Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a washing tub which forms a sealable inner space capable of accommodating carbon dioxide, and is provided so that the pressure of the carbon dioxide is maintained in a state in which the carbon dioxide is accommodated in the inner space and the inner space is sealed; a rotatable drum provided to accommodate laundry to be washed by using the carbon dioxide accommodated in the inner space; and a shaft and a driving device connected to the drum in an upper inner space. The driving device comprises: a stator disposed outside the washing tub; and a rotor coupled to the shaft in the inner space, and is provided to rotate by electromagnetic interaction with the stator in a state in which carbon dioxide is accommodated in the inner space and the inner space is sealed, wherein the rotor rotates with the shaft and the drum to wash the laundry accommodated in the drum with the carbon dioxide.

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 in which a rotor is disposed inside a washing tank, which is a pressure vessel, and a stator is disposed outside the washing tank, so that a shaft does not penetrate the washing tank.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine that does not require a mechanical seal for sealing between the shaft and the through hole of the washing tank, as the shaft does not penetrate the washing tank, which is a pressure vessel.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine having improved stability by not forming a hole penetrating a washing tank, which is a pressure vessel.

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a washing tub having a sealable internal space capable of accommodating carbon dioxide, wherein the carbon dioxide is accommodated in the internal space and the pressure of the carbon dioxide is maintained while the internal space is sealed, a rotatable drum configured to accommodate laundry to be washed using the carbon dioxide accommodated in the internal space, a shaft connected to the drum in an upper internal space, and a driving device. The driving device includes a stator disposed outside the washing tub, a rotor coupled to the shaft in the internal space, and configured to rotate by electromagnetic interaction with the stator while the carbon dioxide is accommodated in the internal space and the internal space is sealed, and the rotor rotates together with the shaft and the drum so as to wash the laundry accommodated in the drum with carbon dioxide.

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

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a washing machine according to one embodiment, including a washing tub, a drum, and a driving device.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a washing machine according to one embodiment, in which the washing tub, drum, and driving device are disassembled.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a cross-section along line A-A' of Figure 2.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a driving device in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the driving device illustrated in Figure 5.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a cross-section along line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a cross-section along line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The driving device can perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0035] 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.

[0036] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0037] 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.

[0038] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0041] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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. For example, the internal pressure of the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 30 to 60 bar. The washing tub (20) can have a sealed internal space so that the internal pressure can be maintained at approximately 30 to 60 bar.

[0055] A drum (40) may be placed inside the washing tub (20). The drum (40) may be rotated by the rotational force of a driving device () to be described later inside the washing tub (20). Laundry may be placed inside the drum (40). Liquid carbon dioxide may be introduced into the drum (40) or discharged from the drum (40) through a plurality of drum holes (41) formed in the drum (40), and may be used as a laundry solvent as described above. Laundry placed inside the drum (40) may be washed by the liquid carbon dioxide and detergent as the drum (40) rotates.

[0056] The washing tank (20) can be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). As the washing tank (20) is positioned lower than the storage tank (10), 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.

[0057] During the process of loading laundry into the drum (40) 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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, the heat generated from the compressor (50) as described above can be supplied to the distillation tank (30) without including a separate heat source such as a heater.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 storage tank (10) or 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) into the storage tank (10).

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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, which has increased in temperature while passing through the compressor (50), may supply heat to the distillation tank (30) through a pipe passing through the distillation tank (30).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] A washing machine (1) may include a passage connecting the input terminal of a washing tub (20) and a compressor (50), and a valve capable of opening and closing the passage. 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, which has increased in temperature while passing through the compressor (50), may supply heat to the washing tub (20) through a pipe passing through the washing tub (20).

[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates a washing tub, a drum, and a driving device in a washing machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a washing tub, a drum, and a driving device in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a washing machine (1) may include a washing tub (20), a drum (40) that is provided to be rotatable inside the washing tub (20), and a driving device (100) that provides rotational force to rotate the drum (40).

[0074] The washing tank (20) may be a pressure vessel or pressure vessel capable of containing high-pressure carbon dioxide.

[0075] The washing tub (20) may include a first washing tub body (21) and a second washing tub body (22). The washing tub (20) may be formed by combining the first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22). The washing tub (20) may include a drum receiving portion (20a) provided to receive a drum therein, and a rotor receiving portion (20b) provided to receive a rotor (120) of a driving device (100). The first washing tub body (21) may be provided to form the drum receiving portion (20a). The second washing tub body (22) may be provided to form the rotor receiving portion (20b). A stator (110) of the driving device (100) may be arranged on the outside of the second washing tub body (22).

[0076] The first washing tub body (21) may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. A drum receiving portion (20a) for receiving a drum (40) may be formed inside the first washing tub body (21) having a substantially cylindrical shape. The first washing tub body (21) may include a first flange (21a) that protrudes from the first washing tub body (21) in a radial direction of the first washing tub body (21). The first flange (21a) may extend along the circumferential direction of the first washing tub body (21). The first flange (21a) may be provided at one end of the first washing tub body (21). The first flange (21a) may be provided at one end of the first washing tub body (21) that is coupled to the second washing tub body (22) so as to come into contact with the second washing tub body (22).

[0077] A first fastening hole (21b) may be formed in the first flange (21a) to allow a fastening member to be inserted. The first fastening hole (21b) may be formed by penetrating the first flange (21a) in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first washing tub body (21). In other words, the first fastening hole (21b) may be formed by penetrating the first flange (21a) in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotating shaft (42) extends. A plurality of first fastening holes (21b) may be provided. The first flange (21a) may have at least two first fastening holes (21b) for safe coupling of the first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22).

[0078] The second washing tub body (22) may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. The second washing tub body (22) may be provided in a cylindrical shape smaller than the first washing tub body (21). A rotor receiving portion (20a) in which a rotating shaft (42) and a rotor (120) are received may be formed inside the second washing tub body (22) having a substantially cylindrical shape. A stator (110) may be arranged on the outside of the second washing tub body (22). The stator (110) may be arranged on the outside of the second washing tub body (22) forming a side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). The stator (110) may be arranged to be in contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) or may be arranged to have a predetermined gap with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20).

[0079] The second washing tub body (22) may be provided to be coupled with the first washing tub body (21). The second washing tub body (22) may be coupled with the first washing tub body (21) to form a washing tub (20). The second washing tub body (22) may include a second flange (22a) that protrudes in a radial direction of the second washing tub body (22) from the second washing tub body (22) having a substantially cylindrical shape. The second flange (22a) may extend along the circumferential direction of the second washing tub body (22). The second flange (22a) may be provided at one end of the second washing tub body (22). The second flange (22a) may be provided at one end of the second washing tub body (22) coupled with the first washing tub body (21) so as to come into contact with the first washing tub body (21). The outer diameter of the second flange (22a) can be made substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first flange (21a).

[0080] A second fastening hole (22b) may be formed in the second flange (22a) to allow a fastening member to be inserted. The second fastening hole (22b) may be formed by penetrating the second flange (22a) in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the second washing tub body (22). In other words, the second fastening hole (22b) may be formed by penetrating the second flange (22a) in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotating shaft (42) extends. A plurality of second fastening holes (22b) may be provided. The number of second fastening holes (22b) may correspond to that of the first fastening holes (22a). The second flange (22a) may have at least two second fastening holes (22b) for safe coupling of the first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22).

[0081] The first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22) can be joined by a fastening member. The fastening member can include a first fastening member (23a) and a second fastening member (23b). For example, the first fastening member (23a) can include a bolt (23a), and the second fastening member (23b) can include a nut. However, the fastening members are not limited thereto. Various types of fastening members can join the first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22) through the first fastening hole (21b) and the second fastening hole (22b).

[0082] A drum (40) that is provided to be rotatable inside a washing tub (20) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. Laundry may be loaded into the drum (40). The drum (40) may include a plurality of drum holes (41) formed along the outer surface of the drum (40) to enable fluid communication between the washing tub (20) and the drum (40). Through the plurality of drum holes (41), carbon dioxide may be discharged from inside the drum (40) to outside the drum (40) or introduced into the drum (40) from outside the drum (40) within the washing tub (20).

[0083] The first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22) may be formed of non-magnetic stainless steel (SUS). However, the material of the washing tub (20) is not limited thereto. The washing tub may be formed of various materials, including stainless steel (SUS), as long as it can accommodate high-pressure carbon dioxide inside. However, as will be described later, the rotor (120) of the driving device (100) may be accommodated inside the washing tub (20), and the stator (110) of the driving device (100) may be arranged outside the washing tub (20). Since the rotor (120) is arranged to rotate by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (110), the washing tub (20) may be configured so as not to include a magnetic material that interferes with the electromagnetic interaction between the rotor (120) and the stator (110).

[0084] The driving device (100) may include a stator (110) placed outside the washing tub (20) and a rotor (120) placed inside the washing tub.

[0085] At least a portion of the washing tub (20) may be disposed between the stator (110) and the rotor (120). Specifically, a portion of the second washing tub body (22) may be disposed between the stator (110) and the rotor (120). Hereinafter, a portion of the second washing tub body (22) disposed between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) may be referred to as a side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). The stator (110) may be disposed to surround the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). The stator (110) may be disposed to be in contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Alternatively, the stator (110) may be disposed to have a predetermined gap with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20).

[0086] The stator (110) may include an insulator (111), a coil (112) arranged to be wound around the insulator (111), and a stator cover (113) arranged to cover at least a portion of the insulator (111) and the coil (112).

[0087] The rotor (120) may include a plurality of magnets (121), a magnet holder (122) provided to support the plurality of magnets (121), and a rotor cover (123) provided to cover the sides of the plurality of magnets (121) and the magnet holder (122).

[0088] The washing machine (1) may include a rotary shaft (42) connected to the drum (40) so as to rotate together with the drum (40). The rotary shaft (42) may be connected to a driving device (100) and may be provided to receive rotational force from the driving device (100) to rotate the drum (40).

[0089] One end (42a) of the rotary shaft (42) is disposed inside the rotor receiving portion (20b) of the washing tub (20), and the other end (42b) of the rotary shaft (42) can be connected to the drum (40). The other end (42b) of the rotary shaft (42) connected to the drum (40) can be disposed inside the drum receiving portion (20a). According to the present disclosure, both ends (42a, 42b) of the rotary shaft (42) can be disposed inside the washing tub (20), which is a pressure vessel. Therefore, the rotary shaft (42) may not extend outside the washing tub (20) by penetrating the washing tub (20).

[0090] Traditional washing machines that use carbon dioxide for washing have included a rotating shaft that penetrates a pressure vessel, known as a washing tub. Because the rotating shaft penetrates a washing tub filled with high-pressure carbon dioxide, these machines require a mechanical seal to prevent the carbon dioxide from leaking through the gap between the rotating shaft and the washing tub. Mechanical seals have the disadvantage of requiring periodic replacement of mechanical seal components.

[0091] A washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure may not include a mechanical seal for sealing a gap between the rotating shaft and the washing tank, since the rotating shaft (42), which is provided to receive rotational force from a driving device (100) and rotate together with the drum (40), does not penetrate the washing tank (20), which is a pressure vessel. According to the present disclosure, since the rotating shaft (42) does not penetrate the washing tank (20), a mechanical seal is not required, and thus, a washing machine (1) that can operate without periodic replacement of parts can be provided.

[0092] In order for the rotating shaft (42) to be placed inside the washing tub (20), the stator (110) may be placed outside the washing tub (20), and the rotor (120) may be placed inside the washing tub (20). Accordingly, the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure may include an inner rotor type driving device (100). The reason why the stator (110) is placed outside the washing tub (20) is because electrical components such as connectors and wires are connected to the stator (110). If the stator is placed inside the washing tub, the wires connected to the stator must pass through the washing tub, and thus, a fluid leakage problem may occur, just as when the rotating shaft passes through the washing tub.

[0093] The washing machine (1) may include bearings. In one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a first bearing (81) and a second bearing (82). Alternatively, the washing machine (1) may include one bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft (42) and is arranged in the rotor receiving portion (20b).

[0094] The first bearing (81) and the second bearing (82) can rotatably support a rotary shaft (42) that is configured to rotate by receiving power from a driving device (100). The first bearing (81) and the second bearing (82) can be arranged in a rotor receiving portion (20b). According to one embodiment, the rotor (120) can be arranged between the first bearing (81) and the second bearing (82), but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The washing machine (1) may further include a sealing member (90). The sealing member (90) may be provided to seal between the first washing tub body (21) and the second washing tub body (22). The sealing member (90) may be arranged between the first flange (21a) and the second flange (22a). The sealing member (90) may be provided in an approximately ring shape.

[0096] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along line A-A' of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a driving device in a washing machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the driving device illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 4, the first bearing (81) and the second bearing (82) may each be placed in the rotor receiving portion (20b). The rotor receiving portion (20b) may have an open side connected to the drum receiving portion (20a) and a closed side opposite to the open side.

[0098] The first bearing (81) can be arranged between the drum (40) and the rotor (120) to rotatably support the rotating shaft (81). The first bearing (81) can be arranged adjacent to one open side of the rotor receiving portion (20b).

[0099] The second bearing (82) may be positioned between the rotor (120) and the closed other side of the rotor housing (20b). The second bearing (82) may be positioned adjacent to the closed other side of the rotor housing (20b). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the washing machine may include only one bearing. In this case, the bearing may be positioned between the rotor and the drum, or between the rotor and the closed other side of the rotor housing.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, the sealing member (90) may extend along the circumferential direction of the first washing tub body (21) or the second washing tub body (22). The sealing member (90) may be positioned closer to the center of the first washing tub body (21) than the first fastening hole (21b). The sealing member (90) may be positioned closer to the center of the second washing tub body (22) than the second fastening hole (22b). In other words, the shortest distance from the rotating shaft (42) to the sealing member (90) may be shorter than the shortest distance from the rotating shaft (42) to the first fastening hole (21b) or the second fastening hole (22b). The shortest distance from the rotary shaft (42) to the sealing member (90) may refer to the distance in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the rotary shaft (42) extends from the rotary shaft (42) to the sealing member (90). By arranging the sealing member (90) in this way, the size of the outer diameter of the first flange (21a) and the second flange (22a) can be minimized. This is because when the sealing member (90) is positioned further from the center of the washing tub (20) than the first fastening hole (21b) and the second fastening hole (22b), the outer diameters of the first flange (21a) and the second flange (22a) must be increased in order for the sealing member (90) to be arranged.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5, a gap (101) may be provided between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) of the driving device (100). The side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) may be arranged in the gap (101). In other words, the rotor (120) may be arranged on the inner side of the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20), and the stator (110) may be arranged on the outer side of the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20).

[0102] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a cross-section along line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, a driving device (100) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a stator (110) arranged to be in contact with a side surface (22c) of a washing tub (20). The stator (110) may be arranged to be in contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Therefore, there may be no gap between the stator (110) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Since the stator (110) does not have a rotating structure unlike the rotor (120), it may be arranged to be in contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) to reduce the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120).

[0104] A first gap (101a) may be formed between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Since the rotor (120) rotates together with the rotating shaft (42), a predetermined first gap (101a) is required between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) so that the rotor (120) does not come into contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) when the rotor (120) rotates.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 7, the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) may be the sum of the first gap (101a) formed between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) and the thickness of the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Since there is no gap formed between the stator (110) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20), the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) can be minimized.

[0106] In typical washing machines, where there is no separate component, such as a drum side, between the stator and rotor, the air gap between the stator and rotor is very small. For example, in a typical washing machine, the air gap between the stator and rotor may be less than about 1 mm. In such washing machines, the rotor of the drive unit may include a ferrite magnet, which has a relatively low magnetic flux density.

[0107] As described above, the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure has a side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) positioned between the stator (110) and the rotor (120), so that the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) is larger than that of a typical washing machine. For example, the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) may be 3 to 5 mm. If the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) becomes larger, the output of the driving device (100) may decrease. To compensate for this decrease in output, the driving device (100) according to the present disclosure may include a neodymium (Nd) magnet having a relatively high magnetic flux density.

[0108] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a cross-section along line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, a driving device (100) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a stator (110) that is positioned a predetermined distance apart from a side surface (22c) of a washing tub (20). A second gap (101b) may be formed between the stator (110) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Since the stator (110) does not have a rotating configuration unlike the rotor (120), the second gap (101b) formed between the stator (110) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) may be formed smaller than the first gap (101a) formed between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20).

[0110] A first gap (101a) may be formed between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20). Since the rotor (120) rotates together with the rotating shaft (42), a predetermined first gap (101a) is required between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) so that the rotor (120) does not come into contact with the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) when the rotor (120) rotates.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) may be the sum of the first gap (101a) formed between the rotor (120) and the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20), the thickness of the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20), and the second gap (101b) formed between the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) and the stator (110).

[0112] In the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure, since the side surface (22c) of the washing tub (20) is arranged between the stator (110) and the rotor (120), the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) may be larger than in a typical washing machine. If the gap between the stator (110) and the rotor (120) becomes larger, the output of the driving device (100) may decrease. In order to compensate for this decrease in output, the driving device (100) according to the present disclosure may include a neodymium (Nd) magnet having a relatively high magnetic flux density.

[0113] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a washing tub having a sealable internal space capable of accommodating carbon dioxide, wherein the carbon dioxide is accommodated in the internal space and the pressure of the carbon dioxide is maintained while the internal space is sealed, a rotatable drum configured to accommodate laundry to be washed using the carbon dioxide accommodated in the internal space, a shaft connected to the drum in an upper internal space, and a driving device. The driving device includes a stator disposed outside the washing tub, a rotor coupled to the shaft in the internal space, and configured to rotate by electromagnetic interaction with the stator while the carbon dioxide is accommodated in the internal space and the internal space is sealed, and the rotor rotates together with the shaft and the drum so as to wash the laundry accommodated in the drum with carbon dioxide.

[0114] In order for the shaft not to penetrate the washing tub, both ends of the shaft can be placed in the internal space.

[0115] The first end of the above shaft can be connected to the drum.

[0116] The second end of the above shaft can be placed inside the washing tank.

[0117] The washing tank may include a drum receiving portion configured to receive the drum, and a rotor receiving portion configured to receive the rotor and at least a portion of the shaft, the rotor receiving portion having an open first side connected to the drum receiving portion and a closed second side.

[0118] The washing machine may further include a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft in the rotor receiving portion.

[0119] The bearing may include a first bearing disposed adjacent to the first side of the rotor receiving portion between the rotor and the drum, and a second bearing disposed adjacent to the second side of the rotor receiving portion between the second side of the rotor receiving portion and the rotor.

[0120] The stator may be arranged to contact the outer side of the rotor receiving portion so as to reduce a gap with the rotor in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the shaft extends.

[0121] The rotor may be spaced apart from the rotor receiving portion in the second direction by a predetermined distance so as not to come into contact with the inner side of the rotor receiving portion as the rotor rotates.

[0122] The washing tank may include a first washing tank body forming the drum receiving portion and a second washing tank body forming the rotor receiving portion.

[0123] The first washing tub body and the second washing tub body can be joined by a fastening member to form the washing tub.

[0124] The first washing tub body may include a first flange that protrudes from the first washing tub body in a radial direction of the first washing tub body and has a first fastening hole formed therein.

[0125] The second washing tub body may include a second flange that protrudes from the second washing tub body in a radial direction of the second washing tub body and has a second fastening hole formed therein corresponding to the first fastening hole.

[0126] The above fastening member can connect the first washing tub body and the second washing tub body by penetrating the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole in a direction parallel to the first direction in which the shaft extends.

[0127] The washing machine may further include a sealing member that provides sealing between the first washing tub body and the second washing tub body between the first flange and the second flange.

[0128] The above sealing member may extend along the circumferential direction of the first washing tub body or the second washing tub body.

[0129] The distance from the shaft to the sealing member in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be shorter than the distance from the shaft to the fastening member in the second direction.

[0130] The rotor may include a plurality of magnets spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the shaft.

[0131] Each of the above plurality of magnets may include neodymium (Nd).

[0132] The above washing tub may include stainless steel (SUS).

[0133] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine that does not require a mechanical seal can be provided by arranging a rotor inside a washing tank, which is a pressure vessel, and arranging a stator outside the washing tank.

[0134] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that can rotate a drum inside a washing tub without including a mechanical seal by arranging a stator outside the washing tub and arranging a rotor inside the washing tub.

[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 tank having a sealable internal space capable of containing carbon dioxide, wherein the carbon dioxide is contained in the internal space and the pressure of the carbon dioxide is maintained while the internal space is sealed; A rotatable drum configured to accommodate laundry to be washed using carbon dioxide received in the internal space; a shaft connected to the drum in the upper internal space; and including a driving device; The above driving device, A stator placed outside the washing tank, A washing machine comprising a rotor that is coupled to the shaft in the internal space, receives carbon dioxide in the internal space, and rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator in a sealed state, the rotor rotating together with the shaft and the drum to wash laundry received in the drum with carbon dioxide.

2. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which both ends of the shaft are placed in the internal space so that the shaft does not penetrate the washing tub.

3. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the first end of the shaft is connected to the drum, and the second end of the shaft is placed inside the washing tub.

4. In paragraph 1, The above washing machine, A drum receiving portion provided to receive the above drum, A washing machine comprising a rotor receiving portion for receiving the rotor and at least a portion of the shaft, the rotor receiving portion having an open first side connected to the drum receiving portion and a closed second side.

5. In paragraph 4, A washing machine further comprising a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft in the rotor receiving portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above bearings, A first bearing disposed adjacent to the first side of the rotor receiving portion between the rotor and the drum, A washing machine including a second bearing disposed adjacent to the second side of the rotor receiving portion and between the second side of the rotor receiving portion and the rotor.

7. In paragraph 4, A washing machine in which the stator is arranged to contact the outer side of the rotor receiving portion so as to reduce the gap with the rotor in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the shaft extends.

8. In paragraph 7, A washing machine in which the rotor is spaced apart from the rotor receiving portion by a predetermined distance in the second direction so as not to come into contact with the inner side of the rotor receiving portion as the rotor rotates.

9. In paragraph 4, The above washing machine, A first washing machine body forming the drum receiving portion, Including a second washing tank body forming the rotor receiving portion, A washing machine in which the first washing tub body and the second washing tub body are joined by a fastening member to form the washing tub.

10. In paragraph 9, The first washing tub body includes a first flange that protrudes from the first washing tub body in the radial direction of the first washing tub body and has a first fastening hole formed therein, The second washing tub body includes a second flange that protrudes from the second washing tub body in the radial direction of the second washing tub body and has a second fastening hole formed corresponding to the first fastening hole. A washing machine in which the above-mentioned fastening member connects the first washing tub body and the second washing tub body by penetrating the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole in a direction parallel to the first direction in which the shaft extends.

11. In paragraph 10, A washing machine further comprising a sealing member that provides sealing between the first washing tub body and the second washing tub body between the first flange and the second flange.

12. In paragraph 11, The above sealing member extends along the circumferential direction of the first washing tub body or the second washing tub body, A washing machine in which the distance from the shaft to the sealing member in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is shorter than the distance from the shaft to the fastening member in the second direction.

13. In paragraph 1, The rotor includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the shaft, A washing machine, wherein each of the plurality of magnets contains neodymium (Nd).

14. In paragraph 1, The above washing machine is a washing machine including a stainless steel (SUS).

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