CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/013728 designating the United States, filed on Sep. 10, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0159875, filed on Nov. 17, 2023, and 10-2024-0001024, filed on Jan. 3, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

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

Description of Related Art

A clothes treating apparatus is an appliance for treating and/or managing clothes. The clothes treating apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a washing machine with a drying function such as washer dryer combo.

The washing machine with the drying function performs washing through mutual friction by stirring together laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub by means of the driving force of a drive motor.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a washing cycle of supplying water and detergent to a tub in which laundry is received and washing the laundry by rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a dewatering cycle of discharging water from the tub and removing moisture from the laundry by rotating the drum.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a drying cycle of drying the laundry by blowing heat generated from a drying device into a receiving space in which the laundry is received. The washing machine with a drying function may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of reducing noise that may occur during water supply.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of preventing/reducing residual water from being generated inside a water supply pipe.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus in which an exhaust flow path may be easily managed.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of reducing the transmission of vibrations from a tub to a water supply pipe.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a tub including a tub duct, a drying device configured to supply drying air to the tub, and a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub, the water supply device comprising a water supply valve and a water supply pipe configured to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub. The tub duct includes a recess portion forming at least a portion of an exhaust flow path configured to direct air discharged from an interior of the tub to the drying device, a duct connecting portion forming another portion of the exhaust flow path configured to pass air through the recess portion, a stepped portion configured to change a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path, and a water supply port formed in the duct connecting portion, connected to the water supply pipe, and facing the stepped portion.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a tub, a drying device configured to supply drying air to the tub, and a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub, the water supply device including a water supply valve and a water supply pipe configured to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub. The tub includes a first support configured to support a portion of the water supply pipe below the water supply valve, a second support configured to support another portion of the water supply pipe below the first support, and a water supply port connected to the water supply pipe and positioned below the second support portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a drying device according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a connection between a tub and a water supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a pressure reducing device of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the tub from a direction different from that in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of portion B shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of portion C shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the connection between a tub and a water supply device according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an interior of a tub duct according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of portion D shown in FIG. 2 according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treating apparatus, and the clothes treating apparatus is a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or removing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

For the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. For the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.

The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be visible.

The washing machine may include a tub disposed within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.

The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening and then be received in the drum or removed from the drum.

The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating in the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.

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

The driving device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.

The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to enter detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.

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

The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface (e.g., including various circuitry) for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The at least one output interface may include various circuitry and visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, or a voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

The washing machine may include a communication module including various communication circuitry for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.

The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

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

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a WAN to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

The controller may include various circuitry including hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

Hereinafter, a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a washing machine with a drying function will be described as an example of the clothes treating apparatus. However, the disclosure is not limited to the washing machine with the drying function, and may be applied to various apparatuses for treating and/or caring for clothes.

In the following description, the terms “front”, rear”, “left”, and “right” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of components are not limited by the terms.

For example, an X-axis direction may be defined as a front-to-back direction, a Y-axis direction may be defined as a left-to-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-and-down direction.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example drying device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 that accommodates various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet 11 formed on one side. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face approximately forward.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a laundry door 17 for opening or closing the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be provided transparently or translucently to allow an interior of the housing 10 to be visible. In an example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door 18 configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device 60. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include an upper door 19 configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device 50 and a filter 95.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed on one side, and may be disposed inside the housing 10 such that the tub opening 21 is positioned to correspond to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face approximately forward.

The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 25. The damper 25 may absorb vibrations generated during rotation of a drum 30 to attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drum 30 configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to perform washing by lifting and dropping the laundry.

The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 such that a drum opening 31 provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may be accommodated in or taken out from the drum 30 by passing sequentially through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The drum opening 31 may be provided to face approximately forward.

The drum 30 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering cycles while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through-holes 32 may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to flow into or out of the drum 30.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a driving device 36 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 36 may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum 30. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.

The drive device 36 may rotate the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction to perform respective operations corresponding to washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering, or drying cycles.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 connectable to an external water source. In an example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a hot water valve 41 for supplying hot water and a cold water valve 42 for supplying cold water.

The water supply device 40 may include water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to the water supply valves 41 and 42. In an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be provided as flexible hoses or pipes.

As an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a hot water pipe 43 connected to the hot water valve 41 and a cold water pipe 44 connected to the cold water valve 42. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may guide water from the water supply valves 41 and 42 to the tub 20. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may extend from a water supply valve 62 to the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 via the tub 20. Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 not via the tub 20.

The water supply valves 41 and 42 may open or close the water supply pipes 43 and 44 in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may allow or block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub 20. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 configured to supply detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include the upper detergent supply device 50 and the lower detergent supply device 60. Detergent may be used as a term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and the like.

The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20 in a vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device 50 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 via a detergent connection pipe 51. In an example, the upper detergent supply device 50 may be configured to supply solid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20 in the vertical direction. The lower detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. In an example, the lower detergent supply device 60 may be configured to supply liquid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drain device 70 configured to discharge water received in the tub 20 to an outside. The drain device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a circulation pump 76 for circulating water from the tub 20 back to the tub 20 via a lower detergent supply device 86.

The drain device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through a tub connection pipe 72. The drain device 70 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 through a drain pipe 73.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control panel 15 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 15 may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the clothes treating apparatus 1. The user interface may include various circuitry including at least one input interface and at least one output interface, each including various circuitry.

The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The at least one output interface may visually or audibly convey information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may transfer information related to a washing course and an operating time of the clothes treating apparatus 1, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting, to a user. Information related to the operation of the clothes treating apparatus may be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, or the like. The at least one output interface may include, for example, The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drying device 80 for drying laundry received in the interior of the drum 30. The drying device 80 may be configured to heat air and supply the heated air into the tub 20. The drying device 80 may be configured to dry and heat the air discharged from the tub 20, and to circulate the dried and heated air into the tub 20 to dry the clothes inside the drum 30. The drying device 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20.

The drying device 80 may include a drying case 81 in which a heat pump for drying air may be installed. The drying case 81 may include a drying base 81a and a drying cover 81b coupled to the drying base 81a and configured to form a flow path through which air may move. The drying cover 81b may cover an open upper surface of the drying base 81a.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an example, the drying device 80 may include a rear cover 81c couplable to a rear side of the drying base 81a. The rear cover 81c may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the drying device 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted to the rear cover 81c.

The drying device 80 according to various embodiments may be configured as a heat pump type. The drying device 80 may include a compressor 91, a condenser 92, an evaporator 93, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 94 through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor 91, the condenser 92, the evaporator 93, and the like of the heat pump, may be disposed in the drying case 81. For example, the drying device 80 may include a cooling fan 91a for cooling the compressor 91. In an example, the drying device 80 may be mounted as a single module.

The compressor 91 may compress the refrigerant, and the compressed high temperature, high pressure refrigerant may be moved to the condenser 92. The condenser 92 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may be introduced into the drum 30 to dry the clothes.

The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 93 and cool the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 93 may cool the high temperature, high humidity air that has passed through the interior of the drum 30 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed may pass through the condenser 92 and may be heated again by heat exchange with the refrigerant passing through the condenser 92. In other words, the condenser 92 may heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 93. The condenser 92 and the evaporator 93 may be referred to as heat exchangers.

In an example, the drying device 80 may further include a drying heater 99. The drying heater 99 may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device 80. In an example, the drying device 80 may replace the heat pump components with the drying heater 99.

The drying heater 99 may heat the air entering the drying device 80. The drying heater 99 may be disposed in a heating flow path 86. The drying heater 99 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 92 along the flow of air passing through the drying device 80. The drying heater 99 may be provided in a relatively small size to minimize/reduce flow resistance. For example, the drying heater 99 may be a sheath heater.

The drying device 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20. An inlet flow path 85 into which air discharged from the tub 20 flows may be formed in the drying device 80. The heating flow path 86 for heat exchange of the air entering the drying device 80 via the inlet flow path 85 may be formed in the drying device 80. A supply flow path 87 through which the air heat-exchanged while passing through the heating flow path 86 is supplied to the tub 20 may be formed in the drying device 80.

The inlet flow path 85 may be configured to allow the air that has passed through the interior of the tub 20 to enter the drying device 80. The inlet flow path 85 may be positioned above the tub 20. The inlet flow path 85 may be in communication with an exhaust flow path P formed at the rear side of the tub 20.

The drying device 80 may include an inlet guide 84 connected to the tub 20. The inlet guide 84 may guide the air discharged from the tub 20 to the inlet flow path 85. The inlet flow path 85 may be in communication with the exhaust flow path P formed in the tub 20 through the inlet guide 84. The air that has passed through the exhaust flow path P may enter the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80 through the inlet guide 84.

The inlet flow path 85 may be provided with a filter 95 for filtering foreign matter, such as lint, contained in the air entering from the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air that has entered the inlet flow path 85 may pass through the filter 95 and then travel to the heating flow path 86. The filter 95 may be positioned on a flow path through which the air entering the drying device 80 travels to the evaporator 93 and the condenser 92.

The condenser 92 and the evaporator 93 may be disposed in the heating flow path 86. The air entering the heating flow path 86 may be humid, as it has passed through the interior of the tub 20. The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator 93 disposed in the heating flow path 86 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator 93 may be reheated while passing through the condenser 92.

The drying device 80 may include a nozzle device 96 for cleaning the condenser 92 and/or the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be provided in the heating flow path 86. The nozzle device 96 may be supplied with water from the water supply device 40 and may spray cleaning water toward the condenser 92 and/or the evaporator 93.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drain line 97 for guiding water discharged from the drying device 80. The drain line 97 may guide condensed water generated in the heat exchanger of the drying device 80 to an outside of the drying device 80. The drain line 97 may guide the cleaning water sprayed by the nozzle device 96 for cleaning the heat exchanger to the outside of the drying device 80. The drain line 97 may be connected to the drain device 70. The water discharged from the drying device 80 may flow to the drain device 70 along the drain line 97. The water entering the drain device 70 through the drain line 97 may be discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The supply flow path 87 may be provided to supply the air heated while passing through the condenser 92 back into the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 may be in communication with the heating flow path 86 and may extend downwardly to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the tub 20.

The supply flow path 87 may be provided with a supply fan 87a for directing air to flow into the interior of the tub 20. In other words, the supply fan 87a may be configured to supply air to the laundry inside the drum 30. For example, the supply fan 87a may include a sirocco fan.

The inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 may circulate air between the inside of the tub 20 and the drying device 80.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided such that air discharged from the tub 20 passes sequentially through the inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 of the drying device 80 positioned above the tub 20, and is then supplied to the interior of the tub 20.

The air heated in the drying device 80 may be supplied to the interior of the drum 30. To secure an area where the heated air supplied to the interior of the drum 30 contacts the laundry, a tub outlet 27 may be provided at a position opposite to an air inlet 26 through which the heated air from a drying device 90 is supplied to the tub 20. To increase a distance and/or time that the heated air flows inside the drum 30, allowing for more contact with the laundry, the tub outlet 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the heated air from the drying device 80 is supplied to the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 for supplying the heated air to the interior of the drum 30 and the tub outlet 27 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area where the heated air and the laundry are in contact, drying efficiency may be improved.

The air inlet 26 and the tub outlet 27 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged to maximum use of the heated air provided from the drying device 80. In an example, the air inlet 26 may be positioned adjacent to the front of the tub 20, and the tub outlet 27 may be positioned adjacent to the rear of the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may further include the exhaust flow path P for air discharged from the interior of the tub 20 to flow to the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be provided such that air discharged from the tub outlet 27 flows into the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be configured to discharge the moist air that has passed through the tub 20. In an example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear side of the tub 20.

The air inside the tub 20 may be discharged into a tub duct 28 through the tub outlet 27 formed on the rear surface of the tub 20. The air discharged to the tub duct 28 may flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 80.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the tub duct 28 for forming at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P. In an example, the tub duct 28 may be integrally formed with the tub 20. In an example, the tub 20 may include the tub duct 28. The tub duct 28 may be configured to surround the tub outlet 27.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a duct cover 29 for forming at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P. The duct cover 29 may be configured to cover an open rear surface of the tub duct 28. In an example, the tub 20 may include the duct cover 29. The duct cover 29 may form at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub outlet 27 flows to the drying device 80.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the exhaust flow path P may be formed by coupling the duct cover 29 to the tub duct 28.

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a recess portion 28a forming a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air discharged from the interior of the tub 20 flows. Reinforcing ribs 23 for increasing the rigidity of the tub 20 may be provided on the rear surface of the tub 20, and the recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion recessed from an end of the reinforcing ribs 23 protruding from the rear surface of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion of the rear surface of the tub 20 in which the reinforcing ribs 23 are not formed. The tub outlet 27 for discharging air from the interior of the tub 20 may be formed in the recess portion 28a. The tub duct 28 may include partition ribs 28d provided along the circumference of the recess portion 28a. The partition ribs 28d may separate, on the rear surface of the tub 20, an area where the reinforcing ribs 23 are formed and an area where the recess portion 28a is formed.

The tub 20 according to an embodiment may include a duct connecting portion 28b forming another portion of the exhaust flow path P through which the air that has passed through the recess portion 28a flows. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude approximately upwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. In an example, the duct connecting portion 28b may protrude upwardly from the rear end of the tub 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the duct connecting portion 28b may be positioned variously depending on the location of the drying device 80.

The duct connecting portion 28b may connect the inlet guide 84 of the drying device 80 and the tub duct 28. The duct connecting portion 28b may extend the exhaust flow path P upwardly. The duct connecting portion 28b, together with the recess portion 28a, the partition rib 28d, and the duct cover 29, may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P.

The duct connecting portion 28b may be formed in a cuboidal shape with its upper and rear surfaces open. The duct cover 29 may cover the open rear surface of the duct connecting portion 28b. The duct cover 29 may form only one surface of the exhaust flow path to be coupled, thereby facilitating the coupling and sealing structure.

The duct cover 29 may cover the tub duct 28 and the duct connecting portion 28b. The duct cover 29 may cover the open side of the tub duct 28 and the open rear surface of the duct connecting portion 28b. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 29 covering the recess portion 28a and the duct connecting portion 28b. The exhaust flow path P may be connected to the inlet flow path 85, so that the air entering the exhaust flow path P through the tub outlet 27 may travel along the exhaust flow path P and enter the drying device 80 through the inlet flow path 85.

Although not shown in the drawings, the duct connecting portion 28b may be provided in a cuboidal shape, with only the upper surface through which air is discharged open and the rear surface unopened. In this case, the duct cover 29 may cover only the tub duct 28.

The duct connecting portion 28b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a configuration that it is included in the tub duct 28. The duct connecting portion 28b of the tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may extend from the recess portion 28a to the inlet guide 84. The tub duct 28 may be connected to the inlet guide 84 by the duct connecting portion 28b. Hereinafter, the duct connecting portion 28b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be described as a configuration included in the tub duct 28.

The tub duct 28 may include a stepped portion 28c for expanding the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path P. The exhaust flow path P may be configured such that, due to the stepped portion 28c, the width of the portion formed by the duct connecting portion 28b is greater than the width of the portion formed by the recess portion 28a.

The water supply valves 41 and 42 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be positioned by utilizing the space left by such a mounting structure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted between the inlet guide 84 and the cooling fan 91a. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located at a central portion of the rear surface of the drying device 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located at the rear side of the condenser 92. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located in an area partitioned from a flow path through which drying air flows. The location of the water supply valves 41 and 42 is not limited thereto.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example connection between a tub and a water supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example pressure reducing device of the clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the tub from a direction different from that in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of portion B shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of portion C shown in FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, although the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having the hot water valve 41 connected to the tub 20, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cold water valve 42 may also be configured to be connected to the tub 20. In addition, for ease of description, the hot water valve 41 may be referred to as a water supply valve 41, and the hot water pipe 43 may be referred to as a water supply pipe 43.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressure reducing device 101 configured to reduce the water pressure of the water supplied through the water supply valve 41. The pressure reducing device 101 may be installed in the tub 20. The pressure reducing device 101 may be positioned below the water supply valve 41.

The pressure reducing device 101 may include a pressure reducing inlet 101a for the water supplied through the water supply valve 41 to enter, and a pressure reducing outlet 101b for the water entering through the pressure reducing inlet 101a to be discharged to exit the pressure reducing device 101.

In an example, the cross-sectional area of the pressure reducing outlet 101b approximately perpendicular to the direction in which water is discharged may be arranged to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the pressure reducing inlet 101a approximately perpendicular to the direction in which water enters. In an example, a diameter d2 of the pressure reducing outlet 101b may be arranged to be larger than a diameter d1 of the pressure reducing inlet 101a.

The pressure reducing outlet 101b of the pressure reducing device 101 according to an embodiment may be arranged to face a direction different from the direction in which the pressure reducing inlet 101a faces. In an example, a portion of the pressure reducing device 101 forming the pressure reducing outlet 101b may extend in a direction different from the direction in which another portion of the pressure reducing device 101 forming the pressure reducing inlet 101a extends.

The pressure reducing outlet 101b of the pressure reducing device 101 according to an embodiment may be arranged to face a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the pressure reducing inlet 101a faces. In an example, a portion of the pressure reducing device 101 forming the pressure reducing outlet 101b may extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which another portion of the pressure reducing device 101 forming the pressure reducing inlet 101a extends.

The water supply pipe 43 may include a first water supply pipe 43a connecting the water supply valve 41 and the pressure reducing device 101. In an example, the first water supply pipe 43a may have one end connected to the water supply valve 41 and the other end connected to the pressure reducing inlet 101a. The first water supply pipe 43a may extend between the water supply valve 41 and the pressure reducing device 101.

The water supply pipe 43 may include a second water supply pipe 43b connecting the pressure reducing device 101 and a water supply port 140. In an example, the second water supply pipe 43b may have one end connected to the pressure reducing outlet 101b and the other end connected to the water supply port 140. The second water supply pipe 43b may extend between the pressure reducing device 101 and the water supply port 140.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the pressure reducing device 101, thereby reducing noise that may be generated by water pressure during the water supply process.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the tub 20 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include a pressure reducing installation portion 110 for installing the pressure reducing device 101. The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may be positioned below the water supply valve 41. The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may be positioned above a first support portion 120. For example, the pressure reducing installation portion 110 may be positioned between the water supply valve 41 and the first support portion 120 in the direction of gravity. In an example, the pressure reducing installation portion 110 may be integrally formed with the tub 20.

The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may include an installation portion body 111 configured to cover at least a portion of the pressure reducing device 101. The installation portion body 111 may form the exterior of the pressure reducing installation portion 110. The installation portion body 111 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The installation portion body 111 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the pressure reducing device 101. The installation portion body 111 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure reducing device 101.

The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may include a pressure reducing fixing portion 113 for fixing the pressure reducing device 101. A length by which the pressure reducing fixing portion 113 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20 may be arranged to be shorter than a length by which the installation portion body 111 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The pressure reducing fixing portion 113 may be configured to fix the position of the pressure reducing device 101 when the pressure reducing device 101 is received in the installation portion body 111. The pressure reducing fixing portion 113 may be positioned on the interior of the installation portion body 111.

The pressure reducing device 101 may include a device fixing portion 102 for installation on the tub 20. With the device fixing portion 102 of the pressure reducing device 101 aligned with the pressure reducing fixing portion 113 of the pressure reducing installation portion 110, the pressure reducing device 101 may be fixed to the pressure reducing installation portion 110 by coupling fastening members. For example, the device fixing portion 102 and the pressure reducing fixing portion 113 may have a hole shape. For example, the device fixing portion 102 and the pressure reducing fixing portion 113 may be threaded on the inside.

The number of pressure reducing fixing portions 113 may be provided to correspond to the number of device fixing portions 102. The position of the pressure reducing fixing portions 113 may be provided to correspond to the position of the device fixing portions 102.

The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may include a pressure reducing support portion 115 for supporting the pressure reducing device 101. The pressure reducing support portion 115 may be located on the interior of the installation portion body 111. The pressure reducing support portion 115 may be connected to the installation portion body 111. The pressure reducing support portion 115 may be connected to the pressure reducing fixing portion 113. The pressure reducing support portion 115 may support the pressure reducing device 101 when the pressure reducing device 101 is received in the installation portion body 111.

The pressure reducing support portion 115 may be configured to space the pressure reducing device 101 apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. As the pressure reducing device 101 is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20, vibrations generated in the tub 20 and transmitted to the pressure reducing device 101 may be reduced.

The pressure reducing installation portion 110 may be configured to be connected to a reinforcing portion 20a protruding from the outer circumferential surface to reinforce the strength of the tub 20. As the pressure reducing installation portion 110 is connected to the reinforcing portion 20a, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may reinforce the strength of the pressure reducing installation portion 110.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, the tub 20 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include the first support portion 120 for supporting a portion of the water supply pipe 43. In an example, the first support portion 120 may support the second water supply pipe 43b of the water supply pipe 43. In an example, the first support portion 120 may be integrally formed with the tub 20.

The first support portion 120 may be positioned below the pressure reducing installation portion 110. In an example, the first support portion 120 may be positioned between the pressure reducing installation portion 110 and a second support portion 130 in the direction of gravity. The first support portion 120 may support a portion of the water supply pipe 43 below the water supply valve 41.

The first support portion 120 may include a first support portion body 121 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The first support portion body 121 may form the exterior of the first support portion 120. The first support portion body 121 may be configured to cover a portion of the water supply pipe 43. A portion of the water supply pipe 43 may be received in the first support portion body 121.

The first support portion 120 may include a pipe support portion 123 for supporting a portion of the water supply pipe 43. The pipe support portion 123 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The pipe support portion 123 may be positioned on an interior of the first support portion body 121.

The pipe support portion 123 may include an extending support portion 123a extending in a direction in which the water supply pipe 43 supported by the first support portion 120 extends, and a protruding support portion 123b protruding from the extending support portion 123a. A length by which the protruding support portion 123b protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20 may be arranged to be longer than a length by which the extending support portion 123a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The protruding support portion 123b may be positioned approximately at the center of the extending support portion 123a in a direction in which the extending support portion 123a extends. The protruding support portion 123b may support the water supply pipe 43 received in the first support portion body 121 to reduce sagging.

The first support portion 120 may include a first guide seating portion 125 configured to receive at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43. The water supply guide 43 may be seated on the first guide seating portion 125. The first guide seating portion 125 may hold a portion of the water supply guide 43.

The first pipe seating portion 125 may be positioned at both ends of the first support portion body 121 in the direction in which the water supply pipe 43 extends. The first pipe seating portion 125 may have a size and/or shape corresponding to the water supply pipe 43. In an example, the first pipe seating portion 125 may have a smaller size than the water supply pipe 43.

The first support portion 120 may be configured to be connected to the reinforcing portion 20a protruding from the outer circumferential surface to reinforce the strength of the tub 20. The reinforcing portion 20a may protrude from the outer surface of the tub duct 28 to reinforce the strength of the tub duct 28. As the first support portion 120 is connected to the reinforcing portion 20a, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may reinforce the strength of the first support portion 120.

The first support portion 120 may be configured to space at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43 apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The first support portion 120 may be provided such that at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43 does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. As at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43 is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20 by the first support portion 120, vibrations generated in the tub 20 and transmitted to the water supply pipe 43 may be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 11, the tub 20 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include the second support portion 130 for supporting a portion of the water supply pipe 43 different from the portion supported by the first support portion 120. The second support portion 130 may support the second water supply pipe 43b of the water supply pipe 43. In an example, the second support portion 130 may be integrally formed with the tub 20.

The second support portion 130 may support the water supply pipe 43 below the first support portion 120. In an example, the second support portion 130 may be positioned between the first support portion 120 and the water supply port 140 in the direction of gravity. The second support portion 130 may support a portion of the water supply pipe 43 below the first support portion 120.

The second support portion 130 may include a second support portion body 131 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. In an example, the second support portion body 131 may protrude from the tub duct 28.

The second support portion body 131 may space a portion of the water supply pipe 43 apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. In an example, the second support portion body 131 may space the water supply pipe 43 apart from the tub duct 28. As a portion of the water supply pipe 43 is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20 by the second support portion 130, vibrations generated in the tub 20 and transmitted to the water supply pipe 43 may be reduced. As a portion of the water supply pipe 43 is spaced apart from the tub duct 28 by the second support portion 130, vibrations generated in the tub 20 and transmitted to the water supply pipe 43 may be reduced. The second support portion 130 may be provided such that at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43 does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20.

The second support portion 130 may include a second pipe seating portion 133 configured to receive at least a portion of the water supply pipe 43. The second pipe seating portion 133 may be provided to correspond to the shape and/or size of the water supply pipe 43. A portion of the water supply pipe 43 may be seated on the second pipe seating portion 133. The second pipe seating portion 133 may hold a portion of the water supply pipe 43.

The second support portion 130 may be configured to be connected to the reinforcing portion 20a protruding from the outer circumferential surface to reinforce the strength of the tub 20. As the second support portion 130 is connected to the reinforcing portion 20a, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may reinforce the strength of the second support portion 130.

The tub 20 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the water supply port 140 connected to the water supply pipe 43. In an example, the water supply port 140 may be configured to be connectable to the second water supply pipe 43b. The water supply port 140 may be positioned below the second support portion 130. In an example, the water supply port 140 may be integrally formed with the tub 20.

The water supply port 140 may be positioned in the tub duct 28. As the water supply port 140 is positioned in the tub duct 28, water supplied by the water supply device 60 may be discharged into the interior of the tub duct 28. The water discharged into the interior of the tub duct 28 may be supplied to the interior of the tub 20 via the air outlet 27.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the connection between the tub and the water supply device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the water supply pipe 43 may be configured to be downwardly inclined from the water supply valve 41 to the water supply port 140. The water supply pipe 43 may be configured to not be upwardly inclined from the water supply valve 41 to the water supply port 140. The water supply pipe 43 may be configured to be inclined in the direction of gravity from the water supply valve 41 to the water supply port 140 without any portion inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The water supply pipe 43 may include a portion that extends horizontally without being inclined.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the second water supply pipe 43b may be configured to be downwardly inclined from the pressure reducing device 101 to the water supply port 140. The second water supply pipe 43b may be configured to not be upwardly inclined from the pressure reducing device 101 to the water supply port 140. The second water supply pipe 43b may be configured to be inclined in the direction of gravity from the pressure reducing device 101 to the water supply port 140 without any portion inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The second water supply pipe 43b may include a portion that extends horizontally without being inclined.

With such a configuration, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may prevent and/or reduce residual water from being present inside the water supply pipe 43 when the water supply through the water supply valve 41 is stopped.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating an interior of the tub duct according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial sectional perspective view of portion D shown in FIG. 2 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the tub 20 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the stepped portion 28c formed to change the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path P. The stepped portion 28c may be provided in the tub duct 28. The stepped portion 28c may be arranged to correspond to the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20.

The size of the exhaust flow path P may be varied along the direction of air flow. The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the exhaust flow path P may vary along the direction of air flow in the exhaust flow path P. The stepped portion 28c may be formed such that the cross-sectional area approximately perpendicular to the direction of air flow is expanded as it goes in the direction of air flow in the exhaust flow path P. For example, the stepped portion 28c may be provided such that the cross-sectional area of a portion of the exhaust flow path P formed by the duct connecting portion 28b is larger than the cross-sectional area of a portion of the exhaust flow path P formed by the recess portion 28a. The stepped portion 28c may be provided such that a width w2 of a portion of the exhaust flow path P formed by the duct connecting portion 28b is larger than a width w1 of a portion of the exhaust flow path P formed by the recess portion 28a.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may prevent and/or reduce the loss of the internal space of the tub 20 by the stepped portion 28c, secure the size of the exhaust flow path P, and efficiently use the internal space of the housing 10.

While the air discharged from the interior of the tub 20 flows through the exhaust flow path P, the air may collide with the stepped portion 28c, and accordingly, foreign matter, such as lint, traveling with the air may be separated from the air and accumulate on the stepped portion 28c of the tub duct 28. A relatively large amount of foreign matter may accumulate in the stepped portion 28c of the tub duct 28.

The water supply port 140 may be arranged to face the stepped portion 28c. In an example, an outlet 143 of the water supply port 140 may be arranged to face the stepped portion 28c. The water supply port 140 may be configured to discharge water into a portion of the exhaust flow path P where the stepped portion 28c is positioned.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply port 140 may discharge the water supplied by the water supply device 40 toward the stepped portion 28c of the tub duct 28, so that foreign matter accumulated in the stepped portion 28c may be cleaned, and thus, the exhaust flow path P may be easily maintained. The water entering the exhaust flow path P through the water supply port 140 may clean foreign matter left in the tub duct 28 and the duct cover 29 by colliding with them, and then enter the interior of the tub 20 through the air outlet 27.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a washing water heater 24. The washing water heater 24 may be provided below the tub 20 to heat the washing water during washing. During a drying cycle, the water supply port 140 may supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P, and the washing water heater 24 may heat the water supplied to the interior of the tub 20 through the water supply port 140, the exhaust flow path P, and the air outlet 27 to generate steam. In other words, the steam generated by the water supply port 140 and the washing water heater 24 may be in contact with clothes during the drying cycle, thereby preventing and/or reducing wrinkles from being generated on the clothes as much as possible.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as a washer-dryer combination, may include the washing water heater 24 for heating washing water, and may generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater 24 and the water supply port 140 for cleaning the exhaust flow path P, thereby preventing and/or reducing wrinkles from being generated on the clothes as much as possible during the drying cycle.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an example embodiment includes the tub 20 including a tub duct, the drying device 80 configured to supply drying air to the tub, and the water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub, the water supply device including the water supply valve 41 and the water supply pipe 43 configured to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub. The tub duct includes a recess portion forming at least a portion of an exhaust flow path configured to direct air discharged from an interior of the tub to the drying device, the duct connecting portion 28b forming another portion of the exhaust flow path configured to pass air through the recess portion, the stepped portion 28c configured to change a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path, and the water supply port 140 formed in the duct connecting portion, connected to the water supply pipe, and facing the stepped portion.

The stepped portion may have a cross-sectional area of another portion of the exhaust flow path formed in the duct connecting portion larger than a cross-sectional area of the portion of the exhaust flow path formed in the recess portion.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include the duct cover 29 configured to be coupled to the tub duct of the tub to form the exhaust flow path.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include the pressure reducing device 101 configured to reduce a water pressure of the water supplied through the water supply valve. The water supply pipe may include the first water supply pipe 43a connecting the water supply valve and the pressure reducing device, and the second water supply pipe 43b connecting the pressure reducing device and the water supply port.

The pressure reducing device may be positioned below the water supply valve.

The second water supply pipe may be configured to be prevented/blocked/inhibited from being upwardly inclined from the pressure reducing device to the water supply port.

The tub may include the first support portion 120 configured to support a portion of the water supply pipe, and the second support portion 130 configured to support another portion of the water supply pipe below the first support portion.

The tub may include the pressure reducing installation portion 110 configured to have the pressure reducing device installed above the first support portion.

The pressure reducing installation portion may include the installation portion body 111 configured to cover at least a portion of the pressure reducing device, the pressure reducing fixing portion 113 configured to fix the pressure reducing device, and the pressure reducing support portion 115 configured to support the pressure reducing device.

The tub may include the reinforcing portion 20a protruding from an outer circumferential surface. The pressure reducing installation portion may be connected to the reinforcing portion.

The first support portion may include the first support portion body 121 protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the tub, the pipe support portion 123 configured to support at least a portion of the water supply pipe, and the first pipe seating portion 125 configured to receive at least a portion of the water supply pipe.

The second support portion may include the second support portion body 131 protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the tub, and the second pipe seating portion 133 configured to receive at least a portion of the water supply pipe.

The tub may include the reinforcing portion 20a protruding from an outer circumferential surface. The first support portion and the second support portion may be connected to the reinforcing portion.

The water supply port may be positioned below the second support portion.

The tub may include the air inlet 26 configured to allow air to enter from the drying device, and the air outlet 27 configured to discharge air from an interior of the tub to the tub duct, wherein the air outlet is configured to allow water entering through the water supply port to flow into the interior of the tub.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an example embodiment includes the tub 20, the drying device 80 configured to supply drying air to the tub, and the water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub, the water supply device including the water supply valve 41 and the water supply pipe 43 configured to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub. The tub includes the first support portion 120 configured to support a portion of the water supply pipe below the water supply valve, the second support portion 130 configured to support another portion of the water supply pipe below the first support portion, and the water supply port 140 connected to the water supply pipe and positioned below the second support portion.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include the pressure reducing device 101 configured to reduce a water pressure of the water supplied through the water supply valve. The pressure reducing device may be positioned between the water supply valve and the first support portion in the direction of gravity.

The tub may include the tub duct 28 configured to form at least a portion of an exhaust flow path P for air discharged from an interior of the tub to flow to the drying device, and the stepped portion 28c formed to change a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path. The water supply port may be arranged to face the stepped portion.

The first support portion and the second support portion may be configured to space the water supply pipe apart from an outer circumferential surface of the tub.

The tub may include the reinforcing portion 20a protruding from an outer circumferential surface. The first support portion and the second support portion may be connected to the reinforcing portion.

According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may include the pressure reducing device, thereby reducing noise that may be generated by water pressure during water supply.

According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may be supported such that the water supply pipe is inclined downwardly by the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby preventing and/or reducing residual water from being generated inside the water supply pipe.

According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may easily manage the exhaust flow path, as the water supplied to the tub duct by the water supply port may clean the exhaust flow path.

According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may reduce the transmission of vibrations from the tub to the water supply pipe because at least a portion of the water supply pipe may be spaced apart from the tub by the first support portion and the second support portion.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and/or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.