U.S. patent application number 10/899116 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for washing machine.
Invention is credited to Jung, Hye Sun, Shin, Soo Hee.
Application Number | 20050022565 10/899116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33543639 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jung, Hye Sun ; et
al. |
February 3, 2005 |
Washing machine
Abstract
The present invention provides a washing machine, by which
washing and dewatering capabilities are enhanced. The present
invention includes a housing, a tub provided within the housing to
reserve water therein, a drum rotatably provided within the tub to
perform washing on a laundry therein, and at least one lifter
projected on an inner circumference of the drum at a first
predetermined height to lift the laundry to fall from a second
predetermined height wherein the laundry is prevented from being
stuck between one side of the at least one lifter and the drum.
Inventors: |
Jung, Hye Sun; (Masan,
KR) ; Shin, Soo Hee; (Suyeong-gu, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
Song K. Jung
1900 K Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
33543639 |
Appl. No.: |
10/899116 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/24 ; 68/142;
68/207; 68/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/024 ;
068/058; 068/142; 068/207 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2003 |
KR |
P 2003-51958 |
Jul 28, 2003 |
KR |
P 2003-51959 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine comprising: a housing; a tub provided within
the housing to reserve water therein; a drum rotatably provided
within the tub to perform washing on a laundry therein; and at
least one lifter projected on an inner circumference of the drum at
a first predetermined height to lift the laundry to fall from a
second predetermined height wherein the laundry is prevented from
being stuck between one side of the at least one lifter and the
drum.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
prevents the laundry from accessing to a gap between the lateral
side of the lifter and the inner circumference of the drum.
3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
isolates a gap between the lateral side of the lifter and the inner
circumference of the drum from an inner space of the drum.
4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
is configured to cover a gap between the lateral side of the lifter
and the inner circumference of the drum.
5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
is configured to fill up a gap between the lateral side of the
lifter and the inner circumference of the drum.
6. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
is configured to increase a contact area with the laundry.
7. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises an extension extending from one of both lateral sides
along the inner circumference of the drum.
8. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises extensions extending from both lateral sides along the
inner circumference of the drum, respectively.
9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises an extension extending from one of both lateral sides in
a main rotational direction of the drum.
10. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein the main rotational
direction of the drum is a rotational direction during
dewatering.
11. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension is
shorter than the at least one lifter.
12. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein an upper end of the
extension is lower than an upper end of the lifter.
13. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein an upper end of the
extension is located at a half of a height of the lifter.
14. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein a lower end of the
extension is contacted with the inner circumference of the
drum.
15. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
at least one hole communicating with at least one or more
perforated holes of the drum to have the water flow in via the
extension.
16. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein an entrance of the
hole is configured not to be contacted with the laundry.
17. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension is
configured to increase a contact area with the laundry.
18. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension is
configured to protrude in part.
19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the extension
comprises at least one hole between protrusions of the extension to
communicate with at least one or more perforated holes of the
drum.
20. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
tops and bottoms alternatively arranged on an upper end of the
extension in a length direction of the extension.
21. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
an upper end having a wave shape.
22. The washing machine of claim 20, wherein the extension
comprises a plurality of holes formed in the bottoms to communicate
with at least one or more perforated holes of the drum.
23. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
at least one rib extending on an upper end of the extension in a
length direction of the extension.
24. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
a plurality of ribs extending in parallel on an upper end of the
extension in a length direction of the extension.
25. The washing machine of claim 24, wherein the extension
comprises holes between a plurality of the ribs to communicate with
at least one or more perforated holes of the drum.
26. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the extension comprises
a plurality of projections on an upper end of the extension to
leave a predetermined interval from each other.
27. The washing machine of claim 26, wherein the extension
comprises holes between a plurality of the projections to
communicate with at least one or more perforated holes of the
drum.
28. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein a groove extends
between the extension and the at least one lifter in a length
direction of the extension or the at least one lifter.
29. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
is configured to have the laundry slide thereon.
30. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises at least one or more rotational bodies rotatably
installed to be contacted with the laundry.
31. The washing machine of claim 30, wherein the at least one
rotational body is a ball.
32. The washing machine of claim 30, wherein a plurality of
rotational bodies are arranged along an upper end of the at least
one lifter.
33. The washing machine of claim 30, wherein the at least one
lifter comprises at least one recess receiving the at least one
rotational body therein to prevent the at least one rotational body
from being separated from the at least one lifter.
34. The washing machine of claim 30, wherein the at least one
lifter further comprises a plate installed on a surface of the at
least one lifter to hold the at least one rotational body to
prevent the at least one rotational body from being separated from
the at least one lifter.
35. The washing machine of claim 34, wherein the plate comprises at
least one hole having a size smaller than that of the at least one
rotational body to have the at least one rotational body fitted
therein.
36. The washing machine of claim 34, wherein the plate is installed
not to be projected from the at least one lifter.
37. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises at least one hole communicating with at least one or more
perforated holes of the drum to have the water flow in via the at
least one lifter.
38. The washing machine of claim 30, wherein the at least one
lifter comprises a plurality of holes between the rotational bodies
to communicate with at least one or more perforated holes of the
drum.
39. The washing machine of claim 38, wherein a plurality of the
holes are arranged in a row between the rotational bodies.
40. The washing machine of claim 38, wherein a plurality of the
holes are diagonally arranged in each space between the rotational
bodies.
41. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one lifter
comprises tops and bottoms formed on at least one lateral side to
be alternately arranged in a length direction of the at least one
lifter.
42. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein at least one lateral
side of the at least one lifter is wave-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Applications
Nos. P03-51958, filed on Jul. 28, 2003, and P03-51959 filed on Jul.
28, 2003 which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more
particularly, to a lifter installed in a drum of a washing
machine.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a washing machine is an apparatus for washing a
laundry by rotating a drum holding a detergent, water, and laundry
therein. A washing machine generally includes a tub and a drum
rotatably installed within the tub to perform washing using the tub
and drum. The tub preliminarily stores water therein, and the drum
to which the water and detergent are supplied is rotated together
with the laundry therein. Moreover, a plurality of lifters are
installed within the drum. The lifters rotating together with the
drum lift the laundry to a predetermined height to drop. Besides,
washing is performed on the laundry using the chemical reaction
between the water and detergent as well as mechanical shock &
friction by the drum and lifters.
[0006] In such a general washing machine, the drum is rotated at
high speed when dewatering is performed on the laundry. A
centrifugal force generated from the high-speed rotation makes the
laundry adhere closely to an inner circumference of the drum
uniformly.
[0007] However, the laundry tends to be stuck in a space between a
side of the lifter and the inner circumference of the drum in the
vicinity of the side of the lifter. In such a case, the laundry
fails to be spread uniformly on the inner circumference of the drum
but to be raveled, whereby the watering fails to be completed. And,
it is difficult to pull the raveled laundry out of the drum after
completion of the dewatering.
[0008] Moreover, the drum is rotated at low speed during washing or
rinsing cycle, whereby the laundry fails to be sufficiently
contacted with both sides of the lifter. Hence, the friction
generated between the laundry and the lifter is not enough to
enhance washing performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing
machine that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due
to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0010] An object of the present invention, which has been devised
to solve the foregoing problem, lies in providing a washing
machine, by which a laundry is uniformly spread on an inner
circumference of a drum.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination
of the following or may be learned from a practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the subject matter particularly
pointed out in the specification and claims hereof as well as in
the appended drawings.
[0012] To achieve these objects and other advantages in accordance
with the present invention, as embodied and broadly described
herein, there is provided a washing machine including a housing, a
tub provided within the housing to reserve water therein, a drum
rotatably provided within the tub to perform washing on a laundry
therein, and at least one lifter projected on an inner
circumference of the drum at a first predetermined height to lift
the laundry to fall from a second predetermined height wherein the
laundry is prevented from being stuck between one side of the at
least one lifter and the drum.
[0013] The at least one lifter includes an extension extending from
one of both lateral sides along the inner circumference of the
drum. Preferably, the at least one lifter includes an extension
extending from one of both lateral sides in a main rotational
direction of the drum. Specifically, the main rotational direction
of the drum is a rotational direction during dewatering.
[0014] The extension includes at least one hole communicating with
at least one or more perforated holes of the drum to have the water
flow in via the extension. Preferably, an entrance of the hole is
configured not to be contacted with the laundry.
[0015] The extension includes tops and bottoms alternatively
arranged on an upper end of the extension in a length direction of
the extension. Preferably, the extension comprises an upper end
having a wave shape. Preferably, the extension includes a plurality
of holes formed in the bottoms to communicate with at least one or
more perforated holes of the drum. Moreover, the extension includes
at least one rib extending on an upper end of the extension in a
length direction of the extension. Preferably, the extension
includes a plurality of ribs extending in parallel on an upper end
of the extension in a length direction of the extension.
Preferably, the extension includes holes between a plurality of the
ribs to communicate with at least one or more perforated holes of
the drum. Besides, the extension includes a plurality of
projections on an upper end of the extension to leave a
predetermined interval from each other. And, the extension includes
holes between a plurality of the projections to communicate with at
least one or more perforated holes of the drum.
[0016] Moreover, a groove extends between the extension and the at
least one lifter in a length direction of the extension or the at
least one lifter.
[0017] Meanwhile, the at least one lifter includes at least one or
more rotational bodies rotatably installed to be contacted with the
laundry. The at least one lifter includes at least one recess
receiving the at least one rotational body therein to prevent the
at least one rotational body from being separated from the at least
one lifter. Moreover, the at least one lifter includes at least one
hole communicating with at least one or more perforated holes of
the drum to have the water flow in via the at least one lifter.
[0018] By the above-described present invention, the laundry avoids
being stuck between the lateral side of the lifter and the inner
circumference of the drum and is evenly spread on the inner
circumference of the drum to be well dewatered. Moreover, the
lifter has the increased contact area with the laundry, thereby
enhancing washing capability.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing explanation
and the following detailed description of the present invention are
exemplary and illustrative and are intended to provide further
explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a drum of a washing
machine according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3A is a layout of a lifter of a washing machine
according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are cross-sectional diagrams of the
lifter bisected along cutting lines I-I and II-II in FIG. 3A,
respectively;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a layout of a modified lifter body according to
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional diagram of the modified lifter
body bisected along a cutting line I-I in FIG. 4A;
[0027] FIG. 5A is a layout of another modified lifter body
according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional diagram of another modified
lifter body bisected along a cutting line I-I in FIG. 5A;
[0029] FIG. 6A is a layout of a modified lifter extension according
to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C are cross-sectional diagrams along
cutting lines I-I and II-Il in FIG. 6A, respectively;
[0031] FIG. 7A is a layout of another modified lifter extension
according to the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are cross-sectional diagrams along
cutting lines I-I and II-II in FIG. 7A, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiment(s) of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings,
like elements are indicated using the same or similar reference
designations where possible.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a washing machine
according to the present invention. A washing machine according to
the present invention is explained by referring to FIG. 1 as
follows. The washing machine shown in the drawing is a
front-loading type having a horizontally laid tub and drum. The
front-loading type washing machine has the similar structure of a
top-loading type washing machine having an upright tub and
drum.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine according to the
present invention includes a housing 10, a tub 20 installed within
the housing 10, and a drum 30 installed within the tub 20.
[0036] Various parts are installed within the housing 10 to be
protected. A door 11 is provided to a front side of the housing 10
to be configured to open/close a housing opening 10a communicating
with the drum 30. Specifically, the housing opening 10a
communicates with a tub opening 20a and a drum opening 30a in turn
to pit a laundry in the drum 30. And, a gasket 12 is provided
between the housing opening 10a and the tub opening 20a to prevent
water leakage. Moreover, a control panel 13 is installed on an
upper part of the housing 10. A user instructs an operation of the
washing machine using the control panel 13 and puts/pulls the
laundry in/from the drum 30 using the door 11. The tub 20 reserves
water therein to supply the water to the drum 30 uniformly on
washing. A passing hole is formed in a bottom center of the tub 20,
and a drive shaft 42 is connected to the drum 30 via the passing
hole. The tub 20 includes a balance weight 21 and is elastically
installed within the housing 10 using a damper 22 and a suspension
spring 23. The drum 23 holds 30 a laundry therein and is rotatably
installed within the tub 20. The drum 30 includes a multitude of
perforated holes 31 via which water flows in the drum 30 and a
lifter 100 for assisting washing. Meanwhile, a drive unit 40 is
provided to the tub 20 to provide a drive force for rotating the
drum 30. The drive unit 40 includes a motor 41 and the drive shaft
42 connecting the motor 41 to the drum 30. Specifically, the motor
41 includes a stator 41a fixed to a bottom side of the tub 20 and a
rotor 41b rotatably installed to enclose the stator 41a. As the
rotor 41b is directly connected to the drive shaft 42, the drive
force of the motor 41 is directly transferred to the drum 30 via
the drive shaft 42 without loss of the drive force. Hence, the
drive unit 40 is very advantageous in aspect of efficiency, noise,
and vibration. Although not shown in the drawing, the drive unit 40
may include a general drive mechanism constructed with pulleys
installed at the drum 30 and motor and a belt connecting the
pulleys.
[0037] In the above-explained washing machine, the lifter (baffle)
100 is provided to an inner circumference of the drum 30 to
protrude at a predetermined height. The drum 30 includes at least
one or more lifters 100. The lifter 100 is prepared as a separate
member to be installed in the drum 30 or may be built in one body
of the drum 30 to protrude inward by `pressing`. As the lifter 100
is projected, the laundry becomes caught on the lifter 100 while
the drum 30 is rotated. The lifter 100 is rotated together with the
drum 30 to lift the laundry to a predetermined height. The lifted
laundry then falls from the lifter by gravity to collide with
another laundry, water, drum 30, or another lifter 100. Moreover,
the laundry becomes rubbed with the lifter 100 during the rotation
of the drum 30. Hence, the laundry is more efficiently washed by
the mechanical collision and friction. Besides, the lifter 100
additionally plays a role in stirring the laundry to aid the
washing. The lifter 100 according to the present invention is
explained in detail by referring to the attached drawings as
follows.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a drum of a washing
machine according to the present invention, FIG. 3A is a layout of
a lifter of a washing machine according to the present invention,
and FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are cross-sectional diagrams of the lifter
bisected along cutting lines I-I and II-II in FIG. 3A,
respectively.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a lifter 100 includes a main body 110
and an extension 120 connected to the main body 110.
[0040] The main body 110 approximately extends in parallel with a
central axis of the drum 30 to be frequently contacted with the
laundry. The main body 110 is preferably formed of a metal or
synthetic resin based material that is resistant against corrosion
and abrasion due to water as well as fails to chemically react with
a detergent. Moreover, at least one rotational body 111, as shown
in FIG. 3A, is rotatably provided to the main body 110 to be
partially projected from the main body 110 to be contacted with the
laundry. The rotational body 111, as shown in FIG. 3B, is
preferably a ball that is optimally rotatable. And, a plurality of
rotational bodies 111, as shown in the drawings, are arranged along
an upper end of the main body 110. Hence, each of the rotational
bodies 111 becomes contacted with the laundry to rotate, whereby
the corresponding laundry smoothly slides on the lifter 100.
Consequently, the laundry avoids being raveled by the lifter 100
owing to the rotational bodies 111 so as not to be entangled with
other laundries. Moreover, the laundry lifted by the lifter 100 is
facilitated to slide to fall from the lifter at a predetermined
height. Specifically, the main body 110 includes at least one
recess 110a preventing the rotational body 11 from being detached
from the main body 110. As mentioned in the forgoing description,
in case that the main by 110 includes a plurality of the rotational
bodies 111, a plurality of recesses 110a are arranged along the
upper end of the main body 110. Moreover, in case that the
rotational body 111 is the ball, the recess 110a preferably has a
hemispherical shape to enable a smooth rotation of the rotational
body 111 and to support a lower part of the rotational body 111
stably. Furthermore, the recess 110a can be processed to have a
smooth surface or a separate lubricant coating can be formed on a
surface of the recess 11a. The recesses 110a, as shown in the
drawings, are built in one body of the main body 110. Instead, it
is understandable that a separate panel (not shown in the drawings)
including the recesses 110a is coupled to the upper part of the
main body 110.
[0041] At least one hole 110b, as shown in FIG. 3B, is formed in
the main body 110 to communicate with the perforated hole 31 of the
drum 30. Hence, water held in the tub 20 flows in the drum 30 via
the main body 110 using the perforated hole 31 and the hole 110b,
whereby efficient water supply is achieved. For the purpose of more
efficient water supply, a multitude of holes 110b are formed in the
main body 110. Since a sufficient space is needed to form the holes
110b, the holes 110b, as shown in FIG. 3A, are appropriately
arranged between the rotational bodies 111. The holes 110b, as
shown in FIG. 3A, can be arranged the spaces between the rotational
bodies 111 in a length direction of the main body 110. Or, the
holes 110b, as shown in FIG. 4A, may be arranged in a direction
perpendicular to the length direction. Moreover, the holes 110b, as
shown in FIG. 5A, can be arranged diagonally in the respective
spaces between the rotational bodies 111. In this case, more holes
can be provided to each of the spaces between the rotational bodies
111. Furthermore, rows of the diagonally arranged holes 110b, as
shown in the drawing, can be zigzagged (staggered) from each
other.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4A, the main body 110 may further include
a plate member 112 holding the rotational body 111 to prevent from
being separated from the main body 110. The rotational body 111 can
be more stably installed in the body 110 by the plate member 112.
The plate member 112 is preferably formed of metal or synthetic
resin. The plate member 112 is mounted on the upper end of the main
body 110 like the rotational body 111 and includes the hole 112a to
have the rotational body 111 fitted therein. As mentioned in the
foregoing description, since the main body 110 includes a plurality
of the rotational bodies 111, a plurality of holes 112a are
provided to the plate member 112 to correspond to the rotational
bodies 111, respectively. The holes 112a, as shown in FIG. 4B, are
formed to confront the recesses 110a holding the rotational bodies
111, respectively. Each size of the holes 112a is smaller than that
of the corresponding rotation body 111, whereby each of the holes
112a can hold the corresponding rotational body 111. And, auxiliary
holes 112b are formed in each space between the holes 12a to
communicate with the holes 110b of the main body 110, whereby the
water is supplied to the drum 30 via the main body 110 from the tub
20. In case that the plate member 112 is projected from the main
body 110, damage may be caused to the laundry during washing.
Hence, the plate member 112 is preferably formed not to be
projected out of the main body 110. Specifically, a loading
portion, as shown in FIG. 4B, is provided to the upper end of the
main body 110 so that the plate member 112 can be loaded on the
loading portion not to be projected. Alternatively, top portions
110c and bottom portions 110d, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, are
formed on at least one side of the main body 110. The top and
bottom portions 110c and 110d are alternately arranged in a length
direction of the main body 110. The top and bottom portions 110c
and 110d increase a contact area of the lifter 100 with the
laundry, thereby enhancing washing performance of the washing
machine. Thus, the top and bottom portions 110c and 110d are
preferably formed on both lateral sides of the main body 110. More
preferably, the top and bottom portions 110c and 110d are formed
smooth not to cause damage to the laundry. In such a case, each of
the lateral sides of the main body 110 has a wave shape. Moreover,
the rotational bodies 111 relatively need more space than the holes
110b, whereby each of the corresponding rotational bodies 111 is
provided between a pair of the corresponding top portions 110c of
both of the lateral sides of the main body 110 and the holes 110b
are provided between a pair of the corresponding bottom portions
110d of both of the lateral sides of the main body 110.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3A, the extension 120 extends from one of
both of the lateral sides of the main body 110 along the inner
circumference of the drum 30. The drum 30 is rotatably configured
in both forward and reverse directions, i.e. a first direction and
a second direction opposite to the first direction. Yet, the drum
30 tends to mostly rotate in one of the first and second directions
through the entire cycles of washing, rinsing, and dewatering. The
laundry is mainly contacted with the lifter 100, and more
accurately, with one of both of the lateral sides of the main body
110 oriented in the main rotational direction, thereby becoming
stuck in a gap between the corresponding lateral side of the main
body 110 and the inner circumference of the drum 30. In order to
prevent the laundry from being stuck in the corresponding gap, the
extension 120 preferably extends from one of the both of the
lateral sides of the main body 110 in the main rotational direction
of the drum 30. Moreover, even if the drum 30 is alternately
rotated in the first or second direction during washing or rinsing,
the drum 30 is rotated at high speed in either the first direction
or the second direction during dewatering, whereby the laundry is
badly stuck in the gap between the corresponding lateral side of
the main body 110 and the inner circumference of the drum 30. Most
preferably, the extension 120 extends from the main body 110 in the
rotational direction of the drum 30 for dewatering. Besides, even
if the main rotational direction is different from the rotational
direction of dewatering, the extension 120 extends in the
rotational direction of dewatering to be more effective in
preventing the laundry from being stuck in the gap between the
lateral side of the main body 110 and the inner circumference of
the drum 30. Alternatively, in order to completely prevent the
laundry from being stuck in the gap between the lateral side of the
main body 110 and the inner circumference of the drum 30, the
lifter 100 may include a pair of extensions 120 extending from both
of the lateral sides of the main body 110 along the inner
circumference of the drum 30, respectively.
[0044] Specifically, the extension 120, as shown in the drawings,
is shorter than the lifter 100, i.e., the main body 110. Yet, the
extension 120 can be formed longer than the main body 100 if
necessary. If the extension 120 is formed higher than the main body
110, the main body 110, and more particularly, the rotational body
111 is unable to perform its function appropriately. Hence, the
upper end of the extension 120, as shown in FIG. 3B is provided
lower than that of the main body 110 and is properly placed at
about a half of height of the main body 110. And, a lower end of
the extension 120 is contacted with the inner circumference of the
drum 30. Namely, the extension 120 extends from the inner
circumference of the drum like the main body 10 but has height
smaller than that of the main body 110. The height f the extension
120 is adjustable if necessary. Thus, the lifter 100 according to
the present invention covers the predetermined gap between the
lateral side of the main body and the inner circumference of the
drum 30. Furthermore, the lifter 100, and more particularly, the
extension 120 substantially fills up the predetermined gap between
the lateral side of the main body and the inner circumference of
the drum 30. Hence, the lifter 100 isolates the predetermined gap
from other inner space of the drum 30, thereby enabling to cut off
the access of the laundry to the predetermined gap. Consequently,
the lifter 100 according to the present invention effectively
prevents the laundry from being struck between the lateral side of
the main body 110 and the adjacent inner circumference of the drum
30.
[0045] At least one or more holes 121, as shown in FIG. 3B, are
formed in the extension 120 to communicate with the perforated
holes 31 of the drum 30. Hence, the water in the tub 2 can flow in
the drum 30 via the extension 120 using the perforated holes 31 and
the holes 121 of the extension 120. Hence, the water can be
supplied to drum 30 via the overall lifter 100, whereby water
supply is efficiently performed. A plurality of the holes 121 are
preferably formed in the extension 122 for the more efficient water
supply. Moreover, a groove 122 is provided between the extension
120 and the main body 110 in the length direction. A lateral side,
as clearly shown in FIG. 3B, is formed on the extension 120 by the
groove 122 to increase the corresponding lateral side of the main
body 110. Hence, the extension 120 and main body 110 basically have
the increased contact area with the laundry. Besides, the groove
122 plays a role in draining the water from the lifter 100 smoothly
as well.
[0046] The lifter 100 including the extension 120 secures the
increased contact area with the laundry to increase the friction
thereof, thereby enabling to enhance washing capability. In order
to enhance the washing capability higher, the extension 120 is
preferably configured to increase the contact area with the laundry
more. For this, the extension 120 is configured to protrude in
part. Specifically, top portions 120a and bottom portions 120b, as
shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, are formed on the upper end of the
extension 120. The top and bottom portions 120a and 120b are
alternately arranged in the length direction of the extension 120.
Preferably, the top and bottom portions 120a and 120b are formed
smooth not to cause damage to the laundry. In such a case, the
upper end of the extension 120 has a wave shape. The top and bottom
portions 120a and 120b are identically shown in FIGS. 4A to 5B as
well. Alternatively, at least one or more ribs 123, as shown in
FIGS. 6A to 6C, can be formed on the upper end of the extension 120
to extend in the length direction of the extension 120. Preferably,
a plurality of the ribs 123 are provided to the upper end of the
extension 120 in parallel with other. Yet, since a size of the
upper end of the extension 120 is not sufficient, a pair of the
ribs 123, as shown in the drawings, are preferably formed on the
upper end of the extension 120. Meanwhile, the extension 120, as
shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B, may include a plurality of projections 124
formed on its upper end to leave a predetermined interval from each
other. The projections 124 are preferably arranged on the upper end
of the extension 120 in the length direction of the extension 120
to be evenly contacted with the laundry.
[0047] Meanwhile, a burr may be formed in the vicinity of an
entrance of the hole 121 in forming the holes 121. And, damage may
be caused to the laundry by the burrs. Specifically, the drum 30 is
rotated at high speed in the early stage of dewatering so that the
laundry vigorously moves. Hence, it is highly probable that such
damage will be caused to the laundry. Preferably, the entrances of
the holes 121 are configured not to be contacted with the laundry.
The holes 121 are substantially located between the projected
portions 120a, 123, or 124. Specifically, the holes 121, as shown
in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, are formed between the top portions 120a,
i.e., on the bottom portions 120b. And, the holes 121, as shown in
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6C, are formed between the bibs 123. Moreover, the
holes 121, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, are formed between the
projections 124. Even if the holes 121 are processed rough, the
damage caused to the laundry can be minimized.
[0048] Accordingly, the washing machine according to the present
invention has the following advantages or effects.
[0049] First of all, the extension prevents the laundry from being
entangled or stuck between the lateral side of the main body and
the inner circumference of the drum, specifically during
dewatering. Hence, the laundry or laundries are evenly spread on
the inner circumference of the drum to be properly dewatered. And,
a user is facilitated to pull the laundries out of the drum after
completion of dewatering.
[0050] Secondly, the lifter prevents the laundry from being
entangled with other using the rotational body and has the
increased contact area with the laundry using its structural
modifications. Therefore, the lifter can be more rubbed with the
laundry to enhance washing capability.
[0051] Finally, the enhancement of the dewatering and washing
capabilities increases user's reliance on the washing machine.
[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications
and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *