Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus includes an outer tub, a drum extending in a cylindrical shape, being open to an upper side, and being rotatably disposed in the outer tub, a counterweight fixed to an upper portion of the drum, extending along a circumference of the drum, and providing a passage communicating with an inner space of the drum, and a chamber formed in an inner portion of the counterweight and extending along the counterweight. The chamber includes a first chamber forming a lower side portion of the chamber and a second chamber forming an upper side portion of the chamber. A width of the first chamber is greater than a width of the second chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a laundry treating apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, the concept of a laundry treating apparatus encompasses an apparatus that washes laundry (washing objects, drying objects), an apparatus that dries laundry, and an apparatus that can perform both washing and drying of laundry.

[0003] In recent years, laundry treating apparatuses have tended to have larger capacities of outer tubs and drums to wash and / or dry a large number of objects at a time.

[0004] In the case of using a general laundry treating apparatus to treat a small number of objects, water and power can be wasted.

[0005] Therefore, laundry treating apparatuses having smaller sizes and capacities than general laundry treating apparatuses are being continuously developed.

[0006] Such a relatively small laundry treating apparatus can be designed to have a width equal to or similar to that of a general laundry treating apparatus and a height smaller than that of the general laundry treating apparatus and be disposed on an upper side or a lower side of the general laundry treating apparatus.

[0007] In the case of a relatively small laundry treating apparatus, there is a limit to the height of its cabinet for convenience of use, and there is a limit to the width thereof to have a similar size to that of a general laundry treating apparatus.

[0008] Due to such a limit to the size of the cabinet, in the case of a small capacity of the outer tub and the drum, the usability of the small-sized laundry treating apparatus can decrease. SUMMARY

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The present application has been made to solve the above problems and other technical problems.

[0011] It is an object of the present application to provide a laundry treating apparatus that maximizes the volume of a drum.

[0012] It is an object of the present application to provide a laundry treating apparatus that maximizes the volume of an outer tub.

[0013] It is an object of the present application to provide a laundry treating apparatus that maximizes the volume of an outer tub and a drum located inside a cabinet and / or a drawer having a width greater than a height.

[0014] It is an object of the present application to provide a laundry treating apparatus that easily controls vibrations of an outer tub and a drum.

[0015] The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present application can maximize the volume of the outer tub and minimize the risk of damage to the drain hose and the heating part provided at the bottom surface of the outer tub.

[0016] Technical solutions to solve the problems

[0017] The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present application for achieving the above object includes an outer tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub, a counterweight, and a chamber formed inside the counterweight.

[0018] The outer tub can extend in a cylindrical shape. The outer tub can extend in a cylindrical shape having a diameter greater than a length.

[0019] The outer tub can include an outer tub main body extending in a cylindrical shape. The outer tub main body can extend in a cylindrical shape having a diameter greater than a length. The outer tub main body can be open upward.

[0020] The outer tub can include a cover forming an upper side of the outer tub, and an extension extending downward from an edge of the cover. The extension can be combined with an upper portion of the outer tub main body.

[0021] The drum can extend in a cylindrical shape. The drum can be open upward. The drum can have a diameter greater than a length (height).

[0022] The counterweight can be fixed to an upper portion of the drum. The counterweight can extend along a circumference of the drum. The counterweight can have a ring shape. The counterweight can provide a passage communicating with an inner space of the drum.

[0023] The counterweight can reduce eccentricity of the drum. The counterweight can reduce vibration of the outer tub caused by rotation of the drum.

[0024] The chamber can contain a liquid. In addition, the chamber can also contain a solid.

[0025] The chamber can include a first chamber forming a lower side of the chamber, and a second chamber forming an upper side of the chamber.

[0026] The first chamber can have a width greater than a width of the second chamber.

[0027] The width of the first chamber and the width of the second chamber can be defined in a radial direction of the drum.

[0028] The counterweight can extend upward via an upper end of the drum. A lower end of the counterweight can be located at a position lower than the upper end of the drum. An upper end of the counterweight can be located at a position higher than the upper end of the drum.

[0029] The lower end of the first chamber can be located more downward than the upper end of the drum. The upper end of the second chamber can be located more upward than the upper end of the drum.

[0030] The drum can include an edge portion protruding from an upper end of a circumferential surface of the drum toward a center of rotation of the drum. The edge portion can extend along a periphery of the drum. The edge portion can extend in a circumferential direction of the drum. The edge portion can provide an opening portion of the drum.

[0031] The drum can include a support portion protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the drum. The support portion can extend along a periphery of the drum. The support portion can extend in a circumferential direction of the drum. The support portion can be spaced downward from the edge portion.

[0032] The counterweight can include a fixing portion interposed between the edge portion and the support portion of the drum. The fixing portion can protrude from an outer side surface of the counterweight facing the inner circumferential surface of the drum.

[0033] The counterweight can further include a fastening groove into which the support portion of the drum is inserted. The fastening groove can be recessed at a lower end of the fixing portion.

[0034] The chamber can have a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the chamber can be located more downward than an upper end of the fastening groove.

[0035] The counterweight can include a first cover body forming a lower appearance of the counterweight. The first cover body can provide the first chamber. The first chamber can be formed inside the first cover body.

[0036] The counterweight can include a second cover body forming an upper appearance of the counterweight. The second cover body can provide the second chamber. The second chamber can be formed inside the second cover body.

[0037] An upper end of the first cover body and a lower end of the second cover body can be connected to each other. The first chamber and the second chamber can be connected.

[0038] The first cover body and the second cover body can be bonded by heat welding.

[0039] In a radial direction of the drum, a thickness of the second cover body can be greater than a thickness of the first cover body.

[0040] An outer side surface of the second cover body facing a circumferential surface of the outer tub can be located more outward than an outer side surface of the first cover body. The outer side surface of the first cover body can be located more radially inward of the drum than the outer circumferential surface of the drum.

[0041] The first cover and the second cover can include an inner wall providing the passage, and an outer wall spaced outward from the inner wall. The chamber can be located between the inner wall and the outer wall of the first cover and the second cover.

[0042] The thickness of the inner wall of the first cover can be less than the thickness of the inner wall of the second cover. The thickness of the outer wall of the first cover can be less than the thickness of the outer wall of the second cover.

[0043] The inner wall of the first cover and the second cover can include an outer side surface facing the rotational center of the drum, and an inner side surface facing the chamber. The outer wall of the first cover and the second cover can include an outer side surface facing the circumferential surface of the outer tub, and an inner side surface facing the chamber.

[0044] The outer side surface of the inner wall of the first cover and the outer side surface of the inner wall of the second cover can be aligned with each other, or the outer side surface of the inner wall of the second cover can be closer to the rotational center of the drum than the outer side surface of the inner wall of the first cover.

[0045] The inner side surface of the inner wall of the first cover and the inner side surface of the inner wall of the second cover can be aligned with each other, or the inner side surface of the inner wall of the first cover can be closer to the rotational center of the drum than the inner side surface of the inner wall of the second cover.

[0046] The inner side surface of the outer wall of the first cover and the inner side surface of the outer wall of the second cover can be aligned with each other, or the inner side surface of the outer wall of the second cover can be closer to the rotational center of the drum than the inner side surface of the outer wall of the first cover.

[0047] The outer side surface of the outer wall of the second cover can be located closer to the radially outer side of the drum than the outer side surface of the outer wall of the first cover. In the radial direction of the drum, the outer side surface of the outer wall of the second cover can be located between the outer side surface of the outer wall of the first cover and the circumferential surface of the drum.

[0048] The laundry treatment apparatus can further include a cabinet. The outer tub can be disposed within the cabinet.

[0049] The laundry treatment apparatus can further include a drawer disposed within the cabinet. The outer tub can be disposed within the drawer. An exit port can be provided at the front of the cabinet. The drawer can be configured to be drawn out of the cabinet through the exit port.

[0050] The laundry treating apparatus of one aspect of the present application can include an outer tub provided with a cylindrical outer tub body providing a space to store water, and an outer tub cover forming an upper face of the outer tub body; a cylindrical drum body rotatably provided inside the outer tub, providing a space to store laundry, an upper face of which is open; a first cover body in a ring shape, fixed to an upper face of the drum body; a second cover body in a ring shape, fixed to an upper face of the first cover body; a first flow path provided as a groove in which an upper face of the first cover body is recessed and bent in a direction away from the outer tub cover, providing a space to store a liquid, in a ring shape; and a second flow path provided as a groove in which a bottom face of the second cover body is recessed and bent toward the outer tub cover, in a ring shape, forming a circulation flow path of the liquid in combination with the first flow path. A width of the first flow path can be greater than a width of the second flow path.

[0051] A thickness of the first cover body in a diameter direction of the drum body can be less than a thickness of the second cover body in the diameter direction of the drum body.

[0052] Portions of both side faces of a lower end of the second flow path toward a circumferential face of the outer tub body and portions of both side faces of an upper end of the first flow path toward the circumferential face of the outer tub body can be connected without a step, and portions of both side faces of the lower end of the second flow path toward a center of the drum body and portions of both side faces of the upper end of the first flow path toward the center of the drum body can be connected with a step.

[0053] Portions of both side faces of a lower end of the second flow path toward a circumferential face of the outer tub body and portions of both side faces of an upper end of the first flow path toward the circumferential face of the outer tub body can be connected with a step, and portions of both side faces of the lower end of the second flow path toward a center of the drum body and portions of both side faces of the upper end of the first flow path toward the center of the drum body can be connected without a step.

[0054] Portions of both side faces of a lower end of the second flow path toward a circumferential face of the outer tub body and portions of both side faces of an upper end of the first flow path toward the circumferential face of the outer tub body can be connected with a step, and portions of both side faces of the lower end of the second flow path toward a center of the drum body and portions of both side faces of the upper end of the first flow path toward the center of the drum body can be connected with a step.

[0055] A length of the second flow path in a height direction of the drum body can be the same as a length of the first flow path in the height direction of the drum body, or greater than the length of the first flow path.

[0056] The first cover can have a height greater than a height of the second cover, and the center of gravity of the counterweight can be located inside the first flow path.

[0057] The bottom surface of the circulation flow path can have a height lower than an upper end of the drum body.

[0058] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a plurality of anti-skid walls protruding from a surface of the circulation flow path toward a surface of the outer tub body facing the rotation center of the drum body.

[0059] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a first partition wall provided in the first cover to divide an inside of the first flow path into two spaces, and a second partition wall provided in the second cover to divide an inside of the second flow path into two spaces, and by being combined with a free end of the first partition wall, divide an inside of the circulation flow path into a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0060] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a fixing body protruding from a circumferential surface of the first cover to contact a circumferential surface of the drum body and fix the first cover to the circumferential surface of the drum body, a counterweight support portion protruding from the circumferential surface of the drum body toward the center of the drum body, and a fastening groove formed in a space provided by the fixing body between the circumferential surface of the fixing body and a bottom surface of the fixing body to provide a space to accommodate at least a portion of the counterweight support portion.

[0061] The counterweight support portion can have a cross-section in a shape of a semi-circle or an arc, and the fastening groove can be provided in an upper area of the area to accommodate the counterweight support portion, passing a horizontal line through the center of the counterweight support portion.

[0062] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a cabinet provided with an outlet in a front aspect, and a drawer provided to be drawn out of the cabinet to provide a space to accommodate the outer tub.

[0063] The laundry treating apparatus of one aspect of the present application can include a cabinet, an outer tub provided with a cylindrical outer tub body disposed inside the cabinet and providing a space to store water, and an outer tub cover forming an upper face of the outer tub body, a cylindrical drum body rotatably disposed inside the outer tub, providing a space to store laundry, and having an upper face open, a first cover body in the shape of a ring fixed to the upper face of the drum body, a second cover body in the shape of a ring fixed to the upper face of the first cover body, a first flow path provided as a groove in which the upper face of the first cover body is recessed and bent in a direction away from the outer tub cover, providing a space to store a liquid, and in the shape of a ring, a second flow path provided as a groove in which the bottom face of the second cover body is recessed and bent toward the outer tub cover, in the shape of a ring, and forming a circulation flow path of the liquid by being combined with the first flow path, a second cabinet provided to support the bottom face of the cabinet, and a second drum provided inside the second cabinet, providing a space to store laundry. The width of the first flow path can be greater than the width of the second flow path.

[0064] The laundry treating apparatus of one aspect of the present application can include an outer tub, a chamber, and a chamber drain hose connected to the chamber.

[0065] The chamber can be formed to protrude from the bottom face of the outer tub.

[0066] The chamber drain hose can extend from the side face of the chamber in a direction away from the center of the outer tub.

[0067] The laundry treating apparatus can include a cabinet, an outer tub, a drum, and a driving part.

[0068] The outer tub can be disposed inside the cabinet and provide a space to store water, and can be in the shape of a cylinder having a width greater than a height.

[0069] The drum can be rotatably disposed inside the outer tub.

[0070] The driving part can be fixed to the bottom face of the outer tub to be located outside the outer tub, and rotate the drum.

[0071] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a drain hose that guides water discharged to the chamber drain hose to the outside of the cabinet.

[0072] The chamber drain hose can be inserted into one end of the drain hose outside a cylinder extending the outer peripheral face of the outer tub.

[0073] The laundry treating apparatus can further include a drawer formed to be drawable from inside the cabinet, and the outer tub can be accommodated inside the drawer.

[0074] The chamber drain pipe extends in a direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the drawer is drawn out from the cabinet.

[0075] The laundry treatment apparatus can further include a heater to heat water in the outer tub. The heater can be accommodated in the chamber.

[0076] The chamber can include a heating chamber to accommodate the heater, and a water collecting chamber protruding from a bottom surface of the heating chamber toward a bottom surface of the cabinet to form a space to store water.

[0077] The chamber drain pipe can extend from a side surface of the water collecting chamber toward a direction away from a center of the outer tub.

[0078] The side surface and / or the bottom surface of the water collecting chamber can be formed to be inclined downward toward the chamber drain pipe.

[0079] The bottom surface of the outer tub can include a first bottom surface formed at a center of the outer tub, a second bottom surface formed at a position more outward than the first bottom surface and at a position more downward than the first bottom surface, and an inclined surface formed to be inclined downward from the first bottom surface toward the second bottom surface.

[0080] The driving part can be located at a lower side of the first bottom surface.

[0081] The chamber can be spaced apart from the driving part and formed to protrude from the second bottom surface toward a bottom surface of the cabinet.

[0082] A height of a lowest point of the second bottom surface can be the same as or higher than a height of a lowest point of the driving part, with reference to a bottom surface of the cabinet.

[0083] A height of a lowest point of the chamber drain pipe can be the same as or lower than a height of a lowest point of the chamber, with reference to a bottom surface of the cabinet.

[0084] A height of a lowest point of the chamber drain pipe can be the same as or higher than a height of a lowest point of the driving part, with reference to a bottom surface of the cabinet.

[0085] Technical Effects

[0086] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, it is possible to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of maximizing a volume of an outer tub.

[0087] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, it is possible to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of maximizing a volume of a drum.

[0088] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus capable of maximizing the volume of a tub and a drum located inside a drawer having a width greater than a height can be provided.

[0089] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus capable of easily controlling the vibration of a tub and a drum can be provided.

[0090] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus capable of not only maximizing the volume of a tub but also minimizing the risk of damage of a drain and a heating part provided at the bottom surface of the tub can be provided.

[0091] Further scope of applicability of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0092] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a view showing a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0093] Figures 3-4 is a view showing an example of a counterweight.

[0094] Figures 7-10 is a view showing an example of a heating part and a drain part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and identical or similar constituent elements are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawings and repeated description will be omitted.

[0096] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are assigned or mixed to facilitate writing of the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves.

[0097] Also, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that the detailed description of related known functions or configurations causes the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification to be obscured, the detailed description will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are merely provided to easily understand the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and should not limit the technical idea of the present specification to the accompanying drawings, but should encompass all changes, equivalents, and substitutions of the technical idea and technical scope of the present application.

[0098] The terms "first", "second", and the like, which include ordinal numbers, can be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one structural element from another structural element.

[0099] If it is mentioned that a certain structural element is "connected" or "coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other structural element, but there can be other structural elements therebetween. Conversely, if it is mentioned that a certain structural element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that there is no other structural element therebetween.

[0100] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expression includes the plural expression.

[0101] Referring to Figure 1 , a laundry treating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present application can include a cabinet 1 provided with a door 11 at a front surface 11, and a drawer 2 which can be drawn out of the cabinet 1 through the door 11.

[0102] A tub 3 (refer to Figure 2 ) to be described later can be provided inside the drawer and provide a space to store water.

[0103] A drum 4 (refer to Figure 2 ) to be described later can be rotatably provided inside the tub.

[0104] The drawer 2 can include a drawer body 21, a drawer cover 23 forming an upper surface of the drawer body, and a drawer panel 25 fixed to the drawer body 21.

[0105] The drawer body 21 can be formed in a hexahedron shape provided with an open surface at an upper portion. The drawer cover 23 can be fixed to an upper end of the drawer body 23 and form an upper surface of the drawer 2.

[0106] The drawer panel 25 can be a member (cabinet door) to open and close the door 11. The drawer panel 25 can be a member (handle) to easily draw in and out the drawer body 21 from the cabinet 1.

[0107] A control panel 251 that controls the operation of the laundry treating apparatus 100 can be provided on the upper surface of the drawer panel 25. The control panel 251 can be a member that receives a control command required for the operation of the laundry treating apparatus from the user. For example, it can be a member that receives a control command required for the operation of a member (water supply portion, drain portion) that supplies water to the outer tub 3 or performs drainage, a member (driving portion) that rotates the drum 4, etc. from the user. For example, the control panel 251 can be provided with an input portion through which the user can input a control command to the laundry treating apparatus, a display portion for confirming the control command input through the input portion or informing the user of the operation process of the control command input by the user.

[0108] A drop inlet 231 that penetrates the drawer cover 23 and communicates with the inside of the drawer main body 21 can be provided in the drawer cover 23. A cover penetration hole 233 that penetrates the drawer cover 23 and into which a water supply pipe 51 (refer to Figure 2 ) to be described later is inserted can be provided in the drawer cover 23.

[0109] The cabinet 1 can be formed such that the length in the width direction (Y-axis direction) is greater than the length in the height direction (Z-axis direction) (the length of the drawer in the width direction can be greater than the length in the height direction).

[0110] Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus 100 can be positioned at the lower portion or the upper portion of another treating apparatus in which laundry is washed or dried.

[0111] Accordingly, the user can easily access the control panel 251 and the drop inlet 231.

[0112] Referring to Figure 2 , the laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include an outer tub 3. The outer tub 3 can extend in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the outer tub 3 can be greater than the length (height) of the outer tub 3. The outer tub 3 can provide a space in which water is stored. The outer tub 3 can be disposed in the drawer 2.

[0113] The outer tub 3 can include an outer tub main body 31 that extends in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a length. The outer tub main body 31 can be open to the upper side.

[0114] The outer tub 3 can include a cover 33a that forms the upper side of the outer tub 3. The outer tub 3 can include an extension 33b that extends from the edge of the cover 33a to the lower side. The extension 33b can be combined with the upper portion of the outer tub main body 31. The cover 33a and the extension 33b can be referred to as an outer tub cover 33. Hereinafter, the cover 33a will also be referred to as a cover main body 33a. Hereinafter, the extension 33b will also be referred to as an extension main body 33b.

[0115] The outer tub main body 31 can be formed in a cylindrical shape with an upper portion open. The width of the drawer main body 21 can be greater than the height of the drawer main body, and the width of the outer tub main body 31 can be greater than the height of the outer tub main body.

[0116] The outer tub main body 31 is supported inside the drawer main body 21 by an outer tub support portion 37. The outer tub support portion 37 can include a first bracket 371 protruding from the drawer main body 21 toward the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 21, a second bracket 373 protruding from the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31 toward the side surface of the drawer main body, disposed at a lower position than the first bracket 371, and a support bar 375 having one end (upper end) connected to the first bracket 371 and the other end (lower end) connected to the second bracket 373.

[0117] The support bar 375 can be connected to the first bracket 371 by means of a first connecting portion 377 and to the second bracket 373 by means of a second connecting portion 378. The first connecting portion 377 can be disposed such that one end thereof is supported in the first bracket 371 and the other end thereof penetrates the first bracket 371 through a first bracket penetration hole 372. The second connecting portion 378 can be disposed such that one end thereof supports the second bracket 373 and the other end thereof penetrates the second bracket 373 through a second bracket penetration hole 374. The support bar 375 can be composed of a bar that penetrates the first connecting portion 377 and the second connecting portion 378.

[0118] A resilient body 379 can be further disposed between the upper end of the support bar 375 and the first connecting portion 377 and between the lower end of the support bar 375 and the second connecting portion 378. The resilient body 379 can be composed of a plate made of rubber or the like. Through the resilient body, the laundry treating apparatus 100 can attenuate the vibration of the outer tub main body 31.

[0119] The outer tub support portion 37 of the above-described structure can be composed of a plurality of portions. The plurality of outer tub support portions 37 are spaced apart from each other by the same angle with reference to a vertical line passing through the center of the outer tub main body 21.

[0120] The outer tub cover 33 can include a cover main body 33a positioned at the lower portion of the introduction port 231. The outer tub cover 33 can include an extension main body 33b bent from the circumferential surface of the cover main body toward the upper end of the outer tub main body 31.

[0121] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the height and capacity of the outer tub 3 without changing the design of the existing outer tub main body 31.

[0122] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the height and capacity of the outer tub 3 without changing the design of the existing outer tub main body 31.

[0123] A tub inlet 331 and a water supply port 333 can be provided in the lid body 33a to communicate the interior of the tub body 31 with the exterior. The tub inlet 331 can be opened and closed by a door 39 rotatably coupled to the lid body 33a. The door 39 can be positioned at a lower portion of the inlet 231. The door 39 can be rotated in a direction to open the tub inlet 331 when the drawer is drawn out of the cabinet. One end of a water supply pipe 51, which will be described later, can be fixed to the water supply port 333.

[0124] The extension body 33b can be fixed to an upper end. The extension body 33b can be fixed to the upper end of the tub body 31 by a lid fastening portion 35.

[0125] The lid fastening portion 35 can include a first fastening portion 351 provided at a free end of the extension body 33b to provide a space to accommodate the upper end of the tub body 31, and a second fastening portion 353 provided at a circumferential surface of the tub body 31 to be coupled to the first fastening portion 351.

[0126] The tub 3 can receive water through a water supply portion. The water supply portion can include a water supply pipe 51 connecting the water supply port 333 and a water supply source positioned outside the cabinet, and a water supply valve 53 to control opening and closing of the water supply pipe according to a control signal of a control portion.

[0127] Water stored in the tub 3 can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 1 by a drain portion. The drain portion can include a first drain pipe 61 connecting a bottom surface of the tub body 31 and a drain pump 63, and a second drain pipe 65 to guide water discharged from the drain pump 63 to the outside of the cabinet 1. A cabinet through hole 131 can be provided at a rear surface of the cabinet, and the second drain pipe 65 can pass through the cabinet through hole 131.

[0128] The drum 4 can be rotatably provided inside the tub 3. The drum 4 can extend in a cylindrical shape. A diameter of the drum 4 can be greater than a length (height) of the drum 4. The drum 4 can be open upward. The drum 4 can provide a space to store laundry.

[0129] The drum 4 can include a drum body 41 to provide a space to store the laundry. The drum body 41 can be formed in a cylindrical shape with an upper surface open or a cylindrical shape with a through hole provided at an upper surface.

[0130] A plurality of communication holes 43 can be provided at at least one of a circumferential surface and a bottom surface of the drum body 41 to communicate the interior of the drum body 41 with the interior of the tub 3.

[0131] The drum main body 41 is rotated by a driving part. The driving part can be fixed to the bottom surface of the outer tub 3 outside the outer tub 3.

[0132] The driving part can include a stator 471 fixed to the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 outside the outer tub 3, a rotor 473 rotated by a rotating magnetic field provided by the stator 471, and a rotating shaft 475 penetrating the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 to connect the drum main body 41 and the rotor 473. As shown in the drawings, the rotating shaft 475 can be disposed to form a right angle with respect to the inlet 231 (to form a right angle with respect to the bottom surface of the outer tub main body).

[0133] A counterweight 8 can be provided at the upper end of the drum main body 41. The counterweight 8 can attenuate vibration generated in the drum main body 41 when the drum main body 41 is rotated.

[0134] Referring to Figure 3 , the counterweight 8 can be fixed to the drum 4. The counterweight 8 can be fixed to the upper portion of the drum 4. The counterweight 8 can extend along the circumference of the drum 4. The counterweight 8 can extend in the circumferential direction of the drum 4. The counterweight 8 can be fixed to the upper portion of the drum main body 41 and rotate integrally with the drum 4 and extend along the circumference of the drum 4. That is, it can be considered that the counterweight 8 forms the upper portion of the drum 4.

[0135] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the height and capacity of the drum 4 without changing the design of the existing drum main body 41.

[0136] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the height and capacity of the drum 4 without changing the design of the existing drum main body 41.

[0137] The counterweight 8 can include a cover 81, 83 fixed to the drum main body 41 to form the upper surface of the drum main body, and a cover through-hole 85 penetrating the cover. The cover through-hole 85 penetrating the cover 81, 83 means that the cover 81, 83 has a ring shape.

[0138] The counterweight 8 can include a circulation flow path 87 formed in a ring shape inside the cover to form a movement path of a liquid. The circulation flow path 87 can store a liquid therein. Hereinafter, the circulation flow path 87 will also be referred to as a chamber 87.

[0139] Since the cover through-hole 85 is located at the lower portion of the outer tub inlet 331, laundry put through the outer tub inlet 331 moves to the inside of the drum main body 41 through the cover through-hole 85. Accordingly, the cover through-hole 85 functions as a drum inlet. Hereinafter, the cover through-hole 85 will also be referred to as a passage 85.

[0140] The cover body can include a first cover body 81 in a ring shape, and a second cover body 83 in a ring shape fixed to an upper surface of the first cover body 81. An upper end of the first cover body 81 and a lower end of the second cover body 83 can be combined by heat welding.

[0141] The weight 8 can further include a fixing body 811 provided to a circumferential surface of the first cover body 81 and fixing the first cover body 81 to a circumferential surface of the drum body 41.

[0142] Referring to Figure 4 The first cover body 81 can be provided such that a lower end thereof is inserted into the inside of the drum body 41 and an upper end thereof is exposed to the outside of the drum body 41.

[0143] The fixing body 811 can protrude in a ring shape from one side of the first cover body 81 facing the circumferential surface of the drum body 41 (a side surface of the first cover body) toward the circumferential surface of the drum body 41. That is, a diameter of the fixing body 811 can be greater than a diameter of the lower end of the first cover body 81 (the diameter of the fixing body can be the same as a diameter of an opening portion of the upper surface of the drum body 41, and the diameter of the lower end of the first cover body can be less than the diameter of the fixing body).

[0144] The first cover body 81 can be provided with a first flow path 871 in a ring shape formed by being recessed toward a direction away from the cover body 33a through an upper surface of the first cover body. The second cover body 82 can be provided with a second flow path 873 in a ring shape formed by being recessed toward the cover body 33a through a bottom surface of the second cover body 83. The circulation flow path 87 can be formed by the first flow path 871 and the second flow path 873 being connected. Hereinafter, the first flow path 871 will also be referred to as a first chamber 871. Hereinafter, the second flow path 872 will also be referred to as a second chamber 873.

[0145] In the weight 8 having the above-described structure, the amount of liquid moving along the circulation flow path can differ according to the volume of the circulation flow path 87. In the case of using the same liquid, the greater the volume of the circulation flow path 87, the more advantageous it is to reduce the eccentricity and vibration of the drum 4. In addition, if the height of the cover bodies 81, 83 is increased in order to increase the volume of the circulation flow path 87, the length of the drum body 41 is increased, and thus the volume of the drum body 41 is also increased (an effect of increasing the capacity of laundry treatment).

[0146] On the other hand, while the above effects can be expected by increasing the height of the cover bodies 81, 83 and the volume of the circulation flow path, if the height of the center of gravity G of the counterweight 8 becomes high, the problem that the vibration of the upper portion of the drum 4 and the upper portion of the tub 3 becomes large arises. If the height of the center of gravity G of the counterweight 8 becomes high, the distance between the lower end of the tub support portion 37 and the center of gravity G (the distance between the support point formed by the tub support portion and the center of gravity of the entire drum) becomes long. This means that the distance (the length of the force arm) orthogonal to the force (the force generated when the liquid moves inside the circulation flow path) acting on the center of gravity G from the lower end of the tub support portion 37 increases, and the length of the force arm increasing can make the vibration of the upper end of the tub 3 large.

[0147] The width W1 of the first flow path 871 can be larger than the width W2 of the second flow path 873. Therefore, not only the volume of the circulation flow path and the height of the cover bodies can be increased, but also the height of the center of gravity G of the counterweight can be minimized.

[0148] Making the width W1 of the first flow path larger than the width W2 of the second flow path can be achieved in various ways. For example, as shown in Figure 4 , the thickness T1 of the first cover body in the diameter direction of the drum main body 41 can be set to be smaller than the thickness T2 of the second cover body in the diameter direction of the drum main body, thereby making the width W1 of the first flow path larger than the width W2 of the second flow path. That is, in Figure 4 , the thickness T1 of the two side arms of the first cover body 81 forming the first flow path 871 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the two side arms of the second cover body 83 forming the second flow path 873, thereby making the width W1 of the first flow path larger than the width W2 of the second flow path.

[0149] In this case, the portions of the lower end side surfaces of the second flow path 873 facing the circumferential surface of the tub main body 31 and the portions of the upper end side surfaces of the first flow path 871 facing the circumferential surface of the tub main body 31 can be connected without steps, and the portions of the lower end side surfaces of the second flow path 873 facing the center of the drum main body 41 and the portions of the upper end side surfaces of the first flow path 871 facing the center of the drum main body can be connected with steps.

[0150] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4As shown in the enlarged view of the right upper portion of FIG. 1, the portions of the lower end side surfaces of the second flow path 873 and the upper end side surfaces of the first flow path 871, which face the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31, can be connected with steps, and the portions of the lower end side surfaces of the second flow path 873 and the upper end side surfaces of the first flow path 871, which face the center of the drum main body 41, can be connected without steps.

[0151] Alternatively, as shown in the enlarged view of the right lower portion of FIG. 1, the lower end side surfaces of the second flow path 873 and the upper end side surfaces of the first flow path 871 can be connected with steps. Figure 4

[0152] The bottom surface B height of the circulation flow path 87 (the bottom surface height of the first flow path) can be lower than the upper end height of the drum main body 41. Thereby, the height of the center of gravity G of the weight block can be moved to the lower side.

[0153] In addition, the width of the circulation flow path 87 can be smaller than the height of the circulation flow path (the length of the circulation flow path in the height direction of the drum main body). Thereby, the volume of the circulation flow path 87 can be increased without reducing the volume of the drum 4.

[0154] As shown in the figure, the center of gravity G of the weight block can be set to be located inside the first flow path 871. The height of the first cover 81 can be greater than the height of the second cover 83.

[0155] Unlike the figure, the length of the second flow path 873 in the height direction of the drum main body 41 can be the same as the length of the first flow path 871 in the height direction of the drum main body 41, or can be greater than the length of the first flow path 871. This is to minimize the design changes (changes in the structure of the mold for manufacturing the cover and changes in the structure of the drum) required when manufacturing the weight block 8.

[0156] Preferably, when the drum main body 41 rotates at a high rotational speed (a rotational speed at which a centrifugal force of 1 G or more is generated), the liquid is preferably not moved along the circulation flow path as long as the vibration of the drum main body does not exceed a predetermined reference vibration. This is because, if the liquid moves inside the circulation flow path during rotation at a rotational speed at which a centrifugal force of 1 G or more is generated in the diameter direction of the drum main body, vibration caused by the movement of the liquid can occur in the drum main body 41.

[0157] A plurality of anti-skid walls can be provided in the circulation flow path 87. This can prevent the liquid from moving along the circulation flow path during high-speed rotation of the drum main body 41.

[0158] As shown in the figure, the center of gravity G of the weight block can be set to be located inside the first flow path 871. The height of the first cover 81 can be greater than the height of the second cover 83. Figure 3 ​As shown, the anti-skid wall 88 can be composed of a board, one end of which is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the circulation flow path 87 (a surface opposite to the circumferential surface of the tub main body), and the free end of which protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the circulation flow path 87 (a surface toward the center of the drum main body). The free end of the anti-skid wall 88 can not be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the circulation flow path 87. When the drum main body 41 rotates at a low speed or in the case of eccentric rotation of the drum main body 41, liquid can move along the circulation flow path.

[0159] The anti-skid wall 88 can be composed of a plurality of boards spaced apart from each other at the same angle with the center of the cover body through-hole 85 as a reference.

[0160] Referring to Figure 5 , the circulation flow path 87 can be divided into two chambers C1, C2 by a partition wall 89. Liquid can be stored in the outer chamber C1 and the inner chamber C2, respectively.

[0161] The partition wall 89 can include a first partition wall 891 provided to the first cover body 81 to divide the inside of the first flow path 871 into two spaces, and a second partition wall 893 provided to the second cover body 83 to divide the inside of the second flow path 873 into two spaces. In this case, the free end of the first partition wall 891 and the free end of the second partition wall 893 can be combined by heat fusion.

[0162] Referring to Figure 6 , the drum 4 can include a counterweight support portion 45 protruding toward the center of the drum main body from the circumferential surface of the drum main body 41. The counterweight 8 can include a fastening groove 813, which is a groove in which the circumferential surface of the first cover body 81 is recessed and bent, forming a space to accommodate the counterweight support portion 45.

[0163] The fastening groove 813 is formed in the space provided by the fixed body 811, the edge portion of the circumferential surface of the fixed body and the bottom surface of the fixed body, and accommodates at least a portion of the counterweight support portion 45.

[0164] The counterweight support portion 45 can extend along the circumference of the drum 4 and have a cross-section in the shape of a semicircle or an arc. The fastening groove 813 can be provided as an upper area of a horizontal line passing through the center of the counterweight support portion 45 in an area to accommodate the counterweight support portion 45. If the fastening groove 813 is provided in the fixed body 811, it has the effect of further lowering the height of the center of gravity G of the counterweight. Figure 6 The circulation flow path 87 shown can also be divided into an outer chamber C1 and an inner chamber C2 by a partition wall 89.

[0165] A heating part 7 that heats water inside the outer tub 3 can be provided at the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 to enable washing laundry with water at a temperature higher than room temperature.

[0166] Referring to Figure 2 , the heating part 7 can be accommodated in an outer tub chamber 71, 73 protruding from the bottom surface of the outer tub to the bottom surface of the cabinet.

[0167] The heating part 7 can include a heater 72 that heats water inside the outer tub, and a chamber drain 75 connected to the outer tub chamber 71, 73.

[0168] The outer tub chamber 71, 73 can be formed in the form of a groove protruding from the bottom surface of the outer tub main body to the bottom surface of the cabinet or a groove protruding from the bottom surface of the outer tub main body to the bottom surface of the drawer main body.

[0169] The bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 can be inclined toward the outer tub chamber 71, 73 to enable water remaining at the bottom of the outer tub main body 31 to move toward the outer tub chamber 71, 73.

[0170] The outer tub chamber 71, 73 can include a heating chamber 71 that accommodates the heater 72 therein, and a water collecting chamber 73 protruding from the bottom surface of the heating chamber 71 to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 to form a space to store water.

[0171] Referring to Figure 7 (a), the water collecting chamber 73 can be formed as a space to store water by protruding from the bottom surface of the heating chamber 71 to the bottom surface of the drawer main body 21 or the bottom surface of the cabinet 1.

[0172] The chamber drain 75 can be in the form of a tube that penetrates the side surface of the water collecting chamber 73. The chamber drain 75 can be a tube that extends from the side surface of the water collecting chamber 73 in the diameter direction of the outer tub main body 31. The chamber drain 75 can be a tube that extends from the side surface of the water collecting chamber 73 in a direction away from the center of the outer tub (-X-axis direction).

[0173] Thereby, the volumes of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2 can be maximized.

[0174] On the other hand, if the chamber drain 75 is provided at the bottom surface of the water collecting chamber 73, the first drain 61 fixed to the chamber drain 75 is located in a space between the bottom surface of the drawer main body 21 or the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 and the chamber drain 75, unlike the drawing.

[0175] In the state as described above, if vibration is generated in the outer tub body 31 due to rotation of the drum body 41, there is a possibility that the chamber drain pipe 75 and the first drain pipe 61 can be damaged due to friction with the bottom surface of the drawer body 21 or the bottom surface of the cabinet 1.

[0176] If the chamber drain pipe 75 is provided at the side of the sump chamber 73, it is possible to minimize damage to the chamber drain pipe 75 when the outer tub body 31 vibrates. That is, as Figure 7 (a) of the (a), if the chamber drain pipe 75 is provided as a pipe extending in a direction away from the center of the outer tub, it is possible to minimize the above danger.

[0177] The chamber drain pipe 75 can be combined with one end of the first drain pipe 61. The chamber drain pipe 75 can be combined with the first drain pipe 61 in a form of being inserted into one end of the first drain pipe 61.

[0178] One end of the first drain pipe 61 can be fixed to the chamber drain pipe 75, and the other end can be connected to the drain pump 63. The drain pump 63 can be fixed to the same position as or a lower position than the chamber drain pipe 75.

[0179] If the chamber drain pipe 75 is provided as a pipe extending from the side of the outer tub chamber 71, 73 in a direction away from the center of the outer tub 3, it is possible to prevent damage to the first drain pipe 61 when the outer tub body 31 vibrates.

[0180] The chamber drain pipe 75 can be located between the bottom surface of the outer tub 3 and the lowest point of the driving part. The chamber drain pipe 75 can be located between the bottom surface of the outer tub 3 and the lowest point of the rotor. The height of the lowest point of the chamber drain pipe 75 can be the same as or higher than the height of the lowest point of the rotor 473 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0181] Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the chamber drain pipe 75 when the outer tub body 31 vibrates.

[0182] On the other hand, with reference to (a) of Figure 7 , the height of the lowest point of the chamber drain pipe 75 can be lower than the height of the lowest point of the sump chamber 73.

[0183] The side and / or bottom surface of the sump chamber 73 can be provided to be inclined downward toward the chamber drain pipe 75, and the bottom surface 77 (first inclined surface) of the heating chamber 71 can be provided to be inclined downward toward the sump chamber 73.

[0184] Thus, it is possible to minimize the amount of water remaining inside the heating chamber 71 and the sump chamber 73.

[0185] The chamber drain 75 can be combined with one end of the first drain 61 outside a hypothetical cylinder extending the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0186] One end of the chamber drain 75 can be combined with the side surface of the sump chamber 73, and the other end can be a free end.

[0187] The distance H1 from the side surface of the sump chamber 73 to the free end of the chamber drain 75 can be greater than the distance H2 from the side surface of the sump chamber 73 to the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0188] The chamber drain 75 can be combined with the first drain 61 outside the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31 with reference to the center of the outer tub main body 31.

[0189] Thus, it is possible to maximize the volume of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2 by locating the combined position of the chamber drain 75 and the first drain 61 outside the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub.

[0190] Referring to Figure 7 (b) and Figure 8 , the heating part 7 can further include a guide 76 protruding from the bottom surface of the sump chamber 73 to form a flow path that guides water toward the chamber drain 75.

[0191] Referring to Figure 7 (b), with reference to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 or the bottom surface of the drawer 2, the lowest point (the lowest position in the bottom surface of the guide) of the guide 76 can be located lower than the lowest point of the sump chamber 73. With reference to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 or the bottom surface of the drawer 2, the lowest point (the lowest position in the bottom surface of the chamber drain) of the chamber drain 75 can be lower than the lowest point of the guide 76.

[0192] Thus, it is possible to minimize the amount of water remaining inside the sump chamber 73.

[0193] The bottom surface of the guide 76 can be inclined downward toward the chamber drain 75.

[0194] Referring to Figure 9 , the cross section of the guide 76 can have a semicircular or arc shape.

[0195] A surface 78 (a side surface of the sump chamber) of a bottom surface 77 of the heating chamber 71 and a bottom surface of the sump chamber 73 can be disposed to be inclined toward the chamber drain pipe 75 as it goes from the bottom surface 77 of the heating chamber 71 toward the bottom surface of the sump chamber 73.

[0196] The closer the lowest point of the chamber drain pipe 75 is to the bottom surface of the drawer 2 or the bottom surface of the cabinet 1, the greater the possibility of damage to the chamber drain pipe 75 and the first drain pipe 61 when the outer tub main body 31 vibrates. In order to increase the height of the lowest point of the chamber drain pipe 75, the center 751 of the chamber drain pipe 75 can be located higher than the bottom surface of the sump chamber 73.

[0197] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 , the chamber drain pipe 75 can extend in a direction (-X axis and +Y axis direction or -X axis and -Y axis direction) inclined with respect to the direction (+X axis direction) in which the drawer 2 is drawn out of the cabinet 1. The chamber drain pipe 75 can extend from the side surface of the chambers 71, 73 in a direction away from the center of the outer tub 3, and toward the corner region where the side surface and the back surface of the drawer 2 intersect.

[0198] The chamber drain pipe 75 can extend in a direction in which the second bracket 373 protrudes. The chamber drain pipe 75 can extend from the side surface of the chambers 71, 73 in a direction away from the center of the outer tub 3, and in a direction in which the second bracket 373 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31 toward the side surface and / or the back surface of the drawer main body.

[0199] Thereby, it is possible to minimize the volume of the outer tub 3 due to the chamber drain pipe 75 by extending the chamber drain pipe 75 toward the corner of the cabinet 1 or the drawer 2 or the vicinity of the corner, and to maximize the volume of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2.

[0200] A drive portion mounting groove 311 protruding toward the outer tub cover 33 can be provided in the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0201] As shown in Figure 2 , the drive portion can be located inside the drive portion mounting groove 311. The stator 471 and the rotor 473 can be disposed to be located inside the drive portion mounting groove 311. In this case, the lowest point of the chamber drain pipe 75 can be located between the lowest point of the rotor 473 and the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0202] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 can include a first bottom surface 312, a second bottom surface 314, and an inclined surface 313. The drive unit installation groove 311 can be formed through the first bottom surface 312, the inclined surface 313, and the second bottom surface 314.

[0203] The first bottom surface 312 can be formed at the center of the outer tub main body 31. The first bottom surface 312 can be formed in a region within a prescribed distance from the center of the outer tub main body 31.

[0204] The second bottom surface 314 can be formed at a position further outward than the first bottom surface 312, with reference to the center of the outer tub main body 31. The second bottom surface 314 can be located at a position further downward than the first bottom surface 312. The second bottom surface 314 can be located at a position lower than the first bottom surface 312, with reference to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 or the bottom surface of the drawer 2.

[0205] The inclined surface 313 can be formed to be inclined downward from the first bottom surface 312 toward the second bottom surface 314.

[0206] The drive unit can be located at a lower portion of the first bottom surface 312. The stator 471 and the rotor 473 can be located at the lower portion of the first bottom surface 312.

[0207] The chambers 71, 73 can be formed to be spaced apart from the drive unit and to protrude from the second bottom surface 314 toward the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 or the bottom surface of the drawer 2.

[0208] Since the second bottom surface 314 and the chambers 71, 73 are located at a lower position, with reference to the first bottom surface 312, it is possible to minimize the volume of the outer tub 3 in order to secure a space for disposing the heating unit 7, and to maximize the volumes of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2.

[0209] Referring to Figure 10 The heating unit 7 can not include the water collecting chamber 73.

[0210] Referring to Figure 10 (a), the heating unit 7 can include a heating chamber 71 protruding from the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 to form a space in which a heater 72 is accommodated, and a chamber drain 75 connected to the heating chamber 71.

[0211] The chamber drain 75 can include a chamber drain 75 extending from a side surface of the heating chamber 71 in a diameter direction of the outer tub main body 31 and draining water inside the heating chamber 71.

[0212] Thus, it is possible to maximize the volumes of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2.

[0213] The chamber drain 75 can be located between the bottom surface of the outer tub main body 31 and the lowest point of the rotor 473. The lowest point of the chamber drain 75 can be lower than the lowest point of the heating chamber 71. The bottom surface 77 of the heating chamber 71 can be inclined downward toward the chamber drain 75.

[0214] Thereby, it is possible to minimize the amount of water remaining inside the heating chamber 71.

[0215] The chamber drain 75 can be combined with one end of the first drain 61 outside an imaginary cylinder extending the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0216] One end of the chamber drain 75 can be combined with the side surface of the heating chamber 71, and the other end is a free end.

[0217] The distance from the side surface of the heating chamber 71 to the free end of the chamber drain 75 can be greater than the distance from the side surface of the heating chamber 71 to the circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31.

[0218] The chamber drain 75 can be combined with the first drain 61 at a position more outside than the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub main body 31, with reference to the center of the outer tub main body 31.

[0219] Thereby, it is possible to maximize the volume of the outer tub 3 and the drum 2 by locating the combined position of the chamber drain 75 and the first drain 61 outside the outer circumferential surface of the outer tub.

[0220] Referring to Figure 10 (b), a guide 76 can be provided at the bottom surface of the heating chamber 71. The guide 76 can protrude from the bottom surface 77 of the heating chamber to the bottom surface of the cabinet 1 or the bottom surface of the drawer 2 and constitute a flow path guiding water to the chamber drain 75. The lowest point of the chamber drain 75 can be lower than the lowest point of the guide 76.

[0221] Thereby, it is possible to minimize the amount of water remaining in the heating chamber 71.

[0222] The chamber drain 75 can be located between the bottom surface of the outer tub 3 and the lowest point of the rotor 473. The height of the lowest point of the chamber drain 75 can be the same as the height of the lowest point of the rotor 473, or higher than the height of the lowest point of the rotor 473.

[0223] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the chamber drain 75 from being damaged when the outer tub main body 31 vibrates.

[0224] Although the heating part 7 and the counterweight 8 are described based on the case where they are applied to the laundry treating apparatus 100 in which the drawer 2 is provided with the outer tub drawn from the cabinet 1, they can be applied to apparatuses other than the drawer-type laundry treating apparatus.

[0225] That is, the heating part 7 and the counterweight 8 can also be applied to a top loading type laundry treating apparatus provided with a cabinet, an outer tub fixed inside the cabinet by an outer tub support part, and a drum rotatably provided inside the outer tub.

[0226] In addition, the heating part 7 and the counterweight 8 can also be applied to a laundry treating apparatus fixed to an upper face of a washing machine or an upper face of a dryer. In this case, the drawer 2 provided in the laundry treating apparatus 100 can be omitted. That is, the cabinet 1 of the laundry treating apparatus is fixed to an upper face of a cabinet (second cabinet) of a washing machine or a dryer, the outer tub 3 is fixed inside the cabinet 1 by the outer tub support part 37, and a through hole through which the door 39 is exposed to the outside of the cabinet can be provided in the upper face of the cabinet 1.

[0227] Referring to Figures 1-10 In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus can include an outer tub, a drum extending in a cylindrical shape, open to an upper side, rotatably disposed inside the outer tub, a counterweight fixed to an upper portion of the drum, extending along a circumference of the drum, providing a passage communicating with an inner space of the drum, and a chamber formed inside the counterweight, extending along the counterweight. The chamber can include a first chamber forming a lower side of the chamber, and a second chamber forming an upper side of the chamber. A width of the first chamber can be greater than a width of the second chamber.

[0228] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the counterweight can extend upward through an upper end of the drum.

[0229] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the drum can further include a circumferential portion protruding from an upper end of a circumferential surface of the drum toward a center of rotation of the drum, providing an opening portion of the drum, and a support portion protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the drum, extending along a circumference of the drum. The counterweight can further include a fixing portion protruding from an outer side surface of the counterweight facing the inner circumferential surface of the drum, and inserted between the circumferential portion and the support portion of the drum.

[0230] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the counterweight can further include a fastening groove recessed at a lower end of the fixing portion, into which the support portion of the drum is inserted.

[0231] According to another aspect of the present application, the chamber can be provided with a bottom surface positioned lower than an upper end of the fastening groove.

[0232] According to another aspect of the present application, the counterweight can further include a first cover forming a lower appearance of the counterweight and providing the first chamber, and a second cover forming an upper appearance of the counterweight and providing the second chamber, fixed to an upper portion of the first cover.

[0233] According to another aspect of the present application, a thickness of the second cover can be greater than a thickness of the first cover in a radial direction of the drum.

[0234] According to another aspect of the present application, the counterweight can further include a fixing portion protruding from an outer side surface of the first cover facing an inner circumferential surface of the drum and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum. An outer side surface of the second cover facing a circumferential surface of the outer tub can be positioned more outward than an outer side surface of the first cover.

[0235] According to another aspect of the present application, the outer tub can include an outer tub body extending in a cylindrical shape having a greater diameter than a length, opened upward, a cover forming an upper side surface of the outer tub, and an extension portion extending downward from an edge of the cover, combined with an upper portion of the outer tub body.

[0236] The laundry treating apparatus according to another aspect of the present application can further include a cabinet provided with an exit in a front, and a drawer provided to be drawn out of the cabinet through the exit, providing a space to accommodate the outer tub.

[0237] Any of the above-described embodiments of the present application or other embodiments thereof are not exclusive of each other or mutually distinct. Individual structural elements or functions of any of the above-described embodiments of the present application or other embodiments thereof can be combined or integrated.

[0238] For example, this means that A structure described in a certain embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with B structure described in other embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between structures is not directly described, it is meant that the combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that the combination is not possible.

[0239] Therefore, the above detailed description should not be understood as limiting in all aspects and should be understood as exemplary. The scope of the present application should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the scope of equivalents of the present application should fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1.A laundry treating apparatus, wherein, Comprise: an outer tub; a drum extending in a cylindrical shape, open to an upper side, rotatably disposed in the outer tub; a counterweight fixed to an upper portion of the drum, extending along a circumference of the drum, providing a passage communicating with an inner space of the drum; and a chamber formed in an inner portion of the counterweight, extending along the counterweight; the chamber comprises: a first chamber forming a lower side portion of the chamber; and a second chamber forming an upper side portion of the chamber; a width of the first chamber is greater than a width of the second chamber; a portion of both side surfaces of a lower end of the second chamber, which faces a circumferential surface of the outer tub, and a portion of both side surfaces of an upper end of the first chamber, which faces the circumferential surface of the outer tub, are connected without forming a step, and a portion of both side surfaces of the lower end of the second chamber, which faces a center of the drum, and a portion of both side surfaces of the upper end of the first chamber, which faces the center of the drum, are connected to form a step; or a portion of both side surfaces of a lower end of the second chamber, which faces a circumferential surface of the outer tub, and a portion of both side surfaces of an upper end of the first chamber, which faces the circumferential surface of the outer tub, are connected to form a step, and a portion of both side surfaces of the lower end of the second chamber, which faces a center of the drum, and a portion of both side surfaces of the upper end of the first chamber, which faces the center of the drum, are connected without forming a step. 2.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the counterweight extends upward through an upper end of the drum. 3.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drum further comprises: a circumferential portion protruding from an upper end of a circumferential surface of the drum toward a center of rotation of the drum, providing an opening portion of the drum; and a support portion protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the drum, extending along a circumference of the drum; the counterweight further comprises a fixing portion protruding from an outer side surface of the counterweight facing the inner circumferential surface of the drum, and inserted between the circumferential portion and the support portion of the drum. 4.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the counterweight further comprises a fastening groove recessed at a lower end of the fixing portion for insertion of the support portion of the drum. 5.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the chamber has a bottom surface located at a position lower than an upper end of the fastening groove. 6.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the counterweight further comprises: a first cover forming a lower appearance of the counterweight, providing the first chamber; and a second cover forming an upper appearance of the counterweight, providing the second chamber, fixed to an upper portion of the first cover. 7.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein in a radial direction of the drum, a thickness of the second cover is greater than a thickness of the first cover. 8.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the counterweight further comprises a fixing portion protruding from an outer side surface of the first cover facing the inner circumferential surface of the drum, and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum, ​ ​ An outer side surface of the second cover body facing the circumference of the outer tub is located more outward than an outer side surface of the first cover body. 9.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the outer tub includes: an outer tub body extending in a cylindrical shape having a diameter greater than a length, open to an upper side; a cover forming an upper side surface of the outer tub; and an extension portion extending downward from an edge of the cover, combined with an upper portion of the outer tub body. 10.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, further comprising: a cabinet provided with a leading-out port at a front; and a drawer provided to be led out of the cabinet through the leading-out port, providing a space to accommodate the outer tub.

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