WO2008122567A1

WO2008122567A1 - Drum of a machine for the careful treatment of clothes

Info

Publication number: WO2008122567A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/054005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ismael Gracia Bobed; Eduardo Recio Ferrer
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2007-04-04
Filing date: 2008-04-03
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Also published as: EA200970919A1; US20100139330A1; ES2306605B1; DE602008002253D1; CN101680149B; EA016057B1; EP2147141A1; ATE478184T1; EP2147141B1; ES2306605A1; CN101680149A

Abstract

A drum (2) of a machine for the careful treatment of clothes, with a drum casing (4), which is essentially cylindrical in its basic form, with a central cylinder axis that forms an axis of rotation (A) about which the drum (2) can rotate, where the drum casing (4) has a tubular main casing part (4a) with a first and a second front wall (4b, 4c), which are connected to a first and second axial edge region (RB1, RB2) of the main casing part (4a), and at least one reinforcing piece that surrounds the main casing part (4a) over the outside circumference of the drum (2) and counteracts the bulging of the main casing part (4a) during the rotation of the drum (2) under the influence of the centrifugal force, characterized in that the reinforcing piece is at least one cord-like component (8), which encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) at least once.

Description

Description SPANISH PATENT

Title DRUM OF A MACHINE FOR THE CAREFUL TREATMENT OF CLOTHES

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a drum of a machine for the careful treatment of clothes, particularly of a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1. The invention also relates to a machine for the careful treatment of clothes with a drum of this type.

Prior art

EP 1 ,568,812 A2 and EP 1 ,505, 188 A2 describe such a drum (200 in Fig. 12) of a washing machine according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , with a drum casing (400) which is in principle cylindrical in its basic form, with a cylinder axis forming the axis of rotation (A), about which the drum casing (400) can rotate. The drum casing (400) has a tubular main casing part (400a), with a first and second front wall (400b, 400c), which are connected to a first and second axial edge region of the main casing part (400a). The drum (200) also has at least one reinforcing piece that surrounds the main casing part (400a) on the outside circumference of the drum and counteracts the bulging of the main casing part (400a) under the influence of the centrifugal force (indicated in Fig. 12 by a thick dashed line) during the rotation of the drum (200). This ensures a reliable connection between the first and second front wall (400b, 400c) on the one hand, and the first and second axial edge region of the main casing part (400a) on the other hand, which could otherwise be damaged during a rapid rotation of the drum (200), with pronounced bulging of the main casing part (400a). In these two documents of the prior art, the reinforcing piece is respectively a reinforcing strip (500) or a reinforcing metal band, that is to say, a metal band in the form of a thin metal plate.

Although the reinforcing strip (500) basically offers a high-quality solution, the production of the reinforcing strip (500) and the fitting of strip (500) in the drum are quite complicated and expensive as far as the production and fitting methods are concerned, and call for special tools and machinery. The cross-section of the reinforcing strip (500) should almost always be slightly raised like an arc to ensure that the convex side of the strip can then be positioned in such a way that the edges of the strip (500) do not rub against the drum later. Furthermore, the fitting of the pretensed reinforcing strip (500) to the drum requires a strong mechanical force, as well as special preventive measures or tensing components in said reinforcing strip (500). Such reinforcing strips (500) therefore cannot be adapted to drums of different shapes and sizes, or can only be adapted to them by the use of extremely strong forces, for example in different washing machines or machines for the careful treatment of clothes.

Description of the invention

The task or technical problem of the present invention is to provide a drum with a reinforcing piece of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be produced simply and effectively, can be fitted to the main casing part, and even so reliably counteracts the bulging of the main casing part during the rapid rotation of the drum, and can also be used in drums of different shapes and sizes. A machine for the careful treatment of clothes with a drum of this type should also be available.

This task is accomplished according to a first aspect of the invention by a drum according to the invention, with characteristics set out in claim 1.

This drum of a machine for the careful treatment of clothes, particularly a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike, is provided with a drum casing that is essentially cylindrical in its basic form, with a central cylinder axis that forms an axis of rotation about which the drum can rotate, where the drum casing has a tubular main casing part with a first and a second front wall, which are connected to a first and second axial edge region of the main casing part, and it also has at least one reinforcing piece that surrounds the main casing part over the outside circumference of the drum and counteracts the bulging of the main casing part during the rotation of the drum under the influence of the centrifugal force, characterized in that the reinforcing piece is at least one cord-like component, which encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part at least once. The drum is characterized in that the reinforcing piece is at least one cord-like component that is passed around the circumference of the main casing part at least once.

In the present invention, the term "cord-like component" is used to denote any type of component made at least with one wire and at least one fiber or at least one filament or similar elongated and ductile (and therefore also flexible) component for the transmission of forces of traction. The cord-like component is made of a number of separate wires, cords, fibers or filaments, which are for example twisted, braided or grouped together to form one or more strands by some optional other means. The cord-like component also has a certain elasticity. The cross-section of the cord-like component or the profile of its cross-section is preferably essentially circular, elliptical or at least round. Since in the case of the drum according to the invention the reinforcing piece is a cord-like component, it can be joined to the drum or to the main casing part thereof in a simple form and manner as regards the production and fitting techniques. For example, the cord-like component can be simply unwound during the manufacture of a reel, cut to the required length, passed around the drum and fixed to it. No special tools or machines are needed for this operation. The cord-like component can also be a standard one, such as for example normal stainless steel wires and suchlike. These have by nature a circular or round cross- section that ensures that the cord-like component, in the final state of fitting and working in the drum, does not rub against the outside surface. Unlike in the case of the prior art described above, there is no need in this case for any treatment or deformation of the reinforcing piece.

The cord-like component can also be encircled in the pretensed state, around the outside circumference of the main casing part and fixed in this state in a relatively simple way without costly procedures. Due to the ductility of the cord-like component, it can also be easily mounted around the main casing part in several turns or passes and at one or more angles of tilt, and in this way it can reach, if necessary, different points on the outside circumference of the main casing part. This makes it possible to reinforce the drums in a simple and effective form and manner at the points that are subjected to particularly strong forces. The cord-like component can also be used for reinforcing drums of different sizes and/or drums of different types of machines for the careful treatment of clothes, without calling for an essential adaptation or modification of the cord-like component or for tools for fitting it. The production of the drum according to the invention is therefore simpler, more effective and more economic than that of known drums. Furthermore, the component acts by securely and reliably counteracting the undesirable bulging of the main casing part during the rapid rotation of the drum (for example at a speed of 1400 rpm or more).

Other preferred and advantageous characteristics of the drum according to the invention are the subject of claims 2-26, which are based on the subsequent description of examples of preferred embodiments.

Furthermore, the underlying aim of the invention is achieved by a machine for the careful treatment of clothes according to the invention, with the characteristics specified in claim 27.

The machine for the careful treatment of clothes, in particular a washing machine, a washer- dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike, has a drum according to one or more of claims 1-26. The machine for the careful treatment of clothes basically makes it possible to achieve the same technical advantages as those set out above in connection with the drum according to the invention.

The preferred embodiments of the invention, with their combined design features and other advantages, are described and explained below in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section, not drawn to scale, taken across a washing machine drum according to the invention in a first embodiment

Fig. 2 is an external diagrammatic perspective drawing of a first site of the drum that is shown in Fig. 1 and which is proposed according to the invention, the figure being drawn along the longitudinal direction of the drum

Fig. 3 is an external diagrammatic perspective drawing of a second site of the drum that is shown in Fig. 1 and which is proposed according to the invention, the figure being drawn along the longitudinal direction of the drum

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section taken across a cord-like component of the drum according to the invention

Fig. 5a is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section taken across the cord-like component in Fig. 4, shown in its first state

Fig. 5b is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section taken across the cord-like component in Fig. 4, shown in its second state

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section taken across a cord-joining component of the cord-like component

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum according to the invention in a second embodiment Figs. 8a-8c show a perspective view of other cord-joining components that may be used in drums according to the second embodiment

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum according to the invention in a third embodiment

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum according to the invention in a fourth embodiment

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum according to the invention, in a fifth embodiment, and

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section taken across a drum according to the prior art, which is fitted with a reinforcing strip.

Description of a preferred embodiment

In the following description and in the drawings, in order to avoid repetitions, identical parts are denoted by the same symbol if there is no need to differentiate between them in other respects.

Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section, not drawn to scale, taken across a drum (2) according to the invention in a first embodiment, the drum being the drum of a washing machine here. This drum (2) has a drum casing (4), which is essentially cylindrical in its basic form and has a central cylinder axis that forms an axis of rotation (A), about which the drum (2) can rotate. The drum casing (4) has a tubular main casing part (4a), with a first and a second front wall (4b, 4c), which are connected to a first and second axial edge region (RB₁, RB₂), these being shown in the drawing by a dot-and-dash circle. The connection is achieved in this example by a folded joint (6). Welded joints, the integral coupling of said parts, or any other suitable optional forms of coupling are also possible.

The drum (2) also has at least one reinforcing piece, which encircles the main casing part (4a) on the outside circumference of the drum (2) and which counteracts the bulging of the main casing part (4a) that occurs during the rotation of the drum (2) under the influence of the centrifugal force (this bulging is indicated in Fig. 1 by a thick dashed line).

This ensures a long service life for the folded joint (6) and consequently a secure and reliable connection between the first and a second front wall (4b, 4c), on the one hand, and the first and a second axial edge region (RB₁, RB₂) of the main casing part (4a) on the other hand, which might otherwise be damaged in the case of the rapid rotation of the drum (2), with strong bulging of the main casing part (4a). As shown in the drawing, the reinforcing piece is at least one cord-like component (8) (called simply "cord (8)" in the following), which encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) at least once. In the embodiment under discussion, a single turn is envisaged. In the final, mounted state of the cord (8), the latter preferably encircles the main casing part (4a) in the pretensed form.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 , the cord (8) is arranged centrally with respect to the axial extension of the main casing part (4a).

The cord (8) used in this embodiment is a standard steel cable that is made of stainless steel and is corrosion-proof. The cord (8) has a diameter of about 2.5 mm and basically a round cross-section. Other diameters are of course also possible in any application, depending on the size of the drum (2) and on the planned speed of rotation. The cord (8) is preferably made of a number of separate elements that are twisted, stranded together or combined in another way. However, in a very simple embodiment, it can also be a single length of wire or suchlike.

Other suitable materials, that is to say, other materials that resist oxidation and corrosion, can also be used basically for making the cord (8). For example, the cord (8) can thus also be made of a number of non-metallic fibers, a number of filaments or a composite fibrous material.

Figs. 2 and 3 show further details of the drum (2) according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows in this case a diagrammatic external perspective view of a first site of the drum (2) according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 , with a view taken in the direction along its longitudinal axis or axial direction (compare the reference symbol A).

Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic external perspective view of a second site of the drum (2) according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 , again with a view taken in the direction along its longitudinal axis or axial direction.

As shown in Fig. 3, the tubular main casing part (4a) is made from a basic sheet material (here a stainless steel plate), which is deformed to obtain a tubular structure with two edges of the sheet. These correspond to each other and are inserted over an extended inserting region (B_F) that extends lengthways, basically parallel to the cylinder axis (A). The inserting region (B_F) extends over the whole width of the main casing part (4a). In the present example, the two edges of the sheet are connected together with the aid of a folded joint (V_F). To strengthen the folded joint (V_F), the latter is provided with several grooved elbows (10) beyond the inserting region (B_F), where the longitudinal axes (10_A) of the grooved elbows extend essentially in the direction of the circumference of the main casing part (4a). Furthermore, the main casing part (4a) has on its outside circumferential surface several slot- like elbows (12), which extend essentially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) and form a type of blade-like breaker inside the main casing part (4a). The transition zone of the slot-like elbows (12) toward the outside circumferential surface of the main casing part (4a) is rounded.

In this example, the cord (8) is in the form of a finite length of cord whose ends (8a, 8b) are joined together by a cord-joining component (14) in the mounted state, that is to say, in a state in which it is fixed to the main casing part (4a). However, in principle, the cord (8) can also be an infinite cord, for example in the form of a ring. The cord-joining component (14) is preferably a cord-joining component that is chosen from a group of cord-joining components comprising: a shape-based joint, a joint working by friction, an adhesive or glued joint, in particular a knotted joint, a plaited joint, an interlacing joint, a spliced joint, a (strong) welded joint, a soldered or brazed joint, a cast joint, a joint working by clamping or pressure (for example, also in the form of two screwed pieces or partially riveted elements), an interlocking joint, a hooking joint, or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned cord-joining components. In the present example, the cord-joining component (14) is a clamping joint or a pressure joint, as described later in detail.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the cord-joining component (14) is arranged on the first site of the drum (2) according to the invention, in the area of one of the slot-like elbows (12). Depending on the number of slot-like elbows (12) distributed along the circumference of the drum (2), this is the first site (see Fig. 2), with respect to the basically circular cross-section of the drum (2), separated from the second side (see Fig. 3). In three elbows, the first side is facing the second site continuously at about 120 ° , in two, four, eight, etc. The elbows (12) are preferably facing continuously at 180°. The cord-joining component (14) is arranged, at least in part (here, with interior side), inside the elbow (12). Since the second site (see Fig. 3) is the site that has the extended inserting region (B_F), the cord-joining component (14) in this embodiment is then arranged in a region of the circumference of the main casing part (4a), separate from (preferably exactly opposite to) the extended inserting region (B_F). In the area of the second site, the cord (8) preferably runs through one of the grooved elbows (10), so that the latter secures the cord (8) in the axial direction (compare with A) of the drum (2) against lateral slippage.

Fig. 4 shows a diagrammatic longitudinal view taken across the cord (8) and illustrates further technical details of the cord (8) and the cord-joining component (14). The cord-joining component (14) has at least one first coupling element (14a), which is, or can be, fixed to the first end (8a) of the cord, and at least one second coupling element (14b), which is, or can be, fixed to the second end (8b) of the cord. Each coupling element (14a, 14b) has a cord- joining region (14a1 , 14b1 ) where the corresponding end (8a, 8b) of the cord (8) is inserted. The corresponding cord-joining region (14a1 , 14b1 ) is pressed with the appertaining end (8a or 8b), respectively. The two coupling elements (14a, 14b) are so shaped that they can be inserted into each other. In this case, the coupling element (14b) is made in the form of a capsule and has a tubular receiving region (14b3) with a deformation zone (14b2). The coupling element (14a) is shaped like a bolt. The coupling element (14a) has a head (14a2) whose outside diameter is insignificantly smaller than the inside diameter of the receiving region (14b3) of the corresponding capsule-like coupling element (14b), so that the two coupling elements (14a, 14b) can be easily inserted into each other. The head (14a2) is combined with a cylindrical section that extends lengthwise, passing through a step or a projection, whose diameter is smaller than that of the head (14a2) and which forms the cord- joining region (14a1 ). Alternatively, this region (14a1 ) can have on its outside circumference for example also several annular protuberances or other suitable pieces for a form-locking joint. The coupling element (14b) has a limiter (16) for the head (14a2) of the coupling element (14a).

To facilitate mounting on the main casing part (4a) in this example, the cord (8) is prefabricated as a single mounting unit, with a cord-joining component (14) or its separate components, which mounting unit has a predetermined mounting length (L_M). In this example, the mounting length L_M is given as follows:

L_M = L_A - D_x

In this case, L_A is the length of the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) in the region where the cord (8) is to be located, and D_x is a length of considerable magnitude for the reversible elastic tensing of the cord (8) in a later step. In this example, the actual length of the cord (L₃), to which the cord (8) should be cut for making said mounting unit, is somewhat smaller than the mounting length (L_M), since the coupling elements (14a, 14b) themselves have a predetermined length. Fig. 5a shows a diagrammatic longitudinal view taken across the cord (8) or across the mounting unit shown in Fig. 4 in a first, unmounted state, in which the cord (8) loosely encircles the main casing part (4a), which is not shown. Fig. 5b shows a diagrammatic longitudinal view taken across the cord (8) shown in Fig. 4 in a second state, in which it is mounted, and its cord ends (8a, 8b) are firmly joined together with the aid of the cord-joining component (14), and in which the cord (8) encircles the main casing part (4a) in the pretensed state.

When the cord (8) is in the first state (see Fig. 5a) and the coupling elements (14a, 14b) are inserted into each other, the head (14a2) of the coupling element (14a) is located a predetermined distance (D_x) in front of the limiter (16). This defines for the cord (8) or said mounting unit a first predetermined encircling length, which corresponds here to the mounting length (L_M), and which, as already mentioned, is somewhat smaller than the length of the outside circumference (L_A) of the main casing part (4a). To be able to take now the cord (8) or the mounting unit to the above-mentioned second state, the cord (8) is tensed until the head (14a2) reaches the limiter (16) (see Fig. 5b). In this case, the receiving region (14b3) similarly serves as a guide for the head (14a2). The tensing can be carried out with a relatively simple tool, applied to both coupling elements (14a, 14b). In the second state (see Fig. 5b), the cord (8) or the reversible elastic mounting unit, is then extended to a second predetermined encircling length, which is somewhat greater than the first predetermined encircling length and which corresponds basically to the length of the outside circumference (L_A) of the main casing part (4a). In this way, the cord (8) in the mounted state encircles the main casing part (4a) in the pretensed state. It is obvious that, with predetermined cord parameters, parameters of the drum and a predetermined mounting length (L_M), the cord- joining component (14) or the combined action of its coupling elements (14a, 14b) and the limiter (16) define the length of the second turn and the pretensing magnitude of the cord (8). In this example, the cord-joining component (14) also acts as a cord-tensing element and a safety element.

To be able to effect the pretensing of the cord (8) mentioned above, it is basically also possible to use a cord (8) or a mounting unit that has in the second state a smaller length than the outside circumference (L_A) of the main casing part (4a). However, this would mean that the cord (8) then locally strongly presses on the drum (2). This should be largely avoided, because the sheet used for making the drum (2) is usually very thin. Another possibility is a composite shape, starting with the first and second variant; this is an actual solution in practice, since not only the cord (8) but also the drum (2) always exhibit a certain elasticity or yield. In the second state shown in Fig. 5b, the deformation zone (14b2) of the right-hand coupling element (14b) is plastically deformed and pressed on the outside circumference of the cord-joining region (14a1 ) in such a way that the material in the deformation zone (14b2) surrounds the head (14a2) both in the radial and in the axial direction. The cord-joining component (14) therefore forms a kind of pressure terminal, in which the two coupling elements (14a, 14b) have a form-locking shape in the pressed state as regards the longitudinal direction of the cord (8). The joining of the cord is therefore ensured in a reliable way, so the cord cannot become detached even during the rapid rotation of the drum (2).

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal diagrammatic view taken across a cord-joining component (18) for the cord (8). This cord-joining component (18) is similar to the cord-joining component (14) shown in Figs. 4, 5a and 5b. Unlike the latter, however, it has two coupling elements (18a, 18b) shaped like the coupling element (14a) of the variant shown in Figs. 4, 5a and 5b. In addition, the construction shown in Fig. 6 has a separate capsule (18c) in the middle, with one opening for insertion on the left and one on the right - into which can be inserted the first and second coupling element (18a, 18b) each of which is coupled to an end of the cord (8a, 8b). The capsule in the middle (18c) has an internal separating wall (18c1 ) whose lateral surfaces act as a limiter (16) for the heads (18a2, 18b2) of the two coupling elements (18a, 18b). The capsule in the middle (18c) therefore acts as a separate limiter for the cord- joining component (18) to which are assigned at least a first coupling element and then a second coupling element (18a, 18b). The application of the coupling elements (18a, 18b) to the capsule in the middle (18c) and with it the joining of the ends of the cord, as well as the tensing of the cord (8) take place in the same way as in the case of the variant shown in Figs. 4, 5a and 5b. In other words, the heads (18a2 and 18b2) are drawn together, and the capsule regions (18c2) are pressed over the cord-joining regions (18a1 , 18b1 ) of the coupling elements (18a, 18b), and they surround the heads (18a2, 18b2) in the radial and axial direction. The capsule in the middle (18c) also acts as a tensing and safety element for the cord and the coupling elements (18a, 18b).

In this variant, the following relationship holds for the mounting length (L_M) mentioned above:

L_M = L_A - (D_X1 + D_X2) D_X1 and D_X2 can be identical or different. As far as possible, the sum of D_X1 + D_X2 should be equal to the value of D_x in the example illustrated in Figs. 4, 5a and 5b in order to be able to obtain relations for the tension in the cord (8) when the latter is in the second state mentioned above.

Fig. 7 shows a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum (2) according to the invention, and specifically a second embodiment. In this variant, the cord (8) encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) several times, i.e. in a number of turns ranging from W₁ to W_x, In this example, the adjacent turns extend directly side by side, that is to say, in principle without any space between them. However, it is just as possible to allow a space between the adjacent turns W₁ to W_x. The turns W₁ to W_x of the cord (8) can lie at the same angle of tilt and/or at different angles of tilt around the main casing part (4a).

Figs. 8a-8c show preferred examples of cord-joining components, which can be used in the type of drum (2) according to the invention, where the cord (8) encircles the main casing part (4a) several times, and its turns extend side by side and/or one over the other (for example in the drum shown in Fig. 7). For these cases, the cord-joining component can be made for example as a flat coupling element operating by clamping or pressure (20) (see Fig. 8a, with deformed regions in the form of folds running in the longitudinal direction, which increase the mechanical strength of the cord-joining component) like a metal band (22) (Fig. 8b), folded, pressed or spot-welded around the cord (8) and its turns, or shaped like a coupling element (24) in Fig. 8c that is glued or injected around the cord (8) and its turns, using for example a zinc alloy (in particular Zamak), an aluminum alloy or suchlike.

Fig. 9 shows a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum (2) according to the invention, and specifically a third embodiment. In this variant, the cord (8) is arranged at different sites (P1 , P2) on the main casing part (4a), in an axially adjacent configuration. One individual cord (8) is placed at each of the different sites (P1 , P2), running axially to each other.

Fig. 10 shows a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum (2) according to the invention, and specifically a fourth embodiment. In this place, a single cord (8) is used for forming the turns at different sites (P1 , P2) on the main casing part (4a), which sites run axially to each other, and which single cord extends from one of the sites (P1 ) to the second (or x-th) site (P2), or vice versa, passing over the transition zone T.

In this case, the ends of the cord can: - have the same beginning and end (and be combined there together over a shared cord-joining component), or

- have different beginnings and ends, where the ends of the cord may be for example fixed at different sites, e.g. also to the same casing of drum (4).

The beginning and/or end of the turn of the cord can also be located in the transition zone T.

Fig. 11 shows a diagrammatic side view, not drawn to scale, of a drum (2) according to the invention, and specifically a fifth embodiment. In this variant, lengths of the cord (8) cross over one another as the cord encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) a number of times. This makes it possible in particular to strengthen the drum (2) locally in various areas, using a grid or lattice pattern.

Mixed forms based on the variants described above are also possible and are envisaged according to the invention.

The drum (2) according to the invention is used in a machine for the careful treatment of clothes, in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike.

The invention is not limited to the examples described above. The drum according to the invention and the machine for the careful treatment of clothes according to the invention can also have other embodiments not described above in concrete terms while similarly lying within the scope of protection. It is also possible in this way to couple or premount the cord in order to form a grid or lattice pattern. The cord or the cord-like component can also be fixed to the main casing part at least at one site in the direction of the circumference and/or in its axial direction. In this case, the cord-joining component can act as a similar kind of fixing element in at least one embodiment of the invention. The cord-joining component can also have internal cord-tensing devices. In addition, various cord-joining components can also be used. Furthermore, the coupling element(s) of the cord-joining component can have different forms than those described above in concrete terms. Thus, it is also possible to have one or more connectable coupling elements. The main casing part may also have, on the outside, elbows and/or bends or other elements matching the shape of the cross-section and dimensions of the cord-like component and serving to fix their position, as well as guiding and securing them. Instead of a grooved elbow, other guiding and securing elements can also be employed. In the claims, description and drawings, the symbols only serve for the better understanding of the invention and cannot be taken to limit the scope of protection.

List of symbols used

2 Drum

4 Drum casing

4a Main casing part of 4

4b First front wall of 4

4c Second front wall of 4

6 Folded joint

8 Cord or cord-like component

8a End of the cord

8b End of the cord

10 Grooved elbow(s)

10A Longitudinal axis of 10

12 Slot-like elbow(s)

14 Cord-joining component

14a First coupling element of 14

14a1 Cord-joining region of 14a

14a2 Head of 14a

14b Second coupling element of 14

14b1 Cord-joining region of 14b

14b2 Deformation zone of 14b

14b3 Receiving region

16 Limiter

18 Cord-joining component

18a First coupling element of 18

18a1 Cord-joining region of 18a

18a2 Head of 18a

18b Second coupling element of 18

18b1 Cord-joining region of 18b

18b2 Head of 18b

18c Capsule of 18 in the middle

18c1 Internal separating wall of 18c

18c2 Regions of the deforming capsules of 18c

20 Flat coupling element operating by clamping or pressure

22 Pressed and spot-welded metal band

24 Injection joint or cast joint

200 Drum 400 Drum casing

400a Main casing part

400b First front wall

400c Second front wall

500 Reinforcing strip

A Cylinder axis / axis of rotation

B_F Extended inserting region

D_x Predetermined distance

D_X1 First predetermined distance

D_X2 Second predetermined distance

L_A Length of the outside circumference of 4a / length of the second turn

L_M Mounting length / length of the first turn

L₃ Length of the cord

P1 First position

P2 Second position

RB₁ First edge region of 4a

RB₂ Second edge region of 4a

T Transition zone

V_F Folded joint

W₁ First turn of the cord 8

W_x x-th turn of the cord 8.

Claims

1. A drum (2) of a machine for the careful treatment of clothes, particularly a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike, with a drum casing (4), which is essentially cylindrical in its basic form, with a central cylinder axis that forms an axis of rotation (A), about which the drum (2) can rotate, where the drum casing (4) has a tubular main casing part (4a) with a first and a second front wall (4b, 4c), which are connected to a first and second axial edge region (RB₁, RB₂) of the main casing part (4a); and at least one reinforcing piece that surrounds the main casing part (4a) over the outside circumference of the drum (2) and counteracts the bulging of the main casing part (4a) during the rotation of the drum (2) under the influence of the centrifugal force, characterized in that the reinforcing piece is at least one cord-like component (8), which encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) at least once.

2. The drum (2) as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the cord-like component (8) encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) several times (W₁ to W_x turns).

3. The drum (2) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the adjacent turns (W₁ to W_x) of the cord-like component (8) that encircle the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) several times extend directly side by side.

4. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a space between the adjacent turns (W₁ to W_x) of the cord-like component (8).

5. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turns (W₁ to W_x) of the cord-like component (8) encircle the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) at different angles of tilt.

6. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that lengths of the cord-like component (8) that encircles the outside circumference of the main casing part (4a) a number of times cross over one another.

7. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one cord-like component (8) is arranged in a central region with respect to the axial extension (A) of the main casing part (4a).

8. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one cord-like component (8) is placed in different positions (P1 , P2) on the main casing part (4a), with axial spacing between them.

9. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one individual cord-like component (8) is placed in each of the axially spaced positions (P1 , P2) on the main casing part (4a).

10. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single cord-like component (8) is used for the turns in the various axially spaced positions (P1 , P2) of the main casing part (4a).

11. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8) of the main casing part (4a) is fixed to the circumference of the same on at least one site in the direction of the circumference and/or the axial direction (A).

12. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8) encircles the main casing part (4a) in the pretensed state.

13. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8) is composed of a number of wires or filaments.

14. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8) is made of a stainless, anticorrosive material.

15. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8) is a finite cord-like component whose ends (8a, 8b) are joined together by a cord-joining component (14, 18, 20, 22, 24).

16. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (14, 18, 20, 22, 24) is a cord-joining component that is chosen from a group of cord-joining components comprising: a shape-based joint, a joint working by friction, an adhesive or glued joint, in particular a knotted joint, a plaited joint, an interlacing joint, a spliced joint, a (strong) welded joint, a soldered or brazed joint, a cast joint, a joint working by clamping or pressure, an interlocking joint, a hooking joint, or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned cord-joining components.

17. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (14, 18) has at least one first coupling element (14a, 18a) that can be fixed to a first end (8a) of the cord, and at least one second coupling element (14b, 18b) that can be fixed to a second end (8b) of the cord.

18. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two coupling elements (14a, 14b) can be inserted into each other.

19. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (14, 18) is made in the form of a pressure terminal, and both coupling elements (14a, 14b, 18a, 18b) have, in the pressed-in state, a form-locking joint in the longitudinal direction of the cord (8).

20. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-like component (8), with its cord-joining element (14) in a first, unmounted state, in which the cord-like component (8) loosely encircles the main casing part (4a), has a predetermined first encircling length (L_M), which is shorter than the longitudinal length of the outside circumference (L_A) of the main casing part (4a); and the cord-like component (8) - in a second state, in which it is mounted and encircles the main casing part (4a), and its cord ends (8a, 8b) are joined together by means of the reversible and elastic cord-joining component (14) - is extended to a second predetermined encircling length (L_A), which is longer than the first predetermined encircling length (L_M) and basically matches the length of the outside circumference (L_A) of the main casing part (4a), so that the cord-like component (8), in the mounted state, encircles the main casing part (4a) in the pretensed state.

21. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (14, 18) has a limiter (16) for at least one of the coupling elements (14a, 18a, 18b); when the cord-like component (8) is in its first state, at least this coupling element (14a, 18a, 18b) is placed at a predetermined distance (D_x, D_X1, D_X2) in front of the limiter (16), thus defining the length (L_M) of the first turn; and, when the cord-like component (8) is in its second state, at least this coupling element (14a, 18a, 18b) is adjusted at the limiter (16) and - cooperating with the latter - thus defines the length (L_A) of the second turn and the magnitude of pretensing of the cord-like component (8).

22. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limiter (16) is formed on at least one (14b) of the coupling elements.

23. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (18) has a separate limiter (18c, 18c1 ), which is associated with at least a first and at least a second coupling element (18a, 18b).

24. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main casing part (4a) has - on its outside circumferential surface - several grooved elbows (12), which extend essentially parallel to the length of the axis of rotation (A) and which form a blade-like breaker inside the main casing part (4a); and the cord-joining component (14) is placed at least in the area of one of these elbows (12).

25. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular main casing part (4a) is made from a basic sheet material, which is deformed to obtain a tubular structure and is joined at the two edges of the sheet to an extended inserting region (B_F) that extends essentially parallel to the cylinder axis (A), and the inserting region (B_F) is fitted with at least one elbow (10) in the form of a small channel, whose longitudinal axis (10_A) extends substantially in the direction of the circumference of the main casing part (4a); and the cord-like component (8) extends through the grooved elbow (10) in such a way that the latter secures the cord-like component (8) in the axial direction (A) of the drum (2).

26. The drum (2) as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cord-joining component (14) is placed in a region of the circumference of the main casing part (4a) opposite the extended inserting region (B_F).

27. A machine for the careful treatment of clothes, in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or suchlike, with a drum (2) as claimed in one or more of claims 1-26.