Patent ID: 7596973

Claim:
A washing machine, comprising: an outer tub formed of a molded material and configured to hold washing water, the tub including a rear wall and an integrally molded sidewall wherein a plurality of fastening bosses are formed on the outer side of the rear wall of the tub; a bearing housing mounted on the rear wall of the tub; at least one bearing mounted in the bearing housing; a drum rotatably mounted inside the outer tub; a shaft coupled to the drum and mounted in the at least one bearing in the bearing housing; and a motor coupled to the outer side of the rear wall of the tub and to the shaft, wherein the motor comprises: a single stator with wire windings, wherein the stator is coupled to the outer side of the rear wall of the tub wherein the stator includes a frame having a plurality of fastening ribs, and wherein fasteners are used to couple the fastening ribs of the stator to the fastening bosses on the rear wall of the tub, and a rotor coupled to the shaft and having a rear wall and a side wall integrally formed of steel, wherein the sidewall surrounds the stator, and wherein a plurality of magnets are mounted on the sidewall.