Clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

This clothes treating apparatus comprises: a tub including a tub back that forms the back side of the tub, the tub back having a first region that includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region that includes a tub exhaust port and a recessed part that forms an exhaust flow path through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port can flow; a drum, which is inside the tub, accommodates laundry and is rotatable; a rotatable shaft for rotating the drum; a drying device for removing moisture in the air discharged from the tub along the exhaust flow path, heating the discharged air, and supplying the heated air to the tub through an air inlet; a bearing housing which supports the rotatable shaft, and which is coupled to the tub; and a bracket including an exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port, and a rigidity reinforcing part coupled to the recessed part in order to reinforce the rigidity of the recessed part.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a garment treatment device including a drying device.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device for treating and / or managing garments. The garment treatment device may include a washing machine and a dryer.

[0003] A washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to mix laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub, thereby washing them through friction between them.

[0004] The cycles performed by a washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub containing laundry and the drum is rotated to wash the laundry, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a dehydration cycle in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry.

[0005] The cycle performed by the washing machine may include a drying cycle in which heat generated by the drying device is blown into a space containing laundry to dry the laundry. The washing machine may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment processing device with improved internal space efficiency.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device wherein a tub bag forms part of an exhaust path.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device capable of preventing strength degradation due to an improved structure of a tub.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device including a reinforcing bracket having an improved structure to correspond to the structure of a tub bag.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a clothes treatment device includes a tub including a tub back having a first region including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region including a tub exhaust port and a recessed portion forming an exhaust path through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port can flow, the tub including the tub back forming a rear side of the tub, a drum inside the tub configured to receive laundry and be rotatable, a rotatable shaft configured to rotate the drum, a drying device for removing moisture from air discharged from the tub along the exhaust path, heating the discharged air, and supplying the heated air to the tub through the air inlet, a bearing housing configured to support the rotatable shaft and coupled to the tub, and a bracket including an exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port and a rigidity reinforcing portion coupled to the recessed portion to reinforce rigidity of the recessed portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a clothing treatment device includes a tub including a tub back having a first region in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs protrude rearwardly and a second region in which a tub exhaust port and a recess portion are formed, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, and a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being provided to supply heated air into the interior of the drum, a duct cover provided to cover the second region and forming an exhaust path for guiding air discharged from the tub exhaust port through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, a bearing housing coupled to the tub, and a reinforcing bracket including a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port, and a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recess portion to reinforce rigidity of the recess portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a clothing treatment device includes a tub including a first region in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs protrude, a recessed region recessed from end portions of the plurality of reinforcing ribs, and a second region in which a tub exhaust port is formed on the recessed region, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, and a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being provided to supply heated air into the interior of the drum, a duct cover provided to cover the recessed region to form an exhaust path so that air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port flows into the drying device, a bearing housing inserted into the tub, and a reinforcing bracket including a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port, the reinforcing bracket including a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recessed region from an outer side of the bearing housing along a radial direction of the bearing housing.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the tub and the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket inserted into the tub illustrated in Figure 5.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the structure of the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket of Fig. 6.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a tub and a bearing housing with a reinforcing bracket inserted therein according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the structure of the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket of Fig. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a reinforcing bracket is attached to the outside of a tub according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a tub with the reinforcing bracket of Fig. 10 attached.

[0025] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the reinforcing bracket and tub of Figure 11 in an exploded view.

[0026] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the structure of the reinforcing bracket and bearing housing of Fig. 12.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a tub with a reinforcing bracket attached thereto according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 is a drawing showing the reinforcing bracket and tub of Figure 14 in an exploded view.

[0029] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a reinforcing bracket according to one embodiment is coupled to the inside of a tub.

[0030] Fig. 17 is a front view of the tub with the reinforcing bracket of Fig. 16 attached.

[0031] Figure 18 is a drawing showing the reinforcing bracket and tub of Figure 17 in an exploded view.

[0032] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a state in which a reinforcing bracket according to one embodiment is coupled to the inside of a tub.

[0033] Figure 20 is a drawing showing the reinforcing bracket and tub of Figure 19 in an exploded view.

[0034] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0035] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0036] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this document, each of the phrases "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 of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0039] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0040] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0041] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0042] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0043] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0044] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0045] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0046] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0047] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0048] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. 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 interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0049] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0050] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0051] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0052] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0053] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0054] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0055] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0056] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0057] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0058] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0059] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0060] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0061] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0062] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, 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.

[0063] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0064] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0065] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0066] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0067] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0068] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one 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). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0069] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0070] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0071] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0072] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using 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 one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0073] Below, various embodiments of a garment treatment device are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. While a washing machine is described below as an example of a garment treatment device, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to washing machines and can be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing garments.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a washing machine and dryer. The garment treatment device (1) includes a housing (10) forming an exterior, a tub (20) containing water to be used in a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle, a drum (30) containing laundry, and a driving device (40) that rotates the drum (30).

[0076] The housing (10) may be provided in a roughly hexahedral shape. In other words, the housing (10) may be provided in a box shape. The housing (10) includes frames (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e), and the frames (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) may be configured as an upper frame (10a) forming the upper surface of the housing (10), a front frame (10b) and a rear frame (10c) forming the front and rear surfaces of the housing (10), a side frame (10d) connecting the front frame (10b) and the rear frame (10c) and forming the side surface and the lower surface of the housing (10), and a lower frame (10e).

[0077] A laundry inlet (14) for loading or withdrawing laundry into or from the inside of the drum (30) may be formed on the front frame (10b) of the housing (10). The laundry inlet (14) may be opened and closed by a door (13) installed on the front frame (10b) of the housing (10).

[0078] The garment treatment device (1) may include a door (13) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (14). The door (13) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (13) may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the door (13) may include tempered glass.

[0079] The garment treatment device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to the lower detergent supply device (95a). The garment treatment device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to the upper detergent supply device (95b) and the filter (81).

[0080] A control panel (11) for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device (1) may be provided on the upper portion of the front frame (10b) of the housing (10). The control panel (11) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1). The control panel (11) may be provided with an input unit for inputting the operation of the garment treatment device (1), and a display unit for displaying various types of information regarding the garment treatment device (1). For example, the control panel (11) may include a display panel capable of touch input. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control panel may include input units and displays of various forms.

[0081] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry inlet (14). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0082] The tub (20) may include a tub body (22a) corresponding to the side surface of the cylinder. The tub body (22a) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with the front and rear sides each open. The front surface of the tub (20) in which a tub opening (21) is formed may be provided on the open front surface of the tub body (22a). Since the front surface of the tub (20) covers a portion of the open front surface of the tub body (22a), the tub opening (21) may be provided to be smaller than the open front surface of the tub body (22a). A tub back (200) may be provided on the open rear surface of the tub body (22a). The tub back (200) may be provided to cover the open rear surface of the tub body (22a). The tub back (200) can be provided to correspond in size and shape to the open rear surface of the tub body (22a) so as to cover the open rear surface of the tub body (22a).

[0083] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (16). The damper (16) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0084] A garment treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. The drum (30) may be configured in a cylindrical shape. The drum (30) may be configured inside a housing (10). The drum (30) may be configured to be rotatable by receiving power from a driving device (40).

[0085] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32a) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0086] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (90) may be arranged at the top of the tub (20). The water supply device (90) may be arranged at the rear of the drying device (70).

[0087] The clothes treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (95) for supplying detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (95) may include an upper detergent supply device (95b) and a lower detergent supply device (95a). The upper detergent supply device (95b) may be arranged at the lower portion of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (95a) may be arranged at the upper portion of the tub (20). The term "detergent" may be used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0088] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage device (93) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (93) may be arranged at the bottom of the tub (20). The drainage device (93) may include a drainage pump (93a) for discharging water inside the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10), a connection hose (93b) for connecting the tub (20) and the drainage pump (93a) so that water inside the tub (20) can flow into the drainage pump (93a), and a drainage hose for guiding water pumped by the drainage pump (93a) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0089] The tub (20) can be supported by a damper (16). The damper (16) can connect the lower frame (10e) of the housing (10) and the outer surface of the tub (20). In addition to the lower frame of the housing (10), the damper (16) can also be located on the upper side, left and right sides to support the tub (20).

[0090] The drum (30) may include a drum body (32), a drum front (31), and a drum back (34).

[0091] The drum body (32) may be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape with open front and rear ends. A plurality of holes (32a) are formed in the cylindrical drum body (32) so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the drum (30) or be discharged to the outside of the drum (30). At least one lifter (33) may be installed on the inner circumference of the drum body (32) so that laundry can rise and fall when the drum (30) rotates.

[0092] The drum front (31) can be placed at the front end of the drum body (32), and the drum back (34) can be placed at the rear end of the drum body (32).

[0093] A coupling hole (35) may be provided on the side of the drum body (32). A coupling hole (35) may be provided at the rear end of the drum body (32) so that a drum bag (34) can be coupled thereto. A plurality of coupling holes (35) may be formed. The coupling holes (35) are provided so as to fix a flange shaft (60) installed on the drum bag (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 the circumferential direction of the drum body (32) so as to correspond to the flange shaft (60).

[0094] The drum front (31) may be provided to correspond to the front opening of the drum body (32). The drum back (34) may be provided to correspond to the rear opening of the drum body (32).

[0095] The drum bag (34) may be formed in a circular shape so as to block the rear opening of the drum body (32). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the drum bag (24) may be formed with a plurality of holes so that air can pass smoothly from the inside to the outside of the drum.

[0096] The garment treatment device (1) may include a driving device (40) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (40) may include a driving motor (42) and a rotary shaft (41) connected to the drum (30) to transmit driving force generated by the driving motor (42) to the drum (30). A rotary shaft (41) for transmitting the power of the driving motor (42) is connected to a drum back (34) of the drum (30). The drum (30) is rotated within the tub (20) by the rotary force transmitted through the rotary shaft (41).

[0097] A driving motor (42) may be provided on the outside of the tub (20). The driving motor (42) may be connected to the drum (30) via a rotating shaft (41). The rotating shaft (41) passes through the tub back (200) of the tub (20) and is rotatably supported by a bearing (52) and a reinforcing bracket (100).

[0098] The driving motor (42) may include a stator fixed to the outside of the tub back (200) and a rotor that is rotatably provided and connected to a rotating shaft (41). The stator can electromagnetically interact with the rotor to convert rotational electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotation of the rotor can be transmitted to the drum (30) through the rotating shaft (41).

[0099] The drum back (34) can be connected to a rotary shaft (41) via a flange shaft (60). The flange shaft (60) can be provided to transmit power from a driving motor (42).

[0100] The flange shaft (60) may include a hub portion (61) positioned at the 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) for installing a rotating shaft (41) may be formed at the center of the hub portion (61).

[0101] A plurality of flange portions (62) may be formed at approximately 120-degree intervals centered on the hub portion (61). The plurality of flange portions (62) may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the drum bag (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 the embodiment of the present invention, two fastening holes are formed in one flange portion, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening holes may be provided in various numbers and arrangements depending on the size and shape of the drum and the flange portion.

[0102] A rotary shaft (41) is arranged between the drum (30) and the driving motor (42). One end of the rotary shaft (41) is connected to the drum back (34), and the other end of the rotary shaft (41) extends to the outside of the tub back (200). When the driving motor (42) rotates the rotary shaft (41), the drum (30) connected to the rotary shaft (41) rotates around the rotary shaft (41).

[0103] The tub back (200) may be provided with a reinforcing bracket (100) that rotatably supports the rotating shaft (41). The reinforcing bracket (100) may be formed of an aluminum alloy. For example, the reinforcing bracket (100) may be formed of aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the reinforcing bracket (100) may also be formed of stainless steel. It is sufficient that the reinforcing bracket (100) is formed of a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub (20).

[0104] The reinforcing bracket (100) can be inserted into the tub back (200) when the tub (20) is injection-molded. More specifically, the tub (20) can be formed by inserting the reinforcing bracket (100) into a mold (not shown) for forming the tub (20) and then injecting molten resin into the mold. Through this, the tub (20) with the reinforcing bracket (100) inserted into the interior of the tub back (200) can be integrally formed.

[0105] Bearings (52) can be installed between the reinforcing bracket (100) and the rotary shaft (41) to enable the rotary shaft (41) to rotate smoothly.

[0106] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (70) for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum (30). The drying device (70) may be provided to heat air and supply it to the inside of the tub (20). The drying device (70) may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the inside of the tub (20) to dry clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (70) according to various embodiments may be arranged on the upper portion of the tub (20).

[0107] The drying device (70) may include a drying case (70a) in which a heat pump may be installed. The drying case (70a) may include a drying base (70b) and a drying cover (70c) that is coupled to the drying base (70b) to form a path through which air may move. The drying cover (70c) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (70b).

[0108] A drying device (70) according to various embodiments may be configured as a heat pump. The drying device (70) may include a compressor (71), a condenser (72), an evaporator (73), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (75) through which refrigerant circulates and exchanges heat. The compressor (71), condenser (72), evaporator (73), etc., which constitute the heat pump, may be placed in a drying case (70a). For example, the drying device (70) may be mounted on a clothing treatment device (1) as a single module.

[0109] The compressor (71) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is transferred to the condenser (72). The condenser (72) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry the laundry.

[0110] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (73) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (73) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) and remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (72) and can be reheated while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the condenser (72). That is, the condenser (72) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (73). The condenser (72) and the evaporator (73) can be referred to as a heat exchanger.

[0111] Additionally, the drying device (70) may further include a heater (80) in addition to the heat pump to increase drying efficiency. Without being limited thereto, the drying device (70) may include only the heat pump or only the heater (80).

[0112] A heater (80) can heat air introduced into a drying device (70). The heater (80) can be placed in a heating path (77). The heater (80) can be placed downstream of a condenser (72). In addition, the heater (80) can be provided in a small size so as to minimize path resistance. For example, the heater (80) can be a sheath heater.

[0113] The drying device (70) may be provided with an inlet passage (76) through which air discharged from the tub (20) is introduced. The drying device (70) may be provided with a heating passage (77) through which air introduced into the drying device (70) through the inlet passage (76) is heat-exchanged. The drying device (70) may be provided with a supply passage (78) through which air that has passed through the heating passage (77) and has undergone heat exchange is supplied to the tub (20).

[0114] The inlet passage (76) is provided so that air passing through the inside of the tub (20) can be introduced into the drying device (70). The inlet passage (76) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (76) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0115] The drying device (70) may include an inlet guide (76a) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (76a) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (76). The inlet passage (76) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (76a). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (76) of the drying device (70) through the inlet guide (76a).

[0116] A filter (81) may be provided in the inlet passage (76) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (76) may flow to the heating passage (77) through the filter (81).

[0117] A condenser (72) and an evaporator (73) may be placed in the heating passage (77). The introduced air may be hot and humid as it has passed through the inside of the tub (20). The hot and humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (73) placed in the heating passage (77) to remove moisture. Thereafter, the air may be reheated by passing through the condenser (72).

[0118] The supply path (78) can supply heated air back into the tub (20) by passing through the condenser (72). The supply path (78) is connected to the heating path (77) and can extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0119] The drying device (70) may include a blower fan (78a) for causing air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). In one embodiment, the blower fan (78a) may be disposed in the supply passage (78). The blower fan (78a) may cause air from the heating passage (77) and the supply passage (78) to flow into the interior of the drum (30). For example, the blower fan (78a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0120] The supply path (78) may extend approximately vertically from the front end of the drying base (70b) toward the tub (20). The front end of the drying base (70b) may refer to an area adjacent to the front end of the drying base (70b). The supply path (78) may extend downward from the front end of the drying base (70b) located above the tub (20) toward the tub (20).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (1) may not additionally secure a gap between the front frame (10b) of the housing (10) and the front of the tub (20) to form the supply passage (78), by extending the supply passage (78) forward from the front end of the drying base (70b) and then directly downward from the front end of the drying base (70b) toward the tub (20) without extending toward the tub (20). In other words, the garment treatment device (1) may be minimized or prevented from growing in the front-back direction to secure the supply passage (78).

[0122] The clothing treatment device (1) may include an exhaust path (P) for allowing air discharged from the tub (20) to flow to the drying device (70). The exhaust path (P) may be connected to an inlet path (76) of the drying device (70).

[0123] The exhaust path (P) may be provided to discharge moist air discharged from the inside of the drum (30) to the tub (20) to the outside of the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0124] The exhaust path (P), the inlet path (76), the heating path (77), and the supply path (78) can circulate air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (70).

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) may be arranged so that air discharged to the rear of a tub (20) is introduced into an inlet passage (76) of a drying device (70) located on the upper side of the tub (20) through an exhaust passage (P), and then sequentially passes through a heating passage (77) and a supply passage (78), and is then supplied back into the interior of the tub (20).

[0126] A tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the tub back (200) so that air inside the tub (20) is discharged to the rear of the tub (20). Air discharged through the tub exhaust port (220) may flow along the exhaust path (P) to the inlet path (76).

[0127] In a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment, an exhaust path (P) can be formed by combining a duct cover (300) with a tub back (200). The exhaust path (P) can be formed by combining a duct cover (300) with a tub duct (213) to be described below.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a tub (20) may include a reinforcing rib (201) formed on the rear side of a tub back (200) and a tub duct (213) formed on the rear side of the tub back (200). The front side of the tub back (200) may refer to one side of the tub back (200) that is positioned inside the tub (20), and the rear side of the tub back (200) may refer to the other side of the tub back (200) that is positioned outside the tub (20).

[0129] A reinforcing rib (201) may be formed to reinforce the rigidity of the tub back (200). The reinforcing rib (201) may protrude rearward from the rear of the tub back (200).

[0130] The tub duct (213) may include a recessed portion (210) and a partition rib (230). The recessed portion (210) may be formed at a periphery of the tub exhaust port (220) and may refer to a portion where the reinforcing rib (201) is not formed or a portion that is sunken forward from the rear end of the reinforcing rib (201). The partition rib (230) may refer to a protrusion formed along the periphery of the recessed portion (210). The partition rib (230) may protrude from the edge of the recessed portion (210) toward the rear of the tub back (200). The partition rib (230) may form a side wall of the exhaust passage (P).

[0131] The heated air in the drying device (70) can be introduced into the tub (20) and then supplied into the drum (30). At this time, it is necessary to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry. The longer the distance and time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30), the more it can come into contact with the laundry. To this end, the tub exhaust port (220) can be formed at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air in the drying device (70) is introduced into the tub (20).

[0132] The air inlet (26) through which heated air from the drying device (70) flows into the tub (20) and the tub exhaust port (220) through which air inside the tub (20) is discharged can be positioned as far apart as possible. For this purpose, the air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (220) can be positioned diagonally when looking at the tub (20) from the front or rear.

[0133] For example, if the air inlet (26) is formed at the upper front right of the tub (20) or at a position adjacent to the upper front right of the tub (20), the tub exhaust port (220) may be formed at the lower left of the tub back (200) or at a position adjacent to the lower left of the tub back (200). In this case, since the heated air moves from the upper front right of the tub (20) toward the lower left of the tub back (200), it may also move in a similar direction inside the drum (30) arranged inside the tub (20). That is, the heated air may move in a diagonal direction from the upper front right of the drum (30) toward the lower left of the rear of the drum (30). Through this, the movement path of the heated air inside the drum (30) may be made as long as possible. As the path of movement of the heated air becomes longer, the heated air can come into contact with the laundry inside the drum (30) over a wide area for a long time, and the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device (1) can be improved.

[0134] However, without being limited thereto, the air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (220) may be provided at different locations depending on the area of ​​the air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (220) and / or the air volume of the blower fan (78a).

[0135] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a duct cover (300) coupled to the tub (20) to cover the tub duct (213).

[0136] The exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (300) covering one open side of the tub duct (213). When the duct cover (300) is coupled to the tub (20), the exhaust path (P) can be formed by the recessed portion (210), the partition rib (230), and the duct cover (300). The exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (300) being coupled to the second region (R2).

[0137] The tub (20) may further include a duct connection portion (270) that protrudes radially outward from the tub body (22a). For example, the duct connection portion (270) may protrude upward from the rear end of the tub body (22a). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion (270) may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device (70).

[0138] The duct connection (270) can connect the inlet guide (76a) of the drying device (70) and the tub duct (213). The duct connection (270) can extend the exhaust path (P) upward. The duct connection (270) can form a part of the exhaust path (P) together with the recessed portion (210), the partition rib (230), and the duct cover (300).

[0139] The duct connection portion (270) may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top and rear surface. The duct cover (300) may cover the open rear surface of the duct connection portion (270). The duct cover (300) may be formed to only form one side of the exhaust passage, thereby facilitating the connection and sealing structure.

[0140] The duct cover (300) can cover the tub duct (213) and the duct connection portion (270). The duct cover (300) can cover an open side of the tub duct (213) and an open rear side of the duct connection portion (270). An exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (300) covering the recessed portion (210) and the duct connection portion (270). Since the exhaust path (P) is connected to the inlet path (76), air introduced into the exhaust path (P) through the tub exhaust port (220) formed in the tub back (200) can move along the exhaust path (P) and be introduced into the drying device (70) through the inlet path (76).

[0141] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the tub and the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket inserted into the tub illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a structural view of the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the tub and bearing housing with the reinforcing bracket inserted therein according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a structural view of the bearing housing and reinforcing bracket of FIG. 8.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a tub (20) according to one embodiment may include a tub back (200) forming the rear surface of the tub (20).

[0143] The tub back (200) may be formed by protruding a plurality of ribs from a circular structure having a hole in the center. A tub penetration hole (240) through which a rotating shaft (41) passes may be formed in the center of the tub back (200). A tub exhaust port (220) connected to an exhaust path (P) may be formed on one side of the lower portion of the tub back (200).

[0144] The tub back (200) may have a first region (R1) in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) are formed. The plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the tub back (200). The first region (R1) may be formed with a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs (201a) and a plurality of annular reinforcing ribs (201b).

[0145] The tub back (200) may have a second region (R2) in which a recessed portion (210) is provided to form an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged from the tub exhaust port (220) flows. The second region (R2) may mean a region in which a reinforcing rib (201) is not formed or protrudes less rearward than the reinforcing rib (201).

[0146] The heated air supplied into the tub (20) through the supply passage (78) flows into the drum (30), absorbs the moisture of the laundry contained in the drum (30), and becomes humid air, which is then discharged from the drum (30) and the tub (20). In this process, the heated air must be allowed to spread throughout the interior of the drum (30) so that the moisture of the laundry can be sufficiently removed and the drying efficiency can be improved. To this end, a passage connecting the front to the rear of the drum (30) must be secured, and a passage design that can reduce the amount of heated air discharged through the plurality of holes (32a) formed in the cylindrical drum body (32) before reaching the rear of the drum (30) is required. According to the present disclosure, a tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the tub back (200) to increase the amount of heated air discharged to the rear of the drum (30).

[0147] By forming a tub exhaust port (220) in the tub back (200), heated air supplied to the air inlet (26) of the tub (20) can be discharged outside the tub (20) through the tub exhaust port (220). In order to send the humid air discharged from the tub (20) back to the drying device (70), the tub back (200) requires a passage connecting the drying device (70). According to one embodiment, an exhaust passage (P) can be provided to send the humid air discharged from the tub (20) back to the drying device (70).

[0148] Meanwhile, in order for the bearing housing (51) to be mounted on the tub back (200) and to withstand the pressure and load caused by the water stored in the tub (20), the tub back (200) must have sufficient rigidity. To this end, a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may be formed on the tub back (200). Since the reinforcing ribs (201) protrude rearward from the rear of the tub back (200), the thickness of the tub back (200) in the front-to-rear direction increases by the length by which the reinforcing ribs (201) protrude. In this structure, if a separate duct is mounted on the reinforcing ribs (201) of the tub back (200), the capacity inside the housing (10) must be secured by the size of the duct. In other words, the internal space of the housing (10) must also increase in the front-to-rear direction by the thickness of the duct separately mounted on the tub back (200) in the front-to-rear direction.

[0149] According to the present disclosure, a portion of the tub back (200) may not have a reinforcing rib (201) formed therein so that a portion of the tub back (200) can be utilized as a euro. When the length from the front of the tub back (200) to the rear end of the reinforcing rib (201) is referred to as the thickness of the tub back (200), a portion of the tub back (200) can be viewed as having a sunken shape. In the present disclosure, the recessed portion (210) formed in the tub back (200) may mean an area where the reinforcing rib (201) is not formed or an area that protrudes less than the reinforcing rib (201) and extends from the tub exhaust port (220) of the tub back (200) to the upper portion of the tub back (200).

[0150] A plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) can reinforce the strength of the tub back (200). The plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) can include annular reinforcing ribs (201b) having a center coextensive with the center of the tub through-hole (240). The annular reinforcing ribs (201b) can have different radii. The plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) can include radial reinforcing ribs (201a) extending radially from the tub through-hole (240). The radial reinforcing ribs (201a) can extend through the annular reinforcing ribs (201b).

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6, a tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the tub back (200) to discharge air inside the tub (20).

[0152] The tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in multiple forms. The multiple tub exhaust ports (220) may be positioned spaced apart from each other. The multiple tub exhaust ports (220) may be positioned spaced apart along the recess portion (210).

[0153] The tub exhaust port (220) may include a first tub exhaust port (221) formed on the lower side of the recessed portion (210), a second tub exhaust port (222) formed above the first tub exhaust port (221), and a third tub exhaust port (223) formed above the second tub exhaust port.

[0154] The first tub exhaust port (221) may be formed at the lower side of the recessed portion (210). The first tub exhaust port (221) may be positioned below the center of the tub back (200). The first tub exhaust port (221) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the recessed portion (210).

[0155] The second tub exhaust port (222) may be formed at a position spaced upward from the first tub exhaust port (221). The second tub exhaust port (222) may be positioned above the first tub exhaust port (221). The second tub exhaust port (222) may be positioned below the center of the tub back (200). Since the second tub exhaust port (222) is positioned so that there is a gap between it and the first tub exhaust port (221), the decrease in strength of the tub back (200) may be reduced compared to the case where the second tub exhaust port (222) and the first tub exhaust port (221) are formed integrally.

[0156] The third tub exhaust port (223) may be formed at a position spaced upward from the second tub exhaust port (222). The third tub exhaust port (223) may be positioned above the second tub exhaust port (222). At least a portion of the third tub exhaust port (223) may be positioned above the center of the tub back (200).

[0157] The sum of the area of ​​the first tub exhaust port (221) and the area of ​​the second tub exhaust port (222) may be provided to be larger than the area of ​​the third tub exhaust port (223). The area of ​​the tub exhaust port (220) formed below the center of the tub back (200) may be provided to be larger than the area of ​​the tub exhaust port (220) formed above the center of the tub back (200). That is, the tub exhaust port (220) may be formed to have a larger area below the center of the tub back (200).

[0158] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include a bracket exhaust port (120) formed in a rigid reinforcing member (110).

[0159] The bracket exhaust port (120) may correspond to the tub exhaust port (220). Since the bracket exhaust port (120) corresponds to the tub exhaust port (220), air may be discharged to the outside of the tub (20) through the bracket exhaust port (120) and the tub exhaust port (220). When the reinforcing bracket (100) is inserted into the tub back (200), the bracket exhaust port (120) and the tub exhaust port (220) may point to substantially the same hole.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the bracket exhaust port (120) may include a first bracket exhaust port (121) having a position and shape corresponding to the first tub exhaust port (221), a second bracket exhaust port (122) having a position and shape corresponding to the second tub exhaust port (222), and a third bracket exhaust port (123) having a position and shape corresponding to the third tub exhaust port (223).

[0161] The first bracket exhaust port (121) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the rigid reinforcement member (110). The first bracket exhaust port (121) may be positioned below the center of the reinforcement bracket (100).

[0162] The second bracket exhaust port (122) may be positioned above the first bracket exhaust port (121). The second bracket exhaust port (122) may be positioned below the center of the reinforcing bracket (100).

[0163] The third bracket exhaust port (123) may be positioned above the second bracket exhaust port (122). The third bracket exhaust port (123) may be positioned above the center of the reinforcing bracket (100).

[0164] As with the first tub exhaust port (221), the second tub exhaust port (222), and the third tub exhaust port (223), the sum of the area of ​​the first bracket exhaust port (121) and the area of ​​the second bracket exhaust port (122) can be made larger than the area of ​​the third bracket exhaust port (123).

[0165] In addition, the distance between the first bracket exhaust port (121), the second bracket exhaust port (122), and the third bracket exhaust port (123) may be set to a distance that maintains the structural rigidity of the tub (20) and the tub back (200) while the second bracket exhaust port (122) and the third bracket exhaust port (123) are positioned as close as possible to the first bracket exhaust port (121). In addition, the distance between the two may be set to a theoretical calculation value or an experimental value obtained through repeated experiments.

[0166] The bracket exhaust port (120) is not limited to the above. The housing exhaust port may be formed as a single hole. Corresponding to the tub exhaust port being formed as a single hole, the bracket exhaust port (120) may also be formed as a single hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow path. In this case, the hole area is enlarged, thereby increasing the airflow, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0167] As described above, in order for the heated air introduced into the tub (20) through the air inlet (26) to effectively contact the laundry inside the drum (30), it is preferable that the tub exhaust port (220) be spaced as far as possible from the air inlet (26) in the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions. Therefore, it is helpful for the drying efficiency to be improved when the penetration area of ​​the tub exhaust port (220) is formed larger at the lower side than at the upper side of the recessed portion (210). Conversely, when the penetration area of ​​the tub exhaust port (220) is formed larger at the upper side than at the lower side of the recessed portion (210), the air circulating through the drying device (70) may be concentrated only at the upper side of the inside of the drum (30), which may result in a decrease in the drying efficiency of the laundry accommodated inside the drum (30).

[0168] However, in order to secure sufficient flow rate, the tub exhaust port (220) may include an area formed above the center of the tub back (200). For example, the tub exhaust port (220) may include a third tub exhaust port (223) formed above the center of the tub back (200).

[0169] In addition, the distance between the first tub exhaust port (221), the second tub exhaust port (222), and the third tub exhaust port (223) may be set to a distance that can maintain the structural rigidity of the tub (20) and the tub back (200) while the second tub exhaust port (222) and the third tub exhaust port (223) are positioned as close as possible to the first tub exhaust port (221). In addition, the distance between the two may be set to a theoretical calculation value or an experimental value obtained through repeated experiments.

[0170] Although the present invention is illustrated with three tub exhaust ports (220), this is not a limitation. The shape, number, and arrangement of the tub exhaust ports (220) may be provided in various forms. For example, the tub exhaust ports (220) may be formed by densely arranging small holes, or may be formed in the form of a mesh or grille. Alternatively, the tub exhaust ports (220) may form a single exhaust port extending along the length of the exhaust passage.

[0171] The first tub exhaust port (221) may further include a tub drain groove (221a). The tub drain groove (221a) may allow water to drain into the tub (20) without remaining between the lower end of the recessed portion (210) and the lower end of the partition rib (230). The tub drain groove (221a) may be formed such that at least a portion of the first tub exhaust port (221) extends to the lower end of the partition rib (230). The tub drain groove (221a) may be formed to be inclined downward toward the inside of the tub (20) to facilitate drainage.

[0172] The tub (20) may be formed of a relatively weak plastic material. To reinforce the strength of the tub (20), a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may be provided on the tub back (200). In addition, to further reinforce the strength of the tub back (200), a reinforcing bracket (100) may be inserted into the tub back (200). That is, when the tub (20) is injection-molded, it may be injected with the reinforcing bracket (100) inserted.

[0173] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub (20). The reinforcing bracket (100) may be formed of aluminum die casting (ALDC) or stainless steel. By including a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub (20), the reinforcing bracket (100) may be inserted into the tub back (200) to reinforce the strength of the tub back (200).

[0174] A tub back (200) may be formed with a tub through hole (240) through which a rotation shaft (41) of a driving motor (42) passes. A bearing (52) is inserted into the tub through hole (240), and the bearing (52) can rotatably support the rotation shaft (41).

[0175] The load caused by water and laundry contained inside the drum (30) is transmitted to the tub back (200) in which a tub penetration hole (240) is formed through the rotating shaft (41) and bearing (52). Since the tub back (200) is not strong enough to support the load, a bearing housing (51) may be provided on the inside of the tub back (200).

[0176] The second region (R2) of the tub back (200) may have a weaker strength than the first region (R1). Since the second region (R2) has a recessed portion (210) and a tub exhaust port (220) formed therein, the second region (R2) may have a weaker strength than the first region (R1) in which a reinforcing rib (201) is provided.

[0177] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a reinforcing bracket (100) provided to reinforce the rigidity of a second region (R2) of a tub back (200).

[0178] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include a rigid reinforcing member (110) provided to reinforce the strength of the recessed portion (210). The rigid reinforcing member (110) may be provided to be coupled to the recessed portion (210). The reinforcing bracket (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be coupled to the tub back (200) in an insert manner. A bracket exhaust port (120) corresponding to the tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the rigid reinforcing member (110).

[0179] When the reinforcing bracket (100) is inserted into the tub back (200), the tub exhaust port (220) and the bracket exhaust port (120) can be positioned to correspond to each other. That is, the tub exhaust port (220) and the bracket exhaust port (120) can form a single hole. Air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) can be discharged through the hole formed by the tub exhaust port (220) and the bracket exhaust port (120).

[0180] The reinforcing bracket (100) may be positioned outside the bearing housing (51) along the radial direction of the bearing housing (51). The outside of the bearing housing (51) may mean a place farther than the leg portion (511) extending in the radial direction based on the center of the bearing through hole (510), which is the center of the bearing housing (51). In other words, it may be positioned farther than the end of the leg portion (511) along the extension direction of the leg portion (511) from the bearing through hole (510).

[0181] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include a bracket extension (160) extending along the circumference of the bearing housing (51). The bracket extension (160) may be disposed on the outside along the radial direction of the tub back (200). The bracket extension (160) may form a single circle together with the rigid reinforcement portion (110). That is, the bracket extension (160) and the rigid reinforcement portion (110) may each have an arc shape with different lengths. The bracket extension (160) and the rigid reinforcement portion (110) may be parts of a circle having the same center.

[0182] The bracket extension (160) may include a plurality of bracket ribs (150). The plurality of bracket ribs (150) may be formed to correspond to a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) formed in the tub back (200).

[0183] The plurality of bracket ribs (150) may include annular bracket ribs (151) that are arranged to correspond to the annular reinforcing ribs (201b) that constitute the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201). The annular bracket ribs (151) may form a portion of a concentric circle based on the center of the reinforcing bracket (100). That is, the annular bracket ribs (151) may share the center of the reinforcing bracket (100) but may have different radii.

[0184] The plurality of bracket ribs (150) may include radial bracket ribs (152) that are arranged to correspond to the radial reinforcing ribs (201a) that constitute the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201). The radial bracket ribs (152) may extend radially from the center of the reinforcing bracket (100) on the bracket extension (160).

[0185] The bearing housing (51) can be inserted into the tub through hole (240) at the center of the tub back (200). Accordingly, the reinforcing bracket (100) can be placed on the outside of the portion where the tub through hole (240) of the tub back (200) is formed. The reinforcing bracket (100) can be inserted on the outside of the tub through hole (240) along the radial direction of the tub back (200).

[0186] The reinforcing bracket (100) may further include a bracket drain groove (121a).

[0187] A bracket drain groove (121a) may be formed in the first housing exhaust port (121) to correspond to the tub drain groove (221a) formed in the first tub exhaust port (221). The bracket drain groove (121a) may be formed such that at least a portion of the first housing exhaust port (121) extends to the lower end of the rib reinforcement portion (130). Like the tub drain groove (221a), the bracket drain groove (121a) may be formed to be inclined toward the inside of the tub (20).

[0188] The tub back (200) may include a step portion (211) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage (P). The exhaust passage (P) may be provided so that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (270) is larger than the width of the portion formed in the recess portion (210) by the step portion (211). The step portion (211) may be formed by a portion of the recess portion (210) being stepped forward more than the remainder of the recess portion (210).

[0189] The front end of the recessed portion (210) and the duct connection portion (270) may be formed to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front end of the duct connection portion (270), which forms a part of the exhaust passage (P), may be positioned forward of the recessed portion (210). The step portion (211) may extend obliquely from the recessed portion (210) toward the duct connection portion (270) so as to connect the front end of the recessed portion (210) and the duct connection portion (270). The step portion (211) may be formed to facilitate the flow of air on the downstream side of the exhaust passage (P) connected to the inlet passage (76).

[0190] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include an avoidance portion (111) corresponding to the step portion (211). The avoidance portion (111) may be formed to avoid the reinforcing bracket (100) being difficult to insert into a portion that is more sunken than the recess portion (210). The avoidance portion (111) may be formed in a portion of the rigid reinforcing portion (110) corresponding to the step portion (211). The avoidance portion (111) may refer to a groove or hole having a shape corresponding to the step portion (211). Since the avoidance portion (111) is a groove or hole having a shape corresponding to the step portion (211), the reinforcing bracket (100) may not be inserted into the inner side of the step portion (211). In other words, the bearing housing may not be formed in an area corresponding to the step portion (211) of the tub back (200).

[0191] The tub back (200) may include a partition rib (230) that protrudes from the edge of the recessed portion (210) toward the rear of the tub back (200) to partition a portion of the tub back (200) where the recessed portion (210) is formed and the remaining portion of the tub back (200).

[0192] The partition rib (230) can partition a first region (R1) and a second region (R2). The partition rib (230) can be formed to surround the recessed portion (210). The partition rib (230) can protrude from the tub back (200) and extend along the perimeter of the recessed portion (210).

[0193] The height of the partition rib (230) may be set higher than the height of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201). The height of the partition rib (230) being set higher than the height of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may mean that the partition rib (230) protrudes more toward the rear of the tub back (200) than the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) protrude toward the rear of the tub back (200). In other words, the partition rib (230) may protrude more toward the rear of the tub back (200) than the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201).

[0194] The compartment rib (230) may include an outer compartment rib (231), an inner compartment rib (232), and a connecting compartment rib (233).

[0195] The outer partition rib (231) may be arranged on one side of the tub exhaust port (220) in the radial direction of the tub back (200). The inner partition rib (232) may be arranged on the other side of the tub exhaust port (220) in the radial direction of the tub back (200). A connecting partition rib (233) may be provided to connect the outer partition rib (231) and the inner partition rib (232). The outer partition rib (231) may be arranged farther from the tub through hole (240) in the radial direction of the tub back (200) than the inner partition rib (232). Therefore, one side of the above-described tub exhaust port (220) may be referred to as the outer side of the tub exhaust port (220), and the other side of the above-described tub exhaust port (220) may be referred to as the inner side of the tub exhaust port (220).

[0196] The inner partition rib (232) may extend from the annular reinforcing rib (201b) to form a circular rib together with the annular reinforcing rib (201b). The outer partition rib (231) may be formed along the edge of the disc-shaped tub back (200). The outer partition rib (231) may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear edge of the tub back (200). As described above, the inner partition rib (232) may protrude rearward more than the annular reinforcing rib (201b) that forms a circular rib together with the inner partition rib (232). The outer partition rib (231) may protrude rearward of the tub back (200) such that the rear end of the outer partition rib (231) is positioned on the same plane as the rear end of the inner partition rib (232).

[0197] The tub back (200) may include a plurality of tab holes (212a) spaced apart along the partition rib (230). The plurality of tab holes (212a) may be formed on the outside of the recessed portion (210). The plurality of tab holes (212a) may be formed adjacent to each of the outer partition rib (231), the inner partition rib (232), and the connecting partition rib (233).

[0198] A duct cover (300) may be coupled to a plurality of tap holes (212a). The plurality of tap holes (212a) may be arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. The plurality of tap holes (212a) may be formed through tapping for screw fastening. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and holes for fastening rivets or the like may also be formed.

[0199] The reinforcing bracket (100) may include a rib reinforcing member (130) that is provided to be inserted into a partition rib (230).

[0200] The rib reinforcement part (130) may include an outer rib reinforcement part (131) provided to correspond to the outer compartment rib (231) to reinforce the strength of the outer compartment rib (231), an inner rib reinforcement part (132) provided to correspond to the inner compartment rib (232) to reinforce the strength of the inner compartment rib (232), and a connecting rib reinforcement part (133) provided to correspond to the connecting compartment rib (233) to reinforce the strength of the connecting compartment rib (233).

[0201] The inner rib reinforcement (132) can form a circle together with one of the annular bracket ribs (151). Specifically, the inner rib reinforcement (132) and the bracket rib (151) located most inner among the annular bracket ribs (151) can form a circle. That is, the inner rib reinforcement (132) can be connected to a part of the innermost concentric circle among the parts of the concentric circle formed by the annular bracket rib (151).

[0202] The radius of the circle formed by the innermost bracket rib (151) among the inner rib reinforcement (132) and the annular bracket rib (151) may correspond to the radius of the bearing housing (51). However, the meaning of the corresponding radii may not mean that they are completely the same. In the present embodiment, the bearing housing (51) may have a smaller radius than the circle formed by the inner rib reinforcement (132) and the annular bracket rib (151).

[0203] The rib reinforcement part (130) is inserted at a position corresponding to the partition rib (230) to reinforce the rigidity of the partition rib (230).

[0204] The bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100) may be provided so as to be mutually connectable. The bearing housing (51) may include a housing connecting portion (5111) provided at an end of the leg portion (511). Correspondingly, the reinforcing bracket (100) may include a bracket connecting portion (140).

[0205] The housing joint (5111) may be formed only on some of the plurality of leg parts (511). In the present illustration, the housing joint (5111) is formed only on the leg part (511) positioned adjacent to the rigid reinforcement part (110) among the plurality of leg parts (511), but is not limited thereto.

[0206] When the tub back (200) is injection-molded, the bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100) may be inserted while being combined. That is, the bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100) may be combined first before the tub back (200) is injected. The housing coupling portion (5111) and the bracket coupling portion (140) may be combined through a fastening member (not shown). The fastening member (not shown) may be a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, the bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100) may be inserted without being combined first.

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a reinforcing bracket (100A) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0208] The reinforcing bracket (100A) may be formed to correspond to the tub duct (213) of the tub back (200). The tub duct (213) may have a lower rigidity than the first region (R1) where the reinforcing rib (201) is formed. Accordingly, the reinforcing bracket (100A) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the tub duct (213).

[0209] Since the reinforcing bracket (100A) has a shape corresponding only to the tub duct (213), the structure can be simplified. In addition, since the reinforcing bracket (100A) is placed only on the tub duct (213) requiring rigid reinforcement, the weight of the tub (20), etc., can be reduced.

[0210] It can be formed to correspond to the recessed portion (210) of the tub duct (213), the tub exhaust port (220), and the partition rib (230).

[0211] Specifically, the reinforcing bracket (100A) may include a rigid reinforcing portion (110) corresponding to the recess portion (210), a bracket exhaust port (120) corresponding to the tub exhaust port (220), and a rib reinforcing portion (130) corresponding to the partition rib (230). In addition, it may include an avoidance portion (111) formed to correspond to the step portion (211).

[0212] The reinforcing bracket (100A) can be inserted into the tub back (200). In this case, the reinforcing bracket (100A) can also be combined with the bearing housing (51).

[0213] When the tub back (200) is injection-molded, the bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100A) may be inserted while being combined. The housing joint portion (5111) and the bracket joint portion (140) may be combined via a fastening member (not shown). The fastening member (not shown) may be a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, the bearing housing (51) and the reinforcing bracket (100) may be inserted without being first combined.

[0214] Below, a garment treatment device in which a reinforcing bracket is attached to the outside of a tub bag will be described. Components identical to those in the above embodiments are assigned the same part numbers and detailed descriptions may be omitted, while only detailed descriptions of other components will be provided.

[0215] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a reinforcing bracket according to one embodiment is coupled to the outside of a tub. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a tub to which the reinforcing bracket of Fig. 10 is coupled. Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing the reinforcing bracket and tub of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the structure of the reinforcing bracket and bearing housing of Fig. 12.

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a reinforcing bracket (100B) that is provided to be coupled to the outside of a tub (20).

[0217] The reinforcing bracket (100B) can be coupled to the rear of the tub back (200). That is, the reinforcing bracket (100B) can be coupled onto the tub duct (213).

[0218] The reinforcing bracket (100B) may include a first bracket exhaust port (121B) having a position and shape corresponding to the first tub exhaust port (221), a second bracket exhaust port (122B) having a position and shape corresponding to the second tub exhaust port (222), and a third bracket exhaust port (123B) having a position and shape corresponding to the third tub exhaust port (223).

[0219] The reinforcing bracket (100B) may include a rigid reinforcing member (110B) provided to be coupled on the recessed portion (210). The rigid reinforcing member (110B) may include a duct coupling member (112) for coupling to the recessed portion (210). The duct coupling member (112B) may be coupled to the recessed coupling member (212) provided on the recessed portion (210). The duct coupling member (112B) and the recessed coupling member (212) may be coupled to each other through a fastening member. The fastening member may be a bolt, a rivet, or the like.

[0220] The reinforcing bracket (100B) may include a rib reinforcing portion (130B) extending along the inner side of the partition rib (230).

[0221] The rib reinforcement part (130B) may include an inner rib reinforcement part (132B) provided to reinforce the rigidity of the inner partition rib (232). The inner rib reinforcement part (132B) may be arranged on the inner side of the inner partition rib (232), i.e., in the recessed part (210). In other words, the inner rib reinforcement part (132B) may be formed by bending from the rigidity reinforcement part (110B).

[0222] The rib reinforcement member (130B) may include a connecting rib reinforcement member (133B) extending along the inner side of the connecting compartment rib (233). The connecting rib reinforcement member (133B) may also be positioned on the inner side of the connecting compartment rib (232), i.e., in the recessed portion (210). Similarly, the connecting rib reinforcement member (133B) may be formed by bending from the rigid reinforcement member (110B).

[0223] The rib reinforcement member (130B) may include an inner folded member (134B) configured to surround at least a portion of the inner partition rib (232). The inner folded member (134B) may be formed by being folded from the inner rib reinforcement member (132B) to surround the inner partition rib (232). That is, the inner partition rib (232) may be inserted into a gap formed by the bending of the inner folded member (134B).

[0224] Likewise, the rib reinforcement member (130B) may include a connecting bend member (135B) configured to surround at least a portion of the connecting compartment rib (233). The connecting bend member (135B) may be formed by bending from the connecting rib reinforcement member (133B) to surround the connecting compartment rib (233). The inner compartment rib (233) may be inserted into a gap formed by bending the connecting bend member (135B).

[0225] In this embodiment, the inner bend portion (134B) and the connecting bend portion (135B) are shown as separate components, but they may be formed integrally by extending along the inner rib reinforcement portion (132B). In addition, the rib reinforcement portion (130B) may include an outer rib reinforcement portion extending along the outer partition rib.

[0226] The rigid bracket (100B) may include a bracket extension (160B) extending along the circumferential direction. The bracket extension (160B) may be coupled to the rear of the tub back (200). The bracket extension (160B) may form a single circle together with the rigid reinforcement (110B).

[0227] The bracket extension (160B) may include a tub coupling portion (161B) that is configured to be coupled to the tub back (200). The tub coupling portions (161B) may be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the bracket extension (160B). The number and positions of the tub coupling portions (161B) may vary.

[0228] The reinforcing bracket (100B) may include a bracket coupling portion (140B) that is provided to be coupled with the bearing housing (51).

[0229] The housing coupling portion (5111) of the bearing housing (51) may penetrate a portion of the tub back (200) and be exposed to the rear. The housing coupling portion (5111) may be directly coupled to the bracket coupling portion (140B). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing coupling portion (5111) may be coupled to the bracket coupling portion (140B) with a portion of the tub back (200) interposed therebetween.

[0230] The tub coupling portion (161B) may also be coupled with the housing coupling portion (5111) of the bearing housing (51) inserted into the tub back (200). The coupling may be achieved through a fastening member penetrating the tub coupling portion (161B) and the housing coupling portion (5111).

[0231] In this way, the rigidity of the tub back (200) can be reinforced through the reinforcing bracket (100B) coupled to the rear of the tub back (200). In particular, the rigidity of the tub duct (213), which has weaker rigidity, can be reinforced.

[0232] Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a tub with a reinforcing bracket attached thereto according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is an exploded view illustrating the reinforcing bracket and tub of Fig. 14.

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a reinforcing bracket (100C) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be formed to correspond to a tub duct (213).

[0234] The reinforcing bracket (100C) may be formed to correspond to the tub duct (213) of the tub back (200). The reinforcing bracket (100C) may be placed in the second region (R2). The tub duct (213) may have lower rigidity than the first region (R1) where the reinforcing rib (201) is formed. Therefore, the reinforcing bracket (100C) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the tub duct (213).

[0235] Since the reinforcing bracket (100C) has a shape corresponding only to the tub duct (213), the structure can be simplified. In addition, since the reinforcing bracket (100C) is placed only on the tub duct (213) requiring rigid reinforcement, the weight of the tub (20), etc., can be reduced.

[0236] A reinforcing bracket (100C) may be coupled to the recessed portion (210). The reinforcing bracket (100C) may include a duct coupling portion (112C) that is arranged to be coupled to the recessed portion (210). The duct coupling portion (112C) may be arranged between bracket exhaust ports (120C).

[0237] The reinforcing bracket (100C) may include a rib reinforcing portion (130C) extending along the inner side of the partition rib (230). In the present illustration, only the inner rib reinforcing portion (132C) extending along the inner partition rib (232) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rib reinforcing portion (130C) may extend along the outer partition rib, the connecting partition rib. That is, it may extend along the perimeter of the recess portion (210) and reinforce the rigidity of the partition rib (230).

[0238] The inner rib reinforcement member (132C) can be formed by bending from the rigid reinforcement member (110C). The inner rib reinforcement member (132C) can be formed approximately perpendicular to the rigid reinforcement member (110C).

[0239] The reinforcing bracket (100C) may include a bracket coupling portion (140C) that is provided to be coupled with the bearing housing (51).

[0240] The housing coupling portion (5111) of the bearing housing (51) may penetrate a portion of the tub back (200) and be exposed to the rear. The housing coupling portion (5111) may be directly coupled to the bracket coupling portion (140C). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing coupling portion (5111) may be coupled to the bracket coupling portion (140C) with a portion of the tub back (200) interposed therebetween.

[0241] Below, an embodiment in which a reinforcing bracket is attached to the front of a tub back will be described. Components identical to those in the above embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions may be omitted, and only detailed descriptions of other components will be provided.

[0242] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a reinforcing bracket according to one embodiment is coupled to the inside of a tub. Fig. 17 is a front view of the tub to which the reinforcing bracket of Fig. 16 is coupled. Fig. 18 is an exploded view of the reinforcing bracket and tub of Fig. 17.

[0243] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a reinforcing bracket (100D) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be coupled to the interior of a tub (20). The reinforcing bracket (100D) can be coupled to the front of a tub back (200).

[0244] A reinforcing bracket (100D) may be coupled along the perimeter of the tub back (200). The reinforcing bracket (100D) may include a rigid reinforcing portion (110D) provided to reinforce the rigidity of the recess portion (210). A bracket exhaust port (120) formed to correspond to the tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the rigid reinforcing portion (110D).

[0245] The reinforcing bracket (100D) may include a bracket extension (160D) extending circumferentially from the rigid reinforcement portion (100D). The bracket extension (160D) may include a tub coupling portion (161D) for coupling to the front of the tub back (200). The tub coupling portions (161D) may be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the bracket extension (160D).

[0246] The tub coupling portion (161D) may also be coupled with the housing coupling portion (5111) of the bearing housing (51) inserted into the tub back (200). The coupling may be achieved through a fastening member penetrating the tub coupling portion (161D) and the housing coupling portion (5111).

[0247] The tub back (200) may include a recessed joint (212D) provided to allow a reinforcing bracket (100D) to be joined to the front of the tub back (200). The recessed joint (212D) may be formed in the recessed portion (210). The recessed joint (212D) may be positioned between the tub exhaust ports (220).

[0248] The reinforcing bracket (100D) may include a rib reinforcing portion (130D) for reinforcing the rigidity of the partition rib (230). The rib reinforcing portion (130D) may include an inner rib reinforcing portion (132D) that is provided to be inserted into the inner partition rib insert portion (232Da). The inner rib reinforcing portion (132D) may be formed by bending from the rigid reinforcing portion (110D). The inner rib reinforcing portion (132D) may be formed approximately perpendicular to the rigid reinforcing portion (110D).

[0249] By inserting an inner rib reinforcement part (132D) into the inner compartment rib (232), a rigidity reinforcement effect similar to that of insert injection can be achieved.

[0250] However, without being limited thereto, the rib reinforcement member (130D) may include an outer rib reinforcement member and a connecting rib reinforcement member that are provided to be inserted into the outer compartment rib and the connecting compartment rib. Correspondingly, the tub back may be provided with a rib insertion member so that the outer rib reinforcement member and the connecting rib reinforcement member can be inserted.

[0251] Fig. 19 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a reinforcing bracket according to one embodiment is coupled to the inside of a tub. Fig. 20 is an exploded drawing illustrating the reinforcing bracket and tub of Fig. 19.

[0252] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a reinforcing bracket (100E) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be provided to correspond to a tub duct (213).

[0253] The reinforcing bracket (100E) can be coupled to the inside of the tub (20). The reinforcing bracket (100E) can be coupled to the front of the tub back (200). The reinforcing bracket (100E) can be coupled to the front of the tub back (200) and positioned to correspond to the second region (R2).

[0254] Since the second region (R2) may have weaker rigidity than the first region (R1), a reinforcing bracket (100E) may be combined to reinforce the rigidity of the second region (R2) of the tub back (200).

[0255] The reinforcing bracket (100E) may include a rib reinforcing member (130E) for reinforcing the rigidity of the partition rib (230). The rib reinforcing member (130E) may include an inner rib reinforcing member (132E) provided to reinforce the rigidity of the inner partition rib (232).

[0256] The inner rib reinforcement member (132) may be provided to be inserted into the inner compartment rib (232). The inner rib reinforcement member (132) may be formed by bending from the rigid reinforcement member (110E). The inner rib reinforcement member (132) may be formed approximately perpendicular to the rigid reinforcement member (110E).

[0257] However, without being limited thereto, the rib reinforcement member (130E) may include an outer rib reinforcement member and a connecting rib reinforcement member that are provided to be inserted into the outer partition rib and the connecting partition rib. Correspondingly, the tub back may be provided with a partition rib insertion member into which the outer rib reinforcement member and the connecting rib reinforcement member can be inserted.

[0258] According to one embodiment, a clothes treatment device includes a tub including a tub back having a first region including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region including a tub exhaust port and a recessed portion forming an exhaust path through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port can flow, the tub including the tub back forming a rear side of the tub, a drum inside the tub configured to receive laundry and be rotatable, a rotatable shaft connected to the drum and configured to rotate the drum, a drying device located on an upper portion of the tub and configured to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub along the exhaust path, heat the discharged air, and supply the heated air to the tub through the air inlet, a bearing housing configured to support the rotatable shaft and inserted into the tub, and a reinforcing bracket including a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port and a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recessed portion to reinforce rigidity of the recessed portion.

[0259] The above reinforcing bracket may be located on the outside of the bearing housing along the radial direction of the bearing housing.

[0260] The above reinforcing bracket can be coupled to the bearing housing.

[0261] The tub back may further include a partition rib that partitions the first region and the second region, and the reinforcing bracket may include a rib reinforcing portion corresponding to the partition rib to reinforce the rigidity of the partition rib.

[0262] The above-mentioned partition rib may extend along the perimeter of the recessed portion, and the above-mentioned rib reinforcement portion may extend along the perimeter of the above-mentioned rigid reinforcement portion.

[0263] The above reinforcing bracket can be inserted into the above tub back.

[0264] The above reinforcing bracket and the above bearing housing can be inserted into the above tub back.

[0265] The above reinforcing bracket is placed in the second region, but may be placed outside the tub.

[0266] The above reinforcing bracket may further include a rib reinforcing portion extending along the partition rib to reinforce the rigidity of the partition rib.

[0267] The above reinforcing bracket is arranged in the second region, but may be arranged inside the tub.

[0268] The above tub exhaust port may include a tub drain groove configured to allow water to drain toward the inside of the tub, and the bracket exhaust port may include a bracket drain groove corresponding to the tub drain groove and configured to allow water to drain toward the inside of the tub.

[0269] The above reinforcing bracket may further include a bracket extension extending from the rigid reinforcing portion along the circumferential direction of the bearing housing.

[0270] The above bracket extension can be combined with the above tub back.

[0271] The recessed portion may further include a stepped portion that is sunken toward the inside of the tub to expand the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage, and the reinforcing bracket may further include an avoidance portion formed at a position corresponding to the stepped portion.

[0272] The above avoidance member may be formed as a groove or hole in at least a portion of the above reinforcing bracket.

[0273] According to one embodiment, a clothing treatment device includes a tub including a tub back having a first region in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs protrude rearwardly and a second region in which a tub exhaust port and a recessed portion are formed, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, and a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being provided to supply heated air into the interior of the drum, a duct cover provided to cover the second region and forming an exhaust path for guiding air discharged from the tub exhaust port through the tub exhaust port to the drying device, a bearing housing inserted into the tub, and a reinforcing bracket including a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port, and a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recessed portion to reinforce rigidity of the recessed portion.

[0274] The above reinforcing bracket may be arranged to be coupled with the bearing housing.

[0275] The above reinforcing bracket may further include a bracket extension portion extending along the circumferential direction of the bearing housing and arranged on the outside along the radial direction of the bearing housing, wherein the rigid reinforcing portion may be provided to be coupled with the recess portion, and the bracket extension portion may be provided to be coupled with the first region.

[0276] According to one embodiment, a clothing treatment device includes a tub including a first region in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs protrude, a recessed region recessed from end portions of the plurality of reinforcing ribs, and a second region in which a tub exhaust port is formed on the recessed region, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, and a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device being provided to supply heated air into the interior of the drum, a duct cover provided to cover the recessed region to form an exhaust path so that air discharged from the drum through the tub exhaust port flows into the drying device, a bearing housing inserted into the tub, and a reinforcing bracket including a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port, the reinforcing bracket including a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recessed region from an outer side of the bearing housing along a radial direction of the bearing housing.

[0277] The above reinforcing bracket may be provided so as to be coupled with the bearing housing.

[0278] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the space efficiency of the interior of a garment treatment device can be improved.

[0279] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tub back may form part of the exhaust path.

[0280] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, strength degradation due to the improved structure of the tub can be prevented.

[0281] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a garment treatment device may include a reinforcing bracket having an improved structure to correspond to the structure of a tub bag.

[0282] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0283] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A tub including a tub back having a first region including a plurality of reinforcing ribs and a second region including a tub exhaust port and a recessed portion forming an exhaust path through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port can flow, wherein the tub includes a tub back forming a rear side of the tub; A drum inside the above tub, the drum configured to accommodate laundry and be rotatable; A rotatable shaft connected to the drum and configured to rotate the drum; A drying device provided on the upper portion of the tub and configured to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub along the exhaust path, heat the discharged air, and supply the heated air to the tub; A bearing housing configured to support the above rotatable shaft and coupled to the tub; and A clothing treatment device comprising: a bracket exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port; and a reinforcing bracket including a rigid reinforcing portion coupled to the recess portion to reinforce the rigidity of the recess portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device in which the above reinforcing bracket is located on the outside of the bearing housing along the radial direction of the bearing housing.

3. In paragraph 1, The above reinforcing bracket is a garment treatment device coupled to the above bearing housing.

4. In paragraph 3, The above tub bag further includes a partition rib that partitions the first region and the second region, A garment processing device in which the above reinforcing bracket includes a rib reinforcing part corresponding to the above partition rib to reinforce the rigidity of the above partition rib.

5. In paragraph 4, A garment processing device wherein the above-mentioned partition rib extends along the perimeter of the above-mentioned recessed portion, and the above-mentioned rib reinforcement portion extends along the perimeter of the above-mentioned rigid reinforcement portion.

6. In paragraph 4, The above reinforcing bracket is a garment treatment device inserted into the above tub bag.

7. In paragraph 6, A garment treatment device in which the above reinforcing bracket and the above bearing housing are inserted into the above tub bag.

8. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device in which the above reinforcing bracket is arranged in the second area, but is arranged outside the tub.

9. In paragraph 8, A garment treatment device wherein the above reinforcing bracket further includes a rib reinforcing portion extending along the partition rib to reinforce the rigidity of the partition rib.

10. In paragraph 3, A clothing treatment device in which the above reinforcing bracket is placed in the second area, but is placed inside the tub.

11. In paragraph 1, The above tub exhaust port includes a tub drain groove provided to allow water to drain toward the interior of the tub, A clothes treatment device wherein the bracket exhaust port is configured to allow water to drain toward the interior of the tub and includes a bracket drain groove corresponding to the tub drain groove.

12. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device wherein the above reinforcing bracket further includes a bracket extension portion extending along the circumferential direction of the bearing housing from the above rigid reinforcing portion.

13. In paragraph 12, The above bracket extension is a garment treatment device that is connected to the above tub back.

14. In paragraph 1, The above recessed portion further includes a stepped portion that is stepped toward the inside of the tub to expand the cross-sectional area of the exhaust passage, A garment processing device wherein the above reinforcing bracket further includes an avoidance portion formed at a position corresponding to the step portion.

15. In paragraph 14, A clothing treatment device in which the above-mentioned avoidance member is formed as a groove or hole in at least a portion of the above-mentioned reinforcing bracket.

Images