Stack-type laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

2023202968 12 2023 May 91762652.1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Applications No. 10-20200027778, filed on March 5, 2020, and No. 10-2020-0132544, filed on October 14, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stack-type laundry treating apparatus, and more specifically, relates to a stack-type laundry treating apparatus that comprises a plurality of treating apparatuses, such as an upper treating apparatus and a lower treating apparatus, that can be stacked vertically to increase space utilization and further make it easy to manipulate the plurality of treating apparatuses. BACKGROUND

[0002] A laundry treating apparatus may be classified into a front-loading type laundry treating apparatus and a top-loading type laundry treating apparatus according to a manner that receives laundry. Depending on a manner that treats laundry, the laundry treating apparatus may be classified into a washing apparatus for washing the laundry and a drying apparatus for drying the laundry.

[0003] The front-loading type washing apparatus may provide a reduced overall height and increased washing capacity, compared to the top-loading type washing apparatus. The toploading type washing machine may have an inner tub that stands upright and can rotate as a washing tub. In the front-loading type washing apparatus, twisting of the laundry hardly occur. Thus, demand of the front-loading type washing apparatus is increasing.

[0004] The front-loading type washing apparatus comprises a tub disposed inside a cabinet defining an appearance thereof, a drum rotatable inside the tub, and a driver that rotates the drum. The rotation of the drum may cause friction between the drum, a washing-water, and an object to be washed (laundry), thereby removing contaminations from the laundry.

[0005] Further, some drying apparatuses have an appearance similar to that of the front loading type washing apparatus. Such drying apparatuses comprise a drying drum rotatable inside a cabinet, a driver that rotates the drying drum, and a hot air supply that supplies hot and 1 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 dry air into the drum, thereby drying the laundry in a wet state after washing thereof is completed.

[0006] When the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus described above are installed at the same time, the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus are installed side by side in a horizontal direction relative to an installation surface.

[0007] However, when an installation space is narrow, the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus may be individually installed in separate spaces. Thus, after having been washed in the washing apparatus, the laundry needs to be carried to the drying apparatus to be dried.

[0008] Some washing apparatuses are designed to have a mount face or a mounting part for installing a drying apparatus thereon so that the drying apparatus may be stacked on a top of the washing apparatus.

[0009] However, as described above, when the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus are stacked vertically, it is very difficult to fix the drying apparatus at a correct position on the mount face of the washing apparatus. Thus, without a separate fixing device, the drying apparatus may be dislocated from the correct installation position when the drying apparatus operates on the washing apparatus.

[0010] Further, if the washing apparatus provides a separate mounting part for stacking the drying apparatus on the washing apparatus, the installation process may be cumbersome because of several steps to perform, such as fixing the separate installation part to the washing apparatus, and then disposing the drying apparatus on the washing apparatus, and then fixing the washing apparatus with the drying apparatus via the mounting part.

[0011] Therefore, a stacking structure of the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus should be improved such that the drying apparatus may be stacked on and fixed to the washing apparatus more conveniently.

[0012] 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. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0013] 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

[0014] The present disclosure may provide a stack-type laundry treating apparatus in which an upper treating apparatus may be stacked on a top of a lower treating apparatus.

[0015] The present disclosure may provide a stack-type laundry treating apparatus including means which is disposed between the lower treating apparatus and the upper treating apparatus, and limits a position of the upper treating apparatus.

[0016] The present disclosure may provide a stack-type laundry treating apparatus in which a position of the upper treating apparatus may be corrected when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on the lower treating apparatus.

[0017] Other embodiments of the present disclosure as not mentioned above may be understood from following descriptions and more clearly understood from implementations of the present disclosure. Further, it will be readily appreciated that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by features and combinations thereof as disclosed in the claims.

[0018] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure may broadly provide a stacktype laundry treating system comprising: an upper treating apparatus including: an upper cabinet including an upper base that defines a bottom of the upper treating apparatus and an upper side panel that defines a side face of the upper treating apparatus, and a drying drum disposed in the upper cabinet; and a lower treating apparatus including: a lower cabinet including a lower top panel that defines a top face of the lower treating apparatus and a lower side panel that defines a side face of the lower treating apparatus, a tub disposed in the lower cabinet, a washing drum disposed in the tub, 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 wherein the upper base comprises a support protrusion extended from a bottom portion thereof having a downward component and an outward component and interposed between the upper side panel and the lower side panel to support the upper side panel, the support protrusion being made of an electrical insulating material; and wherein the lower top panel comprises a support face interposed between the lower side panel and the support protrusion, and the support face supports the support protrusion and is spaced apart from the upper side panel by the support protrusion to maintain an electrical insulation state between the upper treating apparatus and the lower treating apparatus.

[0019] In one implementation, the lower top panel further comprises a guide groove formed adjacent to the lower side panel and recessed inwardly of the lower treating apparatus and extending in a front-rear direction, and wherein the upper base further comprises a guide protrusion that is integrally formed with the upper base and that protrudes downward, and wherein the guide protrusion slides along the guide groove when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on and aligned in the front-rear direction with the lower treating apparatus.

[0020] In another implementation, the guide protrusion is disposed at both sides of the upper base.

[0021] In another implementation, the guide protrusion comprises: at least one of a front guide protrusion disposed at a front portion of the upper base and a rear guide protrusion disposed at a rear portion of the upper base; and at least one of a front guide groove corresponding to the front guide protrusion and a rear guide groove corresponding to the rear guide protrusion.

[0022] In another implementation, the guide groove includes an inclined face on which the guide protrusion slides when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on and aligned in the front-rear direction with the lower treating apparatus.

[0023] In another implementation, the guide groove further includes a guide groove face that extends horizontally in the front-rear direction.

[0024] In another implementation, in a state where the upper treating apparatus is stacked on and aligned with the lower treating apparatus, the guide protrusion is seated on the guide groove face. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0025] In another implementation, the inclined face of the guide groove face is disposed at at least one of a front end of the guide groove face and a rear end of the guide groove face.

[0026] In another implementation, the inclined face of the guide groove includes a front inclined face that is inclined downward toward the rear.

[0027] In another implementation, the front inclined face of the guide groove has an auxiliary guide face extending forwardly.

[0028] In another implementation, the guide protrusion has: a guide face; and an inclined face inclined upwardly from an end of the guide face.

[0029] In another implementation, the inclined face of the guide protrusion is disposed at at least one of a front end of the guide face and a rear end of the guide face.

[0030] In another implementation, an outer edge of the guide face of the guide protrusion has a curved face.

[0031] In another implementation, the lower top panel is mounted at the lower side panel and the support protrusion is mounted at the lower top panel, and the upper side panel is mounted at the support protrusion.

[0032] In another implementation, the support protrusion is disposed at an inside of an outer surface of the upper side panel and the lower side panel.

[0033] In another implementation, the upper side panel and the lower side panel are spaced apart from each other, wherein the support protrusion supports the upper side panel and a side portion of the support protrusion is spaced apart inwardly from the outer surface of the upper side panel, and wherein the lower top panel is spaced apart from the upper side panel.

[0034] In another implementation, the upper side panel comprises a base support portion horizontally extending and disposed on the support protrusion.

[0035] In another implementation, the upper side panel further comprises: an upper horizontal bent portion horizontally inwardly extending from a bottom of the upper side panel, and a vertical bent portion extending upward from an end of the upper horizontal bent portion, and wherein the base support portion extends from an end of the vertical bent portion. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0036] In another implementation, a top portion of the support protrusion supports the base support portion of the upper side panel.

[0037] In another implementation, a side portion of the support protrusion and the support face of the lower top panel are spaced apart from the outer surface of the upper side panel.

[0038] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may broadly provide a stack-type laundry treating system that comprises upper and lower treating apparatuses. The upper treating apparatus may comprise an upper cabinet, a drying drum, an upper driver, an air flow passage, and a heat-exchanger. The upper cabinet may comprise an upper base. The drying drum may be disposed in the upper cabinet and configured to rotate. The drying drum may be configured to receive an object to be dried. The upper driver may be disposed at the upper base and configured to rotate the drying drum. The air flow passage may be configured to supply air to and discharge air from the drying drum. The heat-exchanger may be configured to dehumidify and heat air that is supplied to and discharged from the drying drum. The lower treating apparatus may comprise a lower cabinet, a tub, a washing drum, and a lower driver. The lower cabinet may comprise a lower top panel at which the upper base is mounted. The tub may be disposed in the lower cabinet and configured to receive washing-water. The washing drum may be disposed inside the tub and configured to receive an object to be washed. The lower driver may be configured to rotate the washing drum. The upper base may comprise a support protrusion that is located at a bottom portion of the upper base and supports the upper cabinet with respect to the lower cabinet.

[0039] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may broadly provide a stack-type laundry treating system comprising: an upper treating apparatus including: an upper cabinet including an upper base, and a drying drum disposed in the upper cabinet; and a lower treating apparatus including: a lower cabinet including a lower top panel at which the upper base is mounted, a tub disposed in the lower cabinet, a washing drum disposed in the tub, wherein the upper base comprises a guide protrusion, and wherein the lower top panel comprises a guide groove corresponding to the guide protrusion, wherein the guide protrusion is mounted at the guide groove.

[0040] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may broadly provide a stack-type laundry treating system comprising: an upper treating apparatus including: an upper cabinet including an upper base and a upper side panel, and a drying drum disposed in the 6 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 upper cabinet; and a lower treating apparatus including: a lower cabinet including a lower top panel and a lower side panel, a tub disposed in the lower cabinet, a washing drum disposed in the tub, wherein the upper base comprises a support protrusion, wherein the lower top panel is mounted at the lower side panel and the support protrusion is mounted at the lower top panel, and the upper side panel is mounted at the support protrusion, and wherein the support protrusion is disposed at an inside of the upper side panel and the lower side panel.

[0041] Particular implementations of the present disclosure may provide a stack-type laundry treating system comprising: an upper treating apparatus including: an upper cabinet including an upper base, a drying drum disposed in the upper cabinet and configured to rotate, the drying drum being configured to receive an object to be dried, an upper driver disposed at the upper base and configured to rotate the drying drum, an air flow passage configured to supply air to and discharge air from the drying drum, and a heat-exchanger configured to dehumidify and heat air that is supplied to and discharged from the drying drum; and a lower treating apparatus including: a lower cabinet including a lower top panel at which the upper base is mounted, a tub disposed in the lower cabinet and configured to receive washing-water, a washing drum disposed inside the tub and configured to receive an object to be washed, and a lower driver configured to rotate the washing drum, wherein the upper base comprises a support protrusion that is located at a bottom portion of the upper base and supports the upper cabinet with respect to the lower cabinet.

[0042] In some implementations, the system can optionally comprise one or more of the following features. The upper cabinet may have an upper side panel. The lower cabinet may have a lower side panel. The support protrusion may be interposed between the upper side panel and the lower side panel and supports the upper treating apparatus. The upper side panel may comprise an upper horizontal bent portion horizontally extending from a bottom of the upper side panel toward an inside of the upper treating apparatus. The support protrusion may be disposed at an inside of the upper horizontal bent portion. The upper side panel may 7 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 comprise a vertical bent portion extending upward from an end of the upper horizontal bent portion, and a base support portion extending from an end of the vertical bent portion to an upper portion of the support protrusion. The support protrusion may be positioned at the base support portion. The lower top panel may have a support face that is interposed between the lower side panel and the support protrusion and supports the support protrusion. The lower side panel may have a lower horizontal bent portion horizontally extending from a top of the lower side panel toward an inside of the lower treating apparatus. The support face of the lower top panel may be disposed at the lower horizontal bent portion of the lower side panel. The upper horizontal bent portion of the upper side panel and the lower horizontal bent portion of the lower side panel may be spaced from each other by a first distance. A reinforcing frame is disposed at the top of the lower side panel. The reinforcement frame may comprise (i) a horizontal frame disposed at a top face of the lower horizontal bent portion and (ii) a vertical frame extending downward from an inner end of the horizontal frame. The horizontal frame of the reinforcement frame may be located between the lower horizontal bent portion of the lower side panel and the support face of the lower top panel. The horizontal frame of the reinforcement frame and the upper horizontal bent portion of the upper side panel may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. An outer end of the support face of the lower top panel may be spaced apart from the vertical bent portion of the upper side panel. The support protrusion may comprise a guide protrusion protruding toward the lower top panel. The lower top panel may define a guide groove at a position corresponding to a position of the guide protrusion. The guide protrusion may be inserted into the guide groove. The guide groove of the lower top panel may be positioned adjacent to the lower side panel and be recessed toward an inside of the lower treating apparatus. The guide protrusion of the support protrusion may be comprises a pair of front guide protrusions disposed at opposite sides of a front portion of a bottom face of the upper base, and a pair of rear guide protrusions disposed at opposite sides of a rear portion of the bottom face of the upper base. The guide groove of the lower top panel may comprise a pair of front guide grooves recessed at the lower top panel and corresponding to positions of the pair of front guide protrusions, and a pair of rear guide grooves recessed at the lower top panel and corresponding to positions of the pair of rear guide protrusions. The guide protrusion may have a front guide face, a front inclined face inclined upward from a front end of the front guide face toward a bottom face of the upper base, and a rear inclined face inclined upward from a rear end of the 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 front guide face toward the bottom face of the upper base. The guide groove may have a guide groove face, a front inclined face inclined upward from a front end of the guide groove face toward a top face of the lower top panel, and a rear inclined face inclined upward from a rear end of the guide groove face toward the top face of the lower top panel. The front inclined face of the guide groove may have an auxiliary guide face positioned to be higher than the front guide face of the guide protrusion. An outer edge of the front guide face of the guide protrusion may have a curved face. The support protrusion may be made of a same material as the upper base and integrally molded with the upper base using injection molding. The guide groove may be made of a same metal plate as the lower top panel and integrally molded with the lower top panel using press molding. The support protrusion of the upper base may extend outwardly from an outer face of the upper base. The guide protrusion of the support protrusion may extend downward from an end of the support protrusion.

[0043] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a stack-type laundry treating apparatus comprising: an upper treating apparatus including: an upper cabinet defining an upper appearance of the apparatus, and including an upper base; a drying drum rotatably disposed in the upper cabinet, wherein an object to be dried is inserted into the drying drum; an upper driver disposed on the upper base for rotating the drying drum; an air flow path for supplying and discharging air to and from the drying drum; and a heat-exchanger for dehumidifying and heating the air; and a lower treating apparatus including: a lower cabinet defining a lower appearance of the apparatus and including a lower top panel on which the upper base is mounted; a tub disposed in the lower cabinet, wherein washing-water is stored in the tub; a washing drum disposed inside the tub, wherein an object to be washed is inserted into the washing drum; and a lower driver for rotating the washing drum, wherein a support protrusion extends horizontally and outwardly from a bottom portion of the upper base to support the upper cabinet with respect to the lower cabinet.

[0044] In one implementation, the upper cabinet has an upper side panel defining a side face of the upper treating apparatus, wherein the lower cabinet has a lower side panel defining a side face of the lower treating apparatus, wherein the support protrusion is interposed between the upper side panel and the lower side panel to support the upper treating apparatus.

[0045] In one implementation, the upper side panel comprises an upper horizontal bent portion horizontally extending from a bottom of the upper side panel inwardly of the upper 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 treating apparatus, wherein the support protrusion is disposed inwardly of the upper horizontal bent portion.

[0046] In one implementation, the upper side panel has a vertical bent portion extending upward from an inner end of the horizontal bent portion, and a base support portion extending horizontally and inwardly from a top end of the vertical bent portion, wherein the base support portion is positioned above the support protrusion.

[0047] In one implementation, the lower top panel has a support face interposed between the lower side panel and the support protrusion to support the support protrusion.

[0048] In one implementation, the lower side panel has a lower horizontal bent portion horizontally extending from a top of the lower side panel and inwardly of the lower treating apparatus, wherein the support face is disposed on the lower horizontal bent portion.

[0049] In one implementation, the upper horizontal bent portion and the lower horizontal bent portion are spaced from each other by a first spacing for insulation.

[0050] In one implementation, a reinforcing frame is further disposed on the top of the lower side panel, wherein the reinforcement frame comprises a horizontal frame seated on a top face of the lower horizontal bent portion, and a vertical frame extending downward from an inner end of the horizontal frame.

[0051] In one implementation, the horizontal frame is located between the lower horizontal bent portion and the support face, wherein the horizontal frame and the upper horizontal bent portion are spaced apart from each other by a second spacing smaller than the first spacing.

[0052] In one implementation, an outer end of the support face is spaced apart by a predetermined spacing from the vertical bent portion.

[0053] In one implementation, the support protrusion comprises a guide protrusion protruding toward the lower top panel, wherein the lower top panel has a guide groove defined therein at a position corresponding to a position of the guide protrusion, wherein the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide groove.

[0054] In one implementation, the guide groove is adjacent to the lower side panel and is recessed inwardly of the lower treating apparatus.

[0055] In one implementation, the guide protrusion comprises: a pair of front guide protrusions respectively formed on both sides of a front portion of a bottom face of the upper base; and a pair of rear guide protrusions respectively formed on both sides of a rear portion of 10 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 the bottom face of the upper base, wherein the guide groove comprises: a pair of front guide grooves recessed in the lower top panel in positions corresponding to positions of the pair of front guide protrusions; and a pair of rear guide grooves recessed in the lower top panel in positions corresponding to positions of the pair of rear guide protrusions.

[0056] In one implementation, the front guide protrusion has: a front guide face defining a bottom face thereof; a front inclined face inclined upward from a front end of the front guide face to a bottom face of the upper base; and a rear inclined face inclined upward from a rear end of the front guide face to the bottom face of the upper base, wherein the front guide groove has: a guide face defining a bottom face thereof; a front inclined face inclined upward from a front end of the guide face to a top face of the lower top panel; and a rear inclined face inclined upward from a rear end of the guide face to the top face of the lower top panel.

[0057] In one implementation, the front inclined face has an auxiliary guide face positioned at a level higher than a level of the front guide face.

[0058] In one implementation, an outer edge of the front guide face or the rear guide face has a curved face.

[0059] In one implementation, the upper base is manufactured via injection molding, wherein the support protrusion is integrally formed with the upper base and is made of the same material as a material of the upper base.

[0060] In one implementation, the lower top panel is manufactured by press molding a metal plate, wherein the guide groove is formed by press molding the metal plate while manufacturing the lower top panel.

[0061] In one implementation, the support protrusion extends outwardly from an outer face of the upper base, wherein the guide protrusion extends downward from one end of the support protrusion.

[0062] Implementations of the stack-type laundry treating apparatus can improve a support state in which the lower treating apparatus supports the upper treating apparatus thereon, by providing an improved fastening structure between the lower treating apparatus and the upper treating apparatus.

[0063] Further, according to implementations of the stack-type laundry treating apparatus, when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on a top of the lower treating apparatus, a stacking position of the upper treating apparatus may be corrected. 11 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to comprise the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "comprises", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof.

[0065] As used herein, the term "and / or" comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0066] 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

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laundry treating apparatus according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing an internal structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an upper base of an upper treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a side view showing an upper base of an upper treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a lower top panel of a lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a lower top panel of a lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0073] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross-sectional views showing a stack state of an upper treating apparatus and a lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an upper base and a lower top panel according to an implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0076] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numbers in different figures denote the same or similar elements, and as such perform similar functionality. Moreover, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] First, components of a laundry treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laundry treating apparatus according to implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing an internal structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a laundry treating apparatus 10 (or a laundry treating system) according to implementations of the present disclosure comprises a washing apparatus (also referred to herein as ‘lower treating apparatus 200’) that performs washing and rinsing of an object to be washed (laundry), and a drying apparatus (also referred to herein as ‘upper treating apparatus 100’) that is mounted on a top of the lower treating apparatus 200 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 and performs drying of an object to be dried (laundry) that has been washed or needs to be separately dried.

[0080] The drying apparatus corresponding to the upper treating apparatus 100 may use a gas burner, an electric heater, a heat pump, etc. as a heat source. Hereinafter, in implementations of the present disclosure, the upper treating apparatus 100 are primarily described as using an electric heater as the heat source.

[0081] However, the upper treating apparatus 100 is not limited to this disclosed implementations. In other implementations, the upper treating apparatus 100 may use a gas burner, a heat pump, etc. as a heat source. That is, any suitable drying apparatus should be regarded as the upper treating apparatus 100 according to implementations of the present disclosure regardless of a type of the heat source used by the drying apparatus.

[0082] The upper treating apparatus 100 comprises an upper cabinet 110, a drying drum 120, an air circulating channel 130, a driver 140, a heat-exchanger 150, and a water discharger 180. The upper cabinet 110 defines an upper appearance thereof and including an upper front panel 111, an upper top panel 116, an upper side panel 117, an upper rear panel 118 and an upper base 300. The drying drum 120 is rotatably disposed inside the upper cabinet 110 and receiving and drying an object to be dried using heated air supplied thereto. The air circulating channel 130 is configured for supplying the heated air to the drying drum 120 and for discharging air used for drying the object to be dried out of the drying drum 120. The driver 140 can rotate the drying drum 120 at a predefined rotational speed. The heat-exchanger 150 can heat and supply air of the air circulating channel 130. The water discharger 180 can discharge condensate generated from the heat-exchanger 150.

[0083] An upper inlet 112 may be defined in the upper front panel 111. The object to be dried can be inserted into the drying drum 120 through the upper inlet 112. An upper door 113 to open and close the upper inlet 112 may be disposed at the upper front panel 111. A control panel 114 for controlling the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200 may be disposed at a lower level of the upper front panel 111.

[0084] In some implementations, the control panel 114 may comprise a manipulator for simultaneous or selective control of the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200, and a display for simultaneous or selective display of operating statuses of the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[0085] The upper side panel 117 and the upper rear panel 118 may have separate plate forms or may be formed in an integral manner to each other by bending one panel. The upper side panel 117 and the upper rear panel 118 may be integrally formed to improve a strength of the upper treating apparatus 100.

[0086] In some implementations, a horizontal bent portion 177a that is bent inwardly of the upper treating apparatus 100 extends from a bottom of the upper side panel 117. A vertical bent portion 177b that is bent upwardly of the upper treating apparatus 100 extends from an end of the horizontal bent portion 177a. A base support portion 177c extends from an end of the vertical bent portion 177b, and is bent inwardly of the upper treating apparatus 100 and is supported on a support protrusion 380.

[0087] The upper rear panel 118 may have a service panel which defines a rear portion of the upper treating apparatus 100, and opens and closes the upper rear panel 118 for maintenance of the upper treating apparatus 100. Further, an air discharge duct 135 (a connection duct) of the air circulating channel 130 to be described later may pass through the upper rear panel 118.

[0088] Each of the components (e.g., the drying drum 120, the air circulating channel 130, the driver 140, the heat-exchanger 150, etc.) of the upper treating apparatus 100 is supported and installed on a bottom of the upper cabinet 110. The upper base 300 has a support protrusion 380, a front guide protrusion 381, and a rear guide protrusion 386 for setting an installation position of the upper washing apparatus 100 with respect to the lower treating apparatus 200. The upper base 300 will be described in detail.

[0089] The drying drum 120 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having open front and rear faces. A front plate 121 and a front plate 126 can rotatably support the drying drum 120 and may be disposed in front and rear of the drying drum 120, respectively.

[0090] The front plate 121 has an opening 122 defined therein that communicates with the upper inlet 112 defined in the upper front panel 111. The front plate 121 has a front support 123 disposed around an outer circumferential face of the opening 122 and in front of the drying drum 120 and supporting a front inner circumferential face of the drying drum 120.

[0091] A front roller 124 is disposed below the front support 123 to rotatably support a front lower portion of the drying drum 120. A plurality of air intake holes 125 are formed in a lower portion of the front plate 121. Air from the drying drum 120 can be suctioned into the 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 air circulating channel 130 through the plurality of air intake holes 125. An air intake duct 133 of the air circulating channel 130 is connected to the air intake holes 125.

[0092] The front plate 126 has a plurality of air supply holes 127 defined therein to which the air supply duct 131 of the air circulating channel 130 (described in more detail later) is connected and through which air is supplied into the drying drum 120. A rear support 128 that supports a rear inner circumferential face of the drying drum 120 is disposed outside the air supply hole 127 and in rear of the drying drum 120. A rear roller 129 that rotatably supports a bottom of the drying drum 120 is disposed below the rear support 128.

[0093] The air circulating channel 130 comprises the air intake duct 133 communicating with the air intake holes 125 to take air in the drying drum 120. The air circulating channel 130 can further comprise an air supply duct 131 that supplies air from the air intake duct 133 to the drying drum 120, a connection duct 135 which connects the air intake duct 133 and the air supply duct 131 to each other and receives therein a heat-absorber 151 and a heat-emitter 152 of the heat-exchanger 150, and a fan 134 disposed between the air supply duct 131 and the air intake duct 133 to allow the air inside the drying drum 120 to circulate along the air intake duct 133, the connection duct 135 and the air supply duct 131.

[0094] In one example, a filter 132 may be detachably disposed in the air intake hole 125 of the air intake duct 133 and can filter foreign substances such as lint contained in the air suctioned from the drying drum 120. The connection duct 135 may be coupled to the upper base 300 (described later in more detail) to define a flow path space in which the heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 are installed. Further, the air supply duct 131 guides air respectively dehumidified and heated at the heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 disposed in the connection duct 135 to the inside of the drying drum 120.

[0095] In some implementations, the air inside the drying drum 120 is suctioned through the air intake duct 133 into the channel 130 under an operation of the fan 134, thereby reducing a pressure of the drying drum 120. As the pressure of the drying drum 120 decreases, air from the outside of the drying drum 120 is supplied to the inside of the drying drum 120 through the air supply duct 131. In some implementations, the air moving through the air supply duct 131 is heated by the heat-exchanger 150 disposed in the connection duct 135 and then supplied to the inside of the drying drum 120.

[0096] In some implementations, the fan 134 may be placed in either the air intake duct 133, the connection duct 135 or the air supply duct 131. In the present disclosure, the fan 16 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 134 is primarily described as being disposed between the connection duct 135 and the air supply duct 131, that is, located behind the heat-emitter 152.

[0097] The heat-exchanger 150 may be embodied as various devices which may sequentially perform dehumidification and heating of the air introduced into the connection duct 135. In the present disclosure, the heat-exchanger 150 is described primarily as being embodied as a heat pump by way of example.

[0098] The heat-exchanger 150 comprises a heat-absorber 151 placed inside the connection duct 135 to remove moisture from the air flowing into the connection duct 135, a heat-emitter 152 placed inside the connection duct 135 to heat the air that has passed through the heat-absorber 151, a compressor 153 that compresses refrigerant that has passed through the heat-emitter 152 and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the heat-absorber 151, and a pressure regulator 154 that controls a pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the heat-emitter 152. The components of the heat-exchanger 150 may be connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe 156 along which the refrigerant flows.

[0099] In some implementations, each of the heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 may be embodied as a plurality of metal plates extending in parallel with a flow direction of air along a width direction of the connection duct 135 or a height direction of the connection duct 135. The heat-absorber 151 and heat-emitter 152 are sequentially arranged in a direction from the air intake duct 133 to the air supply duct 131 and inside the connection duct 135.

[00100] The driver 140 is configured to rotate the drying drum 120 at a predefined rotational speed. The driver 140 may have a motor 141 that generates power, a pulley 142 disposed on a rotation shaft of the motor 141, and a belt 145 connecting the pulley 142 and an outer circumferential face of the drying drum 120.

[00101] In some implementations, the pulley 142 may be disposed on one end of the rotation shaft of the motor 141, and the fan 134 of the air circulating channel 130 may be disposed at the other end of the rotation shaft. That is, one motor 141 may be used to simultaneously operate the fan 134 of the air circulating channel 130 and the drying drum 120. In this case, the drying drum 120 and the fan 134 may be driven by the single motor 141, so that the drying drum 120 and the fan 134 may rotate at a constant rotation speed ratio and at a constant rotation speed.

[00102] In another example, separate motors may be disposed on the drying drum 120 and the fan 134, respectively. When the separate motors are disposed on the drying drum 120 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 and fan 134, respectively, the rotation speeds of the drying drum 120 and the fan 134 may be individually controlled.

[00103] In one example, the water discharger 180 is configured to drain condensate generated from the heat-absorber of the heat-exchanger. The water discharger 180 may comprise a water storage body 161 that is detachably disposed in the upper cabinet 110 to provide a space for storing water therein, a water discharge pump 162 placed on the upper base 300 to pump the condensate generated from the heat-absorber 151, and a water discharge pipe 163 that guides the condensate pumped from the water discharge pump 162 to the water storage body 161.

[00104] In some implementations, the water storage body 161 may be embodied as a drawer-type tank which is withdrawn from the upper cabinet 110. A front face of the water storage body 161 may define a portion of the upper front panel 111.

[00105] In the above-described upper treating apparatus 100, as the object to be dried is provided into the drying drum 120 through the upper inlet 112, the drying drum 120 is rotated by the driver 140, and thus the object to be dried inside the drying drum 120 moves.

[00106] Further, as the fan 134 is rotated by the driver 140, the air inside the drying drum 120 is circulated along the air intake duct 133 and the air supply duct 131, and is heated by the heat-exchanger placed in the connection duct and then supplied to the drying drum 120.

[00107] The lower treating apparatus 200 comprises a lower cabinet 210 defining a lower appearance thereof, and including a lower front panel 211, a lower side panel 214, a lower rear panel 219, a lower top panel 400, and a lower base panel 219a, a tub 220 disposed inside the lower cabinet 210 to store washing-water therein, a washing drum 240 that is rotatably disposed inside the tub 220 to wash the input washing target, a driver 230 which is disposed in rear of the tub 220 to rotate the washing drum 240, a water supply 250 that supplies washing-water to the tub 220, a detergent supply 252 that mixes detergent and the washingwater supplied from the water supply with each other to supply the mixture to the washing drum, and a water discharger 260 that drains the washing-water inside the tub 220.

[00108] The lower front panel 211 has a lower inlet 212 defined therein through which the object to be washed is input into the washing drum 240. A lower door 213 for opening and closing the lower inlet 212 is disposed on the lower front panel 211.

[00109] A lower horizontal bent portion 214a is bent inwardly of the lower treating apparatus 200 from a top of the lower side panel 214. The support protrusion 380 of the upper 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 base 300 and the base support portion 177c of the upper side panel 117 are sequentially seated on the lower horizontal bent portion 214a.

[00110] Further, a reinforcing frame 215 which may increase a strength of a top of the lower side panel 214 is seated on the lower horizontal bent portion 214a. The support protrusion 380 of the upper base 300 is seated on the reinforcing frame 215.

[00111] In some implementations, the reinforcing frame 215 may have a horizontal frame 216 seated on a top face of the lower side panel 214 and a vertical frame 217 extending vertically and downwards from an inner end of the horizontal frame 216.

[00112] The lower side panel 214 and the lower rear panel 219 may be provided in separate plate forms, or may be formed integrally to each other by bending one panel. The lower side panel 214 and the lower rear panel 219 may be integrally formed to improve strength of the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00113] The lower front panel 211 and the lower side panel 214 as above-described and the upper front panel 111 and the upper side panel 117 may constitute the same vertically extending layers, respectively. That is, the lower front panel 211, the upper front panel 111 and the control panel 114 located at a lower portion of the upper front panel 111 may constitute the same vertically extending layer.

[00114] Further, the upper side panel 117 and the lower side panel 214 may define left and right sides of the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200, respectively, and may constitute the same vertically extending layers.

[00115] In one example, the lower top panel 400 is located on a top of the lower front panel 211 and the lower side panel 214 and serves to separate the lower treating apparatus 200 and the upper treating apparatus 100 from each other, and at the same time, to support and align the upper treating apparatus 100 with respect to the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00116] Further, when a fire accident occurs in the lower treating apparatus 200 or the upper treating apparatus 100, the lower top panel 400 may serve as a flameproof panel to prevent the fire from one of the lower treating apparatus 200 and the upper treating apparatus 100 from being transferred to the other thereof.

[00117] Further, the lower top panel 400 may have a front guide groove 410 and a rear guide groove 420 defined therein respectively at positions corresponding to positions of the front guide protrusion 381 and the rear guide protrusion 386 formed on the upper base 300 to 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 set the installation position of the upper treating apparatus 100. The lower top panel 400 will be described herein in detail.

[00118] The lower rear panel 219 may have a service panel which defines a rear portion of the lower treating apparatus 200, and which opens and closes the lower rear panel 219 for maintenance of the lower treating apparatus 200. Further, a water supply pipe 251 of the water supply 250 and a water discharge pipe 263 of the water discharger 260 (described later in more detail) may pass through the lower rear panel 219.

[00119] In one example, the upper treating apparatus 100 is disposed on the top of the lower treating apparatus 200 according to implementations of the present disclosure. The top face of the lower treating apparatus 200 is covered with the upper treating apparatus 100.

[00120] The tub 220 is disposed inside the lower cabinet 210 and is formed in a cylindrical shape and moves via a suspension 222 such as a spring and a damper. A tub opening 221 is formed in a front face of the tub 220 and communicates with the lower inlet 212 formed in the lower front panel 211. The lower inlet 212 of the lower front panel 211 and the tub opening 221 may further have a bellows type gasket 223 to provide watertight sealing when the tub 220 moves.

[00121] The driver 230 is disposed on a rear face of the tub 220 to rotate the washing drum 240, and has an outer rotor type motor 232 disposed on the rear face of the tub 220 and a rotation shaft 231 that passes through the rear face of the tub 220 and transmits the rotational force of the motor 232.

[00122] The washing drum 240 is disposed in the tub 220 and is formed in a cylindrical shape and is connected to the rotation shaft 231 so that the drum 240 rotates. The washing drum 240 has a drum opening 241 defined in a front face thereof communicating with the tub opening 221 formed in the tub 220. The object to be washed is injected through the drum opening 241 to the drum 240. Further, a plurality of water communication holes 242 for flowing the washing-water may be defined in an inner circumferential face of the washing drum 240. A plurality of lifters 243 for moving the object to be washed may be disposed in the washing drum 240.

[00123] The water supply 250 receives washing-water from an external water supply source to the laundry treating apparatus 10. The water supply 250 comprises a water supply pipe 251 to which the external water supply source is connected, and a detergent supply 252 connected to the water supply pipe 251 and mixing the water and detergent and supplying the 20 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 mixture to the tub 220, and a water supply hose 253 connecting the detergent supply 252 and the tub 220 to each other.

[00124] The water discharger 260 is disposed under the tub 220 to drain the washingwater that has been used in the tub 220. The water discharger 260 comprises a water discharge hose 261 connected to a bottom face of the tub 220, the water discharge pump 262 disposed at the water discharge hose 261 to pump the washing-water, and a water discharge pipe 263 to discharge the washing-water pumped by the water discharge pump 262 to the outside.

[00125] In the lower treating apparatus 200 as described above, as the object to be washed is introduced into the washing drum 240 through the lower inlet 212, the detergent and washing-water are supplied to the tub 220 from the water supply 250. As the washing drum 240 rotates by the driver 230, the object to be washed moves inside the washing drum 240 and the washing process proceeds.

[00126] Further, as the washing process is completed, the washing-water inside the tub 220 is discharged to the outside of the lower treating apparatus 200 by the water discharge pump 262 of the water discharger 260, thereby completing the washing process.

[00127] In one example, the lower treating apparatus 200 is installed on an installation place, and then the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the top of the lower treating apparatus 200, thereby completing the installation of the laundry treating apparatus 10.

[00128] Hereinafter, the upper base 300 of the upper treating apparatus 100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00129] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the upper base of the upper treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the upper base of the upper treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[00130] As shown, the upper base 300 according to an implementation of the present disclosure comprises (i) a compressor receiving portion 310 on which the compressor 153 of the heat-exchanger 150 is installed, (ii) a fan receiving portion 330 on which the fan 134 of the heat-exchanger 150 is mounted, (iii) an air supply duct connector 340 to which the air supply duct 131 is connected, (iv) an air intake duct connector 350 to which the air intake duct 133 is connected, (v) a water collector 360 connected to the connection duct 135 and the air intake duct connector 350 and thus connected to the heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 of the 21 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 heat-exchanger 150, wherein the condensate generated from the heat-absorber 151 is stored in the collector 360, and (vi) a water discharge pump receiving portion 370 on which a water discharge pump 162 to drain the water collected from the water collector 360 is installed.

[00131] The compressor receiving portion 310, the motor receiving portion 320, the fan receiving portion 330, the water collector 360, the water discharge pump receiving portion 370, etc. of the upper base 300 may be arranged differently according to different connections of the components and different configurations of flow paths therebetween.

[00132] In one example, the water collector 360 is formed in a shape of a casing whose front and rear ends are opened. Thus, the water collector 360 is connected to and communicates with the connection duct 135. The heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 may be located at a position at which the water collector 360 and the connection duct 135 are connected to each other.

[00133] In some implementations, the air intake duct connector 350 to which the air intake duct 133 is connected may be located at the front end of the water collector 360. The air supply duct connector 340 may be located at the rear end of the water collector 360. Further, between the water collector 360 and the air supply duct 131, a switch channel 342 may be further formed to switch a direction of the air passing through the heat-absorber 151 and the heat-emitter 152 of the water collector toward the air supply duct 131.

[00134] In one example, a support protrusion 380 may protrude from a lower portion of an outer face of the upper base 300 and is configured to maintain a spacing between the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200. The support protrusion 380 is interposed between the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200 to allow an electrical insulation state between the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00135] In one example, a pair of front guide protrusions 381 and a pair of rear guide protrusions 386 may be formed on both sides of a bottom face of the upper base 300. The pair of front guide protrusions 381 and the pair of rear guide protrusions 386 may be seated on the lower top panel 400 when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the top face of the lower treating apparatus 200. 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[00136] In some implementations, the pair of front guide protrusions 381 and the pair of rear guide protrusions 386 may protrude downward from the bottom face of the support protrusion 380 toward the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00137] Alternatively, the pair of front guide protrusions 381 and the pair of rear guide protrusions 386 may not directly protrude from the support protrusion 380. The support protrusion 380 may extend from an outer face of the upper base 300 and may be disposed above the pair of front guide protrusion 381 and the pair of rear guide protrusion 386.

[00138] In one example, the front guide protrusions 381 may be arranged in a symmetrical manner in the left and right direction of the upper base 300 and may be formed on a front portion of a bottom face of the support protrusion 380. Each front guide protrusion 381 has a front guide face 382 as a bottom face, and an auxiliary guide face 383 that is located at a higher level than a level of the front guide face 382.

[00139] In some implementations, a first rear inclined face 385 that is inclined upwards toward a rear portion of the upper base 300 may be formed on a rear end of the front guide face 382. A first front inclined face 384 is formed between the front guide face 382 and the auxiliary guide face 383. A further first front inclined face 384 is formed at a front end of the auxiliary guide face 383. The first front inclined face 384 is inclined upwards toward a front portion of the upper base 300.

[00140] In some implementations, the front guide face 382 and the auxiliary guide face 383 are temporarily seated on one face of the front guide groove 410 formed in the lower top panel 400 of the lower treating apparatus 200 when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00141] In particular, the auxiliary guide face 383 may be temporarily supported on the lower top panel 400 while the front guide face 382 is partially inserted into the front guide groove 410 before the front guide protrusion 381 is completely inserted into the front guide groove 410.

[00142] In one example, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the lower treating apparatus at a correct position thereof, the front guide face 382 and the auxiliary guide face 383 may be located inside the front guide groove 410 formed in the lower top panel 400, and each front guide protrusion 381 may be inserted into each front guide groove 410.

[00143] In one example, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the lower treating apparatus 200, and when each front guide protrusion 381 is spaced from each front 23 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 guide groove 410 in a rear and front direction, the first front inclined face 384 and the first rear inclined face 385 may allow each front guide protrusion 381 to slide and move into each front guide groove 410.

[00144] Further, an outer edge of the front guide face 382 of each front guide protrusion 381, that is, a front outer edge of the upper base 300 may be formed as a curved face 381a that is curved inwardly of the upper base 300 or an inclined face which is inclined inwardly of the upper base 300 (refer to FIG. 8).

[00145] In some implementations, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is misaligned with the lower treating apparatus 200 in the left-right direction, the curved face 381a formed on the front guide face 382 may slide along the inner face of the front guide groove 410.

[00146] In one example, the rear guide protrusions 386 may be arranged in a symmetrical manner in the left and right direction of the upper base 300 and may be disposed on a rear portion of the bottom face of the support protrusion 380. Each rear guide protrusion 386 has a rear guide face 387 as a bottom face thereof.

[00147] In some implementations, a second rear inclined face 389 that is inclined upwards toward a rear portion of the upper base 300 may be formed on a rear end of the rear guide face 387. A second front inclined face 388 that is inclined upwards toward the front portion of the upper base 300 may be formed on a front end of the rear guide face 387.

[00148] In one example, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the lower treating apparatus at the correct position thereof, the rear guide face 387 may be located inside the rear guide groove 420 formed in the lower top panel 400, and each rear guide protrusion 386 may be inserted into each rear guide groove 420.

[00149] In some implementations, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is seated on the lower treating apparatus 200 and when each rear guide protrusion 386 is spaced from each rear guide groove 420 in the front and rear direction, the second front inclined face 388 and the second rear inclined face 389 may allow each rear guide protrusion 386 to slide and move into each rear guide groove 420.

[00150] Further, an outer edge of the rear guide face 387 of each rear guide protrusion 386, that is, a rear outer edge of the upper base 300 may be a curved face 386a that is curved inwardly of the upper base 300 or an inclined face which is inclined inwardly of the upper base 300 (See FIG. 8). 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[00151] In some implementations, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is misaligned with the lower treating apparatus 200 in the left and right direction, the curved face 386a formed on the rear guide face 387 may slide along the inner face of the rear guide groove 420.

[00152] In one example, the heat-exchanger 150 including the heat-absorber 151, the heat-emitter 152, and the compressor 153 installed on the upper base 300 is configured to operate at a relatively low temperature. Accordingly, the upper base 300 may not have a flame retardant or heat dissipation function.

[00153] Therefore, the upper base 300 may be manufactured integrally via injection molding which is a relatively easy manufacturing scheme. The upper base 300 may be integrally injection-molded and may be made of a synthetic resin material, for example, ABS material, PC material, plastic, etc.

[00154] That is, the compressor receiving portion 310, the motor receiving portion 320, the fan receiving portion 330, the water collector 360, the water discharge pump receiving portion 370 formed on the top face of the upper base 300 may be integrally formed with each other via injection molding.

[00155] Further, the support protrusion 380, the pair of front guide protrusions 381, and the pair of rear guide protrusions 386 as above-described may be made of the same material as that of the upper base 300 and may be integrally injection-molded on a side face and a top face of the upper base 300 when manufacturing the upper base 300.

[00156] Hereinafter, the lower top panel 400 of the lower treating apparatus 200 according to an implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00157] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the lower top panel of the lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side crosssectional view showing the lower top panel of the lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[00158] In one example, the lower top panel 400 of the lower treating apparatus 200 has a pair of front guide grooves 410 defined in both sides of a front portion thereof at positions corresponding to the positions of the front guide protrusions 381 formed on the upper base 300. The lower top panel 400 of the lower treating apparatus 200 has a pair of rear guide grooves 420 defined in both sides of a rear portion thereof at positions corresponding to the positions of the rear guide protrusions 386 formed on the upper base 300. 25 2023202968  18 Mar 2026

[00159] Further, a support face 430 interposed between the upper side panel 117 and the lower side panel 214 may be formed on an outer edge portion of the lower top panel 400. In some implementations, the support face 430 may support the support protrusion 380 of the upper base 300 and may be interposed between the upper side panel 117 and the lower side panel 214 as the support protrusion 380 may.

[00160] In some implementations, the front guide groove 410 has a first guide face 414 so that the front guide protrusion 381 formed on the upper base 300 is seated thereon. In front of the first guide face 414, a first front inclined face 412 that is inclined downwards from a top face of the lower top panel 400 to the first guide face 414 is formed. In rear of the first guide face 414, a first rear inclined face 416 that is inclined downwards from the top face of the lower top panel 400 to the first guide face 414 is formed.

[00161] In some implementations, the first front inclined face 412 and the first rear inclined face 416 may allow the front guide protrusion 381 of the upper base 300 to slide such that the front guide protrusion 381 is inserted into the front guide groove 410.

[00162] In one example, the rear guide groove 420 has a second guide face 424 so that the rear guide protrusion 386 formed on the upper base 300 is seated thereon. In front of the second guide face 424, a second front inclined face 422 that is inclined downward from the top face of the lower top panel 400 to the second guide face 424 is formed. In rear of the second guide face 424, a second rear inclined face 426 that is inclined downward from the top face of the lower top panel 400 to the second guide face 424 is formed.

[00163] In some implementations, the second front inclined face 422 and the second rear inclined face 426 may allow the front guide protrusion 381 of the upper base 300 to slide so that the front guide protrusion 381 is inserted into the front guide groove 410.

[00164] Hereinafter, a process in which the upper treating apparatus 100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure is seated on the lower treating apparatus 200 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00165] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross-sectional views showing a stacked state of an upper treating apparatus and a lower treating apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper base and the lower top panel according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[00166] As shown, according to the present disclosure, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is stacked on the lower treating apparatus 200, the support protrusion 380 formed 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 on the upper base 300 is interposed between the lower side panel 214 of the lower treating apparatus 200 and the upper side panel 117 of the upper treating apparatus 100 to support the upper side panel 117 with respect to the lower side panel 214.

[00167] In some implementations, the front guide protrusion 381 of the upper base 300 is inserted into the front guide groove 410 of the lower top panel 400. The rear guide protrusion 386 of the upper base 300 is inserted into the rear guide groove 420 of the lower top panel 400.

[00168] In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first front inclined face 384 or the first rear inclined face 385 of the front guide protrusion 381 may slide on and along the first front inclined face 412 or the first rear inclined face 416 of the front guide groove 410 so that the front guide protrusion 381 may be inserted into the front guide groove 410.

[00169] Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second front inclined face 388 or the second rear inclined face 389 of the rear guide protrusion 386 may slide on and along the second front inclined face 422 or the second rear inclined face 426 of the rear guide groove 420 so that the rear guide protrusion 386 may be inserted into the rear guide groove 420.

[00170] In one example, the lower top panel 400 as described above may be manufactured by press-molding a metal plate of a predetermined thickness. Further, the front guide groove 410 and the rear guide groove 420 formed in the lower top panel 400 may be formed via press-molding when manufacturing the lower top panel 400.

[00171] In some implementations, as long as the lower top panel 400 performs strengthincreasing and fire-retardant functions while supporting the upper treating apparatus 100, the lower top panel 400 may be made of other materials than the metal plate, and may be manufactured by methods other than the press-molding of the metal plate.

[00172] For example, the lower top panel 400 may be manufactured by injection molding of a synthetic resin material having a flame retardant function. During the injection molding, the front guide groove 410 and the rear guide groove 420 may be integrally formed with the lower top panel 400.

[00173] In one example, as shown in FIG. 8, predefined spacing for insulation between the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200 may be formed between the support protrusion 380 of the upper base 300, the lower top panel 400, the upper side panel 117, and the lower side panel 214.

[00174] First, the upper horizontal bent portion 177a of the upper side panel 117 and the lower horizontal bent portion 214a of the lower side panel 214 may be spaced apart from 27 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 each other by a first spacing D1. Further, when the reinforcing frame 215 is disposed on the lower side panel 214, the horizontal frame 216 of the reinforcing frame 215 and the upper horizontal bent portion 117a of the upper side panel 117 may be spaced from each other by a second spacing D2 smaller than the first spacing D1.

[00175] In some implementations, the first spacing D1 and the second spacing D2 may be a spacing between the upper side panel 117 and the lower side panel 214 and thus act as the insulating spacing between the upper treating apparatus 100 and the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00176] In one example, the base support portion 177c of the upper side panel 117 may have a third spacing D3 from the upper horizontal bent portion 177a of the upper side panel 117. The third spacing D3 may be smaller than a sum of a thickness of the support protrusion 380 of the upper base 300 and a thickness of the support face 430 of the lower top panel 400.

[00177] Therefore, the horizontal bent portion 177a of the upper side panel 117 may be spaced apart from and thus may be insulated from the lower horizontal bent portion 214a of the lower side panel 214 when the base support portion 177c\ is supported on the support protrusion 380.

[00178] In some implementations, when the reinforcing frame 215 is further disposed on the lower side panel 214, the base support portion 177c of the upper side panel 117 may have a fourth spacing D4 from the lower horizontal bent portion 214a of the lower side panel 214.

[00179] In one example, the fourth spacing D4 may be equal to a sum of a thickness of the support protrusion 380 of the upper base 300, a thickness of the support face 430 of the lower top panel 400, and a thickness of the horizontal frame 216 of the reinforcing frame 215. The horizontal bent portion 117a of the side panel 117 may have the first spacing D1 from the lower horizontal bent portion 214a.

[00180] In some implementations, the first spacing D1 may be the spacing between the lower horizontal bent portion 214a of the lower side panel 214 and the upper horizontal bent portion 177a of the upper side panel 117 as described above. As shown, the first spacing D1 may be larger than a thickness of the horizontal frame 216 of the reinforcing frame 215.

[00181] In one example, the support face 430 interposed between the upper side panel 117 and the lower side panel 214 may be spaced apart from the vertical bent portion 177b of the upper side panel 117 by a fifth spacing D5. The fifth spacing D5 between the support face 28 2023202968  18 Mar 2026 430 and the vertical bent portion 177b may act as an insulating space between the lower treating apparatus 200 and the upper side panel 117.

[00182] As described above, the support protrusion 380 may be spaced from the vertical bent portion 177b inward of the horizontal bent portion 177a of the upper side panel 117 by a predetermined spacing. The base support portion 177c may be placed on a top of the support protrusion 380.

[00183] As a result, the support protrusion 380 may be spaced apart from the vertical bent portion 177b of the upper side panel 117 by a predetermined spacing and may be positioned inwardly of the upper side panel or inwardly of the horizontal bent portion 177a. Further, the support protrusion 380 may be disposed under the base support portion 177c while being spaced apart by a predetermined spacing from the vertical bent portion 177b.

[00184] Therefore, in the stack-type laundry treating apparatus 10 according to implementations of the present disclosure as described above, when the upper treating apparatus 100 is stacked on a top of the lower treating apparatus 200, the front guide protrusion 381 and the rear guide protrusion 386 formed on the upper base 300 of the upper treating apparatus 100 are respectively inserted into the front guide groove 410 and the rear guide groove 420 formed in the lower top panel 400 of the lower treating apparatus 200. Thus, the upper treating apparatus 100 may be stacked on and in an aligned state with respect to the lower treating apparatus 200.

[00185] Further, in the stack-type laundry treating apparatus 10 according to implementations of the present disclosure as described above, the plurality of spaces for insulation are formed between the upper side panel of the upper treating apparatus and the lower side panel of the lower treating apparatus. In this way, the upper treating apparatus and the lower treating apparatus may be insulated from each other.

[00186] As described above, the preferred implementations according to the present disclosure has been described in detail. However, a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may implement the present disclosure in various modified manners without deviating from the scope and the spirit of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the modifications of the implementations according to the present disclosure may fall into the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A stack-type laundry treating system comprising:an upper treating apparatus including:an upper cabinet including an upper base that defines a bottom of the upper treating apparatus and an upper side panel that defines a side face of the upper treating apparatus, anda drying drum disposed in the upper cabinet; anda lower treating apparatus including:a lower cabinet including a lower top panel that defines a top face of the lower treating apparatus and a lower side panel that defines a side face of the lower treating apparatus,a tub disposed in the lower cabinet,a washing drum disposed in the tub,wherein the upper base comprises a support protrusion extended from a bottom portion thereof having a downward component and an outward component and interposed between the upper side panel and the lower side panel to support the upper side panel, the support protrusion being made of an electrical insulating material; andwherein the lower top panel comprises a support face interposed between the lower side panel and the support protrusion, and the support face supports the support protrusion and is spaced apart from the upper side panel by the support protrusion to maintain an electrical insulation state between the upper treating apparatus and the lower treating apparatus.

2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe lower top panel further comprises a guide groove formed adjacent to the lower side panel and recessed inwardly of the lower treating apparatus and extending in a front-rear direction, andwherein the upper base further comprises a guide protrusion that is integrally formed with the upper base and that protrudes downward, andwherein the guide protrusion slides along the guide groove when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on and aligned in the front-rear direction with the lower treating apparatus.2023202968  18 Mar 20263.      The system of claim 2, wherein the guide protrusion is disposed at both sides of theupper base.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide protrusion comprises:at least one of a front guide protrusion disposed at a front portion of the upper base and a rear guide protrusion disposed at a rear portion of the upper base; andat least one of a front guide groove corresponding to the front guide protrusion and a rear guide groove corresponding to the rear guide protrusion.

5. The system of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the guide groove includes an inclinedface on which the guide protrusion slides when the upper treating apparatus is stacked on and aligned in the front-rear direction with the lower treating apparatus.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the guide groove further includes a guide groove facethat extends horizontally in the front-rear direction.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein in a state where the upper treating apparatus is stackedon and aligned with the lower treating apparatus, the guide protrusion is seated on the guide groove face.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the inclined face of the guide groove face isdisposed at at least one of a front end of the guide groove face and a rear end of the guide groove face.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the inclined face of the guide groove includes a frontinclined face that is inclined downward toward the rear.

10. The system of claims 9, wherein the front inclined face of the guide groove has anauxiliary guide face extending forwardly.

11. The system of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the guide protrusion has:a guide face; and2023202968  18 Mar 2026an inclined face inclined upwardly from an end of the guide face.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the inclined face of the guide protrusion is disposedat at least one of a front end of the guide face and a rear end of the guide face.

13. The system of claims 11 or 12, wherein an outer edge of the guide face of the guideprotrusion has a curved face.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the lower top panel is mounted at the lower side paneland the support protrusion is mounted at the lower top panel, and the upper side panel is mounted at the support protrusion.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the support protrusion is disposed at an inside of anouter surface of the upper side panel and the lower side panel.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the upper side panel and the lower side panel arespaced apart from each other, wherein the support protrusion supports the upper side panel and a side portion of the support protrusion is spaced apart inwardly from the outer surface of the upper side panel, and wherein the lower top panel is spaced apart from the upper side panel.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the upper side panel comprises a base support portionhorizontally extending and disposed on the support protrusion.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the upper side panel further comprises:an upper horizontal bent portion horizontally inwardly extending from a bottom of the upper side panel, anda vertical bent portion extending upward from an end of the upper horizontal bent portion, andwherein the base support portion extends from an end of the vertical bent portion.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein a top portion of the support protrusion supports thebase support portion of the upper side panel.2023202968  18 Mar 202620.     The system of claim 15, wherein a side portion of the support protrusion and thesupport face of the lower top panel are spaced apart from the outer surface of the upper side panel.

Images