USRE41621E1 - Structure of driving unit in drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine including a tub for storing washing water, a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub disposed horizontal to the ground, or with an angle to the ground for accommodating laundry therein, a shaft connected to the drum mounted inside of the tub through the tub for transmission of a driving force of the motor to the drum, bearings fitted onto outer circumferences of both end portions of the shaft for supporting the shaft, a bearing housing having stator fastening bosses at fixed intervals along a circumference of a central portion thereof for supporting the bearings, a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores each formed by stacking magnetic laminations each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction and a rib projected inward in a radial direction, both of which are formed as one unit, frames of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and coils each wound around each of the salient poles of the magnetic cores, a cup formed rotor having a rotor body of iron or iron alloy with a sidewall, a back yoke, forming a magnetic flux path and a rear wall formed as a unit with the sidewall, and permanent magnets fitted to a setting surface of an “L” formed bent portion of the sidewall, and a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft, thereby reducing noise and troubles as well as a power loss, to improve a productivity of the rotor and the product.

Description

This application is a Reissue application, filed Jan.27,2005, which is a Reissue of U.S. Pat. No.6,510,716. More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No.6,510,716. The Reissue application numbers are Ser. Nos.11/043,912 (the present Reissue application),11/602,777, and11/602,412.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine, and more particularly, to a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine.

2. Background of the Invention

In general, a drum type washing, making washing by using friction between a drum rotated by a motor and laundry in a state detergent, washing water, and the laundry are introduced into the drum, provides effects of beating and rubbing washing, but gives almost no damage to the laundry, and shows no entangling of the laundry. A structure of a related art drum washing machine will be explained with reference to FIG.1.FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a related art drum type washing machine, provided with atub2 mounted inside of acabinet1, adrum3 rotatably mounted on a central portion of inside of thetub2. There is amotor5a under thetub2 connected with apulley18. There is adrum shaft25 connected to a rear of thedrum3, to which adrum pulley19 is coupled. And, thedrum pulley19 on the drum shaft and themotor pulley18 connected to themotor5a are connected by abelt20 for transmission of power. And, there is adoor21 in a front part of thecabinet1, with agasket22 between thedoor21 and thetub2. There is a hangingspring23 between an inside of an upper portion of thecabinet1 and an outside of an upper portion of thetub2, and afriction damper24 between an inside of a lower portion of thecabinet1 and a lower side of an outside of thetub2 for damping vibration of thetub2 generated during spinning. There is adetergent container26 in the upper front of thecabinet1, and in the upper back of thecabinet1 is awater supply valve27 for supplying water to the detergent container.

However, the related art washing machine has the following disadvantages since driving power of themotor5a is transmitted to thedrum3 through themotor pulley18, and thedrum pulley19, and thebelt20 connecting themotor pulley18 and thedrum pulley19.

First, there is a loss of energy in a course of driving power transmission because the driving power is transmitted from themotor5a to thedrum3, not directly, but through thebelt20 wound around themotor pulley18 and thedrum pulley19.

And, the driving power transmission from themotor5a to thedrum3, not directly, but through many components, such as thebelt20, themotor pulley18, and thedrum pulley19, causes much noise in the course of power transmission.

The lots of components required for transmission of driving power from themotor5a to thedrum3, such as themotor pulley18, thedrum pulley19 and thebelt20, require many assembly man-hours. And, the more the number of components required for transmission of driving power from themotor5a to thedrum3, the more number of spots which require repair, and the more frequent at which repair required. The imbalance caused by the motor mounted to a lower part of rear of thetub2 causes heavy vibration when the motor is rotated. Consequently, there is a weight balancer of metal or cement separately provided to an opposite position of the motor for system balancing.

In summary, the indirect driving power transmission from themotor5a to thedrum3 through the motor pulley, the drum pulley, and the belt requires many repair, has much noise, waste of energy, and results in a deterioration of a washing capability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine, in which the motor is coupled to the drum directly for reducing vibration, and either reducing a weight of the weight balancer or remove the weight balancer completely.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine, which can reduce waste of energy by employing a BLDC motor that has a good energy efficiency.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine, which involves no deformation of the rotor even if the rotor rotates at a high speed.

Further object of the present invention is to provide a structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine, which permits an easy assembly of the drum washing machine.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, an embodied and broadly described, the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine includes a tub for storing washing water, a drum rotatably mounted inside of the tub disposed horizontal to the ground, or with an angle to the ground for accommodating laundry therein, a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of the motor to the drum, bearing fitted each onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft, a bearing housing having stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of a central portion thereof, for supporting the bearings, a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward and a plurality of coils each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, and a cup formed rotor having a rotor body and permanent magnets, the rotor by comprising a sidewall and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, the permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, ad a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft.

Preferably, the salient poles of the stator are projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator. Preferably, the stator further comprises a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores. And preferably the stator further comprises a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward, each with a fastening hole for fixing the stator to the bearing housing. More preferably the fastening ribs are projected inward in the radial direction. And more preferably the fastening ribs are formed as one unit with the frame.

Preferably the rotor body is formed of magnetic material such as iron or iron alloy, which enables the side wall of the rotor body to serve as a back yoke that forms a magnetic flux path. Preferably the rear wall of the rotor body is formed as one unit with the sidewall. Preferably the permanent magnets are fitted to a setting surface of an “L” formed bent portion of the side wall.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a related art drum type washing machine;

FIG. 2A illustrates a longitudinal section of a drum type washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed enlarged view of “A” part inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C illustrates a detailed enlarged view of “B” part inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view ofFIG. 2B having a motor removed therefrom;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the rotor inFIGS. 2A-2C with a partial cut away view;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of “C” part inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the stator inFIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the connector inFIG. 2;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a right side view ofFIG. 10 having a motor removed therefrom;

FIG. 12 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 13 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A drum type washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 2A-9.FIG. 2A illustrates a longitudinal section of a drum type washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed enlarged view of “A” part inFIG. 2A,FIG. 2C illustrates a detailed enlarged view of “B” part inFIG. 2A,FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view ofFIG. 2B having a motor removed therefrom,FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the rotor inFIGS. 2A-2C with a partial cut away view,FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of “C” part inFIG. 4,FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom ofFIG. 4,FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the stator inFIG. 2,FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the connector inFIG. 2, andFIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of FIG.8.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the drum type washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes atub2 of a metal inside of a cabinet (not shown) for storage of water, adrum3 inside of thetub2, ashaft4 connected to thedrum3 for transmission of a driving force from amotor5 to thedrum3, afront bearing6a and arear bearing6b respectively fitted to outer circumferences of both ends of theshaft4, a bearinghousing7 mounted to arear wall200 of thetub2 for supporting the front and rear bearings, arotor13 mounted to a rear end of theshaft4 to form amotor5 together with a stator, thestator14 on an inner side of therotor13 mounted to arear wall200 of the tub to form the motor together with the rotor, and aconnector16 serration coupled to theshaft4 at a rear side of therear bearing6b and fastened to therotor13 for transmission of a rotating force from the rotor to theshaft4. The bearinghousing7 is formed of a metal, preferably aluminum alloy. There is ahub700 formed as one unit with the bearinghousing7 at a center thereof for fitting the front and rear bearings therein, andfastening bosses701 formed on an outer side of thehub700 at fixed intervals along a circumference for fastening thestator14 to the bearinghousing7 withfastening members15d such that the bearinghousing7 looks like a semipalmate tripod in overall as shown inFIG. 3.A circular reinforcingrib1005 connects thestator fastening bosses701, as shown inFIG. 3.In this instance, there is astep8a and8b formed in an inside circumference of thehub700 on a central portion of the bearinghousing7 at each end of thehub700 for supporting thefront bearing6a and therear bearing6b so that respective bearings do not fall off, but are held therein. Thestep8a in the front has a form of “┐” for holding a rear end of thefront bearing6a, and thestep8b in the rear has a form of “└” for holding a front end of therear bearing6b. And, there are positioningsteps9a and9b at front and rear circumferences of theshaft4 for positioning thefront bearing6a and therear bearing6b on theshaft4, respectively. Theshaft4 has a fore end held in aspider10 in the rear wall of thedrum3, an exposed portion from a rear end of thespider10 to thefront bearing6a having abushing11 of brass press fit thereon for prevention of rusting, with a sealingmember12 fitted on an outer circumference thereof for prevention of ingress of water, and a rear end having therotor13 of a directcoupling type motor5 mounted on a center thereof. In this instance, a crown formedstator14 is positioned on an inner side of therotor13, fastened to thefastening bosses701 on the bearinghousing7 to form the direct coupling type motor in combination with therotor13.

In the meantime, referring toFIGS. 4 to6, therotor13, formed of a magnetic material, such as iron or iron alloy, has arear wall13a, aside wall13b, andpermanent magnets13c provided on the side wall. Theside wall13b extending from a periphery ofrear wall13a and serving as a back yoke that forms a magnetic flux path comprises amagnet setting surface130, a bent portion formed along a circumference thereof for supportingmagnets13c fitted to an inside surface thereof and for reinforcing therotor13. And, there is ahub132 at a center of therear wall13a having a throughhole131 for passing of afastening member15a for preventing fall off of theshaft4 from theconnector16 fixed to therotor13 from theshaft4. Therotor13 is preferably formed by pressing. That is, therotor13 is formed by pressing as a unit both with theside wall13b having the magnet setting surface and therear wall13a serving as a frame for supporting the side wall, without any separate additional fabrication process.

In general, the drum washing machine may cause a problem of temperature rise owing to a load since the drum and laundry should be run fast together. Therefore, there are a plurality of cooling fins around thehub132 of therotor13 as a unit with therotor13 in a radial direction for blowing air toward thestator14 in rotation of therotor13 to cool down a heat generated at thestator14. Each of the coolingfins133 has a length in the radial direction. The coolingfin133 is formed by lancing, to be bent at approx. 90° from therear wall13a to direct toward opening, to form anopening134 which serves as a vent hole. Accordingly, formation of the coolingfin133 and formation of the vent hole are done by one process, different from a case when the formation of the vent hole is done by punching, thereby permitting saving in material and working hours as no separate component and process for forming the cooling fin is required.

And, different from BLDC motors used in VCR(Video Cassette Recorder) and the like, since the BLDC motor employed in the washing machine runs fast under a great load, a shape of the rotor is liable to deform during rotation of the rotor, which causes a non-uniform gap between the rotor and the stator. In order to eliminate this problem, there is anembossing135 between everyadjacent cooling fins133 for reinforcing therotor13 together with the foregoing settingsurface130. Moreover, there is a channel sectionedrim13d at an end of the rotor for stiffening the end for maintaining a true circle even if therotor13 rotates at a high speed. And, there is a draininghole136 in theembossing135 for discharge of water. And, there are fasteningholes137 for fastening theconnector16 serration coupled to an outer circumference of theshaft4 at a rear end thereof exposed at a rear of therear bearing6b and the positioning holes138 for fixing a position of assembly of theconnector16, both of which are formed around the throughhole131 in thehub132 of therotor13 at fixed intervals. Theconnector16 is formed of a resin which has a vibration mode different from the body of therotor13 of iron or iron alloy, for attenuating a vibration occurred in rotation of the drum. Thefastening hole137 and thepositioning hole138 in theconnector16 have diameters different from each other.

Referring to FIGS.2,8 and9, theconnector16 hasfastening holes162 in correspondence to the fastening holes in thehub132 of therotor13 along a circumference of a periphery thereof, and positioning projections between adjacent fastening holes162 for automatic match between the fastening holes137 in therotor13 and the fastening holes162 in theconnector16 as thepositioning projections160 are inserted into the positioning holes138 in theconnector13. And, there isserration164 in an inside circumference of thehub163 of theconnector16 matched to theserration400 in the rear end of theshaft4, and there are reinforcingribs161 on an outer side of thehub163 of theconnector16 for reinforcing thehub163.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 7, thestator14, forming themotor5 together with therotor13, includes a plurality ofmagnetic cores145 formed by stacking magnetic laminations and each having asalient pole141 projected outward in a radial direction, coils142 wound around thesalient poles141, aframe140 of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of themagnetic cores145, andfastening ribs143 withfastening holes143a for fixing thestator14 to the bearinghousing7, thefastening ribs143 formed as one unit with theframe140 and projected inward in a radial direction.

There aretub brackets17 welded to an outer circumference of thetub2 for fixing the bearinghousing7 at a rear portion of the tub, andfastening holes170 at rear ends of thetub brackets17 for passing offastening members15d fastened to the fastening holes702 formed in an end portion of the bearinghousing7 in a radial direction.

The operation of the aforementioned structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

Upon rotation of therotor13 as a current flows to thecoils142 of thestator14 in a sequence under the control of a motor driving controller in a panel part(not shown), theshaft4 serration coupled to theconnector16 which is in turn connected to the rotor is rotated, to rotate thedrum3 as a power is transmitted to the drum through theshaft4.

The assembly process of the first embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention will be explained.

First, thedrum3 is placed inside of thetub2. In this instance, thebushing11 is press fit on an exposed portion of the shaft from rear of thespider10 to thefront bearing6a for prevention of rusting of the shaft, and the sealingmember12 is fitted on thebushing11 for prevention of ingress of water toward the bearing. Then, thefront bearing6a is inserted on theshaft4 in a state thedrum3 is placed inside of thetub2. After insertion of thefront bearing6a, the bearinghousing7 is fixed to the rear of the tub as thefastening member15d passes through thefastening hole170 in thetub bracket17 welded to outer circumference of thetub2 and fastened to thefastening hole702 in the bearinghousing7. After completion of mounting of the bearinghousing7 to thetub2, therear bearing6b is fitted to the rear end of theshaft4. In this instance, therear bearing6b is held at thestep9b in rear portion of theshaft4 and thestep8b inside of the bearinghousing7 at an end thereof. In this condition, after thefastening holes143a in thefastening ribs143 of the stator are aligned with thefastening bosses701 on the bearinghousing7 on the outer side of thehub700 at fixed intervals along a circumference, the stator is fastened to thefastening bosses701 with thefastening members15c, to fix thestator14 to the bearinghousing7, firmly. Then, after an assembly of therotor13 and theconnector16, which assembly is done separately, is inserted onto the rear end of theshaft4, thefastening member15a is fastened, to prevent theconnector16 from falling off the shaft by a fastening force of thefastening member15a.

The assembly process of therotor13 and theconnector16 will be explained.

First, the positioning holes138 in therotor13 and thepositioning projections160 on theconnector16 are aligned, and thepositioning projections160 on theconnector16 are inserted into the positioning holes138 in therotor13. In this temporary assembly when thepositioning projections160 on theconnector16 are merely inserted into the positioning holes138 in therotor13, the fastening holes137 in therotor13 and the fastening holes162 in theconnector16 are aligned, under which condition, thefastening members15b are fastened through the fastening holes137 and162, to assemble therotor13 and theconnector16 together.

The operation of the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention assembled thus will be explained.

The bearinghousing7 of a metal, such as aluminum alloy, is applicable to the drum type washing machine which has a drying cycle since the bearinghousing7 shows no thermal deformation even at a high temperature. The “┐” formedstep8a in the front, and the “└” formedstep8b in the rear of the inside circumference of the bearinghousing7 hold a rear end of thefront bearing6a and a front end of therear bearing6b fitted on outer circumferences of theshaft4 at both ends thereof, respectively. The positioning steps9a and9b in outer circumferences of a front portion and a rear portion of theshaft4 permit to fix positions of thefront bearing6a and therear bearing6b with respect to theshaft4. In the meantime, the front end of theshaft4 is fixed in thespider10 mounted to a rear wall of thedrum3, the exposed portion of the shaft from rear of thespider10 to thefront bearing6a has thebushing11 press fit thereon for prevention of rusting of the shaft, and the sealingmember12 is fitted on thebushing11 for prevention of ingress of water toward the bearing. Thefastening bosses701 on the bearinghousing7 on the outer side of thehub700 at fixed intervals along a circumference permits thestator14 to be fastened to thefastening bosses701 with thefastening members15c, to fix thestator14 to the bearinghousing7, firmly. And, therotor13 of the drivecoupling type motor5 is fixed to the rear end of theshaft4, and the bent part having the magnet setting surface30 formed along a circumference of thesidewall13b extended forward from a periphery of therear wall13a of therotor13 supports themagnets13c attached to therotor13, thereby permitting an easy fabrication of the rotor. The throughhole131 in thehub132 at a center of therear wall13a of therotor13 permits to fasten thefastening members15a, such as bolts, to the rear end of the shaft for prevention of falling of theshaft4 off therotor13 and theconnector16 coupled to therotor13, and the plurality of coolingfins133 formed around thehub132 of therotor13 in a radial direction each with a length blow air toward thestator14 when therotor13 is rotated, thereby cooling down the heat generated at thestator14. The coolingfin133 formed to direct the open side of therotor13 by lancing forms the throughhole134 which serves as a vent hole. The body of therotor13 formed of iron or iron alloy by pressing reduces a fabrication time period very much, to improve a productivity of the rotor. The embossing135 between adjacent coolingfins133 on therear wall13a of the rotor improve an overall strength of therotor13, and the draininghole136 in the embossing135 permits to discharge water. The fastening holes137 for fastening the connector and the positioning holes138 for fixing a position of assembly of theconnector16, both of which are formed around the throughhole131 in thehub132 of therotor13 permits to assemble theconnector16, serration coupled to the rear end of theshaft4 exposed in rear of therear bearing6b, and therotor13 with easy. Once the positioning projections on theconnector16 are aligned with the positioning holes138 in therotor13, the fastening holes137 and162 in both of therotor13 and theconnector16 are aligned automatically, through which thefastening members15b are fastened, to assemble theconnector16 and therotor13 with easy. In this instance, theconnector16 of a resin injection molding has a vibration mode different from the same of therotor13 of iron or iron alloy, to attenuate the vibration from therotor13 to theshaft4. Theserration164 on an inside circumference of thehub163 of theconnector16 is fitted to theserration400 on the rear end of theshaft4, to transmit a rotation force from therotor13 to theshaft4 as it is. There is a cylindricalouter rib165 spaced from the outer circumference of thehub163, an end of which is brought into close contact with the rotor for being held, firmly. Aspace166 formed between thehub163 and theouter rib165 cuts off transmission of vibration from the shaft to the rotor or vice versa. The reinforcingribs161 in thespace166 connecting thehub163 and the outer ribs167 permits an overall strength of theconnector16 to be adequate.

A structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 11 illustrates a right side view ofFIG. 10 having a motor removed therefrom. Second embodiment components identical to the first embodiment will be given the same reference symbols, and explanations of which will be omitted. The second embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention further includes an a skirt or arc formedbaffle703 on an upper portion of outer side of therotor13 mounted to the bearinghousing7 for prevention of ingress of water into amotor5, which water is dropped from awater supply valve27 when thewater supply valve27 is out of order. The arc formedbaffle703 has a length connecting both ends of the arc greater than a diameter of therotor13. Provided that thebaffle703 is formed to have a length enough to project an end thereof beyond a rear of thesidewall13b of the rotor, though it does not matter that an angle θ between therear wall200 of the tub and a top surface of thebaffle703 is 90° or greater than 90°, it is preferable that the angle θ μs smaller than 90°.

The operation of the aforementioned structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

In the related art, since themotor5a is mounted to a lower portion of thetub2, chances are low that water will invade into themotor5a even if water drops leak from thewater supply valve25. But in a drum type washing machine with the structure of a driving unit of the present invention, since themotor5 is mounted to a rear of thetub2, if thewater supply valve27 gets out of order and water leaks, the leaking water is able to fall toward themotor5 an invade into it, which should be prevented. In order to prevent this in the present invention, the arc formedbaffle703 is provided to surround the rotor from an outer upper side of the rotor in the bearinghousing7 for prevention of the water flow toward themotor5, thereby securing a reliability of the motor without shifting a position of thewater supply valve27. It is preferable that the angle θ between therear wall200 of thetub2 and the top surface of thebaffle703 is less than 90° so that the water flows on the rear wall, but the angle θ does not matter as far as a length of thebaffle703 from a fixed end to a free end is enough to cover thesidewall13b of the rotor.

A structure of a driving unit a drum type washing machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.12.FIG. 12 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Third embodiment components identical to the first or second embodiment will be given the same reference symbols, and explanations of which will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 12, the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a ring-shaped,self aligningtype rib705 having aslope705a at one side thereof formed in the bearinghousing7 along a circumference on an outer side of thefastening boss701, and a ring-shaped,self aligningtype rib144 having aslope144a in correspondence to theslope705a in the self aligningtype rib705 on an inner side of aframe140 of thestator14.

The operation of the aforementioned structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

The self aligningtype rib705 having aslope705a at one side thereof formed in the bearinghousing7 along a circumference on an outer side of thefastening boss701, and the self aligningtype rib144 having aslope144a in correspondence to theslope705a in the self aligningtype rib705 on an inner side of aframe140 of thestator14 permits self alignment of thestator14 with thehub700 on the bearinghousing7 on an exact concentric circles in assembly, thereby permitting an easy assembly of the stator to the bearing housing.

A structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.13.FIG. 13 illustrates a longitudinal section of key parts of a structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes atub2 having ahub201 projected forward from a central portion of arear wall200 inside of a cabinet(not shown) for storage of water, adrum3 inside of thetub2, ashaft4 connected to thedrum3 for transmission of a driving force from amotor5 to thedrum3, afront bearing6a and arear bearing6b respectively fitted to outer circumferences of both ends of theshaft4, a supportingbracket8 fastened to one side of thehub201 of thetub2 byfastening members15d passed throughfastening holes801 having astep800 for supporting therear bearing6b andfastening holes802 for mounting the stator thereon, aconnector16 serration coupled to a rear end of theshaft4, arotor13 of themotor5 together with the stator coupled to theconnector16, and thestator14 of the motor together with therotor13 fastened to therear wall200 of the tub on an inner side of therotor13. Thebracket8 is preferably formed of a metal, such as an aluminum alloy. There is astep202 at an inside end of thehub201 of thetub2 for holding a front end of thefront bearing6a fitted on an outer circumference of theshaft4 at a front end thereof. And, thestep800 at an inside end of the supportingbracket8 holds a front end of therear bearing6b fitted on an outer circumference of theshaft4 at a rear end thereof. In the meantime, theshaft4 inside of the supportingbracket8 for transmission of a driving force from themotor5 haspositioning steps9a and9b in an outer circumferences of a front end and a rear end thereof for fixing positions of thefront bearing6a and therear bearing6b with respect to theshaft4, a front end fixed to aspider10 provided to the rear wall of thedrum3, an exposed portion from a rear end of thespider10 to thefront bearing6a having abushing11 of brass press fit thereon for prevention of rusting, with a sealingmember12 fitted on an outer circumference thereof for prevention of ingress of water, and a rear end having afastening member15a fastened to a center for preventing the connector for connection with therotor13 of the directcoupling type motor5 from falling off. Thestator14 of the direct coupling type motor is positioned on an inner side of therotor13 and fastened to the fastening holes801 in the supportingbracket8. And, there is a arc formedbaffle210 on an upper portion of the rear wall of thetub2 for prevention of water flow into themotor5 dropped from the water supply valve when thewater supply valve25 is out of order. The arc formedbaffle210 has a length connecting both ends of the baffle greater than a diameter of the rotor. Provided that thebaffle210 is formed to have a length enough to project an end thereof beyond a rear of thesidewall13b of the rotor, though it does not matter that an angle θ between therear wall200 of the tub and a top surface of thebaffle210 is 90° or greater than 90°, it is preferable that the angle θ is smaller than 90°.

Since the rotor, stator, connector, and the baffle have structures identical to the first and second embodiments, explanations of which will be omitted.

The operation of the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

When therotor13 is rotated as a current flows to thecoils142 of thestator14 in a sequence under the control of a motor driving controller on a panel part(not shown), theshaft4, serration coupled to theconnector16 which is in turn connected to the rotor, is rotated, to rotate thedrum3 as a power is transmitted to the drum through theshaft4.

The assembly process of the fourth embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention will be explained.

First, thefront bearing6a is inserted onto theshaft4 in a condition thedrum3 having theshaft4 fixed to thespider10 at a rear of thedrum3 is assembled inside of thetub1. According to this, thefront bearing6a is inserted onto the outer circumference of theshaft4 is fixed at thefront bearing6a is held both at thestep9a in a front portion of theshaft4 and thestep202 in thehub200 of thetub2. Then, under a condition that the fastening holes203 for fastening the supporting bracket formed in thehub201 of thetub2 and the fastening holes801 in the supportingbracket8 are aligned, thefastening members15d are fastened, to fix the supportingbracket8 to thehub201 of thetub2. After assembly of the supportingbracket8 to thetub2, therear bearing6b is inserted onto theshaft4 through the rear end of theshaft4 until therear bearing6b is held both at thestep9b in a rear portion of theshaft4 and thestep800 in an inside end of the supportingbracket8. Then, the fastening holes802 in the periphery of the supportingbracket8 and thefastening holes143a in thefastening rib143 of thestator14 are aligned, and fastened with thefastening members15c. Under this condition, an assembly of therotor13 and theconnector16 are inserted into the rear end of theshaft4, and thefastening member15a is screwed into the rear end of the shaft, for preventing theconnector16 from falling off the shaft by a fastening force of thefastening member15a, thereby fixing thestator14 to the supportingbracket8.

The operation of the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

In the fourth embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention, since the supportingbracket8 is formed of a metal, such as aluminum alloy, which is involved in no thermal deformation even at a high temperature, the supportingbracket8 is applicable to the drum type washing machine which has a drying cycle. That is, thestep800 in an inside end of the supportingbracket8 in the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention permits to support the front end of therear bearing6b. And, the positioning steps9a and9b in outer circumferences of front and rear portions of theshaft4 disposed inside of the supportingbracket8 for transmission of a driving force from themotor5 to thedrum3 permit easy positioning of the front andrear bearings6a and6b with respect to theshaft4. In the meantime, the front end of theshaft4 is fixed to thespider10 in the rear wall of thedrum3, and a portion of theshaft4 from an end of thespider10 to thefront bearing6a has abushing11 of brass press fit thereon, for prevention of rusting of theshaft4. And, the sealingmember12 on an outer circumference of thebushing11 prevents ingress of water into the bearing. The fastening holes802 in the periphery of the supportingbracket8 at fixed intervals along a circumference permit thefastening members15c passed through thefastening holes143a in thefastening ribs143 on thestator14 to pass through the fastening holes802 in the supporting bracket, thereby permitting thestator14 fixed to the supportingbracket8, firmly. As theserration164 on the inside circumference of thehub201 of theconnector16 is fitted to theserration400 on the rear end of theshaft4, a rotation force can be transmitted from therotor13 to theshaft4 through theconnector16 as it is. Since the supportingbracket8 is fastened to thehub201 projected forward from a central portion of therear wall200 of the tub in a face to face contact, and thestator14 is fixed to the supportingbracket8, a distance from therear wall200 of the tub to thestator14 is very close, which permits to minimize a distance from therear wall200 of the tub to therear wall13a of the rotor, that permits to provide a compact product.

As has been explained, the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages.

The first to third embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can reduce noise, trouble caused by being out of order, and power loss as it is of a motor direct coupling type.

And, the first to third embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can be applicable to a product with a drying function as the drum type washing machine of the present invention has a bearing housing formed of a metal.

And, the first to third embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can improve a productivity because the rotor of iron or iron alloy in the drum type washing machine of the present invention is fabricated by pressing, which has a good formability and a short fabrication time period.

And, the first to third embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can improve workability in fitting magnets as the rotor has a magnet setting surface, and can prevent over heating of the motor as the rotor has draining holes, cooling fins and vent holes to improve a reliability and a lifetime of the motor.

And, the second embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can prevent ingress of water dropped from thewater supply valve27 into the motor by means of the arc formed baffle on an upper portion of the bearing housing, thereby assuring a motor reliability.

And, the third embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine permits assembly of the stator with easy when the stator is mounted to the rear of the bearing housing owing to the self alignment action of the ribs.

And, the fourth embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can also reduce noise, trouble from being out of order, and a power loss as it is of the motor direct coupling type.

And, the fourth embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can be applied to a product with a dry function as the supporting bracket of a metal shows no thermal deformation.

And, the fourth embodiment structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine can prevent ingress of water dropped from the water supply valve into themotor5 by means of the arc formed baffle provided at a rear of the tub, thereby assuring a reliability of the motor.

Thus, since the drum type washing machine of the present invention can improve a structure of a driving unit, to permit direct transmission of a driving force from the motor to the drum directly, noise and trouble as well as a power loss can be reduced, to improve a productivity of the rotor and the product.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (61)

1. A structure of a driving unit in a drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub disposed horizontal to the ground, or with an angle to the ground for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame;

a cup formed rotor having a rotor body of magnetic material and permanent magnets, the rotor body comprising a sidewall serving as a back yoke that forms a magnetic flux path and a rear wall formed as one unit with the sidewall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, the permanent magnets fitted to a setting surface of an “L” shaped bent portion of the sidewall; and

a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft for rotating the drum.

2. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the connector connecting the rotor and the shaft for rotating the drum is formed of a resin different from the material of the rotor for reducing vibration.

3. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the connector includes:

a central portion;

a cylindrical hub projected from the central portion for connection with the shaft;

a cylindrical outer rib spaced from an outer circumference of the hub to provide a space for attenuating transmission of vibration between the rotor and the shaft; and

reinforcing ribs between the hub and the outer rib to connect the hub and the outer rib across the space.

4. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the connector further includes:

a serration on an inside of the cylindrical hub for coupling to the shaft; and

positioning projections provided on one side of the connector for positioning the connector with respect to the rotor before the connector is fastened to the rotor with bolts.

5. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the rotor includes:

cooling fins each formed by cutting the rear wall in a ‘⊂’ form, and folding in a stator direction for cooling a heat generated at the stator; and

openings each formed by the cutting of the rear wall and acting as vent holes for flow of air.

6. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the rotor further includes:

an embossing between adjacent cooling fins on the rear wall of the rotor for reinforcement of the rotor.

7. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the embossing provided for reinforcement of the rotor includes a drain hole for draining water.

8. The structure of a driving unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the cup formed rotor includes a reinforced rim for maintaining a true circle when the rotor is rotated at a high speed.

9. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, and a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body of magnetic material and permanent magnets, the rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, the permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes cooling fins each formed by cutting the rear wall in a ‘⊂’ form, and folding in a stator direction for cooling the stator.

10. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the rotor further includes:

openings each formed by the cutting of the rear wall and acting as vent holes for flow of air.

11. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, and a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores;

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall; and

a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft, wherein the connector is formed of resin and is configured to couple to the shaft at a central portion of the connector, and a section of the connector parallel and adjacent to an axis of rotation of the connector is substantially in the shape of a trapezoid.

12. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the connector includes:

a cylindrical hub projected from a central portion of the connector for connection with the shaft;

a cylindrical outer rib spaced from an outer circumference of the hub to provide a space for attenuating transmission of vibration between the rotor and the shaft; and

reinforcing ribs between the hub and the outer rib to rigidly connect the hub and the outer rib.

13. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the connector further includes:

a serration on an inside of the cylindrical hub for coupling to the shaft.

14. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the connector is formed as a separate unit from the rotor body.

15. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the rotor body is formed of a magnetic material.

16. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the connector connecting the rotor and the shaft for rotating the drum is formed of a resin different form the material of the rotor for reducing vibration.

17. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the connector includes:

positioning projections provided on one side of the connector for positioning the connector with respect to the rotor before the connector is fastened to the rotor with bolts.

18. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, and a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes embossings on the rear wall of the rotor, disposed in a direction of a centrifugal force, for preventing the rotor from being distorted in a drying operation of the washing machine when the rotor rotates the drum containing laundry at a high speed.

19. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 18, wherein the rotor body is formed of magnetic material and the rear wall of the rotor body is formed as one unit with the side wall of the rotor body.

20. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 18, wherein the embossings protrude rearward of the rotor.

21. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the rotor body is formed of magnetic material and the rear wall of the rotor body is formed as one unit with the side wall of the rotor body.

22. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the embossings provide for reinforcement of the rotor and include drain holes for draining water.

23. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 22, wherein the rotor body is formed of magnetic material and the rear wall of the rotor body is formed as one unit with the side wall of the rotor body.

24. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, and a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall serving as a back-yoke that forms a magnetic flux path and a rear wall formed as one unit with the side wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to a setting surface of an “L” shaped bent portion of the side wall.

25. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 24, wherein the rotor body includes a reinforced rim for maintaining a true circle when the rotor is rotated at a high speed.

26. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 25, wherein the reinforced rim of the rotor body is channel-sectioned.

27. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 26, wherein the side wall of the rotor body includes a magnetic material forming a magnetic flux path and disposed in a space of the side wall formed by the channel-sectioned reinforced rim.

28. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 24, wherein the rotor body is formed of a magnetic material.

29. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward, each with a fastening hole for fixing the stator to the bearing housing; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing, each comprising a hole with a screw thread in a center thereof, and the stator is fastened to the bearing housing by bolting it at the holes with a screw thread through the fastening holes in the fastening ribs.

30. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 29, wherein the bearing housing is formed in the shape of a semipalmate tripod.

31. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body of magnetic material and permanent magnets, the rotor body comprising a side wall serving as a back-yoke that forms a magnetic flux path and a rear wall to cover and outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, the permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing, each comprising a hole with a screw thread in a center thereof, and the stator is fastened to the bearing housing by bolting it at the holes with a screw thread through the fastening holes in the fastening ribs.

32. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame;

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall; and

a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft, wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing.

33. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 32, wherein the bearing housing is formed in the shape of a semipalmate tripod.

34. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes cooling fins each formed by cutting the rear wall in a ‘⊂’ form, and folding in a stator direction for cooling the stator, and wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing.

35. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 34, wherein the bearing housing is formed in the shape of a semipalmate tripod.

36. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal of the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes embossings on the rear wall of the rotor for reinforcement of the rotor, and wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing.

37. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 36, wherein the bearing housing is formed in the shape of a semipalmate tripod.

38. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, and a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body of magnetic material and permanent magnets, the rotor body comprising a side wall serving as a back-yoke that forms a magnetic flux path and a rear wall to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, the permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the bearing housing extends up to an outer circumference of the tub, to be fixed to tub brackets fixed to an outer circumference of the tub at a rear portion of the tub.

39. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub an disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the rub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame;

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall; and

a connector connecting the rotor and the shaft, wherein the bearing housing extends up to an outer circumference of the tub, to be fixed to tub brackets fixed to an outer circumference of the tub at a rear portion of the tub.

40. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes cooling fins each formed by cutting the rear wall in a ‘⊂’ form, and folding in a stator direction for cooling the stator, and wherein the bearing housing extends up to an outer circumference of the rub, to be fixed to tub brackets fixed to an outer circumference of the tub at a rear portion of the tub.

41. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the rotor includes embossings on the rear wall of the rotor for reinforcement of the rotor, and wherein the bearing housing extends up to an outer circumference of the tub, to be fixed to tub brackets fixed to an outer circumference of the tub at a rear portion of the tub.

42. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the stator fastening bosses are cylindrical protrusions from the bearing housing.

43. The drum type washing machine as claimed inclaim 42, wherein the bearing housing if formed in the shape of a semipalmate tripod.

44. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub for storing washing water;

a drum of a metal rotatably mounted inside of the tub and disposed one of horizontal to the ground or with an angle to the ground, for accommodating laundry therein;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum mounted inside of the tub, for transmission of a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a bearing housing having a central portion and stator fastening bosses disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, for supporting the bearings;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame; and

a cup-formed rotor having a rotor body comprising a side wall and a rear wall, to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, and permanent magnets fitted to the side wall, wherein the bearing housing extends up to an outer circumference of the tub, to be fixed to the tub brackets fixed to an outer circumference of the tub at a rear portion of the tub.

45. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

a tub configured to store washing water;

a drum for accommodating laundry therein rotatably mounted inside of the tub;

a shaft connected, through the tub, to the drum and configured to transmit a driving force of a motor to the drum;

bearings, each fitted onto an outer circumference of the shaft for supporting the shaft;

a stator having a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole that projects outward in a radial direction with respect to a central axis of the stator, a plurality of coils, each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame;

a cup formed rotor having a rotor body and permanent magnets, the rotor body comprising a sidewall serving as a back yoke that forms a magnetic flux path, and a rear wall; and

a connector configured to connect the rotor and the shaft.

46. In a washing machine including a tub having a rear side with a bottom wall, a rigid star carrier attached to the bottom wall of the tub and having a bearing sleeve, an at least approximately horizontally disposed shaft mounted in the bearing sleeve, and a laundry drum mounted on the shaft, a drive device to be mounted at the rear side of the tub for directly driving the shaft, comprising:

a flat motor having a stator carrying part with exciting windings and rotor with magnetizable poles, wherein said stator carrying part and said rotor are connected to one another and, wherein that stator carrying part comprises a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame.

47. A drum type washing machine, comprising:

an outer cabinet;

a water tub elastically supported in the outer cabinet;

a drum type rotatable tub provided in the water tub to be rotated about a horizontal axis;

a rotatable tub shaft mounted to the rotatable tub outside the cavity and extending outward from the central portion of the end plate of the rotatable tub; and

a motor driving the rotatable tub via the rotatable tub shaft and including a rotor mounted on the other end of the rotatable tub shaft and a stator fixed in relation to the water tub and disposed inside the rotor, wherein the stator comprises a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame.

48. An apparatus for treating laundry, comprising:

a drum;

a substantially horizontal axle for rotatably mounting the drum; and

a motor comprising a rotor comprising a predetermined number of permanent magnets and a stator including a plurality of magnetic cores formed by stacking magnetic laminations, each having a salient pole projected outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound around a respective one of the salient poles, a frame of insulating material for covering top and bottom surfaces of a magnetic core assembly of the magnetic cores, and a plurality of fastening ribs projected inward in the radial direction, the fastening ribs formed as one unit with the frame.

49. A washing machine, comprising:

an outer tub;

an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub;

a drive shaft attached to the inner tub;

a stator having a coil;

a rotor attached to the drive shaft and comprising a frame configured to cover at least a portion of the stator; and

a bearing housing configured to be attached to the outer tub, the bearing housing having a central portion and including a recess configured to receive the stator, the recess comprising a plurality of step portions serially disposed in a radial direction, wherein stator fastening bosses are disposed at fixed intervals along a circumference of the central portion, the stator fastening bosses being configured for attachment of the stator thereto, wherein the central portion of the bearing housing comprises a plurality of radially extending ribs, and wherein the central portion of the bearing housing comprises a circular reinforcing rib that connects the stator fastening bosses.

50. The washing machine ofclaim 49, wherein the radially extending ribs are positioned to correspond to the stator fastening bosses.

51. The washing machine ofclaim 49, wherein the bearing housing further comprises a plurality of arms that extend out from the central portion.

52. A washing machine, comprising:

an outer tub;

an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub;

a drive shaft attached directly to the inner tub;

a motor, the motor comprising:

a stator having a coil; and

a rotor directly attached to the drive shaft and comprising a frame configured to cover at least a portion of the stator; and

a bearing housing attached to the outer tub and the stator and comprising a central portion having at least one circular reinforcing rib and a plurality of arms that extend therefrom and including a recess configured to receive the stator, the recess comprising a plurality of step portions serially disposed in a radial direction.

53. The washing machine ofclaim 52, wherein the plurality of arms comprise three arms.

54. The washing machine ofclaim 52, wherein the bearing housing further comprises a plurality of radially extending ribs.

55. The washing machine ofclaim 54, wherein the plurality of radially extending ribs are positioned to correspond to stator fastening bosses provided on the bearing housing.

56. A washing machine, comprising:

an outer tub;

an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub;

a drive shaft attached to the inner tub;

a stator having a coil;

a rotor attached to the drive shaft and configured to cover at least a portion of the stator; and

a bearing housing coupled to the stator and the outer tub, the bearing housing including a recess configured to receive the stator, the recess comprising a plurality of step portions serially disposed in a radial direction, and stator fastening bosses disposed along a circumference of a central portion thereof, wherein the bearing housing comprises a rib connecting the stator fastening bosses with each other.

57. The washing machine ofclaim 56, wherein the rib has a circular shape.

58. A washing machine, comprising:

an outer tub;

an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub;

a drive shaft attached to the inner tub;

a stator having a coil;

a rotor attached to the drive shaft and configured to cover at least a portion of the stator; and

a connector coupled between the drive shaft and the rotor, and including a plurality of positioning projections, wherein the connector is formed of an electrically insulating material.

59. The washing machine ofclaim 58, wherein the connector further comprises a center portion configured to be inserted into a center hole of the rotor and the plurality of positioning projections are disposed around the center portion.

60. The washing machine ofclaim 58, wherein the rotor comprises a center hole configured to receive the connector and a plurality of positioning holes disposed around the center hole.

61. A washing machine, comprising:

an outer tub;

an inner tub rotatably mounted within the outer tub;

a drive shaft attached to the inner tub;

a stator having a coil;

a rotor attached to the drive shaft and configured to cover at least a portion of the stator; and

a bearing housing coupled to the stator and the outer tub and including a recess configured to receive the stator, the recess comprising a plurality of step portions serially disposed in a radial direction.

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