Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus according to one embodiment may comprise: a main body including a lower frame; a tub disposed in the main body and accommodating washing water; a damping device coupled between the lower frame and the tub and configured to attenuate vibration of the tub; and a fastening unit configured to fasten the damping device and the lower frame. The lower frame may include a through hole and a guide unit extending from the through hole toward the fastening unit.

Description

Garment processing device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a garment treatment device having a more easily assembleable structure.

[0002] Washing machines, a type of clothing-processing device, are home appliances used to wash clothing, towels, bedding, and other items. Types include drum-type washing machines, which wash laundry by repeatedly raising and lowering laundry in a rotating drum, and electric-type washing machines, which use the water current generated by a pulsator as the drum rotates to wash laundry.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may have a structure for more easily coupling a damping device connected to a tub in a garment treatment device to a lower frame.

[0005] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body including a lower frame, a tub disposed within the main body and configured to receive wash water, a damping device disposed between the lower frame and the tub and configured to damp vibration of the tub, and a fastening portion configured to fasten the damping device to the lower frame. The lower frame may include a through hole and a guide portion extending from the through hole toward the fastening portion.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be configured to be connected to a lower portion of the edge of the through hole.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may have a semicircular cross-section.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed with an open upper portion.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed to guide a path along which a tool for fastening the fastening portion enters.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed to extend along the fastening direction of the fastening portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the lower frame may include a front portion facing forward, a left side portion and a right side portion extending vertically from the front portion, and a rear portion arranged to face the front portion. The through hole may be formed in the rear portion of the lower frame.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the damping device may be arranged in plurality to connect the tub and the lower frame. The damping device may be arranged such that the number of each of the through holes and the guide portions corresponds to the number of the plurality of damping devices.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the through hole and the guide portion may be formed integrally.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed to slope upward or downward from the through hole toward the damping device.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be configured to have a width that decreases from the through hole toward the damping device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the width of the portion of the guide portion adjacent to the damping device may be configured to be smaller than the diameter of the through hole.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may be formed such that one end is in contact with the through hole and the other end is adjacent to a portion where the fastening portion is fastened.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the guide portion may have a shape that is recessed downward. The guide portion may be formed so that the surface curvature increases as it approaches the damping device.

[0020] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a garment processing device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 is a rear view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 4.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a lower frame and a damping device of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 is a plan view of the lower frame of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of area B of Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 9 is a partial development view of Figure 8.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a lower frame and a damping device of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of area C of Figure 10.

[0032] The following description refers to the attached drawings, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0033] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11 below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[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 arranged in a box shape 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] The washing machine may include a tub positioned within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed 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 the 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 arranged to accommodate laundry.

[0052] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening formed 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 disposed 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 drain device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drain device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed 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 for storing program-type data, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operations 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] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0074] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0075] Although a top-loading washing machine is illustrated as an example of a garment treatment device (100) in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to top-loading washing machines and may be applied to various types of washing machines or dryers. For example, the through-hole and guide structure of the lower frame described in this document may also be applied to front-loading washing machines. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on a top-loading washing machine.

[0076] Any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other drawings of this specification. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described with respect to FIGS. 3 through 11 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a garment treatment device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (110), a tub (120), a rotating drum (130), and a pulsator (140). The main body (110) may form the exterior of the garment treatment device (100). The tub (120) may be arranged within the main body (110) and configured to receive water. The rotating drum (130) forms a space for receiving an object such as laundry or dry goods, and may be arranged within the tub (120). The rotating drum (130) may be arranged to be rotatable within the tub (120). The pulsator (140) may be arranged to be rotatable within the rotating drum (130) to generate a washing water stream. The pulsator (140) is illustrated as being arranged below the rotating drum (130), but is not limited thereto.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) may include at least one of a top cover (111), a side frame (112), or a lower frame (113). The top cover (111) may include an open inlet (111a) for allowing laundry to be fed into the rotating drum (130).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a control panel (103). The control panel (103) may be disposed on the top cover (111), but is not limited thereto. The control panel (103) may be configured to display operation information of the garment treatment device (100) or receive operation commands. The control panel (103) may transmit signals regarding the received operation information to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (220) of FIG. 3).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a door (114). The door (114) may be arranged to open and close the inlet (111a) of the top cover (111).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the side frame (112) may have a box shape or a square pillar shape. However, the shape of the side frame (112) is not limited thereto. The side frame (112) may be formed with the upper and lower sides open. A top cover (111) may be arranged on the upper portion of the side frame (112). A lower frame (113) may be arranged on the lower portion of the side frame (112).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the side frame (112) may include at least one of a front plate (112a), a left side plate (112b), a right side plate (112c), or a rear plate (112d). The front plate (112a) may be arranged to face the square direction of the garment treatment device (100). The left side plate (112b) and the right side plate (112c) may each be arranged to extend vertically from the front plate (112a). The left side plate (112b) and the right side plate (112c) may be arranged to face each other in parallel. The rear plate (112d) may be arranged to face the front plate (112a) and may be arranged between the left side plate (112b) and the right side plate (112c).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the tub (120) may have a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. According to one embodiment, the side frame (112) may be configured to support the tub (120). The side frame (112) and the tub (120) may be connected by a side damper (160) to be described later. The side damper (160) connecting the tub (120) and the side frame (112) may dampen vibrations generated in the tub (120).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a side damper (160). The side damper (160) may be disposed on the outside of the tub (120). The side damper (160) may be disposed on the side of the tub (120). For example, a plurality of side dampers (160) may be disposed to connect the tub (120) and the side frame (112). One end (161) of the side damper (160) may be coupled to the side frame (112). For example, one end (161) of the side damper (160) may be coupled to the inner upper portion of the side frame (112). The other end (162) of the side damper (160) may be coupled to the tub (120). For example, the other end (162) of the side damper (160) may be coupled to the outer lower part of the tub (120). The side damper (160) may be arranged to slope upward in a direction from the tub (120) toward the side frame (112). The side damper (160) may dampen vibrations generated in the tub (120).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (113) may be arranged to support the side frame (112). The lower frame (113) may be coupled to the lower portion of the side frame (112). The side frame (112) may be formed hollow, but is not limited thereto. The side frame (112) and the lower frame (113) may be manufactured separately and coupled together. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the side frame (112) and the lower frame (113) may be configured as one piece.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (113) may include a front portion (113a), a left side portion (113b), a right side portion (113c), and a rear portion (113d). The front portion (113a) may be arranged to contact the front plate (112a) of the side frame (112). The left side portion (113b) may be arranged to contact the left side plate (112b) of the side frame (112). The right side portion (113c) may be arranged to contact the right side plate (112c) of the side frame (112). The rear portion (113d) may be arranged to contact the rear plate (112d) of the side frame (112).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the rotary tank (130) may include a plurality of openings (131). The openings (131) may be arranged on the side of the rotary tank (130). Water or washing water may flow into and out of the rotary tank (130) through the openings (131).

[0088] According to one embodiment, a pulsator (140) can be rotatably positioned at the bottom of a rotating drum (130) to generate a washing water stream. Laundry can be washed by the washing water stream generated by the pulsator (140).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the tub (120) may include a drain port (121). The drain port (121) may be formed on the lower surface of the tub (120). A drain hose (122) may be connected to the drain port (121). A drain valve (123) may be arranged on the drain hose (122) to open and close the drain hose (122).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the rotating tub (130) may be rotatably positioned inside the tub (120). The rotating tub (130) may have a cylindrical shape with an open top. A hole (131) may be formed on the side of the rotating tub (130) to allow washing water to flow in and out. A balancing unit (not shown) may be installed on the upper portion of the rotating tub (130) to resolve the load imbalance caused by the laundry.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a water supply device (105) that supplies washing water to the interior of the tub (120). The water supply device (105) may be configured to supply water supplied from an external source to the tub (120). The water supply device (105) may include a water supply pipe that is connected to a water source and guides washing water to the tub (120), and a water supply valve that is arranged on the water supply pipe to control the water supply.

[0092] In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a detergent supply device (108). Water supplied through the water supply device (105) is arranged to pass through the detergent supply device (108), so that detergent can be supplied to the tub (120) together with the water. At this time, the detergent may include various detergents, such as laundry detergent, drying rinse, or fabric softener.

[0093] In one embodiment, the detergent supply device (108) may be located on the upper side of the tub (120). The detergent supply device (108) may be disposed on the upper side of the tub (120) to supply detergent into the tub (120) and / or the rotating tank (130). For example, the detergent supply device (108) may be disposed on the top cover (111). The detergent supply device (108) may be disposed on the rear side of the top cover (111). The detergent supply device (108) may be configured to be drawn out toward the inlet (111a) or drawn into the inside of the top cover (111) from the inlet (111a).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a motor (150) (or drive device). The motor (150) may be arranged to transmit rotational power to the rotating drum (130) or pulsator (140) by converting electrical power into mechanical rotational power.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include at least one damping device (170). The damping device (170) may be disposed on the lower side of the tub (120). The damping device (170) may be disposed to connect the tub (120) and the lower frame (113). The damping device (170) may be configured to additionally reduce vibration generated when the rotating drum (130) rotates. As the rotational speed of the rotating drum (130) increases, it passes through a resonance section where vibration is amplified, and the damping device (170) may play a role in attenuating vibration in the resonance section.

[0096] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0097] Any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other drawings of this specification. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 2 and FIGS. 4 to 11 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIG. 3.

[0098] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment from the perspective of function and control.

[0099] The garment treatment device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be substantially identical to the garment treatment devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the garment treatment device (100) of FIG. 1). The configuration of the garment treatment device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be included in the garment treatment device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, identical or similar configurations will be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 3, the clothing treatment device (100) may include at least one of an input unit (210), a communication unit (260), a sensor unit (270), a control unit (220), a motor (150), a water supply valve (230), a drain valve (123), a drain pump (240), or a display unit (250).

[0101] The garment treatment device (100) may include an input unit (210), as described above with reference to FIG. 1. As described above, the input unit (210) may include any type of user input means for obtaining setting information from a user for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device (100). Various user inputs obtained through the input unit (210) may be transmitted to the control unit (220) described below. In one embodiment, various user inputs obtained through the input unit (210) may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (260) described below, and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0102] In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a communication unit (260) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outside. In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may include one or more modules that connect the garment treatment device (100) to one or more networks. In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wired / wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0103] In one embodiment, the mobile communication module can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, and an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals can include various types of data signals. In one embodiment, the wireless signals can include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0104] In one embodiment, the wired / wireless Internet module may support, for example, but not limited to, Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A). In one embodiment, the wired / wireless Internet module of the communication unit (260) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless Internet technology among Internet technologies not listed above.

[0105] The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the garment processing device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the garment processing device (100) and another device, or between the garment processing device (100) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0106] The location information module is, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the garment processing device (100), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the garment processing device (100) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the garment processing device (100) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the garment processing device (100) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the garment processing device (100) can be received based on information from a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0107] In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may receive a setting data signal input by a user from the user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device (100) from an external server in the form of signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (260) may transmit various received signals to the control unit (220) described below. In one embodiment, the communication unit (260) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the garment treatment device (100) in the form of wired / wireless signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a sensor unit (270) for detecting the operating status and / or internal environment of the garment treatment device (100). In one embodiment, the sensor unit (270) may include at least one of a water level sensor (271), a current sensor (272), a door sensor (273), a speed sensor (274), a temperature sensor (275), a vibration sensor (276), or a load sensor (277), but this is exemplary and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the water level sensor (271) is a sensor configured to detect the water level within the tub (120). The water level sensor (271) may be positioned, for example, at the lower side of the tub (120) to detect a pressure difference according to the water level of water introduced into the tub (120) as an electrical signal. In one embodiment, the water level sensor (271) may be positioned to detect the water level in a water supply situation. In one embodiment, the water level sensor (271) may be positioned to detect the progress of water drainage when draining water at the latter part of a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle. The water level sensor (271) may transmit an electrical signal regarding the water level within the tub (120) to the control unit (220).

[0110] A current sensor (272) may be arranged to detect the current flowing in the motor (150). An electrical signal regarding the current value of the motor (150) generated by the current sensor (272) may be transmitted to the control unit (220). The control unit (220) may use the current sensor (272) to detect the load applied to the motor (150) when the motor (150) rotates, and based on this, estimate or calculate the weight of clothing contained in the rotating drum (130).

[0111] A door sensor (273) may be positioned to determine whether the door (114) is closed before the control unit (220) performs a washing operation. An electrical signal generated by the door sensor (273) regarding whether the door (114) is open or closed may be transmitted to the control unit (220).

[0112] The speed sensor (274) may be arranged to detect the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the motor (150) or the rotating drum (130). In one embodiment, the speed sensor (274) may utilize a method of detecting the position of the rotor and the on / off signal of an adjacent hall sensor while the motor (150) is driven, for example. In one embodiment, the speed sensor (274) may utilize a method of measuring the magnitude of the current applied to the motor (150) while the rotating drum (130) is rotating. An electrical signal regarding the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the rotating drum (130) generated by the speed sensor (274) may be transmitted to the control unit (220).

[0113] The temperature sensor (275) may be positioned to detect the ambient temperature of the garment treatment device (100) or the temperature of internal components, or to detect the temperature of the wash water within the tub (120). The temperature sensor (275) may be implemented, for example, as a thermistor, a type of resistor that utilizes the property of a material's resistance changing depending on temperature. An electrical signal regarding temperature generated by the temperature sensor (275) may be transmitted to the control unit (220).

[0114] A vibration sensor (276) may be positioned to detect the amount of vibration of the rotating drum (130) while the rotating drum (130) rotates. The vibration sensor (276) may be, for example, an IMU sensor. The vibration sensor (276) may detect the amount of vibration of the rotating drum (130) during a spin-drying operation. The vibration-related signal acquired by the vibration sensor (276) may be used to estimate or measure the balance state of the laundry inside the rotating drum (130).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a control unit (220) that controls the overall operation of the garment treatment device (100). The control unit (220) may include a memory (221) that stores or memorizes programs and / or data for controlling each component of the garment treatment device (100), and a processor (222) that generates a control signal for controlling each component of the garment treatment device (100) based on the programs and / or data stored in the memory (221) and information obtained from each of the other components.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the memory (221) can store various data that can be used to control the operation of each component of the garment treatment device (100). The memory (221) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs used in the garment treatment device (100), data for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device (100), and commands. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (221) can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (221) can be stored in the memory (221) from the time of shipment for the basic function of the garment treatment device (100). In one embodiment, the memory (221) can store information on a change in natural frequency according to an additional weight applied to the upper portion of the garment treatment device (100), as will be described later.

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) may receive various input / setting information, such as power on / off of the garment treatment device (100), garment treatment device operation setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.) or other various control information, from the input unit (210) and / or the communication unit (260) described above. The processor (222) may obtain various detection information from the sensor unit (270), such as information on the water level in the tub (120) detected by the water level sensor (271), information on the current flowing in the motor (150) detected by the current sensor (272), information indicating whether the door is open or closed detected by the door sensor (273), information on the rotation speed of the motor (150) or the rotating drum (130) detected by the speed sensor (274), and information on the internal water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (275). The processor (222) can obtain, for example, information indicating the amount of vibration of the rotating drum (130) from a vibration sensor (276) to estimate or obtain an eccentricity value of the rotating drum (130). The processor (222) can obtain, for example, information regarding the weight additionally applied to the garment treatment device (100), including the weight of the garment treatment device (100) itself, from a load sensor (277).

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) may generate an operation control command for each component of the clothing treatment device (100) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (210), the communication unit (260), and / or the sensor unit (270). In one embodiment, the processor (222) may control each component related to performing at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The processor (222) may control the operation of, for example, a motor (150), a water supply device (105), and / or a drain pump (240) to control the performance of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle. In one embodiment, the processor (222) may control the driving of the motor (150) to rotate the rotating drum (130). For example, the processor (222) can control the opening and closing of the water supply valve (230) of the water supply device (105) to adjust the washing water supplied to the rotating tub (130) and / or the tub (120). For example, the processor (222) can control the drain valve (123) and / or the drain pump (240) to drain the washing water in the rotating tub (130) and / or the tub (120). In one embodiment, the processor (222) can continuously obtain information from the input unit (210), the communication unit (260) and / or the sensor unit (270) while performing at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle or the drying cycle, and can continuously update and control the operation of each component based on the obtained information.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) may generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (250) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (210), the communication unit (260), and / or the sensor unit (270).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) may measure the total weight applied to the load sensor (277), including the weight of the garment treatment device (100), using the load sensor (277). According to one embodiment, the processor (222) may calculate a first weight applied to the garment treatment device (100) from the upper side of the garment treatment device (100) using the load sensor (277). Here, the first weight may refer to a weight applied to the garment treatment device (100) by an object loaded on the garment treatment device (100) by a user or due to the installation environment of the garment treatment device. For example, in the case of a drum-type garment treatment device (100), a dryer may be loaded on top, and other objects may be placed thereon according to the user's convenience. As the first weight is applied to the garment treatment device (100), the natural frequency of the garment treatment device (100) may vary. For example, as the first weight applied from the upper side of the garment treatment device (100) increases, the natural frequency of the garment treatment device (100) may decrease.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) can estimate or calculate the first weight periodically or aperiodically. The processor (222) can estimate or calculate the first weight periodically or aperiodically when the garment treatment device (100) is not in operation. For example, the processor (222) can measure the total weight applied to the garment treatment device (100) using a plurality of load sensors (277). The processor (222) can estimate or calculate the first weight by subtracting the weight of the garment treatment device (100) itself from the total weight. Here, the weight of the garment treatment device (100) itself can be measured in advance and stored in the memory (221). The processor (222) can calculate the first weight at predetermined time intervals to determine whether an object is loaded on the garment treatment device (100). The calculated first weight can be stored in the memory (221).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) can calculate the first weight at the beginning of the dehydration process. The processor (222) can calculate the first weight using the load sensor (277) after the dehydration process starts. When the dehydration process starts after the rinsing process is completed, the processor (222) can estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth while the clothes (or laundry) (hereinafter referred to as “wet cloth”) soaked in water are accommodated in the rotating drum (130). In one embodiment, under the control of the processor (222), the rotating drum (130) can be rapidly accelerated in the forward and reverse directions, and the load generated in the motor (150) during the rapid acceleration in the forward and reverse directions can be estimated or calculated. The load generated in the motor (150) can be estimated or calculated by the intensity of the current detected by the current sensor (272). As the intensity of the current flowing through the motor (150) increases when the rotating drum (130) rapidly accelerates in the forward or reverse direction, the weight of the wet cloth may increase. The processor (222) may estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth using the intensity of the current detected when the rotating drum (130) rapidly accelerates in the forward or reverse direction. Hereinafter, the weight of the wet cloth estimated or calculated by the processor (222) in the dehydration process is referred to as the second weight.

[0123] The processor (222) can measure the total weight applied to the clothing treatment device (100) using a plurality of load sensors (277) at the beginning of the dehydration process. The processor (222) can calculate the first weight by subtracting the weight of the clothing treatment device (100) itself and the second weight from the total weight. Here, the weight of the clothing treatment device (100) itself may be stored in the memory (221) in a pre-measured state. The first weight applied to the clothing treatment device (100) (or the weight of the object(s) loaded on the upper side of the clothing treatment device (100)) can be estimated or calculated at the beginning of the dehydration process before the rotating drum (130) rotates at high speed. If the first weight is estimated or calculated while the clothing treatment device (100) is not in operation, the accuracy may be reduced because the first weight is estimated or calculated while the user has placed clothing or laundry in the drum. The first weight estimated or calculated at the beginning of the dehydration process is the weight estimated or calculated immediately before high-speed rotation, and is a value estimated or calculated by considering the weight of the wet cloth contained in the rotating tank (130), and can have relatively high accuracy.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the processor (222) of the control unit (220) may estimate or calculate the resonant rotation speed of the garment treatment device (100) based on the first weight estimated or calculated by one of the aforementioned methods. The processor (222) may, for example, estimate or calculate the amount of change in the resonant rotation speed of the garment treatment device (100) according to the size of the first weight. The processor (222) may, for example, estimate or calculate the amount of change in the natural frequency of the garment treatment device (100) according to the size of the first weight. A method of estimating or calculating the resonant rotation speed of the garment treatment device (100) based on the first weight will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this document, the 'resonant rotation speed' is a value based on the natural frequency of the garment treatment device (100) and may refer to the rotation speed of the rotating drum (130) capable of generating resonance in the garment treatment device (100). In this document, the resonant rotation speed is indicated as a specific value without a range being provided, but those skilled in the art will be able to understand that resonance can occur in the clothing treatment device (100) within a predetermined range from the resonant rotation speed. In this document, a range within a predetermined range from the resonant rotation speed is referred to as a 'resonant rotation range'. For example, resonance can occur for a range within 100 RPM from the resonant rotation speed value. For example, when the resonant rotation speed of the clothing treatment device (100) is referred to as a specific value of 1000 RPM, resonance can occur in the clothing treatment device (100) when the rotation speed of the rotating drum (130) is between 900 RPM and 1100 RPM. In this case, the resonant rotation range is 900 RPM to 1100 RPM. However, the size of the rotation speed range that generates resonance is not limited thereto.

[0125] In this drawing, the control unit (220) is disclosed as a single comprehensive configuration that controls all of the components included in the garment treatment device (100), but this document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may be configured to include a plurality of control unit configurations that individually control some of the components of the garment treatment device (100). In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the motor (150). In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to a user input. The processor (222) of the control unit (220) may include a plurality of processors, and the memory (221) may include a plurality of memory devices.

[0126] Figure 4 is a rear view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0127] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 4.

[0128] Any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other drawings of this specification. Likewise, any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 6 to 11 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0129] The garment treatment device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be substantially the same as or similar to the garment treatment device of FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the garment treatment device (100) of FIG. 1). The components illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be included in the garment treatment device of FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the garment treatment device (100) of FIG. 1). Among the components of FIGS. 4 and 5, the same reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as or similar to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the garment treatment device (100) may include a side frame (112) and a lower frame (113).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (113) may include at least one through hole (1131). The at least one through hole (1131) may be formed in the rear portion (113d) of the lower frame (113). The at least one through hole (1131) may be formed to face rearward in the lower frame (113). For example, one of the plurality of through holes (1131) may be formed in the rear portion (113d) of the lower frame (113), and another of the at least one through hole (1131) may be formed in the front portion (113a), the left side portion (113b), or the right side portion (113c) of the lower frame (113), unlike as illustrated.

[0132] The worker can use the through hole (1131) to connect the damping device (170) and the lower frame (113). The damping device (170) can be fastened to the lower frame (113) by inserting a tool into the main body (110) through the through hole (1131).

[0133] According to one embodiment, at least one through hole (1131) may include a first through hole (1131a) and a second through hole (1131b). The number of through holes (1131) may correspond to the number of damping devices (170) included in the garment treatment device (100). For example, when two damping devices (170) are arranged, two through holes (1131) may be formed.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the first through hole (1131a) and the second through hole (1131b) may be formed on the same plane. For example, the first through hole (1131a) and the second through hole (1131b) may be formed on the rear surface (113d) of the lower frame (113). The first through hole (1131a) and the second through hole (1131b) may be formed to be adjacent to each other. By forming the first through hole (1131a) and the second through hole (1131b) on the same plane, the inconvenience of rotating the lower frame (113) or moving the worker when assembling the damping device (170) and the lower frame (113) using the through hole (1131) can be reduced. Consequently, by forming the first through hole (1131a) and the second through hole (1131b) on the same plane, the assembly efficiency of the worker can be improved.

[0135] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a lower frame and a damping device of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0136] Figure 7 is a plan view of the lower frame of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0137] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of area B of Figure 6.

[0138] Figure 9 is a partial development view of Figure 8.

[0139] Any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other drawings of this specification. Likewise, any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 5 and FIGS. 10 through 11 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 6 through 9.

[0140] The configurations illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9 may be included in the garment treatment device of FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the garment treatment device (100) of FIG. 1). Among the configurations of FIGS. 6 to 9, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the garment treatment device (100) may include a lower frame (113) and a damping device (170). The lower frame (113) may be formed with an open center, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (113) may include a through hole (1131) and a guide portion (1132).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may extend from the through hole (1131). The guide portion (1132) may extend from the through hole (1131) toward the fastening portion (180). The guide portion (1132) may extend from the through hole (1131) toward a portion where the damping device (170) and the lower frame (113) are coupled. The guide portion (1132) may be configured to guide a path along which a tool enters when a worker performs work. The guide portion (1132) may be referred to as a guide rail.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may be formed to extend along the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180). Here, the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180) may refer to the direction in which the fastening portion (180) is fastened to fasten the lower frame (113) and the damping device (170). Here, the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180) may refer to the longitudinal direction of the fastening portion (180) when the fastening portion (180) is fastened.

[0145] According to one embodiment, a plurality of guide portions (1132) may be formed. The guide portions (1132) may be arranged to correspond to the number of through holes (1131). The guide portions (1132) may be arranged to correspond to the number of damping devices (170).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may be formed to guide the path through which a tool for fastening the fastening portion (180) enters. A through hole (1131) may be formed so that a worker can access the inside of the main body (110) to fasten the lower frame (113) and the damping device (170). In this case, if there is a distance between the fastening position and the through hole (1131), the worker has to rely on his or her senses without sight to find the fastening position, which is inconvenient. In the present disclosure, the guide portion (1132) is formed so that the worker can more conveniently find the fastening position. The worker can easily find the fastening position by inserting the tool and the fastening portion (180) along the guide portion (1132).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may be configured to be connected to the lower portion of the edge of the through hole (1131). The guide portion (1132) may be formed integrally with the through hole (1131). For example, the guide portion (1132) may be formed integrally with the lower portion of the edge of the through hole (1131).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may have a semicircular cross-section. For example, the guide portion (1132) may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. For example, the guide portion (1132) may have a shape that is recessed downward. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have a cross-section in the shape of a polygon cut in half.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may be formed with an open upper portion. However, this is not limited thereto, and a portion of the upper portion of the guide portion (1132) may be covered.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may extend horizontally as illustrated, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed to slope upward or downward from the through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170). For example, when the position at which the fastening portion (180) is fastened is positioned upward or downward relative to the center of the through hole (1131), the guide portion (1132) may be formed to slope upward or downward to compensate for the height difference.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1132) may be formed so that one end is in contact with the through hole (1131) and the other end is adjacent to the portion where the fastening portion (180) is fastened. The other end of the guide portion (1132) may be formed so as to be adjacent to the joining portion (1133) of the lower frame (113). The other end of the guide portion (1132) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from the joining portion (1133) of the lower frame (113).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (113) may include a connecting portion (1133) protruding upwardly to be connected to the damping device (170). The connecting portion (1133) may, for example, protrude from the lower frame (113) in an elliptical column shape. The connecting portion (1133) may be formed such that the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion (1133) is perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide portion (1132). The connecting portion (1133) may be formed integrally with the lower frame (113). The number of connecting portions (1133) may be formed to correspond to the number of damping devices (170).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the coupling portion (1133) may include a first fastening hole (1133a). The first fastening hole (1133a) may be a portion through which the fastening portion (180) passes. The damping device (170) may include a second fastening hole (173). A portion of the damping device (170) may be mounted on the coupling portion (1133) such that the first fastening hole (1133a) and the second fastening hole (173) overlap each other. The coupling portion (1133) and the damping device (170) may be coupled by the fastening portion (180) passing through the first fastening hole (1133a) and the second fastening hole (173).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the damping device (170) may include a first damping device (171) and a second damping device (172). The arrangement relationship of the first damping device (171) and the second damping device (172) is not limited to that shown, and may vary depending on the arrangement of the motor (150) or pump, etc., arranged on the lower side of the tub (120).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first damping device (171) may be arranged so that a portion thereof extends along the first axis (171a). The first damping device (171) may, for example, dampen vibrations formed in the direction of the first axis (171a). The second damping device (172) may be arranged so that a portion thereof extends along the second axis (172b). The second damping device (172) may, for example, dampen vibrations formed in the direction of the second axis (172b). The first damping device (171) and the second damping device (172) may be arranged so that, for example, an angle formed between the first axis (171a) and the second axis (172b) is 70 to 110 degrees.

[0156] According to one embodiment, unlike the illustrated embodiment, one of the first damping device (171) and the second damping device (172) may be omitted. That is, the garment treatment device (100) may include one of the first damping device (171) and the second damping device (172).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the garment treatment device (100) may include a fastening member (180) for fastening the damping device (170) and the lower frame (113). The fastening member (180) may be, but is not limited to, a bolt or a pin.

[0158] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a lower frame and a damping device of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0159] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of area C of Figure 10.

[0160] Any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in other drawings of this specification. Similarly, any of the features, components, and / or arrangement relationships between components described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 9 may be incorporated, alone or in combination, into the features, components, and arrangement relationships between components described in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0161] The lower frame (1000) and damping device (170) illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be included in the garment treatment device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2. The same reference numbers are used for configurations substantially identical or similar to those described in FIGS. 6 to 9 among the configurations of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the garment treatment device (100) may include a lower frame (1000) and a damping device (170). The lower frame (1000) may be formed with an open center, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the lower frame (1000) may include a through hole (1131) and a guide portion (1020).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may extend from the through hole (1131). The guide portion (1020) may extend from the through hole (1131) toward the fastening portion (180). The guide portion (1020) may extend from the through hole (1131) toward a portion where the damping device (170) and the lower frame (1000) are coupled. The guide portion (1020) may be configured to guide a path along which a tool enters when a worker performs work. The guide portion (1020) may be referred to as a guide rail.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may be formed to extend along the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180). Here, the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180) may refer to the direction in which the fastening portion (180) is fastened to fasten the lower frame (1000) and the damping device (170). Here, the fastening direction of the fastening portion (180) may refer to the longitudinal direction of the fastening portion (180) when the fastening portion (180) is fastened.

[0166] According to one embodiment, a plurality of guide portions (1020) may be formed. The guide portions (1020) may be arranged to correspond to the number of through holes (1131). The guide portions (1020) may be arranged to correspond to the number of damping devices (170).

[0167] The guide portion (1020) may be formed to guide the path through which a tool for fastening the fastening portion (180) enters. A through hole (1131) may be formed to allow a worker to access the interior of the main body (110) to fasten the lower frame (1000) and the damping device (170). In this case, if there is a distance between the fastening position and the through hole (1131), the worker has to rely on his or her senses without a field of vision, which is inconvenient. In the present disclosure, the guide portion (1020) is formed to enable the worker to more conveniently find the fastening position. The worker can easily find the fastening position by inserting the tool and the fastening portion (180) along the guide portion (1020).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may be configured to be connected to the lower portion of the edge of the through hole (1131). The guide portion (1020) may be formed integrally with the through hole (1131). For example, the guide portion (1020) may be formed integrally with the lower portion of the edge of the through hole (1131).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may have a semicircular cross-section. For example, the guide portion (1020) may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. For example, the guide portion (1020) may have a shape that is recessed downward. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have a cross-section in the shape of a polygon cut in half.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may be formed to have a variable width. The guide portion (1020) may be configured to have a width (or radius) that decreases from the through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170). The guide portion (1020) may be configured to have a width that decreases from the through hole (1131) toward the fastening portion (180). The width of a portion of the guide portion (1020) adjacent to the damping device (170) may be smaller than the diameter of the through hole (1131). For example, the guide portion (1020) may be formed to have a surface curvature that increases from the through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170). By forming a wider through hole (1131) in this way, a worker can more easily insert a tool. In addition, by reducing the width of the guide portion (1020) from the through hole (1131) to the damping device (170), the tool can be guided to advance toward the fastening portion (180).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may be formed with an open upper portion. However, this is not limited thereto, and a portion of the upper portion of the guide portion (1020) may be covered.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may extend horizontally as illustrated, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed to slope upward or downward from the through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170). For example, when the position at which the fastening portion (180) is fastened is positioned upward or downward relative to the center of the through hole (1131), the guide portion (1020) may be formed to slope upward or downward to compensate for the height difference.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (1020) may be formed such that one end is in contact with the through hole (1131) and the other end is adjacent to the portion where the fastening portion (180) is fastened. The other end of the guide portion (1020) may be formed such that it is adjacent to the joining portion (1133) of the lower frame (1000). The other end of the guide portion (1020) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the joining portion (1133) of the lower frame (1000).

[0174] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, a garment treatment device can provide a structure in which a through hole is formed in a lower frame and a guide portion extending inward from the through hole is formed, thereby allowing an operator to easily access a fastening portion by entering a tool along the guide portion when entering the tool through the through hole.

[0175] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A main body (110) including a lower frame (113); A tub (120) arranged within the main body (110) and formed to receive washing water; A damping device (170) arranged between the lower frame (113) and the tub (120) and configured to dampen vibration of the tub (120); and It includes a fastening member (180) configured to fasten the above damping device (170) and the lower frame (113), The above lower frame (113) is A garment treatment device comprising a through hole (1131) and a guide portion (1132, 1020) extending from the through hole (1131) toward the fastening portion (180).

2. In paragraph 1, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device configured to be connected to the lower part of the edge of the above through hole (1131).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A garment processing device having a semicircular cross-section.

4. In one of the clauses 1 to 3, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A garment processing device formed with an open top.

5. In one of the clauses 1 to 4, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device formed to guide the path through which a tool for fastening the above fastening part (180) enters.

6. In one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device formed to extend along the fastening direction of the above fastening portion (180).

7. In one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above lower frame (113) is It includes a front part (113a) facing forward, a left side part (113b) and a right side part (113c) extending vertically from the front part (113a), and a rear part (113d) arranged to face the front part (113a). The above through hole (1131) is formed in the rear part (113d) of the lower frame (113), a clothing processing device.

8. In one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above damping device (170) is A plurality of tubs (120) are arranged to connect the above tubs (120) and the lower frame (113), A clothing processing device in which the number of the above through holes (1131) and the number of the guide parts (1132, 1020) are arranged to correspond to the number of the plurality of damping devices (170).

9. In one of the clauses 1 to 8, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device formed into a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

10. In one of the clauses 1 to 9, A clothing processing device in which the above through hole (1131) and the above guide part (1132, 1020) are formed as one piece.

11. In one of the clauses 1 to 10, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing treatment device formed to slope upward or downward from the above through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170).

12. In one of the clauses 1 to 11, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device configured such that the width decreases from the above through hole (1131) toward the damping device (170).

13. In one of the clauses 1 to 12, A clothing treatment device, wherein the width of the portion of the guide portion (1132, 1020) adjacent to the damping device (170) is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the through hole (1131).

14. In one of the clauses 1 to 13, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is A clothing processing device, wherein one end is formed in contact with the above-mentioned through hole (1131) and the other end is formed adjacent to the part where the above-mentioned fastening part (180) is fastened.

15. In one of the clauses 1 to 14, The above guide part (1132, 1020) is It has a recessed shape facing downward, A clothing treatment device formed so that the surface curvature increases as it approaches the above damping device (170).

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