AU2020200661B2

AU2020200661B2 - Laundry treating apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2020200661B2
Application number: AU2020200661A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jun Young Kim; Hong Min Lee; Kil Ryong Lee
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2019-02-01
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-30
Also published as: EP3690107A1; AU2020200661A1; CN111519382A

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus includes: a drum and a lifter that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum and that is configured to rotate with the drum. The lifter includes a lifter frame coupled to the drum and a frame cover that covers the lifter frame. The lifter frame includes: a frame base coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the drum; a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward an inside of the drum; a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base; and a spacer that protrudes from the frame upper plate toward an inner surface of the frame cover and that allows the inner surface of the frame cover to be spaced apart from the frame upper plate. 87421432.2 2/15 FIG. 2 61a,61b,62a,62b.63a,63b 646h 6 6 644 64 62 646h 643 646h 641 A '603 \ ~60464 48 627 640 620 645 6 Oa 648 27 FIG. 3 61a,61b,62a,62b.63a.63b 646 640a 648 64 40 645 0 625a )2 625b 8423. 620a62 . 624 24a 621 62 225 627 61621 r (624 627 624a22\3 87421432.2

Description

2/15

FIG. 2

61a,61b,62a,62b.63a,63b 646h 6 6 644 64 62 646h 643 646h 641

A '603

\ ~60464 48 627 640 6 Oa 648 27 620 645

FIG. 3

61a,61b,62a,62b.63a.63b 646 640a

648 64 40

645 0

625a )2 625b 8423.

620a62

. 624 24a

225 627 62 621 624a22\3 61621 r (624 627

87421432.2

LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus having a rotary drum including lifters, and more particularly, to a laundry treating apparatus having a lifter

including a lifter frame coupled to a drum, and a frame cover configured to cover the lifter

frame.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A washing machine may include a drum that rotates about an approximately horizontal rotation axis and a plurality of lifters on an inner circumferential surface of the

drum.

[0003] In some cases, the lifters may include a first member coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the drum, and a second member that is mounted on the first

member and protrudes to an inside of the drum so as to lift up laundry when the drum is

rotated.

[0004] In some examples, the second member may have an approximate dome shape and define a space in which the laundry is accommodated. The first member may include

a first portion mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the drum, and a second

portion that convexly protrudes from the mounting portion and is inserted into the space.

[0005] In some cases, a base of the dome shape of the second member may be in contact with the second portion, but a vertex of the dome shape spaced apart from the base

in a radial direction may be spaced apart from the second portion.

[0006] In some cases, the vertex of the dome shape may not be supported by the first

member, and an internal space of the second member, particularly the vertex of the dome

shape, may be depressed when the second member is pressed by an external force.

[0007] For instance, where the second member is made of metal such as stainless steel, the second member may not be restored to its original shape due to plastic deformation of

the material.

87421432.4

[0008] In addition, if the second member does not be restored to its original shape due to plastic deformation, the balance between the lifters may be broken. Accordingly,

eccentricity may occur during rotation of the drum, and an imbalance may occur even due

to the load applied to the drum by the lifters. In some cases, the drum may thus be

deformed or damaged.

[0009] In some cases, when a gap between an outer surface of the first member and an inner surface of the second member decreases due to the deformation of the second

member, foreign substances may be trapped in the gap, which may causes hygienic

problems.

[0010] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, provide a laundry treating apparatus, or to at least provide the

public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure describes a laundry treating apparatus in which a lifter

installed in a drum includes a lifter frame and a frame cover configured to cover the lifter

frame, and the frame cover is prevented from being deformed even when external force is

applied to the frame cover.

[0012] The present disclosure further describes a laundry treating apparatus in which structural stability of a frame cover is improved by a lifter frame.

[0013] The present disclosure also describes a laundry treating apparatus in which a

support structure for a frame cover is improved, such that the frame cover is prevented

from being plastically deformed even when the frame cover is made of metal.

[0014] The present disclosure describes a laundry treating apparatus in which water

flows between a lifter frame and a frame cover, such that a clean state of the interior of the

frame cover may be maintained.

[0015] The present disclosure describes a laundry treating apparatus in which a flow

path is maintained without being clogged even when external force is applied to the frame

cover.

87421432.4

[0016] The present disclosure describes a laundry treating apparatus in which an exterior of a lifter is defined by a frame cover made of metal, and the frame cover may be easily installed on a drum.

[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other aspects not mentioned above may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0018] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this aspect, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a drum configured to receive laundry and to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a front-rear direction of the laundry treating apparatus; and a lifter that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum and that is configured to rotate about the rotation axis based on rotation of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter frame coupled to the drum and a frame cover that covers the lifter frame. The lifter frame includes: a frame base coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the drum; a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward an inside of the drum; a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base; and a spacer formed from and protruding from the frame upper plate toward an inner surface of the frame cover to define a point of the spacer furthest from the upper plate contacting the inner surface of the frame cover to space the inner surface of the frame cover from the frame upper plate.

[0019] Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the frame cover may include a cover upper plate having an inner surface facing the frame upper plate, and the spacer may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the cover upper plate. In some examples, the frame cover may include a cover upper plate having an inner surface facing the frame upper plate, and the spacer may be in contact with the inner surface of the cover upper plate.

[0020] In some implementations, the drum may define at least one water flow inlet hole in a region covered by the frame cover. In some examples, the frame cover may include a cover upper plate that faces the frame upper plate and define at least one water flow discharge hole in the cover upper plate. The at least one water flow discharge hole may be configured to discharge, into the drum, washing water in the lifter received through the

87421432.4 water flow inlet hole. The spacer may allow the cover upper plate to be spaced apart from the frame upper plate.

[0021] In some implementations, the at least one water flow inlet hole may be positioned inside the lifter frame, and the lifter frame may define at least one water flow

through-hole that is in communication with an inside of the lifter frame and an outside of

the lifter frame. In some examples, the at least one water flow discharge hole may

include a plurality of water flow discharge holes that are spaced apart from one another

and arranged along a longitudinal direction of the cover upper plate, and the spacer may

include a plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers being positioned between the

plurality of water flow discharge holes.

[0022] In some implementations, the frame cover may include a dome that is disposed at a position corresponding to the spacer and that defines a concave portion that is recessed

from the inner surface of the frame cover and that faces the spacer, where at least a part of

the spacer may be positioned in the concave portion of the dome. In some examples, the

spacer may be spaced apart from the concave portion of the dome. In some cases, the

spacer may be in contact with the concave portion of the dome. In some implementations, an outer surface of the dome may be convex relative to an upper surface of the frame

cover.

[0023] In some implementations, the dome may include a plurality of domes that are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the lifter, and the spacer may include a plurality

of spacers that are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of

domes. In some examples, the plurality of domes may include: a first dome that defines a

first concave portion recessed from the inner surface of the frame cover, the first dome

having a first depth with respect to the inner surface of the frame cover; and a second dome

that defines a second concave portion recessed from the inner surface of the frame cover.

The second dome may have a second depth less than the first depth with respect to the

inner surface of the frame cover. The plurality of spacers may include: a first spacer

disposed at a position corresponding to the first dome, the first spacer having a first height;

87421432.4 and a second spacer disposed at a position corresponding to the second dome. The second spacer may have a second height less than the first height.

[0024] In some implementations, the firs dome may include a pair of first domes that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the lifter, and the second dome may be

disposed between the pair of first domes. In some examples, the frame cover may define

water flow discharge holes between the plurality of domes.

[0025] In some implementations, the spacer may include: a vertical rib that extends in a longitudinal direction of the lifter frame; and a horizontal rib that crosses the vertical rib.

In some examples, a distance between an upper surface of the spacer and the frame upper

plate may increase as the vertical rib and the horizontal rib extend from ends thereof to an

intersection portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib. The intersection

portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib may be an outermost portion of the

spacer relative to the frame upper plate, and the intersection portion may be spaced apart

from the inner surface of the frame cover.

[0026] In some implementations, a distance between an upper surface of the spacer and

the frame upper plate may increase as the vertical rib and the horizontal rib extend from

ends thereof to an intersection portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib. The

intersection portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib may be an outermost

portion of the spacer relative to the frame upper plate, and the intersection portion may be

in contact with the inner surface of the frame cover.

[0027] In some implementations, the frame cover is made of metal. In some

implementations, the lifter frame may be made of synthetic resin. In some

implementations, the frame base may define a seating groove that receives a lower end of

the frame cover. In some examples, the frame cover may include a coupling tab disposed

at the lower end of the frame cover, and the lifter frame may define a tab binding port in

the seating groove. The tab binding port may receive the coupling tab.

[0028] In some implementations, the lifter may include: a plurality of front lifters

disposed at a front portion of the drum and arranged along a circumferential direction of

87421432.4 the drum; and a plurality of rear lifters disposed at rear sides of the plurality of front lifters and arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0029] According to another aspect, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a tub configured to receive washing water; a drum disposed in the tub and configured to receive laundry, the drum being configured to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a front-rear direction of the laundry treating apparatus; and a lifter that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum and that is configured to rotate about the rotation axis based on rotation of the drum. The lifter includes: a lifter frame made of synthetic resin and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum, and a frame cover that is made of metal and that covers the lifter frame. The lifter frame includes: a frame base having a bottom surface coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the drum and an upper surface that defines a seating groove configured to seat a lower end of the frame cover; a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward an inside of the drum; and a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base. The frame cover includes a spacer that protrudes from the frame upper plate toward an inner surface of the frame cover and that allows the inner surface of the frame cover to be spaced apart from the frame upper plate.

[0030] According to another aspect, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a drum configured to receive laundry and to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a front-rear direction of the laundry treating apparatus; and a lifter that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum and that is configured to rotate about the rotation axis based on rotation of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter frame that is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum and a frame cover that covers the lifter frame. The drum defines a water flow inlet hole configured to supply washing water to an inside of the lifter frame, and the lifter frame defines a water flow through-hole that is in communication with the inside of the lifter frame and an outside of the lifter frame. The frame cover includes a cover upper plate that defines a water flow discharge hole configured to discharge, into the drum, washing water having passed through the water flow through-hole. The lifter frame includes a frame upper plate facing the cover upper

87421432.4 plate and a spacer that protrudes from the frame upper plate toward the cover upper plate and that allows the cover upper plate to be spaced apart from the frame upper plate.

[0031] According to another aspect, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a drum configured to receive laundry and to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a front-rear

direction of the laundry treating apparatus; and a lifter that is disposed on an inner

circumferential surface of the drum and that is configured to rotate about the rotation axis

based on rotation of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter frame coupled to the inner

circumferential surface of the drum and a frame cover that covers the lifter frame. The

lifter frame includes: a frame base fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum; a

frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward an inside of the

drum; a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base; and a spacer

that protrudes from the frame upper plate toward an inner surface of the frame cover. The

spacer is configured to (i) be spaced apart from the inner surface of the frame cover in a

first state of the frame cover and (ii) contact the inner surface of the frame cover based on a

deformation of the frame cover from the first state.

[0032] In some implementations, the spacer may be disposed on the outer surface of the lifter frame coupled to the drum, such that even when external force is applied to the frame

cover configured to cover the lifter frame, the spacer comes into contact with the inner

surface of the frame cover, thereby preventing deformation of the frame cover.

[0033] In some implementations, the spacer may prevent the inner surface of the frame cover from being tightly attached to the outer surface of the lifter frame, and a gap between

the outer surface of the frame cover and the inner surface of the frame cover may be

maintained. Water may flow along the gap.

[0034] In some implementations, the gap may be maintained to be equal to or greater

than the height of the spacer, and foreign substances smaller than the spacer may not be

easily trapped in the gap. The interior of the gap may be cleaned by the flowing water,

and a clean state may be maintained.

[0035] In some implementations, deformation of the frame cover may be prevented, and a balanced or balancing state between the lifters may be maintained, and occurrence of

87421432.4 eccentricity when the drum rotates may thereby be prevented. Since a load applied to the drum through the lifter is uniform, it may be possible to prevent the drum from being distorted or tom.

[0036] In some implementations, deformation of the frame cover may be restricted by the spacer, and the frame cover may be restored to an original shape when an external force is eliminated

[0037] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0038] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description of the following aspects in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laundry treating apparatus.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a lifter illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the lifter illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a plan projection view showing the lifter illustrated in FIG. 2.

87421432.4

[0044] FIG. 5A is a view illustrating an example of a raw material cut to manufacture a large-capacity drum, and FIG. 5B is a view illustrating an example of a raw material cut to manufacture a small-capacity drum.

[0045] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view showing a part of the drum corresponding to part A in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view showing a part of the drum corresponding to part B in FIG. 5A.

[0046] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view showing part B in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view showing part C in FIG. 5B.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing an example of a lifter frame, and FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the lifter frame.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the lifter frame, and FIG. 12 is a side view of the lifter frame.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a top plan view showing an example of a frame cover, FIG. 14 is a front view of the frame cover, and FIG. 15 is a side view of the frame cover.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example of a pair of front and rear lifters illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0052] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the lifters illustrated in FIG. 16 when viewed from a front side.

[0053] FIG. 18A is a view illustrating an example in which the drum illustrated in FIG. 1 is deployed, and FIG. 18B is a view illustrating an example of a developed view of the drum having the lifters.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example of a change in height of a first fabric caused by the rear lifter in accordance with a rotation angle of the drum, and a view illustrating an example of a change in height of a second fabric caused by the front lifter that constitutes a set together with the rear lifter.

[0055] FIGS. 20A and 20B are views illustrating a modified example in which lifters are disposed. FIG. 20A illustrates an example of a small-capacity drum, and FIG. 20B illustrates an example of a large-capacity drum.

87421432.4

[0056] FIG. 21 illustrates another example of a lifter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become apparent from the exemplary implementations described below with

reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to

the exemplary implementations disclosed herein but may be implemented in various

different forms. The exemplary implementations are provided to make the description of

the present disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to

those skilled in the art. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is defined

only by the claims.

[0058] Hereinafter, a washing machine will be described as an example of a laundry treating apparatus, but the laundry treating apparatus is not limited to the washing machine.

The laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus for treating laundry (or an object to be dried)

such as clothes inputted into a drum 51 and may be a dryer or a washing-drying machine.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, a laundry treating apparatus may include a casing 13

configured to define an exterior, a water storage tub 31 disposed in the casing 13 and

configured to store washing water, a washing tub 50 rotatably installed in the water storage

tub 31 and configured to receive inserted laundry, and a motor 25 configured to rotate the

washing tub 50. A damper 16 configured to absorb vibration of the water storage tub 31

may be provided in the casing 13.

[0060] A drum 51 may be rotated about a rotation axis 0 extending in a front-rear direction, and the drum 51 may constitute the washing tub 50. The rotation axis is

approximately horizontal. However, the term "horizontal" does not mean "geometrically

horizontal" in a strict sense. In a case in which an inclination is closer to a horizontal axis

than a vertical axis even though the inclination is formed at a certain angle with respect to

the horizontal axis as illustrated in FIG. 1, it will be said that the drum 51 or the washing

tub 50 is rotated about the horizontal axis.

87421432.4

[0061] A laundry insertion port is formed in a front surface of the casing 13, and a door 21 configured to open or close the laundry insertion port may be rotatably provided on the

casing 13. A tubular gasket 22 is provided such that the laundry insertion port and an inlet

of the water storage tub 31 communicate with each other. The gasket 22 is made of a soft

material (for example, rubber). A front end of the gasket 22 may be connected to a

circumference of the laundry insertion port of the casing 13, and a rear end of the gasket 22

may be connected to a circumference of the inlet of the water storage tub 31.

[0062] A water supply valve 33, a water supply pipe 34, and a water supply hose 37 may be installed in the casing 13. When the water supply valve 33 is opened and the

washing water is supplied, the washing water that has passed through the water supply pipe

34 may be mixed with detergent in a dispenser 35 that stores the detergent, and then the

washing water may be supplied to the water storage tub 31 through the water supply hose

37.

[0063] An input port of a pump 24 is connected to the water storage tub 31 through the

drain hose 17, and a discharge port of the pump 24 is connected to drain pipes 19. The

water discharged from the water storage tub 31 through the drain hose 17 is pumped by the

pump 24, flows through the drain pipes 19, and then is discharged to the outside of the

laundry treating apparatus.

[0064] The washing tub 50 may include the drum 51, a front cover 52 coupled to a front end of the drum 51, and a rear cover 53 coupled to a rear end of the drum 51. The drum 51

may be formed in the form of a tubular (or cylindrical) body made by rolling up a metal

plate (for example, made of stainless steel) having a plurality of through-holes 51h (see

FIGS. 5A and 5B) and then joining both ends of the metal plate. The water stored in the

water storage tub 31 may be introduced into the washing tub 50 through the through-holes

51h. A plurality of embossed portions 51a (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), which are convexly

formed by plastic processing, may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the

drum 51, and the through-holes 51h may be formed between the embossed portions 51a.

[0065] An opening portion may be formed in the front cover 52 so that laundry may be inserted into the drum 51. The inlet of the water storage tub 31 communicates with the

87421432.4 opening portion. The front cover 52 may be made of the same type of material as the drum

51.

[0066] The rear cover 53 closes an opened rear side of the drum 51, and a spider 26 connected to a driving shaft 25a of the motor 25 may be coupled to a rear surface of the

rear cover 53. The spider 26 is configured to transmit rotational force of the driving shaft

a to the washing tub 50, and the driving shaft 25a of the motor 25 may be coupled to a

center of the spider 26.

[0067] A plurality of lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b are provided in the drum 51. When the drum 51 is rotated, the laundry is lifted up by the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b,

63a, and 63b.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1, 18A, and 18B, the plurality of lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b include a plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, and a plurality of rear

lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b that define sets (pairs), respectively, together with the front lifters

61a, 62a, and 63a. Three sets of lifters 61 (61a and 61b), 62 (62a and 62b), and 63 (63a

and 63b) may be disposed at equal angles about the rotation axis 0, but the present

disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, four sets of lifters may be

disposed at an interval of 90 degrees or five sets of lifters may be disposed at an interval of

72 degrees about the rotation axis 0.

[0069] Hereinafter, an example in which the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b have the same structure will be described, but the present

disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b

includes a lifter frame 620 fixed to the drum 51, and a frame cover 640 configured to cover

the lifter frame 620. The frame cover 640 protrudes radially inward (toward the inside of

the drum 51) from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51 and comes into contact

with the laundry. The frame cover 640 is fixed to the drum 51 by the lifter frame 620

instead of being fixed directly to the drum 51.

[0071] The lifter frame 620 may be made of synthetic resin. The lifter frame 620 may be formed by injection molding, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

87421432.4

[0072] A lifter made of metal is not only excellent in strength, but also luxurious and hygienic. In order to couple the lifter directly to a drum made of metal, it is necessary to weld the lifter to a raw material cut out in a shape of the deployed drum, roll up the raw material in a cylindrical shape, and then weld together the ends of the raw material where they meet each other. However, raw material that was flat becomes curved during the process of rolling up the raw material, and as a result, there is a concern that stress may be applied to the welded portions between the lifter and the drum and cause the welded portions to separate.

[0073] In order to address this concern, the present disclosure proposes a configuration in which a frame cover 640 made of metal is fixed to the drum 51 by a lifter frame 620 made of synthetic resin.

[0074] In some examples, referring to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 8 to 12, the whole of an outer surface 620a (see FIG. 8) of the lifter frame 620 has a convex shape, and an inner surface 620b (see FIG. 9) of the lifter frame 620 has a concave shape. Specifically, the lifter frame 620 may include a frame base 621, a frame upper plate 623, and a frame sidewall 622.

[0075] The frame base 621 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51. The frame base 621 may have a ring shape (or a closed shape formed by a single line) opened at a central portion thereof. For example, the frame base 621 may define an opening at the center portion, and the opening may be surrounded by a periphery or boundary of the frame base 621.

[0076] The frame upper plate 623 is spaced apart from the frame base 621 in the direction toward the inside of the drum 51 and connected to the frame base 621 by the frame sidewall 622. The frame sidewall 622 may be formed in the form of a tubular (or cylindrical) body, such that a lower end of the frame sidewall 622 is connected to the frame base 621, and an upper end of the frame sidewall 622 is connected to the frame upper plate 623.

[0077] The frame sidewall 622 is shaped such that a contour of a cross section thereof gradually decreases upward from the lower end connected to the frame base 621 (or in the radial direction of the drum 51) (or gradually decreases in a direction away from the inner

87421432.4 circumferential surface of the drum 51), and the contour of the cross section is smallest at a portion that meets the frame upper plate 623.

[0078] One or more water flow inlet holes may be formed in the drum 51 so as to allow the washing water stored in the water storage tub 31 to be introduced to the inside of the

frame cover 640. Any opening portion formed in a region covered by the frame cover 640

may be a water flow inlet hole. For example, some of the through-holes 51h, which are

positioned inside the frame cover 640, may be water flow inlet holes. Furthermore,

mounting slots 511a and 511b, fastening holes 513a and 513b, and opening portions 512a

and 512b, which will be described below, may be water flow inlet holes.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, one or more water flow through-holes 624 and 624a may be formed in the lifter frame 620. Any opening may be a water flow through-hole 624 as long

as the opening is formed in the lifter frame 620 and allows the inside and the outside of the

lifter frame 620 to communicate with each other.

[0080] The water flow through-hole 624 may be formed in the frame sidewall 622

and/or the frame upper plate 623. The washing water stored in the concave space of the

lifter frame 620 may be discharged through the water flow through-hole 624.

[0081] One or more water flow discharge holes 646h may be formed in the frame cover 640 to discharge the washing water in the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b into the

drum 51. The washing water in the concave space inside the lifter frame 620 may pass

through the water flow through-hole 624, and then may be discharged into the drum 51

through the water flow discharge hole 646h.

[0082] An outer surface 640a of the frame cover 640, which is exposed to the inside of

the drum 51 and comes into contact with the laundry, has a convex shape, and an inner

surface of the frame cover 640 has a concave shape that corresponds to the convex outer

surface 620a of the lifter frame 620. The frame cover 640 may be made of metal, for

example, stainless steel, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The frame cover

640 may be formed by plastically processing (for example, pressing) a metal plate having a

predetermined thickness.

87421432.4

[0083] In some implementations, the frame cover 640 may include a cover sidewall 645 extending upward from a lower end adjoining the frame base 621, and a cover upper plate

646 configured to cover an upper side of the cover sidewall 645. The cover upper plate

646 is approximately parallel to the frame upper plate 623. The plurality of water flow

discharge holes 646h may be formed in the cover upper plate 646.

[0084] In some examples, the water flow discharge holes 646h may be defined in an upper surface (e.g., the cover upper plate 646) of the frame cover 640, and may not be

defined in the lateral side surface (e.g., outer surface 640a) of the frame cover 640.

[0085] In some implementations, the frame cover 640 may include one or more side protrusions (e.g., the washing protrusions 603 and 604) that protrude from the outer surface

640a of the frame cover 640 to an outside of the frame cover 640. The side protrusions

may extend along and surround a circumference of the frame cover 640.

[0086] The cover sidewall 645 is shaped such that a contour of a cross section thereof gradually decreases upward from the lower end (or in the radial direction of the drum 51)

(or gradually decreases in the direction away from the inner circumferential surface of the

drum 51), and the contour of the cross section is smallest at a portion that meets the cover

upper plate 646.

[0087] In some implementations, the lifter frame 620 includes spacers 625 that protrude from the frame upper plate 623 so as to allow the frame cover 640 to be spaced

apart from the frame upper plate 623. The spacer 625 protrudes from the frame upper plate

623 to the inner surface of the frame cover 640.

[0088] The inner surface of the frame cover 640 may be spaced apart from the frame

upper plate 623 to a degree equal to or greater than a length (or height) of the spacer 625

protruding from the frame upper plate 623. The spacer 625 may be spaced apart from the

inner surface of the frame cover 640 at a predetermined distance. In this case, the inner

surface of the frame cover 640 is spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 at a distance

equal to a sum of the height of the spacer 625 and the interval between the spacer 625 and

the inner surface of the frame cover 640. When the frame cover 640 is pressed by external

87421432.4 force, the frame cover 640 comes into contact with the frame upper plate 623, such that the frame cover 640 is prevented from being deformed any further.

[0089] In some examples, one or both of the frame cover 640 and the lifter frame 620 may expand in hot water. In examples where the lifter frame 620 is made of synthetic resin and the frame cover 640 is made of metal, the thermal expansions of the frame cover 640 and the lifter frame 620 may be different from each other. The spacer 625 may secure a space between the frame cover 640 and the lifter frame 620 when they are thermally expanded.

[0090] In some implementations, the spacer 625 may be configured to come into contact with the frame cover 640. In this case, the spacer 625 may protrude from the outer surface 620a of the lifter frame 620 and adjoin the inner surface of the frame cover 640. Because the spacer 625 supports the inner surface of the frame cover 640 in the state in which the frame upper plate 623 is spaced apart from the frame cover 640, the state in which the frame cover 640 is spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 may be maintained even though the frame cover 640 is pressed toward the lifter frame 620 by external force.

[0091] The spacer 625 may have a cross-shaped rib structure. Specifically, the spacer 625 may include a vertical rib 625a extending on the frame upper plate 623 in a longitudinal direction of the lifter frame 620 (or the front-rear direction), and a horizontal rib 625b extending while crossing (that is intersecting) the vertical rib 625a. The vertical rib 625a and the horizontal rib 625b may be orthogonal to each other.

[0092] The spacer 625 may be spaced furthest apart from the frame upper plate 623 at an intersection portion at which the vertical rib 625a and the horizontal rib 625b intersect each other. In some examples, the intersecting portion is spaced apart from the inner surface of the frame cover 640 in the case of the contactless type spacer 625, and the intersecting portion is in contact with the inner surface of the frame cover 640 in the case of the contact type spacer 625.

[0093] In some implementations, a distance between an upper surface of the spacer 625 and the frame upper plate 623 may increase as the vertical rib 625a and the horizontal rib

87421432.4

625b extend from ends thereof to the intersection portion between the vertical rib 625a and

the horizontal rib 625b. In some cases, the intersection portion between the vertical rib

625a and the horizontal rib 625b may be an outermost portion of the spacer 625 relative to

the frame upper plate 623. In some implementations, the intersection portion may be

spaced apart from the inner surface of the frame cover 640, and in other implementations,

the intersection portion may contact the inner surface of the frame cover 640.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, the inner surface of the cover upper plate 646 may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the frame upper plate 623. That is, a

predetermined separation space (or a gap gl) may be formed between the inner surface of

the cover upper plate 646 and the outer surface of the frame upper plate 623, and the

separation space gl may serve as a flow path that guides the washing water to the water

flow discharge hole 646h.

[0095] A separation space g2 may also be formed between the frame sidewall 622 and the cover sidewall 645. A seating groove 621r (see FIGS. 8 and 9) to be described below

is formed in the frame base 621 and disposed at a position toward the outside of the frame

base 621 spaced apart from the frame sidewall 622 at a predetermined distance.

Therefore, the lower end of the cover sidewall 645 positioned in the seating groove 621r is

spaced apart from the frame sidewall 622. Because the lower end of the frame cover 640

is spaced apart from the frame sidewall 622 by the seating groove 621r and the cover upper

plate 646 is spaced apart from the frame upper plate 623 by the spacer 625, two points of

the frame cover 640, which are the lower end of the frame cover 640 and the portion of the

frame cover 640 supported by the spacer 625, are forcibly spaced apart from the lifter

frame 620, and as a result, the state in which the cover sidewall 645 positioned between the

two points is spaced apart from the lifter frame 620 is maintained.

[0096] The washing water introduced into each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b is introduced into the separation spaces gl and g2, and water flows formed in the

separation spaces gl and g2 during the rotation of the washing tub 50 clean the outer

surface of the lifter frame 620 and the inner surface of the frame cover 640. Foreign

substances produced during the cleaning process may be discharged through the water flow

87421432.4 discharge hole 646h formed in the frame cover 640 or through the water flow inlet hole formed in the drum 51. The flow paths are formed between the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 by the separation spaces gl and g2, and as a result, this configuration may be advantageous in maintaining the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b in a clean state.

[0097] The frame cover 640 may have domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 formed at the positions corresponding to the spacers 625. That is, the spacers 625 may be disposed below the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0098] In some examples, where the plurality of spacers 625 are formed , the plurality of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be formed at the positions corresponding to the plurality of spacers 625, respectively.

[0099] The domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be formed on the cover upper plate 646. An inner surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644, which faces the spacer 625, may be concavely formed, and an outer surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be convexly formed. The concave inner surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be spaced apart from the spacer 625. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, the spacer 625 may be in contact with the concave inner surface.

[0100] The domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 are convexly formed by pressing the cover upper plate 646, which is made of metal. The plurality of domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the cover upper plate 646 (or the longitudinal direction of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b). The one or more water flow discharge holes 646h may be formed between the adjacent domes 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0101] Assuming that the cover upper plate 646 has a plurality of regions spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, the water flow discharge holes 646h may be formed in the respective regions. In the exemplary implementation, the water flow discharge holes 646h are formed in three regions, and the three (that is, a plurality of) water flow discharge holes 646h are arranged in each of the regions in a width direction of the cover upper plate 646.

87421432.4

[0102] The spacers 625 may be positioned between the plurality of regions. That is, the spacers 625 may be positioned between the adjacent two regions among the plurality of regions when the cover upper plate 646 is viewed from above.

[0103] The domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may include two or more domes of which the depth of the concave portion of the inner surfaces thereof is different from each other. In more detail, the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may include large domes 641 and 642, each of which have a concave portion of a first depth, and small domes 643 and 644, each of which have a concave portion of a second depth smaller than the first depth. The height of the spacers corresponding to the large domes 641 and 642 may be greater than the height of the spacers corresponding to the small domes 643 and 644. The large domes 641 and 642 may be referred to as first domes, and the small domes 643 and 644 may be referred to as second domes.

[0104] The domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may include the two or more domes having different sizes. Each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may have a circular shape, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Here, the 'size' may be determined based on the shape when the concave portion of the inner surface of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 are viewed from above, and for example, the 'size' may be defined as a diameter of the concave portion. However, since the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 is merely due to the thickness of the material, the size may be defined based on the outer diameter of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644.

[0105] The size of the spacer 625 may also vary depending on the size of each of the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644. That is, in the case in which there are the large domes 641 and 642 and the small domes 643 and 644 as illustrated in FIG. 13, the spacer 625 corresponding to the large domes 641 and 642 may be larger than the spacer 625 corresponding to the small domes 643 and 644.

[0106] The two small domes 643 and 644 may be positioned between the pair of large domes 641 and 642, and the water flow discharge holes 646h may be formed between the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644. The plurality of water flow discharge holes 646h may be

87421432.4 arranged in a direction crossing the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b (or a direction orthogonal to the length of each of the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b).

[0107] Since the domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 protrude from the cover upper plate 646, the gaps between the laundry and the surfaces at the periphery of the water flow discharge

holes 646h may be maintained even when laundry is placed on the domes 641, 642, 643,

and 644. Therefore, the water flow discharge holes 646h may be prevented from being

clogged with laundry, and the water discharged into the gaps from the water flow

discharge holes 646h may be applied to the laundry.

[0108] The water stored in the water storage tub 31 is introduced into the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b through the opening portion. The lifter frame 620 is a structure

having one or more of the water flow through-holes 624, and the water introduced into the

lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b may reach the water flow discharge holes 646h

through the water flow through-holes 624.

[0109] The washing water introduced into the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b

is raised by the rotation of the washing tub 50 in the state in which the washing water is in

the lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b, and the washing water is discharged (or

sprayed) through the water flow discharge holes 646h in this process.

[0110] In some implementations, the plurality of upper plate protrusions such as domes 641, 642, 643, and 644 may be configured to, based on the laundry covering a space

defined between the adjacent upper plate protrusions, separate the laundry from a portion

of the cover upper plate 646 to thereby allow discharge the washing water through the one

or more water flow discharge holes 646h.

[0111] In some implementations, a distance between the adjacent upper plate

protrusions may be less than a width of each of the adjacent upper plate protrusions to

facilitate the discharge of washing water. For example, a distance between edges of the

domes 641 and 643 facing each other may be less than a diameter of each of the domes 641

and 643.

[0112] In some implementations, the upper plate protrusions 641-645 may be parts of

the cover upper plate 646 and integrally formed with the frame cover 640. For example,

87421432.4 the upper plate protrusions 641-645 may be formed by the pressing process of the frame cover 640. Thus, each of the upper plate protrusions 641-645 may be a fixed part of the cover upper plate 646, and may not move or rotate relative to the cover upper plate 646.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 13 to 15, the frame cover 640 may include one or more washing protrusions 603 and 604 having a ring shape or one or more washing

rings protruding from the outer surface of the cover sidewall 645. The plurality of washing

protrusions 603 and 604 may be disposed in parallel with one another. In the exemplary

implementation, two washing protrusions 603 and 604 are provided, but the present

disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In the case in which the frame cover 640 is

made of metal, the washing protrusions 603 and 604 may be formed by pressing.

[0114] Each of the washing protrusions 603 and 604 has a shape corresponding (or similar) to the contour of the cover sidewall 645, and the washing protrusion may protrude

to a predetermined height from the cover sidewall 645. Since the contour of the cover

sidewall 645 decreases upward, among the washing protrusions 603 and 604, the washing

protrusion that is positioned at an upper side is smaller than the other washing protrusion.

[0115] A frictional force applied between the laundry and the washing protrusions 603 and 604 generates an effect of rubbing the laundry, thereby improving washing power. In

addition, because the washing protrusions 603 and 604 assist in the operation of lifting up

the laundry, physical force (for example, force for lifting up or striking the laundry) of a

level as in the related art may be applied to the laundry even when the height of each of the

lifters 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, and 63b is decreased to be smaller than that in the related

art.

[0116] The frame cover 640 may be coupled to the lifter frame 620. Referring to FIGS.

2 and 3, one or more coupling tabs 648 may be formed at the lower end of the frame cover

640. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the coupling tabs 648 may be formed at a left side 645L or a

right side 645R at the lower end when the frame cover 640 is viewed from the front side.

The left side 645L and the right side 645R may be straight sections extending in the

front-rear direction.

87421432.4

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, tab binding ports 621h, through which the coupling tabs 648 pass from above, may be formed in the lifter frame 620. The tab binding ports

621h may be formed at positions corresponding to the coupling tabs 648, respectively. A

coupling tab 648 passes through the tab binding port 621h, and the passing portion of the

coupling tab 648 is bent and caught by a rim of the tab binding port 621h (or a bottom

surface of the frame base 621), such that the lifter frame 620 and the frame cover 640 may

be coupled to each other.

[0118] In some examples, the seating groove 621r, which corresponds to the lower end of the frame cover 640, may be formed in the frame base 621 of the lifter frame 620. The

lower end of the frame cover 640 may be inserted and seated in the seating groove 621r. In

this case, the tab binding port 621h may be formed in the seating groove 621r.

[0119] Hereinafter, a structure in which the lifter frame 620 and the drum 51 are coupled to each other will be described.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12, one or more insertion protrusions 627 may be formed on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and/or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and

63b. Further, referring to FIGS. 5A to 7B, the drum 51 may have mounting slots 511al in a

first group G1 and mounting slots 511a2 in a second group G2. Each of the groups G1 and

G2 may include the one or more mounting slots 511al(1) to 511al(4). Here, the 'group' is a

set of mounting slots and may include one or a plurality of mounting slots.

[0121] The mounting slots 511al in the first group GIand the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may include a number of the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511a1(4)

and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) that corresponds to the number of the one or more insertion

protrusions 627. That is, in the case in which the mounting slots in the first group GI and

the second group G2 are used to install the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, the number of

mounting slots 51lal in the first group GI and the number of mounting slots 511a2 in the

second group G2 may correspond to the number of insertion protrusions 627 provided on

each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0122] Likewise, depending on the implementation, in the case in which the mounting slots in the first group GI and the second group G2 are used to install the rear lifters 61b,

87421432.4

62b, and 63b, the number of mounting slots 511al in the first group GIand the number of

mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may correspond to the number of insertion

protrusions 627 provided on each of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0123] The one or more insertion protrusions 627 formed on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b may be selectively fastened to the

mounting slots 511a2 in the first group G Ior the second group G2. The position at which

the lifter is installed may be determined depending on whether the one or more insertion

protrusions 627 formed on each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b are inserted

into the mounting slots that constitute any one of the first group G1 or the second group

G2.

[0124] Hereinafter, the example in which the mounting slots 511a, which constitute the first group GI and the second group G2, are used to install the front lifters 61a, 62a, and

63a will be described, but the mounting slots may be formed in the same manner in order

to install the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0125] The mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 are formed in a region shifted

rearward within a range in which the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 overlap

the mounting slots 511al in the first group GI. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, a first region M1

indicates a region in which the mounting slots 511al in the first group GIare formed, and

a second region M2 indicates a region in which the mounting slots 511a2 in the second

group G2 are formed. Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the mounting slots

511a2 in the second group G2 are disposed rearward from the mounting slots 511al in the

first group G1.

[0126] In some implementations, the first group GI of one or more mounting slots may

be defined in a first area of the drum, and the second group G2 of one or more mounting

slots in a second area of the drum, where the second area is disposed rearward relative to

the first area and overlaps with at least a portion of the first area of the drum.

[0127] For example, the first area may be the first region M1 that defines six mounting slots: a pair of front mounting slots in the first group GI; a pair of front mounting slots in

the second group G2 disposed rearward relative to the pair of front mounting slots in the

87421432.4 first group G1; and a pair of rear mounting slots in the first group G1. The second area may be the second region M2 that defines six mounting slots: the pair of front mounting slots in the second group G2; the pair of rear mounting slots in the first group G disposed rearward relative to the pair of front mounting slots in the second group G2; and a pair of rear mounting slots in the second group G2.

[0128] The pair of front mounting slots in the second group G2 may be disposed between the pair of front mounting slots in the first group GI and the pair of rear mounting

slots in the first group GI. The first area and the second area may overlap each other in the

axial direction of the drum 51. The pair of front mounting slots in the second group G2 and

the pair of rear mounting slots in the first group GImay be disposed in the overlapped area

ofthe first and second areas.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 7B, the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 are spaced apart from the mounting slots 511al in the first group GI in the rearward

direction at a predetermined distance D. Therefore, when the insertion protrusions 627 are

installed in the mounting slots 511al in the first group G1, each of the front lifters 61a, 62a,

and 63a is positioned further forward by a distance D in comparison with a case in which

the insertion protrusions 627 are installed in the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group

G2. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the metal plate of the large-capacity drum 51

further extends forward by a distance E in comparison with a case in which the drum is the

small-capacity drum. In the case of the large-capacity drum (FIG. 5A), the front lifters 61a,

62a, and 63a are installed by using the mounting slots 511al in the first group G1, such

that the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a may be installed relatively further forward in

comparison with the case in which the drum is the small-capacity drum (FIG. 5B).

Therefore, the laundry positioned in the region corresponding to the distance E may easily

come into contact with the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a while the drum 51 rotates.

[0130] The mounting slots 511a in the respective groups G Iand G2 may be disposed in rows in the front-rear direction. Particularly, the mounting slots 511a in each of the groups

GI and G2 are disposed in two rows. Further, when the entire configuration is viewed

without distinguishing the groups, the mounting slots 511a may be arranged along

87421432.4 common reference lines extending in the front-rear direction. In some examples, the mounting slots are disposed on two straight lines parallel to each other.

[0131] In more detail, the mounting slots 511al in the first group GImay include two or more first mounting slots 511a1(1) and 511a1(2) arranged at a first interval T in a first

row P1 extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the mounting slots 511al in the

first group G Imay further include two or more first mounting slots 511al(3) and 511al(4)

arranged at the first interval T in a second row P2 parallel to the first row P1.

[0132] The mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may include two or more second mounting slots 511a2(1) and 511a2(2) arranged in the first row P1 at positions

shifted, by a second interval D smaller than the first interval T, rearward from the

mounting slots 511al in the first group G1.

[0133] Furthermore, the mounting slots 511a2 in the second group G2 may further include two or more second mounting slots 511a2(3) and 511a2(4) arranged in the second

row P2 at positions shifted, by the second interval T, rearward from the mounting slots

511al in thefirst group G1.

[0134] Hereinafter, the mounting slots 511al and 511a2, which can be used to install the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, are defined as being in a front lifter installation group,

and the mounting slots 511b (see FIG. 6A), which can be used to install the rear lifters 61b,

62b, and 63b, are defined as being in a rear lifter installation group.

[0135] The plurality of front or rear lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b may be disposed in a circumferential direction of the drum 51, such that the plurality of front lifter

installation groups may be disposed in the circumferential direction, and likewise, the

plurality of rear lifter installation groups may also be disposed in the circumferential

direction.

[0136] Hereinafter, the mounting slot belonging to the front lifter installation group is referred to as the front mounting slot 511a, and the mounting slot belonging to the rear

lifter installation group is referred to as the rear mounting slot 511b.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the insertion protrusion 627 may protrude from the

frame base 621. The insertion protrusion 627 may include a vertical portion 627a (see FIG.

87421432.4

11) protruding downward from the bottom surface of the frame base 621, and a catching

portion 627b bent in the horizontal direction from the vertical portion 627a. The catching

portion 627b may protrude toward the inside of the ring-shaped frame base 621 when

viewed from above.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the insertion protrusions 627 may be formed at left and right sides of the frame base 621, respectively, when the lifter frame 620 is viewed from

the front side. The two or more insertion protrusions 627 may be formed along one side of

the frame base 621 (or in the front-rear direction).

[0139] Specifically, the insertion protrusion 627(L) formed at the left side of the frame base 621 may include the catching portion 627b which is bent rightward. In some

examples, the insertion protrusion 627(R) formed at the right side of the frame base 621

may include the catching portion 627b which is bent leftward.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, each of the mounting slots 511a and 51lb may be shaped to have a length L in the approximately front-rear direction of the drum 51. Each

of the mounting slots 511 and 511b may include an insertion section S1 having a

predetermined width WI, and a binding section S2 extending rearward or forward from the

insertion section S1 and having a smaller width (W2 < W1) than the insertion section S.

In the exemplary implementation, the binding section S2 extends rearward from a rear end

of the insertion section S, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In

some examples, the binding section S2 may extend forward from a front end of the

insertion section S.

[0141] In some implementations, as illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, to be described

below, the binding section S2 of the front mounting slot 511a may extend forward from the

front end of the insertion section S, and the binding section S2 of the rear mounting slot

51lb may extend rearward from the rear end of the insertion section S.

[0142] In some examples, referring to FIGS. 5A to 7B, when installing the lifter frame 620 in the drum 51, the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifter frame 620 passes through the

insertion section S5, and the lifter frame 620 is pushed rearward, such that the vertical

portion 627a is moved forward along the binding section S2, and thus the catching portion

87421432.4

627b is positioned below the binding section S2. In this case, since the bottom surface of

the frame base 621 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51,

and a width W3 (see FIG. 11) of the catching portion 627b is larger than the width W2 of

the binding section S2, the catching portion 627b cannot pass through the binding section

S2 from the lower side to the upper side.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a catching protrusion 626 may be formed on at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b. The

catching protrusion 626 may protrude downward from the concave inner surface 620b of

the lifter frame 620.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the opening portions 512a and 512b, into which the catching protrusions 626 are inserted, may be formed in the drum 51. The pair of

opening portions 511al and 511a2 for installing the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a may be

spaced apart from one another by an interval D in the front-rear direction.

[0145] The catching protrusion 626 is selectively inserted into any one of the pair of

opening portions 511al and 511a2 depending on whether the insertion protrusions 627 are

inserted into the mounting slots 511al in the first group GIor the mounting slot 511a2 in

the second group G2.

[0146] Catching tabs 514a and 514b, which each come into contact with (or are caught by) the lower end of the catching protrusion 626, may be formed on rims of the opening

portions 512a and 512b. The catching tabs 514a and 514b may come into contact with the

lateral surfaces of the catching protrusions 626, thereby restricting lateral movement of the

catching protrusions 626.

[0147] In some examples, the positions of the catching tabs 514a and 514b may be

determined based on the relative positions of the mounting slots 511a and 511b with

respect to the insertion section S Iof the binding section S2. That is, as illustrated in FIGS.

6A and 6B, when the binding section S2 is positioned rearward from the insertion section

S, the catching tabs 514a and 514b are positioned in a first concave portion 626a at the

front side of the catching protrusions 626. The catching tabs 514a and 514b may extend

rearward from the front end of the opening portion 512 to restrict the movement of the

87421432.4 catching protrusions 626 when the catching protrusion 626 is about to move forward (that is, the insertion protrusion 627 is about to move from the binding section S2 to the insertion section Si).

[0148] In some implementations, like the mounting slot 511a illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, when the binding section S2 is positioned forward from the insertion section S1,

the catching tabs 514a and 514b are positioned in a second concave portion 626b at the

rear side of the catching protrusions 626. The catching tabs 514a and 514b may extend

forward from the rear end of the opening portion 512 to restrict the movement of the

catching protrusions 626 when the catching protrusion 626 is about to move rearward (that

is, the insertion protrusion 627 is about to move from the binding section S2 to the

insertion section S).

[0149] The catching tabs 514a and 514b may be bent at a predetermined angle to the outside of the drum 51 based on the portion connected to the rims of the opening portions

512a and 512b. The lateral surfaces of the catching protrusions 626 may come into contact

with the catching tabs 514a and 514b even in the state in which the catching protrusions

626 are not inserted into the opening portions 512a and 512b.

[0150] When the lifter frame 620 is about to move (that is, about to move in a direction opposite to a direction in which the lifter frame 620 is installed) such that the vertical

portion 627a moves from the binding section S2 to the insertion section S1, the movement

is restricted as the catching tabs 514a and 514b interfere with the lower ends of the

catching protrusions 626.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 9, at the lower end of the catching protrusion 626, the first

concave portion 626a may be formed at a side facing the catching tabs 514a and 514b. In

the state in which the lifter frame 620 has been completely installed, the catching tabs 514a

and 514b may be positioned in the first concave portion 626a.

[0152] At the lower end of the catching protrusion 626, the second concave portion 626b may be further formed at a side opposite to the first concave portion 626a. When the

lifter frame 620 is installed in a state in which the front and rear sides of the lifter frame

87421432.4

620 are changed, the catching tabs 514a and 514b may be positioned in the second concave

portion 626b.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 9, fastening bosses 628 may be formed on at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b. The fastening boss 628

may protrude downward from the inner surface 620b of the lifter frame 620. The fastening

boss 628 may extend from the frame upper plate 623. The two or more fastening bosses

628 may be provided to be spaced apart from one another in the front-rear direction.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 6B, fastening holes 513a and 513b may be formed in the drum 51. The fastening holes 513a and 513b may include a first fastening hole 513al

formed at a position corresponding to the fastening boss 528 when the insertion protrusion

627 of the lifter frame 620 is installed in the mounting slot 511al in the first group G1, and

a first fastening hole 513al formed at a position corresponding to the fastening boss 528

when the insertion protrusion 627 of the lifter frame 620 is installed in the mounting slot

511a2 in the second group G2. The pair of first fastening holes 513a1(1) and 513a1(2) are

provided to correspond to the pair of fastening bosses 528, and the second fastening holes

513a2 including a pair of second fastening holes 513a2(1) and 513a2(2) may be provided.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fastening boss 628 may be selectively fastened to the first fastening hole 513al or the second fastening hole 513a2 by a

predetermined fastening member (hereinafter, for exemplary purposes, a screw 98) based

on whether the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511al in the first

group G Ior the mounting slot 511a2 in the second group G2.

[0156] In the state in which the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting

slot 511a and the lifter frame 620 is temporarily assembled, the screw 98 passes through

the fastening hole 513a from the outside of the drum 51 and is then fastened to the

fastening boss 628, such that the lifter frame 620 may be completely installed.

[0157] In some examples, as described above, as illustrated in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B, the installation position of the lifter frame 620 may vary depending on whether the insertion

protrusion 627 is inserted into the mounting slot 511al or the mounting slot 511a2. In any

case, the mounting slots 511al and 511a2, the opening portions 512al and 512a2, and the

87421432.4 fastening holes 513al and 513a2 are hidden by the frame cover 640 in the state in which the lifter is completely installed. That is, the mounting slots 511al and 511a2, the opening portions 512al and 512a2, and the fastening holes 513al and 513a2 are positioned inside the frame cover 640, and thus are not exposed to the inside of the drum 51.

[0158] In other words, in the state in which the at least one insertion protrusion 627 provided on each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b is fastened to the mounting slot (for example, 511al) in any one group (for example, G1) among the mounting slots 511a in the first group G1 and the second group G2, the mounting slot (for example, 511a2) in the other group (for example, G2) may be hidden inside the drum 51 by the lifter.

[0159] In more detail, in the state in which the at least one insertion protrusion 627 provided on each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a is inserted into the mounting slot in any one group (for example, GI) of the first group GI and the second group G2, the front end of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a may be positioned forward from the mounting slots 511a1(1) to 511al(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) belonging to the first group G Iand the second group G2.

[0160] In addition, the rear end of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a may be positioned rearward from any of the mounting slots 511al(1) to 511al(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) belonging to the first group G Iand the second group G2.

[0161] In some implementations, all of the mounting slots 511al(1) to 511al(4) and 511a2(1) to 511a2(4) used to install the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a may be positioned between the front ends and the rear ends of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, and thus the mounting slots may be hidden by being covered by the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0162] Manufacturers of laundry treating apparatuses sometimes produce various types of products having drums having different capacities. For example, a metal plate having the mounting slots 511a and 511b, the opening portions 512a and 512b, the fastening holes 513a and 513b, and the like may be cut out, based on a predetermined standard, into the raw material for drum 51'or drum 51" (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The metal plate cutout in this manner may be rolled up, and the ends of the raw material may be joined together so as to manufacture the drum 51. In this case, the metal plate may be cut to a predetermined

87421432.4 length based on the standard of the drum. In order to manufacture two drums having different lengths, it may be necessary to differently adjust the interval between the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b in accordance with the length of the drum.

[0163] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the interval between the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b when the length of the drum 51' is long (see FIG. 5A) needs to be greater than the interval between the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b when the length of the drum 51" is short (FIG. 5B), so that the laundry may be uniformly lifted up by the front and rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b even in the case of the large-capacity drum 51.

[0164] Therefore, extra mounting slots 511a are further formed in the drum 51 in order to adjust the installation position of at least one of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a or the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b in the front-rear direction when the length of the drum is changed.

[0165] In some implementations, the extra mounting slots 511a are provided to adjust the installation positions of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Depending on exemplary implementations, the extra mounting slots 51lb may be provided to adjust the installation positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0166] The extra mounting slots 511a may be formed in the lifter frame 620 such that the extra mounting slots 511a correspond in number to the mounting slots 511a (hereinafter, referred to as 'installation slots') into which the insertion protrusions 627 are inserted, and the extra mounting slots 511a may be formed at points spaced apart from the respective installation slots at a predetermined distance D in the frontward or rearward direction. The installation position of the lifter frame 620 may be changed by the distance D by separating the insertion protrusion 627 from the mounting slot (for example, 51lal) and then inserting the insertion protrusion 627 into the extra mounting slot (for example, 511a2).

87421432.4

[0167] In some examples, in the exemplary implementation, the extra opening portions 512a are provided to adjust the installation positions of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a,

but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Depending on the

implementation, the extra opening portions 512b may also be provided to adjust the

installation positions of the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0168] In some examples, in the exemplary implementation, the extra fastening holes 513a are provided to adjust the installation positions of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a,

but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the implementation, the

extra fastening holes 513b may also be provided to adjust the installation positions of the

rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b.

[0169] FIG. 20 illustrates another example of the present disclosure. In order to install the lifter frame 620 by the front mounting slot 511a, the lifter frame 620 needs to be

pushed forward after the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the insertion section Si.

In order to install the lifter frame 620 by the rear mounting slot 511b, the lifter frame 620

needs to be pushed rearward after the insertion protrusion 627 is inserted into the insertion

section Sl.

[0170] In some examples, in order to separate the lifter frame 620 from the drum 51, the lifter frame 620 is pushed forward or rearward to move the catching portion 627b of the

insertion protrusion 627 from the binding section S2 and align the catching portion 627b

with the insertion section Si, and the lifter frame 620 is lifted up, such that the catching

portion 627b passes through the insertion section S, and the lifter frame 620 may be

separated from the drum 51.

[0171] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example of a pair of front and rear lifters

illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the lifters illustrated in FIG. 16 when

viewed from the front side. FIG. 18A illustrates an example in which the drum illustrated

in FIG. 1 is deployed, and FIG. 18B illustrates a developed view of the drum showing the

arrangement of the lifters according to another example of the present disclosure. FIG. 19

is a view (a) illustrating a change in height of a first fabric caused by the rear lifter in

accordance with a rotation angle of the drum and a view (b) illustrating a change in height

87421432.4 of a second fabric caused by the front lifter that constitutes a set together with the rear lifter. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19.

[0172] Each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51 and extending in the front-rear direction. The plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a are disposed based on the rotation axis 0 at equal angles.

[0173] The rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51 and positioned rearward from the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a. Like the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a, the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are disposed based on the rotation axis 0 at equal angles.

[0174] The rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are disposed to form a predetermined phase angle with the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a with respect to the rotation axis 0. Here, the 'phase angle' is made by defining, as a rotation angle of the drum 51, a point in time at

which the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63c reach a point on the circumference. Assuming that the drum 51 is rotated clockwise CW in the exemplary implementation, the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b reach the same height prior to the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a by a degree corresponding to the phase angle AO.

[0175] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, assuming that each of the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b has a length Cl extending in the front-rear direction and a width C2 defined in the left-right direction (or a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction), a circumferential distance (C3 = Ar, see FIG. 19) corresponding to the phase angle is larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than two times the width C2 in the circumferential direction of each of the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a no-lifter region SE, in which there is no front lifter or rear lifter, is formed between any one pair of front/rear lifters (for example, 61a and 61b) and another pair of front/rear lifters (for example, 62a and 62b) on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 51. The no-lifter region SE may extend from the front end to the rear end of the drum 51.

87421432.4

[0177] Specifically, the no-lifter region SE passes between the two adjacent sets of lifters from the front end of the drum 51 and extends to the rear end of the drum 51.

Specifically, the no-lifter region SE extends straight from the front end of the drum 51 to

the rear end of the drum while passing between the two adjacent front lifters (for example,

61a and 62a) among the plurality of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and between the two

rear lifters 61b and 62b that each form the phase angle AO with each of the two adjacent

front lifters 61a and 62a.

[0178] Since the no-lifter region SE extends straight from the front end to the rear end of the drum 51, the laundry may be uniformly distributed to the front and rear regions of

the drum 51 in the no-lifter region SE.

[0179] Typically, the washing machine detects eccentricity of the drum 51 before performing a spin-drying process, and when the detected eccentricity is within a reference

value, the drum is accelerated such that the rotational speed of the drum 51 reaches a

predetermined spin-drying speed (or spin-drying RPM). Otherwise, a fabric distribution is

performed to change the position of fabrics in the drum 51. The fabric distribution is

repeated if the detected eccentricity does not reach the reference value. When the number

of times the fabric distribution is repeated reaches a predetermined number of times, it is

determined that the fabric distribution has failed, and the spin-drying is stopped.

[0180] In the washing machine, a first fabric positioned at the rear side of the drum 51 (that is, the fabric to be lifted up by the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b) and a second fabric

positioned at the front side of the drum 51 (that is, the fabric to be lifted up by the front

lifters) flow with a time difference (or a phase difference) by the phase angle AO formed by

the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b, and as a result, the

fabric distribution may be more smoothly performed.

[0181] More specifically, referring to FIG. 19, when the drum 51 is rotated clockwise

CW in a state in which the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b are positioned at a lowest point (0

= 0) of the drum 51, the first fabric begins to be lifted up first by the rear lifters 61b, 62b,

and 63b, and then the second fabric begins to be lifted up by the front lifters 61a, 62a, and

63a after the time corresponding to the phase angle AO has passed.

87421432.4

[0182] Assuming that the fabrics roll (0 < m/ 2) and that a position P at which the fabric lifted up by the lifters 61a, 62a, 63a, 61b, 62b, and 63b falls is a position Pd, thefirst fabric

lifted up by the rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b reaches the position (or height) Pd and falls

first, and then the second fabric lifted up by the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a reaches the

position Pd and falls.

[0183] The first fabric and the second fabric move with a time difference without forming lumps, and thus may be evenly distributed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the

number of times the fabric distribution is repeated, reduce the instances of failure to enter

the spin-drying stage, and reduce the overall washing time including the spin-drying time.

[0184] In addition, since the fabrics flow with a phase difference when the fabrics roll or tumble, friction or collision between the fabrics caused by the relative movement occurs

more frequently, such that contamination may be more effectively removed by the washing

operation (that is, washing power is improved).

[0185] In some examples, FIGS. 20A and 20B are views illustrating a modified

example in which the lifters are disposed, in which FIG. 20A illustrates a small-capacity

drum, and FIG. 20B illustrates a large-capacity drum. Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B,

one set of front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and rear lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b may be disposed

in a row in the front-rear direction. That is, the front lifters 61a, 62a, and 63a and the rear

lifters 61b, 62b, and 63b, which constitute one set, may be arranged on the same line

without being spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0186] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating another example of a lifter. The example illustrated

in FIG. 21 includes a lifter 64 including a lifter frame 620' and a frame cover 640' slightly

different in shape from those in the above-mentioned exemplary implementations, but

similar in detailed configuration to those in the above-mentioned exemplary

implementations. Therefore, constituent elements identical to the constituent elements

according to the above-described exemplary implementations will be assigned the same

reference numerals, and a specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] While the disclosure has been explained in relation to its implementations, it is

to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled

87421432.4 in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

87421432.4

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus comprising:

a drum configured to receive laundry and to rotate about a rotation axis that extends

in a front-rear direction of the laundry treating apparatus; and

a lifter that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum and that is

configured to rotate about the rotation axis based on rotation of the drum, the lifter

comprising a lifter frame coupled to the drum and a frame cover that covers the lifter

frame,

wherein the lifter frame comprises:

a frame base coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the drum,

a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward

an inside of the drum,

a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base, and

a spacer formed from and protruding from the frame upper plate toward an inner

surface of the frame cover to define a point of the spacer furthest from the frame upper

plate contacting the inner surface of the frame cover to space the inner surface of the frame

cover from the frame upper plate.

2. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame cover comprises a

cover upper plate having an inner surface facing the frame upper plate, and

wherein portions of the spacer other than point of the spacer furthest from the frame

upper plate are spaced apart from the inner surface of the cover upper plate.

3. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame cover comprises a

cover upper plate having an inner surface facing the frame upper plate, and

wherein the point of the spacer furthest from the frame upper plate is in contact

with the inner surface of the cover upper plate.

87421432.4

4. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 3, wherein the drum defines at least one water flow inlet hole in a region covered by the frame cover.

5. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the frame cover comprises a cover upper plate that faces the frame upper plate; the frame cover defines at least one water flow discharge hole in the cover upper plate, the at least one water flow discharge hole being configured to discharge, into the drum, washing water in the lifter received through the water flow inlet hole; and the spacer allows the cover upper plate to be spaced apart from the frame upper plate.

6. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the at least one water flow inlet hole is positioned inside the lifter frame, and wherein the lifter frame defines at least one water flow through-hole that is in communication with an inside of the lifter frame and an outside of the lifter frame.

7. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the at least one water flow discharge hole comprises a plurality of water flow discharge holes that are spaced apart from one another and arranged along a longitudinal direction of the cover upper plate, and wherein the spacer comprises a plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers being positioned between the plurality of water flow discharge holes.

8. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 7, wherein the frame cover comprises a dome disposed at a position corresponding to the spacer, the dome defining a concave portion that is recessed from the inner surface of the frame cover and that faces the spacer, and wherein at least a part of the spacer is positioned in the concave portion of the dome.

87421432.4

9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 8, wherein portions of the spacer other than the point of the spacer furthest from the frame upper plate are spaced apart from the concave portion of the dome.

10. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the point of the spacer furthest from the frame upper plate is in contact with the concave portion of the dome.

11. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein an outer surface of the dome is convex relative to an upper surface of the frame cover.

12. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the dome comprises a plurality of domes that are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the lifter, and wherein the spacer comprises a plurality of spacers that are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of domes.

13. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of domes comprise: a first dome that defines a first concave portion recessed from the inner surface of the frame cover, the first dome having a first depth with respect to the inner surface of the frame cover; and a second dome that defines a second concave portion recessed from the inner surface of the frame cover, the second dome having a second depth less than the first depth with respect to the inner surface of the frame cover, and wherein the plurality of spacers comprise: a first spacer disposed at a position corresponding to the first dome, the first spacer having a first height, and

87421432.4 a second spacer disposed at a position corresponding to the second dome, the second spacer having a second height less than the first height.

14. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first dome comprises a

pair of first domes that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the lifter, and

wherein the second dome is disposed between the pair of first domes.

15. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the frame

cover defines water flow discharge holes between the plurality of domes.

16. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 15, wherein the spacer

comprises:

a vertical rib that extends in a longitudinal direction of the lifter frame; and

a horizontal rib that crosses the vertical rib.

17. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

a distance between an upper surface of the spacer and the frame upper plate

increases as the vertical rib and the horizontal rib extend from ends thereof to an

intersection portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib;

the intersection portion between the vertical rib and the horizontal rib is the point of

the spacer furthest from the frame upper plate; and

the intersection portion is in contact with the inner surface of the frame cover.

18. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 17, wherein the frame

cover is made of metal.

19. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 18, wherein the lifter frame

is made of synthetic resin.

87421432.4

20. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 19, wherein the frame base

defines a seating groove that receives a lower end of the frame cover.

21. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 20, wherein the frame cover comprises

a coupling tab disposed at the lower end of the frame cover, and

wherein the lifter frame defines a tab binding port in the seating groove, the tab

binding port receiving the coupling tab.

22. The laundry treating apparatus of any of claims I to 21, wherein the lifter

comprises:

a plurality of front lifters disposed at a front portion of the drum and arranged along

a circumferential direction of the drum; and

a plurality of rear lifters disposed at rear sides of the plurality of front lifters and

arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum.

23. A laundry treating apparatus comprising:

a tub configured to receive washing water;

a drum disposed in the tub and configured to receive laundry, the drum being

configured to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a front-rear direction of the

laundry treating apparatus; and

comprising:

a lifter frame made of synthetic resin and fixed to the inner circumferential

surface of the drum, and

a frame cover that is made of metal and that covers the lifter frame,

wherein the lifter frame comprises:

a frame base having a bottom surface coupled to the inner circumferential

87421432.4 surface of the drum and an upper surface that defines a seating groove configured to seat a lower end of the frame cover, a frame upper plate spaced apart from the frame base in a direction toward an inside of the drum, and a frame sidewall that connects the frame upper plate to the frame base, and wherein the lifter frame comprises a spacer formed from and protruding from the frame upper plate toward an inner surface of the frame cover to define a point of the spacer furthest from the frame upper plate contacting the inner surface of the frame cover to space the inner surface of the frame cover from the frame upper plate.

87421432.4