Clothing processing apparatus

Abstract

A clothing processing apparatus includes: a housing; a tub provided in the housing and including a recessed fluid channel including a tub exhaust port and recessed toward the inside of the tub, and a fluid channel rib extending along the edge of the recessed fluid channel; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub; a drying device provided to supply heated air into the drum; a duct cover covering one open side of the recessed fluid channel; and a seal arranged between the tub and the duct cover to seal the exhaust fluid channel. The seal provided between the tub and the duct cover, includes: a sealing body coupled to the fluid channel rib; an inner sealing body extending from the sealing body toward the exhaust fluid channel; and an outer sealing body extending from the sealing body in a direction away from the exhaust fluid channel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2024 / 013459 designating the United States, filed on Sep. 6, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property Receiving Office, and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0163852, filed on Nov. 22, 2023, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The disclosure relates to a clothing processing apparatus including a drying device.Description of Related Art

[0003] A clothing processing apparatus is an appliance for treating and / or managing clothes. The clothing processing apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer.

[0004] The washing machine performs washing through mutual friction by stirring together laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub by means of the driving force of a drive motor.

[0005] Cycles performed by the washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle of supplying water and detergent to a tub in which laundry is received and washing the laundry by rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a dewatering cycle of discharging water from the tub and removing moisture from the laundry by rotating the drum.

[0006] Cycles performed by the washing machine may include a drying cycle of drying the laundry by blowing heat generated from a drying device into a receiving space in which the laundry is received. The washing machine may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothing processing apparatus having improved drying performance.

[0008] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothing processing apparatus having an improved structure for sealing an exhaust flow path.

[0009] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing, a tub provided in the housing, the tub including a recessed flow path portion including a tub exhaust port and recessed toward an inner side of the tub, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover couplable to the tub and configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion to form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal disposed between the tub and the duct cover to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0010] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes: a tub including a recessed flow path portion defining a tub exhaust port and recessed inwardly of the tub, and a flow path rib extending along a boarder of the recessed flow path portion, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion and form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal coupled along the flow path rib to seal the exhaust flow path, wherein the duct cover may be configured to be coupled to the tub with the seal interposed therebetween to seal the exhaust flow path.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a sealing member is coupled to a tub according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a state before the tub and a duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member therebetween according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6, showing a state in which the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member therebetween according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a guide groove of the tub and a guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the guide groove of the tub and the guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a fixing protrusion of the tub and a fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the fixing protrusion of the tub and the fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions.

[0025] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0026] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0027] In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0028] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0031] It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0032] When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0033] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0034] A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothing processing apparatus, and the clothing processing apparatus is a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

[0035] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or removing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

[0036] For the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. For the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

[0037] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.

[0038] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be visible.

[0039] The washing machine may include a tub disposed within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0040] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.

[0041] The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

[0042] The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening and then be received in the drum or removed from the drum.

[0043] The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying while rotating in the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.

[0044] The washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate the drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.

[0045] The drive device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.

[0046] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0047] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller including various circuitry. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

[0048] The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to enter detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.

[0049] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open or close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0050] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface including various circuitry for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0051] The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0052] The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0053] The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.

[0054] For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, or a voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0055] The washing machine may include a communication module including various communication circuitry for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0056] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

[0057] The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0058] For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0059] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a WAN to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0062] The controller may include various circuitry including hardware such as a CPU and / or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0063] Hereinafter, a clothing processing apparatus according to various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a washing machine will be described as an example of a clothing processing apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine and may be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing clothes.

[0064] The directions of front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right will be consistently referred to throughout the description with reference to the directions shown in FIG. 1, for example, the accompany drawings. In FIG. 1, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis direction perpendicular to each other are shown, wherein an X-direction refers to front, a Y-direction refers to left, and a Z-direction refers to top.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a housing 10 forming an exterior thereof, a tub 20 configured to receive washing water or rinsing water that may be used in a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle, a drum 30 configured to receive laundry, and a drive motor 42 configured to rotate the drum 30.

[0067] The housing 10 may be provided in a substantially cuboidal shape. The housing 10 may include frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, wherein the frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e may include an upper frame 10a forming an upper surface of the housing 10, a front frame 10b and a rear frame 10c forming front and rear surfaces of the housing 10, and a side frame 10d and a lower frame 10e connecting the front frame 10b and the rear frame 10c and forming side and lower surfaces of the housing 10.

[0068] An inlet (not shown) for loading or unloading laundry into the drum 30 may be formed in the front frame 10b of the housing 10. The inlet (not shown) may be opened or closed by a door 13 installed on the front frame 10b of the housing 10.

[0069] A control panel 11 for controlling an operation of the clothing processing apparatus 1 may be provided on an upper portion of the front frame 10b of the housing 10. The control panel 11 may be provided with an input portion (e.g., inputter) for inputting operation of the clothing processing apparatus 1, and a display portion for displaying various information regarding the clothing processing apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 11 may include a display panel capable of touch input. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control panel may include various types of input portions and display portions.

[0070] A cylindrical drum 30 may be provided inside the housing 10. The drum 30 may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from a drive device. The drive device for rotating the drum 30 will be described in greater detail below.

[0071] The tub 20 may include a first tub 21 positioned inwardly forward of the housing 10, and a second tub 22 coupled to a rear side of the first tub 21. The first tub 21 may include a cylindrical portion 21a that is circumferentially arranged.

[0072] The second tub 22 may include a tub body 22a arranged in the circumferential direction. The second tub 22 may include a tub back 200 formed on its rear surface. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tub back 200 of the second tub 22 is shown as being integrally formed with the tub body 22a, but is not limited thereto. The tub back 200 may form the rear surface of the tub 20. The tub 20 may be provided by a connection of the cylindrical portion 21a of the first tub 21 and the tub body 22a of the second tub 22.

[0073] The tub back 200 may be formed with a through-hole 230 through which a shaft passes in the center thereof. The tub back 200 may be formed with a tub exhaust port 220 to which an exhaust flow path P is connected at a lower one side thereof. The tub exhaust port 220 of the tub back 200 will be described in greater detail below.

[0074] A plurality of ribs 201 may be formed on a rear side of the tub back 200. The plurality of ribs 201 may include annular ribs 201a and radial ribs 201b. The annular ribs 201a may have different radii around the through-hole 230.

[0075] The radial ribs 201b may extend in a radial direction from the through-hole 230. In addition, the radial ribs 201b may extend through the annular ribs 201a.

[0076] On an upper portion of the tub 20, a water supply device 90 for supplying washing water to the tub 20 may be disposed. The water supply device 90 may be disposed on a rear side of a drying device 70.

[0077] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a detergent supply device 95 for supplying detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply device 95 may include a first detergent supply device 95a disposed at a lower portion of the tub 20. The detergent supply device 95 may include a second detergent supply device 95b disposed at the upper portion of the tub 20.

[0078] A drainage device 93 for discharging washing water used in washing to an outside of the housing 10 may be disposed on the lower portion of the tub 20. The drainage device 93 may include a drain pump 93a for discharging water inside the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a connection hose 93b connecting the tub 20 and the drain pump 93a to allow water inside the tub 20 to flow into the drain pump 93a, and a drain hose for guiding the water pumped by the drain pump 93a to the outside of the housing 10.

[0079] The tub 20 may be supported by a damper 16. The damper 16 may connect the lower frame 10e of the housing 10 and the outer surface of the tub 20. The damper 16 may also be positioned on the upper, left, and right sides in addition to the lower frame of the housing 10 to support the tub 20.

[0080] The drum 30 may include a drum body 32, a drum front 31, and a drum back 34.

[0081] The drum body 32 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with open front and rear ends. A plurality of through-holes 32a may be formed in the cylindrical drum body 32 for the flow of washing water. A plurality of lifters 33 may be installed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum body 32 to allow the laundry to be lifted and dropped when the drum 30 rotates.

[0082] The drum front 31 may be disposed at the front end of the drum body 32, and the drum back 34 may be disposed at the rear end of the drum body 32.

[0083] A coupling hole 35 may be provided on sides of the drum body 32. The coupling hole 35 may be provided on the rear end of the drum body 32 to allow the drum back 34 to be coupled. The coupling hole 35 may be formed in a plurality. The coupling holes 35 may be configured to secure a flange shaft 60 that is installed on the drum back 34. The coupling holes 35 may be formed to correspond to the flange shaft 60. The coupling holes 35 may be formed to be spaced apart at regular intervals along an circumferential direction of the drum body 32 to correspond to the flange shaft 60.

[0084] The drum front 31 may be provided to correspond to a front opening (e.g., the open front end) of the drum body 32. The drum back 34 may be provided to correspond to a rear opening (e.g., the open rear end) of the drum body 32.

[0085] The drum back 34 may be formed in a disk shape so as to block the rear opening of the drum body 32.

[0086] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a drive device 40 configured to rotate the drum 30. The drive device 40 may include a drive motor 42 and a rotating shaft 41 connected to the drum 30 to transmit a driving force generated by the drive motor 42 to the drum 30. The rotating shaft 41 for transmitting the power of the drive motor 42 may be connected to the drum back 34 of the drum 30. The drum 30 may rotate within the tub 20 by a rotational force transmitted via the rotating shaft 41.

[0087] The drive motor 42 may be provided on an outer side of the tub 20. The drive motor 42 may be connected to the drum 30 via the rotating shaft 41. The rotating shaft 41 may pass through the tub back 200 of the tub 20 and be rotatably supported by a bearing 52 and a bearing housing 51.

[0088] The drive motor 42 may include a stator fixed to an outer side of the tub back 200, and a rotor rotatably arranged and connected to the rotating shaft 41. The rotor may electromagnetically interact with the stator to convert rotational electrical force into mechanical rotational force. The rotation of the rotor may be transmitted to the drum 30 via the rotating shaft 41.

[0089] The drum back 34 may be connected to the rotating shaft 41 via the flange shaft 60. The flange shaft 60 may be configured to transmit power from the drive motor 42.

[0090] The flange shaft 60 may include a hub portion 61 disposed at a center of the drum back 34, and a plurality of flange portions 62 extending radially from the hub portion 61. A shaft coupling portion 63 may be formed at the center of the hub portion 61 for installing the rotating shaft 41.

[0091] The plurality of flange portions 62 may be formed at approximately 120 degree intervals around the hub portion 61. The plurality of flange portions 62 may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the drum back 34. A plurality of fastening holes 64 may be formed at one end of each flange portion 62. The plurality of fastening holes 64 may be formed to correspond to the coupling holes 35 of the drum 30. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, two fastening holes are shown as being formed on one flange portion, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening holes may be formed in various ways depending on the size and shape of the drum and the flange portion.

[0092] The rotating shaft 41 may be disposed between the drum 30 and the drive motor 42. One end of the rotating shaft 41 may be connected to the drum back 34, and the other end may extends outwardly of the tub back 200. When the drive motor 42 drives the rotating shaft 41, the drum 30 connected to the rotating shaft 41 may rotate about the rotating shaft 41.

[0093] The bearing housing 51 may be installed on the tub back 200 to rotatably support the rotating shaft 41. The bearing housing 51 may be made of an aluminum alloy. For example, the bearing housing 51 may be formed from aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bearing housing 51 may also be formed of stainless steel. It is sufficient as long as the bearing housing 51 is formed of a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub 20.

[0094] The bearing housing 51 may be inserted into the tub back 200 of the second tub 22 when the tub 20 is injection molded.

[0095] The bearings 52 may be installed between the bearing housing 51 and the rotating shaft 41 to allow the rotating shaft 41 to rotate smoothly.

[0096] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may further include the drying device 70 configured to heat air and supply the air into the tub 20. The drying device 70 may be configured to dry and heat the air discharged from the tub 20, and to circulate the heated air into the tub 20 to dry the clothes inside the drum 30.

[0097] The drying device 70 may be provided on the upper portion of the tub 20, but its position is not limited thereto.

[0098] The drying device 70 may include a drying device main body 70a in which a heat pump for drying air may be installed, and a drying device cover 70b that covers the drying device main body 70a to form a duct through which air may travel. The drying device cover 70b may cover an upper surface of the drying device main body 70a. By coupling the drying device cover 70b to the drying device main body 70a, a duct through which air may flow may be formed.

[0099] The drying device 70 may be configured as a heat pump type. The drying device 70 may include a compressor 71, a condenser 72, an evaporator 73, an expansion valve (not shown), and a refrigerant pipe 75 through which refrigerant circulates and heat is exchanged. The compressor 71, the condenser 72, the evaporator 73, and the like of the heat pump may be disposed in the drying device main body 70a.

[0100] The compressor 71 may compress a refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant may be moved to the condenser 72. The condenser 72 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may be introduced into the drum 30 to dry the laundry.

[0101] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 73 and cool the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 73 may cool the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed inside the drum 30 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed may pass through the condenser 72 and may be heated again as it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 72. For example, the condenser 72 may heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 73.

[0102] The drying device 70 may further include a heater 80 in addition to the heat pump to increase drying efficiency. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the drying device 70 may be configured as a heater manner, including only the heater 80 instead of a heat pump manner.

[0103] The heater 80 may heat the air that has introduced into the drying device 70. The heater 80 may be disposed in a heating duct 77. The heater 80 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 72. In addition, the heater 80 may be provided in a small size to minimize / reduce flow path resistance. For example, the heater 80 may be a sheath heater.

[0104] The drying device 70 may be disposed on an upper side of the tub 20. The upper side of the tub 20 may include an inlet duct 76 through which air enters the drying device 70, the heating duct 77 in which the condenser 72 and the evaporator 73 are disposed, and a supply duct 78 through which the heated air from the drying device 70 is supplied into the drum 30.

[0105] The inlet duct 76 may be configured to allow the air that has passed through the interior of the tub 20 to enter the drying device 70. The inlet duct 76 may be disposed on the upper side of the tub 20. The inlet duct 76 may be in communication with the exhaust flow path P formed at the rear side of the tub 20. Specifically, the inlet duct 76 may include an inlet duct head 76a forming the inlet of the inlet duct 76. The air that has passed through the exhaust flow path P may enter the drying device 70 through the inlet duct head 76a.

[0106] The inlet duct 76 may be provided with a filter 81 to filter out foreign matter, such as lint, contained in the air entering from the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air entering the inlet duct 76 may flow into the heating duct 77 after passing through the filter 81.

[0107] The heating duct 77 may be configured to heat the introduced air. The introduced air may be hot and humid as it has passed through the interior of the tub 20. The hot and humid air may be cooled in the evaporator 73 disposed in the heating duct 77 to remove moisture. The air may then pass through the condenser 72 and be heated again.

[0108] The supply duct 78 may supply the air heated after passing through the condenser 72 back into the tub 20. The supply duct 78 may be in communication with the heating duct 77 and may extend downwardly to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the tub 20.

[0109] The supply duct 78 may include a blowing fan 78a for directing air into the tub 20. For example, the blowing fan 78a may cause air to flow and supply the air to the laundry inside the drum 30. The blowing fan 78a may be a sirocco fan.

[0110] As such, the inlet duct 76 and the supply duct 78 may circulate air between the interior of the tub 20 and the drying device 70.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing processing apparatus 1 may be configured such that air enters the drying device 70 through the inlet duct 76 provided on the upper side of the tub 20. The heated air from the drying device 70 may be supplied to the interior of the drum 30 via the supply duct 78 provided on the upper side of the tub 20.

[0112] Accordingly, the clothing processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be fabricated with an overall compact size by minimizing / reducing a space occupied inside the housing 10 by air circulation flow paths. In addition, a distance over which air circulates between the interior of the drum 30 and the drying device 70 may be reduced, which may improve drying efficiency.

[0113] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may further include the exhaust flow path P configured to supply air discharged from the tub 20 to the drying device 70. The exhaust flow path P may be in communication with the inlet duct 76 of the drying device 70.

[0114] The exhaust flow path P may be configured to discharge moist air that has passed through and exited the tub 20. The exhaust flow path P may be provided on the rear side of the tub 20, but its position is not limited thereto.

[0115] A portion of the exhaust flow path P may be formed by a recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by a duct cover 100 that covers the recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be additionally formed by a duct connecting portion 250, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0116] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be formed by at least a portion of the tub back 200 being recessed inwardly of the tub 20. The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the tub back 200.

[0117] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be formed in a portion of the tub back 200 where the plurality of ribs 201 are not formed. The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the plurality of ribs 201 formed on the tub back 200.

[0118] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the tub back 200 or the plurality of ribs 201 formed on the tub back 200, thereby securing space at the rear side of the tub back 200. Thus, a larger capacity of the drum 30 and the tub 20 may be accommodated in the housing 10 of the same size, thereby improving the space efficiency of the clothing processing apparatus 1.

[0119] The tub exhaust port 220 may be formed in the recessed flow path portion 210. The tub exhaust port 220 may be formed by penetrating a portion of the tub back 200 forming the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0120] Air inside the tub 20 may flow to the exhaust flow path P through the tub exhaust port 220. The moved air may flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 70.

[0121] The heated air from the drying device 70 may be supplied to the interior of the drum 30. In this case, it is necessary to obtain an area where the heated air supplied to the interior of the drum 30 is in contact with the laundry. The longer the distance and time that the heated air flows inside the drum 30, the more the air may be in contact with the laundry. Accordingly, the tub exhaust port 220 may be formed at a location opposite to where the heated air from the drying device 70 is discharged.

[0122] The supply duct 78, which supplies the heated air into the drum 30, and the tub exhaust port 220 may be positioned as far apart as possible. The supply duct 78 and the tub exhaust port 220 may be positioned diagonally. For example, when the heated air is supplied from the upper right of the drum front 31, the tub exhaust port 220 may be arranged at the lower left of the tub back 200. In such a way, drying efficiency may be improved by increasing the contact area between the heated air and the laundry.

[0123] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the tub exhaust port 220 and the supply duct 78 may be arranged at different positions depending on the area of the tub exhaust port 220 or the air volume of the blowing fan 78a. For example, while the tub exhaust port 220 is shown in the drawings as being positioned on the lower side of the tub 20, it may also be formed on the upper side of the tub 20.

[0124] The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 100 covering an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be a single passage formed by the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct cover 100 together.

[0125] The duct cover 100 may be coupled to the tub back 200. The duct cover 100 may form the exhaust flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub exhaust port 220 flows to the drying device 70. For example, the duct cover 100 may be coupled to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210 formed on the tub back 200. The method by which the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub back 200 will be described in greater detail below.

[0126] The tub 20 may include the duct connecting portion 250 protruding outwardly from the tub body 22a. For example, the duct connecting portion 250 may protrude upwardly from the tub body 22a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the duct connecting portion 250 may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device 70.

[0127] The duct connecting portion 250 may communicate the drying device 70 with the recessed flow path portion 210. The duct connecting portion 250 may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P. For example, the duct connecting portion 250 may form a single passage that forms the exhaust flow path P together with the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct cover 100.

[0128] The duct connecting portion 250 may be covered by the duct cover 100. The duct connecting portion 250 may be open on one side. The duct cover 100 may cover the open one side of the duct connecting portion 250.

[0129] The duct cover 100 may cover both the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct connecting portion 250. Specifically, the duct cover 100 may cover both the open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210 and the open one side of the duct connecting portion 250. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 100 covering the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct connecting portion 250.

[0130] Although not shown, the duct cover 100 may also cover only the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0131] The air that has entered through the tub exhaust port 220 formed on the tub back 200 may be directed to the drying device 70 through the recessed flow path portion 210, the duct cover 100, and the duct connecting portion 250.

[0132] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include the water supply device 90 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 90 may include a water supply guide 91 and a water supply valve (not shown). The water supply valve (not shown) may be connected to an external water source. The water supply guide 91 may guide water from the water supply valve (not shown) to the tub 20. The water supply guide 91 may extend from the water supply valve (not shown) to the tub 20.

[0133] The water supply valve (not shown) may open or close the water supply guide 91 in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve (not shown) may allow or block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub 20. The water supply valve (not shown) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens or closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0134] The water supply guide 91 may direct water supplied from an external water source to the exhaust flow path P. The water supplied to the exhaust flow path P may be introduced into the tub 20 through tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223.

[0135] In the following, a sealing member (e.g., a seal) configured to prevent / block water or air passing through the exhaust flow path P from exiting through a gap with the duct cover 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a sealing member is coupled to the tub according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view showing a state before the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member in between according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member in between according to various embodiments.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion 210. The flow path rib 212 may be formed to protrude from the tub back 200.

[0138] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a sealing member 500 configured to be coupled to the flow path rib 212. The duct cover 100 may be coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween. The duct cover 100 may cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210, thereby forming the exhaust flow path P.

[0139] The exhaust flow path P may guide the air discharged from inside the tub 20 through the tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223 to the drying device 70 (see FIG. 4). Thus, it is necessary to ensure that the air passing through the exhaust flow path P is sealed to prevent / block or reduce the air from escaping.

[0140] The clothing processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may supply water to the interior of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. For example, water supplied through a water supply valve (not shown) may pass through the water supply guide 91 and enter a water supply port 140 in communication with the exhaust flow path P. In other words, it is necessary to seal the exhaust flow path P to prevent / block the supplied water from escaping to the outside.

[0141] The sealing member 500 may be coupled onto the flow path rib 212 extending along the border of the recessed flow path portion 210, and the duct cover 100 may be coupled thereon. For example, the sealing member 500 may seal a gap that occurs at the part where the duct cover 100 and the tub 20 are coupled to form the exhaust flow path P.

[0142] The sealing member 500 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the flow path rib 212 in order to be coupled onto the flow path rib 212. The sealing member 500 may be formed of a material for sealing, such as rubber, silicone, neoprene, or the like. However, the material of which the sealing member 500 is formed is not limited thereto.

[0143] The flow path rib 212 may include an inclined rib 2121 positioned closer to the recessed flow path portion 210. For example, the inclined rib 2121 may be positioned on the innermost of the flow path rib 212. The exhaust flow path P may be formed on an inner side of the inclined rib 2121. For example, the inclined rib 2121 may be a portion of forming the exhaust flow path P.

[0144] The inclined rib 2121 may include an inclined surface 2121a that increases in protruding height toward the recessed flow path portion 210. For example, the height protruding from the tub back 200 may increase as it approaches the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0145] The duct cover 100 may include a connecting portion 130 positioned correspondingly to the inclined rib 2121. The connecting portion 130 may be a portion connecting a cover portion 120 and a fastening flange portion 110. Since the cover portion 120 and the fastening flange portion 110 are formed stepped, at least a portion of the connecting portion 130 may be positioned on the inclined surface 2121a of the inclined rib 2121.

[0146] The flow path rib 212 may include a fixing rib 2122 that is positioned farther from the recessed flow path portion 210 than the inclined rib 2121.

[0147] The fixing rib 2122 may have a constant height. In other words, the fixing rib 2122 may have a constant protruding height independent of the distance from the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0148] The flow path rib 212 may include an insertion groove 2123 formed between the inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122. The insertion groove 2123 may be configured to receive a portion of the sealing member 500. The cross-section of the insertion groove 2123 may be a rectangular shape with approximately one side open.

[0149] The inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122 may be formed at spaced-apart positions from each other. The insertion groove 2123 may be formed at a spaced apart position between the inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122.

[0150] The tub 20 may include a tap hole 212a formed on an outer side of the flow path rib 212. The tap holes 212a may be formed spaced apart along the flow path rib 212. The tap hole 212a may be a configuration for fastening the duct cover 100 and the tub 20.

[0151] The sealing member 500 may include a sealing body 510 configured to be inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0152] The sealing body 510 may be inserted into the insertion groove 2123. The sealing body 510 may be in close contact with the insertion groove 2123. The sealing body 510 may be formed to have substantially the same width to fit tightly into the insertion groove 2123.

[0153] The sealing body 510 may include a groove blocking portion 511 protruding at an angle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted. The groove blocking portion 511 may be pressed in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted as the sealing body 510 is inserted. Thus, the groove blocking portion 511 may be more closely against the sides of the insertion groove 2123.

[0154] The groove blocking portions 511 may be formed on both sides of the sealing body 510. The groove blocking portions 511 may be formed symmetrically to the sealing body 510.

[0155] The sealing body 510 may include the groove blocking portion 511 protruding in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0156] The sealing body 510 may include an intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover 100.

[0157] The intermediate blocking portion 512 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P. When pressed by the duct cover 100, the intermediate blocking portion 512 may be fitted more tightly with the duct cover 100.

[0158] As water or air moves through the exhaust flow path P, the pressure inside the exhaust flow path P may be higher than the pressure outside the exhaust flow path P. Thus, pressure may be applied from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside.

[0159] The intermediate blocking portion 512 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P, so that it may be prevented / reduced from being deformed by the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. As a result, it may prevent and / or reduce moisture or air from escaping to the outside from the exhaust flow path P.

[0160] The sealing member 500 may include an inner sealing body 520 configured to block moisture or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P to the insertion groove 2123.

[0161] The inner sealing body 520 may extend from the sealing body 510. The inner sealing body 520 may extend from the sealing body 510 toward the exhaust flow path P. Stated differently, the inner sealing body 520 may be positioned more inwardly relative to the sealing body 510.

[0162] The inner sealing body 520 may be disposed to be in contact with the inclined rib 2121. The inner sealing body 520 may be in close contact with the inclined rib 2121, which may block moisture or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P. In other words, the inner sealing body 520 may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping between the inner sealing body 520 and the inclined rib 2121.

[0163] In addition, the inner sealing body 520 may also be in contact with the duct cover 100. The inner sealing body 520 may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping between the duct cover 100 and the inner sealing body 520.

[0164] The inner sealing body 520 may include a cover contact portion 521 configured to be in contact with the duct cover 100.

[0165] The cover contact portion 521 may extend toward the duct cover 100. In other words, the cover contact portion 521 may extend toward the rear side of the tub 20. As the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween, the cover contact portion 521 may be pressed. For example, the contact area between the duct cover 100 and the cover contact portion 521 may become greater and they may be more tightly fitted. As a result, the sealing performance of the cover contact portion 521 may be improved.

[0166] The cover contact portion 521 may include a first cover contact surface 5211 in contact with the duct cover 100. For example, the first cover contact surface 5211 may contact at least a portion of the connecting portion 130 of the duct cover 100.

[0167] The cover contact portion 521 may include a second cover contact surface 5212 provided on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface 5211. The second cover contact surface 5212 may be provided on the opposite side of the duct cover 100. The second cover contact surface 5212 may be in contact with an inclined surface contact portion 522.

[0168] The inner sealing body 520 may include the inclined surface contact portion 522 configured to contact the inclined rib 2121.

[0169] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with the inclined surface 2121a of the inclined rib 2121. The inclined surface 2121a may be configured such that its height increases as it approaches the exhaust flow path P. As the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween, the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be pressed in contact with the inclined surface 2121a.

[0170] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be deformed to increase in height along the inclined surface 2121a as it approaches the exhaust flow path P. The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in close contact between the connecting portion 130 of the duct cover 100 and the inclined surface 2121a.

[0171] As such, the inner sealing body 520 may include the cover contact portion 521 that is in close contact with the duct cover 100 side and the inclined surface contact portion 522 that is in close contact with the inclined rib 2121 side, so that it may effectively prevent / reduce moisture or air passing through the exhaust flow path P from escaping.

[0172] The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may not contact each other until the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 interposed therebetween. The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be elastically deformed by the pressing

[0173] of the duct cover 100.

[0174] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may include a first inclined contact portion 5221 in contact with the tub 20. Specifically, the first inclined contact portion 5221 may be in contact with the inclined surface 2121a.

[0175] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may include a second inclined contact portion 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact portion 5221. The second inclined contact portion 5222 may be in contact with the cover contact portion 521.

[0176] When the duct cover 100 and the tub 20 are coupled together with the sealing member 500 interposed therebetween, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with each other. For example, when the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 to form the exhaust flow path P, the second cover contact surface 5212 of the cover contact portion 521 and the second inclined contact surface 5222 of the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with each other. This may prevent and / or reduce foreign matter, such as moisture, dirt, lint, and the like from being retained between the second cover contact surface 5212 and the second inclined contact surface 5222.

[0177] When the duct cover 100 is detached from the tub 20, that is, when the duct cover 100 is detached from the flow path rib 212, the second cover contact surface 5212 and the second inclined contact surface 5222 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0178] The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 of the inner sealing body 520, in a state of being in contact with each other, may fill the space between the duct cover 100 and the inclined rib 2121. For example, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be formed in a substantially aligned shape between the duct cover 100 and the inclined rib 2121. For example, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be formed to minimize / reduce the gap around which foreign matter may accumulate.

[0179] The sealing member 500 may include an outer sealing body 530 configured to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path P to the fixing rib 2122.

[0180] The outer sealing body 530 may extend from the sealing body 510. Specifically, the outer sealing body 530 may extend outwardly from the sealing body 510, opposite the exhaust flow path P.

[0181] The outer sealing body 530 may be positioned between the fixing rib 2122 and the duct cover 100. In other words, the outer sealing body 530 may be in close contact with the fixing rib 2122 and the duct cover 100. The outer sealing body 530 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the sealing body 510, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The outer sealing body 530 may include a first blocking portion 531 protruding toward the duct cover 100.

[0183] The first blocking portion 531 may be in close contact with the duct cover 100. The first blocking portion 531 may be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the duct cover 100. The first blocking portion 531 may be formed to block moisture or air from escaping between the sealing member 500 and the duct cover 100.

[0184] The outer sealing body 530 may include a second blocking portion 532 protruding toward the fixing rib 2122.

[0185] The second blocking portion 532 may be in close contact with the fixing rib 2122. The second blocking portion 532 may be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the fixing rib 2122. The second blocking portion 532 may be formed to block moisture or air from escaping between the sealing member 500 and the fixing rib 2122.

[0186] The first blocking portion 531 and / or the second blocking portions 532 may each be formed in a plurality. When the plurality of first blocking portions 531 and / or second blocking portions 532 are formed, the sealing efficiency may be increased because the stages of preventing / reducing moisture or air from escaping are increased.

[0187] Since the exhaust flow path P is a passage through which water or air moves, the pressure inside the exhaust flow path P may be higher than the pressure outside the exhaust flow path P. Thus, pressure may act from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside.

[0188] The first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P. The first blocking portion 531 may be pressed by the duct cover 100 while facing the exhaust flow path P. The second blocking portion 532 may be pressed by the fixing rib 2122 while facing the exhaust flow path P. In other words, the first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be inclined in a direction opposite to the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. Thus, the first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be prevented / suppressed from being deformed by the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. As a result, it may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping to the outside from the exhaust flow path P.

[0189] The sealing member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least a three-stage blocking structure to prevent and / or reduce any escape through the gap with the duct cover 100. For example, to escape between the duct cover 100 and the sealing member 500, it may be necessary to pass through the cover contact portion 521, the intermediate blocking portion 512, and the first blocking portion 531.

[0190] The sealing member 500 may include at least a five-stage blocking structure to prevent / block any escape between the sealing member 500 and the flow path rib 212. For example, to escape between the flow path rib 212 and the sealing member 500, it may be necessary to pass through the inclined surface contact portion 522, the sealing body 510 including a pair of groove blocking portions 511, and the second blocking portion 532.

[0191] As such, the sealing member 500 according to an embodiment may include a multi-stage blocking structure to prevent / reduce water or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P, which may result in improved drying performance. In addition, various issues that may occur in the clothing processing apparatus 1 due to water leakage may be prevented / reduced.

[0192] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a guide groove of the tub and a guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the guide groove of the tub and the guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the tub 20 may include a guide groove 241 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib 212. Correspondingly, the sealing member 500 may include a guide protrusion 541 configured to be inserted into the guide groove 241.

[0194] The sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured by inserting the guide protrusion 541 into the guide groove 241. In other words, the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured by first inserting the guide protrusion 541 into the guide groove 241 before the sealing member 500 is inserted into the insertion groove 2123 of the flow path rib 212.

[0195] The guide groove 241 may be provided in the flow path connecting portion 250. For example, the guide groove 241 may be positioned on an upper side of a portion of the flow path rib 212, which is positioned in the flow path connecting portion 250. However, the position of the guide groove 241 is not limited thereto.

[0196] The guide groove 241 may be provided in a pair to secure both the left and right sides of the sealing member 500. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the guide groove 241 may be provided in a single unit, or may be provided in three or more.

[0197] The guide protrusions 541 of the sealing member 500 may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the guide grooves 241. The tub 20 may be configured to include a guide protrusion, and the sealing member 500 may be configured to include a guide groove. The present disclosure is not limited thereto,

[0198] and as long as the tub 20 and the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured to each other, the guide groove 241 and the guide protrusion 541 may be provided in any configuration. For example, the tub 20 may include a latching structure to keep the sealing member 500 latching onto the tub 20.

[0199] In the following, different configuration for temporarily securing the sealing member 500 to the tub 20 will be described in greater detail.

[0200] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a fixing protrusion of the tub and a fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the fixing protrusion of the tub and the fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the tub 20 may include a fixing protrusion 242 formed on an outer side of the flow path rib 212. Correspondingly, the sealing member 500 may include a fixing hole 542 into which the fixing protrusion 242 is inserted.

[0202] The sealing member 500 may be secured by inserting the fixing protrusion 242 into the fixing hole 542. For example, by inserting the fixing protrusion 242 into the fixing hole 542, the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured before being inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0203] The fixing protrusion 242 may be formed in a plurality and spaced apart along the flow path rib 212. Correspondingly, a plurality of fixing holes 542 may also be formed spaced apart along the sealing member 500.

[0204] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the tub 20 may be configured to include a fixing hole, and the sealing member 500 may be configured to include a fixing protrusion.

[0205] The sealing member 500 may elongate to correspond to the flow path rib 212 and may be easily deformable as it is made of an elastic material. Thus, it may be somewhat inconvenient to couple the sealing member 500 to the insertion groove 2123 of the flow path rib 212.

[0206] The tub 20 and the sealing member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may improve manufacturing efficiency through a temporary fixing structure including the fixing protrusion 242 and the fixing hole 542.

[0207] According to the present disclosure, the drying performance of the clothing processing apparatus may be improved.

[0208] According to the present disclosure, the exhaust flow path may be sealed.

[0209] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0210] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes a housing, a tub provided in the housing, the tub including a recessed flow path portion including a tub exhaust port and formed to be recessed toward an inner side of the tub, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover couplable to the tub and configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion to form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal disposed between the tub and the duct cover to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0211] The tub may further include the flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion, and the seal may include the sealing body 510 configured to be coupled to the flow path rib.

[0212] The sealing body may include the intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover and inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

[0213] The flow path rib may include the insertion groove 2123 into which the seal is inserted.

[0214] The sealing body may include the groove blocking portion 511 protruding at an angle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing body is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove.

[0215] The flow path rib may further include the inclined rib 2121 positioned closer to the recessed flow path portion than the insertion groove and including the inclined surface 2121a whose protruding height increases as it approaches the recessed flow path portion, and the fixing rib 2122 positioned on an opposite side of the inclined rib with respect to the insertion groove.

[0216] The tub may include the fixing protrusion 242 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib, and the seal may include the fixing hole 542 configured to receive the fixing protrusion.

[0217] The tub may further include the guide groove 241 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib, and the seal may further include the guide protrusion 541 configured to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0218] The seal may include the inner sealing body 520 extending from the sealing body to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the insertion groove.

[0219] The inner sealing body may include the cover contact portion 521 extending toward the duct cover configured to contact the duct cover, and the inclined surface contact portion 522 extending toward the inclined surface configured to contact the inclined surface of the inclined rib.

[0220] The cover contact portion may include the first cover contact surface 5211 configured to contact the duct cover, and the second cover contact surface 5212 positioned on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface, and the inclined surface contact portion may include the first inclined contact surface 5221 configured to contact the inclined surface, and the second inclined contact surface 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact surface.

[0221] Based on the duct cover being coupled to the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may contact each other, and based on the duct cover being detached from the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may be spaced apart from each other.

[0222] The seal may include the outer sealing body 530 extending from the sealing body to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the fixing rib.

[0223] The outer sealing body may include the first blocking portion 531 protruding toward the duct cover, and the second blocking portion 532 protruding toward the fixing rib.

[0224] The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion may be inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

[0225] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes the tub 20 including the recessed flow path portion 210 defining the tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223 and formed to recessed toward an inside of the tub, and the flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion; the drum 30 rotatably provided inside the tub; the drying device 70 including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, the duct cover 100 configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion and form an exhaust flow path that guides air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device; and the seal 500 coupled along the flow path rib to seal the exhaust flow path, wherein the duct cover may be coupled to the tub with the seal interposed therebetween to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0226] The flow path rib may include the inclined rib 2121 formed on the exhaust flow path side, and whose protruding height increases as it approaches the exhaust flow path, and the fixing rib 2122 formed at a position spaced from the inclined rib to form an insertion groove into which the seal is inserted.

[0227] The seal may include the sealing body 510 inserted into the insertion groove, the inner sealing body 520 extending from the sealing body and seated on the inclined rib, and the outer sealing body 530 extending from the sealing body and seated on the fixing rib.

[0228] The sealing body may include the intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover and formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path, and the outer sealing body may include the first blocking portion 531 protruding at an angle toward the exhaust flow path and configured to contact the duct cover, and the second blocking portion 532 protruding at an angle toward the exhaust flow path and configured to contact the fixing rib.

[0229] The inner sealing body may include the cover contact portion 521 including the first cover contact surface 5211 that contacts the duct cover and the second cover contact surface 5212 positioned on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface, and the inclined surface contact portion 522 including the first inclined contact surface 5221 that contacts the inclined rib and the second inclined contact surface 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact surface, wherein when the duct cover is coupled to the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may be elastically deformed in a direction to contact each other.

[0230] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and / or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions.

[0025]In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0026]The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0027]In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0028]As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029]Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2024 / 013459 designating the United States, filed on Sep. 6, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property Receiving Office, and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0163852, filed on Nov. 22, 2023, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The disclosure relates to a clothing processing apparatus including a drying device.Description of Related Art

[0003] A clothing processing apparatus is an appliance for treating and / or managing clothes. The clothing processing apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer.

[0004] The washing machine performs washing through mutual friction by stirring together laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub by means of the driving force of a drive motor.

[0005] Cycles performed by the washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle of supplying water and detergent to a tub in which laundry is received and washing the laundry by rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a dewatering cycle of discharging water from the tub and removing moisture from the laundry by rotating the drum.

[0006] Cycles performed by the washing machine may include a drying cycle of drying the laundry by blowing heat generated from a drying device into a receiving space in which the laundry is received. The washing machine may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothing processing apparatus having improved drying performance.

[0008] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothing processing apparatus having an improved structure for sealing an exhaust flow path.

[0009] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing, a tub provided in the housing, the tub including a recessed flow path portion including a tub exhaust port and recessed toward an inner side of the tub, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover couplable to the tub and configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion to form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal disposed between the tub and the duct cover to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0010] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes: a tub including a recessed flow path portion defining a tub exhaust port and recessed inwardly of the tub, and a flow path rib extending along a boarder of the recessed flow path portion, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion and form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal coupled along the flow path rib to seal the exhaust flow path, wherein the duct cover may be configured to be coupled to the tub with the seal interposed therebetween to seal the exhaust flow path.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a sealing member is coupled to a tub according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a state before the tub and a duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member therebetween according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y′ of FIG. 6, showing a state in which the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member therebetween according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a guide groove of the tub and a guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the guide groove of the tub and the guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a fixing protrusion of the tub and a fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the fixing protrusion of the tub and the fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions.

[0025] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0026] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0027] In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0028] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0031] It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0032] When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0033] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0034] A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothing processing apparatus, and the clothing processing apparatus is a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

[0035] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or removing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

[0036] For the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. For the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

[0037] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.

[0038] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be visible.

[0039] The washing machine may include a tub disposed within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0040] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.

[0041] The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

[0042] The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening and then be received in the drum or removed from the drum.

[0043] The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying while rotating in the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.

[0044] The washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate the drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.

[0045] The drive device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.

[0046] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0047] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller including various circuitry. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

[0048] The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to enter detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.

[0049] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open or close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0050] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface including various circuitry for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0051] The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0052] The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0053] The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.

[0054] For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, or a voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0055] The washing machine may include a communication module including various communication circuitry for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0056] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

[0057] The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0058] For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0059] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a WAN to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0062] The controller may include various circuitry including hardware such as a CPU and / or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0063] Hereinafter, a clothing processing apparatus according to various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a washing machine will be described as an example of a clothing processing apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine and may be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing clothes.

[0064] The directions of front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right will be consistently referred to throughout the description with reference to the directions shown in FIG. 1, for example, the accompany drawings. In FIG. 1, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis direction perpendicular to each other are shown, wherein an X-direction refers to front, a Y-direction refers to left, and a Z-direction refers to top.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components arranged inside the clothing processing apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the clothing processing apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a housing 10 forming an exterior thereof, a tub 20 configured to receive washing water or rinsing water that may be used in a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle, a drum 30 configured to receive laundry, and a drive motor 42 configured to rotate the drum 30.

[0067] The housing 10 may be provided in a substantially cuboidal shape. The housing 10 may include frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, wherein the frames 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e may include an upper frame 10a forming an upper surface of the housing 10, a front frame 10b and a rear frame 10c forming front and rear surfaces of the housing 10, and a side frame 10d and a lower frame 10e connecting the front frame 10b and the rear frame 10c and forming side and lower surfaces of the housing 10.

[0068] An inlet (not shown) for loading or unloading laundry into the drum 30 may be formed in the front frame 10b of the housing 10. The inlet (not shown) may be opened or closed by a door 13 installed on the front frame 10b of the housing 10.

[0069] A control panel 11 for controlling an operation of the clothing processing apparatus 1 may be provided on an upper portion of the front frame 10b of the housing 10. The control panel 11 may be provided with an input portion (e.g., inputter) for inputting operation of the clothing processing apparatus 1, and a display portion for displaying various information regarding the clothing processing apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 11 may include a display panel capable of touch input. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control panel may include various types of input portions and display portions.

[0070] A cylindrical drum 30 may be provided inside the housing 10. The drum 30 may be provided to be rotatable by receiving power from a drive device. The drive device for rotating the drum 30 will be described in greater detail below.

[0071] The tub 20 may include a first tub 21 positioned inwardly forward of the housing 10, and a second tub 22 coupled to a rear side of the first tub 21. The first tub 21 may include a cylindrical portion 21a that is circumferentially arranged.

[0072] The second tub 22 may include a tub body 22a arranged in the circumferential direction. The second tub 22 may include a tub back 200 formed on its rear surface. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tub back 200 of the second tub 22 is shown as being integrally formed with the tub body 22a, but is not limited thereto. The tub back 200 may form the rear surface of the tub 20. The tub 20 may be provided by a connection of the cylindrical portion 21a of the first tub 21 and the tub body 22a of the second tub 22.

[0073] The tub back 200 may be formed with a through-hole 230 through which a shaft passes in the center thereof. The tub back 200 may be formed with a tub exhaust port 220 to which an exhaust flow path P is connected at a lower one side thereof. The tub exhaust port 220 of the tub back 200 will be described in greater detail below.

[0074] A plurality of ribs 201 may be formed on a rear side of the tub back 200. The plurality of ribs 201 may include annular ribs 201a and radial ribs 201b. The annular ribs 201a may have different radii around the through-hole 230.

[0075] The radial ribs 201b may extend in a radial direction from the through-hole 230. In addition, the radial ribs 201b may extend through the annular ribs 201a.

[0076] On an upper portion of the tub 20, a water supply device 90 for supplying washing water to the tub 20 may be disposed. The water supply device 90 may be disposed on a rear side of a drying device 70.

[0077] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a detergent supply device 95 for supplying detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply device 95 may include a first detergent supply device 95a disposed at a lower portion of the tub 20. The detergent supply device 95 may include a second detergent supply device 95b disposed at the upper portion of the tub 20.

[0078] A drainage device 93 for discharging washing water used in washing to an outside of the housing 10 may be disposed on the lower portion of the tub 20. The drainage device 93 may include a drain pump 93a for discharging water inside the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a connection hose 93b connecting the tub 20 and the drain pump 93a to allow water inside the tub 20 to flow into the drain pump 93a, and a drain hose for guiding the water pumped by the drain pump 93a to the outside of the housing 10.

[0079] The tub 20 may be supported by a damper 16. The damper 16 may connect the lower frame 10e of the housing 10 and the outer surface of the tub 20. The damper 16 may also be positioned on the upper, left, and right sides in addition to the lower frame of the housing 10 to support the tub 20.

[0080] The drum 30 may include a drum body 32, a drum front 31, and a drum back 34.

[0081] The drum body 32 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with open front and rear ends. A plurality of through-holes 32a may be formed in the cylindrical drum body 32 for the flow of washing water. A plurality of lifters 33 may be installed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum body 32 to allow the laundry to be lifted and dropped when the drum 30 rotates.

[0082] The drum front 31 may be disposed at the front end of the drum body 32, and the drum back 34 may be disposed at the rear end of the drum body 32.

[0083] A coupling hole 35 may be provided on sides of the drum body 32. The coupling hole 35 may be provided on the rear end of the drum body 32 to allow the drum back 34 to be coupled. The coupling hole 35 may be formed in a plurality. The coupling holes 35 may be configured to secure a flange shaft 60 that is installed on the drum back 34. The coupling holes 35 may be formed to correspond to the flange shaft 60. The coupling holes 35 may be formed to be spaced apart at regular intervals along an circumferential direction of the drum body 32 to correspond to the flange shaft 60.

[0084] The drum front 31 may be provided to correspond to a front opening (e.g., the open front end) of the drum body 32. The drum back 34 may be provided to correspond to a rear opening (e.g., the open rear end) of the drum body 32.

[0085] The drum back 34 may be formed in a disk shape so as to block the rear opening of the drum body 32.

[0086] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a drive device 40 configured to rotate the drum 30. The drive device 40 may include a drive motor 42 and a rotating shaft 41 connected to the drum 30 to transmit a driving force generated by the drive motor 42 to the drum 30. The rotating shaft 41 for transmitting the power of the drive motor 42 may be connected to the drum back 34 of the drum 30. The drum 30 may rotate within the tub 20 by a rotational force transmitted via the rotating shaft 41.

[0087] The drive motor 42 may be provided on an outer side of the tub 20. The drive motor 42 may be connected to the drum 30 via the rotating shaft 41. The rotating shaft 41 may pass through the tub back 200 of the tub 20 and be rotatably supported by a bearing 52 and a bearing housing 51.

[0088] The drive motor 42 may include a stator fixed to an outer side of the tub back 200, and a rotor rotatably arranged and connected to the rotating shaft 41. The rotor may electromagnetically interact with the stator to convert rotational electrical force into mechanical rotational force. The rotation of the rotor may be transmitted to the drum 30 via the rotating shaft 41.

[0089] The drum back 34 may be connected to the rotating shaft 41 via the flange shaft 60. The flange shaft 60 may be configured to transmit power from the drive motor 42.

[0090] The flange shaft 60 may include a hub portion 61 disposed at a center of the drum back 34, and a plurality of flange portions 62 extending radially from the hub portion 61. A shaft coupling portion 63 may be formed at the center of the hub portion 61 for installing the rotating shaft 41.

[0091] The plurality of flange portions 62 may be formed at approximately 120 degree intervals around the hub portion 61. The plurality of flange portions 62 may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the drum back 34. A plurality of fastening holes 64 may be formed at one end of each flange portion 62. The plurality of fastening holes 64 may be formed to correspond to the coupling holes 35 of the drum 30. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, two fastening holes are shown as being formed on one flange portion, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening holes may be formed in various ways depending on the size and shape of the drum and the flange portion.

[0092] The rotating shaft 41 may be disposed between the drum 30 and the drive motor 42. One end of the rotating shaft 41 may be connected to the drum back 34, and the other end may extends outwardly of the tub back 200. When the drive motor 42 drives the rotating shaft 41, the drum 30 connected to the rotating shaft 41 may rotate about the rotating shaft 41.

[0093] The bearing housing 51 may be installed on the tub back 200 to rotatably support the rotating shaft 41. The bearing housing 51 may be made of an aluminum alloy. For example, the bearing housing 51 may be formed from aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bearing housing 51 may also be formed of stainless steel. It is sufficient as long as the bearing housing 51 is formed of a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub 20.

[0094] The bearing housing 51 may be inserted into the tub back 200 of the second tub 22 when the tub 20 is injection molded.

[0095] The bearings 52 may be installed between the bearing housing 51 and the rotating shaft 41 to allow the rotating shaft 41 to rotate smoothly.

[0096] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may further include the drying device 70 configured to heat air and supply the air into the tub 20. The drying device 70 may be configured to dry and heat the air discharged from the tub 20, and to circulate the heated air into the tub 20 to dry the clothes inside the drum 30.

[0097] The drying device 70 may be provided on the upper portion of the tub 20, but its position is not limited thereto.

[0098] The drying device 70 may include a drying device main body 70a in which a heat pump for drying air may be installed, and a drying device cover 70b that covers the drying device main body 70a to form a duct through which air may travel. The drying device cover 70b may cover an upper surface of the drying device main body 70a. By coupling the drying device cover 70b to the drying device main body 70a, a duct through which air may flow may be formed.

[0099] The drying device 70 may be configured as a heat pump type. The drying device 70 may include a compressor 71, a condenser 72, an evaporator 73, an expansion valve (not shown), and a refrigerant pipe 75 through which refrigerant circulates and heat is exchanged. The compressor 71, the condenser 72, the evaporator 73, and the like of the heat pump may be disposed in the drying device main body 70a.

[0100] The compressor 71 may compress a refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant may be moved to the condenser 72. The condenser 72 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may be introduced into the drum 30 to dry the laundry.

[0101] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 73 and cool the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 73 may cool the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed inside the drum 30 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed may pass through the condenser 72 and may be heated again as it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 72. For example, the condenser 72 may heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 73.

[0102] The drying device 70 may further include a heater 80 in addition to the heat pump to increase drying efficiency. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the drying device 70 may be configured as a heater manner, including only the heater 80 instead of a heat pump manner.

[0103] The heater 80 may heat the air that has introduced into the drying device 70. The heater 80 may be disposed in a heating duct 77. The heater 80 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 72. In addition, the heater 80 may be provided in a small size to minimize / reduce flow path resistance. For example, the heater 80 may be a sheath heater.

[0104] The drying device 70 may be disposed on an upper side of the tub 20. The upper side of the tub 20 may include an inlet duct 76 through which air enters the drying device 70, the heating duct 77 in which the condenser 72 and the evaporator 73 are disposed, and a supply duct 78 through which the heated air from the drying device 70 is supplied into the drum 30.

[0105] The inlet duct 76 may be configured to allow the air that has passed through the interior of the tub 20 to enter the drying device 70. The inlet duct 76 may be disposed on the upper side of the tub 20. The inlet duct 76 may be in communication with the exhaust flow path P formed at the rear side of the tub 20. Specifically, the inlet duct 76 may include an inlet duct head 76a forming the inlet of the inlet duct 76. The air that has passed through the exhaust flow path P may enter the drying device 70 through the inlet duct head 76a.

[0106] The inlet duct 76 may be provided with a filter 81 to filter out foreign matter, such as lint, contained in the air entering from the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air entering the inlet duct 76 may flow into the heating duct 77 after passing through the filter 81.

[0107] The heating duct 77 may be configured to heat the introduced air. The introduced air may be hot and humid as it has passed through the interior of the tub 20. The hot and humid air may be cooled in the evaporator 73 disposed in the heating duct 77 to remove moisture. The air may then pass through the condenser 72 and be heated again.

[0108] The supply duct 78 may supply the air heated after passing through the condenser 72 back into the tub 20. The supply duct 78 may be in communication with the heating duct 77 and may extend downwardly to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the tub 20.

[0109] The supply duct 78 may include a blowing fan 78a for directing air into the tub 20. For example, the blowing fan 78a may cause air to flow and supply the air to the laundry inside the drum 30. The blowing fan 78a may be a sirocco fan.

[0110] As such, the inlet duct 76 and the supply duct 78 may circulate air between the interior of the tub 20 and the drying device 70.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing processing apparatus 1 may be configured such that air enters the drying device 70 through the inlet duct 76 provided on the upper side of the tub 20. The heated air from the drying device 70 may be supplied to the interior of the drum 30 via the supply duct 78 provided on the upper side of the tub 20.

[0112] Accordingly, the clothing processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be fabricated with an overall compact size by minimizing / reducing a space occupied inside the housing 10 by air circulation flow paths. In addition, a distance over which air circulates between the interior of the drum 30 and the drying device 70 may be reduced, which may improve drying efficiency.

[0113] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may further include the exhaust flow path P configured to supply air discharged from the tub 20 to the drying device 70. The exhaust flow path P may be in communication with the inlet duct 76 of the drying device 70.

[0114] The exhaust flow path P may be configured to discharge moist air that has passed through and exited the tub 20. The exhaust flow path P may be provided on the rear side of the tub 20, but its position is not limited thereto.

[0115] A portion of the exhaust flow path P may be formed by a recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by a duct cover 100 that covers the recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be additionally formed by a duct connecting portion 250, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0116] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be formed by at least a portion of the tub back 200 being recessed inwardly of the tub 20. The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the tub back 200.

[0117] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be formed in a portion of the tub back 200 where the plurality of ribs 201 are not formed. The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the plurality of ribs 201 formed on the tub back 200.

[0118] The recessed flow path portion 210 may be positioned forward of the tub back 200 or the plurality of ribs 201 formed on the tub back 200, thereby securing space at the rear side of the tub back 200. Thus, a larger capacity of the drum 30 and the tub 20 may be accommodated in the housing 10 of the same size, thereby improving the space efficiency of the clothing processing apparatus 1.

[0119] The tub exhaust port 220 may be formed in the recessed flow path portion 210. The tub exhaust port 220 may be formed by penetrating a portion of the tub back 200 forming the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0120] Air inside the tub 20 may flow to the exhaust flow path P through the tub exhaust port 220. The moved air may flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 70.

[0121] The heated air from the drying device 70 may be supplied to the interior of the drum 30. In this case, it is necessary to obtain an area where the heated air supplied to the interior of the drum 30 is in contact with the laundry. The longer the distance and time that the heated air flows inside the drum 30, the more the air may be in contact with the laundry. Accordingly, the tub exhaust port 220 may be formed at a location opposite to where the heated air from the drying device 70 is discharged.

[0122] The supply duct 78, which supplies the heated air into the drum 30, and the tub exhaust port 220 may be positioned as far apart as possible. The supply duct 78 and the tub exhaust port 220 may be positioned diagonally. For example, when the heated air is supplied from the upper right of the drum front 31, the tub exhaust port 220 may be arranged at the lower left of the tub back 200. In such a way, drying efficiency may be improved by increasing the contact area between the heated air and the laundry.

[0123] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the tub exhaust port 220 and the supply duct 78 may be arranged at different positions depending on the area of the tub exhaust port 220 or the air volume of the blowing fan 78a. For example, while the tub exhaust port 220 is shown in the drawings as being positioned on the lower side of the tub 20, it may also be formed on the upper side of the tub 20.

[0124] The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 100 covering an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210. The exhaust flow path P may be a single passage formed by the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct cover 100 together.

[0125] The duct cover 100 may be coupled to the tub back 200. The duct cover 100 may form the exhaust flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub exhaust port 220 flows to the drying device 70. For example, the duct cover 100 may be coupled to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210 formed on the tub back 200. The method by which the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub back 200 will be described in greater detail below.

[0126] The tub 20 may include the duct connecting portion 250 protruding outwardly from the tub body 22a. For example, the duct connecting portion 250 may protrude upwardly from the tub body 22a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the duct connecting portion 250 may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device 70.

[0127] The duct connecting portion 250 may communicate the drying device 70 with the recessed flow path portion 210. The duct connecting portion 250 may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P. For example, the duct connecting portion 250 may form a single passage that forms the exhaust flow path P together with the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct cover 100.

[0128] The duct connecting portion 250 may be covered by the duct cover 100. The duct connecting portion 250 may be open on one side. The duct cover 100 may cover the open one side of the duct connecting portion 250.

[0129] The duct cover 100 may cover both the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct connecting portion 250. Specifically, the duct cover 100 may cover both the open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210 and the open one side of the duct connecting portion 250. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 100 covering the recessed flow path portion 210 and the duct connecting portion 250.

[0130] Although not shown, the duct cover 100 may also cover only the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0131] The air that has entered through the tub exhaust port 220 formed on the tub back 200 may be directed to the drying device 70 through the recessed flow path portion 210, the duct cover 100, and the duct connecting portion 250.

[0132] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include the water supply device 90 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 90 may include a water supply guide 91 and a water supply valve (not shown). The water supply valve (not shown) may be connected to an external water source. The water supply guide 91 may guide water from the water supply valve (not shown) to the tub 20. The water supply guide 91 may extend from the water supply valve (not shown) to the tub 20.

[0133] The water supply valve (not shown) may open or close the water supply guide 91 in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve (not shown) may allow or block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub 20. The water supply valve (not shown) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens or closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0134] The water supply guide 91 may direct water supplied from an external water source to the exhaust flow path P. The water supplied to the exhaust flow path P may be introduced into the tub 20 through tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223.

[0135] In the following, a sealing member (e.g., a seal) configured to prevent / block water or air passing through the exhaust flow path P from exiting through a gap with the duct cover 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a sealing member is coupled to the tub according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view showing a state before the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member in between according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tub and the duct cover are coupled together with the sealing member in between according to various embodiments.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion 210. The flow path rib 212 may be formed to protrude from the tub back 200.

[0138] The clothing processing apparatus 1 may include a sealing member 500 configured to be coupled to the flow path rib 212. The duct cover 100 may be coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween. The duct cover 100 may cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion 210, thereby forming the exhaust flow path P.

[0139] The exhaust flow path P may guide the air discharged from inside the tub 20 through the tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223 to the drying device 70 (see FIG. 4). Thus, it is necessary to ensure that the air passing through the exhaust flow path P is sealed to prevent / block or reduce the air from escaping.

[0140] The clothing processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may supply water to the interior of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. For example, water supplied through a water supply valve (not shown) may pass through the water supply guide 91 and enter a water supply port 140 in communication with the exhaust flow path P. In other words, it is necessary to seal the exhaust flow path P to prevent / block the supplied water from escaping to the outside.

[0141] The sealing member 500 may be coupled onto the flow path rib 212 extending along the border of the recessed flow path portion 210, and the duct cover 100 may be coupled thereon. For example, the sealing member 500 may seal a gap that occurs at the part where the duct cover 100 and the tub 20 are coupled to form the exhaust flow path P.

[0142] The sealing member 500 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the flow path rib 212 in order to be coupled onto the flow path rib 212. The sealing member 500 may be formed of a material for sealing, such as rubber, silicone, neoprene, or the like. However, the material of which the sealing member 500 is formed is not limited thereto.

[0143] The flow path rib 212 may include an inclined rib 2121 positioned closer to the recessed flow path portion 210. For example, the inclined rib 2121 may be positioned on the innermost of the flow path rib 212. The exhaust flow path P may be formed on an inner side of the inclined rib 2121. For example, the inclined rib 2121 may be a portion of forming the exhaust flow path P.

[0144] The inclined rib 2121 may include an inclined surface 2121a that increases in protruding height toward the recessed flow path portion 210. For example, the height protruding from the tub back 200 may increase as it approaches the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0145] The duct cover 100 may include a connecting portion 130 positioned correspondingly to the inclined rib 2121. The connecting portion 130 may be a portion connecting a cover portion 120 and a fastening flange portion 110. Since the cover portion 120 and the fastening flange portion 110 are formed stepped, at least a portion of the connecting portion 130 may be positioned on the inclined surface 2121a of the inclined rib 2121.

[0146] The flow path rib 212 may include a fixing rib 2122 that is positioned farther from the recessed flow path portion 210 than the inclined rib 2121.

[0147] The fixing rib 2122 may have a constant height. In other words, the fixing rib 2122 may have a constant protruding height independent of the distance from the recessed flow path portion 210.

[0148] The flow path rib 212 may include an insertion groove 2123 formed between the inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122. The insertion groove 2123 may be configured to receive a portion of the sealing member 500. The cross-section of the insertion groove 2123 may be a rectangular shape with approximately one side open.

[0149] The inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122 may be formed at spaced-apart positions from each other. The insertion groove 2123 may be formed at a spaced apart position between the inclined rib 2121 and the fixing rib 2122.

[0150] The tub 20 may include a tap hole 212a formed on an outer side of the flow path rib 212. The tap holes 212a may be formed spaced apart along the flow path rib 212. The tap hole 212a may be a configuration for fastening the duct cover 100 and the tub 20.

[0151] The sealing member 500 may include a sealing body 510 configured to be inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0152] The sealing body 510 may be inserted into the insertion groove 2123. The sealing body 510 may be in close contact with the insertion groove 2123. The sealing body 510 may be formed to have substantially the same width to fit tightly into the insertion groove 2123.

[0153] The sealing body 510 may include a groove blocking portion 511 protruding at an angle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted. The groove blocking portion 511 may be pressed in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted as the sealing body 510 is inserted. Thus, the groove blocking portion 511 may be more closely against the sides of the insertion groove 2123.

[0154] The groove blocking portions 511 may be formed on both sides of the sealing body 510. The groove blocking portions 511 may be formed symmetrically to the sealing body 510.

[0155] The sealing body 510 may include the groove blocking portion 511 protruding in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing body 510 is inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0156] The sealing body 510 may include an intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover 100.

[0157] The intermediate blocking portion 512 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P. When pressed by the duct cover 100, the intermediate blocking portion 512 may be fitted more tightly with the duct cover 100.

[0158] As water or air moves through the exhaust flow path P, the pressure inside the exhaust flow path P may be higher than the pressure outside the exhaust flow path P. Thus, pressure may be applied from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside.

[0159] The intermediate blocking portion 512 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P, so that it may be prevented / reduced from being deformed by the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. As a result, it may prevent and / or reduce moisture or air from escaping to the outside from the exhaust flow path P.

[0160] The sealing member 500 may include an inner sealing body 520 configured to block moisture or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P to the insertion groove 2123.

[0161] The inner sealing body 520 may extend from the sealing body 510. The inner sealing body 520 may extend from the sealing body 510 toward the exhaust flow path P. Stated differently, the inner sealing body 520 may be positioned more inwardly relative to the sealing body 510.

[0162] The inner sealing body 520 may be disposed to be in contact with the inclined rib 2121. The inner sealing body 520 may be in close contact with the inclined rib 2121, which may block moisture or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P. In other words, the inner sealing body 520 may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping between the inner sealing body 520 and the inclined rib 2121.

[0163] In addition, the inner sealing body 520 may also be in contact with the duct cover 100. The inner sealing body 520 may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping between the duct cover 100 and the inner sealing body 520.

[0164] The inner sealing body 520 may include a cover contact portion 521 configured to be in contact with the duct cover 100.

[0165] The cover contact portion 521 may extend toward the duct cover 100. In other words, the cover contact portion 521 may extend toward the rear side of the tub 20. As the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween, the cover contact portion 521 may be pressed. For example, the contact area between the duct cover 100 and the cover contact portion 521 may become greater and they may be more tightly fitted. As a result, the sealing performance of the cover contact portion 521 may be improved.

[0166] The cover contact portion 521 may include a first cover contact surface 5211 in contact with the duct cover 100. For example, the first cover contact surface 5211 may contact at least a portion of the connecting portion 130 of the duct cover 100.

[0167] The cover contact portion 521 may include a second cover contact surface 5212 provided on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface 5211. The second cover contact surface 5212 may be provided on the opposite side of the duct cover 100. The second cover contact surface 5212 may be in contact with an inclined surface contact portion 522.

[0168] The inner sealing body 520 may include the inclined surface contact portion 522 configured to contact the inclined rib 2121.

[0169] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with the inclined surface 2121a of the inclined rib 2121. The inclined surface 2121a may be configured such that its height increases as it approaches the exhaust flow path P. As the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 therebetween, the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be pressed in contact with the inclined surface 2121a.

[0170] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be deformed to increase in height along the inclined surface 2121a as it approaches the exhaust flow path P. The inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in close contact between the connecting portion 130 of the duct cover 100 and the inclined surface 2121a.

[0171] As such, the inner sealing body 520 may include the cover contact portion 521 that is in close contact with the duct cover 100 side and the inclined surface contact portion 522 that is in close contact with the inclined rib 2121 side, so that it may effectively prevent / reduce moisture or air passing through the exhaust flow path P from escaping.

[0172] The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may not contact each other until the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 with the sealing member 500 interposed therebetween. The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be elastically deformed by the pressing

[0173] of the duct cover 100.

[0174] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may include a first inclined contact portion 5221 in contact with the tub 20. Specifically, the first inclined contact portion 5221 may be in contact with the inclined surface 2121a.

[0175] The inclined surface contact portion 522 may include a second inclined contact portion 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact portion 5221. The second inclined contact portion 5222 may be in contact with the cover contact portion 521.

[0176] When the duct cover 100 and the tub 20 are coupled together with the sealing member 500 interposed therebetween, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with each other. For example, when the duct cover 100 is coupled to the tub 20 to form the exhaust flow path P, the second cover contact surface 5212 of the cover contact portion 521 and the second inclined contact surface 5222 of the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be in contact with each other. This may prevent and / or reduce foreign matter, such as moisture, dirt, lint, and the like from being retained between the second cover contact surface 5212 and the second inclined contact surface 5222.

[0177] When the duct cover 100 is detached from the tub 20, that is, when the duct cover 100 is detached from the flow path rib 212, the second cover contact surface 5212 and the second inclined contact surface 5222 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0178] The cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 of the inner sealing body 520, in a state of being in contact with each other, may fill the space between the duct cover 100 and the inclined rib 2121. For example, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be formed in a substantially aligned shape between the duct cover 100 and the inclined rib 2121. For example, the cover contact portion 521 and the inclined surface contact portion 522 may be formed to minimize / reduce the gap around which foreign matter may accumulate.

[0179] The sealing member 500 may include an outer sealing body 530 configured to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path P to the fixing rib 2122.

[0180] The outer sealing body 530 may extend from the sealing body 510. Specifically, the outer sealing body 530 may extend outwardly from the sealing body 510, opposite the exhaust flow path P.

[0181] The outer sealing body 530 may be positioned between the fixing rib 2122 and the duct cover 100. In other words, the outer sealing body 530 may be in close contact with the fixing rib 2122 and the duct cover 100. The outer sealing body 530 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the sealing body 510, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The outer sealing body 530 may include a first blocking portion 531 protruding toward the duct cover 100.

[0183] The first blocking portion 531 may be in close contact with the duct cover 100. The first blocking portion 531 may be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the duct cover 100. The first blocking portion 531 may be formed to block moisture or air from escaping between the sealing member 500 and the duct cover 100.

[0184] The outer sealing body 530 may include a second blocking portion 532 protruding toward the fixing rib 2122.

[0185] The second blocking portion 532 may be in close contact with the fixing rib 2122. The second blocking portion 532 may be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the fixing rib 2122. The second blocking portion 532 may be formed to block moisture or air from escaping between the sealing member 500 and the fixing rib 2122.

[0186] The first blocking portion 531 and / or the second blocking portions 532 may each be formed in a plurality. When the plurality of first blocking portions 531 and / or second blocking portions 532 are formed, the sealing efficiency may be increased because the stages of preventing / reducing moisture or air from escaping are increased.

[0187] Since the exhaust flow path P is a passage through which water or air moves, the pressure inside the exhaust flow path P may be higher than the pressure outside the exhaust flow path P. Thus, pressure may act from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside.

[0188] The first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path P. The first blocking portion 531 may be pressed by the duct cover 100 while facing the exhaust flow path P. The second blocking portion 532 may be pressed by the fixing rib 2122 while facing the exhaust flow path P. In other words, the first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be inclined in a direction opposite to the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. Thus, the first blocking portion 531 and the second blocking portion 532 may be prevented / suppressed from being deformed by the pressure acting from the inside of the exhaust flow path P to the outside. As a result, it may prevent / reduce moisture or air from escaping to the outside from the exhaust flow path P.

[0189] The sealing member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least a three-stage blocking structure to prevent and / or reduce any escape through the gap with the duct cover 100. For example, to escape between the duct cover 100 and the sealing member 500, it may be necessary to pass through the cover contact portion 521, the intermediate blocking portion 512, and the first blocking portion 531.

[0190] The sealing member 500 may include at least a five-stage blocking structure to prevent / block any escape between the sealing member 500 and the flow path rib 212. For example, to escape between the flow path rib 212 and the sealing member 500, it may be necessary to pass through the inclined surface contact portion 522, the sealing body 510 including a pair of groove blocking portions 511, and the second blocking portion 532.

[0191] As such, the sealing member 500 according to an embodiment may include a multi-stage blocking structure to prevent / reduce water or air from escaping from the exhaust flow path P, which may result in improved drying performance. In addition, various issues that may occur in the clothing processing apparatus 1 due to water leakage may be prevented / reduced.

[0192] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a guide groove of the tub and a guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the guide groove of the tub and the guide protrusion of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the tub 20 may include a guide groove 241 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib 212. Correspondingly, the sealing member 500 may include a guide protrusion 541 configured to be inserted into the guide groove 241.

[0194] The sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured by inserting the guide protrusion 541 into the guide groove 241. In other words, the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured by first inserting the guide protrusion 541 into the guide groove 241 before the sealing member 500 is inserted into the insertion groove 2123 of the flow path rib 212.

[0195] The guide groove 241 may be provided in the flow path connecting portion 250. For example, the guide groove 241 may be positioned on an upper side of a portion of the flow path rib 212, which is positioned in the flow path connecting portion 250. However, the position of the guide groove 241 is not limited thereto.

[0196] The guide groove 241 may be provided in a pair to secure both the left and right sides of the sealing member 500. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the guide groove 241 may be provided in a single unit, or may be provided in three or more.

[0197] The guide protrusions 541 of the sealing member 500 may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the guide grooves 241. The tub 20 may be configured to include a guide protrusion, and the sealing member 500 may be configured to include a guide groove. The present disclosure is not limited thereto,

[0198] and as long as the tub 20 and the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured to each other, the guide groove 241 and the guide protrusion 541 may be provided in any configuration. For example, the tub 20 may include a latching structure to keep the sealing member 500 latching onto the tub 20.

[0199] In the following, different configuration for temporarily securing the sealing member 500 to the tub 20 will be described in greater detail.

[0200] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a state before a fixing protrusion of the tub and a fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the fixing protrusion of the tub and the fixing hole of the sealing member are coupled according to various embodiments.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the tub 20 may include a fixing protrusion 242 formed on an outer side of the flow path rib 212. Correspondingly, the sealing member 500 may include a fixing hole 542 into which the fixing protrusion 242 is inserted.

[0202] The sealing member 500 may be secured by inserting the fixing protrusion 242 into the fixing hole 542. For example, by inserting the fixing protrusion 242 into the fixing hole 542, the sealing member 500 may be temporarily secured before being inserted into the insertion groove 2123.

[0203] The fixing protrusion 242 may be formed in a plurality and spaced apart along the flow path rib 212. Correspondingly, a plurality of fixing holes 542 may also be formed spaced apart along the sealing member 500.

[0204] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the tub 20 may be configured to include a fixing hole, and the sealing member 500 may be configured to include a fixing protrusion.

[0205] The sealing member 500 may elongate to correspond to the flow path rib 212 and may be easily deformable as it is made of an elastic material. Thus, it may be somewhat inconvenient to couple the sealing member 500 to the insertion groove 2123 of the flow path rib 212.

[0206] The tub 20 and the sealing member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may improve manufacturing efficiency through a temporary fixing structure including the fixing protrusion 242 and the fixing hole 542.

[0207] According to the present disclosure, the drying performance of the clothing processing apparatus may be improved.

[0208] According to the present disclosure, the exhaust flow path may be sealed.

[0209] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0210] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes a housing, a tub provided in the housing, the tub including a recessed flow path portion including a tub exhaust port and formed to be recessed toward an inner side of the tub, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, a duct cover couplable to the tub and configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion to form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, and a seal disposed between the tub and the duct cover to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0211] The tub may further include the flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion, and the seal may include the sealing body 510 configured to be coupled to the flow path rib.

[0212] The sealing body may include the intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover and inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

[0213] The flow path rib may include the insertion groove 2123 into which the seal is inserted.

[0214] The sealing body may include the groove blocking portion 511 protruding at an angle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing body is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove.

[0215] The flow path rib may further include the inclined rib 2121 positioned closer to the recessed flow path portion than the insertion groove and including the inclined surface 2121a whose protruding height increases as it approaches the recessed flow path portion, and the fixing rib 2122 positioned on an opposite side of the inclined rib with respect to the insertion groove.

[0216] The tub may include the fixing protrusion 242 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib, and the seal may include the fixing hole 542 configured to receive the fixing protrusion.

[0217] The tub may further include the guide groove 241 formed on an outer side of the fixing rib, and the seal may further include the guide protrusion 541 configured to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0218] The seal may include the inner sealing body 520 extending from the sealing body to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the insertion groove.

[0219] The inner sealing body may include the cover contact portion 521 extending toward the duct cover configured to contact the duct cover, and the inclined surface contact portion 522 extending toward the inclined surface configured to contact the inclined surface of the inclined rib.

[0220] The cover contact portion may include the first cover contact surface 5211 configured to contact the duct cover, and the second cover contact surface 5212 positioned on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface, and the inclined surface contact portion may include the first inclined contact surface 5221 configured to contact the inclined surface, and the second inclined contact surface 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact surface.

[0221] Based on the duct cover being coupled to the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may contact each other, and based on the duct cover being detached from the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may be spaced apart from each other.

[0222] The seal may include the outer sealing body 530 extending from the sealing body to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the fixing rib.

[0223] The outer sealing body may include the first blocking portion 531 protruding toward the duct cover, and the second blocking portion 532 protruding toward the fixing rib.

[0224] The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion may be inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

[0225] A clothing processing apparatus according to an example embodiment includes the tub 20 including the recessed flow path portion 210 defining the tub exhaust ports 221, 222 and 223 and formed to recessed toward an inside of the tub, and the flow path rib 212 extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion; the drum 30 rotatably provided inside the tub; the drying device 70 including a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum, the duct cover 100 configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion and form an exhaust flow path that guides air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device; and the seal 500 coupled along the flow path rib to seal the exhaust flow path, wherein the duct cover may be coupled to the tub with the seal interposed therebetween to seal the exhaust flow path.

[0226] The flow path rib may include the inclined rib 2121 formed on the exhaust flow path side, and whose protruding height increases as it approaches the exhaust flow path, and the fixing rib 2122 formed at a position spaced from the inclined rib to form an insertion groove into which the seal is inserted.

[0227] The seal may include the sealing body 510 inserted into the insertion groove, the inner sealing body 520 extending from the sealing body and seated on the inclined rib, and the outer sealing body 530 extending from the sealing body and seated on the fixing rib.

[0228] The sealing body may include the intermediate blocking portion 512 protruding toward the duct cover and formed to be inclined toward the exhaust flow path, and the outer sealing body may include the first blocking portion 531 protruding at an angle toward the exhaust flow path and configured to contact the duct cover, and the second blocking portion 532 protruding at an angle toward the exhaust flow path and configured to contact the fixing rib.

[0229] The inner sealing body may include the cover contact portion 521 including the first cover contact surface 5211 that contacts the duct cover and the second cover contact surface 5212 positioned on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface, and the inclined surface contact portion 522 including the first inclined contact surface 5221 that contacts the inclined rib and the second inclined contact surface 5222 positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact surface, wherein when the duct cover is coupled to the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface may be elastically deformed in a direction to contact each other.

[0230] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and / or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions.

[0025]In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0026]The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0027]In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0028]As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029]Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to ...

Claims

1. A clothing processing apparatus, comprising:a housing;a tub provided in the housing, the tub comprising a recessed flow path portion recessed toward an inner side of the tub and including a tub exhaust port, and a flow path rib extending along a border of the recessed flow path portion;a drum rotatably provided inside the tub;a drying device comprising a heat pump, the drying device being configured to supply heated air into the drum;a duct cover couplable to the tub and configured to cover an open one side of the recessed flow path portion to form an exhaust flow path configured to guide air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port to the drying device; anda seal disposed between the tub and the duct cover and configured to seal the exhaust flow path,wherein the seal comprises:a sealing body configured to be coupled to the flow path rib,an inner sealing body extending from the sealing body toward the exhaust flow path, andan outer sealing body extending from the sealing body in a direction away from the exhaust flow path.

2. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing body comprises an intermediate blocking portion protruding toward the duct cover and inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

3. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow path rib comprises an insertion groove configured to receive the seal.

4. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sealing body comprises a groove blocking portion protruding in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sealing body is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove.

5. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the groove blocking portion is inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

6. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the flow path rib further comprises:an inclined rib positioned closer to the recessed flow path portion than the insertion groove and comprising an inclined surface increasing in protruding height toward the recessed flow path portion, anda fixing rib positioned on an opposite side of the inclined rib with respect to the insertion groove.

7. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe tub comprises a fixing protrusion formed on an outer side of the fixing rib to fix the seal, andthe seal comprises a fixing hole configured to receive the fixing protrusion.

8. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe tub comprises a guide groove formed on an outer side of the fixing rib, andthe seal further comprises a guide protrusion configured to be inserted into the guide groove.

9. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inner sealing body is configured to contact the duct cover and the inclined rib to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the insertion groove.

10. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner sealing body comprises:a cover contact portion extending toward the duct cover configured to contact the duct cover, andan inclined surface contact portion extending toward the inclined surface configured to contact the inclined surface of the inclined rib.

11. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe cover contact portion comprises a first cover contact surface configured to contact the duct cover, and a second cover contact surface positioned on an opposite side of the first cover contact surface, andthe inclined surface contact portion comprises a first inclined contact surface configured to contact the inclined surface, and a second inclined contact surface positioned on an opposite side of the first inclined contact surface.

12. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 11, whereinbased on the duct cover being coupled to the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface are in contact with each other, andbased on the duct cover being detached from the tub, the second cover contact surface and the second inclined contact surface are spaced apart from each other.

13. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the outer sealing body is configured to contact the duct cover and the fixing rib to block moisture from escaping from the exhaust flow path to the fixing rib.

14. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the outer sealing body comprises a first blocking portion protruding toward the duct cover, and a second blocking portion protruding toward the fixing rib.

15. The clothing processing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are inclined toward the exhaust flow path.

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