Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a laundry treating apparatus to which a control signal for a treatment process can be input through a control panel. A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a main body in which laundry is accommodated such that a treatment process for the laundry can be performed; a cabinet cover covering the main body to form an exterior, the cabinet cover having a first through hole formed in a front upper end portion thereof and a second through hole formed lower than a center of the first through hole; a control panel installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed through the first through hole; and a control button installed inside the cabinet cover, partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole, so as to come into contact with the control panel when pushed by a user, in which the cabinet cover has a hook-like protrusion protruding toward the rear from a periphery of the second through hole, and the control panel is fastened to the hook-like protrusion and coupled to an inner side surface of the cabinet cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus, and more particularly, to a clothes treating apparatus in which a control signal for a treatment cycle may be input through a control panel. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a laundry treatment apparatus is an apparatus for treating laundry by applying physical and chemical effects to the laundry. The term "laundry treatment apparatus" is used to collectively refer to a washing apparatus for removing pollutants from laundry, a drying apparatus for drying laundry by rotating a washing tub containing the laundry at a high speed, a drying apparatus for drying wet laundry by applying hot air into the washing tub, and the like.

[0003] In this regard, clothes treating apparatuses that have recently appeared not only perform washing, dry-cleaning, and drying functions separately in respective apparatuses but are also configured to perform all of the above functions together in one clothes treating apparatus.

[0004] Therefore, when processing clothes, a series of operations such as a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, a drying process, etc. can be appropriately controlled through user manipulation or automatic control.

[0005] A typical laundry treatment apparatus includes a control panel configured to display visual information related to a treatment operation to a user and to receive user input. That is, the control panel is provided for a user interface (UI).

[0006] Therefore, the control panel may include an input unit or a selection unit, such as various buttons for user operation and various display units that provide information to the user. All of these various input units, selection units, and display units may be referred to as a user interface.

[0007] Meanwhile, according to the recent trend of attaching importance to the exterior design of the laundry processing apparatus, the cabinet cover defining the exterior of the laundry processing apparatus may be designed as an integrated sheet metal product to achieve a seamless structure. In this case, the control panel provided on the front surface of the laundry processing apparatus for user access and operation also needs to match the exterior design of the laundry processing apparatus designed to have a seamless structure.

[0008] Regarding a laundry treating apparatus including a control panel as described above, Korean Patent No. 10-2257622 (hereinafter referred to as "Conventional Document 1") discloses a washing apparatus.

[0009] Specifically, disclosed are a control panel arranged on the upper front portion of the cabinet cover to face the front of the product, an operating unit installed on the control panel to select a specific washing course and accompanying options by rotating a knob, a display configured to selectively display the washing course and options based on the operation of the operating unit, and the like.

[0010] In the case of the clothes treating apparatus in the prior art document 1, in view of the fact that the control panel is installed to be separated from the front surface of the cabinet cover by a parting line, there is inevitably a limitation in designing the clothes treating apparatus having a seamless structure.

[0011] Furthermore, since the structure of the control panel is relatively complicated in that a knob for user operation is applied, there is a problem in that a structure for coupling the control panel to the cabinet cover designed as an integrated sheet metal product also becomes complicated.

[0012] In addition, Korean Patent No. 10-2013-0109356 (hereinafter referred to as "Conventional Document 2") discloses a washing machine.

[0013] Specifically, a cabinet, a control panel provided on a front surface of the cabinet, a display unit mounted on the control panel such that a front surface thereof is exposed in front of the control panel, and the like are disclosed.

[0014] In the clothes treating apparatus of the prior art document 2, since the control panel is also installed to be separated by a parting line at the front top of the cabinet, there is inevitably a limitation in designing the clothes treating apparatus into a seamless structure.

[0015] In addition, the display unit is provided in a touch screen type and performs input and display functions. However, there is a problem in that the display unit is not directly coupled to the cabinet but has a complicated structure in which the display unit is assembled to the cabinet in a state of being mounted to the control panel assembly.

[0016] As described above, in the case where the laundry treating apparatus includes a control panel, there is also a problem in that the control panel should be easily mounted on the cabinet cover while also ensuring that the control panel also matches the exterior design of the cabinet cover.

[0017] However, conventional clothes treating apparatuses have limitations in that the above-mentioned problems cannot be sufficiently solved. Utility Model Content

[0018] Technical issues

[0019] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems of a clothes treating apparatus including a control panel.

[0020] In particular, the present disclosure is directed to providing a clothes treating apparatus in which a parting line between a cabinet cover and a control panel is minimized so that the control panel can be matched with an exterior design having a seamless structure.

[0021] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a clothes treating apparatus in which only a portion of a control panel that is essential for exposure to a user is exposed to the outside so that the control panel can match an exterior design having a seamless structure.

[0022] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a clothes treating apparatus in which a structure of a cabinet cover on which a control panel is mounted is optimized so that the clothes treating apparatus can be manufactured more easily and efficiently.

[0023] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not described above will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skills in the relevant field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0024] Technical Solution

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry processing device is provided, comprising: a main body configured to accommodate laundry and perform a processing operation on the laundry; a cabinet cover configured to cover the main body to define an exterior, the cabinet cover having a first through hole arranged at a front upper end portion of the cabinet cover and a second through hole arranged to be lower than a center of the first through hole; a control panel installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole, so that a user can input a control signal for the processing operation; and a control button installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole, wherein the cabinet cover has a hook-shaped protrusion protruding backward from a periphery of the second through hole, and wherein the control panel is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion and coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0026] In order to achieve the above purpose or other purposes, the laundry processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured so that no parting line is formed between the cabinet cover and the control panel on the outside. Specifically, the control panel is installed inside the cabinet cover forming the outside, so that the control panel is not separated from the cabinet cover on the outside.

[0027] In addition, the laundry processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured so that the portion of the control panel that is not directly necessary for user operation is not exposed to the outside. Specifically, the control panel is installed inside the cabinet cover, and only a portion of the control panel is configured to be exposed to the outside through the first through hole provided in the cabinet cover.

[0028] In addition, the laundry processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the structure of the cabinet cover is suitable for the installation of the control panel while improving manufacturing efficiency. Specifically, the control panel is configured to be fastened to a hook-shaped protrusion protruding from a second through hole provided in the cabinet cover.

[0029] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hook at the lower end portion of the control panel may be inserted and fastened into the hook hole penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an upper end portion of the control panel may be screwed to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0031] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pair of the second through holes and the control buttons may be symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the control panel, respectively.

[0032] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control panel may be fastened to two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions provided at the pair of second through holes, respectively.

[0033] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a window in the control panel may be coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover, and a coating guide supporting the touch screen may be fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0034] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a board cover on which a printed circuit board is mounted may be coupled to a rear surface of the coating guide.

[0035] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a panel frame pressing a rear surface of the control panel may be coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0036] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a frame protrusion provided on the panel frame may press a rear surface of the board cover.

[0037] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a first sealing member interposed between the window and the coating guide.

[0038] In addition, the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a second sealing member interposed between the coating guide and the plate cover.

[0039] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communication part may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover in a state of being coupled to the bottom of the control panel.

[0040] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the UI may be arranged into a fixed UI section and a variable UI section, respectively, according to characteristics thereof, and the fixed UI section and the variable UI section are provided on the control panel.

[0041] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch screen is displayed through a transmissive area provided in a portion of a window, and the rest of the window may be provided as a non-transmissive area.

[0042] The technical solutions to the technical problems to be solved in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described technical solutions, and other technical solutions not described above will be clearly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main configuration of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a control panel installed on a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel installed on a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a window of a control panel is coupled to an inner surface of a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a coating guide of a control panel is fastened to an inner surface of a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a panel frame presses a rear surface of a control panel in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating in more detail a hook-shaped protrusion provided on a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.10is a diagram illustrating a fixed UI section and a variable UI section of a control panel in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.11a is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a transmission area and a non-transmission area of ​​a control panel in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig.11b and Fig.11c is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a button lever contact type of a control panel in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 12 to Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a transmission area and a non-transmission area of ​​a control panel are provided in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same figure numerals represent the same elements, and their redundant descriptions will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components used in the following description are only given or used interchangeably for ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have different meanings or functions in themselves. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, when it is determined that the detailed description of the relevant known technology may confuse the main points of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings are only used to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein are not limited to the drawings, and include all changes, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Terms including ordinal numbers (eg, first and second) may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0057] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that these components can be directly connected or joined to another component, but there may be other components between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0058] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0059] In this document, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are only intended to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in this specification, but do not exclude the presence or addition of other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0060] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main configuration of a clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body 100 , a cabinet cover 200 , and a control panel 300 .

[0062] The main body 100 is a portion that accommodates laundry to perform a treatment operation on the laundry, and is capable of performing at least one of washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying.

[0063] In this case, the main body 100 may include a washing tub 110, wherein laundry is put into its inner space, so that at least one of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying can be performed. A laundry inlet for putting laundry into the washing tub 110 may be provided on one surface of the washing tub 110.

[0064] In addition, the laundry inlet may be configured to be opened / closed by the door 10 , such that the laundry inlet may be closed by the door 10 during at least one of washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying.

[0065] Meanwhile, the washing tub 110 may include a tub configured to contain washing water. The tub may be placed on a damper mounted on a base forming the bottom surface of the cabinet cover 200, and connected to a spring mounted inside the cabinet cover 200 in a suspended manner, and may be buffered and supported by the damper and the spring.

[0066] The tub has a sideways cylindrical structure, and a drum may be disposed inside the tub, and a motor may be mounted on a rear surface of the tub, the motor being a driving mechanism configured to rotate the drum.

[0067] The drum is a portion configured to accommodate laundry, which may be configured as a cylindrical structure in which a lower portion is placed sideways like a tub to be immersed in wash water in the tub and may be rotatably arranged inside the tub.

[0068] The drum has a plurality of holes provided in a peripheral portion thereof to allow wash water or air to enter and exit through the plurality of holes, and a lifter configured to lift and lower the laundry may be installed on an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral portion.

[0069] The cabinet cover 200 is a portion that covers the main body 100 to form an exterior, and the main components of the main body 100 may be placed in an inner space of the cabinet cover. In addition, the door 10 may be installed on a portion of the cabinet cover 200. In addition, the controller 800 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 to control the main components related to the processing operation of the above-mentioned laundry processing device 1000.

[0070] In addition, a control panel 300 may be installed on the cabinet cover 200, and the laundry treating apparatus 1000 may display visual information related to the treating operation to the user and receive user input via the control panel 300. That is, the control panel 300 may be provided for a user interface (UI).

[0071] In this case, the control panel 300 can be installed in the front upper part of the cabinet cover 200 for user access and operation. To this end, the cabinet cover 200 can have a first through hole 201 in the front upper end portion, and the control panel 300 can be disposed in the first through hole 201.

[0072] Meanwhile, according to a recent trend of attaching importance to the exterior design of the clothes treating apparatus 1000 , the cabinet cover 200 defining the exterior of the clothes treating apparatus 1000 may be designed as an integrated sheet metal product to achieve a seamless structure.

[0073] In this case, the control panel 300 provided in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200 for user access and operation also needs to match the exterior design of the clothes treating apparatus 1000 designed as a seamless structure.

[0074] To this end, the control panel 300 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and may be partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole 201 so that a user can input a control signal for a process operation.

[0075] That is, the control panel 300 may be installed inside the cabinet cover 200 instead of being installed to be separated from the front surface of the cabinet cover 200 by the parting line.

[0076] In this manner, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, the control panel 300 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 forming the exterior, so that the control panel 300 is not separated from the cabinet cover 200 at the exterior. Therefore, the aesthetics and productivity of the laundry processing apparatus 1000 can be improved by designing the cabinet cover 200 as an integrated sheet metal product.

[0077] Furthermore, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, the control panel 300 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200, and only a portion of the control panel 300 is exposed to the outside through the first through hole 201 in the cabinet cover 200. Therefore, by minimizing the exposure of the portion of the control panel 300 that does not need to be exposed to the user, the exterior design of the laundry processing apparatus 1000 can be implemented in a seamless structure.

[0078] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a control panel 300 installed on a cabinet cover 200 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel 300 to be mounted on a cabinet cover 200 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a window 310 of a control panel 300 is attached to an inner surface of a cabinet cover 200 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a coating guide 330 of a control panel 300 is fastened to an inner surface of a cabinet cover 200 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 includes a window 310 , a touch screen 320 , and a coating guide 330 .

[0080] The window 310 is a portion in which the front surface except the area corresponding to the first through hole 201 is joined to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, and may have a structure in which a portion of the front surface of the control panel 300 is joined to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 and supported on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200.

[0081] That is, the window 310 has a relatively larger area than the first through hole 201 , so that a central portion of the window 310 may be disposed in the first through hole 201 , and the remaining outer portion may be coupled to the cabinet cover 200 .

[0082] Meanwhile, the window 310 may have a step formed between the area corresponding to the first through hole 201 and the rest. That is, the central portion of the window 310 may have a shape protruding forward from the rest of the outer portion so that the central portion of the window 310 can be inserted into the first through hole 201.

[0083] In this case, there is no step between the front surface of the central portion of the window 310 and the outer surface of the cabinet cover 200 , and thus the aesthetic appearance can be ensured.

[0084] The touch screen 320 is a portion connected to the rear surface of the window 310 and can be a screen that is configured to allow input data to be received directly from the screen when a touch object such as a human hand or an object (e.g., a stylus) touches text displayed on the screen or a specific position of the screen, so that the position can be recognized and specific processing can be performed by stored software.

[0085] In this case, the touch screen 320 may be provided with a touch sensor that may detect a touch input applied to the touch screen 320 using at least one of various touch types such as resistance type, capacitance type, infrared type, ultrasonic type, and magnetic field type.

[0086] In this way, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, a corresponding signal may be sent to the control box. The control box may process the signal and then transmit the corresponding data to the controller 800. As a result, the controller 800 may recognize which areas of the touch screen 320 are touched, etc. Here, the control box may be a component separate from the controller 800, or may be the controller 800 itself.

[0087] Meanwhile, the controller 800 may perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object touching the touch screen 320. Whether to perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to the operating state of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 or the running application.

[0088] Therefore, the touch screen 320 can not only display visual information related to the treatment operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1000 to the user, but also receive a user input for the treatment operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1000 .

[0089] That is, the touch screen 320 of the control panel 300 may simultaneously perform the functions of a display unit for providing information to the user and an input unit or a selection unit for user operations.

[0090] In this case, the touch screen 320 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electronic ink (E-ink) display.

[0091] The coating guide 330 is a portion that is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while supporting the touch screen 320 on the rear surface of the touch screen 320, and may have a structure in which a portion of the control panel 300 other than the front surface is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 and supported on the inner surface.

[0092] That is, in a state in which the touch screen 320 is coupled to the front surface of the cabinet cover 200 , by pressing the rear surface of the window 310 , the coating guide 330 may be fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0093] Therefore, the control panel 300 may have a structure in which a portion of the front surface of the entire structure is bonded to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 , and a portion other than the front surface is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0094] In this case, the coating guide 330 on which the touch screen 320 is supported may be coated to prevent external moisture or the like from penetrating into the touch screen 320 .

[0095] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the window 310 of the control panel 300 is coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, and the coating guide 330 supporting the touch screen 320 is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, the control panel 300 directly connected to the inside of the cabinet cover 200 can be easily and stably installed.

[0096] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may further include a board cover 340 coupled to a rear surface of the coating guide 330 in a state where a printed circuit board (PCB) 341 connected to the touch screen 320 is mounted thereon.

[0097] That is, the printed circuit board 341 may have various circuit components mounted thereon and be connected to the touch screen 320. Therefore, input signals and output signals for the touch screen 320 may be connected to the controller 800 via the printed circuit board 341. In this case, the printed circuit board 341 may be the above-mentioned control box or the controller 800 itself.

[0098] Meanwhile, a hole is provided in a portion of the coating guide 330 to communicate the front surface and the rear surface with each other so that the touch screen 320 and the printed circuit board 341 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0099] In order to protect and stably install the printed circuit board 341, the printed circuit board 341 may be mounted on the board cover 340 and connected to the touch screen 320. In particular, the board cover 340 may be coupled to the rear surface of the coating guide 330 on the front surface of which the touch screen 320 is disposed, thereby allowing the touch screen 320 and the printed circuit board 341 to be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0100] In this manner, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the board cover 340 on which the printed circuit board 341 is mounted is coupled to the rear surface of the coating guide 330 , the stably mounted printed circuit board 341 may be easily connected to the touch screen 320 .

[0101] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the panel frame 400 presses the rear surface of the control panel 300 in the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a panel frame 400 configured to press a rear surface of the control panel 300 and to be coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0103] Even when the control panel 300 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 having the above-described structure, the control panel 300 may be removed due to shock, vibration, and the like.

[0104] In particular, in view of the fact that the user should manipulate the control panel 300 installed inside the cabinet cover 200 in a manner of applying force inward from the outside of the cabinet cover 200, there is a risk that the control panel 300 may be separated to the rear side during continuous use.

[0105] Therefore, by mounting the panel frame 400 on the rear surface of the control panel 300 and causing the panel frame 400 to press the rear surface of the control panel 300 , it may be desirable to prevent the control panel 300 from being separated toward the rear side.

[0106] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the panel frame 400 configured to press the rear surface of the control panel 300 is connected to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, the control panel 300 can be prevented from being removed due to impact, vibration, etc.

[0107] In the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel frame 400 may be provided with a frame protrusion 410 protruding from the front surface of the panel frame 400 so as to be able to press the rear surface of the plate cover 340 .

[0108] That is, since the frame protrusion 410 protrudes from the front surface of the panel frame 400 and a portion of the frame protrusion 410 has a curved shape, when an external force is applied thereto, there is a space for elastic deformation.

[0109] Therefore, even when shock and vibration are applied to the control panel 300, the frame protrusion 410 pressing the rear surface of the control panel 300 can absorb the shock and vibration while being elastically deformed.

[0110] In this manner, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the frame protrusion 410 provided on the panel frame 400 presses the rear surface of the plate cover 340, shock and vibration applied to the control panel 300 may be partially alleviated.

[0111] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may further include a first sealing member 361 interposed between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 .

[0112] Since the touch screen 320 is disposed between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 , there is a risk that the touch screen 320 may be damaged when the space between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 is too narrow.

[0113] Therefore, it may be desirable to minimize the pressure applied to the touch screen 320 by interposing the first sealing member 361 between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 .

[0114] Furthermore, when external moisture or the like penetrates into the space between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 , there is a risk that the function of the touch screen 320 may be deteriorated.

[0115] Therefore, it may be desirable to interpose the first sealing member 361 between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 to prevent moisture from penetrating into the uncovered portion of the coating guide 330 .

[0116] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the first sealing member 361 is interposed between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 , waterproof and impact resistance can be ensured at the connection portion between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 .

[0117] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may further include a second sealing member 362 interposed between the coating guide 330 and the plate cover 340 .

[0118] Since the printed circuit board 341 is disposed between the coating guide 330 and the board cover 340 , there is a risk that the printed circuit board 341 may be damaged when the space between the coating guide 330 and the board cover 340 is too narrow.

[0119] Therefore, it may be desirable to minimize the pressure applied to the printed circuit board 341 by interposing the second sealing member 362 between the coating guide 330 and the board cover 340 .

[0120] Furthermore, when external moisture or the like penetrates into the space between the coating guide 330 and the board cover 340 , there is a risk that the function of the printed circuit board 341 may be deteriorated.

[0121] Therefore, it may be desirable to interpose the second sealing member 362 between the coating guide 330 and the board cover 340 to prevent moisture from penetrating into the portion not covered by the board cover 340 .

[0122] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the second sealing member 362 is interposed between the coating guide 330 and the plate cover 340 , waterproof and impact resistance can be ensured at the connection portion of the coating guide 330 and the plate cover 340 .

[0123] Fig. 9 2 is a diagram illustrating the hook-shaped protrusion 210 on the cabinet cover 200 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in more detail.

[0124] In the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet cover 200 may have a hook-shaped protrusion 210 that protrudes backward from the periphery of the second through hole 202 disposed lower than the center of the first through hole 201. In this case, the control panel 300 may be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 and coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200.

[0125] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control panel 300 is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 protruding from the second through hole 202 provided in the cabinet cover 200, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved by forming the hook-shaped protrusion 210 for fastening the control panel 300 when forming the second through hole 202.

[0126] In the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hook-shaped protrusion 210 may have a hook hole 211 penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in its longitudinal direction. In this case, when the hook 370 provided at the lower end of the coating guide 330 is inserted into the hook hole 211, the coating guide 330 may be fastened.

[0127] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the hook 370 at the lower end portion of the coating guide 330 is inserted into and fastened to the hook hole 211 penetrating the hook protrusion 210 in the longitudinal direction, the control panel 300 can be easily and stably fastened to the hook protrusion 210.

[0128] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper end portion of the coating guide 330 may be screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0129] That is, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the upper end portion of the coating guide 330 is screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, the coupling state between the cabinet cover 200 and the control panel 300 may be stably maintained.

[0130] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control button 500 installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole 202 to come into contact with the control panel 300 when pressed by a user.

[0131] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control button 500 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and the control button 500 is partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole 202 in the cabinet cover 200, the input of control signals such as power on / off signals and start / stop operation signals that are expected to be intuitively operated can be smoothly performed.

[0132] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of second through holes 202 and the control button 500 may be symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the control panel 300 , respectively.

[0133] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the second through hole 202 and the control button 500 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the control panel 300, multiple control signals can be input through the control button 500, and balance can be achieved in the external design.

[0134] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the hook-shaped protrusions 210 may be respectively provided at the second through holes 202. In this case, the control panel 300 may be fastened to the two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions 210.

[0135] That is, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control panel 300 is fastened to two corresponding hook protrusions 210 provided at a pair of second through holes 202, respectively, the control panel 300 can be fastened to the hook protrusions 210 while maintaining balance.

[0136] The laundry processing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a wireless communication unit 600 installed inside the cabinet cover 200 so as to be able to transmit wireless signals to the outside and receive wireless signals from the outside. In this case, the wireless communication unit 600 may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 and connected to the bottom of the control panel 300.

[0137] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the wireless communication unit 600 is mounted on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while being connected to the bottom of the control panel 300, the main components can be effectively arranged in the internal space of the cabinet cover 200, and the control panel 300 can be set higher in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200.

[0138] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a fixed UI section 301 and a variable UI section 302 of a control panel 300 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11a 1 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a transmission area 311 and a non-transmission area 312 of a control panel 300 in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11b and Fig.11c 2 is a diagram illustrating a contact type of a button lever 390 of a control panel 300 in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 to Figure 14 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a transmission area 311 and a non-transmission area 312 of a control panel 300 are provided in a laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] In the clothing processing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may include a fixed UI segment 301 and a variable UI segment 302, wherein a first control UI 301a whose display is fixed is provided in the fixed UI segment, and a second control UI 302a whose display-on / off and type are variable is provided in the variable UI segment.

[0140] That is, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the fixed UI section 301 and the variable UI section 302 provided in the control panel 300 are arranged according to UI characteristics, the user may more conveniently input a control signal for a treating operation.

[0141] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the area of ​​the window 310 corresponding to the first through hole 201 may be set as the transmission area 311, and the remaining portion may be set as the non-transmission area 312. In this case, the touch screen 320 may be coupled to the rear surface of the window 310 and perform display through the transmission area 311.

[0142] That is, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 is displayed through the transmissive area 311 set in a portion of the window 310, and the rest of the window 310 is set as the non-transmissive area 312, various external designs can be realized regardless of the shape of the touch screen 320.

[0143] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 100 , a cabinet cover 200 , a control panel 300 , and a control button 500 .

[0144] The main body 100 is a portion that accommodates laundry to perform a treatment operation on the laundry, and is capable of performing at least one of washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying.

[0145] The cabinet cover 200 is a portion covering the main body 100 to form the exterior, and has a first through hole 201 provided in a front upper portion thereof and a second through hole 202 provided lower than the center of the first through hole 201 .

[0146] That is, as described above, the first through hole 201 may be provided in the cabinet cover 200 to allow a portion of the control panel 300 to be exposed to the outside. In addition, the second through hole 202 may be provided lower than the center of the first through hole 201 so that the control button 500 may be provided therein.

[0147] The control panel 300 is a portion installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole 201 so that a control signal for a processing operation can be input by a user.

[0148] The control button 500 is a portion installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole 202 so as to be able to come into contact with the control panel 300 when pressed by a user.

[0149] That is, when the control button 500 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200, only the portion for user operation may be exposed to the outside through the second through hole 202. Therefore, the user can input a specific control signal associated with the control button 500 to the laundry processing apparatus 1000 by pressing the portion of the control button 500 exposed to the outside of the cabinet cover 200.

[0150] In this case, a specific control signal associated with the control button 500 is basically used due to its characteristics, such as a power on / off signal and an operation start / stop signal, but its type does not need to be changed. It is desirable to arrange the control signal so that the user can intuitively operate the control signal.

[0151] That is, it may be desirable to arrange signals such as a power on / off signal and an operation start / stop signal so that a user can operate the signals through a control button 500 that is fixedly installed separately from the control panel 300 .

[0152] Therefore, when the user presses the control button 500 , a portion of the control button 500 disposed inside the cabinet cover 200 contacts the control panel 300 , so that signals such as a power on / off signal and an operation start / stop signal may be input to the controller 800 .

[0153] Meanwhile, when the user presses the control button 500 , a portion of the control button 500 disposed inside the cabinet cover 200 may not contact the control panel 300 , but signals such as opening / closing and operation start / stop may be input to the controller 800 through a separate signal transmission path.

[0154] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet cover 200 may have a hook protrusion 210 protruding rearward from the periphery of the second through hole 202 , and the control panel 300 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while being fastened to the hook protrusion 210 .

[0155] That is, the periphery of the second through hole 202 provided through the cabinet cover 200 may be partially bent toward the rear side to provide the hook-shaped protrusion 210. In particular, the hook-shaped protrusion 210 is not a separate member coupled to the second through hole 202 of the cabinet cover 200, but may be formed by bending integrally with the second through hole 202 formed when the cabinet cover 200 is manufactured as a sheet metal product.

[0156] In addition, the control panel 300 may be configured as a structure supported by being fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 integrally provided with the periphery of the second through hole 202 .

[0157] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control panel 300 is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 protruding from the second through hole 202 provided in the cabinet cover 200, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved by forming the hook-shaped protrusion 210 for fastening the control panel 300 when forming the second through hole 202.

[0158] In the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the hook hole 211 may penetrate the hook protrusion 210 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and when the hook 370 is inserted into the hook hole 211 , the control panel 300 may be fastened.

[0159] That is, as described above, the hook protrusion 210 may have a shape protruding rearward from the periphery of the second through hole 202 , and the hook hole 211 may be provided in a shape penetrating the hook protrusion 210 in the longitudinal direction.

[0160] In addition, a hook 370 may protrude at a lower end portion of the control panel 300 , and the hook 370 may be inserted into and fastened to the hook hole 211 having a shape penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in the longitudinal direction.

[0161] In this case, since the second through hole 202 is disposed lower than the center of the first through hole 201 , the hook 370 at the lower end portion of the control panel 300 may be easily fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 protruding rearward from the periphery of the second through hole 202 .

[0162] Therefore, when the hook 370 is inserted into the hook hole 211 and fastened thereto, the forward and backward displacement of the control panel 300 can be limited by the hook protrusion 210. In addition, a portion of the control panel 300 can be placed on the upper surface of the hook protrusion 210, so that the upward and downward displacement of the control panel 300 can also be limited to a certain extent.

[0163] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the hook 370 at the lower end portion of the control panel 300 is inserted into the hook hole 211 penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion 210 in the longitudinal direction and fastened to the hook hole, the control panel 300 can be easily and stably fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210.

[0164] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper end portion of the control panel 300 may be screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0165] As described above, even when the hook 370 at the lower end portion of the control panel 300 is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 to be restricted from displacement, a relatively large displacement may occur at the upper end portion of the control panel 300 .

[0166] Therefore, in addition to fastening the lower end portion of the control panel 300, it may be desirable to fasten the upper end portion of the control panel 300 to the cabinet cover 200, thereby limiting the overall displacement of the control panel 300. To this end, the upper end portion of the control panel 300 may be fastened to the cabinet cover 200 by at least one screw 380.

[0167] In this manner, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the upper end portion of the control panel 300 is screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200, the coupling state between the cabinet cover 200 and the control panel 300 can be stably maintained.

[0168] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of second through holes 202 and the control buttons 500 may be symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the control panel 300 .

[0169] That is, on the front exterior of the laundry treating apparatus 1000, the second through holes 202 may be symmetrically disposed on the left and right sides of the control panel 300, respectively. In addition, the control button 500 may be disposed in each of the second through holes 202.

[0170] In this case, one control button 500 may be associated with a power on / off signal, and the other control button 500 may be associated with an operation start / stop signal.

[0171] In this way, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the second through hole 202 and the control button 500 are each arranged as a symmetrical pair on opposite sides of the control panel 300, multiple control signals can be input through the control button 500, and a balance in the appearance design can be achieved.

[0172] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hook-shaped protrusions 210 may be respectively provided at the second through holes 202 , and the control panel 300 may be fastened to two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions 210 .

[0173] That is, on the front exterior of the laundry processing apparatus 1000, the second through holes 202 may be symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the control panel 300, and the hook-shaped protrusions 210 may be respectively provided for the second through holes 202. In addition, a pair of hooks 370 may be provided at the lower end portion of the control panel 300 so that the hooks 370 may be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions 210, respectively.

[0174] When only one hook 370 is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 , displacement in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction can be limited to a certain extent, but when the control panel 300 is unbalanced left-right with respect to the hook 370 , there is a risk that rotational displacement may occur.

[0175] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a pair of hooks 370 at the lower end portion of the control panel 300 so that the hooks are fastened together to the hook-shaped protrusions 210 provided at the pair of second through holes 202 , respectively.

[0176] In this manner, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control panel 300 is respectively fastened to the two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions 210 provided at the pair of second through holes 202, the control panel 300 can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions 210 while maintaining balance.

[0177] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 100, a cabinet cover 200, a control panel 300, and a wireless communication unit 600. In this case, the wireless communication unit 600 may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while being coupled to the bottom of the control panel 300.

[0178] The wireless communication unit 600 is a part installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals to the outside. The wireless communication unit may be configured to receive a signal wirelessly input from outside the laundry processing apparatus 1000 and transmit the signal to the controller 800, or may be configured to wirelessly transmit a signal output from the controller 800 to the outside of the laundry processing apparatus 1000.

[0179] In this case, the wireless communication unit 600 may include at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RF communication modules. For example, the laundry processing device 1000 may be configured to perform wireless communication with a user's mobile terminal via a Wi-Fi communication module or a Bluetooth communication module. As another example, the laundry processing device 1000 may be configured to perform wireless communication with another household appliance (e.g., another independent laundry processing device 1000) via an RF communication module.

[0180] The wireless communication part 600 may be disposed in the inner space of the cabinet cover 200. However, in order to minimize the reduction in wireless communication efficiency, it may be desirable to arrange the wireless communication part as close to the outside of the cabinet cover 200 as possible in the inner space of the cabinet cover 200.

[0181] In particular, when the cabinet cover 200 is made of a metal material, in order to ensure that the wireless communication unit 600 smoothly performs wireless communication, it may be desirable to arrange the wireless communication unit 600 adjacent to the first through hole 201 or the second through hole 202 in the cabinet cover 200 .

[0182] Furthermore, since it is more effective to arrange the wireless communication portion 600 adjacent to the control panel 300 and the printed circuit board 341 , it may be more desirable to install the wireless communication portion 600 together with the control panel 300 .

[0183] Therefore, the wireless communication part 600 may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 in a state of being coupled to the control panel 300 , rather than being installed separately from the control panel 300 .

[0184] Meanwhile, since the overall height of the laundry processing apparatus 1000 is generally less than the height of the user's eyes, it is desirable to arrange the control panel 300 as high as possible in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200 in order to make it easier for the user to check and operate the control panel 300 .

[0185] Therefore, the first through hole 201 configured to expose a portion of the control panel 300 outside the cabinet cover 200 also needs to be provided as high as possible in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0186] In this case, when separate main components are provided on the top of the control panel 300 , it may be difficult to arrange the control panel 300 and the first through hole 201 as high as possible in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0187] Therefore, when the wireless communication part 600 coupled and mounted on the control panel 300 is coupled to the bottom of the control panel 300 , effective arrangement of the wireless communication part 600 and optimal arrangement of the control panel 300 may be achieved.

[0188] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the wireless communication unit 600 is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while being connected to the bottom of the control panel 300, the main components can be effectively arranged in the internal space of the cabinet cover 200, and the control panel 300 can be set higher in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200.

[0189] The laundry processing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sound output unit 700 installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and configured to output a sound signal for a processing operation. In this case, the sound output unit 700 may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 and coupled to the side surface of the control panel 300.

[0190] The sound output unit 700 is a component that guides a user to a specific item or draws the user's attention to a specific item through an auditory sound signal such as a buzzer or a speaker, and may be configured in various ways as needed.

[0191] The sound output unit 700 may be disposed in the inner space of the cabinet cover 200. However, it may be desirable to dispose the sound output unit in the inner space of the cabinet cover 200 as close as possible to the outside of the cabinet cover 200 to ensure that the sound signal is smoothly transmitted to the user.

[0192] Furthermore, since it is also more effective to arrange the acoustic output unit 700 adjacent to the control panel 300 and the printed circuit board 341 , it may be more desirable to install the acoustic output unit 700 together with the control panel 300 .

[0193] Therefore, the sound output unit 700 may also be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 in a state of being coupled to the control panel 300 , rather than being installed separately from the control panel 300 .

[0194] However, as described above, it is not desirable to couple the sound output unit 700 to the top of the control panel 300. In addition, in order to minimize interference with the wireless communication part 600 coupled to the bottom of the control panel 300, it may be desirable to couple the sound output unit 700 to the side surface of the control panel 300.

[0195] As described above, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the sound output unit 700 is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 while being connected to the side surface of the control panel 300, the sound output unit 700 can also be arranged to match the most effective arrangement of the control panel 300.

[0196] Meanwhile, with regard to the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the wireless communication unit 600 and the sound output unit 700 are respectively arranged at the bottom of the control panel 300 and on the side surface of the control panel 300, but the laundry processing apparatus is not necessarily limited thereto. If necessary, the wireless communication unit 600 and the sound output unit 700 may be respectively arranged on the side surface of the control panel 300 and at the bottom of the control panel 300.

[0197] In addition, within the range of preventing the wireless communication section 600 and the sound output unit 700 from interfering with each other, both the wireless communication section 600 and the sound output unit 700 may be provided at the bottom of the control panel 300 or on the side surface of the control panel 300 .

[0198] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may include a window 310, a touch screen 320, and a coating guide 330, so that the control panel 300 directly coupled to the inside of the cabinet cover 200 may be easily and stably installed.

[0199] In this case, the wireless communication part 600 may be coupled to the bottom of the coating guide 330 , and the sound output unit 700 may be coupled to a side surface of the coating guide 330 .

[0200] As described above, the coating guide 330 is a portion that supports the touch screen 320. In view of the fact that the coating guide 330 has a certain level of rigidity in the control panel 300 and does not have high functional sensitivity, the coating guide 330 may be most desirably coupled with other components.

[0201] Therefore, it may be desirable to couple the wireless communication part 600 to the bottom of the coating guide 330 in the control panel 300 , and couple the sound output unit 700 to the side surface of the coating guide 330 .

[0202] In this way, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the wireless communication unit 600 and the sound output unit 700 are respectively connected to the bottom and side surfaces of the coating guide 330, the wireless communication unit 600 and the sound output unit 700 can be connected to the most desired part of the control panel 300.

[0203] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 100 , a cabinet cover 200 , and a control panel 300 . In this case, the control panel 300 may include a fixed UI section 301 and a variable UI section 302 .

[0204] The control panel 300 is a portion exposed outside the cabinet cover 200 so that a user can input a control signal for the laundry treating apparatus 1000. The user can input an operation signal for each component of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 by operating the control panel 300.

[0205] In this case, a UI is provided on the control panel 300 so that a user may operate the UI provided on the control panel 300 to input an operation signal for each component of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 .

[0206] On the other hand, among UIs, there may be a UI that is basically used due to its characteristics but whose display does not need to be changed. In addition, among UIs, there may be a UI that needs to be used while changing into various types due to its characteristics.

[0207] In this manner, since the UIs arranged on the control panel 300 are differently operated by the user according to their characteristics, it is desirable to arrange the corresponding UIs individually in consideration of their characteristics so that the user can use the UIs more conveniently.

[0208] To this end, the first control UI 301a whose display is fixed can be set in the fixed UI section 301. In this case, the first control UI 301a (e.g., setting UI) is basically used due to its characteristics, but its display does not need to be changed. Therefore, the user can recognize that the first control UI is always set there on the control panel 300.

[0209] In addition, a second control UI 302a whose state and type are variable may be provided in the variable UI section 302. In this case, the second control UI 302a needs to be used while changing into various types due to its characteristics, and the user needs to operate the second control UI 302a while checking the state and type of the currently implemented UI.

[0210] As described above, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the fixed UI section 301 and the variable UI section 302 provided in the control panel 300 are arranged according to UI characteristics, the user may more conveniently input a control signal for a treating operation.

[0211] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation signal for the first control UI 301 a may be input to the fixed UI section 301 through a button lever contact type.

[0212] In this case, the button lever contact type may refer to a contact type having a structure in which, when a user operates the fixed UI section 301 , a separate button lever 390 capable of connecting an electrical signal moves and transmits a corresponding signal to the control box or controller 800 .

[0213] That is, when the user touches the fixed UI section 301 by touching, pressing, etc., the button rod 390 arranged to be brought into the corresponding part at one end is pressed and pushed backward. In this case, when the other end of the button rod 390 contacts the control box or the controller 800, an electrical signal can be connected, and as a result, a control signal that the user wishes to input can be transmitted to the controller 800.

[0214] As described above, the first control UI 301a provided in the fixed UI section 301 can be controlled by a simple operation by the user without changing the display. Therefore, a button lever contact type that is relatively easy to operate may be desirable for the first control UI.

[0215] In this manner, in the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the fixed UI section 301 is operated by the button lever contact type, the user can easily operate the fixed UI section 301 whose display is fixed.

[0216] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation signal for the second control UI 302a may be input into the variable UI section 302 by a touch type.

[0217] In this case, the touch type may refer to a contact type having a structure in which, when a touch object such as a human hand or an object (e.g., a stylus) touches the second control UI 302a appearing in the variable UI segment 302 through a separate touch sensor, etc., a corresponding signal may be transmitted to the control box or controller 800.

[0218] As described above, given that the second control UI 302a arranged in the variable UI section 302 needs to be used while changing into various types due to its characteristics, a touch type that allows the user to operate the UI while checking the state and type of the UI being implemented by the user may be desirable for the second control UI.

[0219] In particular, since the type of the second control UI 302a also changes in the variable UI section 302, it may be convenient to allow various types of UI changes by touching the screen of a specific area.

[0220] In this manner, in the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the variable UI section 302 is operated by a touch type, the user can effectively operate the variable UI section whose display-on / off and type changes.

[0221] At the same time, the first control UI 301a may include at least one of a power UI, an operation UI and a setting UI. On the power UI, the power on / off of the clothing treatment device 1000 can be selected, on the operation UI, the operation on / off of the clothing treatment device 1000 can be selected, and on the setting UI, the settings of the clothing treatment device 1000 can be selected.

[0222] The second control UI 302a is an operation UI on which an operation type of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 may be selected, a laundry UI on which a type of laundry accommodated in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 may be selected, and a time UI on which an operation time of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 may be selected.

[0223] The operation UI is used to set a program to be performed on laundry in the laundry treating apparatus 1000. It is necessary to operate the operation UI while checking the state and type of the UI currently being implemented.

[0224] Similarly, the laundry UI is used to select the type of laundry to be processed in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 so that optimal processing can be performed accordingly. The laundry UI needs to be operated while checking the state and type of the UI currently being implemented.

[0225] Furthermore, similarly, the time UI is used to set the time for treating the laundry in the laundry treating apparatus 1000. It is also necessary to operate the time UI while checking the state and type of the UI currently being implemented.

[0226] Therefore, it may be desirable to arrange the operation UI, clothing UI, and time UI in the variable UI section 302 to be variable in display-on / off and type.

[0227] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may include a window 310, a touch screen 320, and a coating guide 330, so that the control panel 300 directly coupled to the inside of the cabinet cover 200 may be easily and stably installed.

[0228] In this case, the touch screen 320 may be provided in the variable UI section 302 .

[0229] When the touch screen 320 is a screen configured to determine the position when a touch object such as a human hand or an object (e.g., a stylus) touches a character displayed on the screen or a specific position on the screen; and allows input materials to be directly received therefrom, so that specific processing can be performed by stored software. The controller 800 can change the display-on / off and type to correspond to the type of the touch object touching the touch screen 320.

[0230] As described above, in the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 is provided in the variable UI section 302 , the variable UI section 302 in which display-on / off and type change can be smoothly implemented on the touch screen 320 .

[0231] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first through hole 201 may be provided as a circular opening surface. In this case, the touch screen 320 may be manufactured in a quadrilateral shape having a height Hs relatively smaller than a diameter Dh of the first through hole 201 .

[0232] That is, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 has a height relatively smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 201 arranged in a circular shape, a circular display can be realized in the external design even when the touch screen 320 is not manufactured in a relatively expensive circular structure.

[0233] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the area of ​​the window 310 corresponding to the first through hole 201 may be set as the transmission area 311, and the remaining portion may be set as the non-transmission area 312. In this case, the touch screen 320 may be coupled to the rear surface of the window 310 and perform display through the transmission area 311.

[0234] That is, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 is displayed through the transmissive area 311 set in a portion of the window 310, and the rest of the window 310 is set as the non-transmissive area 312, various external designs can be realized regardless of the shape of the touch screen 320.

[0235] The laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 100, a cabinet cover 200, and a control panel 300. In this case, the control panel 300 may include a window 310 and a touch screen 320.

[0236] A portion of the window 310 corresponding to the first through hole 201 may be set as the transmissive region 311, and the remaining portion may be set as the non-transmissive region 312. In this case, the touch screen 320 may be coupled to the rear surface of the window 310 and perform display through the transmissive region 311.

[0237] The transmission area 311 refers to an area configured to transmit at least a portion of light so that the opposite side or the inside is visible. Therefore, the transmission area 311 may be a concept including a semi-transmission area.

[0238] Specifically, Fig.12 As shown in , the window 310 may be made of a transmissive material. That is, the window 310 may be made of a transmissive glass material or a synthetic resin material.

[0239] The shielding layer 312a may be disposed on a portion of the window 310 to provide the non-transmission region 312. In this case, the shielding layer 312a may be disposed on a front surface or a rear surface of the window 310.

[0240] exist Fig.12 Ink is printed on the rear surface of the window 310 to form a shielding layer 312a. The ink may contain pigments having a specific color group (eg, black, white, and blue).

[0241] In this case, as a method of forming the shielding layer 312a, various printing techniques such as screen printing (using a mesh formed of silk, nylon, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, stainless steel, etc.), offset printing, and pad printing can be applied.

[0242] The shielding layer 312a is not disposed in the transmission area 311. That is, the transmission area 311 may be a transparent portion that is not covered by the shielding layer 312a and remains as the transmission window 310.

[0243] The touch screen 320 may be coupled to a rear surface of the window 310 corresponding to the transmission area 311. The touch screen 320 may be disposed to completely cover the transmission area 311 to detect a touch input to the transmission area 311.

[0244] The touch screen 320 may be manufactured to have a larger size than the transmission area 311 , and in this case, the touch screen 320 may be configured to cover a portion of the shielding layer 312 a that defines the transmission area 311 .

[0245] like Fig.13 As shown in , the shielding layer 312 a defining the transmission area 311 of the window 310 may be configured such that its transparency gradually changes toward the transmission area 311 .

[0246] For example, the non-transmission area 312 around the transmission area 311 may be configured to gradually become transparent toward the transmission area 311. To this end, the shielding layer 312a may include a plurality of shielding points 312a-1 disposed around the transmission area, and the plurality of shielding points 312a-1 may be disposed to have a lower density toward the transmission area 311.

[0247] By blurring the boundary of the transmission area 311 by means of such half-toning technology, a visual transition from the non-transmission area 312 to the transmission area 311 can be achieved naturally.

[0248] In addition, if Fig.14 As shown in , unlike the above-described embodiment in which the shielding layer 312 a is printed on the rear surface of the window 310 , a film 312 b may be bonded to the front surface of the window 310 to provide the non-transmissive region 312 .

[0249] The film 312b may include a non-transmission portion 312b-2 corresponding to the non-transmission area and a transmission portion 312b-1 corresponding to the transmission area 311. The non-transmission portion 312b-2 is disposed to surround the transmission portion 312b-1, and the transmission portion 312b-1 may be separated by the non-transmission portion 312b-2.

[0250] Here, a portion corresponding to the non-transmission portion 312b-2 may function as a shielding layer 312a that makes the window 310 opaque, thereby forming a non-transmission region 312. A portion corresponding to the transmission portion 312b-1 may form a transmission region 311 together with the transmission window 310.

[0251] The touch screen 320 may be coupled to the rear surface of the film 312b corresponding to the transmissive portion 312b-1. The touch screen 320 may be disposed to completely cover the transmissive area 311 to detect a touch input to the transmissive area 311.

[0252] The touch screen 320 may be set to be larger in size than the transmission area 311, and in this case, the touch screen 320 may be configured to cover a portion of the non-transmission portion 312b-2 that defines the transmission portion 312b-1.

[0253] In this way, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 is displayed by the transmissive area 311 set in a portion of the window 310, and the rest of the window 310 is set as the non-transmissive area 312, various external designs can be realized regardless of the shape of the touch screen 320.

[0254] In the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen 320 may be manufactured in a shape having a flat surface relatively smaller than an opening surface of the first through hole 201, and in an area in the window 310 corresponding to the first through hole 201, a portion where the touch screen 320 does not perform display may be set as a non-transmissive area 312.

[0255] The portion of the control panel 300 exposed to the outside (i.e., the first through hole 201) may have various shapes according to the external design of the laundry processing apparatus 1000. However, even when the shape of the first through hole 201 is set in various ways in terms of design, if the plane shape of the touch screen 320 for display does not match the shape of the first through hole, there is a risk that the aesthetics may be deteriorated.

[0256] Therefore, in order to realize various exterior designs without being restricted by the planar shape of the touch screen 320 , it may be desirable to cover the portion of the first through hole 201 , in which the touch screen 320 is not displayed, by the non-transmission region 312 of the window 310 .

[0257] In this manner, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, the first through hole 201 is opened relatively larger than the touch screen 320, and a portion of the first through hole 201 in which the touch screen 320 is not displayed is covered by the non-transmission area 312 of the window 310. Therefore, even when the opening shape of the first through hole 201 does not correspond to the plane shape of the touch screen 320, a design in which only the touch screen 320 is displayed can be implemented.

[0258] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first through hole 201 may be provided as a circular opening surface, and the touch screen 320 may be manufactured in a quadrilateral shape having a height Hs relatively smaller than a diameter Dh of the first through hole.

[0259] Here, the circular shape may include a true circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a circle that is at least partially circular.

[0260] The circular touch screen 320 may be more expensive than the widely used quadrilateral touch screen 320, and it is difficult to determine the exact installation position due to its shape, so assembly defects may frequently occur.

[0261] However, according to the structure according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a control panel 300 which appears circular to the user while using a quadrilateral touch screen 320 which is inexpensive and can be assembled in a correct position.

[0262] Since the transmissive area 311 is surrounded by the non-transmissive area 312, visual information output from a portion of the touch screen 320 not corresponding to the transmissive area 311 is not visible to the user. In view of this, visual information may not be output on a portion of the touch screen 320 not corresponding to the transmissive area 311.

[0263] In this way, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the touch screen 320 has a height relatively smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 201 arranged in a circular shape, a circular display can be achieved in the external design even if the touch screen 320 is not manufactured in a relatively expensive circular structure.

[0264] In the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 300 may include a fixed UI section 301, in which a first control UI 301a whose display is fixed is arranged, and a variable UI section 302, in which a second control UI 302a whose display-on / off and type are variable is arranged. Therefore, the user can more conveniently input a control signal for a processing operation.

[0265] In this case, the fixed UI section 301 may be provided as the non-transmission area 312 , and the variable UI section 302 may be provided as the transmission area 311 .

[0266] As described above, since the touch screen 320 is provided in the variable UI section 302, the variable UI section 302 needs to be formed as the transmissive area 311. In contrast, it is desirable to provide the fixed UI section 301 as the non-transmissive area 312 and arrange only a relatively simple UI in the fixed UI section.

[0267] In this way, in the clothing processing device 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the fixed UI segment 301 and the variable UI segment 302 of the control panel 300 are respectively set as the non-transmissive area 312 and the transmissive area 311, a variable UI segment displaying on / off and type change can be realized on the touch screen 320.

[0268] In the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fixed UI section 301, an operation signal for the first control UI 301a is input through a button lever contact type, so that a user can easily operate the fixed UI section 301 whose display is fixed.

[0269] Furthermore, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since an operation signal for the second control UI 302a is input by a touch type in the variable UI section 302, a user can effectively operate a variable UI section displaying-on / off and type change.

[0270] Although the specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above and shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and changes as other specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the described embodiments, but by the technical ideas described in this application.

[0271] Industrial Applicability

[0272] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control panel is installed inside the cabinet cover defining the exterior, and the control panel is not separated from the cabinet cover on the exterior. Therefore, the cabinet cover is designed as an integrated sheet metal product, thereby improving the aesthetics and productivity of the laundry treatment device.

[0273] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control panel is installed inside the cabinet cover, and only a portion of the control panel is exposed to the outside through a first through hole provided in the cabinet cover. Therefore, by minimizing the exposure of the portion of the control panel that does not need to be exposed to the user, the external design of the laundry processing device can be implemented as a seamless structure.

[0274] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control panel is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the second through hole provided in the cabinet cover. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved by forming the hook-shaped protrusion for fastening the control panel when forming the second through hole.

[0275] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the hook at the lower end portion of the control panel is inserted and fastened to the hook hole penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the control panel can be easily and stably fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion.

[0276] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper end portion of the control panel is threadedly connected to the inner surface of the cabinet cover, so that the coupling state between the cabinet cover and the control panel can be stably maintained.

[0277] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a pair of second through holes and the control button are arranged as a symmetrical pair on opposite sides of the control panel. Therefore, multiple control signals can be input through the control button, and a balance can be achieved in the external design.

[0278] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control panel is fastened to the two hook-shaped protrusions provided at the pair of second through holes, respectively. Therefore, the control panel can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions while maintaining balance.

[0279] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the window of the control panel is coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover, and the coating guide supporting the touch screen is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover. Therefore, the control panel directly connected to the inside of the cabinet cover can be installed more easily and stably.

[0280] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the board cover on which the printed circuit board is mounted is coupled to the rear surface of the coating guide. Therefore, the stably mounted printed circuit board can be easily connected to the touch screen.

[0281] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel frame pressing the rear surface of the control panel is coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover. Therefore, the control panel can be prevented from being separated due to impact, vibration, etc.

[0282] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the frame protrusion provided on the panel frame presses the rear surface of the board cover. Therefore, the shock and vibration applied to the control panel can be alleviated to a certain extent.

[0283] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sealing member is interposed between the window and the coating guide. Therefore, waterproof and impact resistance of the coupling portion between the window and the coating guide can be ensured.

[0284] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sealing member is interposed between the coating guide and the board cover. Therefore, waterproof and impact resistance of the coupling portion between the coating guide and the board cover can be ensured.

[0285] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless communication unit is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover in a state of being connected to the bottom of the control panel. Therefore, the main components can be effectively arranged in the inner space of the cabinet cover, and the control panel can be set higher at the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover.

[0286] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, according to its characteristics, the UI is arranged into a fixed UI section and a variable UI section respectively provided in the control panel. Therefore, the user can more conveniently input a control signal for a processing operation.

[0287] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the touch screen is displayed by a transmissive area set in a portion of the window, and the rest of the window is set as a non-transmissive area. Therefore, various exterior designs can be implemented regardless of the shape of the touch screen.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: The laundry processing device comprises: a main body configured to receive laundry and perform a treatment operation on the laundry; a cabinet cover configured to cover the main body to define an exterior, the cabinet cover having a first through hole provided at a front upper end portion of the cabinet cover and a second through hole provided lower than a center of the first through hole; a control panel installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole so that a user can input a control signal for the processing operation; and a control button, the control button being installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole, wherein the cabinet cover has a hook-shaped protrusion protruding backward from the periphery of the second through hole, and Wherein, the control panel is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion and coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover.

2. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hook-shaped protrusion includes a hook hole penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in a longitudinal direction, and Wherein, when a hook provided at a lower end portion of the control panel is inserted into the hook hole, the control panel is fastened.

3. The clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: An upper end portion of the control panel is threadedly connected to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

4. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pair of second through holes and control buttons are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the control panel.

5. The clothes processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hook-shaped protrusions are respectively disposed at the second through holes, and Therein, the control panel is fastened to two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions.

6. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control panel comprises: a window bonded to the inner surface of the cabinet cover on a front surface of the window except for an area corresponding to the first through hole; a touch screen coupled to a rear surface of the window; and A coating guide is configured to support the touch screen on a rear surface of the touch screen and is fastened to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

7. The clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control panel further includes a board cover on which a printed circuit board PCB connected to the touch screen is mounted, and the board cover is coupled to a rear surface of the coating guide.

8. The clothes processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The laundry processing device further comprises: A panel frame is configured to press a rear surface of the control panel and is coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

9. The clothes processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The panel frame has a frame protrusion that protrudes from the front surface and is configured to press a rear surface of the board cover.

10. The clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control panel further includes a first sealing member interposed between the window and the coating guide.

11. The clothes processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control panel further includes a second sealing member interposed between the coating guide and the board cover.

12. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laundry processing device further comprises: a wireless communication unit installed inside the cabinet cover and configured to transmit wireless signals to the outside and receive wireless signals from the outside, Wherein, the wireless communication unit is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover and is connected to the bottom of the control panel.

13. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control panel comprises: a fixed UI section, where a first control UI whose display is fixed is provided; and A variable UI section in which a second control UI whose display-on / off and type can be changed is provided.

14. The clothes treating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A portion of the window corresponding to the first through hole is set as a transmission area, and the remaining portion is set as a non-transmission area, and Wherein, the touch screen is coupled to the rear surface of the window and displays through the transmission area.

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