Damping device and washing machine including the same

A washing machine comprising:

• a cabinet;
• a washing tub provided in the cabinet;
• and
• a damping device provided to dampen a vibration of the washing tub, wherein the damping device comprises:
• a suspension member with one end coupled with the cabinet,
• a damping unit supported by a bracket that is affixed to the washing tub and is provided to be movable along the suspension member and forms an accommodating portion therein, and
• a friction unit disposed in the accommodating portion and provided to be movable from the damping unit along the suspension member and form a frictional force with the suspension member during certain vibrations associated with a spinning speed of the washing tub,
• wherein when the spinning speed of the washing tub is a first speed, the friction unit forms the frictional force with the suspension member as the friction unit moves within the accommodation portion along the suspension member, and when the spinning speed of the washing tub is a second speed the friction unit is fixed within the accommodation portion, and
• wherein the first speed is slower than the second speed.