Vibration reduction apparatus and clothing treatment apparatus equipped with same

Abstract

A vibration reduction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a front connector inserted into the outer circumferential surface of a front damper supporting the bottom surface of the front side of a tub placed horizontally; a rear connector inserted into the outer circumferential surface of a rear damper supporting the bottom surface of the rear side of the tub from the rear of the front damper; and a sway bar connecting the front connector, rear connector, and a base plate forming the bottom surface of the cabinet.

Description

Vibration reduction device and clothing processing device equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration reduction device for suppressing vibration of a tub and a clothing treatment device equipped with the same.

[0002] A clothes treatment device including a washing machine includes a drum that is placed horizontally and rotates forward and backward by a motor, a tub that accommodates the drum inside, and a cabinet that accommodates the tub inside.

[0003] In addition, the lower part of the tub and the bottom of the cabinet are connected by a plurality of dampers, and the upper part of the tub is connected to the side wall of the cabinet by a plurality of springs. For example, the tub is supported inside the cabinet by two springs and four dampers.

[0004] When the drum above starts to rotate and is driven at a low speed of 500 rpm or less, excessive vibration occurs due to eccentricity of the laundry, and when driven at a high speed of 800 rpm or more, normal vibration occurs.

[0005] In detail, when the drum rotates while laundry is unevenly distributed inside the drum, vibration occurs due to eccentric rotation, and the eccentric rotation is transmitted to the tub. Therefore, a gap exists between the tub and the side wall of the cabinet to prevent the tub from hitting the side wall of the cabinet due to the eccentric rotation.

[0006] However, in order to increase the washing capacity while the dimensions of the cabinet are fixed, the diameter of the drum must be increased, which causes a problem of collision between the cabinet and the tub due to vibration.

[0007] To reduce vibration caused by this eccentric rotation, multiple dampers support the tub to suppress vibration. Conventional dampers have a constant damping force, and this constant damping force applies regardless of the drum's operating rpm. Therefore, excessive vibration at low speeds below 500 rpm can cause the tub to strike the cabinet's sidewalls (striking) or the washing machine to move (walking).

[0008] If a damper with a large damping force is used to suppress such excessive vibration, the vibration generated from the tub is transmitted to the cabinet more significantly at high speeds exceeding 800 rpm, which has the adverse effect of increasing vibration and noise.

[0009] In addition, in the case of the stabilizer presented in the prior art below, since the stabilizer is connected only to two suspensions and a tub, although the difference in relative change amount between the individual suspensions and the tub can be minimized, there is a disadvantage in that it cannot effectively block the collision between the side wall and the tub.

[0010] Prior art: Korean Patent No. 10-2458315 (October 17, 2022)

[0011] The present invention is proposed to improve the above problems.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a front connector inserted into the outer circumference of a front damper that supports the front-side bottom surface of a tub placed horizontally; a rear connector inserted into the outer circumference of a rear damper that supports the rear-side bottom surface of the tub at the rear side of the front damper; and a sway bar that connects the front connector, the rear connector, and a base plate that forms the bottom surface of a cabinet.

[0013] The sway bar includes a lower extension portion that extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction of the cabinet, a front vertical portion that extends after being bent upward from a front end of the lower extension portion, a front upper extension portion that extends after being bent forward from an end of the front vertical portion, a rear vertical portion that extends after being bent upward from a rear end of the lower extension portion, and a rear upper extension portion that extends after being bent backward from an end of the rear vertical portion.

[0014] The front upper extension is characterized in that it is connected to the front connector, and the rear upper extension is characterized in that it is connected to the rear connector.

[0015] The front connector includes a connector body fitted to the outer surface of the front damper and a connector arm extending from the outer surface of the connector body, and the front upper extension portion is characterized in that it penetrates the connector arm.

[0016] The front connector further includes stoppers respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the connector arm, and the front upper extension portion is characterized in that it penetrates the stoppers.

[0017] The front connector further includes a connector flange extending horizontally from an end of the connector arm in a direction perpendicular to the connector arm and having a cut portion formed on the inside, and a stopper placed in the cut portion, wherein the front upper extension portion penetrates the connector flange and the stopper.

[0018] The stopper is characterized in that it includes a stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the front upper extension, and a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the stopper body, and a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper protrusion and press the outer surface of the front upper extension.

[0019] The stopper is characterized in that it includes a stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the front upper extension, and a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the stopper body, and a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper protrusion and press the outer surface of the front upper extension.

[0020] The above connector arm is characterized in that it extends toward the side end of the base plate, but extends downward at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane passing through the upper surface of the connector body.

[0021] The vibration reduction device according to the present invention further includes a lower supporter connecting the upper surface of the base plate and the lower extension, and the lower supporter is characterized in that it is provided at a point adjacent to the front end and a point adjacent to the rear end of the lower extension, respectively.

[0022] The above lower supporter includes a supporter body fixed to the upper surface of the base plate, and a supporter cover coupled to the upper surface of the supporter body.

[0023] The above supporter body is characterized by having a triangular shape in which the upper part is rounded at a predetermined curvature when viewed from the front and the width becomes wider as it goes toward the lower part.

[0024] The supporter cover includes a cover body formed in a round shape to wrap around the upper end and both sides of the supporter body, lower catches protruding from the inner surfaces of both ends of the cover body, and a pressing protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the cover body spaced upward from the lower catches, wherein the pressing protrusion is characterized in that it protrudes from one side of the inner circumferential surface of the cover body or from both sides facing each other.

[0025] A lower engaging groove into which the lower engaging projection is inserted is formed on both sides of the support body, and a pressing projection groove into which the pressing projection is inserted is formed on one or both sides of the support body spaced upward from the lower engaging groove, and the pressing projection groove is characterized in that it communicates with the sway bar insertion groove.

[0026] The cover body is characterized in that a fixing hole is formed, and a fastening member including a screw is inserted into the supporter body through the fixing hole.

[0027] A bushing groove is formed in the center of the upper surface of the supporter body, into which a bushing member fitted to the lower extension is seated, and the supporter cover includes a cover body formed to be round to surround the bushing member, and a fastening end extending from both ends of the cover body and in close contact with the upper surface of the supporter body, and having a fastening hole formed therein, and a fastening member including a screw is inserted into the supporter body by penetrating the fastening hole.

[0028] The rear connector includes a connector body fitted into the rear damper and a connector shoulder extending from an outer circumferential surface of the connector body, wherein the connector shoulder extends toward the center of the base plate, and the rear upper extension portion penetrates the connector shoulder.

[0029] The rear connector further includes stoppers respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the connector shoulder, and the rear upper extension is characterized in that it penetrates the stoppers.

[0030] The connector shoulder includes a front support and a rear support extending parallel to each other at points spaced apart in the front-rear direction, the rear connector includes a stopper placed between the front support and the rear support, and the rear upper extension is characterized in that it penetrates the front support, the rear support, and the stopper.

[0031] The stopper is characterized in that it includes a stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the rear upper extension, and a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the stopper body, and a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper protrusion and press the outer surface of the rear upper extension.

[0032] The stopper is characterized in that it includes a stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the rear upper extension, and a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the stopper body, and a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper protrusion and press the outer surface of the rear upper extension.

[0033] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base plate; a tub horizontally positioned at an upper position from the base plate; a front damper connecting a front bottom surface of the tub and the base plate; a rear damper connecting a rear bottom surface of the tub and the base plate; and the vibration reduction device.

[0034] According to a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vibration reduction device connects a damper connected to the front lower portion of a tub and a damper connected to the rear lower portion, so that in a low-speed section where vibration of the driving unit occurs significantly, the damping force of the damper is applied to the maximum to minimize vibration of the driving unit, and in a high-speed section where vibration decreases, the damping force is minimized to minimize vibration generated in the driving unit from being transmitted to the cabinet.

[0035] In detail, when the tub vibrates up and down, the vibration reduction device slides while connected to the damper, thereby primarily blocking vibration transmitted to the bottom of the cabinet, and secondarily blocking vibration transmitted minutely in the bushing that constitutes the vibration reduction device.

[0036] In addition, by connecting the existing front and rear dampers without installing a ball balancer and additional dampers and restricting relative displacement, there is an effect of reducing vibration of the driving unit.

[0037] In addition, it has the advantage of being easy to increase the capacity of the tub because it can effectively reduce excessive vibration at low speeds.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vibration reduction device.

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a front view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device.

[0041] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing a front portion of the vibration reduction device.

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing a rear portion of the vibration reduction device.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a side view of a sway bar constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a front connector constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a front damper.

[0045] Figure 8 is a front view of the front connector.

[0046] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a rear connector constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a rear damper.

[0047] Figure 10 is a front view of the rear connector.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a partial perspective view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a side view of a sway bar constituting a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a side view of a sway bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14 is a side view of a sway bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a front connector according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a front connector according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a rear connector according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a rear connector according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a third embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 22 is a front view of a lower supporter according to the third embodiment.

[0060] Hereinafter, a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a washing machine equipped with the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vibration reduction device, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a front view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a front portion of the vibration reduction device, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a rear portion of the vibration reduction device.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothing treatment device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base plate (11), a tub (12) placed horizontally on the upper side of the base plate (11), and a plurality of dampers that connect the tub (12) and the base plate (11) to absorb vibrations generated in the tub (12).

[0063] The above base plate (11) can be understood as a configuration that defines the bottom of the cabinet forming the exterior of the garment handling device (10).

[0064] The above tub (12) may be placed horizontally or in a form where the front end is slightly higher than the rear end. A drum into which laundry is fed is accommodated inside the tub (12).

[0065] The above-described plurality of dampers may include a pair of front dampers (13) connected to the lower side of the front end of the tub (12), and a pair of rear dampers (14) connected to the lower side of the rear end of the tub (12). One end of the front damper (13) is connected to the outer surface of the tub (12) near the front end, and the other end is connected to the base plate (11), and is arranged at a predetermined angle incline from the vertical line. One end of the rear damper (14) is connected to the outer surface of the tub (12) near the rear end, and the other end is connected to the base plate (11), and is arranged at a predetermined angle incline from the vertical line.

[0066] And, as shown in Fig. 3, the inclination angles of the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14) can be set differently. For example, the angle formed by the vertical line and the front damper (13) can be set to be larger than the angle formed by the vertical line and the rear damper (14).

[0067] Meanwhile, the vibration reduction device (20) includes a sway bar (21) formed by being bent multiple times, a front connector (22) fitted to the front damper (13), a rear connector (23) fitted to a rear damper (14) located at the rear side of the front damper (13), a front supporter (24) extending from the front upper surface of the base plate (11) and supporting one end of the sway bar (21), and a rear supporter (25) extending from the rear upper surface of the base plate (11) and supporting the other end of the sway bar (21).

[0068] In detail, a portion corresponding to the front end of the sway bar (21) is connected to the front connector (22), and a portion corresponding to the rear end is connected to the rear connector (23). By this structure, the sway bar (21) can substantially connect the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14), thereby canceling out the vibration transmitted to the front damper (13) and the vibration transmitted to the rear damper (14).

[0069] The front supporter (24) and the rear supporter (25) can be injection-molded as one body with the base plate (11), and thus the front supporter (24) and the rear supporter (25) can be defined as being included in the base plate (11). However, it is not excluded that the front supporter (24) and the rear supporter (25) are provided as separate members and are coupled to the upper surface of the base plate (11) by a fastening member.

[0070] Insertion holes are formed in the front supporter (24) and rear supporter (25) to fit the respective ends of the sway bar (21). The diameter of the insertion hole is formed to be larger than the diameter of the sway bar (21), a bushing member is inserted into the insertion hole, and the sway bar (21) penetrates the bushing member.

[0071] The above bushing member may include an inner bushing (26) fitted to the outer surface of the sway bar (21), and an outer bushing (27) into which the inner bushing (26) is fitted. The inner bushing (26) may be molded from a plastic material, and the outer bushing (27) may be molded from a rubber material.

[0072] The two ends of the sway bar (21) perform linear motion corresponding to the front-back direction of the tub (12) and rotational motion around an axis passing through the center of the insertion hole while being connected to the front supporter (24) and the rear supporter (25), respectively. In addition, the vibration reduction device (20) attenuates vibration transmitted to the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14) through the linear motion and the rotational motion, and minimizes the amount of vibration transmitted to the base plate (11). Furthermore, the vibration reduction device (20) prevents the tub (12) from swinging left and right and hitting the side wall of the cabinet through the linear motion and the rotational motion.

[0073] In addition, when one of the front and rear ends of the tub (12) vibrates more in the left-right direction than the other side, the vibration of the tub (12) is attenuated by the torsional or bending force of the sway bar (21).

[0074] Since both ends of the sway bar (21) are connected to the base plate (11), the vibration transmitted from the tub (12) along the dampers (13, 14) is not transmitted to the base plate (11) but is attenuated. As a result, the phenomenon of the garment handling device (10) moving on the installation surface due to vibration can be prevented.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a side view of a sway bar constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the sway bar (21) constituting the vibration reduction device (20) according to the embodiment of the present invention can be formed from a stainless steel material and is formed by being bent multiple times.

[0077] In detail, the sway bar (21) includes an upper extension (211) extending horizontally toward the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14), a front catch (212) formed by bending multiple times at the front end of the upper extension (211), a rear catch (213) formed by bending multiple times at the rear end of the upper extension (211), a first intermediate extension (214) extending parallel to the upper extension (211) from the end of the front catch (212) but extending a predetermined length toward the rear end of the sway bar (21), a second intermediate extension (215) extending parallel to the upper extension (211) from the end of the rear catch (213) but extending a predetermined length toward the front end of the sway bar (21), and the first intermediate extension (215) It includes a first vertical portion (216) that is vertically bent and extended from an end of an extension portion (214), a second vertical portion (217) that is vertically bent and extended from an end of the second intermediate extension portion (215), a first lower extension portion (218) that is bent from an end of the first vertical portion (216) and extends parallel to the first intermediate extension portion (214) but extends toward the front end of the upper extension portion (211), and a second lower extension portion (219) that is bent from an end of the second vertical portion (217) and extends parallel to the second intermediate extension portion (215) but extends toward the rear end of the upper extension portion (211).

[0078] In more detail, the front hook portion (212) includes an upwardly bent portion (2121) that is bent upwardly from the front end of the upper extension portion (211), a horizontally bent portion (2122) that is bent forwardly from the end of the upwardly bent portion (2121), and a downwardly bent portion (2123) that is bent downwardly from the end of the horizontally bent portion (2122). In addition, the first intermediate extension portion (214) is bent and extended backwardly from the end of the downwardly bent portion (2123).

[0079] In addition, the rear hanging portion (213) includes an upwardly bent portion (2131) that is bent upwardly from the rear end of the upper extension portion (211), a horizontally bent portion (2132) that is bent backwardly from the end of the upwardly bent portion (2131), and a downwardly bent portion (2133) that is bent downwardly from the end of the horizontally bent portion (2132). In addition, the second intermediate extension portion (215) is bent and extended forwardly from the end of the downwardly bent portion (2133).

[0080] The first lower extension (218) is fitted into the front connector (24), and the second lower extension (219) is fitted into the rear connector (25).

[0081] The first intermediate extension (214) may be extended longer than the second intermediate extension (215), and the first lower extension (218) may be extended longer than the second lower extension (219).

[0082] The first vertical portion (216) and the second vertical portion (217) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the front-back direction, and the distance can be designed to be 0.5 to 0.7 times the length of the upper extension portion (211).

[0083] The first lower extension portion (218) may extend forward from the end of the first vertical portion (216), but may extend to a point spaced a predetermined distance rearward from the vertical plane passing through the front end of the front hanging portion (212), i.e., the downward bending portion (2123).

[0084] The second lower extension (219) may extend rearward from the end of the second vertical portion (216), but may extend to a point spaced a predetermined distance forward from the rear end of the rear hanging portion (212), i.e., the vertical plane passing through the downward bending portion (2133).

[0085] The upper extension (211), the intermediate extension (214, 215), and the lower extension (218, 219) may be parallel to each other, but the gap between the intermediate extension (214, 215) and the lower extension (218, 219) may be designed to be larger than the gap between the upper extension (211) and the intermediate extension (214, 215). If the gap between the upper extension (211) and the intermediate extension (214, 215), that is, the length of the downwardly bent portion (2123) of the front engaging portion (212) becomes excessively long, the first intermediate extension (214) and the front damper (13) may interfere with each other during the vibration of the tub (12), thereby generating noise. To prevent this problem, for example, the length of the downwardly bent portion (2123, 2133) may be designed to be within 25 mm.

[0086] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a front connector constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a front damper, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the front connector.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a front connector (22) constituting a vibration reduction device (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cylindrical connector body (221), a connector arm (222) extending from an outer circumferential surface of the connector body (221), and a hook (223) formed at an end of the connector arm (222).

[0088] In detail, the front connector (22) can be molded from a plastic injection molding.

[0089] The connector body (221) is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the front damper (13), and the inner diameter of the connector body (221) is designed to have a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the front damper (13), so that the inner circumferential surface of the connector body (221) can slide while in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the front damper (13). That is, when vibration is transmitted to the front damper (13), the connector body (221) moves linearly along the central axis (S) of the front damper (13) or rotates around the central axis (S) to dampen the vibration transmitted to the front damper (13).

[0090] The connector arm (222) extends radially from the outer surface of the connector body (221), and extends downwardly at a predetermined angle from a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the connector body (221). Since the front damper (13) is connected to the tub (12) and the base plate (11) at a predetermined angle from a vertical line, the inclination angle of the connector arm (222) can be defined as an angle at which the connector arm (222) becomes horizontal when the connector body (221) is fitted to the outer surface of the front damper (13), as shown in FIG. 3.

[0091] The above-mentioned hook (223) is extended in a C shape from the lower end of the end of the connector arm (222). As a result, a guide groove (2231) and a hook groove (2232) are formed between the end of the connector arm (222) and the end of the hook (223).

[0092] In detail, the entrance of the guide groove (2231) is formed between the upper end of the end of the connector arm (222) and the end of the hook ring (223), the guide groove (2231) is bent in an L shape, and the hook groove (2232) is formed at the end of the guide groove (2231).

[0093] In addition, a pair of stopper protrusions (2233) protrude at the boundary between the guide groove (2231) and the engaging groove (2232), specifically, at the entrance edge of the engaging groove (2232). The stopper protrusions (2233) protrude at positions facing each other, and the gap between the pair of stopper protrusions (2233) is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the engaging groove (2232).

[0094] The horizontal bending portion (2122) forming the front engaging portion (212) of the sway bar (21) is inserted through the entrance of the guide groove (2231), and the horizontal bending portion (2122) moves in an L-shaped path along the shape of the guide groove (2231) and is then inserted into the engaging groove (2232). When the horizontal bending portion (2122) is inserted into the engaging groove (2232), the engaging ring (223) slightly opens while interfering with the pair of stopper protrusions (2233).

[0095] And, when the horizontal bending portion (2122) is completely inserted into the engaging groove (2232) by an external force, the engaging ring (223) returns to its original position. And, when the horizontal bending portion (2122) passes over the pair of stopper projections (2233) and is completely inserted into the engaging groove (2232), the horizontal bending portion (2122) is prevented from easily coming off from the engaging groove (2232) by the stopper projections (2233).

[0096] When vibration is transmitted to the front damper (13) while the horizontal bending portion (2122) is inserted into the engaging groove (2232), the sway bar (21) can rotate around the axis (P) passing through the horizontal bending portion (2122).

[0097] In addition, the horizontal bending portion (2122) is extended to a length corresponding to the width of the hook (223), so that the upward bending portion (2122) contacts one side of the hook (223), and the downward bending portion (2123) contacts the other side of the hook (223). Therefore, even if the front connector (22) swings, the sway bar (21) does not move in the direction of the axis (P) of the horizontal bending portion (2122). As a result, even if vibration is transmitted to the front damper (13), the sway bar (21) does not swing in the front-back direction.

[0098] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a rear connector constituting a vibration reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a rear damper, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the rear connector.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a rear connector (23) constituting a vibration reduction device (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical connector body (231) inserted into the outer surface of the rear damper (14), a connector shoulder (232) extending from the outer surface of the connector body (231), and a hook (233) bent and extended from the connector shoulder (232).

[0100] In detail, the connector body (231) has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the rear damper (14) and is capable of moving along the central axis (Q) of the rear damper (14) or rotating around the central axis (Q).

[0101] The above connector shoulder (232) can be understood as having a structure similar to the connector arm (222) of the front connector (22).

[0102] The above-mentioned hook (233) extends from the end of the connector shoulder (232) and extends from a point close to the bottom. In addition, the hook (233) is bent upward in an L shape to form an L-shaped guide groove (2321) between the hook (233) and the connector shoulder (232). Specifically, an entrance of the guide groove (2321) is formed between the end of the hook (233) and the end of the connector shoulder (232), and a hook groove (2322) into which a horizontal bend (2132) constituting a rear hooking portion (213) of the sway bar (21) is fitted is formed in the connector shoulder (232).

[0103] The exit of the above guide groove (2321) and the above catch groove (2322) are connected to each other, and a pair of stopper projections (2323) protrude at the boundary where these two grooves meet, that is, at the edge of the entrance of the catch groove (2322). The pair of stopper projections (2323) protrude at positions facing each other so that after the horizontal bending portion (2132) is fitted into the catch groove (2322), it does not come off from the catch groove (2322) due to vibration.

[0104] In addition, the length of the horizontal bending portion (2132) is extended to a length corresponding to the width of the connector shoulder (232), so that the sway bar (21) does not swing along the axis (P) passing through the horizontal bending portion (2132) while the rear hooking portion (213) is hooked to the rear connector (23). This is the same as the relationship between the length of the horizontal bending portion (2122) of the front hooking portion (212) and the width of the hooking ring (223).

[0105] Here, the connector arm (222) of the front connector (22) extends toward the outside of the garment handling device (10), while the connector shoulder (232) of the rear connector (232) protrudes toward the center of the garment handling device (10). That is, the connector arm (222) and the connector shoulder (232) extend in opposite directions.

[0106] By these structural features, as shown in Fig. 3, the central axis of the engaging groove (2232) of the front connector (22) and the central axis of the engaging groove (2322) of the rear connector (23) form a coaxial axis (P).

[0107] And, when the vibration occurring in the tub (12) moves the front end of the tub (12) to one of the left and right sides and moves the rear end of the tub (12) to the other of the left and right sides, the front end and the rear end of the sway bar (21) also move in the same manner, thereby generating a torsional moment in the sway bar (21). At this time, the sway bar (21) withstands the torsional moment and attenuates the left-right oscillation of the tub (12).

[0108] In addition, since the first lower extension (218) and the second lower extension (219) of the sway bar (21) are connected to the front supporter (24) and the rear supporter (25), the lower end of the sway bar (21) is maintained fixed to the base plate (11), so that even if the tub (12) vibrates while rotating around a vertical axis, the phenomenon of the tub (12) hitting the side wall of the cabinet can be effectively prevented. That is, the vibration reduction device (20) functions as a suspension that absorbs vibration transmitted to the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14) by having the sway bar (21) hold the front damper (13) and the rear damper (14).

[0109] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a washing machine equipped with a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 11, a vibration reduction device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to the front damper (13), the rear damper (14) and the base plate (11), similar to the previous embodiment, to attenuate vibration occurring in the tub (12).

[0111] In detail, the vibration reduction device (30) includes a sway bar (31), a front connector (32) connecting the front end of the sway bar (31) and the front damper (13), a rear connector (33) connecting the rear end of the sway bar (31) and the rear damper (14), and a pair of lower supporters (34) connecting the sway bar (31) to the base plate (11).

[0112] Below, the specific structure of the vibration reduction device (30) is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0113] Fig. 12 is a side view of a sway bar constituting a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, a sway bar (31) constituting a vibration reduction device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a lower extension (311) extending horizontally in the front-rear direction, a front vertical portion (312) bent upward from the front end of the lower extension (311) and extended by a predetermined length, a front upper extension (314) bent forward from the end of the front vertical portion (312) and extended by a predetermined length, a rear vertical portion (313) bent upward from the rear end of the lower extension (311) and extended by a predetermined length, and a rear upper extension (315) bent backward from the end of the rear vertical portion (313) and extended by a predetermined length.

[0115] The length of the lower extension (311) may be formed to be longer than the lengths of each of the front and rear vertical sections (312, 313). In addition, the sway bar (31) may be formed in a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane that bisects the lower extension (311).

[0116] FIG. 13 is a side view of a sway bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 13, a sway bar (31a) according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an X-shaped reinforcing bar (316) is added to the sway bar (31) according to the previous embodiment.

[0118] In detail, the sway bar (31a) is characterized in that it further includes a reinforcing bar (316) formed of a first bar connecting the upper end of the front vertical part (312) and the lower end of the rear vertical part (313), and a second bar connecting the lower end of the front vertical part (312) and the upper end of the rear vertical part (313), in addition to the structure of the sway bar (31) disclosed in FIG. 12.

[0119] FIG. 14 is a side view of a sway bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 14, a sway bar (31b) according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including a connecting bar (317) connecting the front upper extension (314) and the rear upper extension (315) to the structure of the sway bar (31) disclosed in FIG. 12.

[0121] In other words, the front upper extension (314), the connecting bar (317), and the rear upper extension (315) may be placed on the same horizontal line. As an example, a horizontal bar longer than the lower extension (311) may be placed on the upper ends of the front vertical portion (312) and the rear vertical portion (313) and joined together, or the upper end of the front vertical portion (312) and the rear end of the rear vertical portion (313) may be connected by a separate horizontal bar.

[0122] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a front connector according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 15, the front connector (32) according to the first embodiment constituting the vibration reduction device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, like the front connector (22) constituting the vibration reduction device (30) according to the previous embodiment, includes a cylindrical connector body (321) fitted to the outer circumference of the front damper (13), and a connector arm (322) extending from the outer circumference of the connector body (321).

[0124] In detail, when the connector body (321) is fitted into the front stopper (13), the connector arm (322) extends in a direction away from the central axis of the tub (12), i.e., in the lateral direction of the washing machine (10). In addition, the connector arm (322) can extend downward at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane passing through the upper surface of the connector body (321).

[0125] In addition, a through hole (323) is formed at the end of the connector arm (322), and the front upper extension (314) of the sway bar (31) passes through the through hole (323) and is coupled to the connector arm (322).

[0126] At this time, stoppers (36) are respectively placed on the front and rear of the connector arm (322). The stopper (336) includes a cylindrical stopper body (361) and a stopper protrusion (362) extending from the outer circumferential surface of the stopper body (361) in a direction perpendicular to the stopper body (361).

[0127] An insertion hole (3611) is formed in the stopper body (361), and the front upper extension (314) penetrates the insertion hole (3611). In addition, a fixing hole (3621) is formed in the stopper protrusion (362), and the fixing hole (3621) communicates with the insertion hole (3611).

[0128] In addition, the front upper extension (314) sequentially passes through the insertion hole (3611) of the stopper (36) (rear stopper) provided on the rear side of the connector arm (322), the through hole (323), and the insertion hole (3611) of the stopper (36) (front stopper) provided on the front side of the connector arm (322), and the end of the front upper extension (314) can protrude from the front side of the front stopper (36).

[0129] In addition, while the front upper extension (314) penetrates the stopper (36) and the connector arm (322), a fastening member such as a screw is inserted into the fixing hole (3621). Then, the end of the fastening member is inserted until it touches the outer surface of the front upper extension (314). Then, the front upper extension (314) is strongly pressed by the end of the fastening member, thereby preventing the stopper (336) from spinning or being detached from the front upper extension (314).

[0130] In other words, even if vibration acting in the forward-backward direction is transmitted to the front upper extension (314), the front stopper and the rear stopper are caught on the front and rear of the connector arm (322), so that the front upper extension (314) does not move in the forward-backward direction.

[0131] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a front connector according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 16, a front connector (32a) according to a second embodiment constituting a vibration reduction device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a connector body (321), a connector arm (322), and a connector flange (324) extending from an end of the connector arm (322) in a direction perpendicular to the connector arm (322).

[0133] In detail, the connector flange (324) may be formed in a cylindrical shape and extend a predetermined length in the front-back direction from the end of the connector arm (322). In addition, the front upper extension (314) penetrates the connector flange (324).

[0134] Meanwhile, a cutout (3241) having a predetermined width and length is formed in the center of the connector flange (324), and the stopper (36) is placed in the cutout (3241).

[0135] In detail, the width of the cut portion (3241) is formed to a size corresponding to the length of the stopper (36). With the stopper (36) fitted into the cut portion (3241), the front upper extension portion (314) penetrates the connector flange (324) and the stopper body (361) of the stopper (36). Then, a fastening member is inserted into the fixing hole (3621) of the stopper protrusion (362), so that the stopper (36) is strongly fixed to the front upper extension portion (314). Then, since the stopper (36) is maintained in a state of being strongly adhered to the front and rear of the cut portion (3241), the front upper extension portion (314) is prevented from moving in the front-back direction.

[0136] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a rear connector according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 17, a rear connector (33) according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical connector body (331) fitted to the outer surface of the rear damper (14), and a connector shoulder (332) extending from the outer surface of the connector body (331).

[0138] In detail, the connector shoulder (332) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the connector body (331). More specifically, the connector shoulder (332) may extend in a direction opposite to the central direction of the washing machine (10), i.e., the extension direction of the connector arm (322). A through hole (3321) is formed in the connector shoulder (332) for inserting the rear upper extension portion (315).

[0139] In addition, the stopper (36) is pressed against the front and rear surfaces of the connector shoulder (332), respectively, and the rear upper extension (315) penetrates therethrough. In detail, the stopper pressed against the front surface of the connector shoulder (332) may be defined as a front stopper, and the stopper pressed against the rear surface of the connector shoulder (332) may be defined as a rear stopper. In addition, the rear upper extension (315) sequentially penetrates the front stopper, the connector shoulder (332), and the rear stopper.

[0140] And, similar to the stopper fastening structure of Fig. 15, fastening members are inserted into the stopper protrusions (362) of the front stopper and the rear stopper, respectively, so that the stopper (36) is strongly fixed to the outer surface of the rear upper extension (315).

[0141] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a rear connector according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 18, the connector shoulder (332a) of the rear connector (33a) according to the second embodiment includes a front support (3322) and a rear support (3323) extending from the outer circumferential surface of the connector body (331) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the connector body (331).

[0143] The front support (3322) and the rear support (3323) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the front-back direction, and the stopper (36) is interposed between the front support (3322) and the rear support (3323). In addition, the rear upper extension (315) sequentially penetrates the front support (3322) and the rear support (3323).

[0144] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a first embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 19, the lower supporter (34) according to the first embodiment includes a supporter body (341) fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (11), and a supporter cover (342) coupled to the upper surface of the supporter body (341).

[0146] In detail, the supporter body (341) may have a predetermined thickness in the front-back direction, and may be formed in a triangular shape with the upper part rounded at a predetermined curvature and the width becoming wider as it goes toward the bottom.

[0147] In addition, a lower engaging groove (3413) is formed on both sides of the supporter body (341), and the lower engaging groove (3413) is formed at a point closer to the lower end than the upper end of the supporter body (341). In addition, a pressing protrusion groove (3412) is formed on the side of the supporter body (341) between the upper end of the supporter body (341) and the lower engaging groove (3413).

[0148] In addition, a sway bar insertion groove (3411) is formed in the supporter body (341), and the sway bar insertion groove (3411) penetrates the front and rear surfaces of the supporter body (341). In addition, the pressure protrusion groove (3412) communicates with the sway bar insertion groove (34411).

[0149] Meanwhile, the supporter cover (342) includes a cover body (3421) formed in the shape of the letter “∧”, a lower catch (3422) protruding from both ends of the cover body (3421), and a pressure protrusion (3423) protruding from a point spaced upward from the lower catch (3422).

[0150] In detail, the upper part of the cover body (3421) is formed to be rounded with the same curvature as the upper part of the supporter body (341), and is joined to the supporter body (341) in a form that wraps around the upper part and parts of both sides of the supporter body (341).

[0151] In addition, the pressure protrusion (3423) protrudes toward the center of the cover body (3421). That is, the pair of pressure protrusions (3423) protrude in a direction toward each other while facing each other, and are inserted into the lower engaging groove (3413) formed on both sides of the supporter body (341).

[0152] In addition, the pressure projection (3423) protrudes from the inner surface of one of the two sides of the cover body (3421) and is inserted into the pressure projection groove (3412) of the support body (341). Here, it is to be noted that the pressure projection (3423) may protrude from both sides of the cover body (3421), and the pressure projection groove (3412) may be formed recessed in both sides of the support body (341).

[0153] In addition, the pressure projection (3423) inserted into the pressure projection groove (3412) presses the lower extension (311) of the sway bar (31) inserted into the sway bar insertion groove (3411), thereby suppressing or blocking the lower extension (311) from swinging in the front-back direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the lower extension (311).

[0154] The supporter cover (342) is made of a plastic material having a predetermined elasticity, so that the supporter cover (342) can be coupled to the supporter body (341) by pushing it from the top to the bottom of the supporter body (341). Then, both ends of the supporter cover (342) are spread apart while going down along both sides of the supporter body (341). Then, when both ends of the supporter cover (342) reach the lower engaging groove (3413), the lower engaging end (3422) is inserted into the lower engaging groove (3413), and the pressing projection (3423) is inserted into the pressing projection groove (3412).

[0155] A fixing hole (3424) is formed on one or both sides of the supporter cover (9342), and a fastening member such as a screw is inserted into the side of the supporter body (341) by penetrating the fixing hole (3424). Then, the phenomenon of the supporter cover (342) being detached from the supporter body (341) by sliding in the extension direction of the lower extension part (311), i.e., the front-back direction, due to vibration while being coupled to the supporter body (341) is prevented.

[0156] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a second embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 20, the lower supporter (34a) according to the second embodiment includes a supporter body (341a) fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (11), and a supporter cover (342a) coupled to the upper surface of the supporter body (341a).

[0158] In detail, the supporter body (341a) may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a predetermined thickness in the front-back direction and a predetermined width in the left-right direction. In addition, a bushing groove (3414) may be formed recessed in the upper surface of the supporter body (341a), and a bushing member fitted into the lower extension part (311) is seated in the bushing groove (3414). The bushing member may include an inner bushing (26) fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the lower extension part (311), and an outer bushing (27) fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the inner bushing (26).

[0159] In addition, the supporter cover (342a) includes a cover body (3425) that covers the outer surface of the outer bushing (27), and a pair of fastening ends (3426) extending from both ends of the cover body (3425).

[0160] In detail, the cover body (3425) can be formed to be round with a predetermined curvature, and the pair of fastening ends (3426) extend horizontally and are in close contact with the upper surface of the supporter body (341a). In addition, a fastening hole (3427) is formed in each of the pair of fastening ends (3426), and a fastening member such as a screw is inserted into the supporter body (341a) by penetrating the fastening hole (3427).

[0161] In addition, as described in the description of the above-described FIG. 4, the horizontal vibration and rotational vibration of the lower extension (311) can be attenuated by the bushing member.

[0162] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a sway bar is connected to a lower supporter according to a third embodiment of a vibration reduction device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a front view of the lower supporter according to the third embodiment.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the lower supporter (34b) according to the third embodiment is characterized in that an insertion guide hole (3402) and a sway bar insertion hole (3401) are formed at the upper end.

[0164] In detail, the insertion guide hole (3402) may be formed to be sunken to a predetermined depth from the top of the lower supporter (34b) downward, and may be formed in a shape in which the width becomes narrower as it goes downward.

[0165] And, a sway bar insertion groove (3401) is formed at the bottom of the insertion guide (3402). The sway bar insertion groove (3401) may be formed with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the sway bar (31), and the entrance of the insertion guide groove (3402) may be formed larger than the diameter of the sway bar (31), and the width of the boundary portion where the insertion guide (3402) and the sway bar insertion groove (3401) meet may be formed smaller than the diameter of the sway bar (31). Then, the lower extension portion (311) of the sway bar (31) can be easily seated in the insertion guide groove (3402). And, when the sway bar (31) is pressed by an external force, the sway bar (31) passes through the boundary portion and is fitted into the sway bar insertion groove (3401). Once the lower extension (311) is fitted into the sway bar insertion groove (3401), the phenomenon of it being removed upward from the sway bar insertion groove (3401) does not occur.

Claims

1. A front connector inserted into the outer surface of the front damper that supports the front side bottom surface of the tub placed horizontally; A rear connector inserted into the outer surface of the rear damper that supports the rear bottom surface of the tub at the rear side of the front damper; A vibration reduction device including a sway bar connecting the front connector, the rear connector, and the base plate forming the bottom of the cabinet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sway bar, A lower extension extending a predetermined length in the front-back direction of the above cabinet, A front vertical portion that extends upward after being bent from the front end of the lower extension, A front upper extension portion that extends forward after being bent from the end of the front vertical portion, A rear vertical portion that extends upward after being bent from the rear end of the lower extension, A vibration reduction device including a rear upper extension portion that extends rearward after being bent from the end of the rear vertical portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above front upper extension is connected to the front connector, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the rear upper extension is connected to the rear connector.

4. In paragraph 2, The above front connector, A connector body fitted to the outer surface of the above front damper, Includes a connector arm extending from the outer surface of the connector body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the front upper extension penetrates the connector arm.

5. In paragraph 4, The above front connector, Further comprising stoppers respectively positioned on the front and rear of the connector arm; A vibration reduction device characterized in that the front upper extension penetrates the stoppers.

6. In paragraph 4, The above front connector, A connector flange extending horizontally from the end of the connector arm in a direction perpendicular to the connector arm and having a cut portion formed on the inside, Further comprising a stopper placed on the above incision, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the front upper extension penetrates the connector flange and the stopper.

7. In paragraph 6, The above stopper, A stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the front upper extension, Includes a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the above stopper body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper projection and pressurize the outer surface of the front upper extension.

8. In paragraph 5, The above stopper, A stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the front upper extension, Includes a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the above stopper body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper projection and pressurize the outer surface of the front upper extension.

9. In paragraph 4, The above connector arm is, A vibration reduction device characterized in that it extends toward the side end of the base plate and extends downward at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane passing through the upper surface of the connector body.

10. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a lower supporter connecting the upper surface of the base plate and the lower extension, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the lower supporter is provided at a point adjacent to the front end and a point adjacent to the rear end of the lower extension.

11. In paragraph 10, The above lower supporter is, A supporter body fixed to the upper surface of the above base plate, A vibration reduction device including a supporter cover coupled to the upper surface of the supporter body.

12. In paragraph 11, The above supporter body, A vibration reduction device characterized by having a triangular shape in which the upper part is rounded at a predetermined curvature when viewed from the front and the width becomes wider as it goes toward the lower part.

13. In paragraph 12, The above supporter cover is, A cover body formed in a round shape that wraps around the upper part and both sides of the above supporter body, A lower hanging part protruding from each inner surface of both ends of the cover body, It includes a pressing projection protruding from the inner surface of the cover body spaced upward from the lower hanging end, The above pressurized protrusion is, A vibration reduction device characterized in that it protrudes from one side or both sides facing each other on the inner surface of the cover body.

14. In paragraph 13, On both sides of the above supporter body, a lower engaging groove is formed into which the lower engaging projection is inserted, A pressure projection groove into which the pressure projection is inserted is formed on one or both sides of the supporter body spaced upward from the lower hanging groove. A vibration reduction device characterized in that the above-mentioned pressure projection groove communicates with the above-mentioned sway bar insertion groove.

15. In paragraph 13, A fixing hole is formed in the above cover body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is inserted into the supporter body through the fixing hole.

16. In paragraph 11, A bushing groove is formed in the center of the upper surface of the above supporter body, into which a bushing member fitted to the lower extension is seated. The above supporter cover is, A cover body formed in a round shape to surround the above bushing member, It includes a fastening end that extends from both ends of the cover body and is in close contact with the upper surface of the supporter body, and has a fastening hole formed therein. A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is inserted into the supporter body through the fastening hole.

17. In paragraph 2, The above rear connector, A connector body that fits into the above rear damper, Includes a connector shoulder extending from the outer surface of the connector body, The above connector shoulder is, extending toward the center of the above base plate, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the rear upper extension penetrates the connector shoulder.

18. In paragraph 17, The above rear connector, It further includes stoppers respectively positioned on the front and rear of the connector shoulder, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the rear upper extension penetrates the stoppers.

19. In paragraph 17, The above connector shoulder is, Includes a front support and a rear support extending parallel to each other at points spaced apart in the forward and backward direction, The above rear connector, It includes a stopper placed between the front support and the rear support, A vibration reduction device characterized in that the rear upper extension penetrates the front support, the rear support, and the stopper.

20. In paragraph 19, The above stopper, A stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the upper rear extension, Includes a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the above stopper body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper projection and pressurize the outer surface of the rear upper extension.

21. In paragraph 18, The above stopper, A stopper body fitted to the outer surface of the upper rear extension, Includes a stopper protrusion extending from the outer surface of the above stopper body, A vibration reduction device characterized in that a fastening member including a screw is formed to penetrate the stopper projection and pressurize the outer surface of the rear upper extension.

22. Base plate; A tub placed horizontally at a position spaced upward from the base plate and having an open front end; A front damper provided to support the lower portion of the tub and connecting the lower portion closer to the front end of the tub and the base plate; A rear damper provided to support the lower portion of the tub and connecting the lower portion closer to the rear end of the tub and the base plate; and A garment treatment device comprising a vibration reduction device as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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