Patent Description:
Generally, a washing machine is an apparatus which washes laundry by rotating a cylindrical rotating tub in which the laundry is accommodated. Washing machines include a washing machine which washes laundry by horizontally disposing a rotating tub such that laundry is lifted upward along an inner circumference of the rotating tub and falls down when the rotating tub rotates on a horizontal axis and a washing machine in which a rotating tub including a pulsator is vertically disposed and which washes laundry using water currents generated by the pulsator when the rotating tub rotates on a perpendicular axis.

The washing machine including the horizontally disposed rotating tub is referred to as a front-loading washing machine due to a laundry insertion hole formed at a front thereof. The washing machine including the vertically disposed rotating tub is referred to as a top-loading washing machine due to a laundry insertion hole formed at a top thereof.

Meanwhile, because a general washing machine has a single washer, a user should operate the washing machine two or more times when the user wants to separate and wash laundry. Accordingly, even though there is a relatively small amount of laundry, the user should operate the washing machine for a long time.

<CIT> discloses a washing machine having an upper washing unit and a lower washing unit. The upper washing unit is connected to the lower washing unit through connection parts protruded upwardly from the upper end of the lower washing unit. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are also directed to washing machines.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a washing machine including a plurality of washers.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a washing machine including an improved coupling structure between a first housing in which a first tub is disposed and a second housing in which a second tub is disposed.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine according to claim <NUM> is provided. A first tub may be provided, including an opening for inserting laundry, at a front thereof, and a second tub may be provided, including an opening for inserting laundry, at a top thereof.

The second housing may include a lower frame to which the second tub is supported and an upper frame disposed on the lower frame.

The second housing may further include a side cover provided to cover a side surface of the upper frame and a side surface of the lower frame.

The washing machine may further include a suspending device which supports the second tub toward the lower frame.

The lower frame may include a first supporter formed in a shape in which a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls are connected to surround a front, a rear, and sides of the second tub and provided to hold the suspending device at a top end of each corner.

The second tub may include a second supporter on which the suspending device is mountable, at a bottom of an outer surface, and the suspending device may be configured to connect the first supporter to the second supporter.

The washing machine may further include a guide protrusion which protrudes upward from the pair of first side panels and a guide protrusion insertion portion disposed in bottoms of the pair of second side panels to insert the guide protrusion thereinto.

The washing machine may further include a guide protrusion which protrudes downward from the pair of second side panels and a guide protrusion insertion portion disposed in tops of the pair of first side panels to insert the guide protrusion thereinto.

The washing machine further includes a front cover provided to cover at least part of a front surface of the first housing and at least part of a front surface of the second housing.

The fixing bracket may include a guide protrusion configured to guide a coupling position of the front cover, and the front cover may include a guide hole configured to be coupled to the guide protrusion of the fixing bracket.

The fixing bracket may include a first coupler to which the front cover is fixable, and the front cover may include a second coupler which is fixable to the fixing bracket.

The washing machine further includes a fixing bracket disposed inside the front cover and configured to couple the first housing to the second housing not to be separated from each other.

The fixing bracket may be coupled to a front of the first housing and a front of the second housing.

The washing machine may further include a tub supported to the first housing and a spring which supports the tub to the first housing. Here, the spring may be configured to connect an outer surface of the tub to a top of the first housing.

The front cover may be disposed to allow a height of a top end of the front cover is higher than a height of a top end of the first housing.

The fixing bracket may include a rectangular shape having a length corresponding to lateral widths of the first housing and the second housing and a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the front cover and may be configured to allow a rear surface and a bottom surface to be open.

The washing machine may further include a tub supported to the second housing, a drum disposed to be rotatable in the tub, and a driving motor disposed outside a bottom of the tub and configured to rotate the drum.

The fixing bracket may include a fire-resistant material and may be disposed to allow a height of a top end of the fixing bracket to be equal to or higher than a height of a top end of the driving motor.

These and/or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:.

Embodiments disclosed in the specification and components shown in the drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and various modifications capable of replacing the embodiments and drawings of the specification may be made at the time of filing the present application.

Also, throughout the drawings of the present specification, like reference numerals or symbols refer to components or elements configured to perform substantially identical functions.

Also, the terms used herein are to explain the embodiments but are not intended to limit and/or define the present disclosure. Singular forms, unless defined otherwise in context, include plural forms. Throughout the specification, the terms "comprise", "have", and the like are used herein to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Also, even though the terms including ordinals such as "first", "second", and the like may be used for describing various components, the components will not be limited by the terms and the terms are used only for distinguishing one element from others. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations or one of a plurality of associated listed items.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded view illustrating some components of the washing machine shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a washing machine <NUM> includes a front-loading type first washer which includes a laundry insertion hole formed at a front of a first washing space <NUM> and a top-loading type second washer which includes a laundry insertion hole formed at a top of a second washing space <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a first drum <NUM> in which the first washing space <NUM> is formed and a first tub <NUM> which accommodates the first drum <NUM> and stores washing water or rinsing water to be used in a washing operation or a rinsing operation. The first drum <NUM> and the first tub <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape with at least partially opened one surface and may be disposed to allow the opened one surface to face frontward. In detail, the first drum <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> for inserting laundry at a front thereof, and the first tub <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> for inserting laundry at a front thereof.

The washing machine <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> in which the first drum <NUM> and the first tub <NUM> are disposed. In detail, the first housing <NUM> with an open top may include a pair of first side panels <NUM> which form side surfaces of the first housing <NUM>, a first rear panel <NUM> which forms a rear surface, and a bottom panel <NUM> which forms a bottom surface. The first side panels <NUM> and the first rear panel <NUM> may be integrated.

Also, the washing machine <NUM> may include a spring <NUM> and a damper <NUM>, capable of supporting the first tub <NUM> to the first housing <NUM>. The damper <NUM> may connect an outer surface of the first tub <NUM> to the bottom panel <NUM> to support the first tub <NUM> at a bottom thereof, and the spring <NUM> may connect the outer surface of the first tub <NUM> to spring couplers <NUM> provided at a top of the first side panels <NUM> to support the first tub <NUM> at a top thereof. The spring <NUM> and the damper <NUM> may buffer vibrations, noises, and shocks, which occur due to a movement of the first tub <NUM>.

Installation positions of the spring <NUM> and the damper <NUM> are not limited to the top of the first side panels <NUM> and the bottom panel <NUM>, and one surface of the first tub <NUM> and another part of the first housing <NUM> may be connected to support the first tub <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a first driving motor <NUM> disposed in the rear of the first tub <NUM> to rotate the first drum <NUM>. A first driving shaft <NUM> for transmitting power of the first driving motor <NUM> may be connected to a rear surface of the first drum <NUM>.

A plurality of through holes <NUM> for a flow of washing water may be formed at a circumference of the first drum <NUM>. A plurality of lifters <NUM> may be installed at an inner circumferential surface of the first drum <NUM> to allow laundry to move upward and fall down when the first drum <NUM> rotates. A first balancer <NUM> may be mounted on a front of the first drum <NUM> to allow the first drum <NUM> to stably rotate during high-speed spinning.

The first driving shaft <NUM> may be disposed between the first drum <NUM> and the first driving motor <NUM>. One end of the first driving shaft <NUM> is connected to a rear panel of the first drum <NUM>, and the other end of the first driving shaft <NUM> is extended outward from a rear wall of the first tub <NUM>. When the first driving motor <NUM> drives the first driving shaft <NUM>, the first drum <NUM> connected to the first driving shaft <NUM> rotates around the first driving shaft <NUM>.

A bearing housing <NUM> may be installed at the rear wall of the first tub <NUM> to rotatably support the first driving shaft <NUM>. The bearing housing <NUM> may be formed of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into the rear wall of the first tub <NUM> when the first tub <NUM> is injection-molded. Bearings <NUM> are installed between the bearing housing <NUM> and the first driving shaft <NUM> to allow the first driving shaft <NUM> to smoothly rotate.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a function of washing with water at high temperature. To obtain the water at high temperature, a heater <NUM> capable of heating washing water or rinsing water accommodated in the first tub <NUM> may be disposed at a bottom surface of the first tub <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a first drain pump <NUM> disposed below the first tub <NUM> to discharge water in the first tub <NUM> outward from the washing machine <NUM>, a first connecting hose <NUM> which connects a first drain hole <NUM> of the first tub <NUM> to the first drain pump <NUM> to allow the water in the first tub <NUM> to flow into the first drain pump <NUM>, a circulating hose <NUM> which connects the first drain pump <NUM> to the first tub <NUM> to circulate the water which flows into the first drain pump <NUM> through the first tub <NUM>, and a first drain hose <NUM> which guides water pumped by the first drain pump <NUM> to the outside of the washing machine <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM> at which a first insertion hole <NUM> for inserting laundry into the first washing space <NUM> is disposed, and a first door <NUM> for opening and closing the first insertion hole <NUM> is coupled to the front cover <NUM>.

The first door <NUM> is provided corresponding to the first insertion hole <NUM> and may be provided to be pivotable with respect to the front cover <NUM>. The first door <NUM> may include a first door frame <NUM>, a first door cover <NUM>, and door glass <NUM>.

The first door frame <NUM> has an approximately annular shape as illustrated, but may have an approximately quadrangular shape. The first door cover <NUM> and the door glass <NUM> may be formed of transparent materials to allow an inside of the first drum <NUM> to be seen from the outside of the washing machine <NUM> even when the first door <NUM> closes the first insertion hole <NUM>. The door glass <NUM> may be disposed to convexly protrude from the first door frame <NUM> toward the inside of the first drum <NUM>. Through the configuration, the door glass <NUM> may be inserted into the first insertion hole <NUM> when the first door <NUM> is closed.

A first hinge (not shown) is provided near the first insertion hole <NUM> and coupled to a first hinge coupler (not shown) formed on one side of the first door frame <NUM> to allow the first door <NUM> to pivot with respect to the front cover <NUM>. A first hook <NUM> is provided on the other side of the first door frame <NUM> and a first hook accommodating portion <NUM> is provided at the front cover <NUM> corresponding to the first hook <NUM> such that the first door <NUM> may remain in a state of closing the first insertion hole <NUM>.

To insert laundry into the first washing space <NUM> even when the first door <NUM> is closed, the first door <NUM> may include an auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM> and an auxiliary door <NUM> for opening and closing the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM>. The auxiliary door <NUM> may be pivotably mounted on the first door cover <NUM>.

To insert laundry into the washing machine <NUM> through the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM> of the first door <NUM>, it is necessary to allow the laundry to pass through the door glass <NUM>. For this, the door glass <NUM> includes a glass through hole <NUM>. As an alternative, it is possible to configure door glass not to be disposed in the rear of the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM> by recessing a top of the door glass.

The first door <NUM> may include a connection guide <NUM> to connect the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM> of the first door <NUM> to the glass through hole <NUM> of the door glass <NUM>. The connection guide <NUM> may have a pipe shape with both ends open and a hollow center.

In detail, one end of the connection guide <NUM> is connected to the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM>, and the other end is connected to the glass through hole <NUM>. In the embodiment, the connection guide <NUM> may be tilted downward from a front to a rear. That is, the one end of the connection guide <NUM> connected to the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM> may be at a position higher than that of the other end thereof. Through the configuration, a user may easily insert laundry into the first drum <NUM> through the auxiliary laundry insertion hole <NUM>.

The first door <NUM> has been described as including the auxiliary door <NUM> in the embodiment but is not limited thereto. The first door <NUM> may be configured without an auxiliary laundry insertion hole, an auxiliary door, a connection guide, and the like.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a diaphragm <NUM> disposed between the first insertion hole <NUM> of the front cover <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the first tub <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may form a path from the first insertion hole <NUM> to the opening <NUM> of the first drum <NUM> and reduce vibrations transferred to the front cover <NUM> during rotation of the first drum <NUM>. Also, a part of the diaphragm <NUM> may be disposed between the first door <NUM> and the front cover <NUM> to prevent washing water in the first tub <NUM> from leaking outward from the washing machine <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> includes a second drum <NUM> in which the second washing space <NUM> is formed. The washing machine <NUM> may include a second tub <NUM> which accommodates the second drum <NUM> and stores washing water or rinsing water to be used in a washing operation or a rinsing operation. The second drum <NUM> and the second tub <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape with at least one partially opened surface and may be disposed to allow the at least one partially opened surface to face upward.

The washing machine <NUM> includes a second housing <NUM> in which the second drum <NUM> and the second tub <NUM> are disposed and which includes an open bottom. In detail, the second housing <NUM> may include a lower frame <NUM> which includes a top and an open bottom and supports the second tub <NUM> and an upper frame <NUM> which includes a second insertion hole <NUM> for inserting laundry into the second washing space <NUM> and is mounted above the lower frame <NUM>. Also, the second housing <NUM> may include side covers <NUM> which form exteriors of a left surface and a right surface.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a second door <NUM> disposed at the second housing <NUM> to open and close the second insertion hole <NUM>. The second door <NUM> may be provided corresponding to the second insertion hole <NUM> and may be provided to be pivotable with respect to the upper frame <NUM>. The second door <NUM> may include a second door frame <NUM> and a second door cover <NUM>. The second door cover <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material to allow the second tub <NUM> and the second drum <NUM> to be seen from the outside of the washing machine <NUM> even when the second door <NUM> closes the second insertion hole <NUM>.

To allow the second door <NUM> to pivot with respect to the upper frame <NUM>, second hinges (not shown) are provided at both left and right sides of the second door frame <NUM> and coupled to second hinge couplers (not shown) formed around the second insertion hole <NUM>. A latch accommodating portion <NUM> is provided at a front of the second door frame <NUM> and a latch device (not shown) is provided at the upper frame <NUM> corresponding to the latch accommodating portion <NUM> of the second door frame <NUM> such that the second door <NUM> may remain in a state of closing the second insertion hole <NUM>.

The second drum <NUM> may be provided to have a cylindrical shape with an open top and be disposed to be rotatable in the second tub <NUM>. A plurality of second through holes <NUM> for a flow of washing water may be formed at side surfaces and a bottom surface of the second drum <NUM>. A second balancer <NUM> may be mounted on a top of the second drum <NUM> to allow the second drum <NUM> to stably rotate during high-speed spinning. A filter <NUM> provided to filter out foreign substances which may occur during washing may be attached to an inner surface of the second drum <NUM>.

A curve portion <NUM> for generating water currents may be formed at the bottom surface of the second drum <NUM>. Although not shown in the drawings, the washing machine <NUM> may further include a pulsator disposed in the second drum <NUM> to generate water currents.

The second tub <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape and be supported by suspension devices <NUM> to the lower frame <NUM>. In detail, the second tub <NUM> may be supported by four suspension devices <NUM> to be suspended from the lower frame <NUM>. A third insertion hole <NUM> may be provided at a top surface of the second tub <NUM> corresponding to the second insertion hole <NUM>, and a third door <NUM> for opening and closing the third insertion hole <NUM> may be coupled thereto.

The third door <NUM> may include a third door frame <NUM> and a third door cover <NUM>. The third door cover <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material to allow an inside of the second drum <NUM> to be seen from an outside of the second tub <NUM> even when the third door <NUM> closes the third insertion hole <NUM>.

A third hinge (not shown) is provided near the third insertion hole <NUM> and coupled to a third hinge coupler (not shown) formed at one side of the third door frame <NUM> to allow the third door <NUM> to pivot with respect to the second tub <NUM>. A handle <NUM> capable of opening the third door <NUM> may be provided at the other side of the third door frame <NUM>, and a second hook <NUM> may be provided at the handle <NUM>. A second hook accommodating portion (not shown) is provided at the second tub <NUM> corresponding to the second hook <NUM> such that the third door <NUM> may remain in a state of closing the third insertion hole <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is pulled, the second hook <NUM> may be separated from the second hook accommodating portion and open the third door <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a second driving motor <NUM> disposed outside a bottom of the second tub <NUM> to rotate the second drum <NUM>. A second driving shaft <NUM> for transmitting power of the second driving motor <NUM> may be connected to the bottom surface of the second drum <NUM>. One end of the second driving shaft <NUM> is connected to a bottom panel of the second drum <NUM>, and the other end of the second driving shaft <NUM> is extended outward from a bottom wall of the second tub <NUM>. When the second driving motor <NUM> drives the second driving shaft <NUM>, the second drum <NUM> connected to the second driving shaft <NUM> rotates around the second driving shaft <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the pulsator is disposed at the bottom surface of the second drum <NUM>, the washing machine <NUM> may further include a power switching device to simultaneously or selectively transfer a driving force generated from the second driving motor <NUM> to the second drum <NUM> and the pulsator.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a second drain pump <NUM> disposed below the second tub <NUM> to discharge water in the second tub <NUM> to the outside of the washing machine <NUM> and a second drain hose <NUM> which guides the water pumped by the second drain pump <NUM> to the outside of the washing machine <NUM>. In detail, the second drain pump <NUM> may be mounted above the first housing <NUM>.

A second drain hole <NUM> capable of draining water in the second tub <NUM> may be formed at a bottom surface of the second tub <NUM>. The second drain hole <NUM> and the second drain pump <NUM> may be connected by a second connecting hose <NUM> to allow the water in the second tub <NUM> to flow into the second drain pump <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> may include a water supply device <NUM> capable of supplying washing water to the first tub <NUM> and the second tub <NUM>. The water supply device <NUM> may be disposed at the second housing <NUM>. In detail, the water supply device <NUM> may be disposed at the upper frame <NUM> or may be disposed in the rear of the second insertion hole <NUM>.

Also, the washing machine <NUM> may include a detergent supply device <NUM> capable of supplying a detergent to the first tub <NUM>. The detergent supply device <NUM> may be disposed at the second housing <NUM>. In detail, the detergent supply device <NUM> may be disposed at the upper frame <NUM> or may be disposed in the front of the second insertion hole <NUM>.

The washing machine <NUM> includes a fixing bracket <NUM> which couples the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> not to be separated. The fixing bracket <NUM> is coupled to a front of the first housing <NUM> and a front of the second housing <NUM>.

Also, the washing machine <NUM> includes a control panel <NUM> disposed above the front cover <NUM> to operate the washing machine <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> includes an interface which receives an operation command of the washing machine <NUM> from the user and a display which displays operation information of the washing machine <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second housing of the washing machine shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating a part of the first housing of the washing machine shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating parts of the fixing bracket and the front cover of the washing machine shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a coupling position of the fixing bracket and the front cover of the washing machine shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may include a first supporter <NUM> provided to hold the suspending device <NUM>. Also, the second tub <NUM> may include a second supporter <NUM> at a bottom of an outer surface thereof, on which the suspending device <NUM> is mountable. The suspending device <NUM> may be configured to connect the first supporter <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM> to the second supporter <NUM> of the second tub <NUM>.

Because a front wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and a pair of side walls <NUM> may be connected to surround a front, a rear, and sides of the second tub <NUM> and the first supporter <NUM> may be provided at a top end of each corner, the lower frame <NUM> may have adequate rigidity capable of supporting the second tub <NUM> using four suspending devices <NUM>.

The upper frame <NUM> may include a first coupler <NUM> capable of being coupled to the lower frame <NUM>. The first coupler <NUM> may be disposed at bottom ends of left and right sides of the upper frame <NUM>. The lower frame <NUM> may include a second coupler <NUM> capable of being coupled to the upper frame <NUM>. The second coupler <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first coupler <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM> of a top end of the lower frame <NUM>.

The side cover <NUM> may be coupled to the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM> to cover a side surface of the upper frame <NUM> and a side surface of the lower frame <NUM>. The side cover <NUM> may include a top end flange <NUM> capable of being coupled to the upper frame <NUM>, and the upper frame <NUM> may include a coupling groove <NUM> into which the top end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM> is insertable. A fastener <NUM> capable of being coupled to the upper frame <NUM> in the coupling groove <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM> may be provided at the top end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM>, and the fastener <NUM> may be coupled to the upper frame <NUM> by using a fastening member such as a screw and the like.

A bottom end flange <NUM> capable of surrounding a part of a bottom surface of the lower frame <NUM> may be provided at a bottom end of the side cover <NUM>, and a rear end flange <NUM> capable of surrounding parts of rear surfaces of the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM> may be provided at a rear end of the side cover <NUM>.

After the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM> are coupled, the top end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM> may be inserted into the coupling groove <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM>, and the bottom end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM> may be rotated and coupled to be located at the bottom surface of the lower frame <NUM>. After the side cover <NUM> is coupled, the rear end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM> may be fixed to the rear surfaces of the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM> by using a fastening member such as a screw and the like.

The lower frame <NUM> may generate vibrations due to the second tub <NUM> supported to the lower frame <NUM>. Also, the vibrations of the lower frame <NUM> may be transferred to the upper frame <NUM> by coupling between the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM>.

When the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM> are disassembled by the vibrations and the like, the side cover <NUM> may prevent a consumer from being hurt, by restraining the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM> from being randomly separated. Also, the side cover <NUM> may simplify side surfaces of the second housing <NUM> by covering left side surfaces and right side surfaces of the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM>. When the second housing <NUM> is coupled to the first housing <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be allowed to have unifying aesthetics.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second housing <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> may be defined as including a pair of second side panels <NUM> which form the side surfaces of the second housing <NUM>. That is, a second side panel <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be configured as at least parts of the side walls <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM>, side walls <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM>, and the side cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> may include a first guide protrusion <NUM> disposed at a top end of the first housing <NUM> and configured to guide a mounting position of the second housing <NUM>. In detail, the first guide protrusion <NUM> may be provided to protrude upward from the pair of first side panels <NUM>. The first guide protrusion <NUM> may be formed as a separate member and be coupled to the first side panels <NUM> or may be integrated with the first side panels <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> may include a guide protrusion insertion portion disposed below the pair of second side panels <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> to insert the first guide protrusion <NUM>. In detail, a through hole <NUM> through which the first guide protrusion <NUM> may pass may be provided at the bottom end flange <NUM> of the side cover <NUM>, which forms the second side panel <NUM>, and a guide protrusion accommodating portion <NUM> capable of accommodating the first guide protrusion <NUM> may be provided at a bottom surface of the side wall <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM>, which forms the second side panel <NUM>.

Four first guide protrusions <NUM> may be disposed at each of top ends of a left side and a right side of the first side panel <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and may be aligned to prevent the side surfaces of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> from having a step therebetween caused by the first guide protrusions <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawings, a guide protrusion which guides a mounting position of the second housing <NUM> may be provided to protrude downward from the pair of the second side panels <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, and a guide protrusion insertion portion into which the guide protrusion is inserted may be formed above the pair of first side panels <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front cover <NUM> is provided to cover at least part of a front surface of the first housing <NUM> and at least part of a front surface of the second housing <NUM>. Although the front cover <NUM> is shown as covering the entire front surface of the first housing <NUM>, the front cover <NUM> may be provided to cover a part of the front surface of the first housing <NUM> and a part of the front surface of the second housing <NUM>.

The fixing bracket <NUM> is disposed in the front cover <NUM> and fixes the first housing <NUM> to the second housing <NUM> in front of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In detail, the fixing bracket <NUM> may connect the pair of first side panels <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the pair of second side panels <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

The fixing bracket <NUM> may have a length corresponding to lateral widths of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and may include a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the front cover <NUM>. The fixing bracket <NUM> may be configured to have a front surface <NUM>, a top surface <NUM>, a left side surface, and a right side surface. Here, a rear surface and a bottom surface thereof are open.

The fixing bracket <NUM> may include a coupling flange <NUM> capable of being coupled to the front of the first housing <NUM> and the front of the second housing <NUM>. In detail, the coupling flange <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> may be coupled to front ends of the pair of first side panels <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and front ends of the pair of second side panels <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> by fastening members such as screws and the like.

The fixing bracket <NUM> may include a second guide protrusion <NUM> provided at the top surface <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> and capable of guiding a coupling position of the front cover <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> may include a guide hole <NUM> provided at a top of the front cover <NUM> and to which the second guide protrusion <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> is couplable.

Also, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a third coupler <NUM> provided at the front surface <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> and to which the front cover <NUM> is couplable. The front cover <NUM> may include a fourth coupler <NUM> provided at the top of the front cover <NUM> and corresponding to the third coupler <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM>.

During a process of assembling the front cover <NUM>, after the front cover <NUM> is temporarily coupled to the fixing bracket <NUM> to allow the second guide protrusion <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> to pass through the guide hole <NUM> of the front cover <NUM>, the third coupler <NUM> of the fixing bracket <NUM> and the fourth coupler <NUM> of the front cover <NUM> may be coupled by using a fastening member such as a screw and the like.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first tub <NUM> may be supported by the spring <NUM> to the first housing <NUM>. In detail, one end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to a first spring coupler <NUM> provided on a top of the first side panel <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the other end of the spring <NUM> may be coupled to a second spring coupler <NUM> formed on the outer surface of the first tub <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may damp down vibrations and noises of the first tub <NUM>, but the vibrations of the first tub <NUM> may be transferred to the first housing <NUM> by the spring <NUM>.

Because the front cover <NUM> is disposed to allow a height A of a top end to be higher than a height B of the top end of the first housing <NUM> to which the spring <NUM> is coupled, strength for supporting a front surface of the washing machine <NUM> may be provided and vibrations of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be effectively prevented from being transferred frontward. Also, the front surface of the washing machine <NUM> includes only the front cover <NUM> and the control panel <NUM> disposed at the top of the front cover <NUM> to provide an aesthetic effect.

The fixing bracket <NUM> may be disposed to allow a height C of a top end of the fixing bracket <NUM> to be equal to or higher than a height D of a top end of the second driving motor <NUM> disposed outside the bottom of the second tub <NUM>. Because the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a fire-resistant material such as a metal and the like and be disposed above the second driving motor <NUM>, if a fire occurs due to the overheated second driving motor <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the fire from spreading toward the front cover <NUM> or the control panel <NUM>.

As is apparent from the above description, a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of washers to separate and wash laundry as necessary.

The washing machine may provide reinforced strength for fastening a first housing to a second housing by using a fixing bracket fixed to fronts of the first housing and the second housing.

The washing machine may provide stiffness for supporting a front surface of the washing machine by using a front cover provided to cover at least part of a front surface of the first housing and at least part of a front surface of the second housing and may effectively prevent vibrations of the first housing and the second housing from being transferred frontward.

The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described above. Various other embodiments correctable or modifiable by one of ordinary skill in the art within a range without departing from the essence as the technical concept of the present disclosure defined by the claims are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

In the following further aspects of the present disclosure are described:
According to a first aspect, a washing machine comprises a first housing having an open top, a first tub disposed in the first housing of the washing machine, a second housing having an open bottom provided adjacent to the open top of the first housing, a second tub disposed in the second housing, and a fixing bracket coupled to a front of the first housing and a front of the second housing to couple the first housing to the second housing.

According to a second aspect, in the washing machine of the first aspect the first tub includes a first opening in a front of the first tub, the first opening configured to receive laundry for the first tub, and the second tub includes a second opening in a top of the second tub, the second opening configured to receive laundry for the second tub.

According to a third aspect, in the washing machine of the first aspect the second housing further comprises a lower frame configured to support the second tub, and an upper frame disposed on the lower frame.

According to a fourth aspect, in the washing machine of the third aspect the second housing further comprises a side cover provided to cover a side surface of the upper frame and a side surface of the lower frame.

According to a fifth aspect, the washing machine of the third aspect further comprises a suspending device configured to support the second tub on the lower frame.

According to a sixth aspect, in the washing machine of the fifth aspect the lower frame surrounds the second tub, and comprises a first supporter configured to support the suspending device.

According to a seventh aspect, in the washing machine of the sixth aspect the second tub comprises a second supporter on which the suspending device is mountable, and the suspending device is configured to connect the first supporter to the second supporter.

According to an eighth aspect, the washing machine of the first aspect further comprises a guide protrusion which protrudes upward from a top of the first housing and a guide protrusion insertion portion disposed in a bottom of the second housing to receive the guide protrusion.

According to a ninth aspect, the washing machine of the first aspect further comprises a guide protrusion which protrudes downward from the second housing and a guide protrusion insertion portion disposed in a top of the first housing to receive the guide protrusion.

According to a tenth aspect, the washing machine of the first aspect further comprises a front cover provided to cover at least a portion of a front surface of the first housing and at least a portion of a front surface of the second housing.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the washing machine of the tenth aspect the fixing bracket comprises a guide protrusion configured to guide the front cover into a coupling position, and the front cover comprises a guide hole configured to receive the guide protrusion of the fixing bracket.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the washing machine of the tenth aspect the fixing bracket comprises a first coupler to which the front cover is fixable, and the front cover comprises a second coupler which is fixable to the fixing bracket.

Claim 1:
A clothes treating system comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a first drum (<NUM>) disposed inside the first housing (<NUM>) and having a first drum opening (<NUM>) in a front of the first drum (<NUM>);
a front cover (<NUM>) having a first inlet (<NUM>) corresponding to the first drum opening (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) disposed on an upper side of the first housing (<NUM>) and having a second inlet (<NUM>);
a second drum (<NUM>) disposed inside the second housing (<NUM>) and having a second drum opening corresponding to the second inlet (<NUM>);
a control panel (<NUM>) including an input unit for receiving an operation command and a display unit for displaying operation information; and characterized by
a fixing bracket (<NUM>) disposed inside the front cover (<NUM>) and fixed to the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>) to couple the second housing (<NUM>) to the first housing (<NUM>),
wherein the front cover (<NUM>) is provided to cover at least a portion of a front side of the first housing (<NUM>) and at least a portion of a front side of the second housing (<NUM>),
the first inlet (<NUM>) is opened and closed by a door (<NUM>) coupled to the front cover (<NUM>),
the fixing bracket (<NUM>) is coupled to a rear side of an upper portion of the front cover (<NUM>), and
the control panel (<NUM>) is disposed upward of the front cover (<NUM>), so that the front cover (<NUM>) and the control panel (<NUM>) form a front surface of the washing machine (<NUM>), and the control panel (<NUM>) is configured to cover a portion of the fixing bracket (<NUM>).