Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus is provided in which a control signal for a treatment operation can be input through a control panel. A laundry treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a main body configured to accommodate laundry and perform a treatment operation on the laundry; a cabinet cover configured to cover the main body to define an exterior, and having a first through hole provided in a front upper end portion thereof; and a control panel installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole such that a control signal for processing an operation can be input by a user. The control panel includes: a window coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover on a front surface thereof other than a region corresponding to the first through hole; a touch screen coupled to a rear surface of the window; and a coating guide configured to support the touch screen on a rear surface of the touch screen and to be fastened to an inner 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 device is a device that treats laundry by applying physical and chemical effects to the laundry. The term "laundry treatment device" is used to collectively refer to a washing device that removes contaminants from laundry, a drying device that spins the laundry by rotating a washing tub containing the laundry at high speed, a drying device that dries 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] At the same time, in line with the recent trend of emphasizing the exterior design of laundry treatment appliances, the cabinet cover defining the exterior of the laundry treatment appliance can 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 treatment appliance for user access and operation also needs to match the exterior design of the laundry treatment appliance designed to have a seamless structure.

[0008] Regarding a laundry treating apparatus including the 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 provided 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, etc.

[0010] In the case of the clothes treating apparatus in the related document 1, there is inevitably a limitation in designing the clothes treating apparatus having a seamless structure 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.

[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, disclosed are 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.

[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 while being mounted on the control panel assembly.

[0016] As described above, in the case where the clothes 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 they cannot sufficiently solve the above-mentioned problems. 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 match an exterior design having a seamless structure.

[0021] Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to provide a clothes treating apparatus in which only portions of a control panel that are essential for exposure to a user are 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 the structure of a control panel coupled to a cabinet cover is optimized so that the control panel can be more easily and stably coupled to the cabinet cover.

[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 skill in the relevant fields to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0024] Technical Solution

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes processing device is provided, which includes: a main body, which is configured to accommodate clothes and perform processing operations on the clothes; a cabinet cover, which is configured to cover the main body to define an exterior and has a first through hole set in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover; and a control panel, which is installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the first through hole, so that control signals for the processing operations can be input by a user, wherein the control panel includes: a window, which is coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover on the front surface of the window except for an area corresponding to the first through hole; a touch screen, which is connected to the rear surface of the window; and a coating guide, which is configured to support the touch screen on the rear surface of the touch screen and is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose or other purposes, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry processing device 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 parts of the control panel that are not directly necessary for user operation are not exposed to the outside. Specifically, the control panel is installed inside the cabinet cover, and only a part 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 device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the structure of the control panel installed inside the cabinet cover is suitable for coupling with the cabinet cover. Specifically, 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 configured to be fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0029] In addition, the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a board cover coupled to a rear surface of the coating guide in a state in which a printed circuit board PCB connected to the touch screen is mounted on the board cover.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In addition, the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a first sealing member interposed between the window and the coating guide.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control panel may be fastened to a hook-shaped protrusion protruding from the second through-hole provided in the cabinet cover.

[0035] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hook at the bottom of the coating guide may be inserted into and fastened to a hook hole penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in a longitudinal direction.

[0036] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an upper end portion of the coating guide may be screwed to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

[0037] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control button is installed inside the cabinet cover, and a portion of the control button may be exposed to the outside through the second through-hole provided in the cabinet cover.

[0038] 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 on opposite sides of the control panel, respectively.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Furthermore, in the clothes treating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communication part may be mounted on an inner surface of the cabinet cover in a state of being coupled to a bottom of the control panel.

[0041] 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, the fixed UI section and the variable UI section being provided on the control panel.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The technical solutions to the technical problems to be solved in the present disclosure are not limited to the above technical solutions, and ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand other technical solutions not described above through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main configuration of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a control panel mounted on a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel mounted on a cabinet cover in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Figure 8is a diagram illustrating a state in which a panel frame presses a rear surface of a control panel in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 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.

[0052] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating fixed UI sections and variable UI sections of a control panel in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 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.

[0054] Figure 11B and Figure 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.

[0055] Figures 12 to 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

[0056] 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 in the following description for components are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that these components can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may be other components between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0059] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating 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.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , a clothes 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 .

[0063] 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.

[0064] In this case, the main body 100 may include a washing tub 110, wherein clothes are put into its inner space so that at least one of washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying can be performed. A clothes inlet for putting clothes into the washing tub 110 may be provided on one surface of the washing tub 110.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Meanwhile, the washing tub 110 may include a tub configured to hold 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 cushioned and supported by the damper and the spring.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 disposed inside the tub.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 can be placed in the interior space of the cabinet cover. In addition, the door 10 can be mounted on a portion of the cabinet cover 200. In addition, the controller 800 is mounted inside the cabinet cover 200 to control the main components related to the treatment operation of the laundry treatment device 1000.

[0071] Furthermore, a control panel 300 may be mounted on the cabinet cover 200, and the laundry treating apparatus 1000 may display visual information related to treatment operations 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).

[0072] In this case, the control panel 300 can be installed in the front upper part of the cabinet cover 200 for the convenience of user access and operation. To this end, the cabinet cover 200 can have a first through hole 201 in the front upper end part, and the control panel 300 can be set in the first through hole 201.

[0073] Meanwhile, according to a recent trend of emphasizing 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 on 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.

[0078] 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 achieved with a seamless structure.

[0079] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a control panel 300 mounted on a cabinet cover 200 in a clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel 300 to be mounted on a cabinet cover 200 in the 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 the window 310 of the control panel 300 is attached to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the coating guide 330 of the control panel 300 is fastened to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] 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 .

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 .

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] In this case, the touch screen 320 may be provided with a touch sensor that can detect a touch input applied to the touch screen 320 using at least one of various touch types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, ultrasonic, and magnetic field.

[0087] In this manner, when a touch input is made 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 identify which area of ​​the touch screen 320 is touched, etc. Here, the control box may be a separate component from the controller 800, or may be the controller 800 itself.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 .

[0090] That is, the touch screen 320 of the control panel 300 may simultaneously perform the functions of various display units for providing information to the user and the functions of an input unit or a selection unit for user operations.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 .

[0094] 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 .

[0095] In this case, the coating guide 330 on which the touch screen 320 is supported may be coated to prevent external moisture, etc. from penetrating into the touch screen 320 .

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 the 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 on the board cover.

[0098] 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 aforementioned control box or the controller 800 itself.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 can be easily connected to the touch screen 320 .

[0102] Figure 8 1 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.

[0103] The clothes 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 coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0104] 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, or the like.

[0105] In particular, in view of the fact that the user should manipulate the control panel 300 installed inside the cabinet cover 200 by 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.

[0106] 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 is desirable to prevent the control panel 300 from being separated toward the rear side.

[0107] In this way, in the clothes 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.

[0108] 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 .

[0109] 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 external force is applied thereto, there is room for elastic deformation.

[0110] 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 may absorb the shock and vibration while being elastically deformed.

[0111] In this manner, in the clothes 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.

[0112] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an 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 .

[0113] 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.

[0114] Therefore, it may be desirable to minimize pressure applied to the touch screen 320 by interposing the first sealing member 361 between the window 310 and the coating guide 330 .

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 .

[0117] 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 .

[0118] 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 .

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 .

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 uncovered portion of the board cover 340 .

[0123] 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 .

[0124] Figure 9 2 is a diagram illustrating in more detail the hook-shaped protrusion 210 on the cabinet cover 200 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] In the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet cover 200 may have a hook-shaped protrusion 210 that protrudes rearward 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.

[0126] 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, 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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-shaped protrusion 210 in the longitudinal direction, the control panel 300 can be easily and stably fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210.

[0129] In the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper end portion of the coating guide 330 may be screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 .

[0130] That is, in the clothes 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 can be stably maintained.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of second through holes 202 and the control buttons 500 may be symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the control panel 300 , respectively.

[0134] That is, in the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to this 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] That is, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, since the control panel 300 is fastened to the two corresponding hook protrusions 210 provided at the pair of second through holes 202, respectively, the control panel 300 can be fastened to the hook protrusions 210 while maintaining balance.

[0137] The laundry processing apparatus 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 and receive wireless signals to and from the outside. In this case, the wireless communication unit 600 may be installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover 200 and coupled to the bottom of the control panel 300.

[0138] 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.

[0139] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a fixed UI section 301 and a variable UI section 302 of the control panel 300 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11A is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a transmission area 311 and a non-transmission area 312 of the control panel 300 in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11B and Figure 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. Figures 12 to 14 3 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 the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] 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 the fixed UI segment is provided with a first control UI 301a whose display is fixed, and the variable UI segment is provided with a second control UI 302a whose display - on / off and type are variable.

[0141] 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.

[0142] In the laundry processing 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 a transmissive area 311, and the remaining portion may be set as a non-transmissive 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 transmissive area 311.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 control buttons 500 .

[0145] 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.

[0146] The cabinet cover 200 is a portion covering the main body 100 to form an 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 .

[0147] That is, as described above, the first through hole 201 can 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 can be provided lower than the center of the first through hole 201 so that the control button 500 can be provided therein.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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 treating apparatus 1000 by pressing the portion of the control button 500 exposed to the outside of the cabinet cover 200.

[0151] In this case, the 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.

[0152] 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 the control button 500 that is fixedly installed separately from the control panel 300 .

[0153] 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 , thereby inputting signals such as a power on / off signal and an operation start / stop signal to the controller 800 .

[0154] Meanwhile, when the user presses the control button 500, the 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.

[0155] 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 .

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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 .

[0158] In this way, in the clothing 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, 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.

[0159] In the clothes treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hook hole 211 may penetrate the hook protrusion 210 in a longitudinal direction thereof, and when the hook 370 is inserted into the hook hole 211 , the control panel 300 may be fastened.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 a longitudinal direction.

[0162] 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 .

[0163] 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 restricted by the hook-shaped protrusion 210. In addition, a portion of the control panel 300 can be placed on the upper surface of the hook-shaped protrusion 210, so that the upward and downward displacement of the control panel 300 can also be restricted to a certain extent.

[0164] In this way, in the clothing 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.

[0165] In the clothes 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 .

[0166] 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, relatively large displacement may occur at the upper end portion of the control panel 300 .

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 coupled state between the cabinet cover 200 and the control panel 300 can be stably maintained.

[0169] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of second through holes 202 and the control buttons 500 may be symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the control panel 300 .

[0170] That is, on the front exterior of the laundry treating apparatus 1000 , the second through holes 202 may be symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the control panel 300 , respectively.

[0171] 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.

[0172] In this way, in the clothing processing device 1000 according to this 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.

[0173] In the clothes 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 the two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions 210 .

[0174] That is, on the front exterior of the laundry treating 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 can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions 210, respectively.

[0175] When only one hook 370 is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion 210 , displacement in the front-rear and up-down directions can be limited to a certain extent, but when the control panel 300 is left-right unbalanced relative to the hook 370 , there is a risk that rotational displacement may occur.

[0176] 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.

[0177] In this manner, in the laundry processing 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 a pair of second through holes 202 , the control panel 300 can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions 210 while maintaining balance.

[0178] The laundry treatment 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.

[0179] The wireless communication unit 600 is installed inside the cabinet cover 200 and is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals to the outside. The wireless communication unit can be configured to receive a signal wirelessly input from outside the laundry processing device 1000 and transmit the signal to the controller 800, or can be configured to wirelessly transmit a signal output from the controller 800 to the outside of the laundry processing device 1000.

[0180] In this case, the wireless communication unit 600 may include at least one of a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RF communication module. 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.

[0181] The wireless communication unit 600 may be provided in the interior space of the cabinet cover 200. However, to minimize reduction in wireless communication efficiency, it may be desirable to arrange the wireless communication unit as close to the exterior of the cabinet cover 200 as possible in the interior space of the cabinet cover 200.

[0182] 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 .

[0183] Furthermore, since it is more efficient 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 .

[0184] 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 .

[0185] At the same time, since the total height of the clothes processing device 1000 is generally less than the height of the user's eyes, in order to make it easier for the user to check and operate the control panel 300, it is desirable to arrange the control panel 300 as high as possible in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover 200.

[0186] 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 .

[0187] In this case, when separate main components are provided on 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 .

[0188] 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.

[0189] In this way, in the clothing 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.

[0190] The laundry processing apparatus 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] The sound output unit 700 may be disposed in the interior space of the cabinet cover 200. However, it may be desirable to dispose the sound output unit in the interior space of the cabinet cover 200 as close as possible to the exterior of the cabinet cover 200 to ensure that sound signals are smoothly transmitted to the user.

[0193] Furthermore, since it is also more efficient 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 .

[0194] 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 .

[0195] 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, 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] Meanwhile, regarding the laundry processing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, the configuration 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 has been described, 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.

[0198] 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 .

[0199] 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 inside the cabinet cover 200 may be easily and stably installed.

[0200] In this case, the wireless communication part 600 may be coupled to the bottom of the coating guide 330 , and the acoustic output unit 700 may be coupled to a side surface of the coating guide 330 .

[0201] As described above, the coating guide 330 is a portion supporting 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.

[0202] 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 .

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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 .

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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 .

[0207] On the other hand, among UIs, there may be a UI that is basically used due to its characteristics but its display does not need to be changed. In addition, among UIs, there may be a UI that needs to be used while being changed into various types due to its characteristics.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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 (for example, the 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.

[0210] In addition, a second control UI 302a whose state and type are changeable may be provided in the changeable 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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 .

[0214] 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 comes into contact with 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.

[0215] 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 stick contact type that is relatively easy to operate may be desirable for the first control UI.

[0216] 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.

[0217] In the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation signal for the second control UI 302 a may be input into the variable UI section 302 through a touch type.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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 status and type of the UI being implemented by the user may be desirable for the second control UI.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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 efficiently operate the variable UI section whose display-on / off and type change are changed.

[0222] 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 processing device 1000 can be selected. On the operation UI, the operation on / off of the clothing processing device 1000 can be selected. On the setting UI, the settings of the clothing processing device 1000 can be selected.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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. It is necessary to operate the laundry UI while checking the state and type of the UI currently being implemented.

[0226] Furthermore, similarly, the time UI is used to set the time for treating clothes in the clothes treating apparatus 1000. It is also necessary to operate the time UI while checking the state and type of the UI currently being implemented.

[0227] 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.

[0228] In the clothes 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 inside the cabinet cover 200 may be easily and stably installed.

[0229] In this case, the touch screen 320 may be provided in the variable UI section 302 .

[0230] When the touch screen 320 is a screen configured to determine a character displayed on the screen or a specific position on the screen when a touch object such as a human hand or an object (e.g., a stylus) touches the position, and allows input materials to be directly received therefrom, thereby enabling specific processing to be performed by stored software, the controller 800 may change the display-on / off and type to correspond to the type of touch object touching the touch screen 320.

[0231] 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 on / off and type change are displayed can be smoothly implemented on the touch screen 320 .

[0232] 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. In this case, the touch screen 320 may be manufactured in a quadrilateral shape having a height Hs relatively smaller than the diameter Dh of the first through hole 201 .

[0233] That is, in the clothing processing device 1000 according to this embodiment, since the touch screen 320 has a height relatively smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 201 set in a circular shape, a circular display can be achieved in the external design even when the touch screen 320 is not manufactured in a relatively expensive circular structure.

[0234] In the laundry processing 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 a transmissive area 311, and the remaining portion may be set as a non-transmissive 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 transmissive area 311.

[0235] That is, in the clothing processing apparatus 1000 according to this 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] A portion of the window 310 corresponding to the first through hole 201 may be provided as a transmissive region 311, and the remaining portion may be provided as a 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] Specifically, if Figure 12 As shown in FIG, 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.

[0240] The shielding layer 312a may be provided on a portion of the window 310 to provide the non-transmitting region 312. In this case, the shielding layer 312a may be provided on the front surface or the rear surface of the window 310.

[0241] exist Figure 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).

[0242] 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.

[0243] The shielding layer 312a is not provided 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] The touch screen 320 may be manufactured to have a size larger 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 defining the transmission area 311 .

[0246] like Figure 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 .

[0247] 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.

[0248] By blurring the boundary of the transmission area 311 by means of such half-toning technology, a natural visual transition from the non-transmission area 312 to the transmission area 311 can be achieved.

[0249] In addition, if Figure 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 .

[0250] 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.

[0251] Here, a portion corresponding to the non-transmissive portion 312b-2 may function as a shielding layer 312a that makes the window 310 opaque, thereby forming a non-transmissive region 312. A portion corresponding to the transmissive portion 312b-1 may form a transmissive region 311 together with the transmissive window 310.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] In the clothing processing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen 320 can be manufactured in a shape having a flat surface relatively smaller than the opening surface of the first through hole 201, and in the area corresponding to the first through hole 201 in the window 310, the part where the touch screen 320 does not perform display can be set as a non-transmissive area 312.

[0256] 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 planar 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.

[0257] Therefore, in order to implement 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 .

[0258] 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 region 312 of the window 310. Therefore, even when the opening shape of the first through hole 201 does not correspond to the planar shape of the touch screen 320, a design in which only the touch screen 320 is displayed can be implemented.

[0259] 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.

[0260] Here, the circular shape may include a true circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a circle that is at least partially circular.

[0261] The circular touch screen 320 may be more expensive than the widely used quadrilateral touch screen 320 , and it may be difficult to determine an exact installation position due to its shape, and thus assembly defects may frequently occur.

[0262] However, according to the structure according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a control panel 300 that appears circular to the user while using a quadrilateral touch screen 320 that is inexpensive and can be assembled in a correct position.

[0263] Since the transmissive area 311 is surrounded by the non-transmissive area 312, the visual information output from the portion of the touch screen 320 not corresponding to the transmissive area 311 is not visible to the user. In view of this, the visual information may not be output on the portion of the touch screen 320 not corresponding to the transmissive area 311.

[0264] In this way, in the clothing processing device 1000 according to this embodiment, since the touch screen 320 has a height relatively smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 201 set 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.

[0265] 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 and a variable UI section 302. A first control UI 301a whose display is fixed is arranged in the fixed UI section, and a second control UI 302a whose display - on / off and type are variable is arranged in the variable UI section. Therefore, the user can more conveniently input a control signal for a processing operation.

[0266] 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 .

[0267] 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 only arrange a relatively simple UI in the fixed UI section.

[0268] In this way, in the clothing processing device 1000 according to this 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.

[0269] 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 301 a is input through a button lever contact type so that a user can easily operate the fixed UI section 301 whose display is fixed.

[0270] Furthermore, in the laundry treating apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since an operation signal for the second control UI 302a is input through a touch type in the variable UI section 302, a user can effectively operate the variable UI section displaying-on / off and type change.

[0271] Although 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 various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art 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 rather by the technical ideas described in this application.

[0272] Industrial Applicability

[0273] According to at least one embodiment 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.

[0274] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel is mounted 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 exposure of the portion of the control panel that does not need to be exposed to the user, the exterior design of the laundry treatment apparatus can be implemented as a seamless structure.

[0275] In addition, according to at least one embodiment 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.

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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, thereby preventing the control panel from being separated due to impact, vibration, etc.

[0278] Furthermore, 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, thereby alleviating shock and vibration applied to the control panel to a certain extent.

[0279] Furthermore, 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, thereby ensuring waterproof and impact-resistant performance of the coupling portion between the window and the coating guide.

[0280] Furthermore, 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, thereby ensuring waterproof and impact-resistant performance of the coupling portion between the coating guide and the board cover.

[0281] 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, manufacturing efficiency can be improved by forming the hook-shaped protrusion for fastening the control panel when forming the second through-hole.

[0282] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the hook of the lower end portion of the coating guide is inserted into the hook hole formed by penetrating the hook-shaped protrusion in the longitudinal direction and fastened to the hook hole. Therefore, the control panel can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion easily and stably.

[0283] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper end portion of the coating guide is screwed to the inner surface of the cabinet cover, thereby stably maintaining the coupling state between the cabinet cover and the control panel.

[0284] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, control buttons are mounted inside the cabinet cover, and some of these control buttons are exposed to the outside through second through-holes in the cabinet cover. Therefore, control signals requiring intuitive operation, such as power on / off or start / stop operations, can be smoothly input.

[0285] 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 symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the control panel. Therefore, multiple control signals can be input through the control button, and a balanced appearance design can be achieved.

[0286] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control panels are fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions provided at the second through holes, respectively. Therefore, the control panels can be fastened to the hook-shaped protrusions while maintaining balance.

[0287] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless communication unit is mounted on the inner surface of the cabinet cover while being connected to the bottom of the control panel. Therefore, the main components can be efficiently arranged in the interior space of the cabinet cover, and the control panel can be arranged higher in the front upper end portion of the cabinet cover.

[0288] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, according to its characteristics, the UI is arranged into fixed UI sections and variable UI sections respectively provided in the control panel. Therefore, the user can more conveniently input a control signal for a processing operation.

[0289] In addition, according to at least one embodiment 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 achieved 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 and having a first through-hole provided in a front upper end portion of the cabinet cover; and a control panel installed inside the cabinet cover and partially exposed to the outside through the first through-hole so that a control signal for the processing operation can be input by a user, Wherein, the control panel includes: a window coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet cover on a front surface of the window excluding 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 the inner surface of the cabinet cover.

2. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control panel further includes a board cover coupled to a rear surface of the coating guide in a state in which a printed circuit board PCB connected to the touch screen is mounted on the board cover.

3. The clothes processing device according to claim 2, 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.

4. The clothes processing device according to claim 3, 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.

5. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control panel further includes a first sealing member interposed between the window and the coating guide.

6. The clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control panel further includes a second sealing member interposed between the coating guide and the board cover.

7. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cabinet cover has a hook-shaped protrusion that protrudes rearward from a periphery of a second through hole disposed lower than a center of the first through hole, and The control panel is fastened to the hook-shaped protrusion and coupled to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

8. The clothes processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hook-shaped protrusion includes a hook hole that penetrates the hook-shaped protrusion in a longitudinal direction, and Wherein, when a hook provided in a lower end of the coating guide is inserted into the hook hole, the coating guide is fastened.

9. The clothes processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: An upper end portion of the coating guide is threadedly connected to an inner surface of the cabinet cover.

10. The clothes processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The laundry processing device further comprises: A control button is installed inside the cabinet cover and is partially exposed to the outside through the second through hole to contact the control panel when pressed by a user.

11. The clothes treating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A pair of second through holes and control buttons are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the control panel.

12. The clothes processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The hook-shaped protrusions are respectively provided at the second through holes, and Wherein, the control panel is fastened to two corresponding hook-shaped protrusions.

13. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 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, The wireless communication unit is installed on the inner surface of the cabinet cover and is connected to the bottom of the control panel.

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

15. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, 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 The touch screen is coupled to the rear surface of the window and displays through the transmissive area.

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