) after the washing is completed. If moisture introduced between the laundry condenses, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent this, the washing machine (1) may include a vacuum pump configured to discharge air within the washing tub (20).

[0056] The distillation tank (30) may be provided to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tank (20) after washing. Specifically, the distillation tank (30) may receive liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20), foreign substances dissolved or not dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide, and gaseous carbon dioxide therein.

[0057] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into a storage tank (10). The gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be moved to the storage tank (10) by a compressor (50). The liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by heat applied to the distillation tank (30). The vaporized carbon dioxide can be moved to the storage tank (10) by the compressor (50). As the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes, foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the liquid carbon dioxide. The foreign substances inside the distillation tank (30) can be discharged to a foreign substance tank (70) after the gaseous carbon dioxide is recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0058] In the above process, the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure gas while passing through the compressor (50). The gaseous carbon dioxide, whose temperature has increased by passing through the compressor (50), can supply heat to the interior of the distillation tank (30) by exchanging heat with the distillation tank (30). In the process of recovering the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10), heat is generated by the compressor (50), and by supplying this heat to the distillation tank (30), the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized. According to one embodiment, heat can be supplied to the distillation tank (30) without including a separate heat source such as a heater.

[0059] A foreign matter tank (70) may be provided to store foreign matter discharged from the distillation tank (30). A user may discharge the foreign matter stored in the foreign matter tank (70) at an appropriate interval. The emptying interval of the foreign matter tank (70) may vary depending on the capacity of the foreign matter tank (70) and the amount of foreign matter contained in the laundry.

[0060] The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to supplement carbon dioxide lost in the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing. The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to store carbon dioxide therein. The supplementary tank (60) may supply carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20). The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1). The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be replaceable with another supplementary tank (60). Alternatively, the supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1), replenish carbon dioxide therein, and then reattachable to the washing machine (1). The pressure inside the supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be higher than the pressure inside the washing tub (20).

[0061] The washing machine (1) may include a valve provided on a path through which carbon dioxide moves. The path may include a gas path through which gaseous carbon dioxide primarily moves and a liquid path through which liquid carbon dioxide primarily moves. The valve may include a gas valve provided to open and close the gas path through which gaseous carbon dioxide primarily moves. The valve may include a liquid valve provided to open and close the liquid path through which liquid carbon dioxide primarily moves. The washing machine (1) may include a path connection through which a plurality of paths are combined into a single path or a single path is branched into a plurality of paths.

[0062] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) into the storage tank (10).

[0063] The washing machine (1) can recover gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to a storage tank (10), or can vaporize liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) and then recover it to a storage tank (10).

[0064] The washing machine (1) may include a path connecting the input terminal of the distillation tank (30) and the compressor (50) and a valve for opening or closing the path.

[0065] Carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (50) may pass through the interior of the distillation tank (30) or the exterior of the distillation tank (30) adjacent to the distillation tank (30). Carbon dioxide contained in the pipe passing through the distillation tank (30) may supply heat to the distillation tank (30).

[0066] The distillation tank (30) can discharge foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide into a foreign substance tank (70). The foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) can be discharged into the foreign substance tank (70) by opening a valve provided between the distillation tank (30) and the foreign substance tank (70).

[0067] It may include a depressurization step for depressurizing the inside of the washing tub (20) to remove laundry from the washing tub (20) after washing is completed.

[0068] The depressurization step may refer to a step of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) to 1 to 1.5 bar, which is a level similar to atmospheric pressure. The depressurization step may be a step of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) by recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) into a storage tank (10).

[0069] A washing machine (1) may be provided with a flow path connecting the input terminal of a washing tub (20) and a compressor (50) and a valve capable of opening and closing the flow path. Carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (50) may pass through the interior of the washing tub (20) or the exterior of the washing tub (20) adjacent to the washing tub (20). Carbon dioxide contained in the pipe passing through the washing tub (20) may supply heat to the washing tub (20).

[0070] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a washing tub (20) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the inside of a washing tub (20) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a washing machine (1) may include a washing tub (20), a drum (26) that is provided to be rotatable inside the washing tub (20), a driving device (40) that is provided to drive the drum (26) to rotate, and a gear device (100) that is provided to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (40) to the drum (26).

[0072] The washing tub (20) may be a pressure vessel or pressure vessel capable of containing high-pressure carbon dioxide. The drum (26) rotatably provided inside the washing tub (20) may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape. Laundry may be placed in the drum (26). The drum (26) may include a plurality of holes formed along the outer surface of the drum (26) to enable fluid communication between the washing tub (20) and the drum (26).

[0073] The washing machine (1) may include a door (23) that can open and close the washing tub (20). A hinge (25) may be coupled to the door (23) to open and close the door (23). That is, the door (23) may be provided to be rotatable by the hinge (25) with respect to the washing tub (20). When the door (23) is opened, laundry can be placed in the drum (26) inside the washing tub (20). The inside of the washing tub (20) may be a sealed space so that the pressure is maintained at a constant level to accommodate high-pressure carbon dioxide. Accordingly, the door (23) may include a handle (24) that is provided to firmly press the door (23) against the washing tub (20) to withstand the high pressure.

[0074] The washing tub (20) may include a washing tub main body (21) in which a drum (26) is placed, and a washing tub connection body (22) that extends from the rear of the washing tub main body (21) and has a smaller diameter than the washing tub main body (21) and is placed at least partially between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120).

[0075] The washing tub main body (21) and the washing tub connection body (22) may be formed integrally. The washing tub main body (21), the washing tub connection body (22), and the door (23) may be formed of stainless steel (SUS). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and as long as they can withstand the high-pressure carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20), they may be formed separately and then combined, and the washing tub (20) and the door (23) may be formed of a material other than SUS.

[0076] The gear device (100) may include an outer rotor (110) that receives the rotational force of the driving device (40) and rotates around a rotational axis (201), an inner rotor (120) that is spaced apart from the outer rotor (110), and a pole piece (130) that is spaced apart from the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120). The pole piece (130) may be spaced apart from the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) in the radial direction. The radial direction may be a radial direction that is perpendicular to the rotational axis (201).

[0077] At least a portion of the washing tub (20) may be placed between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120). Specifically, a portion of the washing tub connecting body (22) may be placed between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120).

[0078] The driving device (40) may include a motor having a stator and a rotor. The driving device (40) may generate rotational force. The stator may be supported by a portion of the structure of the washing machine (1). Specifically, the stator may be supported by a support plate (80) provided between the driving device (40) and the gear device (100).

[0079] The driving device (40) can transmit rotational power to the drum (26) through a gear device (100). For this purpose, the gear device (100) can be provided between the driving device and the drum (26).

[0080] For example, the motor of the driving device may include a stator portion arranged on the inside and a rotor portion arranged on the outside, which surrounds the stator portion and includes magnets. In this case, the outer rotor (110) of the gear device (100) may be coupled with the rotor portion arranged on the outside of the motor and rotate together.

[0081] For example, the motor of the driving device may include a rotor portion disposed inside and including a magnet, and a stator portion surrounding the rotor portion and including a driving coil. In this case, the outer rotor (110) of the gear device (100) may be coupled with the rotor portion disposed inside the motor and rotate together.

[0082] The outer rotor (110) and inner rotor (120) of the gear device (100) each include a magnetic body and a magnet and can be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape.

[0083] A portion of the outer rotor (110) may be coupled to the driving device (40). Specifically, the outer rotor (110) may be connected to the rotor portion of the driving device (40) because it must receive the rotational force of the driving device (40). When the driving device (40) rotates, the outer rotor (110) rotates and can transmit the rotational force to the inner rotor (120) through the magnet included in the outer rotor (110).

[0084] The outer rotor (110) may include an outer body (111) that directly receives power from a driving device (40), a flange portion (112) that protrudes from an end of the outer body (111) along a radial direction of the outer body (111), an outer receiving portion (113) that protrudes from one surface of the flange portion (112), and an outer magnet (114) that is arranged along a circumferential direction of the outer surface of the washing tub (20). The circumferential direction may specifically mean a circumferential direction of the rotation axis (201).

[0085] The outer receiving portion (113) can form a washing tub (20) receiving groove capable of receiving a portion of the washing tub (20). Specifically, the outer receiving portion (113) can form a cylindrical space capable of receiving a portion of the washing tub connection body (22). Through this, the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) inside the washing tub connection body (22) can magnetically interact.

[0086] The washing machine (1) may include a support plate (80) that can separate a portion of the drive device (40) and an outer rotor (110) as a part of the main body, and on which a portion of the drive device (40) can be supported. The support plate (80) may include a through hole (81) through which the outer rotor (110) can pass.

[0087] The outer body (111) is arranged on the outside of the washing tub (20) and can pass through the through hole (81). The outer body (111) can be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The outer body (111) can be arranged while being supported by the edge of the through hole (81).

[0088] The flange portion (112) may be formed in a roughly circular plate shape. The flange portion (112) may be formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the washing tub connection body (22) so that the outer rotor (110) can accommodate the washing tub (20). The flange portion (112) may correspond to an end of the washing tub (20). Specifically, it may correspond to an end of the washing tub connection body (22).

[0089] The outer receiving portion (113) may protrude from one surface of the flange portion (112) along the edge of the flange portion (112). The outer receiving portion (113) may be formed so as to accommodate a portion of the washing tub (20) on its inner surface. That is, the outer receiving portion (113) may have a cylindrical shape with an opening formed on one surface. The outer receiving portion (113) may include a magnetic material.

[0090] The inner rotor (120) may include an inner body (121) that is arranged to be coupled with one side of the drum (26), an inner magnetic body (123) coupled along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the inner body (121), and an inner magnet (124) arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the washing tub (20).

[0091] One end of the inner body (121) can be connected to the rear of the drum (26) to directly transmit rotational force to the drum (26). The other end of the inner body (121) can be arranged to correspond to the inner surface of the washing tub connection body (22).

[0092] The inner body (121) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the washing tub connection body (22) in order to be positioned inside the washing tub connection body (22).

[0093] The inner magnetic body (123) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the inner body (121) on the other end side of the inner body (121). The inner body (121) and the inner magnetic body (123) may be integrally coupled and rotate. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, rather than the inner body (121) and the inner magnetic body (123) being non-magnetic bodies being provided as separate configurations, the inner body (121) itself may be a magnetic body without including the inner magnetic body (123).

[0094] The pole piece (130) may include a plurality of magnetic bodies arranged at a predetermined interval. Each of the plurality of magnetic bodies may be formed in a rod shape extending in a direction approximately parallel to the rotation axis (201) of the gear device (100).

[0095] The pole piece (130) may include an outer pole piece (131) coupled to the outer surface of the washing tub (20) and an inner pole piece (132) coupled to the inner surface of the washing tub (20).

[0096] When the pole piece (130) comes into contact with the outer magnet (114) or the inner magnet (124), it may prevent the rotational force of the driving device from being easily transmitted to the drum (26). Therefore, the pole piece (130) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the outer magnet (114) and the inner magnet (124) so ​​as not to come into contact with the outer magnet (114) and the inner magnet (124). Specifically, the outer pole piece (131) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the outer magnet (114) in the radial direction, and the inner pole piece (132) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the inner magnet (124) in the radial direction.

[0097] The pole piece (130) can smoothly control the flow of magnetic flux generated in the magnets of the inner rotor (120) and the outer rotor (110). In the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure, the pole piece (130) is fixed and the inner rotor (120) and the outer rotor (110) can rotate in opposite directions.

[0098] The gear device (100) may include a bearing (140). By transmitting power from the driving device (40), the gear device (100) and the drum (26) can reduce rotational power loss due to friction when rotating. The bearing (140) may be arranged between the outer surface of the inner rotor (120) and the inner surface of the washing tub (20). Specifically, the bearing (140) may be arranged between the outer surface of the inner body (121) and the washing connection body.

[0099] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, the components of the gear device (100) can be arranged in the order of an inner body (121), an inner magnetic body (123), an inner magnet (124), an inner pole piece (132), a washing tub connection body (22), an outer pole piece (131), an outer magnet (114), and an outer receiving portion (113) in the radial direction from the rotation axis (201).

[0101] The outer pole piece (131) can be arranged at a predetermined interval along the outer circumference of the washing tub (20), and the inner pole piece (132) can be arranged at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference of the washing tub (20). Specifically, the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132) can be coupled to the washing tub connection body (22).

[0102] If the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132) are not coupled to the washing tub connection body (22), the pole piece (130) may move freely and impede the rotation of the gear device (100). Therefore, the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132) may be coupled to the outer surface of the washing tub connection body (22) and the inner surface of the washing tub connection body (22), respectively. The coupling method may be a method that can couple the pole piece (130) so that it does not come off from the washing tub connection body (22) when the gear device (100) rotates, such as an adhesive bonding method.

[0103] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 3.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 6, the outer magnet (114) may be arranged on the inner surface of the outer receiving portion (113) along the circumferential direction of the outer receiving portion (113). The outer magnet (114) may be arranged such that the N pole magnet and the S pole magnet are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the inner surface of the outer receiving portion (113). The pair of poles of the outer magnet (114) may include one N pole and one S pole.

[0105] The inner magnet (124) may be arranged on the outer surface of the inner body (121) along the circumferential direction of the inner body (121) and on the other end of the inner body (121) along the circumferential direction of the inner body (121). The inner magnet (124) may be arranged such that the N pole magnet and the S pole magnet are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the outer surface of the inner receiving portion. The dipoles of the inner magnet (124) may include one N pole and one S pole.

[0106] As illustrated, the pole piece (130) does not necessarily have to include an outer pole piece (131) and an inner pole piece (132), and it is sufficient to include only one of the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132). In addition, the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132) do not necessarily have to be arranged to face each other, and they may be arranged in the order of the outer pole piece (131) and the inner pole piece (132) along the perimeter of the washing tub connection body (22).

[0107] Since the inner rotor (120) is connected to the drum (26) and must rotate the drum (26), it can rotate with a torque higher than that of the outer rotor (110). That is, the inner rotor (120) can rotate at a relatively slower speed than the rotation speed of the outer rotor (110) and rotate with a torque higher than that of the outer rotor (110). To this end, the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124) can be greater than the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114).

[0108] The number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114) And the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124) is And the number of pole pieces (130) is When, can be satisfied. That is, the number of pole pieces (130) may be equal to the sum of the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114) and the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124). However, this is only an example of the relationship between the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114), the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124), and the number of pole pieces (130), and may vary depending on the design of the gear device (100).

[0109] The rotation speed of the outer rotor (110) , and the rotation speed of the inner rotor (120) And the rotation speed of the pole piece (130) is When, can be satisfied. That is, when the pole piece (130) is fixed, the rotational speed of the inner rotor (120) can be equal to the product of the rotational speed of the outer rotor (110) and the ratio of the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114) to the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124). However, this is only an example of the relationship between the outer rotor (110), the inner rotor (120), and the pole piece (130), and may vary depending on the design of the gear device (100).

[0110] FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing showing an exploded view of a gear device (100) of a washing tub (20) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] The inner rotor (120) can be coupled to the rear of the drum (26). The drum (26) and the inner rotor (120) can be accommodated inside the washing tub (20) in a coupled state. Specifically, one end of the inner body (121) can be coupled to the rear of the drum (26) to transmit rotational force to the drum (26).

[0112] The inner body (121), inner magnetic body (123), and inner magnet (124) can rotate at the same rotational speed. That is, they can be coupled without slipping and rotate simultaneously. To this end, the components of the inner rotor (120) can be strongly coupled. Similarly, the outer receiving portion (113) and the outer magnet (114) can be coupled without slipping and rotate simultaneously.

[0113] The outer rotor (110) may be placed outside the washing tub (20). In the drawing, a part of the outer rotor (110) is shown passing through the through hole (81) of the support plate (80), but the shape of the outer rotor (110) is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it is formed so that the rotational force received by being connected to the driving device (40) is transmitted to the outer receiving portion (113) and the rotational force is transmitted to the inner rotor (120) through the rotation of the outer magnet (114).

[0114] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (1) is provided to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, and includes a washing tub (20) that forms an internal space that can be sealed to maintain the pressure of the contained carbon dioxide, a drum (26) that is provided to be rotatable inside the washing tub (20), a driving device (40) that provides a rotational force to rotate the drum (26), and a gear device (100) that is provided to transmit the rotational force of the driving device (40) to the drum (26), wherein the gear device (100) comprises: an outer rotor (110) that is provided to be rotatable by receiving a rotational force from the driving device (40) and is disposed outside the washing tub (20), an inner rotor (120) that is disposed inside the washing tub (20) so as to be spaced apart from the outer rotor (110), and a pole that is disposed between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) and is spaced apart in the radial direction from the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120), respectively. It includes a piece (130). According to the present disclosure, by including a magnetic gear, the high-speed rotational force of the driving device (40) can be transmitted to the drum (26) and the low-speed, high-torque rotational force can be transmitted.

[0115] The outer rotor (110) includes an outer magnet (114) arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the washing tub (20), and the inner rotor (120) includes an inner magnet (124) arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the washing tub (20), and the inner rotor (120) can rotate in the opposite direction to the outer rotor (110) by magnetically interacting with the outer rotor (110) when the outer rotor (110) rotates.

[0116] The number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124) may be greater than the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114). According to the present disclosure, the high-speed, low-torque rotational force of the driving device (40) can be converted into a low-speed, high-torque rotational force and transmitted to the drum (26) connected to the inner rotor (120).

[0117] The above pole piece (130) includes a plurality of magnetic bodies spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the washing tub (20), and the plurality of magnetic bodies can be coupled to the washing tub (20).

[0118] The outer rotor (110) may include an outer body (111) configured to receive rotational force from the driving device (40), a flange portion (112) protruding radially from an end of the outer body (111), and an outer receiving portion (113) protruding from one surface of the flange portion (112) to form a washing tub (20) receiving groove to receive at least a portion of the washing tub (20).

[0119] The inner rotor (120) may include an inner body (121) that is arranged to be coupled to the rear surface of the drum (26), and an inner magnetic body (123) that is arranged on the outer surface of the inner body (121) along the circumferential direction of the inner body (121).

[0120] The above gear device (100) may further include a bearing (140) arranged between the inner body (121) and the inner surface of the washing tub (20).

[0121] The washing tub (20) may include a washing tub main body (21) in which the drum (26) is placed, and a washing tub connection body (22) that protrudes from the washing tub main body (21), has a diameter smaller than the washing tub main body (21), and is placed at least partially between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120).

[0122] The driving device (40) may further include a support plate (80) that is positioned between the driving device (40) and the flange portion (112) so that the driving device (40) is supported, and includes a through hole (81) formed so that the outer body (111) passes through it.

[0123] The above plurality of magnetic bodies may include an outer pole piece (131) that is coupled to the outer surface of the washing tub (20) and arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the outer surface of the washing tub (20), and an inner pole piece (132) that is coupled to the inner surface of the washing tub (20) and arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the inner surface of the washing tub (20).

[0124] The number of dipoles of the above outer magnet (114) And, the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124) is , and the number of the above pole pieces (130) is When, can satisfy.

[0125] The rotation speed of the outer rotor (110) above , and the rotation speed of the inner rotor (120) , and the rotation speed of the above pole piece (130) When, can satisfy.

[0126] The above washing tub (20) may include stainless steel (SUS) material.

[0127] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment includes a washing tub (20) configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, a drum (26) rotatably provided inside the washing tub (20), a driving device (40) that provides rotational force to rotate the drum (26), and a gear device (100) that transmits the rotational force of the driving device (40) to the drum (26), wherein the gear device (100) includes an outer rotor (110) that is rotatably provided by receiving rotational force from the driving device (40), an inner rotor (120) that rotates in the opposite direction to the outer rotor (110) due to magnetic interaction with the outer rotor (110) when the outer rotor (110) rotates, and a pole piece (130) that is arranged between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) and is arranged to be radially spaced apart from the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120), respectively, and At least a portion of the washing tub (20) is disposed between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120). According to the present disclosure, by correspondingly arranging the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120) on the outside and inside of the washing tub (20), which is a pressure vessel, the rotational force of the driving device (40) can be transmitted to the drum (26) inside the washing tub (20) without using complex sealing.

[0128] The outer rotor (110) includes an outer magnet (114) arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the washing tub (20), and the inner rotor (120) includes an inner magnet (124) arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the washing tub (20), and the number of dipoles of the inner magnet (124) may be greater than the number of dipoles of the outer magnet (114).

[0129] The above pole piece (130) includes a plurality of magnetic bodies spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the washing tub (20), and the plurality of magnetic bodies can be coupled to the washing tub (20).

[0130] The inner rotor (120) may include an inner body (121) that is arranged to be coupled to the rear surface of the drum (26), and an inner magnetic body (123) that is arranged along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the inner body (121).

[0131] The outer rotor (110) may include an outer body (111) that receives rotational force from the driving device (40), a flange portion (112) extending from an end of the outer body (111) in a radial direction of the outer body (111), and an outer receiving portion (113) that includes a washing tub (20) receiving groove that protrudes from one surface of the flange portion (112) and is formed to receive at least a portion of the washing tub (20), and the pole piece (130) may include an outer pole piece (131) that is coupled to an outer surface of the washing tub (20) and is arranged at a constant interval along the circumference of the outer surface of the washing tub (20), and an inner pole piece (132) that is coupled to an inner surface of the washing tub (20) and is arranged at a constant interval along the circumference of the inner surface of the washing tub (20).

[0132] It may further include a support plate (80) disposed between the driving device (40) and the flange portion (112) and including a through hole (81) formed to allow the outer body (111) to pass through.

[0133] The washing tub (20) may include a washing tub main body (21) in which the drum (26) is placed, and a washing tub connection body (22) that extends from the washing tub main body (21) and has a diameter smaller than the washing tub main body (21) and is placed at least partially between the outer rotor (110) and the inner rotor (120).

[0134] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0135] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide and having an internal space that can be sealed to maintain the pressure of the carbon dioxide contained therein; A drum that is rotatable within the washing tank; A driving device that provides rotational force to rotate the drum; A gear device configured to transmit the rotational force of the driving device to the drum; The above gear device, A washing machine comprising an outer rotor that is arranged to be rotatable by receiving rotational force from the driving device and is disposed outside the washing tub, an inner rotor that is arranged inside the washing tub so as to be spaced apart from the outer rotor, and a pole piece that is arranged between the outer rotor and the inner rotor and is spaced apart in the radial direction from the outer rotor and the inner rotor, respectively.

2. In paragraph 1, The outer rotor includes an outer magnet arranged along the circumference of the outer surface of the washing tub, The inner rotor includes an inner magnet arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the washing tub, A washing machine in which the inner rotor magnetically interacts with the outer rotor when the outer rotor rotates and rotates in the opposite direction to the outer rotor.

3. In paragraph 2, A washing machine in which the dipole number of the inner magnet is greater than the dipole number of the outer magnet.

4. In paragraph 2, The above pole piece includes a plurality of magnetic bodies spaced apart along the circumference of the washing tub, A washing machine in which the above-mentioned plurality of magnetic bodies are coupled to the above-mentioned washing tub.

5. In paragraph 4, The above outer rotor, An outer body provided to receive rotational power from the above driving device, A flange portion protruding radially from the end of the outer body, A washing machine including an outer receiving portion protruding from one surface of the flange portion to form a washing tub receiving groove to receive at least a portion of the washing tub.

6. In paragraph 5, The above inner rotor, An inner body provided to be coupled to the rear of the drum, A washing machine including an inner magnetic body arranged on the outer surface of the inner body along the circumferential direction of the inner body.

7. In paragraph 6, A washing machine wherein the gear device further includes a bearing disposed between the inner body and the inner surface of the washing tub.

8. In paragraph 2, The above washing machine, The washing machine body in which the above drum is placed, A washing machine including a washing tub connection body that protrudes from the washing tub main body, has a diameter smaller than the washing tub main body, and is at least partially positioned between the outer rotor and the inner rotor.

9. In paragraph 5, A washing machine further comprising a support plate disposed between the driving device and the flange portion so as to support the driving device, and including a through hole formed to allow the outer body to pass through.

10. In paragraph 4, The above plurality of magnetic bodies are, An outer pole piece that is coupled to the outer surface of the washing tub and is arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the outer surface of the washing tub, A washing machine comprising an inner pole piece coupled to the inner surface of the washing tub and arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the inner surface of the washing tub.

11. In paragraph 2, The number of dipoles of the outer magnet above is , and the dipole number of the inner magnet is and the number of the above pole pieces is When, A washing machine that satisfies .

12. In paragraph 11, The rotational speed of the outer rotor above , and the rotational speed of the inner rotor is , and the rotational speed of the above pole piece is When, A washing machine that satisfies .

13. In paragraph 5, The above washing machine is a washing machine including a stainless steel material.

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