Balance weight for washing machine

Abstract

Balance weight is mounted on a tub of a washing machine, balances the tub, and reduces the vibration of the tub. The balance weight comprises a plurality of weight plates piled up, and at least one coupling member securing the weight plates to the tub. The coupling member comprises at least one first member binding the weight plates into a body, and at least one second member stably securing the bound weight plates to the tub.

1 . A balance weight for washing machine comprising: 
 a plurality of weight plates piled up; and    at least one coupling member securing the weight plates to a tub of the washing machine.    
     
     
         2 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the weight plates is configured to be bent in order to have a shape corresponding to a circumferential surface of the tub.  
     
     
         3 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the weight plates comprises at least one hole in which the coupling member passes through.  
     
     
         4 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the hole is configured to have an elliptical shape.  
     
     
         5 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the hole is configured to be elongated along with a direction substantially perpendicular to a bent line of the weight plate.  
     
     
         6 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the weight plates comprises at least one first hole receiving the coupling member securing the weight plates from disassembly of the weight plates.  
     
     
         7 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the weight plates comprises at least one second hole receiving the coupling member securing the weight plates to the tub.  
     
     
         8 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the weight plates comprises 
 at least one first hole receiving the coupling member binding the weight plates into a body; and    at least one second hole receiving the coupling member fitting the weight plates to the tub.    
     
     
         9 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the coupling member comprises at least one first member securing the weight plates from disassembly of the weight plates.  
     
     
         10 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the first member comprises a bolt and a nut.  
     
     
         11 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the first member comprises a rivet.  
     
     
         12 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the coupling member comprises at least one second member passing through the weight plates coupled one another and securing the weight plates to the tub.  
     
     
         13 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the coupling member comprises 
 at least one first member binding the weight plates into a body; and    at least one second member fitting the weight plates bound by the first member to the tub.    
     
     
         14 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tub comprises at least one boss provided on an outer surface of the tub and receiving the coupling member.  
     
     
         15 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the tub further comprises at least one supplementary rib connected with the boss and the outer surface of the tub for reinforcing the strength of the boss.  
     
     
         16 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the weight plates comprises at least one boss hole receiving the boss therein.  
     
     
         17 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the boss hole is configured to be formed on partial weight plates located lower position.  
     
     
         18 . The balance weight as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising 
 at least one hole provided on the weight plates;    at least one boss provided on an outer surface of the tub and allowing the coupling member to be fitted thereto; and    at least one boss hole provided on partial weight plates bound lower position and allowing the weight plates to be fitted onto the tub with ease.    
     
     
         19 . A balance weight for washing machine comprising: 
 a plurality of weight plates separably plied up;    at least one first member binding the weight plates into a body and separable from the weight plates;    at least one second member fitting the bound weight plates onto the tub and separable from the tub; and    at least one boss provided on the tub and allowing the boss to be fitted thereto.    
     
     
         20 . A balance weight for washing machine comprising: 
 a case;    a tub provided in the case and holding washing water therein;    a rotatable drum provided in the tub and accommodating laundry therein;    a motor driving the drum;    a plurality of weight plates separably plied up;    at least one first member binding the weight plates into a body; and    at least one second member securing the weight plates bound by the first member to the tub.