CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

A clothes treating apparatus comprises: a housing comprising a laundry inlet formed on a front surface of the housing; a tub disposed in the housing and configured to store water; a drum configured to rotate in the tub and provided to accommodate laundry; and a drying device comprising a heat pump disposed above the tub and configured to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub, and configured to supply heated air to the tub. The tub includes a tub opening disposed on a front surface of the tub to correspond to the laundry inlet, and a tub back disposed on a rear surface of the tub and comprising a tub outlet for discharging air inside the tub. The clothes treating apparatus includes a bearing housing configured to rotatably support a rotating shaft connected to the drum is coupled to the tub back. A housing outlet is formed in a position, which corresponds to a position of the tub outlet, in the bearing housing.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus including a drying device.

Description of Related Art

A clothes treating apparatus is a device for treating and/or managing clothes. The clothes treating apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer.

The washing machine is a device that uses a driving force of a drive motor to agitate laundry, water, and detergent, which are put into a tub together, so as to wash the laundry through mutual friction.

Regardless of the type of the washing machine, operations performed by the washing machine may include a washing operation in which detergent and water are supplied to the tub storing the laundry and the laundry is rotated while the drum is rotated, a rinsing operation in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a spin-drying operation in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry

The operations performed by the washing machine may include a drying operation in which the laundry is dried by blowing heated air generated from a drying device into a space containing the laundry. The washing machine may include the drying device to perform the drying operation.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a clothes treating apparatus including an improved structure to increase space utilization within the clothes treating apparatus.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a clothes treating apparatus in which a tub back forms a part of an exhaust flow path.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of preventing/reducing strength reduction due to an improved structure of a tub.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a clothes treating apparatus including a bearing housing including an improved structure to correspond to a structure of a tub back.

An example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus including: a housing including a laundry inlet formed on a front surface of the housing; a tub disposed in the housing and configured to store water; a drum configured to rotate in the tub and to accommodate laundry; and a drying device including a drying case disposed above the tub and configured to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub, and configured to supply heated air to the tub; a tub including a tub opening disposed on a front surface of the tub to correspond to the laundry inlet, and a tub back disposed on a rear surface of the tub and including a tub outlet for discharging air inside the tub; a bearing housing configured to rotatably support a rotating shaft connected to the drum is coupled to the tub back; and a housing outlet provided in a position, which corresponds to a position of the tub outlet, in the bearing housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIG.1is a perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.FIG.3an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of a configuration disposed inside the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of B inFIG.3according to various embodiments.FIG.5is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of the configuration disposed inside the clothes treating apparatus when viewed from a direction different from that shown inFIG.3according to various embodiments.FIG.6is an exploded perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.1,2,3,4,5and6(which may be referred to asFIGS.1to6), a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a combo washer dryer. The clothes treating apparatus1includes a housing10provided to form an exterior, a tub20provided to store water to be used in a washing or rinsing operation, a drum30provided to accommodate laundry, and a driving device40configured to rotate the drum30.

The housing10may be provided in a substantially hexahedral shape. In other words, the housing10may be provided in a box shape. The housing10may include frames10a,10b,10c,10d, and10e, and the frames10a,10b,10c,10d, and10emay include an upper frame10aforming an upper surface of the housing10, a front frame10band a rear frame10cforming a front surface and a rear surface of the housing10, and a side frame10dand a lower frame10eprovided to connect the front frame10band the rear frame10cand forming a side surface and a lower surface of the housing10.

A laundry inlet14may be formed in the front frame10bof the housing10to insert laundry into the drum30or withdraw laundry from the drum30. The laundry inlet14may be opened and closed by a door13installed on the front frame10bof the housing10.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the door13for opening and closing the laundry inlet14. The door13may be rotatably mounted on the housing10by a hinge. At least a portion of the door13may be transparent or translucent to allow an inside of the housing10to be seen. For example, the door13may include tempered glass.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include a lower door18configured to provide access to a lower detergent supply device95a. The clothes treating apparatus1may include an upper door19configured to provide access to an upper detergent supply device95band a filter95.

A control panel11for controlling an operation of the clothes treating apparatus1may be arranged in an upper portion of the front frame10bof the housing10. The control panel11may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the clothes treating apparatus1. The control panel11may be provided with an inputter for inputting the operation of the clothes treating apparatus1, and may a display for displaying various information regarding the clothes treating apparatus1. For example, the control panel11may include a display panel capable of touch input. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control panel may include various types of inputters and displays.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include a tub20disposed inside the housing10to store water. The tub20may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be disposed inside the housing10to allow the tub opening to correspond to the laundry inlet11. The tub opening may be arranged to face substantially forward.

The tub20may include a tub body22acorresponding to a side surface of the cylinder. The tub body22amay be provided in a cylindrical shape with the front and rear sides open, respectively. The front surface of the tub20in which the tub opening is formed may be arranged on the open front surface of the tub body22a. Because the front surface of the tub20covers a portion of the open front surface of the tub body22a, the tub opening may be formed to be smaller than the open front surface of the tub body22a. A tub back200may be provided on the open rear surface of the tub body22a. The tub back200may be provided to cover the open rear surface of the tub body22a. The tub back200may be provided to have a size and shape corresponding to the open rear surface of the tub body22aso as to cover the open rear surface of the tub body22a.

The tub20may be connected to the housing10by a damper16. The damper16may absorb vibration generated when the drum30rotates, thereby dampening the vibration transmitted to the housing10.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the drum30provided to accommodate laundry. The drum30may be provided in a cylindrical shape. The drum30may be disposed inside the housing10. The drum30may be rotatable by receiving power from the driving device40.

The drum30may rotate inside the tub20and perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying operations. A plurality of through-holes32amay formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum30to allow water stored in the tub20to flow into the drum30or flow out of the drum30.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include a water supply device90configured to supply water to the tub20. The water supply device90may be disposed above the tub20. The water supply device90may be disposed behind a drying device70.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the detergent supply device95for supplying detergent to the tub20. The detergent supply device95may include the upper detergent supply device95band the lower detergent supply device95a. The upper detergent supply device95bmay be disposed above the tub20. The lower detergent supply device95amay be disposed under the tub20. Detergent may be used as a term encompassing pre-laundry detergent, main-laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include a drainage device93configured to discharge water contained in the tub20to the outside. The drainage device93may be disposed below the tub20. The drainage device93may include a drain pump93afor discharging water inside the tub20to the outside of the housing10, a connection hose93bconnecting the tub20and the drain pump93ato allow the water of the tub20to flow into the drain pump93a, and a drain hose provided to guide water, which is pumped by the drain pump93a, to the outside of the housing10.

The tub20may be supported by the damper16. The damper16may connect the lower frame10eof the housing10and the outer surface of the tub20. The damper16may be located on the upper, and left and right sides of the housing10in addition to the lower frame, thereby supporting the tub20.

The drum30may include a drum body32, a drum front31, and a drum back34.

The drum body32may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with open front and rear ends. The plurality of through-holes32amay formed in the cylindrical drum body32to allow water stored in the tub20to flow into the drum30or be discharged out of the drum30. At least one lifter33may be installed on an inner peripheral surface of the drum body32to allow laundry to rise and fall when the drum30rotates.

The drum front31may be disposed at the front end of the drum body32, and the drum back34may be disposed at the rear end of the drum body32. A drum opening that is open toward the front may be formed in the drum front31to allow laundry to be introduced into the drum30.

A coupling hole35may be provided on the side surface of the drum body32. The coupling hole35may be provided at the rear end of the drum body32to allow the drum back34to be coupled thereto. The coupling hole35may be formed in plurality. The coupling hole35may be provided to fix a flange shaft60installed in the drum back34. The coupling hole35may be formed to correspond to the flange shaft60. The coupling holes35may be formed to be spaced apart at regular intervals along a circumferential direction of the drum body32to correspond to the flange shaft60.

The drum front31may be provided to correspond to the front opening of the drum body32. The drum back34may be provided to correspond to the rear opening of the drum body32.

The drum back34may be formed in a disk shape to block the rear opening of the drum body32. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes may be formed in the drum back24to allow air to easily pass from the inside of the drum to the outside.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the driving device40configured to rotate the drum30. The driving device40may include a drive motor42and a rotating shaft41connected to the drum30to transmit the driving force generated by the drive motor42to the drum30. The rotating shaft41for transmitting power of the drive motor42may be connected to the drum back34of the drum30. The drum30rotates within the tub20by the rotational force transmitted through the rotating shaft41.

The drive motor42may be provided outside the tub20. The drive motor42may be connected to the drum30through the rotating shaft41. The rotating shaft41penetrates the tub back200of the tub20and is rotatably supported by a bearing52and a bearing housing300.

The drive motor42may include a stator fixed to the outside of the tub back200and a rotor configured to rotate and connected to the rotating shaft41. The stator may electromagnetically interact with the rotor to convert a rotational electrical force into a mechanical rotational force. Rotation of the rotor may be transmitted to the drum30through the rotating shaft41.

The drum back34may be connected to the rotating shaft41through the flange shaft60. The flange shaft60may be provided to transmit the power of the drive motor42.

The flange shaft60may include a hub portion61disposed at the center of the drum back34and a plurality of flange portions62extending radially from the hub portion61. A shaft coupling portion63for installing the rotating shaft41may be formed at the center of the hub portion61.

The plurality of flange portions62may be formed at intervals of approximately 120 degrees around the hub portion61. The plurality of flange portions62may be formed to correspond to a diameter of the drum back34. A plurality of fastening holes64may be formed at one end of each flange portion62. The plurality of fastening holes64may be formed to correspond to the coupling holes35of the drum30. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, it is illustrated that two fastening holes are formed in a single flange portion, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening hole may be provided in various numbers and arrangements according to the size and shape of the drum and flange portion.

The rotating shaft41may be disposed between the drum30and the drive motor42. One end of the rotating shaft41is connected to the drum back34, and the other end of the rotating shaft41extends to the outside of the tub back200. When the drive motor42rotates the rotating shaft41, the drum30connected to the rotating shaft41rotates around the rotating shaft41.

The tub back200may be provided with the bearing housing300configured to rotatably support the rotating shaft41. The bearing housing300may be formed of aluminum alloy. For example, the bearing housing300may be formed of aluminum die casting (ALDC). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bearing housing300may be formed of stainless steel. It is sufficient that the bearing housing300is formed of a material having a higher strength than a material forming the tub20.

The bearing housing300may be inserted into the tub back200when the tub20is injection molded. Particularly, the tub20may be formed by inserting the bearing housing300into a mold (not shown) for forming the tub20and then by injecting molten resin into the mold. Accordingly, the tub20with the bearing housing300inserted into the tub back200may be formed integrally.

The bearings52may be installed between the bearing housing300and the rotating shaft41to allow the rotating shaft41to rotate smoothly.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the drying device70for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum30. The drying device70may be configured to heat air and supply the heated air to the inside of the tub20. The drying device70may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub20and circulate the dried and heated air inside the tub20to dry the clothes inside the drum30. The drying device70according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub20.

The drying device70may include a drying case70ain which a heat pump is installed. The drying case70amay include a drying base70band a drying cover70ccoupled to the drying base70bto form a flow path through which air moves. The drying cover70cmay cover an open upper surface of the drying base70b.

The drying device70according to various embodiments may be provided as a heat pump type. The drying device70may include a compressor71, a condenser72, an evaporator73, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe75provided to allow a refrigerant to circulate and to be heat exchanged. The compressor71, the condenser72, the evaporator73, etc. forming the heat pump may be disposed in the drying case70a. For example, the drying device70may be mounted on the clothes treating apparatus1as one module.

The compressor71compresses a refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is moved to the condenser72. The condenser72may cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. Heated air may flow into the drum30, thereby drying laundry.

The refrigerant that is expanded by passing through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator73and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator73may remove moisture by cooling the humid air passing through the inside of the drum30. The air from which moisture is removed may pass through the condenser72and be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the condenser72. That is, the condenser72may heat the air passing through the evaporator73. The condenser72and the evaporator73may be referred to as a heat exchanger.

Additionally, in order to increase the drying efficiency, the drying device70may further include a heater80in addition to the heat pump. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the drying device70may include only a heat pump or only a heater80.

The heater80may heat the air introduced into the drying device70. The heater80may be disposed in a heating flow path77. The heater80may be disposed downstream of the condenser72. Additionally, the heater80may be provided in a small size to minimize and/or reduce a flow path resistance. For example, the heater80may be a sheath heater.

An inlet flow path76through which air discharged from the tub20flows may be formed in the drying device70. The heating flow path77, in which air, which is introduced into the drying device70through the inlet flow path76, is heat-exchanged, may be formed in the drying device70. The drying device70may be provided with a supply flow path78through which air, which is heat-exchanged by passing through the heating flow path77, is supplied to the tub20.

The inlet flow path76is provided to allow air passing through the inside of the tub20to flow into the drying device70. The inlet flow path76may be located above the tub20. The inlet flow path76may communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed at the rear side of the tub20.

The drying device70may include an inlet guide76aconnected to the tub20. The inlet guide76amay guide air, which is discharged from the tub20, to the inlet flow path76. The inlet flow path76may communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed in the tub20through the inlet guide76a. Air passing through the exhaust flow path P may flow into the inlet flow path76of the drying device70through the inlet guide76a.

A filter81may be disposed in the inlet flow path76to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing from the tub20through the exhaust flow path P. Air introduced into the inlet flow path76may flow into the heating flow path77through the filter81.

The condenser72and the evaporator73may be disposed in the heating flow path77. Air may be introduced after passing through the inside of the tub20, and thus the air may be humid. The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator73disposed in the heating flow path77and thus moisture in the humid air may be removed. The air may be heated again while passing through the condenser72.

The supply flow path78may supply air, which is heated by passing through the condenser72, back into the tub20. The supply flow path78may communicate with the heating flow path77and may extend downward to discharge the heated air toward an air inlet26of the tub20.

The drying device70may include a blower fan78ato allow air to flow into the tub20. According to an example embodiment, the blower fan78amay be disposed in the supply flow path78. The blower fan78amay be disposed on one front side of the drying base70b. The blower fan78amay allow air of the heating flow path77and the supply flow path78to flow into the drum30. For example, the blower fan78amay include a sirocco fan.

In the clothes treating apparatus1according to an example embodiment, the supply flow path78may be formed to allow air to move downward from the lower side of the blower fan78adisposed in a front portion of the drying base70b. The supply flow path78may extend downward from the blower fan78aso as to connect the blower fan78aand the air inlet26of the tub20. The supply flow path78may extend to the lower side of the blower fan78a, thereby minimizing and/or reducing a volume of the clothes treating apparatus1in the front and rear direction. In other words, it is possible to prevent or minimize or reduce an increase in the volume of the clothes treating apparatus1in the front and rear direction caused by the formation of the supply flow path78.

With the above configuration, the air passing through the heating flow path77may be introduced into the supply flow path78by the blower fan78a, move to the lower side of the blower fan78aalong the supply flow path78, and then discharged to the inside of the tub20through the air inlet26.

Referring toFIG.3, the washing machine according to an example embodiment may include a diaphragm23provided to connect the tub opening of the tub20and the laundry inlet14of the housing10. The diaphragm23may connect the laundry inlet14and the tub opening. The diaphragm23may prevent and/or reduce the laundry put into the laundry inlet14from falling between the housing10and the tub20. Further, the diaphragm23may connect the front end of the tub20and the housing10regardless of vibration occurring during a washing process. For this, the diaphragm23may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm23may include a plastic material such as rubber or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE).

Referring toFIG.4, in the washing machine according to an example embodiment, the diaphragm23may include a duct portion24provided to be connected to a supply duct78bforming the supply flow path78. The duct portion24may extend upward from a side surface of the diaphragm23having a cylindrical shape with both sides open. A flow path may be formed inside the duct portion24to allow air to flow. The duct portion24may be formed adjacent to an upper end of the diaphragm23. The duct portion24may be formed integrally with the diaphragm23and may have the same material. Alternatively, the duct portion24may be formed separately from the diaphragm23and coupled to the diaphragm23. Alternatively, the duct portion24may be formed separately from the diaphragm23and the tub20, and coupled to the tub20. The duct portion24may be formed integrally with the tub20.

An opening24amay be formed at one end of the duct portion24. The opening24amay refer to the air inlet26described above. An outlet78cmay be formed at one end of the supply duct78bforming the supply flow path78. The opening24aand the outlet78cmay have sizes and shapes corresponding to each other. When the duct portion24and the supply duct78bare connected, the opening24aand the outlet78cmay refer to substantially the same hole. When the duct portion24and the supply duct78bare connected, the opening24aand the outlet78cmay each refer to the air inlet26.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the exhaust flow path P for allowing air discharged from the tub20to flow into the drying device70. The exhaust flow path P may be connected to the inlet flow path76of the drying device70.

The exhaust flow path P may be provided to discharge moist air, which is discharged from the inside of the drum30into the tub20, to the outside of the tub20. For example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear side of the tub20.

The exhaust flow path P, the inlet flow path76, the heating flow path77, and the supply flow path78may circulate air into the inside of the tub20and the drying device70.

The clothes treating apparatus1according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may allow air, which is discharged from the rear side of the tub20, to move to the inlet flow path76of the drying device70located above the tub20through the exhaust flow path P. After the air sequentially passes through the heating flow path77and the supply flow path78, the air may be supplied back into the inside of the tub20.

A tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200to allow the air inside the tub20to be discharged to the rear side of the tub20. Air discharged through the tub outlet220may flow into the inlet flow path76along the exhaust flow path P.

In the clothes treating apparatus1according to an example embodiment, the exhaust flow path P may be formed by coupling a duct cover100to the tub back200. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by coupling the duct cover100to a tub duct213, which will be described below.

The tub20according to an example embodiment may include a reinforcing rib250formed on a rear surface of the tub back200, and the tub duct213formed on the rear surface of the tub back200. The front surface of the tub back200may refer to one surface of the tub back200disposed inside the tub20, and the rear surface of the tub back200may refer to the other surface of the tub back200disposed outside the tub20. Alternatively, the front surface of the tub back200may refer to an inner surface of the tub back200, and the rear surface of the tub back200may refer to an outer surface of the tub back200.

The reinforcing rib250(refer, e.g., toFIG.7) may be formed to reinforce a strength of the tub back200. The reinforcing rib250may protrude rearward from the rear surface of the tub back200.

The tub duct213may include a recess portion210and a partition rib230. The recess portion210may be formed around the tub outlet220and may refer to a portion in which the reinforcing rib250is not formed or a portion that is recessed forward rather than toward a rear end of the reinforcing rib250. The recess portion210may refer to a portion of the rear surface of the tub back200in which the reinforcing rib250is not formed. The partition rib230may refer to a protrusion formed along a circumference of the recess portion210. The partition rib230may protrude rearward of the tub back200from an edge of the recess portion210. The partition rib230may form a side wall of the exhaust flow path P. The partition rib230may have a front to back width greater than or equal to that of the reinforcing rib250. The width of the partition rib230in the front and rear direction may be referred to as a height of the partition rib230. The width of the reinforcing rib250in the front and rear direction may be referred to as the height of the reinforcing rib250.

Air heated by the drying device70may be introduced into the tub20and then supplied into the drum30. It may be required to secure a region in which the heated air supplied into the drum30comes into contact with the laundry. The longer the distance and time for the heated air to flow inside the drum30, the more air may come into contact with laundry. For this, the tub outlet220may be formed in a position opposite to the air inlet26through which air, which is heated in the drying device70, flows into the tub20.

The air inlet26, into which the air heated by the drying device70flows, and the tub outlet220, through which air inside the tub20is discharged, may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other as possible as. For this, the air inlet26and the tub outlet220may be located diagonally when the tub20is viewed from the front or the rear.

For example, when the air inlet26is formed at a right upper end of the front surface of the tub20or at a position adjacent to the right upper end of the tub20, the tub outlet220may be formed at a left lower end of the tub back200or at a position adjacent to the left lower end of the tub back200. In this case, the heated air may move from the right upper end of the front surface of the tub20toward the left lower end of the tub back200, and thus the heated air may move in the similar direction in the drum30disposed inside the tub20. That is, the heated air may move diagonally from the right upper end of the front surface of the drum30toward the left lower end of the rear surface of the drum30. Accordingly, the movement path of the heated air may be as long as possible inside the drum30. As the movement path of the heated air becomes longer, the heated air may come into contact with the laundry inside the drum30over a large area for a long time, and the drying efficiency of the clothes treating apparatus1may be improved.

However, the present disclosure not limited thereto, and the air inlet26and the tub outlet220may be provided at different positions according to the area of the air inlet26and the tub outlet220and/or the air volume of the blower fan78a.

The clothes treating apparatus1may include the duct cover100coupled to the tub20to cover the tub duct213.

The exhaust flow path P may be formed as the duct cover100covers one open side of the tub duct213. When the duct cover100is coupled to the tub20, the exhaust flow path P may be formed by the recess portion210, the partition rib230, and the duct cover100.

The tub20may further include a duct connector270provided to protrude outward from the tub body22awith respect to a radial direction of the tub body22a. For example, the duct connector270may protrude upward from the rear end of the tub body22a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the duct connector270may be positioned in various ways according to the position of the drying device70.

The duct connector270may connect the inlet guide76aof the drying device70and the tub duct213. The duct connector270may extend the exhaust flow path P upward. The duct connector270may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P together with the recess portion210, the partition rib230, and the duct cover100.

The duct connector270may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper surface and rear surface. The duct cover100may cover the open rear surface of the duct connector270. The duct cover100may form only one surface of the exhaust flow path, thereby facilitating the coupling and sealing structure.

The duct cover100may cover the tub duct213and the duct connector270. The duct cover100may cover one open side of the tub duct213and the open rear surface of the duct connector270. The duct cover100may cover the recess portion210and the duct connector270, thereby forming the exhaust flow path P. Because the exhaust flow path P is connected to the inlet flow path76, air, which flows to the exhaust flow path P through the tub outlet220formed in the tub back200, may move along the exhaust flow path P and flow into the drying device70through the inlet flow path76.

Although not shown in the drawings, the duct connector270may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which only the upper surface through which air is discharged is open and the rear surface is not open. In this case, the duct cover100may cover only the tub duct213.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a tub back according to various embodiments.FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating the tub back when viewed from a direction different from that shown inFIG.7according to various embodiments.FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a bearing housing according to various embodiments.FIG.10is a perspective view illustrating the bearing housing when viewed from a direction different from that shown inFIG.9according to various embodiments.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of A inFIG.9according to various embodiments.FIG.12is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exhaust flow path according to various embodiments.FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of the tub back according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, a tub through-hole240through which the rotating shaft41passes may be formed in the center of the tub back200. The tub outlet220connected to the exhaust flow path P may be formed on one lower side of the tub back200. Hereinafter the center of the tub back200may refer to a center C1of the tub through-hole240.

The heated air, which is supplied to the inside of the tub20through the supply flow path78, may flow into the inside of the drum30and absorb moisture from the laundry stored in the drum30. Accordingly, the air may become humid air and be discharged from the drum30and the tub20. In this process, it is required for the heated air to be spread throughout the drum30so as to sufficiently remove the moisture of the laundry and to improve the drying efficiency. For this, it is required to secure a flow path provided to connect the front to the rear of the drum30, and it is required to design a flow path provided to reduce an amount of the heated air that is discharged through the plurality of through-holes32aformed on the cylindrical drum body32before the heated air reaches the rear side of the drum30. According to the present disclosure, the tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200to increase the amount of heated air discharged to the rear side of the drum30.

As the tub outlet220is formed in the tub back200, the heated air supplied to the air inlet26of the tub20may be discharged out of the tub20through the tub outlet220. In order to send the humid air discharged from the tub20back to the drying device70, a flow path connecting the tub back200to the drying device70is required. According to an example embodiment, the exhaust flow path P may be provided to send the humid air discharged from the tub20back to the drying device70.

Meanwhile, in order to mount the bearing housing300to the tub back200and to withstand the pressure and load caused by the water stored in the tub20, it is required for the tub back200to have a sufficient strength. For this, the plurality of reinforcing ribs250may be formed on the tub back200. Because the reinforcing rib250protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the tub back200, the thickness of the tub back200in the front and rear direction may be increased by a length over which the reinforcing rib250protrudes. In this structure, when a separate duct is mounted on the reinforcing rib250of the tub back200, it is required to secure a capacity inside the housing10as much as the size of the duct. In other words, it is required for the internal space of the housing10to be increased in the front and rear direction by a front to back thickness of the duct that is separately mounted on the tub back200.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the reinforcing rib250may not be formed on a portion of the tub back200to allow the portion of the tub back200to be used as the flow path. When a length from the front surface of the tub back200to the rear end of the reinforcing rib250is defined as the thickness of the tub back200, a portion of the tub back200may be recessed. In the present disclosure, the recess portion210formed in the tub back200may represent a region that extends from the tub outlet220of the tub back200to the upper portion of the tub back200and is not provided with the reinforcing rib250or a region that extends from the tub outlet220of the tub back200to the upper portion of the tub back200and protrudes less than the reinforcing rib250.

The plurality of reinforcing ribs250may reinforce the strength of the tub back200. The plurality of reinforcing ribs250may include annular reinforcing ribs251having the same center as the center of the tub through-hole240. The annular reinforcing ribs251may have different radii. The plurality of reinforcing ribs250may include radial reinforcing ribs252extending in a radial direction from the tub through-hole240. The radial reinforcing ribs252may extend by penetrating the annular reinforcing ribs251.

The tub back200may include the partition rib230provided to protrude from the edge of the recess portion210to the rear side of the tub back200to define the portion of the tub back200, in which the recess portion210is formed, and the remaining portion of the tub back200. The partition rib230may be formed to surround the recess portion210. The partition rib230may be formed along the edge of the duct connector270as well as the edge of the recess portion210.

A height of the partition rib230may be greater than a height of the plurality of reinforcing ribs250. That the height of the partition rib230is greater than the height of the plurality of reinforcing ribs250may refer, for example, to the partition rib230protruding more rearward of the tub back200than the plurality of reinforcing ribs250protruding rearward of the tub back200. In other words, the partition rib230may protrude more rearward of the tub back200than the plurality of reinforcing ribs250.

The partition rib230may include an outer partition rib231, an inner partition rib232, and a connecting partition rib233.

The outer partition rib231may be disposed on one side of the tub outlet220with respect to the radial direction of the tub back200. The inner partition rib232may be disposed on the other side of the tub outlet220with respect to the radial direction of the tub back200. The connecting partition rib233may be provided to connect the outer partition rib231and the inner partition rib232. The outer partition rib231may be disposed further from the tub through-hole230than the inner partition rib232with respect to the radial direction of the tub back200. Accordingly, one side of the tub outlet220may refer to the outside of the tub outlet220, and the other side of the tub outlet220may refer to the inside of the tub outlet220.

The inner partition rib232may extend from the annular reinforcing rib251to form a circular rib together with the annular reinforcing rib251. The outer partition rib231may be formed along the edge of the disc-shaped tub back200. The outer partition rib231may be formed to protrude rearward from the edge of the rear surface of the tub back200. As described above, the inner partition rib232may protrude more rearwardly than the annular reinforcing rib251that forms the circular rib together with the inner partition rib232. The outer partition rib231may protrude rearward of the tub back200to allow the rear end of the outer partition rib231to be located on the same plane as the rear end of the inner partition rib232.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the tub back200may include a tub component installation portion260. The tub component installation portion260may correspond to a partial region of the tub back200. For example, with reference toFIG.7, the tub component installation portion260may correspond to a partial region adjacent to the right lower end of the tub back200.

A tub installation rib250amay be formed in the tub component installation portion260.

The tub installation rib250amay include a first tub installation rib251aand a second tub installation rib252a. The first tub installation rib251acorresponding to an annular rib may be provided at a lower height protruding rearward of the tub back200than the annular reinforcing rib251. The second tub installation rib252acorresponding to a radial rib may be provided at a lower height protruding rearward of the tub back200than the radial reinforcing rib252. Protrusion heights of the first tub installation rib251aand the second tub installation rib252amay be set to be less than a protrusion height of the annular reinforcing rib251. The protrusion heights of the first tub installation rib251aand the second tub installation rib252amay be set to be less than a protrusion height of the radial reinforcing rib252.

A component of the clothes treating apparatus1not shown in the drawing may be installed in the tub component installation portion260. For example, various electrical components, including a control board for controlling the clothes treating apparatus1or a power board for supplying power to the clothes treating apparatus1, may be installed in the tub component installation portion260.

The tub component installation portion260may be provided with the first tub installation rib251aand the second tub installation rib252awhich have the low protrusion height, and thus it is possible to secure a space for components to be installed in the tub component installation portion260. In order to maximize and/or increase a capacity of the tub back200, the tub back200may be disposed adjacent to the rear frame10cthat forms the rear surface of the housing10. Therefore, when components are installed in the remaining portion of the tub back200rather than the tub component installation portion260, the components may cause interference with the rear frame10c. Because the protrusion heights of the first tub installation rib251aand the second tub installation rib252aprovided in the tub component installation portion260are relatively low, the tub component installation portion260may secure a larger gap from the rear frame10cwith respect to the front and rear direction, than the remaining portion of the tub back200.

Because the protrusion heights of the first tub installation rib251aand the second tub installation rib252aprovided in the tub component installation portion260are relatively low, the strength of the tub component installation portion260may be less than the other portion of the tub back200. To reinforce this, a bearing component installation portion360may be inserted into the tub component installation portion260as will be described later. Additionally, in order to prevent and/or reduce a decrease in the strength of the tub back200, the tub component installation portion260may be arranged to be spaced as much as possible from a stepped portion211having a relatively weak strength. The tub component installation portion260and the stepped portion211may be arranged to face each other with respect to the center C1of the tub back200. In other words, the tub component installation portion260and the stepped portion211may be positioned diagonally within the tub back200.

Referring toFIG.7, the tub back200may include a plurality of tab holes212aspaced apart along the partition rib230. The plurality of tab holes212amay be formed outside the recess portion210. The plurality of tab holes212amay be formed adjacent to each of the outer partition rib231, the inner partition rib232, and the connecting partition rib233.

The duct cover100may be coupled to the plurality of tab holes212a. The plurality of tab holes212amay be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The plurality of tab holes212amay be formed through tapping for fastening screws. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and a hole for fastening a rivet or the like may be formed.

Referring toFIG.7, the tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200to allow air inside the tub20to be discharged.

The tub outlet220may be formed in plurality. The plurality of tub outlets220may be positioned spaced apart from each other. The plurality of tub outlets220may be arranged to be spaced apart along the recess portion210.

The tub outlet220may include a first tub outlet221formed on a lower side of the recess portion210, a second tub outlet222formed on an upper side of the first tub outlet221, and a third tub outlet223formed on an upper side of the second tub outlet.

The first tub outlet221may be formed on the lower side of the recess portion210. The first tub outlet221may be disposed below the center C1of the tub back200. The first tub outlet221may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the recess portion210.

The second tub outlet222may be formed at a position spaced upward from the first tub outlet221. The second tub outlet222may be disposed above the first tub outlet221. The second tub outlet222may be disposed below the center C1of the tub back200. Because the second tub outlet222is arranged to form a gap from the first tub outlet221, it is possible to prevent and/or reduce the decrease in strength of the tub back200in comparison with a case in which the second tub outlet222and the first tub outlet221are formed integrally with each other.

The third tub outlet223may be formed at a position spaced upward from the second tub outlet222. The third tub outlet223may be disposed above the second tub outlet222. At least a portion of the third tub outlet223may be disposed above the center C1of the tub back200.

The sum of an area of the first tub outlet221and an area of the second tub outlet222may be greater than an area of the third tub outlet223. The area of the tub outlet220formed below with respect to the center C1of the tub back200may be greater than the area of the tub outlet220formed above with respect to the center C1of the tub back200. That is, the tub outlet220may be formed to have a larger area below the center C1of the tub back200.

As described above, in order for the heated air introduced into the tub20through the air inlet26to effectively contact the laundry inside the drum30, it is appropriate that the tub outlet220is located to be spaced apart from the air inlet26as much as possible with respect to the front and rear direction, the up and down direction and the left and right direction. Accordingly, by allowing a penetration area of the tub outlet220to be greater at the lower side of the recess portion210than at the upper side, it is possible to improve the drying efficiency. Conversely, when the penetration area of the tub outlet210is formed to be greater at the upper side than the lower side of the recess portion210, the air circulating through the drying device70may be concentrated only on the upper side inside the drum30. As a result, the drying efficiency of laundry accommodated inside the drum30may decrease.

However, in order to secure a sufficient flow rate, the tub outlet220may include an area formed above the center C1of the tub back200. For example, the tub outlet220may include the third tub outlet223formed above the center C1of the tub back200.

In addition, a distance among the first tub outlet221, the second tub outlet222, and the third tub outlet223may be set to allow the second tub outlet222and the third tub outlet223to be close to the first tub outlet221as possible as, and to allow a structural strength of the tub20and the tub back200to be maintained. Further, the distance may be set as a theoretically calculated value or an experimental value obtained through repeated experiments.

It is illustrated that three tub outlets220are provided, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the shape, number, and arrangement of the tub outlets220may be provided in various forms. For example, the tub outlet220may have a shape in which small holes are densely arranged, or may have a mesh or grille shape. Alternatively, the tub outlet220may form a single outlet extending along the longitudinal direction of the exhaust flow path.

Referring toFIGS.7and12, the first tub outlet221may further include a tub drain groove221a. The tub drain groove221amay drain water into the tub20without water that remains between the lower end of the recess portion210and the lower end of the partition rib230. The tub drain groove221amay be formed by extending at least a portion of the first tub outlet221to the lower end of the partition rib230. The tub drain groove221amay be formed to be inclined downward toward the inside of the tub20to facilitate drainage.

The tub20may be formed of a plastic material with relatively weak strength. To reinforce the strength of the tub20, the plurality of reinforcing ribs250may be provided on the tub back200. Additionally, in order to further reinforce the strength of the tub back200, the bearing housing300may be inserted into the tub back200. That is, when injection molding the tub20, the tub20may be injected in a state in which the bearing housing300is inserted into the tub20.

The bearing housing300may include a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub20. The bearing housing300may be formed of aluminum die casting (ALDC) or stainless steel. Because the bearing housing300includes a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub20, the bearing housing300may reinforce the strength of the tub back200by being inserted into the tub back200.

The tub through-hole240may be formed in the tub back200to allow the rotating shaft41of the drive motor42to pass through. The bearing52may be inserted into the tub through-hole240, and the bearing52may rotatably support the rotating shaft41.

The load by the water and the laundry stored in the drum30may be transmitted to the tub back200, in which the tub through-hole240is formed, through the rotating shaft41and the bearing52. Because the strength of the tub back200is weak to support the load, the bearing housing300may be provided inside the tub back200.

Referring toFIGS.9,10and11, the bearing housing300according to an example embodiment may be provided in a disc shape having substantially the same diameter as the disk-shaped tub back200.

In general, the bearing housing300may be provided in a size smaller than the diameter of the tub back200, but the bearing housing300according to the present disclosure may be provided to have a diameter that is the same as or similar to that of the tub back200.

As described above, the tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200to discharge the air inside the tub20. The recess portion210forming the tub duct213for the smooth flow of air may be provided around the tub outlet220. However, due to the tub outlet220formed to penetrate the tub back200and the recess portion210that is a vicinity of the tub outlet220and is not provided with the reinforcing rib250, the strength of the tub back220may decrease. In order to reinforce the tub back220, the bearing housing300according to an example embodiment may be provided to have a diameter and shape of substantially the same as the tub back200.

Referring toFIG.9, the bearing housing300may include a recess reinforcing portion310inserted into the recess portion210of the tub back200, and a rib reinforcing portion330inserted into the partition rib230of the tub back200.

The recess reinforcing portion310may be inserted into the recess portion210to reinforce the strength of the recess portion210.

As described above, the tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200, and the recess portion210may be formed around the tub outlet220. Therefore, the strength of the tub back200may be reduced due to the loss of cross section caused by the tub outlet220and due to the absence of the reinforcing rib250. In order to reinforce the strength of the recess portion210, the recess reinforcing portion310having a shape corresponding to the recess portion210may be inserted into the recess portion210.

The rib reinforcing portion330may be inserted into the partition rib230to reinforce the strength of the partition rib230.

The bearing housing300may include a housing outlet320formed in the recess reinforcing portion310.

The housing outlet320may correspond to the tub outlet220. Because the housing outlet320corresponds to the tub outlet220, air may be discharged to the outside of the tub20through the housing outlet320and the tub outlet220. When the bearing housing300is inserted into the tub back200, the housing outlet320and the tub outlet220may represent substantially the same hole.

According to an example embodiment, the housing outlet320may include a first housing outlet321having a position and shape corresponding to the first tub outlet221, a second housing outlet322having a position and shape corresponding to the second tub outlet222, and a third housing outlet323having a position and shape corresponding to the third tub outlet223.

The first housing outlet321may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the recess reinforcing portion310. The first housing outlet321may be located below a center C2of the bearing housing300.

The second housing outlet322may be disposed above the first housing outlet321. The second housing outlet322may be located below the center C2of the bearing housing300.

The third housing outlet323may be disposed above the second housing outlet322. The third housing outlet323may be located above the center C2of the bearing housing300.

In the same as or similarly to the first tub outlet221, the second tub outlet222, and the third tub outlet223, the sum of an area of the first housing outlet321and an area of the second housing outlet322may be greater than an area of the third housing outlet323.

In addition, a distance among the first housing outlet321, the second housing outlet322, and the third housing outlet323may be set to allow the second housing outlet322and the third housing outlet323to be close to the first housing outlet321as possible as, and to allow a structural strength of the tub20and the tub back200to be maintained. Further, the distance may be set as a theoretically calculated value or an experimental value obtained through repeated experiments.

The housing outlet230is not limited thereto. The housing outlet230may form a single outlet. In view of the tub outlet being formed as a single hole, the housing outlet320may also form a single hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow path. At this time, because an area of the hole is increased, the air volume may increase and the drying efficiency may be improved.

Referring toFIG.11, the bearing housing300may further include a bearing drain groove321a.

The bearing drain groove321amay be formed in the first housing outlet321to correspond to the tub drain groove221aformed in the first tub outlet221. The bearing drain groove321amay be formed by extending at least a portion of the first housing outlet321to a lower end of the rib reinforcing portion330. In the same as or similar to the tub drain groove221a, the bearing drain groove321amay be formed to be inclined toward the inside of the tub20.

The tub back200may include the stepped portion211to increase a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path P. By the stepped portion211, the exhaust flow path P may be provided to allow a width of a portion formed by the duct connector270to be greater than a width of a portion formed in the recess portion210. The stepped portion211may be formed as a portion of the recess portion210is stepped forward than the remaining portion of the recess portion210.

The recess portion210and the front end of the duct connector270may be formed to be spaced apart with respect to the front and rear direction. In other words, the front end of the duct connector270forming a portion of the exhaust flow path P may be located in front of the recess portion210. The stepped portion211may extend obliquely from the recess portion210toward the duct connector270to connect the recess portion210and the front end of the duct connector270. The stepped portion211may be formed to facilitate the flow of air on the downstream side of the exhaust flow path P connected to the inlet flow path76.

The bearing housing300may include an avoidance portion311corresponding to the stepped portion211. Because it is difficult for the bearing housing300to be inserted in a portion more recessed than the recess portion210, the avoidance portion311may be formed to avoid the insertion of the bearing housing300. The avoidance portion311may be formed in a portion, which corresponds to the stepped portion211, of the recess reinforcing portion310. The avoidance portion311may refer to a groove or hole having a shape corresponding to the stepped portion211. Because the avoidance portion311is a groove or hole corresponding to the stepped portion211, the bearing housing300may not be inserted into the inside of the stepped portion211. That is, the bearing housing may not be formed in a region corresponding to the stepped portion211of the tub back200.

The bearing housing300may include the rib reinforcing portion330corresponding to the partition rib230formed in the tub back200.

The rib reinforcing portion330may include an outer rib reinforcing portion331provided to correspond to the outer partition rib231to reinforce the strength of the outer partition rib231, an inner rib reinforcing portion332provided to correspond to the inner partition rib232to reinforce the strength of the inner partition rib232, and a connecting rib reinforcing portion333provided to correspond to the connecting partition rib233to reinforce the strength of the connecting partition rib233.

The outer rib reinforcing portion and/or the inner rib reinforcing portion may be formed at a higher height than the portion forming the edge of the bearing housing.

The bearing housing300may include a plurality of bearing ribs350corresponding to the plurality of reinforcing ribs250formed on the tub back200. The plurality of bearing ribs350may be formed to correspond to the plurality of reinforcing ribs250formed on the tub back200.

The plurality of bearing ribs350may include annular bearing ribs351provided to correspond to the annular reinforcing ribs251forming the plurality of reinforcing ribs250. The plurality of bearing ribs350may include radial bearing ribs352provided to correspond to the radial reinforcing ribs252forming the plurality of reinforcing ribs250.

The radial bearing ribs352may extend from a bearing through-hole340along a radial direction of the bearing through-hole340. The radial bearing ribs352may have a predetermined height along the radial direction of the bearing through-hole340. The bearing through-hole340may be formed in the center of the bearing housing300. The rotating shaft41of the driving device40may be inserted into the bearing through-hole340.

The radial bearing ribs352may extend at a constant height to any one of the plurality of annular bearing ribs351or to a rim of the bearing housing300. That the bearing ribs352have the constant height may refer, for example, to an extent, to which the bearing ribs352protrude rearward of the bearing housing300, being constant. The rear side of the bearing housing300may represent the upper side inFIG.10. In other words, the bearing ribs352may be provided to have a constant length protruding rearward of the bearing housing300along the radial direction of the bearing through hole340. Accordingly, it is possible to more secure an installation space for the drive motor42in comparison with a case in which the radial bearing ribs352extend to allow the height thereof to be gradually reduced from the bearing through-hole340along the radial direction of the bearing through hole340. The radial bearing ribs352may extend at a constant height from the bearing through hole340to one of the plurality of annular bearing ribs351, and extend to allow the height to be gradually reduced from the one annular bearing rib toward the rim of the bearing housing300. The radial bearing ribs352may extend at a constant height from the bearing through hole340to one of the plurality of annular bearing ribs351, and extend to allow the height of the radial bearing ribs352to be stepped from the one annular bearing rib. The the height of the radial bearing ribs352being stepped at the one annular bearing rib may include a case in which the height is increased at the one annular bearing rib and a case in which the height is decreased at the one annular bearing rib.

Because a portion forming the recess portion210of the tub back200does not include the plurality of reinforcing ribs250, the plurality of bearing ribs350may not be formed in the bearing housing300or the recess reinforcing portion310. Accordingly, the air flow inside the exhaust flow path P formed by the recess portion210may be smoothed.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the bearing housing300may include a bearing component installation portion360. The bearing component installation portion360may represent a partial region of the bearing housing300. For example, with reference toFIG.9, the bearing component installation portion360may represent a region adjacent to the lower right side of the bearing housing300.

A bearing installation rib350amay be formed in the bearing component installation portion360.

The bearing installation rib350amay include a first bearing installation rib351aand a second bearing installation rib352a. The first bearing installation rib351acorresponding to an annular rib may be formed at a lower height protruding rearward of the bearing housing300than the annular bearing rib351. The second bearing installation rib352acorresponding to a radial rib may be provided at a lower height protruding rearward of the bearing housing300than the radial reinforcing rib352. Protrusion heights of the first bearing installation rib351aand the second bearing installation rib352amay be set to be lower than the protrusion height of the annular reinforcing rib351. The protrusion heights of the first bearing installation rib351aand the second bearing installation rib352amay be set to be lower than the protrusion height of the radial bearing rib352.

Because the protrusion heights of the first bearing installation rib351aand the second bearing installation rib352aprovided in the bearing component installation portion360are relatively low, the strength of the bearing component installation portion360may be less than other portion of the bearing housing300. In order to prevent/reduce a decrease in the strength of the bearing housing300, the bearing component installation portion360may be arranged to be spaced as much as possible from the avoidance portion311having a relatively weak strength. Because the avoidance portion311is a region in which the bearing housing300is not provided, the strength of the bearing housing300may be reduced in the region adjacent to the avoidance portion311due to the loss of cross-section. In order to allow the bearing component installation portion360and the avoidance portion311, which have the relatively weak strength, to be spaced apart from each other as much as possible within the bearing housing300, the bearing component installation portion360and the avoidance portion311may be disposed oppositely with respect to the center C2of the bearing housing300. In other words, the bearing component installation portion360and the avoidance portion311may be located diagonally within the bearing housing300.

FIG.14is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state before a duct cover is coupled to the tub back according to various embodiments.FIG.15is a cross sectional view taken along a line Z-Z′ ofFIG.11, and is an enlarged view of a coupling region between the tub back and the duct cover according to various embodiments.FIG.16is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z′ ofFIG.11and is an enlarged view of the coupling region between the tub back and the duct cover according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.14, the duct cover100may be coupled to the tub back200. The duct cover100may be coupled to the tub back200to cover the recess portion210of the tub back200.

The duct cover100may include a cover portion120formed to correspond to the recess portion210so as to cover the recess portion210. The duct cover100may include a fastening flange110formed along a circumference of the cover portion120. The duct cover100may include a connector130bent from the fastening flange110to connect the cover portion120and the flange portion110.

The cover part120may protrude rearward than the fastening flange110. When the duct cover100is coupled to the tub20, the cover portion120may protrude in a direction away from the recess portion210.

The connector130may be inclined to allow the cover portion120to protrude rearward from the fastening flange110. In other words, the connector130may extend rearward. As the connector130extends rearward, the connector130may connect the cover portion120and the fastening flange110that are spaced apart from each other with respect to the front and rear direction.

Although not shown, the duct cover100may be formed in a plate shape in which the cover part120and the fastening flange110are integrally formed. It is sufficient that the duct cover100is capable of covering the recess portion210, and there is no limitation in the shape of the duct cover100.

In the present disclosure, it is described that the duct cover100is fastened to the tub back200through screws, but the coupling method is not limited thereto. For example, the duct cover100may be coupled without a separate fastening means such as a snapfit or latch.

The duct cover100may include a material having a higher strength than the material forming the tub20. For example, the duct cover100may be formed of aluminum die casting (ALDC) or stainless steel in the same way as the bearing housing300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient for the duct cover100to have a higher strength than the material forming the tub20.

A fastening hole110amay be formed in the fastening flange110. A plurality of fastening holes110amay be formed in the fastening flange110. The plurality of fastening holes110amay be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the fastening flange110.

Referring toFIG.14, the plurality of fastening holes110amay be formed to correspond to the plurality of tab holes212aformed in the tub back200. The duct cover100and the tub back200may be fastened as a screw is inserted into the plurality of fastening holes110aand the plurality of tab holes212a.

Referring toFIG.15, a protrusion301of the bearing housing may be provided inside the tab hole212a. The screw may not be inserted into the protrusion301of the bearing housing.

Although not shown, a fastening structure may be formed in the fastening portion301of the bearing housing300through tapping. In this case, the screw may be inserted into the fastening portion301by passing through the tab hole212a. That is, the duct cover100may be coupled to not only the tub back200but also the bearing housing300.

The bearing housing300has a higher strength than the tub back200and the duct cover100also has a higher strength than the tub back200. Accordingly, when the duct cover100is coupled to the tap hole212aand the fastening portion301, the duct cover100and the tub back200may be tightly coupled to each other. Particularly, the duct cover100may be more stably coupled to the tub back200than when the duct cover100is coupled only to the tab hole212a.

An example of a coupling structure different from that shown inFIG.15will be described with reference toFIG.16.

Referring toFIG.16, a bearing housing300amay include a fastening portion301aprotruding rearward of the tub back200. Particularly, the fastening portion301amay penetrate a boss portion212bformed in the tub back200and protrude rearward from the boss portion212b.

The fastening portion301aof the bearing housing300amay include a fastening structure through tapping, which is the same as or similar to the tap hole212aofFIG.14. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a hole may be formed to be coupled through a rivet.

The fastening hole110aof the duct cover100and the fastening portion301aof the bearing housing300may be positioned to correspond to each other. When the fastening hole110aand the fastening portion301aare positioned to correspond to each other, a screw may be inserted thereinto.

Accordingly, the duct cover100may be directly coupled to the bearing housing300. By directly coupling the duct cover100and the bearing housing300, the duct cover100and the tub back200may be tightly coupled.

FIG.17is a diagram illustrating an example tub back according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.17, a single tub outlet220may be formed in the tub back200. The tub outlet220may extend from the lower side of the recess portion210along the direction in which the tub duct213extends.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the tub outlet220is formed as a single hole. However, as the size of the hole is increased, the amount of air passing through the tub outlet220is increased, and thus the drying efficiency may be improved. However, the shape, position, and size of the tub outlet220are not limited thereto and may be changed according to the design.

Referring toFIG.17, the housing outlet320may be formed to have substantially the same shape, position, and size as the tub outlet220, and thus the housing outlet320may be formed as a single hole like the tub outlet220. The shape, position, and size of the housing outlet320may be changed to correspond to the tub outlet220according to the design of the tub outlet220.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments may not include the recess portion. The tub outlet may be formed in the tub back to discharge air inside the tub, but the recess portion may not be formed around the tub outlet. The duct or the duct cover may be coupled to the tub back to guide the air, which is discharged through the tub outlet, to the drying device positioned above the tub. The bearing housing may be inserted into the tub to reinforce the strength of the tub back, and the bearing housing may include the housing outlet having a position, size, and shape corresponding to the tub outlet. The bearing housing may not include the recess reinforcing portion in the same manner as the tub back does not include the recessed portion. The bearing housing may include the rib reinforcing portion inserted into the reinforcing rib formed around the tub outlet. Additionally, the bearing housing may be formed to have the diameter similar to the diameter of the tub back.

The clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment may include: a housing including a laundry inlet formed on the front surface of the housing, the tub disposed in the housing and configured to store water, a drum configured to rotate in the tub and configured to accommodate laundry, and a drying device comprising a drying case disposed above the tub and configured to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub, and configured to supply heated air to the tub. The tub may include a tub opening disposed on the front surface of the tub to correspond to the laundry inlet, and the tub back disposed on the rear surface of the tub and including the tub outlet configured to discharge air inside the tub. A bearing housing configured to rotatably support a rotating shaft connected to the drum may be coupled to the tub back. A housing outlet may be formed in a position, which corresponds to a position of the tub outlet, in the bearing housing.

The tub may further include a reinforcing rib protruding rearward of the tub back and configured to reinforce a strength of the tub back.

The tub may further include a tub duct formed in the tub back and configured to guide air, discharged through the tub outlet, to the drying device.

The tub may further include a duct cover provided to cover the tub duct and provided to form an exhaust flow path, configured to guide air discharged through the tub outlet to the drying device, by covering the tub duct.

The tub duct may include a recess portion formed around the tub outlet and positioned in front of the rear end of the reinforcing rib, and a partition rib protruding rearward of the tub back from an edge of the recess portion.

The bearing housing may include a recess reinforcing portion inserted into the recess portion and configured to reinforce a strength of the recess portion, and a rib reinforcing portion inserted into the partition rib and configured to reinforce a strength of the partition rib.

The bearing housing may be formed in a disc shape having a same size as a size of the tub back.

The tub may further include a stepped portion extending obliquely forward from an upper end of the recess portion to increase a front-to-back width of the exhaust flow path.

The bearing housing may further include an avoidance portion having a groove shape corresponding to the stepped portion to block the bearing housing from being inserted into the stepped portion

The tub back may further include a tub component installation portion protruding rearward of the tub back to be lower than a height at which the reinforcing rib protrudes rearward of the tub back.

The bearing housing may further include a bearing component installation portion inserted into the tub component installation portion.

The avoidance portion and the bearing component installation portion may be arranged to face each other with respect to a center of the bearing housing.

The tub may further include an air inlet formed in the front end portion of the tub, and through which heated air is configured to flow into the tub from the drying device.

The air inlet may be formed on one side adjacent to the upper end of the tub and the tub outlet may be formed on another side adjacent to the lower end of the tub back.

The air inlet may be formed on another side adjacent to the upper end of the tub, and the tub outlet may be formed on a side adjacent to the lower end of the tub back.

The tub outlet may include a first tub outlet disposed below a center of the tub back, a second tub outlet disposed above the first tub outlet and having a larger area disposed below the center of the tub back, and a third tub outlet disposed above the second tub outlet.

A sum of an area of the first tub outlet and an area of the second tub outlet may be greater than an area of the third tub outlet.

The housing outlet may include a first housing outlet having a position and shape corresponding to the first tub outlet, a second housing outlet having a position and shape corresponding to the second tub outlet, and a third housing outlet having a position and shape corresponding to the third tub outlet.

The partition rib may include an outer partition rib disposed on one side of the tub outlet with respect to a radial direction of the tub back, an inner partition rib disposed on another side of the tub outlet with respect to the radial direction of the tub back, and a connecting partition rib configured to connect the outer partition rib and the inner partition rib.

The rib reinforcing portion may include an outer rib reinforcing portion provided to correspond to the outer partition rib and configured to reinforce the strength of the outer partition rib, an inner rib reinforcing portion provided to correspond to the inner partition rib and configured to reinforce the strength of the inner partition rib, and a connecting rib reinforcing portion provided to correspond to the connecting partition rib and configured to reinforce the strength of the connecting partition rib.

The drying device may include a heat pump and may be disposed above the tub.

As is apparent from the above description, a clothes treating apparatus may have an improved structure to improve space utilization within the clothes treating apparatus.

Further, a clothes treating apparatus may be formed to allow a tub back to form a portion of an exhaust flow path.

Further, a clothes treating apparatus may prevent/reduce strength reduction due to an improved structure of a tub.

Further, a clothes treating apparatus may include a bearing housing in which a structure is improved to correspond to a structure of a tub back.