Patent Description:
In general, a clothes treating apparatus is a home appliance configured to perform such diverse treating processes that are related with clothes (e.g., washing, drying, deodorizing, wrinkle-removing and the like). The clothes treating apparatus means a concept including a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying wet clothes and a refresher for deodorizing the bad smell pervaded in clothes or removing wrinkles of clothes.

A conventional structure of such a clothes treating apparatus is disclosed in <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a pump assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose related technology.

Meanwhile, the clothes treating apparatuses tend to develop as one device to solve washing, drying, deodorizing and wrinkles-removing. Especially, a water supply system and a water discharge system which are provided in the clothes treating apparatus may require pumps configured to generate flux, respectively. Here, as many functions are combined in one device, the overall volume of the clothes treating apparatus will increase disadvantageously.

An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus which may perform an independent cycle for each of passages by installing one pump assembly in the passages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus which may generate flow of a passage in a water supply pipe or a water discharge pipe according to a rotational direction of a motor.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus which may reduce an installation space.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus which may save the cost of materials.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus which may consume less energy in the driving.

The clothes treating apparatus which may perform an independent cycle for each of passages by installing one pump assembly in the passages. In addition, the clothes treating apparatus may reduce an installation space and save the cost of materials.

The clothes treating apparatus may generate flow of a passage in the water supply pipe or the water discharge pipe according to the rotational direction of the motor.

The pair of the clutches may comprise a first clutch provided in one side of the wheel; and a second clutch provided in the other side of the wheel, and the connecting arm comprises a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm that are spaced a preset distance apart from the rotational center of the wheel and symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotational center. The clothes treating apparatus may generate flow of a passage in the water supply pipe or the water discharge pipe according to the rotational direction of the motor.

Each of the connecting arms may comprise a connecting bar rotatably coupled to the wheel and provided in parallel with the shaft; a first hand provided in one end of the connecting bar; and a second hand provided in the other end of the connecting bar, and the first hand rotates the first clutch by contacting with the first clutch, and the second hand rotates the second clutch by contacting with the second clutch. The clothes treating apparatus which may perform an independent cycle for each of passages by installing one pump assembly in the passages. In addition, the clothes treating apparatus may save the energy.

When the motor is rotated in one direction, the first hand may contact with the first clutch and the second hand may not contact with the second clutch, and when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction, the first hand may not contact with the first clutch and the second hand may contact with the second clutch.

The first clutch may comprise a first projection projected towards the wheel and contactable with the first hand, and the second clutch may comprise a second projection projected towards the wheel and contactable with the second hand.

Two first projections may be symmetrically provided with respect to the rotational center of the first clutch, and two second projections may be symmetrically provided with respect to the rotational center of the second clutch. When the rotational direction of the motor is changed, the change of the passage may be performed stably.

Each of the first and second projections may comprise a contact surface that is contactable with the first hand or the second hand; and a collision surface provided to collide with the first hand or the second hand. When the rotational direction of the motor is changed, the change of the passage may be performed stably.

The contact surface may have a larger area than the collision surface. The change of the passage may be performed stably.

The first hand and the second hand may be perpendicular with each other with respect to one of the connecting arms. The structure may be the optimal structure for the efficient passage change.

Each of the first and second hands may comprise a planar surface provided in a predetermined area and a curved surface provided in the other area. That is necessary in the passage change.

When the wheel is rotated in one direction, the planar surfaces of the first hands may contact with the contact surfaces of the first projections, respectively, and the second hands may not contact with the second projections.

When the wheel is rotated in the reverse direction, the planar surfaces of the second hands may contact with the contact surfaces of the second projections and the first hands may not contact with the first projections.

When the wheel is rotated in the reverse direction after rotated in one direction for a preset time period, the curved surfaces of the first hands may collide with the collision surfaces of the first projections and the connecting bars may be then rotated.

The rotation of the connecting bars may facilitate contact between the planar surfaces of the second hands and the contact surfaces of the second projections, and the first hands may not contact with the first projections.

The clothes treating apparatus may further comprise a steam supply device configured to supply steam to the clothes-accommodation unit; and a heat pump configured to generate hot air.

The impeller may comprise a first impeller connected with the water supply pipe; and a second impeller connected with the water discharge pipe, and the first impeller and the second impeller may not be rotated at the same time.

A pump assembly according to the invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

The pair of the clutches may comprise a first clutch provided in one side of the wheel; and a second clutch provided in the other side of the wheel, and the connecting arm comprises a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm that are spaced a preset distance apart from the rotational center of the wheel and symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotational center.

As is apparent from the above description, the present disclosure has the effect of providing a clothes treating apparatus which may perform an independent cycle for each of passages by installing one pump assembly in the passages.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of providing a clothes treating apparatus which may generate flow of a passage in a water supply pipe or a water discharge pipe according to a rotational direction of a motor.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of providing a clothes treating apparatus which may reduce an installation space.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of providing a clothes treating apparatus which may save the cost of materials.

In addition, the present disclosure has the effect of providing a clothes treating apparatus which may consume less energy in the driving.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted herein that construction of an apparatus, which will hereinafter be described, and a control method of the apparatus are given only for illustrative purposes and the protection scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in <FIG>, the clothes treating apparatus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet <NUM> defining an exterior design; a clothes-accommodation unit <NUM> provided in the cabinet <NUM> and providing a predetermined space for holding clothes or laundry; a mechanical chamber <NUM> configured to supply at least one of the air or moisture to the clothes-accommodation unit <NUM>; and a pump assembly <NUM> configured to supply or discharge water.

A predetermined space (hereinafter, an accommodation space <NUM>) may be defined in the clothes-accommodation unit <NUM> to accommodate clothes or laundry and the accommodation space <NUM> may be open and closed by a door <NUM> provided in the cabinet <NUM>.

A laundry support unit may be further provided in the cabinet <NUM> to support the clothes or laundry. The laundry support unit may include a first laundry support part <NUM> provided in the accommodation space <NUM>; and a second laundry support part <NUM> provided in the door <NUM>.

The first laundry support part <NUM> may be provided in a bar shape provided along a depth direction of the accommodation space <NUM> (a direction of X-axis) width direction of the accommodation space (a direction of Y-axis or a width direction of the door). <FIG> illustrates one example of the first laundry support part <NUM> that is provided along the width direction of the accommodation space <NUM>.

In this instance, clothes may be supported by a hook (H) of a hanger <NUM> provided in the first laundry support part <NUM> or they may be supported in the first laundry support part <NUM> without the hanger <NUM>. In any cases, clothes may be kept spread and unfolded in the accommodation space <NUM>.

The second laundry support part <NUM> may be provided in the door <NUM> to allow the clothes located in a state of being spread in the accommodation space <NUM>. In other words, the second laundry support part <NUM> is fixed to the door <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A hook (H) provided in the hanger <NUM> may be supported to the second laundry support part <NUM>.

The mechanical chamber <NUM> may be provided in a lower area of the accommodation space <NUM> and partitioned off from the accommodation space <NUM> by a partition wall. In this instance, a passage is formed to supply the dry air and steam generated in the mechanical chamber <NUM> to the accommodation space <NUM>.

The dry air generated in the mechanical chamber <NUM> may be discharged into the accommodation space <NUM> via an air outlet hole <NUM> and the dry air discharged into the accommodation space <NUM> may contact with the clothes and drawn into the mechanical chamber <NUM> via an air inlet unit <NUM>.

The air outlet hole <NUM> and the air inlet unit <NUM> may be provided in the partition wall for partition off the space into the accommodation space <NUM> and the mechanical chamber <NUM> or a lateral or upper surface of the accommodation space <NUM> or the door <NUM>. In <FIG>, the air outlet hole <NUM> and the air inlet unit <NUM> may be provided in a bottom surface of the accommodation space <NUM>, in other words, the partition wall but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the air inlet unit <NUM> may be provided in a front area of the bottom surface of the accommodation space <NUM>, in other words, adjacent to the door <NUM>. The air inlet unit <NUM> is provided adjacent to the door <NUM> and may serve as air curtain. When the door <NUM> is open and closed, external air will not affect the internal space. The air outlet hole <NUM> may be provided as far from the air inlet unit <NUM> as possible such that the discharged air can be supplied to the accommodation space <NUM> uniformly.

A steam outlet hole <NUM> may be further provided in the lower area of the accommodation space <NUM>. The steam generated in a steam generator (<NUM>, see <FIG>) provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM> may be supplied to the clothes held in the accommodation space <NUM> via the steam outlet hole <NUM>.

The steam outlet hole <NUM> may be provided in any areas in the accommodation space <NUM>. It may be provided in the lateral surface of the accommodation space <NUM> or both of the lateral and bottom surfaces.

<FIG> illustrates devices that are provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM>. The structure of the mechanical chamber may be similar to the structure of a conventional mechanical chamber <NUM> including a pump <NUM> configured of a water supply pump 56a and a water discharge pump 56b.

In the mechanical chamber <NUM> may be provided a heat pump <NUM> configured to generate dry air by lowering the humidity and temperature of the air; a steam generator <NUM> configured to generate the steam which will be supplied to the accommodation space <NUM>; a first duct <NUM> provided in the lower area of the accommodation space <NUM> and communicable with the air inlet unit <NUM>; and a second duct <NUM> provided in the lower area of the accommodation space <NUM> and communicable with the air outlet hole <NUM>, having the heat pump <NUM> therein. The first duct <NUM> and the second duct <NUM> may be in communication with each other. The flow of the air may be facilitated by the actuation of the fan <NUM> provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM>.

When describing the flow of the air, the internal air of the accommodation space <NUM> may be drawn into the first duct <NUM> via the air inlet unit <NUM> and then drawn into the second duct <NUM> from the first duct <NUM> to pass through the heat pump <NUM>. After passing through the heat pump <NUM>, the air may be discharged into the accommodation space <NUM> via the air outlet hole <NUM> again.

The heat pump <NUM> may be provided in a heat pump body <NUM> provided in the second duct <NUM>. An evaporator <NUM> and a condenser <NUM> may be sequentially installed in the heat pump body <NUM>.

The evaporator <NUM> is a device configured to pass a low-temperature liquid refrigerant there through and lower the temperature of the surrounding air by sucking heat from the air. The condenser <NUM> is the device configured to pass a high-temperature gas refrigerant there through and raise the temperature of the surrounding air.

The air drawn into the heat pump body <NUM> may sequentially pass through the evaporator <NUM> and the condenser <NUM>. The internal air of the accommodation space <NUM> has a high humidity or a relatively low temperature because of the mutual action with the clothes. The air has the temperature and moisture to become lowered and condensed, while passing the evaporator <NUM>. After that, the air has the temperature to rise again while passing the condenser <NUM>. Specifically, the heat pump <NUM> may generate dry-and-high-temperature air.

Meanwhile, the pump <NUM> may be further provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may include the water supply pump 56a configured to supply moisture to the inside of the clothes treating apparatus <NUM>; and the water discharge pump 56b configured to discharge water from the inside of the clothes treating apparatus <NUM>.

Specific structures of the pumps are shown in <FIG>. Each of the pumps 56a and 56b may include an impeller <NUM> configured to generate flux; a motor <NUM> configured to rotate the impeller <NUM>; and a flow path pipe <NUM> in which the impeller <NUM> is arranged. The motor <NUM> has a motor bracket <NUM> provided to mount the motor; and a ring <NUM> provided to absorb a shock between the motor <NUM> and the motor bracket <NUM>. To protect the motor <NUM> mounted in the motor bracket <NUM>, a motor case <NUM> may be provided on an outer area of the motor. When the motor <NUM> rotates, the impeller <NUM> may be rotated and the rotation of the impeller <NUM> may facilitate the water supply and discharge. Only when the impeller <NUM> is rotated, the flux may occur. Accordingly, the motor may rotate in any directions.

Meanwhile, the clothes treating apparatus <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment may perform washing as well as drying, deodorizing and wrinkles-removing. In other words for the washing, the clothes treating apparatus <NUM> may include a tub provided to hold laundry; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub; and a drive unit configured to rotate the drum.

Specifically, the embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to any types of the clothes treating apparatuses <NUM> having the water supply and discharge applied thereto. <FIG> illustrates the pump assembly <NUM> provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the embodiment shown in <FIG> is one of examples and the pump assembly <NUM> may be separated from the mechanical chamber <NUM> as the independent part or in one of the other areas. As described above, the pump assembly <NUM> may be applied to the clothes treating apparatus <NUM> requiring the water supply and discharge system.

<FIG> illustrates that the pump assembly <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment is provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM>. The conventional components provided in the mechanical chamber <NUM> are equal to those that are shown in <FIG> and only different features from the embodiment shown in <FIG> will be described accordingly.

Different from <FIG>, <FIG> shows only one pump. In other words, only pump assembly <NUM> may realize both the water supply and the water discharge. The pump assembly <NUM> has one end connected with a water supply pipe <NUM> and the other end connected with a water discharge pipe <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> includes a motor (<NUM>, see <FIG>). When the motor is rotated in one direction, the pump assembly <NUM> may generate flux in the water supply pipe <NUM>. It may generate flux in the water discharge pipe <NUM> when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction. As describing the conventional pump structure shown in <FIG>, the flux or fluidal flow is generated in the passage only when the motor is rotated, regardless of the rotational direction of the motor. On the other hand, the pump assembly <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure may effectively perform an independent cycle of each passage based on the direction of the motor <NUM>.

The specific structure of the pump assembly <NUM> will be described, referring to <FIG> illustrate only the pump assembly <NUM> separately and include a front view, an exploded view and a top view.

<FIG> illustrates the exterior appearance of the pump assembly <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> may include a pump housing <NUM>; a motor <NUM>; a first passage pipe 78a connected with the water supply pipe <NUM> and having a first impeller (77a, see <FIG> and <FIG>) arranged therein; and a second passage pipe 78b connected with the water discharge pipe <NUM> and having a second impeller (77b, see <FIG>) arranged therein.

The rotational force of the motor <NUM> may be transmitted to a drive pulley <NUM> and a belt <NUM> connected with the drive pulley <NUM> may transmit the rotational force to a wheel (<NUM>, see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The internal configuration of the pump housing <NUM> will be described, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective diagram partially illustrating the pump assembly <NUM>, specifically, the water supply pipe <NUM>. The structure of the water discharge pipe <NUM> is equal to that of the water supply pipe <NUM> and the internal structure of the pump assembly <NUM> in the water supply pipe <NUM> is symmetrical to that of the pump assembly <NUM> in the water supply pipe <NUM>.

The rotational force of the motor <NUM> may be transmitted to the wheel <NUM> via the drive pulley <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> may include a first wheel 74a provided closer to the water supply pipe <NUM> and a second wheel (74b, see <FIG>) provided closer to the water discharge pipe <NUM>. In other words, both of first and second wheels 74a and 74b may be integrally formed with each other as one body or coupled to each other. In other words, the rotational force of the belt <NUM> may be supplied with the wheels 74a and 74b.

The pump assembly <NUM> further includes a clutch <NUM> configured to be supplied with the rotational force of the wheels 74a and 74b. The clutch <NUM> includes a first clutch 75a provided adjacent to the first wheel 74a; and a second clutch 75b provided adjacent to the second wheel 74b.

The clutch <NUM> receives the rotational force of the wheel <NUM> via a connecting arm <NUM>. The example of the operation configured to transmit the rotational force of the wheel <NUM> to the clutches <NUM> via the connecting arm <NUM> will be described later.

The connecting arm <NUM> may include a first connecting arm 76a; and a second connecting arm (76b, see <FIG>). The rotational force of the wheel <NUM> may be transmitted to the clutches <NUM> by the mutual action between the first and second clutches 75a and 75b.

Meanwhile, the clutch 75a and 75b receiving the rotational force from the connecting arm 76a and 76b rotate the impeller 77a and 77b connected with the shaft <NUM>.

Once the first clutch 75a is rotated, the shaft <NUM> provided in the center of the first clutch 75a in a state of being connected with the first clutch 75a may be rotated and the first impeller 77a connected with the shaft <NUM> may be then rotated. Also, once the second clutch 75b is rotated, the shaft <NUM> provided in the center of the second clutch 75b in a state of being connected with the second clutch 75b may be rotated and the second impeller 77b connected with the shaft <NUM> may be then rotated. The shaft <NUM> connected with the first clutch 75a may be separated from the shaft <NUM> connected with the second clutch 75b and they may be rotated independently.

A shaft bearing <NUM> may be provided on each shaft <NUM> and the shaft bearings <NUM> may be located in the pump housing <NUM> provided between the impeller 77a and 77b and the clutch 75a and 75b, respectively. That is to reduce the friction between the pump housing <NUM> and the shaft when the shaft <NUM> is rotated.

Meanwhile, a motor bracket <NUM> may be further provided in an outer area of the motor <NUM> to protect the motor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating the inside of the pump assembly <NUM>, except the pump housing <NUM>, which is corresponding to a state where all of the components are assembled.

When the motor <NUM> is rotated in one direction, the wheel 74a and 74b may be rotated by the belt <NUM> having received the rotational force of the motor <NUM>. The first wheel 74a and the second wheel 74b are fixedly coupled to each other to form one body such that they may be rotary in the same direction when being rotated.

A connecting arm <NUM> rotatably coupled to the wheel 74a and 74b. As shown in <FIG>, the first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b may be spaced a preset distance apart from the center of the wheel <NUM>. The first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the wheel <NUM>.

The two connecting arms 76a and 76b may be arranged over the first and second wheels 74a and 74b. In other words, halves of the connecting arms 76a and 76b may be provided in the first wheel 74a and the other halves may be provided in the second wheel 74b.

The connecting arms 76a and 76b may be rotatable on their axis that is in parallel with the axis of the wheel <NUM>. The rotation of the connecting arm 76a and 76b generates contact with the first clutch 75a or the second clutch 75b. Specifically, when the motor <NUM> is rotated in one direction, the first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b may rotate the first clutch 75a by the contact with the first clutch 75a. When the motor <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction, the first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm may rotate the second clutch 75b by the contact with the second clutch 75b.

Specifically, since the connecting arms 76a and 76b may contact with the clutch 75a and 75b, the rotation range is limited. The specific structure of the connecting arm 76a and 76b will be described later.

<FIG> is a bottom view of <FIG>, viewed from the bottom, and illustrates both of the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b. As mentioned above, each of the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b may be spaced a preset distance apart from the center of the wheel <NUM>, respectively. The distances between the connecting arms and the center of the wheel <NUM> are the same.

The first clutch 75a includes a first projection 751a and the second clutch 75b includes a second projection to transmit the rotational force to the connecting arms 76a and 76b. The first and second projections <NUM> and 751b may become the means for the contact of the clutches with the connecting arms 76a and 76b, respectively.

Each of the first and second projections 751a and 751b may include two projections. The first projections 751a may be projected towards the second clutch 75b, in parallel with the rotational direction of the first clutch 75a. The two first projections 751a may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotational center of the first clutch 75a. Accordingly, a virtual line between the two first projections 751a may pass through the rotational center of the first clutch 75a. Meanwhile, the first projections 751a may be provided in an edge area of the first clutch 75a.

The second projections 751b may be projected towards the first clutch 75a, in parallel with the rotational direction of the second clutch 75b. The two second projections 751b may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotational center of the second clutch 75b. Accordingly, a virtual line between the two second projections 751b may pass the rotational center of the second clutch 75b. Meanwhile, the second projections 751b may be provided in an edge area of the second clutch 75b.

<FIG> illustrates a state where a liquid flows in the water supply pipe <NUM>. The rotation of the motor in one direction may rotate the wheel 74a and 74b in one direction. The first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b provided in the wheels 74a and 74b may contact with the first projections 751a provided in the first clutch 75a.

The first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b may rotate the first clutch 75a, while contacting with the first projections, respectively. The rotation of the first clutch 75a may rotate the shaft <NUM> provided in the first clutch 75a and the rotation of the shaft <NUM> may rotate the first impeller 77a provided in the first passage pipe 78a. The rotation of the first impeller 77a may facilitate the flow of water through the passage in the water supply pipe <NUM>.

At this time, as the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b are not in contact with the second projections 751b, the second clutch 75b will not be rotated. As the second impeller 77b is not rotated, no liquid will flow in the water discharge pipe <NUM>.

If a liquid is intended to flow in the water discharge pipe <NUM>, the rotational direction is changed into the reverse direction. If the rotational direction of the motor <NUM> is changed, the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b will be collided with the first projections <NUM>, respectively, and then rotated only to contact with the second projections, respectively.

When the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b contacts with the second projections 751b, respectively, the second clutch 75b may be rotated. The rotation of the second clutch 75b may rotate the shaft <NUM> provided in the second clutch 75b and the rotation of the shaft <NUM> may rotate the second impeller 77b provided in the second passage pipe 78b. The rotation of the second impeller 77b may facilitate the flow of water through the passage in the water discharge pipe <NUM>.

At this time, as the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b are not in contact with the first projections 751a, the first clutch 75a will not be rotated. As the first impeller 77a is not rotated, no liquid will flow in the water supply pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the specific structure of the connecting arm <NUM> and the mutual action between the connecting arms 76a and 76b and the projections 751a and 751b will be described.

<FIG> is a perspective diagram of <FIG>, viewed from a different angle, and <FIG> is a perspective diagram illustrating a state where only the rotational direction is changed. <FIG> is a diagram to describe the mutual action between the connecting arms 76a and 76b and the projections 751a and 751b clearly.

Referring to <FIG>, the specific structure of the connecting arms will be described first. The connecting arms <NUM> may include the first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b and the first and second connecting arms 76a and 76b may have the same shape. Here, the first connecting arm 76a and the second connecting arm 76b may be arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the rotational axis of the wheel <NUM>.

The first connecting arm 76a may include a connecting bar 761a rotatably provided in the wheel, in parallel with the shaft <NUM>; a first hand 762a provided in one end of the connecting bar 761a and configured to mutually actuate with the first projection 751a; and a second hand 763a provided in the other end of the connecting bar 761a and configured to mutually actuate with the second projection 751b.

The second connecting arm 76b may include a connecting bar 761b rotatably provided in the wheel <NUM>, in parallel with the shaft <NUM>; a first hand 762b provided in one end of the connecting bar 761b and configured to mutually actuate with the first projection 751a; and a second hand 763b provided in the other end of the connecting bar 761b and configured to mutually actuate with the second projection 751b.

The first hands 762a and 762b and the second hands 763a and 763b may have a predetermined thickness towards the shaft <NUM>. The thickness of the first hands 762a and 762b and the second hands 763a and 763b may have one or more planar surfaces 764a and 764b and one or more curved surfaces 765a and 765b. The planar surfaces 764a and 764b and the curved surfaces 765a and 765b are shown in <FIG>.

In one embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first hands 762a and 762b may include bottom surfaces 766a and 766b; planar surfaces 764a and 764b extended from one ends of each of the bottom surfaces 766a and 766b; and curved surfaces 765a and 765b extended from the other ends of each of the bottom surfaces and connected with the ends of the planar surfaces 764a and 764b.

The connecting bars 761a and 761b may be provided closer to the shaft <NUM> than the first and second projections 751a and 751b. Accordingly, when the bottom surface 766a of the first hand 762a is directed towards the shaft <NUM>, the end of the planar surface 764a has to have a length enough to contact with the first projection 751a. When a bottom surface 766a of the second hand 763a is directed towards the shaft, one end of the planar surface 764a has to have a length enough to contact the second projection 751b.

Similarly, when the bottom surface 766b of the first hand 762b is directed towards the shaft <NUM>, one end of the planar surface 764b has a length long enough to contact with the first projection 751a. When the bottom surface 766b of the second hand 763b is directed towards the shaft <NUM>, one end of the planar surface 764b may have a length long enough to contact with the second projection 751b.

The width of the bottom surface 766a or 766b may be shorter than a distance between the connecting bar 761a or 761b and the first projection 751a or the second projection 751b. Unless the first hand 762a or 762b contacts with the first projection 751a, one end of the bottom surface 766a or 766b of the first hand is being the farthest from the shaft <NUM>. Unless the second hand 763a or 763b contacts with the second projection 751b, one end of the bottom surface 766a or 766b of the second hand is the farthest from the shaft <NUM>.

At this time, when the length of the bottom surface is longer than the distance between the connecting bar 761a or 761b and the first projection 751a or the second projection 751b, the bottom surface may contact with the first projection 751a or the second projection 751b. Accordingly, it is preferred that the width of the bottom surface is shorter than the distance between the first projection 751a or the second projection 751b and the connecting bar 761a or 761b.

The far end of the bottom surface 766a or 766b may be positioned between the connecting bar 761a or 761b and the first projection 751a or the second projection 751b, when it is the farthest from the shaft <NUM>.

The first hand and the second hand according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in a similar shape to a shark's fin and have a predetermined thickness. However, the shape is not limited thereto and any shapes may be applicable. The first and second hands may have one or more planar surfaces and one or more curved surfaces.

Meanwhile, the first hand 762a and the second hand 763a that are provided in the first connecting arm 76a may be perpendicular with a virtual line having the bottom surfaces 766a and also perpendicular with a virtual extended line having the planar surfaces 764a. Accordingly, when the first hand 762a contacts with the first projection 751a, the second hand 763a may be perpendicular with the first hand 762a. As the bottom surface 766a is positioned between the shaft <NUM> and the second projection 751b, the second hand 763a may not contact with the second projection 751b. In other words, the end of the bottom surface 766a (that is positioned farthest from the shaft <NUM>) may not contact with the second projection 751b. In contrast, when the second projection 751b contacts with the second hand 763a, the first projection 751a and the first hand 762a may not contact each other.

Like the first connecting arm 76a, virtual extended surfaces having the bottom surfaces 766b may be perpendicular with each other in the first hand 762b and the second hand 763b provided in the second connecting arm 76b, respectively. Virtual extended surfaces having the planar surfaces 764b may also be perpendicular with each other. Accordingly, when the first hand 762b contacts with the first projection 751a, the second hand 763b may be perpendicular with the first hand 762b. As the bottom surface 766b is positioned between the shaft <NUM> and the second projection 751b, the second hand 763b may not contact the second projection 751b. In other words, the end of the bottom surface 766b (that is positioned farthest from the shaft <NUM>) may not contact with the second projection 751b. In contrast, when the second projection 751b contacts with the second hand 763b, the first projection 751a and the first hand 762b may not contact with each other.

<FIG> illustrates an AA' axis. When viewing A from A' in a state where the bottom surface 766a is directed towards the shaft <NUM>, the planar surface 764a or 764b of the first hand 762a or 762b may be positioned in a counter-clock wise direction with respect to the AA' axis, compared with the curved surfaces 765a or 765b.

When viewing A from A' in a state where the bottom surface 766b is directed towards the shaft <NUM>, the planar surface 764a or 764b of the second hand 763a or 763b may be positioned in a counter-clock wise direction with respect to the AA' axis, compared with the curved surfaces 765a or 765b.

When the wheel <NUM> is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction with respect to the view of A from A' along the AA' axis as shown in <FIG>, the planar surface 764a of the first hand 762a and the planar surface 764b of the first hand 762b may contact with the first projections 751a, respectively.

When the wheel <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction in the state of <FIG>, the planar surface 764a of the first hand 762a may be released from the contact with the first projection 751a and the curved surface 765a of the first hand 762a may be collided with the first projection 751a. The connecting bar 761a may be rotated by the collision. As the first hand 762a and the second hand 763a are perpendicular with each other, the planar surface of the second hand 763a may contact with the second projection 751b. In other words, the second clutch 75b may be rotated. The first hand 762b of the second connecting arm 76b may perform the same operation with the first hand 762a and the second hand 763b may perform the same operation with the second hand 763a. In brief, the second hand 763a or 763b may contact with the second projections 751b, respectively, and the second clutch 75b may be rotated by the contact.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating the wheels 74a and 74b. <FIG> illustrates a state where the wheel is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction and <FIG> illustrates a state where the wheel is rotated in the clockwise direction.

<FIG> shows that the planar surface 764a of the first hand 762a rotates the first clutch 75a while contacting with the first projection 751a. In <FIG> having the reversed rotational direction, the curved surface 765a of the first hand 762a rotates the connecting bar 761a while colliding with the first projection 751a. Accordingly, the planar surface 764a of the second hand 763a may rotate the second clutch 75b while contacting with the second projection 751b.

<FIG> illustrate the mutual action between the connecting arm <NUM> and the projections 751a and 751b as time passes. From a view from A' towards A with respect to the AA' axis of <FIG>, the mutual action between the first clutch 75a and the first hand 762a or 762b is shown in an upper area. From a view of A towards A', the mutual action between the second clutch 75b and the second hand 763a or 763b is shown in a lower area. In other words, the device in the region A along the AA' axis of <FIG> is shown in the upper area of <FIG> and the device in the region A' along the AA' axis is shown in the lower area of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the specific structure of the first and second projections 751a and 751b will be described in detail.

The first projection 751a includes a contact surface 7511a corresponding to a surface contacting with the planar surface 764a or 764b of the first hand 762a or 762b; and a collision surface 7512a corresponding to a surface colliding with the curved surface 765a or 765b of the first hand 762a or 762b.

The contact surface 7511a has a larger area than the collision surface 7512a in order to transmit the rotational force to the first clutch 75a from the planar surface 764a or <NUM> of the first hand 762a or 762b stably.

In contrast, the collision surface 7512a may have a small area in order to rotate the connecting bar 761a by applying a strong shock to the curved surface 765a or 765b of the first hand 762a or 762b. The curved surface 765a or 765b colliding with the collision surface 7512a is curved such that friction with the collision surface 7512a may occur, which is shown in <FIG> specifically.

The first projection 751a includes a contact surface 7511b corresponding to a surface contacting with the planar surface 764a or 764b of the second hand 763a or 763b; and a collision surface 7512b corresponding to a surface colliding with the curved surface 765a or 765b of the second hand 763a or 763b.

The contact surface 7511b has a larger area than the collision surface 7512b in order to transmit the rotational force to the second clutch 75b from the planar surface 764a or <NUM> of the second hand 763a or 763b stably.

In contrast, the collision surface 7512b may have a small area in order to rotate the connecting bar 761b by applying a strong shock to the curved surface 765a or 765b of the second hand 763a or 763b. The curved surface 765a or 765b colliding with the collision surface 7512b is curved such that friction with the collision surface 7512b may occur, which is shown in <FIG> specifically.

<FIG> illustrates that the wheel <NUM> is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, viewed from A' towards A with respect to the AA' axis like <FIG> and <FIG>. An upper drawing and a lower drawing show that the rotational directions are reversed. That is a difference whether the direction of view is from A' towards A or from A towards A' but the wheel is substantially rotated in the same direction.

Referring to the drawing towards A, the first hand 762a or 762b contacts with the contact surface 7511a of the first projection 751a and it is shown that the rotational force of the wheel <NUM> is transmitted to the first clutch 75a via the first hand 762a or 762b and the first projection 751a.

Referring to the drawing towards A', the second hand 763a or 763b may not contact with the second projection 751b. The first hand 762a and the second hand 763a are perpendicular with each other. Accordingly, only when the wheel <NUM> is continuously rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, viewed from A' towards A shown in <FIG>, the rotational force of the wheel <NUM> may be transmitted only to the first clutch 75a.

Compared with <FIG>, <FIG> shows a state where the rotational direction of the wheel <NUM> is changed into the clockwise direction with respect to the AA' direction from A' towards A.

The state of A area (that is, the upper drawing) of <FIG> where the first hand 762a or 762b is rotated <NUM> degrees with respect to the shaft <NUM> in the clockwise direction is shown in <FIG> in a dotted line. The state where the wheel is rotated <NUM> degrees again is shown in a solid line.

Right after the rotational direction of the wheel <NUM> is changed, the connecting bar 761a will not be rotated until the curved surface 765a or 765b of the first hand is collided with the collision surface 7512a. However, when the planar surface 764a or 764b of the first hand is released from the contact with the contact surface 7511a provided in the first projection 751a and rotated <NUM> degrees with respect to the shaft <NUM>, the collision surface 7512a provided in the first projection 751a and the curved surface 765a or 765b are collided with each other.

As shown in the upper drawing of <FIG>, the connecting bar 761a may be rotated by the collision and the first hand 762a or 762b may be rotated a preset angle. The second hand 763a connected with the first hand 762a and the second hand 763b connected with the first hand 762b may be rotated as much as the first hand is rotated a preset angle.

The second hand 763a or 763b shown in the A' area of <FIG> (the lower drawing) may continuously keep a non-contact state with the second projection 751b. The state where the second hand is rotated <NUM> degrees with respect to the shaft <NUM> in the clockwise direction is shown in a dotted line of <FIG>. The state where the wheel is rotated <NUM> degrees again is shown in a solid line. That reason why the second hand shown in the solid line is rotated a preset angle is that the first hand is collided with the collision surface 7512a of the first projection.

The rotation of the first hand may rotate the connecting bars 761a and 761b and then the second hand. Accordingly, when the second hand is rotated <NUM> degrees with respect to the shaft <NUM>, the second hand is in a state shown in a lower drawing of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a state where both of the first and second hands are rotated on the shaft <NUM><NUM> degrees, compared with <FIG>. A dotted line of <FIG> shows a state where the hands are rotated <NUM> degrees from the state shown in the dotted line of <FIG> and a solid line shows a state where they are rotated <NUM> degrees from the state shown in the solid line of <FIG>.

Referring to A area of <FIG> (an upper drawing of <FIG>), the first hand 762a or 762b rotated <NUM> degrees from the solid line of <FIG> is shown in the same shape with the solid line of <FIG>. The first hand keeps the same shape before being rotated <NUM> degrees after colliding with the collision surface 7512a. That is equal to the second hand 763a or 763b shown in A' area (a lower drawing).

Meanwhile, when the wheel <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees more as shown in A area of <FIG> in a solid line from a dotted line, the connecting bar 761a may be rotated a preset angle more. In other words, the final position of the first hand in A area drawing is equal to the initial position of the second hand shown in <FIG>.

The reason for the rotation shown in A area of <FIG> will be described referring to A' area of <FIG>.

When the second hand is rotated <NUM> degrees from the state shown in a solid line corresponding to the final position in A' area of <FIG>, the position is changed into a position shown in a dotted line of A' area of <FIG>. In this instance, when it is rotated <NUM> degrees more, the position is changed into a position shown in a solid line of A' area of <FIG>. At this time, a point at which the planar surface 764a or 764b meets the curved surface 765a or 765b may be positioned in an area that allows the contact with the contact surface 7511b of the second projection 751b. Specifically, in <FIG>, the rotation of the connecting bar 761a or 761b may rotate the second hand to a position that facilitates the contact with the contact surface 7511a of the second projection.

When the second hand is continuously rotated, the planar surface 764a or 764b of the second hand may completely contact with the contact surface 7511b of the second projection. In other words, the second hand shown in A' area of <FIG> is located at the same position with the position of the first hand shown in <FIG>.

In brief, the change of the rotational direction may facilitate the contact between the planar surface 764a or 764b of the second hand and the contact surface 7511b of the second projection. The rotational force of the wheel <NUM> may be transmitted to the second clutch 75b via the second hand. In contrast, the first hand may not contact the first projection and the first clutch 75a may not be rotated.

When the rotational direction of the wheel <NUM> is changed again from the final state of <FIG>, the first and second hands are rotated in the same manner with the operation described referring to <FIG>. Accordingly, the first hand may rotate the first projection 751a and the second hand may not contact with the second projection 751b.

Claim 1:
A pump assembly (<NUM>) configured to generate flow of water inside a water supply pipe (<NUM>) and a water discharge pipe (<NUM>) that are provided in a clothes treating apparatus (<NUM>), using rotation of a motor (<NUM>), the pump assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a first passage pipe (78a) connectable with the water supply pipe (<NUM>);
a second passage pipe (78b) connectable with the water discharge pipe (<NUM>),
wherein the pump assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
a wheel (<NUM>) that is rotatable by the motor (<NUM>);
a pair of clutches (75a, 75b) provided in both sides of the wheel (<NUM>), respectively, wherein the pair of the clutches (75a, 75b) have the same rotational center with the wheel (<NUM>) and are configured to be independently rotatable with respect to the wheel (<NUM>);
a pair of shafts (<NUM>) fixed to rotational centers of the clutches (75a, 75b), respectively;
a first and second impeller (77a, 77b) connected with each of the shafts (<NUM>), respectively, and rotatable according to the rotation of the clutches (75a, 75b); and
a connecting arm (<NUM>) configured to transmit a rotational force of the wheel (<NUM>) to the clutches (75a, 75b);
characterized in that
the connecting arm (<NUM>) is rotatably provided in the wheel (<NUM>), and in that a rotation range of the connecting arm (<NUM>) is limited to transmit the rotational force of the wheel (<NUM>) to one of the clutches (75a, 75b) based on the rotational direction of the motor (<NUM>),
wherein the pair of clutches (75a, 75b) comprises a pair of projections (751a, 751b) respectively projected toward the wheel and configured to contact with the connecting arm (<NUM>).