Clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus, according to one embodiment, comprises: a tub comprising a tub back provided with a first region comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs, and a second region comprising a duct seating part, wherein the tub back forms the rear surface of the tub; a drum provided inside the tub so as to accommodate laundry; a rotary shaft connected to the drum and provided so as to rotate the drum; a bearing housing coupled to the tub and supporting the rotary shaft; an exhaust duct provided on the tub back, wherein the exhaust duct comprises a duct body which is mounted in the duct seating part, is coupled to the bearing housing, and comprises a material having higher rigidity than the tub; and a drying apparatus provided on the upper portion of the tub and removing moisture from air discharged from the tub through the exhaust duct, heating the moisture-removed discharged air, and supplying the heated air to the tub.

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 having an improved structure that secures space even when an exhaust duct is coupled.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device having an improved structure capable of reinforcing the rigidity of a tub.

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a clothing 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 duct mounting portion, wherein the tub back includes a tub forming a rear surface of the tub, a drum provided to receive laundry inside the tub, a rotation shaft connected to the drum and provided to rotate the drum, a bearing housing coupled to the tub and supporting the rotation shaft, an exhaust duct provided in the tub back, the exhaust duct including a duct body mounted to the duct mounting portion, coupled to the bearing housing, and including a material having a higher rigidity than the tub, and a drying device provided on an upper portion of the tub and removing moisture from air discharged from the tub through the exhaust duct, heating the exhaust air from which the moisture has been removed, and supplying the heated air to the tub.

[0011] The second region of the tub back may further include a plurality of cut ribs having a lower protruding height than the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0012] The above tub back may include a tub exhaust port provided in the duct mounting portion, and the duct body may include a duct exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port so that air discharged from the tub passes through the exhaust duct, the duct exhaust port, and the duct body, and the inside of the tub and the exhaust duct are connected.

[0013] The above duct body may include a duct insert protruding toward the tub exhaust port.

[0014] The above duct insert may protrude from the duct body along the perimeter of the duct exhaust port.

[0015] The above duct insert may include a drainage groove extending along the protruding direction of the duct insert to allow moisture to move toward the inside of the tub.

[0016] The above clothing treatment device may further include a sealing member provided between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert to prevent air discharged from the tub from flowing out between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert.

[0017] The above garment treatment device further includes a duct cover coupled to the duct body, and the duct cover may include a material having higher rigidity than the tub.

[0018] The above clothing treatment device may further include a duct cover coupled to the duct body, the duct body may include a body coupling hole provided to be coupled to the duct cover, and the duct cover may include a cover coupling hole corresponding to the body coupling hole.

[0019] The above duct body is a clothes treatment device coupled to the above tub.

[0020] The above duct body includes a body joining portion provided on a side of the duct body, and the duct cover and the bearing housing can be joined with the body joining portion therebetween.

[0021] The bearing housing may include a housing protrusion that protrudes toward the duct body and is coupled with the duct body.

[0022] The housing protrusion may be exposed to the outside of the tub, and the duct body may include a body coupling portion provided on a side of the duct body and coupled to the housing protrusion so that the duct body is coupled to the bearing housing.

[0023] The garment treatment device further includes a duct cover coupled to the duct body and including a cover coupling portion, the tub protruding from the tub back toward the duct cover and including a tub protrusion corresponding to the cover coupling portion, and the cover coupling portion can be coupled to the tub protrusion portion.

[0024] The above duct mounting portion may be at least partially open so that the duct body is exposed to the inside of the tub.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a garment treatment device includes a tub including a duct mounting portion formed with reinforcing ribs and cut ribs having a lower height protruding than the reinforcing ribs, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a bearing housing coupled to the tub that supports a rotating shaft that rotates the drum, a drying device including a heat pump that dries air discharged from the drum and supplies dried air to the drum, and an exhaust duct that is provided to allow air discharged from the drum to flow to the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct includes a material having a higher rigidity than a material forming the tub so as to reinforce rigidity of the mounting portion, a duct body that is provided to be mounted on the duct mounting portion, and a duct cover coupled to the duct body.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a clothing treatment device includes a tub including a tub back having a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed in at least a portion thereof and a duct mounting portion formed in the remaining portion thereof, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a bearing housing coupled to the tub, and a heat pump, the drying device including a drying device configured to supply heated air into the drum, and an exhaust duct configured to allow air discharged from the drum to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct may include a duct body including a material having a higher rigidity than the tub so as to reinforce the rigidity of the duct mounting portion, and configured to be coupled to the bearing housing when mounted on the duct mounting portion, and a duct cover coupled to an open side of the duct body.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a tub and exhaust duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a tub and duct body according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a duct body and a duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a tub and exhaust duct according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a tub and duct body according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a duct body and a duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a state in which an exhaust duct is combined with a bearing housing.

[0039] Figure 13 is a drawing showing an exhaust duct combined with a tub and a bearing housing inserted into the tub.

[0040] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a tub and exhaust duct according to one embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 15 is a front view showing an exhaust duct coupled to a tub according to one embodiment.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0070] 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.

[0071] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0074] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] The drum (30) may include a drum body (32), a drum front (31), and a drum back (34).

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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 bearing housing (51).

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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).

[0111] The tub back (200) may be provided with a bearing housing (51) that rotatably supports the rotating shaft (41). The bearing housing (51) may be provided with an aluminum alloy. For example, the bearing housing (51) may be formed with aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bearing housing (51) may also be formed with stainless steel. It is sufficient that the bearing housing (51) is formed with a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub (20).

[0112] The bearing housing (51) can be coupled to the tub (20). Specifically, the bearing housing (51) can be coupled to the tub back (200). The bearing housing (51) 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 bearing housing (51) 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 bearing housing (51) inserted into the inside of the tub back (200) can be integrally formed.

[0113] Bearings (52) can be installed between the bearing housing (51) and the rotary shaft (41) so that the rotary shaft (41) can rotate smoothly.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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).

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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).

[0133] In a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment, an exhaust path (P) may be formed by coupling an exhaust duct (100) to a tub bag (200). Specifically, the exhaust duct (100) may be formed by coupling a duct cover (120) to a duct body (110). The exhaust path (P) may be formed inside the exhaust duct (100). The structure in which the exhaust duct (100) is coupled to the tub bag (200) may be provided in various ways. '

[0134] The exhaust duct (100) may be provided to allow air discharged from the tub exhaust port (220) to flow in. The air discharged from the tub exhaust port (220) may flow into the interior of the duct body (110) through the duct exhaust port (1120) of the duct body (110). The air introduced through the duct exhaust port (1120) may flow into the drying device (70) along the exhaust path (P).

[0135] According to one embodiment, a tub (20) may include a reinforcing rib (201) and a cut rib (202) formed on the rear side of a 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).

[0136] 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). The cut rib (202) may protrude rearward from the rear of the tub back (200), but may have a lower protruding height than the reinforcing rib (201). The cut rib (202) may be manufactured to have a lower protruding height when the tub (20) is injection-molded. Alternatively, the cut rib (202) may be formed by cutting a predetermined length from an end of the reinforcing rib (201).

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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).

[0141] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a duct cover (120) coupled to the tub (20) to cover the duct body (110).

[0142] An exhaust path (P) can be formed by a duct cover (120) covering an open side of a duct body (110). When the duct cover (120) is coupled to the duct body (110), an exhaust duct (100) forming an exhaust path (P) inside can be formed.

[0143] The duct body (110) may further include a duct connection portion (1140) protruding toward the upper side of the duct body (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion (1140) may be positioned in various ways depending on the location of the drying device (70).

[0144] The duct connection (1140) can be connected to the inlet guide (76a) of the drying device (70). The duct connection (1140) can extend the exhaust path (P) upward. The duct connection (1140) can form a portion of the exhaust path (P).

[0145] The duct connection portion (1140) can be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper surface.

[0146] Since the exhaust path (P) is connected to the inlet path (76), air that is 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).

[0147] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a tub and an exhaust duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a tub and a duct body according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a duct body and a duct cover according to one embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the tub (20) may include a tub back (200) forming the rear surface of the tub (20).

[0149] The tub back (200) may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) formed to withstand the rotational force and hydraulic pressure of the driving device. The plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may protrude from the tub back (200). Specifically, the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may protrude rearward from the tub back (200).

[0150] The plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may include a plurality of annular ribs (201b) and a plurality of radial ribs (201a). The plurality of annular ribs (201b) may be arranged in a concentric circle shape centered on the center of the bearing housing (51). The plurality of radial ribs (201a) may be in a shape that extends radially from the center of the bearing housing (51).

[0151] A plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) may be formed in at least a portion of the tub back (200). The portion of the area forming the tub back (200) where the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) are formed may be referred to as a first region (R1).

[0152] The tub back (200) may include cut ribs (202) that are lower in height than the reinforcing ribs (201) among a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201). The cut ribs (202) may be formed by cutting a portion of the reinforcing rib (201). Alternatively, the cut ribs (202) may be formed to have a lower height than the reinforcing ribs (201) when the tub (20) is injection-molded. The portion where the plurality of cut ribs (202) are formed may be referred to as a second region (R2).

[0153] Since the plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) and the plurality of cut ribs (202) have different heights, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) can have different heights. The first region (R1) and the second region (R2) can be formed in steps.

[0154] The tub back (200) may be arranged so that the exhaust duct (100) is installed in the second region (R2). The second region (R2) may be formed to have a lower protruding height than the first region (R1). Therefore, even if the exhaust duct (100) is installed in the tub back (200), the length of the exhaust duct (100) protruding rearward can be reduced. In other words, the length of the exhaust duct (100) protruding rearward can be reduced when it is installed in the second region (R2) compared to when it is installed in the first region (R1).

[0155] The cutting ribs (202) of the second region (R2) of the tub back (200) may have a lower protruding height than the reinforcing ribs (201) of the first region (R1). That is, the rigidity of the second region (R2) of the tub back (200) may be weakened compared to the first region (R1).

[0156] The exhaust duct (100) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the tub (20). The exhaust duct (100) may include a material having a rigidity equivalent to that of the tub (20). Preferably, the exhaust duct (100) may include a material having a higher rigidity than the material forming the tub (20). For example, the exhaust duct (100) may include PPS, aluminum die casting (ALDC), steel plate, etc.

[0157] The exhaust duct (100) may include a duct body (110) that is mounted on a duct mounting portion (210). In addition, the exhaust duct (100) may include a duct cover (120) that is arranged to be coupled to the duct body (110). The duct body (110) may include a material that is equivalent to or stronger than the material forming the tub (20). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct cover (120) may also include a material that is equivalent to or stronger than the material forming the tub (20).

[0158] The exhaust duct (100) can be mounted on the duct mounting portion (210) and connected to the tub (20) and / or the bearing housing (51).

[0159] The exhaust duct (100) may include a tub coupling portion (2010, 2020) configured to be coupled with the tub (20).

[0160] The tub coupling portion (2010, 2020) may be formed along the periphery of the duct mounting portion (210). The tub coupling portion (2010, 2020) may include a first tub coupling portion (2010) formed on the outer side of the duct mounting portion (210). In other words, the first tub coupling portion (2010) may be formed along the outer circumference of the tub back (200). In another word, the first tub coupling portion (2010) may be formed along a cylindrical surface forming the tub (20).

[0161] The tub joint (2010, 2020) may include a second tub joint (2020) formed on the inside of the duct mounting portion (210). The second tub joint (2020) may be formed at a portion where the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) of the tub back (200) meet.

[0162] The duct body (110) may include a duct body coupling portion (1110) that is provided to correspond to the tub coupling portion (2010, 2020). The duct body coupling portion (1110) may be provided on a side surface of the duct body (110). That is, the duct body coupling portion (1110) may be provided on the circumferential surface of the duct body (110).

[0163] The duct body joint (1110) and the tub joint (2010, 2020) can be joined together by means of a fastening member. With the duct body (110) secured to the duct mounting member (210), a fastening member can be inserted into the duct body joint (1110) and the tub joint (2010, 2020) to be joined to each other.

[0164] The duct body coupling portion (1110) may include a first duct body coupling portion (1111) corresponding to the first tub coupling portion (2010). In addition, the duct body coupling portion (1110) may include a second duct body coupling portion (1112) corresponding to the second tub coupling portion (2020).

[0165] The exhaust duct (100) may include a duct joint (1210, 1220) where the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120) are joined.

[0166] The duct joint (1210, 1220) may include a first duct joint (1210) located farther from the center of the tub back (200) in the exhaust duct (100). The first duct joint (1210) may be a portion where the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120) are joined.

[0167] The duct joint (1210, 1220) may include a second duct joint (1220) located near the center and periphery of the tub back (200) in the exhaust duct (100). The second duct joint (1220) may be a portion where the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120) are joined.

[0168] The duct joint (1210, 1220) can be joined only with the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120). In addition, the duct cover (120) and the bearing housing (51) can be joined as one piece with the duct body (110) in between.

[0169] The duct joints (1210, 1220) can be joined in various ways. For example, the duct joints (1210, 1220) can be joined to the body joint holes (1151, 1152) and the cover joint holes (1251, 1252) through a fastening member. This is merely an example, and various other joining methods may be used.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the joint structure of the duct body (110) and the tub (20), and the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120) will be described.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 7, the tub back (200) may include a tub exhaust port (220) provided to discharge air inside the tub (20). The tub exhaust port (220) may be provided to discharge air containing moisture from laundry inside the tub (20).

[0172] A tub exhaust port (220) may be formed in the tub back (200). Specifically, the tub exhaust port (220) may be provided in a duct mounting portion (210). Air discharged through the tub exhaust port (220) may be arranged to flow into an exhaust duct (100) mounted on the duct mounting portion (210).

[0173] The interior of the tub (20) and the exhaust duct (100) can be connected so that air discharged through the tub exhaust port (220) flows through the exhaust duct (100). The exhaust duct (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a duct exhaust port (1120) formed to correspond to the tub exhaust port (220).

[0174] The duct exhaust port (1120) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (220) can flow into the exhaust duct (100).

[0175] The duct body (110) may include a duct insert (1130) protruding toward the tub exhaust port (220). The duct insert (1130) may be inserted into the tub exhaust port (220). The duct insert (1130) may be configured to be inserted into the tub exhaust port (220) so that the duct body (110) is coupled to the tub (20).

[0176] The duct insert (1130) may be formed along the perimeter of the duct exhaust port (1120). The duct insert (1130) may protrude from the perimeter of the duct exhaust port (1120). Specifically, the duct insert (1130) may protrude toward the tub (20).

[0177] The duct insert (1130) may have a predetermined length so that it can be inserted into the tub exhaust port (220). The circumference of the duct insert (1130) may correspond to the circumference of the duct exhaust port (1120). The duct insert (1130) may be inserted into the tub exhaust port (220) to connect the interior of the tub (20) and the interior of the exhaust duct (100).

[0178] Air inside the tub (20) can flow into the exhaust duct (100) through the duct insert (1130) inserted into the tub exhaust port (220). The passage formed by the duct insert (1130) can be communicated with the duct exhaust port (1120).

[0179] The tub exhaust port (220) may include a first tub exhaust port (221) formed on the lower side of the duct body (110), 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 (222).

[0180] 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), a decrease in the strength of the tub back (200) may be prevented compared to a case where the second tub exhaust port (222) and the first tub exhaust port (221) are formed integrally.

[0181] The third tub exhaust port (223) can be formed at a position spaced upward from the second tub exhaust port (222). Similarly, the air flow rate can be secured while preventing a decrease in the rigidity of the tub back (200).

[0182] In this way, the tub exhaust port (220) can be formed in three pieces. The duct exhaust port (1120) can also be formed in three pieces corresponding to the tub exhaust port (220). The duct insertion portion (1130) can also be formed in three pieces since it protrudes from each duct exhaust port (1120).

[0183] The duct insert (1130) can be inserted into the tub exhaust port (220) to improve the bonding strength between the duct body (110) and the tub (20). By providing a plurality of duct inserts (1130) and tub exhaust ports (220), the bonding strength can be further improved.

[0184] The duct insertion portion (1130) may include a first duct insertion portion (1131) that is provided to be inserted into the first tub exhaust port (220) located at the lowest end among the tub exhaust ports (220). The first duct insertion portion (1131) may include a drainage groove (1121a) that is provided to prevent moisture from remaining in the duct insertion portion (1131).

[0185] The drainage groove (1121a) may be formed to be inclined downward along the protruding direction of the first duct insertion portion (1131) so that moisture remaining in the first duct insertion portion (1131) can flow into the inside of the tub (20). The drainage groove (1121a) may extend along the length direction of the first duct insertion portion (1131). That is, the drainage groove (1121a) may be formed in a groove shape so that moisture can flow into the inside of the tub (20).

[0186] The drainage groove (1121a) can be formed not only in the first duct insertion portion (1131), but also in the second duct insertion portion (1132) and / or the third duct insertion portion (1133).

[0187] The duct insert (1130) may include a second duct insert (1131) and a third duct insert (1132) that are provided to be inserted into the second tub exhaust port (222) and the third tub exhaust port (222). In the present invention, the number of duct inserts (1130) is illustrated as three corresponding to the number and positions of the tub exhaust ports (220), but this is not limited thereto. The tub exhaust ports (220) may be formed in various numbers, sizes, or positions on the tub back (200), and it is sufficient for the duct insert (1130) to be formed corresponding to the tub exhaust ports (220).

[0188] The duct body (110) may include an exhaust portion (1140) provided to allow air inside the exhaust duct (100) to flow to the drying device. The exhaust portion (1140) may be located on the upper side of the duct body (110). The exhaust portion (1140) may be formed to protrude upward from the exhaust duct (100).

[0189] An exhaust duct (100) can be formed by joining a duct cover (120) to a duct body (110). The duct cover (120) can be joined to the duct body (110) while the duct body (110) is seated on the duct mounting portion (210).

[0190] The duct body (110) may include body joining holes (1151, 1152) to which the duct cover (120) is joined. A plurality of body joining holes (1151, 1152) may be arranged along the perimeter of the duct body (110). The body joining holes (1151, 1152) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the duct body (110).

[0191] The duct body (110) may include cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) that are provided to correspond to the body coupling holes (1151, 1152). The number of cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) may correspond to the number of body coupling holes (1151, 1152). In addition, the cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) may be arranged at positions corresponding to the body coupling holes (1151, 1152).

[0192] The body joining holes (1151, 1152) may include a first body joining hole (1151) located along the outer circumference of the tub back (200) and a second body joining hole (1152) located within the outer circumference of the tub back (200).

[0193] The cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) may include a first cover coupling hole (1251) provided to be coupled with the first body coupling hole (1151), and a second cover coupling hole (1252) provided to be coupled with the second body coupling hole (1152).

[0194] The part where the first body joining hole (1151) and the first cover joining hole (1251) are joined may be referred to as a first duct joining part (1210, see Fig. 6). In addition, the part where the second body joining hole (1152) and the second cover joining hole (1252) are joined may be referred to as a second duct joining part (1220, see Fig. 6).

[0195] The duct cover (120) may be secured to the duct body (110) and fastened via a fastening member. The fastening member may be inserted into the body fastening holes (1151, 1152) and the cover fastening holes (1251, 1252). The fastening member may include a bolt, a rivet, or the like.

[0196] The duct cover (120) can be coupled to the bearing housing (51) with the duct body (110) interposed therebetween. The body coupling holes (1151, 1152) can be formed to penetrate so that a fastening member can pass through the duct body (110) and reach the bearing housing (51). That is, the fastening member can be inserted into the bearing housing (51) by passing through the cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) and the body coupling holes (1151, 1152) in sequence.

[0197] The bearing housing (51) may be provided with a fastening hole (not shown) to which a fastening member can be coupled. The fastening hole may be positioned to correspond to the cover coupling holes (1151, 1152) and the body coupling holes (1251, 1252). That is, the duct cover (120), the duct body (110), and the bearing housing (51) may all be coupled by a single fastening member.

[0198] The body joining holes (1151, 1152) of the duct body (110) may include a first body joining hole (1151) that is provided to be joined to the circumferential side of the tub back (200). The first body joining portion (1151) may be located on the side farther from the first region (R1) of the duct mounting portion (210).

[0199] The body joining holes (1151, 1152) of the duct body (110) may include a second body joining hole (1152) provided at the boundary between the first region (R1) and the second region (R2). The second body joining hole (1152) may be located further inside the tub back (200) than the first body joining hole (1151).

[0200] The duct cover (120) may include a cover body (1240). The cover body (1240) may protrude in a direction away from the duct body (110) so as to secure a path for air flowing inside the exhaust duct (100).

[0201] The duct cover (120) may include a flange portion (1250) extending outward from the cover body (1240). The flange portion (1250) may extend along the perimeter of the cover body (1240).

[0202] Cover joining holes (1251, 1252) may be formed in the flange portion (1250). The cover joining holes (1251, 1252) may be spaced apart from each other along the flange portion (1250). That is, the cover joining holes (1251, 1252) may be arranged along the perimeter of the duct cover (120).

[0203] The cover coupling holes (1251, 1252) may include a first cover coupling hole (1251) corresponding to the first body coupling hole (1151) of the duct body (110). The first cover coupling hole (1251) may be coupled to the peripheral side of the tub back (200) corresponding to the first body coupling hole (1151).

[0204] The cover joining holes (1251, 1252) may include a second cover joining hole (1252) corresponding to the second body joining hole (1152) of the duct body (110). The second cover joining hole (1252) may be located at the boundary between the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) corresponding to the second body joining hole (1152).

[0205] The exhaust duct (100) can form an exhaust path (P) by combining the duct body (110) and the duct cover (120). In order for the air inside the tub (20) to flow into the exhaust duct (100), it is necessary to maintain airtightness between the tub (20) and the exhaust duct (100). Specifically, airtightness may be required between the tub exhaust port (220) and the tub insert (1130).

[0206] The exhaust duct (100) may include a sealing member (300) for sealing between the tub (20) and the exhaust duct (100). The sealing member (300) may be placed on the outside of the duct insert (1130) to prevent air discharged from the drum (30) from flowing out between the tub exhaust port (220) and the duct insert (1130). The sealing member (300) may have a cylindrical shape having a predetermined length, similar to the duct insert (1130).

[0207] Below, a description will be given of an embodiment other than the exhaust duct (100) of FIGS. 6 to 9. For identical configurations, the reference numerals will be omitted, and only the different configurations will be described in detail.

[0208] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a tub and an exhaust duct according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a tub and a duct body according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a duct body and a duct cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which an exhaust duct is coupled to a bearing housing. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which an exhaust duct is coupled to a tub and a bearing housing inserted into the tub.

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the exhaust duct (100A) can be coupled to the tub back (200A).

[0210] The duct body (110A) can be coupled to the tub back (200A) as described above. Specifically, the duct body (110A) can be coupled to the tub joint.

[0211] The duct body (110A) can be coupled with the bearing housing (51). The duct body (110A) can be coupled with the leg portion (511) of the bearing housing (51). A housing protrusion (5111) can be formed at an end of the leg portion (511). A portion of the housing protrusion (5111) can be coupled with the duct body (110A). Specifically, the housing protrusion (5111) located adjacent to the duct body (110A) can be coupled with the duct body (110A).

[0212] The housing protrusion (5111) can protrude toward the duct body (110). The bearing housing (51) can protrude toward the duct body (110A) while being inserted into the tub back (200A). That is, the housing protrusion (5111) can penetrate the tub back (200A) and be exposed to the outside.

[0213] The housing protrusion (5111) may include a fastening hole (not shown) for coupling with the duct body (110A). The duct body (110A) may be provided so as to be coupled to the housing protrusion (5111) via a fastening member.

[0214] The duct body (110A) may include a body coupling portion (1160) that is provided to be coupled with the bearing housing (51). The body coupling portion (1160) may be provided to correspond to the housing protrusion (5111). The body coupling portion (1160) may include a fastening hole (not shown) for coupling with the housing protrusion (5111). The body coupling portion (1160) may be formed in a position and number corresponding to the housing protrusion (5111).

[0215] Additionally, the body coupling portion (1160) may be arranged along the perimeter of the duct body (110). The body coupling portion (1160) may protrude from the side of the duct body (110). The body coupling portion (1160) may be formed with a coupling hole for coupling with a fastening hole (not shown).

[0216] The tub back (200A) may include a tub protrusion (2060) to which the duct cover (120A) is coupled. The tub protrusion (2060) may protrude further than the height at which the reinforcing rib (201) protrudes. Specifically, the tub protrusion (2060) may protrude to a height at which the exhaust duct (100) can be coupled to the tub back (200A) and the duct cover (120A). The tub protrusion (2060) may have a fastening hole formed therein so that a fastening member may be inserted therein.

[0217] The duct cover (120A) may include a cover coupling portion (1260) corresponding to the tub protrusion (2060). The cover coupling portion (1260) may be formed outward from the flange portion (1250). The cover coupling portion (1260) may be coupled to the tub protrusion (2060) through a fastening member. However, the coupling method is not limited thereto, and may be coupled in various ways.

[0218] In this way, the exhaust duct (100A) can be coupled to each of the tub (20A) and the bearing housing (51). Specifically, the duct body (110A) can be coupled to both the tub (20A) and the bearing housing (51). The duct cover (120A) can also be coupled to both the tub (20A) and the bearing housing (51).

[0219] Since the exhaust duct (100A) is connected to the second region (R2) where the cut ribs (202) are formed, the rigidity thereof may be weakened compared to the first region (R1) where a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs (201a) and a plurality of annular reinforcing ribs (201b) are formed. The exhaust duct (100A) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the second region (R2).

[0220] The exhaust duct (100) can be coupled with a bearing housing (51) inserted into the tub back (200). Specifically, the duct body (110) can be coupled with the bearing housing (51). The duct body (110) can include the same material as the bearing housing (51). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it can include a material that is equal to or stronger than the material forming the tub (20).

[0221] The exhaust duct (100), the tub (20), and the bearing housing (51) can be coupled to each other. By being coupled to each other, the exhaust duct (100), the tub (20), and the bearing housing (51) can support each other. Through the structure for securing and coupling the exhaust duct (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structural rigidity of the second region (R2) can be reinforced.

[0222] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a tub (20) and an exhaust duct (100) according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an exhaust duct (100) coupled to a tub (20) according to one embodiment from the front.

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a tub (20) with an open second region (R2).

[0224] The tub (20) may include a first region (R1) in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) are formed, and an open second region (R2). At this time, an exhaust duct (100B) may be installed in the second region (R2). That is, a duct installation portion (210B) may be provided in the second region (R2). In this drawing, the entire second region (R2) is shown as being open, but only a portion of the second region (R2) may be open.

[0225] The exhaust duct (100B) may be mounted on the duct mounting portion (210B). The exhaust duct (100B) mounted on the duct mounting portion (210B) may be exposed to the inside of the tub (20) through the open second region (R2). In other words, a portion of the exhaust duct (100B) may replace a portion of the tub back (200B). Specifically, the duct body (110B) may replace a portion of the tub back (200B).

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a garment treatment device may have a tub back (200B) that is partially open, thereby weakening the rigidity of the tub (20B). An exhaust duct (100B) may be positioned in a second region (R2), which is an open region of the tub back (200B). The exhaust duct (100B) may include a material that is equal to or stronger than the material forming the tub (20B), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the tub (20B). In other words, the exhaust duct (100B) may reinforce the rigidity of the second region (R2).

[0227] The duct body (110B) can be coupled to the periphery of the second region (R2). The duct body (110B) can be coupled to the periphery of the second region (R2). The duct body (110B) can be coupled to the second region (R2) via a fastening member.

[0228] The duct body (110B) may include a duct exhaust port (1120B) for discharging air from the tub (20). The duct exhaust port (1120B) may be formed by opening a portion of the duct body (110B). Although the duct exhaust port (1120B) is illustrated as being formed in three pieces, it is not limited thereto.

[0229] A sealing member (300B) may be placed between the duct body (110B) and the tub back (200B). Since the second region (R2) of the tub back (200) is open, air may leak between the tub back (200) and the duct body (110). To prevent this, the sealing member (300B) may be placed along the perimeter of the second region (R2). However, if only a portion of the second region (R2) is open, the sealing member (300B) may be placed along the open portion of the second region (R2).

[0230] According to one embodiment, a tub (20) including a tub back (200) having a first region (R1) in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) are formed and a second region (R2) in which a duct mounting portion (210) is formed, a drum (30) rotatably provided inside the tub for receiving laundry, a drying device (70) disposed on an upper portion of the tub for removing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying heated air to the tub, a bearing housing (51) coupled to the tub, and an exhaust duct (100) mounted on the tub back and arranged to allow air discharged from the drum to flow to the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct includes a duct body (110) including a material having higher rigidity than the tub, and arranged to be coupled to the bearing housing when mounted on the duct mounting portion, and a duct cover (120) coupled to the duct body.

[0231] The plurality of reinforcing ribs may be formed in the second region of the tub back and may include a plurality of cut ribs (202) having a lower protruding height than the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0232] The above tub may include a tub exhaust port (220) formed in the duct mounting portion, and the duct body may include a duct exhaust port (1120) formed to correspond to the tub exhaust port so that the inside of the tub and the exhaust duct are connected.

[0233] The above duct body may include a duct insert (1130) protruding toward the tub exhaust port so as to be inserted into the tub exhaust port.

[0234] The above duct insertion portion may be formed along the perimeter of the duct exhaust port.

[0235] The above duct insert may include a drainage groove (1121a) formed along the protruding direction of the duct insert so that moisture remaining on the duct insert moves toward the inside of the tub.

[0236] The exhaust duct may further include a sealing member (300) disposed between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert to prevent air discharged from the drum from flowing out between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert.

[0237] The above duct cover may include a material having higher rigidity than the above tub.

[0238] The above duct body includes a body joining hole (1151, 1152) that is arranged to be joined with the duct cover, and the above duct cover may include a cover joining hole (1251, 1252) corresponding to the body joining hole.

[0239] The above duct body can be coupled to the tub while being seated in the above duct mounting portion.

[0240] The above body joint portion may be formed by penetrating the duct body so that the duct cover and the bearing housing are joined with the duct body interposed therebetween.

[0241] The above bearing housing may include a housing protrusion (5111) protruding toward the duct body for coupling with the duct body.

[0242] The above duct body includes a body coupling portion configured to be coupled with the bearing housing, and the housing protrusion can be exposed outside of the tub so as to be coupled with the body coupling portion while the bearing housing is inserted into the tub.

[0243] The above duct cover may include a cover coupling portion (1260) that is arranged to be coupled to the tub, and the tub may include a tub protrusion portion (2060) that protrudes from the tub back toward the duct cover to correspond to the cover coupling portion.

[0244] The above duct mounting portion may be at least partially open so that the duct body is exposed to the inside of the tub.

[0245] According to one embodiment, a garment treatment device includes a tub (20) including a duct mounting portion (210) in which reinforcing ribs (201) and cut ribs (202) protruding with a lower height than the reinforcing ribs are formed, a drum (30) rotatably provided inside the tub, a bearing housing (51) that supports a rotating shaft (41) that rotates the drum and is coupled to the tub, a drying device (70) that includes a heat pump and dries air discharged from the drum and supplies the dried air to the drum, and an exhaust duct (100) that is provided to allow air discharged from the drum to flow to the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct includes a duct body (110) that is provided to be mounted on the duct mounting portion and includes a material having a higher rigidity than a material forming the tub so as to reinforce the rigidity of the mounting portion, and a duct cover (120) coupled to the duct body.

[0246] The above duct body may be arranged to be coupled with the above bearing housing.

[0247] The above duct cover may be arranged to be coupled with the above tub.

[0248] According to one embodiment, a garment treatment device includes a tub (20) including a tub back (200) in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs (201) are formed on at least a portion and a duct mounting portion (210) is formed on the remaining portion, a drum (30) rotatably provided inside the tub, a bearing housing (51) inserted into the tub, a drying device including a heat pump, the drying device (70) being provided to supply heated air into the inside of the drum, and an exhaust duct (100) provided to allow air discharged from the drum to flow into the drying device, wherein the exhaust duct may include a duct body (110) including a material having a higher rigidity than the tub so as to reinforce the rigidity of the duct mounting portion, and provided to be coupled to the bearing housing when mounted on the duct mounting portion, and a duct cover (120) coupled to an open side of the duct body.

[0249] The above duct mounting portion can be opened so that the duct body mounted on the above duct mounting portion is exposed to the inside of the tub.

[0250] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, space efficiency within a garment processing device can be improved.

[0251] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, space can be secured even when exhaust ducts are combined.

[0252] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the tub can be reinforced.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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 duct mounting portion, the tub back forming a rear surface of the tub; A drum provided to accommodate laundry inside the above tub; A rotating shaft connected to the drum and arranged to rotate the drum; A bearing housing coupled to the above tub and supporting the rotating shaft; An exhaust duct provided in the above tub back, comprising an exhaust duct body mounted on the duct mounting portion, coupled with the bearing housing, and including a material having higher rigidity than the tub; and A clothes treatment device including a drying device provided on the upper part of the tub, which removes moisture from air discharged from the tub through the exhaust duct, heats the exhaust air from which moisture has been removed, and supplies the heated air to the tub.

2. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device wherein the second region of the tub back further includes a plurality of cut ribs having a lower protruding height than the plurality of reinforcing ribs.

3. In paragraph 2, The above tub back includes a tub exhaust port provided in the duct mounting portion, A clothing treatment device in which the air discharged from the tub passes through the exhaust duct, the tub exhaust port, the duct exhaust port and the duct body, and the duct body includes a duct exhaust port corresponding to the tub exhaust port so that the inside of the tub and the exhaust duct are in communication.

4. In paragraph 3, A garment treatment device wherein the above duct body includes a duct insert protruding toward the tub exhaust port.

5. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device in which the above duct insert protrudes from the duct body along the perimeter of the duct exhaust port.

6. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device wherein the duct insert includes a drainage groove extending along the protruding direction of the duct insert so that moisture moves toward the inside of the tub.

7. In paragraph 4, A garment treatment device further comprising a sealing member provided between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert to prevent air discharged from the tub from flowing out between the tub exhaust port and the duct insert; 8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a duct cover coupled to the above duct body; A garment treatment device wherein the above duct cover comprises a material having higher rigidity than the above tub.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a duct cover coupled to the above duct body; The above duct body includes a body joining hole provided to be joined with the above duct cover, A garment treatment device wherein the above duct cover includes a cover joining hole corresponding to the body joining hole.

10. In paragraph 9, The above duct body is a clothes treatment device connected to the above tub.

11. In paragraph 9, The above duct body includes a body joint provided on a side of the above duct body, A garment treatment device in which the above duct cover and the above bearing housing are connected with the above body joint therebetween.

12. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device wherein the bearing housing includes a housing protrusion that protrudes toward the duct body and is coupled with the duct body.

13. In paragraph 12, The above housing protrusion is exposed to the outside of the tub, A garment treatment device wherein the duct body includes a body coupling portion provided on a side of the duct body and coupled to the housing protrusion so that the duct body is coupled to the bearing housing.

14. In paragraph 12, Further comprising a duct cover coupled to the above duct body and including a cover coupling portion; The above tub protrudes from the tub back toward the duct cover and includes a tub protrusion corresponding to the cover joint, A clothing treatment device in which the above cover joint is joined to the above tub protrusion.

15. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the duct mounting portion is at least partially open so that the duct body is exposed to the inside of the tub.

Images