LAUNDRY MACHINE

A laundry machine capable of washing and/or drying laundry is provided. The laundry machine includes a first washing tub provided in a cabinet, a housing having a space formed therein, the housing being insertable into and withdrawable from the cabinet, a second washing tub provided in the housing to receive laundry separately from the first washing tub, and a fixing member that fixes the second washing tub to restrict movement of the second washing tub.

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Description

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0124528, filed in Korea on Dec. 3, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A laundry machine is disclosed which is capable of washing or drying laundry.

2. Background

Laundry machines are known. However, they suffer from various disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a laundry machine according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the laundry machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a case having a fixing member laterally coupled with the laundry machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the case and fixing member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a case and fixing member of a laundry machine according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of a case and fixing member of a laundry machine according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the case and fixing member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a case and fixing member according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of a case and fixing member of a laundry machine according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a bottom cross-sectional view of a case and fixing member according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of the laundry machine of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a laundry machine according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a partial front cross-sectional view of the laundry machine of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a case and a fixing member laterally coupled with the laundry machine of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front cross-sectional view of a case and a fixing member according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a fixing member laterally coupled with the laundry machine of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a laundry machine according to another embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a front cross-sectional view of a fixing member laterally coupled with the laundry machine of FIG. 17;

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements.

A washing machine is an electric home appliance capable of washing clothing or laundry, and a drying machine is an electric home appliance capable of drying wet clothing or laundry. Recently, electric home appliances combining the functions of the washing machine and the drying machine have been widely used. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanatory convenience, the washing machine, the drying machine, and the electric home appliances combining the functions of thereof will be commonly referred to as a laundry machine.

Laundry machines are generally classified into a top loading type and a front loading type according to the way in which the laundry is input into the laundry machine. Further, laundry machines may be classified into a vertical axis type in which a drum or a pulsator rotates about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis type in which a drum rotates about a horizontal axis. One example of a horizontal type laundry machine is a front loading drum laundry machine or a drum dryer.

Laundry machines are generally installed on a surface so that an inlet of the front loading drum laundry machine is low enough that it is inconvenient for a user to put laundry into and take laundry out of the laundry machine. Therefore, there is a need for the height of the inlet of the laundry machine to be increased.

Generally, each home has only one laundry machine. Therefore, when a user desires to classify and wash laundry according to different types thereof, the washing machine must be used several times. For example, when laundry is divided into, for example, adult clothing and laundry, such as underwear and baby clothing, the washing machine must be used two or more times to wash the different types of laundry. The multiple washings take up time and consume a lot of energy.

Also, in order to conserve energy, it is preferable not to use a large-sized laundry machine when washing a small amount of clothing. The washing course provided in the large-sized laundry machine generally consumes a large amount of washing water. Further, a lot of power is consumed rotating a large-sized drum or pulsator.

Also, since the washing course of a large-sized laundry machine is configured for a large amount of laundry, the washing time is comparatively long. Further, the large-sized laundry machine is provided with a washing course that is configured mainly for general clothing, so that it may not be suitable for washing delicate clothing, such as underwear or baby clothing.

In the case where a small amount laundry is frequently washed, the large-sized washing machine is not suitable. Thus, a consumer gathers laundry over several days or more in order to wash it all at one time. However, it is not good for underwear and baby clothing to be left for a long period of time in view of sanitation. If such laundry is left for a long period of time, dirt clings to the clothing and prevents it from being properly cleaned.

Therefore, the need for a small-sized laundry machine having a much smaller capacity than conventional large-sized laundry machines has increased. However, it is not preferable to provide two laundry machines in one home due to space utilization and appearance purposes.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective of a laundry machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the laundry machine of FIG. 1.

The laundry machine 1 of FIGS. 1-2 includes a cabinet 110 forming an outer appearance of the laundry machine, and a first washing tub 120 provided in the cabinet 110. The cabinet 110 may include a front cover 111 forming a front surface, side walls 113 forming both side surfaces, a rear wall 114 forming a rear surface, and a top plate 116 forming a top surface. The front cover 112 of the cabinet 110 may be provided with a door 140, and a front upper portion of the cabinet 110 may be provided with a control panel 119 to allow a user to operate the laundry machine 1.

The first washing tub 120 may include a first tub 122 that stores washing water and a first drum 124 rotatably disposed in the first tub 122. The first tub 122 and the first drum 124 may be formed with an opening for putting laundry into and withdrawing laundry therefrom when the door 140 is opened. Also, the first drum 124 may be rotated by a motor 130, and an inner surface thereof provided with a plurality of lifts 126 to perform washing by lifting up and dropping the laundry inside the drum 124 when the drum 124 is rotated. Alternatively, the opening may be formed in the top of the laundry machine, and the first washing tub may be formed to extend vertically.

When the door 140 of the laundry machine 1 is formed in the front cover 112 of the cabinet 110, a user must bend his/her body to put laundry into and take laundry out of the inside of the first washing tub 120. Therefore, in order to prevent the user from excessively bending his/her body, the washing tub 120 may be positioned above a predetermined height. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a case 200 may be installed under the laundry machine 1, which lifts up the height of the first washing tub 120 to a predetermined height. The case 200 may be formed to have a predetermined height so that the cabinet of the laundry machine 1 is raised a predetermine amount. Also, the case 200 may be formed to have a predetermined space 205 in the inside thereof and to receive laundry in the space 205 to efficiently use the space 205.

In order for a user to conveniently put laundry into and withdraw laundry from inside the case 200, the inside of the case 200 has the space 205 capable of receiving laundry and may be further provided with a housing 210 configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the space 205.

The case 200 is shown installed below a lower portion of the cabinet 110. However, the case 200 may be installed above an upper portion or at a side portion of the cabinet 110, although not shown in the drawings.

A second washing tub 220 capable of receiving laundry separately from the first washing tub 120 and then performing washing thereof may be disposed in the housing 210. The second washing tub 220 may be operated by the controller 119 provided in the cabinet 110.

Further, the second washing tub 220 may be operated independently from the first washing tub 120, and may include a second tub 220a that receives washing water and a second drum 220b rotatably disposed in the second tub 220a. The second washing tub 220 may further include a pulsator. Other washing tubs in various manners not described in the present specification may also be provided.

As the second washing tub 220 is provided separately from the first washing tub 120, washing may be properly performed by selecting a proper washing tub depending on an amount of the laundry to be washed, without wasting washing water and energy. Also, as the first washing tub 120 and the second washing tub 220 each are separately provided and independently operatable with respect to each other, they may be formed to have different washing manners or methods, and a user can select and use a more proper washing tub according to the kind and characteristics of the laundry to be washed, improving washing efficiency and reducing damage to the laundry.

Also, dark colored clothes and light colored clothing may be separated and washed separately to prevent them from dyeing one another. In this case, the first washing tub 120 and the second washing tub 220 may be separated so that the washings may be performed at the same time making, to reduce washing time.

The second washing tub 220 may be received in the housing 210, and vibration may be generated depending on the eccentricity of laundry disposed therein when the second washing tub 220 rotates. Although not shown, the second washing tub 220 may be suspended in the inside of the housing 210 in order to reduce vibration. However, the second washing tub 220 may be vibrated in the housing 210 by its own vibration and may also be vibrated by an externally applied force during transportation of the laundry machine.

Generally, a suspension apparatus supporting the second washing tub 220 may be designed to prevent the second washing tub 220 from contacting inner wall surfaces of the housing 210 to prevent or reduce the vibration generated by the second washing tub 220 during operation. However, such a suspension apparatus is not able to handle the vibration of the second washing tub 220 due to the externally applied force, so that the second tub 220 may be greatly shaken in the housing 210. As a result, there is the risk that the second washing tub 220 may collide with the inner wall surfaces of the housing 210 or parts thereof may be damaged. Such an externally applied force may mainly be generated during movement of the laundry machine.

Also, the housing 210 may be unexpectedly drawn out of the laundry machine during the movement thereof, such that a person moving the laundry machine may be hurt. Further, the laundry machine may be damaged due to collision of the housing 210 with other objects, or the laundry machine may be damaged due to the impact caused when the housing 210 is drawn out of the laundry machine. Therefore, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, a fixing member 250 capable of fixing the housing 210 or the second washing tub 220 during movement of the laundry machine may be provided as discussed herein below.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show embodiments. In these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be provided to be simultaneously coupled with the case 200, the housing 210, and the second washing tub 220. Further, the fixing member 250 may be formed in a bar or shaft shape with a predetermined length. The case 200 and the housing 210 may be provided with holes 202 and 212 to which the fixing member 250 may be coupled and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with a groove 222 configured to receive therein one end of the fixing member 250.

An outer circumferential surface of the fixing member 250 may be formed with a screw thread and inner circumferential surfaces of the holes 202 and 212 formed in the case 200 and the housing 210 and the groove 222 formed in the second washing tub 220 may be provided with screw threads corresponding to the screw threads of the fixing member 250. Therefore, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the holes 202 and 212 formed in the case 200 and the housing 210 and the groove 222 formed on the second washing tub 220.

The fixing member 250 as discussed above may be coupled with bottom surfaces of the case 200, the housing 210, and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 2. In other words, the bottom surfaces of the case 200 and the housing 210 may be provided with the holes 202 and 212 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222. Therefore, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surfaces of the case 200 and the housing 210 to be coupled with the holes 202 and 212, and at the same time, also coupled with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 are fixed to the case 200.

Alternatively, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with side surfaces of the case 200 and the housing 210, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In other words, the side surfaces of the case 200 and the housing 210 may be formed with the holes 202 and 212 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Therefore, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the side surfaces of the case 200 and the housing 210 to be coupled with the holes 202 and 212, and at the same time, also coupled with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 are fixed to the case 200. Herein, the term “side surface” refers to a portion having a surface perpendicular to ground, such as the front surface and the rear surface or the left and right side surfaces of the case 200, the housing 210, or the second washing tub 220, for example.

Therefore, the fixing member 250 fixes the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 to the case 200 so that excessive vibration of the second washing tub 220 caused during movement of the laundry machine or an unexpected opening of the housing 210 may be prevented. A user can open the housing 210 and use the second washing tub 220, once the fixing member 250 is removed after the movement of the laundry machine is completed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing a case and fixing member according to additional embodiments. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate like elements, and repetitive disclosure omitted.

According to these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be simultaneously coupled with the case 200 and the second washing tub 220, and the housing 210 not coupled therewith, but rather penetrated or passed through. In other words, the case 200 may be provided with the hole 202 which may be coupled with the fixing member 250 and the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222 which may be coupled with the fixing member 250, while the housing 210 may be formed with an opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass through.

The fixing member 250 may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the case 200 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the bottom surface of the case 200 may be provided with the hole 202 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222. Also, at least any one portion of the bottom surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass through. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surface of the case 200 to be coupled with the hole 202 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the case 200.

Alternatively or in addition, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the side surfaces of the case 200 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the side surface of the case 200 may be formed with the hole 202 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Also, any one portion of the side surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the side surface of the case 200 to be coupled with the hole 202 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the case 200.

In these embodiments, since the housing 210 is not fixed by the fixing member 250, there is a risk that the housing may be opened during movement of the laundry machine. In order to prevent this, these embodiments may further include a restriction member 254 capable of selectively restricting the opening of the housing 210.

The restriction member 254 may be in the form of a lever capable of restricting the housing 210 and may rotate as shown in FIG. 7. Although not shown, it may be implemented by various other methods or means, such as a hook and a latch. Thus, according to these embodiments the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the case 200 to prevent movement thereof and the housing 210 may be fixed by the restriction member 254 to prevent the housing from unexpectedly opening, preventing accidents and damage.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of a case and fixing member according to additional embodiments. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate like elements, and repetitive disclosure omitted.

According to these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be simultaneously coupled with the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220. That is, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the bottom surface of the housing 210 may be provided with the hole 212 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222. Also, at least one portion of the bottom surface of the case 200 may be formed with an opening (not shown) through which the fixing member 250 may be penetrated or may be formed as a continuous surface without an opening, so that a user may couple or decouple the fixing member 250 through the bottom surface of the opened housing 210 in a state in which the housing 210 is drawn out from the case. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surface of the housing 210 to be coupled with the hole 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the housing 210.

Alternatively or in addition, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the side surfaces of the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, the side surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the hole 212 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Also, at least any one portion of the side surface of the case 210 may be formed with an opening (not shown) through which the fixing member 250 may pass or may be formed as a continuous surface without an opening, so that a user may couple or decouple the fixing member 250 through the side surface of the opened housing 210 in a state in which the housing 210 is drawn out from the case 200. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the side surface of the case 200 to be coupled with the hole 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the case 200.

In these embodiments, since the housing 210 is not fixed by the fixing member 250, there is a risk that the housing may be opened during movement of the laundry machine. In order to prevent this, these embodiments may further include a restriction member 254 capable of selectively restricting the opening of the housing 210. The restriction member is the same as the previously discussed restriction member 254, and thus, additional detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, according to these embodiments, the second washing tub 220 fixed to the housing 200 and the housing 210 may be fixed by the restriction member 254 so that excessive movement of the second washing tub 220 or an unexpected opening of the housing 210 may be prevented, preventing accidents and damage.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are bottom and front cross-sectional views of a case and fixing member according to another embodiment. According to this embodiment, a fixing member 252 may be fitted between the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220. In other words, the fixing member 252 may be fitted between the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220 filling a space between the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed and not movable.

The fixing member 252 as discussed above may not necessarily be fixed to the housing 210 or the second washing tub 220 and may be provided in plural. Also, the fixing member 252 may be formed of a soft material, such as wood or Styrofoam, so as to be able to absorb impact. After movement of the laundry machine is completed, a user may open the housing 210 and remove the fixing member(s) 252 fitted between the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be used.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the housing 210 is shown provided in the case 200 separately from the cabinet 110 which receives the first washing tub 120. However, the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220 may be provided as part of the cabinet 110, as shown in FIGS. 12-18.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a laundry machine according to another embodiment. As discussed above, the housing 210 including the second washing tub 220 may be provided in the cabinet 110.

A case 201 may be provided having a predetermined space 205 to receive the housing 210. The case 201 may be provided at a lower side of the first washing tub 120.

Further, a bottom surface of the case 201 and a bottom surface of the cabinet 110 may be formed as one bottom surface. Also, during movement of the laundry machine, a fixing member 250 capable of fixing the housing 210 or the second washing tub 220 may be provided.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front cross-sectional view and a front perspective view of a case and fixing member according to additional embodiments. In these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be provided to be simultaneously coupled with the cabinet 110, the housing 210, and the second washing tub 220. The fixing member 250 may be in the form of a bar or shaft member having a predetermined length. The cabinet 110 and the housing 210 may be provided with holes 112 and 212 to which the fixing member 250 may be coupled and the bottom of the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222 which may be coupled with the fixing member 250.

An outer circumferential surface of the fixing member 250 may be provided with a screw thread and inner circumferential surfaces of the holes 112 and 212 formed in the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 and the groove 222 formed in the second washing tub 220 may be provided with screw threads corresponding to the screw threads of the fixing member 250. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the holes 112 and 212 formed in the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 and the groove 222 formed in the second washing tub 220.

The fixing member 250, as discussed above, may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110, the housing 210, and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 13. In other words, the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 may be provided with the holes 112 and 212 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 to be coupled with the holes 112 and 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 may be fixed to the cabinet 110.

Alternatively or in addition, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the side surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the housing 210, as shown in FIG. 14. In other words, the side surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 may be provided with the holes 112 and 212 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 formed with the groove 222. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the side surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the housing 210 to be coupled with the holes 112 and 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 may be fixed to the cabinet 110.

Thus, the fixing member 250 may fix the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 to the cabinet 110 so that an excessive vibration of the second washing tub 220 caused during movement of the laundry machine or an unexpected opening of the housing 210 may be prevented. Further, a user may open the housing 210 and use the second washing tub 220 after the fixing member 250 is removed after the movement of the laundry machine is completed.

Also, the case 201 partitioning the space 205 for the first washing tub and the housing 210 in the cabinet 110 may be provided as described above. In the case where the case 201 is provided, a hole for allowing the fixing member 250 to pass through the case 201 or a hole for coupling with the fixing member 250 may be provided.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are a front cross-sectional view and a front perspective view showing additional embodiments. In these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be simultaneously coupled with the cabinet 110 and the second washing tub 220 and the housing 210 may be formed to be passed through.

In other words, the cabinet 110 may be formed with a hole 112 to which the fixing member 250 may be coupled and the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222 to which the fixing member 250 may be coupled. Also, any one portion of the housing 210 may be formed with an opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass through.

The fixing member 250, as discussed above, may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 15. In other words, the bottom surface of the cabinet 110 may be formed with the hole 112 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Also, at least one portion of the bottom surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass through. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 to be coupled with the hole 112 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the cabinet 110.

Alternatively or in addition, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the side surfaces of the cabinet 110 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 16. In other words, the side surface of the cabinet 110 may be formed with the hole 112 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Also, any one portion of the side surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the opening 214 through which the fixing member 250 may pass. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 to be coupled with the hole 112 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the cabinet 110.

In these embodiments, since the housing 210 is not fixed by the fixing member 250, there is a risk that it may be opened during movement of the laundry machine. In order to prevent this, in these embodiments the restriction member 254 capable of selectively restricting the opening of the housing 210 may be further provided.

The restriction member 254 may be formed of a lever capable of restricting the housing 210 and may rotate as shown in FIG. 16. It may be implemented by various other methods or means, such as a hook and a latch, as well.

According to this embodiment, the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the cabinet 110 to prevent movement thereof and the housing 210 may be fixed by the restriction member 250 to prevent it from being unexpectedly opened, preventing accidents and damage.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a side cross-sectional view and a front cross-sectional view of a laundry machine according to additional embodiments. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate like elements, and repetitive disclosure omitted. According to these embodiments, the fixing member 250 may be simultaneously coupled with the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220.

The fixing member 250, as discussed above, may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 17. In other words, the bottom surface of the housing 210 may be provided with the hole 212 and the bottom surface of the second washing tub 220 may be provided with the groove 222. Also, at least one portion of a bottom surface of the cabinet 110 may be provided with an opening (not shown) through which the fixing member 250 may pass or may be formed as a continuous surface without an opening, so that a user may couple or decouple the fixing member 250 through the bottom surface of the opened housing 210 in a state in which housing 210 is drawn out from the cabinet 110. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the bottom surface of the housing 210 to be coupled with the hole 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the housing 210.

Also, the fixing member 250 may be coupled with the side surfaces of the housing 210 and the second washing tub 220, as shown in FIG. 18. In other words, the side surface of the housing 210 may be formed with the hole 212 and the side surface of the second washing tub 220 may be formed with the groove 222. Also, at least any one portion of the side surface of the case 200 may be formed with an opening (not shown) through which the fixing member 250 may pass or may be formed as a continuous surface without an opening, so that a user may couple or decouple the fixing member 250 through the side surface of the opened housing 210 in a state in which the housing 210 is drawn out from the case. Thus, the fixing member 250 may be inserted from the side surface of the cabinet 110 to be coupled with the hole 212 and with the groove 222 of the second washing tub 220 so that the second washing tub 220 may be fixed to the cabinet 110.

In these embodiments, since the housing 210 is not fixed by the fixing member 250, there is a risk that the housing may be opened during movement of the laundry machine. In order to prevent this, these embodiments may further include a restriction member 254 capable of selectively restricting the opening of the housing 210. The restriction member 254 is the same as the restriction member 254 as described above and repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, according to these embodiments, the second washing tub 220 fixed to the housing 210 and the housing 210 may be fixed by the restriction member 254 so that excessive moving of the second washing tub 220 or unexpected opening of the housing 210 may be prevented, preventing accidents and damage.

A laundry machine according to embodiments disclosed herein has at least the following advantage:

First, as a height of a first washing tub of the laundry machine may be raised, it is not necessary for a user to excessively bend his body when putting the laundry into the first washing tub and taking the laundry out of the first washing tub, improving convenience in use. Second, as a small capacity second washing tub is installed adjacent to the first washing tub, a user may select a proper washing tub according to an amount of the laundry to be washed, reducing unnecessary washing water and waste of energy. Third, a second washing tub may be configured to use a different washing manner or method from that of the first washing tub, allowing selection of a proper washing manner or method depending on the sort of the laundry to be washed.

Fourth, as the second washing tub may be fixed to the mobile laundry machine, it may prevent a risk of the damage of the second washing tub due to impact, etc., during the transportation of the laundry machine. Fifth, as the housing may be fixed to the cabinet, it may prevent a risk of the occurrence of accidents due to unexpected opening of the housing during transportation. Also, the housing and the second washing tub may be simultaneously fixed to the cabinet to prevent the occurrence of accidents due to the unexpected opening of the housing and the second washing tub during the transportation thereof and prevent the failure of the laundry machine due to excessive vibration of the second washing tub by the external force transferred from the external during transportation of the laundry machine.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a laundry machine having a high positioned laundry inlet for improving the convenience thereof and comprising at least one washing tub.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a laundry machine that includes a first washing tub provided in a cabinet, a housing having a space formed therein, drawable from the cabinet or held in the cabinet, a second washing tub provided in the housing to receive laundry separately from the first washing tub, and a fixing member that fixes a second washing tub to restrict movement of the second washing tub. The fixing member may simultaneously couple the cabinet, the housing, and the second washing tub. Further, the fixing member may be coupled with bottom surfaces of the cabinet, the housing, and the second washing tub. Additionally, the fixing member may be coupled with side surfaces of the cabinet, the housing, and the second washing tub.

Moreover, the fixing member may simultaneously couple the cabinet and the second washing tub and penetrate through the housing. The fixing member may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the cabinet and the second washing tub and penetrate through the bottom surface of the housing. The fixing member may be coupled with the side surfaces of the cabinet and the second washing tub and penetrate through the side surface of the housing.

The laundry machine may further include a restriction member that selectively restricts the drawing out of the housing. The fixing member may simultaneously couple the housing and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the housing and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with the side surface of the housing and the second washing tub. Also, the fixing member may be fitted between the housing and the second washing tub to prevent movement of the second washing tub.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a laundry machine that includes a first washing tub, a case disposed adjacent to the first washing tub, having a space formed therein, a housing drawable from the case or held in the case, a second washing tub provided in the housing to receive laundry separately from the first washing tub, and a fixing member that fixes the second washing tub to restrict a movement of the second washing tub. The fixing member may simultaneously couple the case, the housing, and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with bottom surfaces of the case, the housing, and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with side surfaces of the case, the housing, and the second washing tub.

The fixing member may simultaneously couple the case and the second washing tub and penetrate through the housing. The fixing member may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the case and the second washing tub and penetrate through the bottom surface of the housing. The fixing member may be coupled with the side surfaces of the case and the second washing tub and may penetrate through the side surface of the housing.

The laundry machine may further include a restriction member that selectively restricts the drawing out of the housing. The fixing member may simultaneously couple the housing and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with the bottom surfaces of the housing and the second washing tub. The fixing member may be coupled with the side surfaces of the housing and the second washing tub. Also, the fixing member may be fitted between the housing and the second washing tub to prevent movement of the second washing tub.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A laundry machine comprising:

a cabinet;
a first washing tub disposed in the cabinet that receives laundry;
a case disposed adjacent the cabinet;
a housing disposed in the case so as to be inserted into and withdrawn from the case;
a second washing tub provided in the housing that receives laundry; and
at least one securing member that secures the second washing tub with respect to at least one of the case and the housing to prevent movement of the second washing tub.

2. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cabinet and the case are integrally formed.

3. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one securing member couples the case, the housing, and the second washing tub.

4. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled to bottom surfaces of the case, the housing, and the second washing tub.

5. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled to side surfaces of the case, the housing, and the second washing tub.

6. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one securing member couples the case and the second washing tub and penetrates through an opening in the housing.

7. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled with bottom surfaces of the case and the second washing tub and penetrates through an opening in a bottom surface of the housing.

8. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled with side surfaces of the case and the second washing tub and penetrates through an opening in a side surface of the housing.

9. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one securing member couples the housing and the second washing tub.

10. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled with bottom surfaces of the housing and the second washing tub.

11. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one securing member is coupled with side surface of the housing and the second washing tub.

12. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a restriction member that selectively restricts the housing from being drawn out of the case.

13. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one securing member is fitted between the housing and the second washing tub to prevent movement of the second washing tub.

14. The laundry machine as claim in claim 1, wherein the at least one securing member comprises at least one bolt.

15. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bolt mates with a groove provided in the second washing tub.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090139275
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 25, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2009
Inventors: Sung Ryoung KIM (Seoul), Ki Chul Woo (Seoul), Dong Soo Lee (Seoul), Dong Won Kim (Seoul), Sung Min Kim (Seoul), Na Eun Kim (Seoul)
Application Number: 12/145,680
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Plural Fluid Treating Machines (68/27)
International Classification: D06F 31/00 (20060101);