Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment processing device, and more specifically, to a garment processing device comprising: a cabinet including a first front panel located on the front side and a second front panel provided on the upper part of the first front panel and having a control unit operated by a user; a tub installed inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and providing a space for storing garments; and a panel cover unit provided on the front side of the second front panel and protecting the second front panel. The panel cover unit may include a water infiltration prevention rib formed on the upper surface of the panel cover unit to prevent water from penetrating into the control unit from the outside.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment processing device, and more specifically, to a garment processing device comprising a control panel including a control unit operated by a user and a drawer panel having a detergent storage unit for storing detergent at the rear, each having a panel cover unit that protects the control panel including a control unit operated by a user. Background Technology

[0002] A garment processing device is a device that removes contaminants from laundry by placing clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as laundry) into a drum. A garment processing device can perform processes such as washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying, and can be classified into a top loading method and a front loading method based on the method of placing laundry into the drum.

[0003] A clothing processing device may be configured to include a cabinet forming an exterior, a tub accommodated inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub into which laundry is fed, a control panel including a control unit operated by a user, and a drawer panel in which detergent is stored.

[0004] When the drum rotates by a motor while washing water is supplied to the laundry contained in the drum, dirt on the laundry can be removed through friction with the drum and the washing water.

[0005] Related document KR 10-2018-0090003 A discloses that a control panel is provided on the upper part of a front panel included in a garment processing device, a detergent box for storing detergent is provided on one side of the control panel, and a drawer panel or handle panel including a handle is provided in front of the detergent box. The garment processing device discloses that when the detergent box is fully inserted into the front panel, the control panel and the drawer panel form a single plane.

[0006] Since the control panel includes a control unit operated by a user, it is important to prevent water from penetrating into the interior of the control panel. Generally, a panel cover or window is installed on the outer surface of the control panel to prevent water from penetrating from the outside, and a command input unit for operating the control unit is provided on the outer surface of the panel cover. In this case, if the panel cover is not tightly attached to the control panel, there is a possibility that the user may be injured due to a faulty connection of the window, and a problem may arise where the external quality of the garment processing device deteriorates. The problem to be solved

[0007] One of the various objectives of the present invention is to provide a clothing processing device in which safety and appearance quality can be improved through the close coupling of a control panel and a panel cover unit.

[0008] Another of the various problems of the present invention is to provide a garment processing device comprising a water penetration prevention rib to prevent water from penetrating into a control unit operated by a user from the outside. means of solving the problem

[0009] A clothing processing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include: a cabinet comprising a first front panel having a cabinet door into which clothing is fed; a control panel having a control unit operated by a user and provided on one side of the upper portion of the first front panel; and a drawer panel having a detergent storage unit for storing detergent at the rear and provided on the other side of the upper portion of the first front panel; a tub installed inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and providing a space for storing clothing; and a panel cover unit comprising a first cover provided on the front side of the control panel to protect the control panel, and a second cover provided on the front side of the drawer panel to protect the drawer panel. The first cover may be slid in an up-and-down direction to be coupled to the control panel, and the second cover may be slid in a left-and-right direction to be coupled to the drawer panel.

[0010] A clothing processing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include: a cabinet comprising a first front panel located on the front side and a second front panel provided on the upper part of the first front panel and operated by a user; a tub installed inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and providing a space for storing clothing; and a panel cover unit provided on the front side of the second front panel to protect the second front panel. The panel cover unit may include a water infiltration prevention rib formed on the upper surface of the panel cover unit to prevent water from penetrating into the control unit from the outside.

[0011] The second front panel may include an upper protrusion that protrudes toward the front side of the second front panel, and the upper protrusion of the second front panel may be located on the upper part of the panel cover unit.

[0012] The second front panel may include a control panel including the control unit, the panel cover unit may include a first cover for protecting the control panel, and the water penetration prevention rib may be formed on the upper surface of the first cover.

[0013] The control panel may include a front surface and a side extending toward the rear from a side end of the front surface of the control panel, and the first cover may include a front surface covering the front surface of the control panel and a side covering the side of the control panel, and the water infiltration prevention rib may be formed on the upper surface of the front surface of the first cover and on the upper surface of the side of the first cover, respectively.

[0014] The control panel may further include a first edge portion having a curved shape that connects the front surface and the side surface of the control panel, and the first cover may further include a third edge portion having a curved shape that covers the first edge portion.

[0015] The first cover may surround the front and side surfaces of the control panel together, and the water penetration prevention rib may be formed on the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover and may contact at least a part of the control panel.

[0016] The upper protrusion of the second front panel may include a first upper protrusion formed on the upper part of the control panel and covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the first cover, and the first upper protrusion may include a rib receiving groove formed on the lower surface of the first upper protrusion, and the water penetration prevention rib may be coupled to the rib receiving groove.

[0017] The above water penetration prevention rib may be formed on the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover, and the rib receiving groove may be formed on the inner side of the lower surface of the first upper protrusion facing the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover.

[0018] The control panel may further include a drawer panel coupling portion provided alongside the control portion, and the second front panel may further include a drawer panel provided alongside the control panel, coupled to the drawer panel coupling portion, and having a detergent storage portion provided at the rear for storing detergent, and the panel cover unit may further include a second cover provided alongside the first cover to protect the drawer panel. The water penetration prevention rib may not be formed on the upper surface of the second cover.

[0019] The upper protrusion of the second front panel may further include a second upper protrusion formed on the upper part of the drawer panel and provided alongside the first upper protrusion, and the rib receiving groove may not be formed on the lower surface of the second upper protrusion.

[0020] The second front panel and the panel cover unit may each be formed with a curved surface in which the central portion protrudes toward the front, and the water infiltration prevention rib may be formed with a curve in which the portion formed on the upper surface of the central portion of the panel cover unit protrudes toward the front when viewed from above.

[0021] The second front panel may include a control panel including the control unit and a drawer panel provided alongside the control unit, and the panel cover unit may include a first cover for protecting the control panel and a second cover for protecting the drawer panel, wherein the first cover may be slid along the up-down direction and coupled to the control panel. The second cover may be slid toward the control panel along the side direction of the second front panel and coupled to the drawer panel.

[0022] A first upper protrusion may be formed on the upper part of the control part that protrudes relative to the front or side surface of the control part, and a rib receiving groove for receiving the water infiltration prevention rib may be formed on the lower part of the first upper protrusion, and the water infiltration prevention rib may be inserted into the rib receiving groove in the vertical direction.

[0023] The upper surface of the first cover located on the front side of the water penetration prevention rib and the lower surface of the first upper protrusion located on the front side of the rib receiving groove may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the vertical direction.

[0024] The front surface of the control panel, the front surface of the first cover, the front surface of the drawer panel, and the front surface of the second cover may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel.

[0025] The above water penetration prevention rib and the above rib receiving groove may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel.

[0026] The control panel may further include a drawer panel coupling portion provided alongside the control portion, and the drawer panel may include a front surface and a side surface extending toward the rear side from a side end of the front surface of the drawer panel, and the second cover may include a front surface covering the front surface of the drawer panel and a side surface covering the side surface of the drawer panel. The side surface of the second cover may further extend along the thickness direction of the second front panel to cover the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion.

[0027] The drawer panel may further include a second edge portion having a curved shape that connects the front surface and the side surface of the drawer panel, and the second cover may surround the front surface and side surface of the drawer panel, the second edge portion, and the side surface of the drawer panel joint portion together. Effects of the invention

[0028] A clothing processing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a control panel having a control unit operated by a user, a first cover provided on the front side of the control panel to protect the control panel, a drawer panel provided alongside the control panel and having a detergent storage unit for storing detergent at the rear, and a second cover provided on the front side of the drawer panel to protect the drawer panel. A water infiltration prevention rib having a shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the first cover may be formed on the upper part of the first cover, and water may be prevented from penetrating into the control unit from the outside by the water infiltration prevention rib.

[0029] Meanwhile, the first cover may be connected to the control panel by sliding from bottom to top along the vertical direction to facilitate connection of the water infiltration prevention rib, and the second cover may be connected to the drawer panel by sliding toward the control panel along the left and right directions to be connected more closely to the side of the drawer panel. That is, the first cover and the second cover may be connected to the control panel and the drawer panel, respectively, by sliding in different directions.

[0030] Accordingly, since the panel cover unit including the first cover and the second cover can be closely coupled to the second front panel including the control panel and the drawer panel, a coupling defect between the second front panel and the panel cover unit may not occur, and the appearance quality of the clothing processing device may also be improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining a second front panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for explaining the coupling direction of a control panel and a first cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a water penetration prevention rib and a rib receiving groove according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings for explaining a method of combining a control panel and a first cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining the state in which a drawer panel and a second cover are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13 to 16 are drawings for explaining the state in which a drawer panel according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a control panel. FIGS. 17 to 23 are drawings for explaining the coupling direction and coupling method of a drawer panel and a second cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, this is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, such definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification. Terms used in the detailed description are intended merely to describe the embodiments of the present invention and should not be limiting in any way. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, expressions in the singular form include the meaning of the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "include" or "comprise" are intended to refer to certain characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof, and should not be interpreted to exclude the existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0034] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (10) having an opening at the front, a tub (20) installed inside the cabinet (10), and a drum (30) rotatably installed inside the tub (20). The clothing processing device (1) may include a washing machine in which a cloth is inserted into the interior of a washing tub to perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, etc., or a dryer in which a wet cloth is inserted to perform drying.

[0037] Specifically, the garment processing device (1) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior, and a first front panel (101) forming a front surface may be provided at the front of the cabinet (10), and a rear panel (not shown) forming a rear surface may be provided at the rear of the cabinet (10). A garment opening communicating with a drum (30) may be formed in the first front panel (101), and the garment opening may be opened and closed by a cabinet door (40) provided in the first front panel (101). The cabinet door (40) may include a transparent material such as tempered glass so that the interior of the cabinet (10) or the drum (30) can be visually inspected.

[0038] Additionally, side panels (103) may be provided on each side of the cabinet (10), and an upper panel (105) forming an upper surface and a lower panel (not shown) forming a lower surface may be provided on the lower and upper sides of the cabinet (10), respectively.

[0039] Meanwhile, a second front panel (102) may be provided on the upper part of the first front panel (101) and equipped with a control unit operated by a user. The second front panel (102) may include a control panel (104) including the control unit, and a drawer panel (106) that stores detergent and is provided alongside the control panel (104) along the side direction of the second front panel (102). The control unit may include various keys for operating the operating state of the clothing processing device (1) and a display for displaying the operating state of the clothing processing device (1). A detergent supply unit (108) for storing and supplying detergent may be provided on the rear of the drawer panel (106).

[0040] The drawer panel (106) may include a handle portion (110) into which a portion of the front surface of the drawer panel (106) is drawn into the interior of the cabinet (10), and the user can control the drawer panel (106) using the handle portion (110). Accordingly, a detergent supply unit (108) provided at the rear of the drawer panel (106) can be drawn into or drawn out of the interior of the cabinet (10).

[0041] The first front panel (101), the second front panel (102), the rear panel, the side panel (103), the upper panel (105), and the lower panel can form a cabinet (10) together and can have a combined relationship with each other.

[0042] Inside the cabinet (10), a tub (20) containing laundry water and a drum (30) that is rotatably mounted inside the tub (20) and accommodates laundry may be provided. Although not illustrated, in addition to the tub (20) and the drum (30), internal components constituting the garment processing device (1) may be further provided inside the cabinet (10). For example, a balancer may be further installed on one side of the drum (30) to compensate for eccentricity caused by rotation.

[0043] The clothing processing device (1) allows clothing and other items requiring processing to be fed into the cabinet (10) through the clothing opening and accommodated in the drum (30), and allows processing processes such as washing and drying to be performed by the clothing processing device (1).

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates that, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the clothing opening is provided on the first front panel (101) together with the cabinet door (40), but the clothing opening is not necessarily limited to being provided on the first front panel (101) and may be provided on the side panel (103) or the top panel (105), etc. together with the cabinet door (40). For example, the clothing processing device (1) may be a front loader type or a top loader type.

[0045] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining a second front panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are a perspective view and a rear view, respectively, for explaining the state in which the second front panel and the panel cover unit are combined.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a panel cover unit (112) for protecting the second front panel (102) may be provided on the front side of the second front panel (102) included in the clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a driving unit (300) for driving the control unit and a detergent storage unit (108) for storing detergent may be provided on the rear side of the second front panel (102). The driving unit (300) may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) that constitute a circuit.

[0047] The second front panel (102) may include a control panel (104) provided on one side of the upper part of the first front panel (101) and operated by a user, and a drawer panel (106) provided on the other side of the upper part of the first front panel (101) and having a detergent storage unit (108) for storing detergent at the rear.

[0048] The second front panel (102) may include a front surface provided on the front side and two sides extending toward the rear side from both side ends of the front surface. At this time, a portion of the front surface of the second front panel (102) may be the front surface of the control panel (104), and the remaining portion of the front surface of the second front panel (102) may be the front surface of the drawer panel (106). Additionally, one of the two sides of the second front panel (102) may be a side of the control panel (104) located in a direction away from the drawer panel (106), and the other of the two sides of the second front panel (102) may be a side of the drawer panel (106) located in a direction away from the control panel (104).

[0049] The panel cover unit (112) may include a first cover (114) provided on the front side of the control panel (104) to protect the control panel (104), and a second cover (116) provided on the front side of the drawer panel (106) to protect the drawer panel (106).

[0050] The panel cover unit (112) can surround the front surface and both sides of the second front panel (102), the first cover (114) can surround the front surface and sides of the control panel (104), and the second cover (116) can surround the front surface and sides of the drawer panel (106).

[0051] The panel cover unit (112) may include a transparent or translucent material such as tempered glass, silicone, or acrylic.

[0052] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that, when viewed from the front, the control panel (104) and the first cover (114) are each positioned on the right side within the second front panel (102), and the drawer panel (106) and the second cover (116) are each positioned on the left side within the second front panel (102), but the concept of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the control panel (104) and the first cover (114) may each be positioned on the left side within the second front panel (102), and the drawer panel (106) and the second cover (116) may be positioned on the right side within the second front panel (102).

[0053] The extension length of the control panel (104) in the lateral direction (hereinafter referred to as the lateral direction) of the second front panel (102) may be greater than the extension length of the drawer panel (106) in the lateral direction, and accordingly, the proportion of the control panel (104) in the second front panel (102) may be greater than the proportion of the drawer panel (106).

[0054] Additionally, the extension length in the lateral direction of the first cover (114) protecting the control panel (104) may be greater than the extension length in the lateral direction of the second cover (116) protecting the drawer panel (106), and accordingly, the proportion occupied by the first cover (114) in the panel cover unit (112) may be greater than the proportion occupied by the second cover (116).

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the second front panel (102) may be formed as a curved surface with a central portion protruding toward the front, and the central portion of the second front panel (102) may constitute part of the control panel (104). That is to say, the portion most protruding toward the front among the front surfaces of the second front panel (102), that is, the central portion of the front surface of the second front panel (102), may be located in the portion where the control panel (104) is located, rather than in the portion where the drawer panel (106) is located within the second front panel (102), and accordingly, the control panel (104) may include a portion that extends further between the central portion of the second front panel (102) and the drawer panel (106). In one embodiment, the rear surface of the second front panel (102) facing the front surface of the second front panel (102) may be formed as a flat surface.

[0056] Meanwhile, if the front surface of the second front panel (102) is formed as a curved surface with a central portion protruding toward the front, the front and rear surfaces of the panel cover unit (112) may also be formed as curved surfaces with a central portion protruding toward the front, respectively, and the central portions of the front and rear surfaces of the panel cover unit (112) may constitute a part of the first cover (114). In other words, the most protruding portion toward the front among the front surfaces of the panel cover unit (112), that is, the central portion of the front surface of the panel cover unit (112), may be located in the portion where the first cover (116) is placed within the panel cover unit (112), rather than in the portion where the first cover (114) is placed. Additionally, the part most protruding toward the front side among the rear surfaces of the panel cover unit (112), that is, the central part of the rear surface of the panel cover unit (112), may be located in the part where the first cover (114) is located, rather than in the part where the first cover (116) is located within the panel cover unit (112). Accordingly, the first cover (114) may include a part that extends further between the central part of the panel cover unit (112) and the second cover (116).

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the control panel (104), the front surface of the first cover (114) covering the front surface of the control panel (104), the front surface of the drawer panel (106), and the front surface of the second cover (116) covering the front surface of the drawer panel (106) may each have an inclined slope that is not perpendicular to the upper surface of the first front panel (101). In one embodiment, the volume of the second front panel (102) may gradually decrease from the bottom to the top.

[0058] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for explaining the coupling direction of a control panel and a first cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the state before the control panel and the first cover are coupled, and FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining the direction in which the first cover is coupled to the control panel.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the control panel (104) may include a control section (104a) and a drawer panel coupling section (104b) provided alongside the control section (104a), and the first cover (114) may be coupled to cover the control section (104a) included in the control panel (104).

[0060] The control unit (104a) may include a front surface (1041), a side surface (1043), and a first edge portion (1045) having a curved shape connecting the front surface (1041) and the side surface (1043) of the control unit (104a), and the first cover (114) may also include a front surface (1141), a side surface (1143), and a third edge portion (1145) having a curved shape connecting the front surface (1141) and the side surface (1143) of the first cover (114), and accordingly, the first cover (114) may cover the control unit (104a) entirely.

[0061] A first upper protrusion (124) may be formed on the upper part of the control part (104a) that protrudes relative to each of the front surface (1041), side surface (1043), and first edge portion (1045) of the control part (104a), and the first upper protrusion (124) may cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the first cover (114) when the first cover (114) is coupled to the control panel (104).

[0062] The drawer panel joining portion (104b) may be a part to which the drawer panel (106), which will be described later, is joined, and the drawer panel joining portion (104b) may not be covered by the first cover (114). That is, the first cover (114) may surround only the control portion (104a) and not surround the drawer panel (106).

[0063] Meanwhile, since the front surface of the drawer panel coupling part (104b) is subsequently covered by the drawer panel (106), only the front surface (1041) of the control part (104a) can perform the role of the front surface of the control panel (104), and accordingly, the front surface (1041) of the control part (104a) can be referred to as the front surface (1041) of the control panel (104). In addition, since the first edge part (1045) and the side surface (1043) of the control part (104a) are continuously extended together with the front surface (1041) of the control part (104a), they can be referred to as the first edge part (1045) and the side surface (1043) of the control panel (104).

[0064] The first cover (114) can be slid from bottom to top, that is, along the vertical direction toward the first upper protrusion (124) and coupled to the control panel (104).

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface (1041) and side surface (1043) of the control unit (104a) and the front surface (1141) and side surface (1143) of the first cover (114) may each have a generally flat surface, and the first edge portion (1045) and the third edge portion (1145) may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface (1041) of the control unit (104a) and the front surface (1141) of the first cover (114) may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel (101).

[0066] The panel cover unit (112) may further include a water penetration prevention rib (115) formed on its upper surface to prevent water from penetrating into the control unit (104a) from the outside.

[0067] More specifically, the first cover (114) may include a water infiltration prevention rib (115) protruding along the vertical direction from its upper surface, and the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may slide together with the first cover (114) toward the first upper protrusion (124) along the vertical direction to be coupled to the control panel (104).

[0068] At this time, since the first cover (114) includes a front surface (1141), a side surface (1143), and a third edge portion (1145), water infiltration prevention ribs (115) can be formed on the front surface (1141), the side surface (1143), and the third edge portion (1145) of the first cover, respectively.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the panel cover unit (112), and may have an extension length smaller than the extension length of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the panel cover unit (112). In one embodiment, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the first cover (114), and may have an extension length equal to the extension length of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the first cover (114).

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the second front panel (102) and the panel cover unit (112) may each be formed with a curved surface in which the central portion protrudes toward the front, and the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may be formed with a curve in which the portion formed on the upper surface of the central portion of the panel cover unit (112) protrudes toward the front when viewed from above.

[0071] As described above, the front surface of the control panel (104) and the front and rear surfaces of the first cover (114) are each formed as curved surfaces with a central portion protruding toward the front, and the control panel (104) includes a portion that extends further between the central portion of the second front panel (102) and the drawer panel (106), and the first cover (114) also includes a portion that extends further between the central portion of the panel cover unit (112) and the second cover (116), so it is difficult for the first cover (114) to slide along the side direction and be coupled to the control panel (104). Therefore, the first cover (114) can slide along the up and down direction and be coupled to the control panel (104).

[0072] In addition, since the first cover (114) includes a water penetration prevention rib (115) that protrudes along the vertical direction from the upper surface of the first cover (114), it becomes more difficult for the first cover (114) to slide along the vertical direction and be coupled to the control panel (104). Therefore, the first cover (114) can slide along the vertical direction and be coupled to the control panel (104).

[0073] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a water penetration prevention rib and a rib receiving groove according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a control panel and a first cover are combined.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, the upper protrusion of the second front panel (102) may include a rib receiving groove (125) formed at its lower portion, into which a water-penetrating prevention rib (115) is inserted.

[0075] More specifically, the first upper protrusion (124) may include a rib receiving groove (125) formed on its lower surface into which a water infiltration prevention rib (115) is inserted, and the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may be inserted into the rib receiving groove (125) by sliding along the upper and lower directions together with the first cover (114) toward the first upper protrusion (124).

[0076] In exemplary embodiments, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) and the rib receiving groove (125) may each extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the panel cover unit (112), and may have an extension length smaller than the extension length of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the panel cover unit (112). In one embodiment, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) and the rib receiving groove (125) may each extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the first cover (114), and may have an extension length equal to the extension length of the curved surface forming the rear surface of the first cover (114).

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, when the water infiltration prevention rib (115) is inserted into the rib receiving groove (125), the remaining portion of the upper surface of the first cover (114) excluding the portion where the water infiltration prevention rib (115) is formed, i.e., the upper surface of the first cover (114) located on the front side of the water infiltration prevention rib (115), and the remaining portion of the lower surface of the first upper protrusion (124) excluding the portion where the rib receiving groove (125) is formed, i.e., the lower surface of the first upper protrusion (124) located on the front side of the rib receiving groove (125), may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the vertical direction.

[0078] That is, by forming the height of the water infiltration prevention rib (115) to be higher than the height of the rib receiving groove (125), the water infiltration prevention rib (115) can be sufficiently inserted into the rib receiving groove (125) along the vertical direction, and accordingly, no empty vertical space can be created between the water infiltration prevention rib (115) and the rib receiving groove (125). Therefore, the infiltration of water from the outside into the control unit included in the control panel (104) can be more firmly prevented by the water infiltration prevention rib (115).

[0079] In exemplary embodiments, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) and the rib receiving groove (125) may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel (101). In one embodiment, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) and the front surface (1141) of the first cover may have the same inclination with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel (101).

[0080] That is, if the water infiltration prevention rib (115) has a slope perpendicular to the upper surface of the first front panel (101), there may be a disadvantage in that it is inconvenient to insert the water infiltration prevention rib (115) into the rib receiving groove (125). Therefore, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may be formed to have a slope inclined to the upper surface of the first front panel (101), and correspondingly, the rib receiving groove (125) may also be formed to have a slope inclined to the upper surface of the first front panel (101). Accordingly, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) can slide along the vertical direction and be inserted more easily into the rib receiving groove (125).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may be formed on the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover (114), and the rib receiving groove (125) may be formed on the inner side of the lower surface of the first upper protrusion (124) facing the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover (114). Accordingly, since the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may at least partially contact the front surface (1041), side surface (1043), and first edge portion (1045) of the control panel, water infiltration into the control portion can be prevented more effectively.

[0082] Meanwhile, a driving device receiving portion (200) may be provided between the control panel (104) and the first cover (114), and a driving unit (300) for driving the control unit may be installed in the driving device receiving portion (200).

[0083] FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings for explaining a method of combining a control panel and a first cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 7(a) is a front view for explaining the front surface of the control panel, and FIG. 7(b) is a side view for explaining the side surface of the control panel. FIG. 8 is a rear view for explaining the rear surface of the first cover, FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are an enlarged side view and an enlarged top view, respectively, for explaining a method of combining the control panel and the first cover, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a method of combining the control panel and the first cover.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7(a), FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8, a first coupling groove (1042) may be formed on the front surface (1041) of the control panel (104), comprising a lower portion having a first width and an upper portion having a second width smaller than the first width, and a first coupling part (1142) inserted into the first coupling groove (1042) may be formed on the rear surface of the first cover (114), and the first coupling part (1142) may be inserted into the lower portion of the first coupling groove (1042) and then slid along the vertical direction to be coupled to the upper portion of the first coupling groove (1042).

[0085] The first coupling groove (1042) may have a shape in which the lower part of the first coupling groove (1042) protrudes further toward the side (1043) of the control panel along the side direction compared to the upper part of the first coupling groove (1042).

[0086] A second coupling groove (1044) may be formed on the side (1043) of the control panel (104), comprising a lower portion having a third width and an upper portion having a fourth width smaller than the third width. A second coupling part (1144) that is inserted into the second coupling groove (1044) may be formed on the side of the first cover (114). The second coupling part (1144) may be inserted into the lower portion of the second coupling groove (1044) and then slid along the vertical direction to be coupled to the upper portion of the second coupling groove (1044). The second coupling groove (1044) may have a shape in which the lower portion of the second coupling groove (1044) protrudes further toward the front than the upper portion of the second coupling groove (1044).

[0087] FIG. 9(a) illustrates a state in which the second coupling part (1144) is inserted into the lower part of the second coupling groove (1044), and FIG. 9(b) illustrates a state in which the second coupling part (1144) is coupled to the upper part of the second coupling groove (1044).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), the second coupling portion (1144) may include a second support portion (1144a) protruding along the side direction from the inner wall of the first cover side (1143), and a second protrusion portion (1144b) protruding along the front-rear direction from the second support portion (1144a). At this time, the second protrusion portion (1144b) may be formed to be spaced apart from the inner wall of the first cover side (1143).

[0089] That is, when the second coupling part (1144) slides along the vertical direction, the second protrusion (1144b) can move along the vertical direction in a manner that wraps around the portion adjacent to the upper part of the second coupling groove (1044) of the control panel side (1043), and the portion adjacent to the upper part of the second coupling groove (1044) of the control panel side (1043) can be interposed between the second protrusion (1144b) and the inner wall of the first cover side (1143), and accordingly, the first cover (114) and the control panel (104) can be closely coupled.

[0090] Although not illustrated, the first coupling groove (1042) and the first coupling part (1142) can also be coupled in a manner substantially identical to the coupling method of the second coupling groove (1044) and the second coupling part (1144), and accordingly, the first cover (114) and the control panel (104) can be closely coupled in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as the front-rear direction) of the second front panel (102).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, a third coupling groove (1046) penetrating the control panel (104) may be further formed on the front surface (1041) of the control panel (104), and a third coupling part (1146) having a protruding shape may be further formed on the rear surface of the first cover (114), and the third coupling part (1146) may slide in the vertical direction and be coupled to the third coupling groove (1046). Accordingly, the first cover (114) may be prevented from being detached from the control panel (104) along the vertical direction by the coupling of the third coupling part (1146) and the third coupling groove (1046).

[0092] FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining the state in which a drawer panel and a second cover are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper protrusion of the second front panel (102) may further include a second upper protrusion (126) that protrudes from the upper part of the drawer panel (106) toward the front side and is provided parallel to the first upper protrusion (124) along the side direction, and the second upper protrusion (126) may cover the upper surface of the second cover (116) when the second cover (116) is coupled to the control panel (106).

[0094] Meanwhile, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may not be formed on the upper surface of the second cover (116), and the rib receiving groove (125) may not be formed on the lower surface of the second upper protrusion (126). That is, the water infiltration prevention rib (115) may be formed only on the upper surface of the first cover (114), excluding the upper surface of the second cover (116), and the rib receiving groove (125) may be formed only on the lower surface of the first upper protrusion (124), excluding the lower surface of the second upper protrusion (126).

[0095] That is, unlike the control panel (104) which includes a control unit operated by a user, the drawer panel (106) does not include the control unit, so a water infiltration prevention rib (115) to prevent water from penetrating into the control unit from the outside may not be formed on the upper surface of the drawer panel (106), and a rib receiving groove into which the water infiltration prevention rib (115) is inserted may not be formed on the lower surface of the second upper protrusion (126).

[0096] FIGS. 13 to 16 are drawings for explaining the state in which a drawer panel according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a control panel.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the drawer panel (106) can be coupled to the drawer panel coupling portion (104c) of the control panel (104).

[0098] The drawer panel (106) may include a front surface (1061), a side surface (1063), and a second edge portion (1065) having a curved shape that connects the front surface (1061) and the side surface (1063) of the drawer panel (106).

[0099] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface (1061) and side surface (1063) of the drawer panel and the front surface (1161) and side surface (1163) of the second cover may each have a generally flat surface, and the second edge portion (1065) and the fourth edge portion (1165) may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel and the front surface (1161) of the second cover may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel (101).

[0100] In one embodiment, the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel may be formed as a curved surface that protrudes forward as it approaches the control panel (104).

[0101] At this time, the second upper protrusion (126) can cover the upper surface of the drawer panel coupling part (104b), and accordingly, the upper surface of the drawer panel coupling part (104b) may not be exposed to the outside.

[0102] Meanwhile, the side (1063) of the drawer panel may not cover the side of the drawer panel connecting part (104b), and accordingly, the side of the drawer panel connecting part (104b) may be exposed to the outside. That is, the side of the drawer panel connecting part (104b) and the side (1063) of the drawer panel may be arranged sequentially toward the front side.

[0103] FIG. 16 illustrates a state in which a detergent supply unit (108) for storing and supplying detergent is connected to the rear of a drawer panel (106) by penetrating the drawer panel coupling unit (104b) of a control panel (104).

[0104] FIGS. 17 to 23 are drawings for explaining the coupling direction and coupling method of a drawer panel and a second cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 17, the second cover (116) can be slid along the side direction, for example, from left to right toward the control panel (104) and coupled to the drawer panel (106).

[0106] That is, since the central part of the second front panel (102), which is the most protruding part from the front surface of the second front panel (102) toward the front side, does not constitute part of the drawer panel (106), it is not difficult for the second cover (116) to slide along the side direction and be coupled to the drawer panel (106). Also, since the second cover (116) does not include a water penetration prevention rib (115), the second cover (116) does not need to slide along the up-down direction and be coupled to the drawer panel (104). Therefore, the second cover (116) can slide along the side direction and be coupled to the drawer panel (106).

[0107] In addition, unlike the control panel (104) which is fixed to the front of the cabinet (10), the drawer panel (106) must be installed so that the detergent supply unit (108) provided at the rear can be drawn into or drawn out of the cabinet (10). Therefore, the second cover (106) protecting the drawer panel (106) needs to be attached in closer contact with the side portion of the drawer panel (106). Accordingly, as the second cover (116) slides along the side direction and is attached to the drawer panel (106), the distance between the side portion of the second cover (116) and the side portion of the drawer panel (106) can be made closer.

[0108] Corresponding to the front surface (1061), side surface (1063), and second edge portion (1065) of the drawer panel (106), the second cover (116) may also include a front surface (1161), a side surface (1163), and a fourth edge portion (1165) having a curved shape connecting the front surface (1161) and the side surface (1163) of the second cover (116), and accordingly, the second cover (116) can cover the drawer panel (106) entirely.

[0109] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel, the side surface (1063) of the drawer panel, the front surface (1161) of the second cover, and the side surface (1161) of the second cover may each have a generally flat surface, and the second edge portion (1065) of the drawer panel and the fourth edge portion (1165) of the second cover may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel and the front surface (1161) of the second cover may each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel (101).

[0110] In exemplary embodiments, the front surface (1161) and the rear surface of the second cover may each be formed as curved surfaces that protrude forward as they approach the first cover (114).

[0111] Referring together to FIG. 18, FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 19(b), a fourth coupling groove (1062) may be formed on the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel (106), comprising a first portion having a fifth width and a second portion having a sixth width smaller than the fifth width, and a fourth coupling part (1162) inserted into the fourth coupling groove (1062) may be formed on the rear surface of the second cover (116), and the fourth coupling part (1162) may be inserted into the first portion of the fourth coupling groove (1062) and then slid toward the control panel along the side direction to be coupled to the second portion of the fourth coupling groove (1062). The first part of the fourth coupling groove (1062) may be located in a direction closer to the control panel (104) within the fourth coupling groove (1062), and the second part of the fourth coupling groove (1062) may be located in a direction further away from the control panel (104) within the fourth coupling groove (1062).

[0112] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth coupling groove (1062) may have a shape in which the first portion of the fourth coupling groove (1062) protrudes further downward than the second portion of the fourth coupling groove (1062).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 18, 19, 20(a) and 20(b), the fourth coupling portion (1162) may include a fourth support portion (1162a) protruding along the front-rear direction from the rear side of the second cover front surface (1161), and a fourth protrusion portion (1162b) protruding along the side direction from the fourth support portion (1162a). At this time, the fourth protrusion portion (1162b) may be formed to be spaced apart from the rear side of the second cover front surface (1161).

[0114] That is, when the fourth coupling part (1162) slides along the side direction, the fourth protrusion (1162b) can move along the side direction in a manner that wraps around the part adjacent to the second part of the fourth coupling groove (1062) of the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel, and the part adjacent to the second part of the fourth coupling groove (1062) of the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel can be interposed between the fourth protrusion (1162b) and the front surface (1161) of the second cover (116), and accordingly, the second cover (116) and the drawer panel (106) can be closely coupled.

[0115] Referring together to FIGS. 18, 19, and 22, a fifth coupling groove (1064) penetrating the drawer panel (106) may be formed on the side (1063) of the drawer panel (106), and a fifth coupling part (1164) inserted into the fifth coupling groove (1064) may be formed on the side (116c) of the second cover (116), and the fifth coupling part (1164) may move toward the control panel (104) along the side direction and be coupled to the fifth coupling groove (1064). In one embodiment, the fifth coupling part (1164) and the fifth coupling groove (1064) may be hook-coupled.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 21, the second cover (116) can cover not only the drawer panel (106) but also the drawer panel coupling part (104b) of the control panel (104).

[0117] In exemplary embodiments, the side (1163) of the second cover covering the side (1063) of the drawer panel may be further extended along the front-rear direction to cover the side of the drawer panel joint (104b).

[0118] In exemplary embodiments, the extension length in the front-rear direction of the second cover side (1163) may be greater than the extension length in the front-rear direction of the drawer panel side (1063). In one embodiment, the extension length in the front-rear direction of the second cover side (1163) may be equal to or greater than the sum of the extension length in the front-rear direction of the drawer panel side (1063) and the extension length in the front-rear direction of the drawer panel connecting part (104b) side.

[0119] FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining a method of combining a second cover and a handle part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring together to FIGS. 18, 19, and 23, the drawer panel (106) may include a handle portion (110) in which a portion of the front surface (1061) of the drawer panel is drawn into the interior of the cabinet (10), and a handle panel (120) having a shape corresponding to the handle portion (110) may be attached to the outer surface of the handle portion (110). In exemplary embodiments, the handle panel (120) may be attached before the second cover (116) is attached to the drawer panel (106), and the second cover (116) may be attached to the drawer panel (106) after the handle panel (120) is attached to the handle portion (110). In one embodiment, the handle portion (110) and the handle panel (120) may each include a handle coupling groove (1101) and a handle coupling portion (1201), and the handle coupling portion (1201) may be coupled by moving along the front and rear directions and being inserted into the handle coupling groove (1101).

[0121] At this time, a sixth coupling groove (1066) penetrating the drawer panel (106) may be further formed in the lower part of the handle portion (110), and a sixth coupling portion (1166) inserted into the sixth coupling groove (1066) may be further formed on the rear surface of the second cover (116), and the sixth coupling portion (1166) may move toward the control panel (104) along the side direction and be coupled to the sixth coupling groove (1066). That is, the second cover (106) may slide along the side direction and be additionally coupled to the handle portion (110).

[0122] Accordingly, since the handle panel (120) is not formed integrally with the drawer panel (106) but is formed separately and coupled to the handle part (110), the deterioration of the appearance quality that may occur when the handle panel (120) and the drawer panel (106) are made of different materials can be prevented.

[0123] As described above, a clothing processing device (1) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a control panel (104) provided with a control unit operated by a user, a first cover (114) provided on the front side of the control panel (104) to protect the control panel (104), a drawer panel (106) provided alongside the control panel (104) and having a detergent storage unit (108) for storing detergent at the rear, and a second cover (116) provided on the front side of the drawer panel (106) to protect the drawer panel (106). A water penetration prevention rib (115) having a shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the first cover (114) may be formed on the upper side of the first cover (114), and water penetration into the control unit from the outside may be prevented by the water penetration prevention rib (115).

[0124] Meanwhile, the first cover (114) can be slid from bottom to top along the vertical direction to be coupled to the control panel (114) for ease of coupling with the water penetration prevention rib (115), and the second cover (116) can be slid toward the control panel (104) along the left and right directions to be coupled to the drawer panel (106) in close contact with the side of the drawer panel (106). That is, the first cover (114) and the second cover (116) can be slid in different directions to be coupled to the control panel (104) and the drawer panel (106), respectively.

[0125] Accordingly, since the panel cover unit (112) including the first cover (114) and the second cover (116) can be closely coupled to the second front panel (102) including the control panel (104) and the drawer panel (106), a failure in coupling between the second front panel (102) and the panel cover unit (112) may not occur, and the appearance quality of the clothing processing device (1) may also be improved.

[0126] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0127] 1: Clothing processing unit 10: Cabinet 20: Tub 30: Drum 40: Cabinet door 101: First front panel 102: Second front panel 103: Side panel 104: Control Panel 105: Top Panel 106: Drawer panel 108: Detergent storage compartment 110: Handle part 112: Panel cover unit 114: First cover 115: Water penetration prevention rib 116: Second cover 120: Handle panel 124: First upper protrusion 125: Rib receiving groove 126: Second upper protrusion 200: Driving unit 300: Driving device housing

Claims

Claim 1 A cabinet comprising a first front panel located on the front side and a second front panel provided on the upper part of the first front panel and having a control unit operated by a user; a tub installed inside the cabinet; and a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, providing a space for storing clothing. A garment processing device comprising: a panel cover unit provided on the front side of the second front panel to protect the second front panel; wherein the second front panel includes a control panel including an upper protrusion extending toward the front side of the second front panel and covering a portion of the upper part of the panel cover unit, and the panel cover unit includes a first cover for protecting the control panel and a water penetration prevention rib formed on the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover to prevent water from penetrating into the control unit from the outside, wherein the upper protrusion includes a rib receiving groove formed on the inner side of the lower surface of the upper protrusion, and the water penetration prevention rib is coupled to the rib receiving groove in the vertical direction. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A garment processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes a front surface and a side extending toward the rear side from a side end of the front surface of the control panel, the first cover includes a front surface covering the front surface of the control panel and a side covering the side of the control panel, and the water penetration prevention rib is formed on the upper surface of the front surface of the first cover and the upper surface of the side of the first cover, respectively. Claim 5 A clothing processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control panel further includes a first edge portion having a curved shape connecting the front surface and the side surface of the control panel, and the first cover further includes a third edge portion having a curved shape covering the first edge portion. Claim 6 A garment processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first cover surrounds the front and side surfaces of the control panel together, and the water penetration prevention rib is formed on the inner side of the upper surface of the first cover and contacts at least a part of the control panel. Claim 7 A clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the upper protrusion of the second front panel is formed on the upper part of the control panel and includes a first upper protrusion that covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the first cover. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 In claim 7, the control panel further includes a drawer panel coupling portion provided alongside the control portion, the second front panel further includes a drawer panel provided alongside the control panel and coupled to the drawer panel coupling portion, with a detergent storage portion provided at the rear for storing detergent, the panel cover unit further includes a second cover provided alongside the first cover to protect the drawer panel, and the water penetration prevention rib is not formed on the upper surface of the second cover. Claim 10 A garment processing device according to claim 9, wherein the upper protrusion of the second front panel is formed on the upper part of the drawer panel and further includes a second upper protrusion provided parallel to the first upper protrusion, and the rib receiving groove is not formed on the lower surface of the second upper protrusion. Claim 11 A garment processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second front panel and the panel cover unit each have a curved surface with a central portion protruding toward the front, and the water penetration prevention rib is formed with a curved portion that protrudes toward the front when viewed from above, formed on the upper surface of the central portion of the panel cover unit. Claim 12 A garment processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second front panel includes a control panel comprising the control unit and a drawer panel provided alongside the control unit, and the panel cover unit includes a first cover for protecting the control panel and a second cover for protecting the drawer panel, wherein the first cover slides along the up-down direction to be coupled to the control panel, and the second cover slides along the side direction of the second front panel toward the control panel to be coupled to the drawer panel. Claim 13 A garment processing device according to claim 12, wherein a first upper protrusion is formed on the upper part of the control part that protrudes relative to the front or side surface of the control part, and a rib receiving groove is formed on the lower part of the first upper protrusion to receive the water penetration prevention rib. Claim 14 In claim 13, the upper surface of the first cover located on the front side of the water penetration prevention rib and the lower surface of the first upper protrusion located on the front side of the rib receiving groove are spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the vertical direction of the garment processing device. Claim 15 In claim 12, the front surface of the control panel, the front surface of the first cover, the front surface of the drawer panel, and the front surface of the second cover each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel. Claim 16 In claim 13, the above-mentioned water penetration prevention rib and the above-mentioned rib receiving groove each have an inclined slope with respect to the upper surface of the first front panel. Claim 17 In claim 12, the control panel further comprises a drawer panel coupling portion provided alongside the control portion, the drawer panel comprises a front surface and a side surface extending toward the rear side from a side end portion of the front surface of the drawer panel, the second cover comprises a front surface covering the front surface of the drawer panel and a side surface covering the side surface of the drawer panel, and the side surface of the second cover further extends along the thickness direction of the second front panel to cover the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion, thereby forming a garment processing device. Claim 18 In claim 17, the drawer panel further includes a second edge portion having a curved shape connecting the front surface and the side surface of the drawer panel, and the second cover surrounds the front surface and the side surface of the drawer panel, the second edge portion, and the side surface of the drawer panel joint portion together, forming a garment processing device.

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