Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a clothing treatment apparatus. A clothing treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; an accommodation unit in which laundry is accommodated and treated; a moving unit inserted into a front panel; and an output unit outputting a screen. The output unit comprises: a screen unit protruding from the front panel and on the front surface of which a screen is output; and a rotating unit surrounding the circumferential surface of the screen unit and rotatable about the screen unit, wherein, with reference to the widthwise direction of the cabinet, the separation distance between a button and the moving unit and the separation distance between the button and the output unit are different.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device, and more particularly, to a clothing treatment device that receives and processes clothing.

[0002] A clothing treatment device is a device that can perform various treatment courses for treating clothing, such as a washing course to remove contamination from laundry or a drying course to remove moisture from clothing, by placing clothing, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “laundry”) inside a drum.

[0003] A garment treatment device may include a cabinet forming an exterior, and a receiving portion provided within the cabinet for receiving garments. Furthermore, if water is used in the garment treatment process, a tub may be provided within the cabinet, and the receiving portion may be installed within the tub.

[0004] The cabinet may include a clothing opening connecting the interior and exterior of the cabinet. A user may insert clothing into a storage compartment within the cabinet through the clothing opening.

[0005] Garment handling devices can be classified into front-loader and top-loader types depending on the location of the garment opening. A front-loader may have a garment opening provided on the front panel of the cabinet, while a top-loader may have a garment opening provided on the top panel of the cabinet.

[0006] Meanwhile, the cabinet may be equipped with a control panel. The control panel may be defined by a portion of the exterior surface of the cabinet, or may be provided separately and installed so that at least a portion of the control panel is exposed to the exterior of the cabinet.

[0007] A control panel may be designed to provide various information to the user or to receive commands from the user. For example, the control panel may be designed to display a screen to provide visual information to the user, or may include buttons that, when operated by the user, generate a user operation signal.

[0008] In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. KR10-1960309 discloses a control panel capable of outputting a screen and having buttons, etc. The control panel may include an output unit that outputs a screen for providing information to a user.

[0009] The above output unit may be provided on the front panel of the aforementioned cabinet together with the clothing opening. In this case, the output unit may be positioned above the clothing opening, taking into consideration user accessibility, convenience of operation, etc.

[0010] However, in the case of a front loader, various configurations such as a moving unit for the detergent part or an option part that provides option information, along with the output part, may be arranged together on the upper side of the clothing opening on the front panel, i.e., on the upper part of the front panel.

[0011] Accordingly, the size and arrangement relationship between the output unit and other components on the front panel become important. For example, if the output unit occupies an excessively large area, not only will the external appearance of the product deteriorate in relation to the moving unit or optional unit, but the area in which the moving unit or optional unit can be placed will be limited, which may be disadvantageous in terms of design.

[0012] In addition, if the size of the output section, etc. is excessively reduced, the user's convenience may be reduced and it may be disadvantageous for the output section, etc. to perform its original function.

[0013] These problems can similarly affect not only the size of the output unit, but also the positional relationship between them. For example, if the distance between the output unit and the moving unit is reduced, it may be difficult to place other components between the output unit and the moving unit.

[0014] That is, efficiently and effectively determining the size relationship and arrangement relationship of components placed on the front panel of the cabinet, such as the output section, is an important task in this technical field.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device having an output unit that outputs a screen to a cabinet.

[0016] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing processing device in which the sizes and arrangement relationships between various components arranged in the cabinet are efficiently achieved.

[0017] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device in which various components, such as an output unit, are efficiently arranged on the front panel of the cabinet.

[0018] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device in which the sizes and arrangements of a moving unit, an output unit, an option unit, buttons, etc. are efficiently achieved.

[0019] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with an output unit for outputting a screen on a front panel. The output unit includes a screen unit protruding forward from the front panel and a rotating unit surrounding the screen unit.

[0020] The above output section may be referred to as an LCD dial, and the LCD dial may be positioned between the top and bottom of the detergent box to provide a balanced design.

[0021] The above output section can simplify the existing complex output section structure by applying a circle-shaped LCD knob, provide a simple design shape, and improve usability.

[0022] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet including a front panel, a receiving portion provided inside the cabinet for receiving and processing garments, a moving unit that is inserted into an opening formed in the front panel so as to be withdrawable and close the opening, an output portion provided in the front panel for outputting a screen, and a button provided in the front panel and arranged between the moving unit and the output portion to be operated by a user.

[0023] The output section includes a screen section that protrudes from the front panel and outputs a screen from the front, and a rotation section that surrounds the periphery of the screen section and can rotate around the screen section.

[0024] The distance between the button and the moving unit and the distance between the button and the output unit may be different from each other based on the width direction of the cabinet.

[0025] The distance between the button and the moving unit may be longer than the distance between the button and the output unit.

[0026] The vertical center line of the output section on the front panel may be positioned on the same line as the vertical center line of the front panel.

[0027] The above button corresponds to a first button and is located on one side of the output unit based on the width direction of the cabinet, and a second button is provided on the front panel and is located on the other side of the output unit based on the width direction and is operated by a user, and a distance between the output unit and the first button may be the same as a distance between the output unit and the second button.

[0028] The front panel may be provided with an option section that displays option values ​​for the clothing processing process, and the output section may be placed between the option section and the moving unit.

[0029] The width of the optional part in the width direction on the front panel may be smaller than the width of the moving unit.

[0030] In the above moving unit, a handle groove that is recessed toward the rear is provided on the front surface exposed to the outside of the cabinet, and the width of the optional part may be larger than the width of the handle groove.

[0031] The above button corresponds to a first button and is located on one side of the output unit based on the width direction of the cabinet, and a second button is provided on the front panel to be operated by a user and is located on the other side of the output unit based on the width direction, and a width of the option unit based on the width direction may be greater than a distance between one side end of the first button facing the moving unit and one side end of the second button facing the option unit.

[0032] The distance between the button and the moving unit may be smaller than the distance between the button and the output unit.

[0033] In the above front panel, the vertical center line of the front panel may be located between the vertical center line of the moving unit and the output unit. The vertical center line of the front panel may cross the output unit.

[0034] The horizontal center line of the output unit may be positioned above the horizontal center line of the button. The horizontal center line of the output unit may cross the button.

[0035] The above screen portion may include a display built into the screen portion to output a screen and a window defining the front of the screen portion and covering the display.

[0036] The above window may be provided with an output area that overlaps at least partly with the display and has a light-transmitting property so that the screen of the display is recognized from the outside.

[0037] The above output area can extend from one end of the window to the other end along the width direction of the cabinet.

[0038] The output area may be positioned below the top of the window, and a status area may be provided between the top of the window and the output area in the window, in which an indicator indicating the status of the garment treatment device is positioned.

[0039] The output area may be positioned above the bottom of the window, and an operation area may be provided between the bottom of the window and the output area in the window, where an operation button operated by the user may be positioned. The moving unit may be provided to store water or detergent.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device having an output unit that outputs a screen to a cabinet.

[0041] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device in which the sizes and arrangement relationships between various components arranged in the cabinet are efficiently achieved.

[0042] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device in which various components, such as an output unit, are efficiently arranged on the front panel of the cabinet.

[0043] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device in which the sizes and arrangements of moving units, output units, option units, buttons, etc. are efficiently achieved.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the upper part of the front panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a handle portion of a moving unit inserted into a front panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an opening provided in a front panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a detergent section of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 is a drawing showing an output unit of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 is a drawing showing an output unit disassembled from the front panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of an output unit of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an optional part of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the height relationship of components provided on the upper part of the cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention in which the first button is positioned closer to the output unit than the moving unit.

[0057] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention in which the first button is positioned closer to the moving unit than to the output unit.

[0058] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice it.

[0059] However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0060] In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0061] Additionally, when a component is referred to herein as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may be other components present in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to herein as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0062] Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0063] Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0064] In addition, in this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0065] Also, in this specification, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any one of multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (10).

[0067] The cabinet (10) forms the exterior of the garment treatment device (1), and a space may be formed inside in which a receiving portion (20) and a tub (30), which will be described later, are provided. Although a hexahedral cabinet (10) is illustrated in Fig. 1, the specific shape formed by the cabinet (10) may vary.

[0068] The cabinet (10) may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include at least one of a front panel (11), a side panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a rear panel. The plurality of panels may be combined with each other to form the cabinet (10).

[0069] The cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11), and a plurality of openings may be formed in the front panel (11). The plurality of openings may include an inlet opening (12) and a clothing opening (13). The inlet opening (12) may be a passage for introducing a moving unit (55) storing detergent or water therein into the cabinet (10). The clothing opening (13) may correspond to a passage for a user to insert clothing into a receiving portion (20) inside the cabinet (10).

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the front refers to the direction in which the front panel (11) is positioned based on the cabinet (10), and the front panel (11) may be a panel in which an inlet opening (12) and a clothing opening (13) are formed.

[0071] The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (15) for opening and closing the clothing opening (13), and an operating unit for the user to operate the clothing treatment device (1) may be provided. The door (15) may be hinged to the front panel (11) and provided to be rotatable. The clothing opening (13) of the front panel (11) may be opened or closed by the door (15).

[0072] The control unit may include an output unit (100) that outputs a screen to convey information to the user. The output unit (100) may be provided on the front panel (11) and output a screen.

[0073] The above-mentioned operating unit may include buttons (160) and dials operated by the user, and may include an option unit (200) for providing optional information on the garment treatment course. Details of the operating unit will be described later.

[0074] Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (not shown), which may be electrically and signal-connected to the operating unit. Furthermore, the control unit may be electrically and signal-connected to an object requiring electrical / electronic control, such as a driving unit (70) for rotating the receiving unit (20) or a water supply unit (40) for supplying water.

[0075] The control unit can receive signals input by the user to the operation unit, and control each component of the garment treatment device (1) based on the transmitted signals. In addition, the operating status of the garment treatment device (1), etc. can be transmitted to the user through the operation unit based on the signals transmitted from each of the components.

[0076] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an internal cross-section of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the interior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically described as follows.

[0077] The clothing opening (13) of the front panel (11) can be shielded by a door (15), and when a user wants to wash clothes, he / she can open the clothing opening (13) by rotating the door (15).

[0078] A receiving portion (20) and a tub (30) may be provided inside the cabinet (10). The tub (30) is provided inside the cabinet (10) and water can be contained therein. The receiving portion (20) is provided inside the tub (30) so as to be rotatable and clothes can be contained therein.

[0079] The tub (30) may be fixed inside the cabinet (10) and the front facing the clothing opening (13) may be opened to form a tub opening (31). The tub (30) may be connected to the front panel (11) via a gasket to prevent clothing from coming off and water leakage. In addition, the tub may be supported on the cabinet (10) via a damper to minimize vibration transmitted to the cabinet (10).

[0080] The receiving portion (20) is arranged inside the tub (30), and the front surface of the receiving portion (20) facing the tub opening (31) and the clothing opening (13) can be opened to form the receiving opening (21). That is, the clothing opening (13), the tub opening (31), and the receiving opening (21) can be aligned in parallel and communicate with each other.

[0081] Clothing can be inserted into the clothing opening (13) of the front panel (11), and clothing inserted through the clothing opening (13) can pass through the tub opening (31) of the tub (30) and the receiving opening (21) of the receiving portion (20) and be received inside the receiving portion (20).

[0082] A plurality of holes may be formed on the circumference of the receiving portion (20). Through the holes, water stored in the tub (30) may be supplied into the receiving portion (20) and applied to clothing. In the present invention, the receiving portion (20) may also be referred to as a drum.

[0083] The receiving portion (20) can be connected to the driving portion (70) through a rotation shaft. The driving portion (70) can provide rotational force based on a signal from the control portion, and the rotational force of the driving portion (70) can be transmitted to the receiving portion (20) through the rotation shaft to rotate the receiving portion (20).

[0084] One embodiment of the present invention is described as a front loader type in which the rotation axis of the receiving portion (20) extends in the front-back direction and the clothing opening (13) is provided on the front panel (11) as illustrated in FIG. 2; however, it is not necessarily limited thereto and may be a top loader type in which the clothing opening (13) is formed on the upper panel. However, unless otherwise stated, the following description will be based on the front loader type.

[0085] Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a detergent unit (50). The detergent unit (50) may be provided inside the cabinet (10) or outside the cabinet (10) to supply detergent into the interior of the tub (30) or the receiving unit (20).

[0086] In the present invention, the term "detergent" includes not only laundry agents for removing foreign substances from clothing, but also softeners for improving the flexibility of fabrics, bleaching agents for improving the color of fabrics, and the like. Furthermore, detergents can be defined to encompass various forms and types, including powdered detergents and liquid detergents.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit (55) introduced into the cabinet (10) through the aforementioned inlet opening (12) can store detergent, and the detergent section (50) can be provided to supply the detergent of the moving unit (55) into the tub (30). A detailed description of the detergent section (50) will be described later.

[0088] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a water supply unit (40), and the water supply unit (40) may be connected to an external water source to receive water.

[0089] The water supply unit (40) may include a water supply valve and a water supply pipe. The control unit may supply water into the tub (30) during the washing process, etc., by controlling the water supply valve. The water supply pipe may be connected to the detergent unit (50) or the tub (30). The water supply unit (40) may be provided to supply water into the tub (30) through the detergent unit (50) or to supply water directly into the tub (30) separately from the detergent unit (50).

[0090] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a drainage unit (60), and the drainage unit (60) may be connected to a tub (30) to discharge water contained in the tub (30) to the outside.

[0091] The drainage unit (60) may include a drain pump and a drain pipe. The drain pipe may be provided to connect the tub (30) and the exterior of the cabinet (10). The drain pump may be controlled by the control unit and may be provided in the drain pipe to allow water to flow.

[0092] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform various treatment processes on clothing received in a receiving portion (20). For example, the clothing treatment device (1) can perform a washing process on clothing using detergent and water, or a drying process on clothing using hot air, etc.

[0093] When the above clothing treatment device (1) is provided to be able to perform the above washing process, the clothing treatment device (1) may include the tub (30) and detergent section (50) described above.

[0094] When the above-described clothing treatment device (1) is provided to be capable of performing the above-described drying process, the above-described clothing treatment device (1) may omit the above-described tub (30) and detergent section (50), and may include an air supply section for supplying high-temperature dry air into the receiving section (20). In this case, the above-described moving unit (55) may be provided to store water instead of detergent.

[0095] Furthermore, the clothing treatment device (1) may be configured to include the tub (30), detergent section (50), air supply section, etc., and to be capable of performing both the washing process and the drying process. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the case where the clothing treatment device (1) includes the tub (30) and detergent section (50) and is configured to be capable of performing the washing process of clothing.

[0096] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates the upper part of the front panel (11) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The upper part of the front panel (11) may include the area between the upper part of the door (15) and the upper part of the front panel (11). Various configurations, such as the aforementioned operating unit, may be arranged on the upper part of the front panel (11).

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of an output unit (100), a moving unit (55), an option unit (200), and a button (160) may be arranged on the upper portion of the front panel (11).

[0099] The output unit (100) can output a screen from the front. The output unit (100) can include a display (121) for outputting the screen, as described below. The output unit (100) can have various shapes, such as a circular shape.

[0100] Based on the width direction of the cabinet (10), the above-described opening (12) may be provided on one side of the output section (100). An inlet opening (12) may be positioned on one side of the output section (100). Accordingly, the above-described moving unit (55) may be arranged on one side of the output section (100).

[0101] The front panel (11) may be provided with an option section (200) that displays option values ​​for the clothing processing process. The option section (200) may be provided on the other side of the output section (100). The output section (100) may be arranged between the option section (200) and the moving unit (55).

[0102] Meanwhile, the upper portion of the front panel (11) may be provided with a button (160) of the aforementioned operation unit. The operation unit may include the output unit (100) and the button (160), and a plurality of buttons (160) may be provided.

[0103] The above button (160) may be provided in various locations. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a button (160) may be provided on the front panel (11) between the moving unit (55) and the output unit (100) and operated by the user.

[0104] The front panel (11) may be provided with a button (160) that is placed between the output unit (100) and the moving unit (55) or the option unit (200) and is operated by the user.

[0105] The front panel (11) may be provided with a first button (161) positioned between the output unit (100) and the moving unit (55) and a second button (162) positioned between the output unit (100) and the option unit (200).

[0106] The first button (161) is located on one side of the output unit (100) based on the width direction of the cabinet (10), and the second button (162) is located on the other side of the output unit (100) based on the width direction and can be operated by the user.

[0107] The first button (161) may be a power button for determining whether to turn on the power of the clothing treatment device (1), and the second button (162) may be an execution button for inputting an execution command for the clothing treatment process.

[0108] Meanwhile, Fig. 4 illustrates a moving unit (55) inserted into an opening (12) of a front panel (11). Fig. 4 illustrates a handle portion (57) of the moving unit (55).

[0109] In one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit (55) can be drawn into an opening (12) formed in the front panel (11) so as to close the opening (12). The opening (12) may be the aforementioned inlet opening (12).

[0110] Additionally, as described above, the moving unit (55) may be configured to store water or detergent. The detergent may be supplied to the interior of the tub (30) by the detergent compartment (50), and the water may be condensed from air discharged from the tub (30). For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the case where detergent is stored in the moving unit (55).

[0111] The handle portion (57) of the moving unit (55) may have a cross-section of an approximately square shape. The cross-section of the handle portion (57) may have a shape and area corresponding to the cross-section of the opening (12).

[0112] Accordingly, when the moving unit (55) is introduced into the cabinet (10) through the opening (12), the front surface of the handle groove (58) forms the same surface as the front panel (11) and can form the front surface of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0113] In the above moving unit (55), a handle groove (58) that is recessed toward the rear may be provided on the front surface exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10), i.e., the front surface of the handle portion (57). A user can hold the handle groove (58) to insert the moving unit (55) into the cabinet (10) or to pull it out of the cabinet (10).

[0114] The handle groove (58) may be in the shape of a groove recessed toward the rear, and may be extended along the width direction of the cabinet (10). The width of the handle groove (58) based on the width direction of the cabinet (10) may be smaller than the width of the handle portion (57).

[0115] FIG. 5 illustrates an opening (12) formed in a front panel (11) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The above moving unit (55) can be introduced into the cabinet (10) at least partially through the opening (12). The opening (12) may be the aforementioned inlet opening (12). The opening (12) may be located at the upper portion of the front panel (11). The opening (12) may be located above the door (15).

[0117] The above opening (12) may be located on one side of the output section (100) based on the width direction of the cabinet (10). The above opening (12) may be arranged approximately at the corner side of the front panel (11).

[0118] Detergent can be stored inside the moving unit (55), and the moving unit (55) can be a part of the detergent compartment (50). The user can store detergent in the moving unit (55) that is pulled out through the opening (12), and when the moving unit (55) with the detergent stored therein is drawn into the cabinet (10) through the opening (12), the detergent compartment (50) can supply the detergent stored in the moving unit (55) into the tub (30) for the washing process of clothes.

[0119] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a detergent unit (50) provided inside a cabinet (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the detergent unit (50).

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the detergent unit (50) may include a detergent case (52) and a water supply unit (51) positioned at the rear of the opening (12).

[0121] The detergent case (52) can be placed at the rear of the opening (12) to provide a space in which the moving unit (55) is accommodated. That is, at least a portion of the moving unit (55) introduced into the cabinet (10) can be accommodated inside the detergent case (52).

[0122] The water supply unit (51) can receive water through the water supply part (40) and supply water into the detergent case (52) through the open upper surface of the detergent case (52). The detergent case (52) can transfer water supplied by the water supply unit (51) and detergent from the moving unit (55) together to the tub (30).

[0123] The detergent case (52) and the water supply unit (51) can together define a space with an open front. The moving unit (55) introduced through the opening (12) can be accommodated in the space with an open front.

[0124] The moving unit (55) may include the aforementioned handle portion (57) and storage body (56). The storage body (56) may be positioned at the rear of the handle portion (57). The storage body (56) may provide a space for storing detergent.

[0125] The above storage body (56) can be introduced into the cabinet (10) through the opening (12) of the front panel (11) and accommodated in the detergent case (52). The handle portion (57) can be positioned within the opening (12) of the front panel (11), and the front of the handle portion (57) can be positioned approximately on the same plane as the front of the front panel (11).

[0126] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates an operation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The operation unit may include the output unit (100) and button (160) described above.

[0127] The above output unit (100) may be provided on the front panel (11) to output a screen. The output unit (100) may include a screen unit (110) and a rotation unit (120).

[0128] The screen portion (110) protrudes from the front panel (11) and a screen can be output from the front. The screen portion (110) may have a cylindrical shape that protrudes forward from the front panel (11).

[0129] The rotating part (120) may be provided in a ring shape surrounding the circumference of the screen part (110). The rotating part (120) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the screen part (110). The rotating part (120) may be rotated around the screen part (110).

[0130] The above-mentioned rotating part (120) may correspond to a dial. A user may rotate the above-mentioned rotating part (120) to generate a command signal for the garment treatment device (1) or the aforementioned control unit.

[0131] The command signal generated by the rotation of the rotating unit (120) may be of various types. For example, the rotation of the rotating unit (120) may correspond to a command signal for changing an object displayed on the screen output from the screen unit (110) or changing a selected object from one of a plurality of objects displayed on the screen to another. In other words, the rotating unit (120) may have a function similar to a movement button that generates a movement signal for an object displayed on the screen.

[0132] Meanwhile, the screen unit (110) may include a display (121) and a window (122). At least a portion of the display (121) may be built into the screen unit (110) to output a screen. The display (121) may be mounted adjacent to the front surface of the screen unit (110) or may be mounted on the front surface.

[0133] The above screen portion (110) may include a body portion protruding from the front panel (11), and the display (121) may be mounted on the front surface of the body portion. The above-described rotating portion (120) may be provided to surround the periphery of the body portion.

[0134] A window (122) may be provided on the screen portion (110) to cover the display (121). The window (122) may define the front surface of the screen portion (110). The window (122) may be arranged on the front surface of the body portion to cover the front surface of the body portion.

[0135] The above window (122) may include an output area (130). The output area (130) may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the display (121).

[0136] At least a portion of the output area (130) may be positioned in front of the display (121). The output area (130) may have a light-transmitting property so that the screen of the display (121) can be recognized from the outside.

[0137] For example, the window (122) may be made of a material such as glass or plastic, and the output area (130) may be provided transparently so that the screen of the display (121) can be visually recognized by the user.

[0138] The output area (130) may extend from one end of the window (122) to the other end along the width direction of the cabinet (10). For example, the output area (130) defined at the top and bottom of the window (122) based on the height direction of the cabinet (10) may occupy the entire center of the window (122).

[0139] The screen portion (110) may have a roughly circular cross-sectional shape, and the output area (130) may have straight borders at the top and bottom, and curved borders at both ends in the width direction that correspond to the borders of the screen portion (110).

[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display (121) has a shape corresponding to the output area (130) and can overlap with the output area (130) approximately as a whole.

[0141] However, the shape of the display (121) is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, a part of the output area (130) may overlap with the display (121) and the rest may not overlap. In this case, the display (121) may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and may be arranged to overlap with the approximate center of the output area (130) except for the widthwise ends of the output area (130).

[0142] The output area (130) may be positioned below the top of the screen (110) and the window (122). That is, the output area (130) may be spaced downward from the top of the window (122).

[0143] A status area (140) may be provided between the top of the window (122) and the output area (130) in the above window (122). An indicator (141) indicating the status of the garment treatment device (1) may be positioned in the status area (140).

[0144] The above indicator (141) is provided in multiple numbers and can display various information, such as whether Wi-Fi is connected or whether the door (15) is locked. The indicator (141) can include a shape that suggests or suggests the information it wants to display, and the shape can be provided on the window (122).

[0145] The above body part may include a light emitting body for each of a plurality of indicators (141). The light emitting body may be turned on or off to indicate the status of the corresponding indicator (141).

[0146] Meanwhile, in the window (122), the output area (130) may be positioned above the bottom of the window (122). In the window (122), an operation area (150) in which an operation button (151) operated by a user is positioned may be provided between the bottom of the window (122) and the output area (130).

[0147] The above operation area (150) may be defined between the lower edge of the output area (130) and the lower edge of the window (122). The operation button (151) may be provided in the above operation area (150).

[0148] The above-mentioned operation button (151) may be provided for operating the screen. The user can operate the screen by operating the operation button (151). The user can operate the screen and transmit a desired command to the control unit by operating the operation button (151) and the rotation unit (120).

[0149] The operation button (151) may be of various types, such as a mechanical button operated through a physical change in protrusion, a pressure-type button operated by the user's pressure, or a touch-type button that detects the user's touch.

[0150] There may be multiple operation buttons (151). The multiple operation buttons (151) may include a back button and an OK button.

[0151] The screen unit (110) can output various screens. The back button can generate a command signal to return to the screen immediately preceding the current screen. For example, if a second screen is output while the first screen is being output on the screen unit (110), when the user operates the back button, the screen unit (110) can output the first screen again in place of the second screen.

[0152] The screen of the screen unit (110) may display various objects. For example, the screen of the screen unit (110) may display multiple processing courses for processing clothing. Any one of the multiple processing courses may be selected and displayed differently from the rest.

[0153] The user can operate the rotation unit (120) so that a desired object among the plurality of objects becomes the selection target. When the desired object is displayed as the selection target, if the user operates the confirmation button, the selection of the selection target among the plurality of objects can be confirmed.

[0154] Meanwhile, buttons (160) may be placed on both sides of the output unit (100) based on the width direction. The power button described above may be located on one side of the output unit (100) in the width direction, and the execution button described above may be located on the other side of the output unit (100) in the width direction.

[0155] The user can apply power to the garment treatment device (1) by operating the power button, display a desired treatment course as a selection target by operating the rotation part (120) of the output part (100), and command the execution of the treatment course displayed as a selection target by operating the execution button.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating unit is arranged such that the power button, the output unit (100), and the execution button are arranged along one direction parallel to the width direction, so that the user can use the garment treatment device (1) by operating the operating unit along the one direction from the power button to the execution button, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0157] Meanwhile, Fig. 9 shows a front panel (11) and an operating unit separated from the front panel (11).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 9, the operating unit may be located above the door (15), and may include a module housing (125) coupled to the front panel (11) at the rear of the front panel (11), and an output unit (100) coupled to the front panel (11) at the front of the front panel (11).

[0159] A hole may be formed in the front panel (11) at a position corresponding to the output unit (100), and the output unit (100) may pass through the hole and be coupled to a module housing (125) located inside the cabinet (10).

[0160] The moving unit (55) can be introduced into the cabinet (10) by penetrating the front panel (11) through the opening (12) located on one side of the operation unit based on the width direction of the cabinet (10), that is, the above-described inlet opening (12), and the handle portion (57) of the moving unit (55) corresponding to the front end of the moving unit (55) can have its front exposed to the front of the front panel (11), and the storage body (56) located at the rear of the handle portion (57) of the moving unit (55) can be located inside the cabinet (10).

[0161] Fig. 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the control unit. The control unit may include the aforementioned output unit (100), button (160), and module housing (125).

[0162] The output unit (100) may protrude forward of the front panel (11). The output unit (100) may include the screen unit (110) and the rotation unit (120) described above. The screen unit (110) may include a body unit and a window (122). The rotation unit (120) may be provided to surround the circumference of the body unit. The rotation unit (120) may define the circumference of the output unit (100).

[0163] A display (121) may be placed on the inside or front of the body. A window (122) covering the display (121) may be placed on the front of the body. The window (122) may define the front of the screen (110).

[0164] A module housing (125) may be placed at the rear of the output unit (100) inside the cabinet (10). The output unit (100) may be connected to the module housing (125). A board (127) may be provided inside the module housing (125). The aforementioned output unit (100) and buttons (160), for example, the first button (161) and the second button (162), may be connected to the board (127).

[0165] FIG. 11 illustrates an optional part (200) provided on the front panel (11) in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] The option section (200) may include an option control section (210) that displays each option information for the clothing treatment course and an additional option selection section (220) that includes settings or course reservations.

[0167] The option control unit (210) may display option values ​​for options for the clothing processing course. The options displayed in the option control unit (210) may have their option values ​​changed. There may be multiple option control units (210), and the multiple option control units (210) may correspond to different options.

[0168] Options displayed to the user through the option control unit (210) may display the current option value, and the option value may be changed by the user. For example, the option control unit (210) may include an option button, and when the user operates the option button, the option value for the corresponding option may be changed and displayed.

[0169] There may be multiple additional option selection units (220), and the multiple additional option selection units (220) may correspond to different additional options. The additional option selection units (220) displayed in the option unit (200) may be provided in the form of buttons.

[0170] The user can determine whether to apply the additional option by manipulating the additional option selection unit (220). For example, the user can select the additional option selection unit (220) corresponding to the setting function among the additional option selection units (220) provided in the option unit (200), and when the additional option selection unit (220) of the setting function is selected, the screen unit (110) described above can output a setting screen.

[0171] The user can select a course reservation from the additional option selection section (220), and when the course reservation is selected, the reservation time for the processing course of the clothing currently displayed on the screen section (110) can be set.

[0172] Meanwhile, Fig. 12 illustrates the height relationship between a plurality of components arranged on the upper portion of the front panel (11) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 12, the height of each component is illustrated as an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0173] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end (HL1) of the output unit (100) on the front panel (11) may be positioned lower than the upper end (HL4) of the moving unit (55). Accordingly, the module housing (125) of the aforementioned operating unit may be fixed upwardly within the cabinet (10) without coming into contact with the upper panel, etc.

[0174] The lower end (HL2) of the output unit (100) may be positioned above the lower end (HL5) of the moving unit (55). Accordingly, the output unit (100) for outputting a screen can be prevented from being positioned too far down, an excessive increase in the size of the output unit (100) can be prevented, and a screen of an appropriate size can be provided in relation to the moving unit (55).

[0175] The lower end (HL2) of the output portion (100) may be positioned lower than the lower end (HL8) of the handle groove (58). In one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the output portion (100) may be set to correspond to the handle portion (57) of the moving unit (55), and thus, to prevent the size of the output portion (100) from being excessively reduced, the lower end (HL2) of the output portion (100) may be positioned lower than the lower end of the handle groove (58) of the handle portion (57).

[0176] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal center line for any one configuration may mean an imaginary horizontal line that is parallel to the width direction of the cabinet (10) and passes through the center of the corresponding configuration as viewed from the front panel (11).

[0177] In one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) may be positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line (HL6) of the moving unit (55). This allows the output unit (100) and the moving unit (55) to provide a visual image aligned along the width direction to the user.

[0178] The horizontal center line (HL3) of the output section (100) may be positioned above the upper end (HL7) of the handle groove (58). In other words, the upper end (HL7) of the handle groove (58) may be positioned below the horizontal center line of the handle portion (57). This allows the size of the handle groove (58) to be limited to an appropriate level.

[0179] Meanwhile, the button (160) of the aforementioned operation unit may have its upper end positioned lower than the upper end (HL1) of the output unit (100). If the button (160) is positioned too close to the upper end of the front panel (11), the user's operating convenience may be reduced, and to suppress this, the upper end (HL9) of the button (160) may be positioned lower than the upper end (HL1) of the output unit (100).

[0180] The lower end (HL10) of the above button (160) may be positioned above the lower end (HL2) of the output unit (100). This allows the user to receive a visual effect in which the output unit (100) and the button (160) are aligned along the width direction of the cabinet (10), and the button (160) and the output unit (100) can be easily connected to the above-described module housing (125).

[0181] The upper part (HL9) of the button (160) may be positioned above the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100), and the lower part (HL10) of the button (160) may be positioned below the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100). That is, the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) may cross the button (160).

[0182] The upper part (HL9) of the button (160) may be positioned above the handle groove (58), and the lower part (HL10) of the button (160) may be positioned below the upper part (HL7) of the handle groove (58) and above the lower part (HL8) of the handle groove (58). That is, the lower part (HL10) of the button (160) may be positioned between the upper part (HL7) and the lower part of the handle groove (58).

[0183] Among the above buttons (160), the horizontal center line of the first button (161) and the horizontal center line of the second button (162) may be positioned on the same line. The horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) may cross the button (160).

[0184] The horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) may be positioned lower than the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100). That is, the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) may be positioned higher than the horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160).

[0185] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper components arranged on the upper portion of the front panel (11) may be aligned along the width direction to improve the product's external appearance. However, as described above, the output unit (100) may display a screen on the front, and the front of the output unit (100) where the screen is not output may have a dark color.

[0186] The low brightness side has a visual effect of being positioned further back than the high brightness side, and therefore, from the user's perspective, the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output section (100) can be perceived as being positioned somewhat lower than the designed position.

[0187] In consideration of this, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a visual effect in which the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) and the horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) are positioned on the same line from the user's perspective by positioning the horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) a certain amount lower than the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100).

[0188] Meanwhile, as described above, the front of the output unit (100) may protrude forward from the front panel (11), and considering the user's line of sight, which is generally higher than the output unit (100), it may be advantageous to position the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) protruding from the front panel (11) higher than the button (160) in terms of design to provide a visual effect in which the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100) and the horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) are positioned on the same line in the user's line of sight.

[0189] The horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) may be positioned on the same line as the upper end (HL7) of the handle groove (58) or may be positioned above the upper end (HL7) of the handle groove (58). The upper end (HL7) of the handle groove (58) may be positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line of the handle portion (57) or may be positioned adjacent to it.

[0190] Meanwhile, the upper part (HL12) of the optional part (200) may be positioned lower than the upper part (HL1) of the output part (100), and the lower part (HL13) of the optional part (200) may be positioned higher than the lower part (HL2) of the output part (100). Accordingly, the vertical length of the optional part (200) may be shorter than the vertical length of the output part (100).

[0191] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical length of the output unit (100) may be longer than the vertical length of the optional unit (200), and the vertical length of the handle unit (57) of the moving unit (55) may be longer than the vertical length of the output unit (100). Accordingly, the vertical lengths of the handle unit (57) of the moving unit (55), the output unit (100), and the optional unit (200) may gradually decrease along the width direction.

[0192] The upper part (HL12) of the optional part (200) is positioned above the upper part (HL7) of the handle groove (58), and the lower part (HL13) of the optional part (200) is positioned below the upper part (HL7) of the handle groove (58) and may be positioned above the lower part (HL8) of the handle groove (58).

[0193] The upper part (HL9) of the button (160) may be positioned lower than the upper part (HL12) of the option part (200), and the lower part (HL10) of the button (160) may be positioned higher than the lower part (HL13) of the option part (200). Accordingly, the vertical length may be gradually reduced in the order of the handle part (57) of the moving unit (55), the output part (100), the option part (200), and the button (160).

[0194] The horizontal center line (HL14) of the above option unit (200) may be positioned lower than the horizontal center line (HL3) of the output unit (100), and the horizontal center line (HL11) of the button (160) may be positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line (HL14) of the above option unit (200).

[0195] That is, the horizontal center line (HL6) of the output unit (100) and the moving unit (55) may be the same, the horizontal center line (HL11) of the option unit (200) and the button (160) may be the same, and the horizontal center line (HL6) of the output unit (100) and the moving unit (55) may be positioned above the horizontal center line (HL11) of the option unit (200) and the button (160).

[0196] Meanwhile, Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate the width relationship of the upper components of the front panel (11). In Figs. 13 and 14, the width-wise positions of the components are indicated by imaginary vertical lines perpendicular to the ground.

[0197] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) and the distance between the button (160) and the output unit (100) may be different from each other based on the width direction of the cabinet (10). Here, the button (160) may be the first button (161) described above.

[0198] Here, the separation distance may refer to the widthwise distance defined between the widthwise ends of the components. For example, the separation distance between the button (160) and the output unit (100) may refer to the distance between the vertical line defined at the end of the button (160) toward the output unit (100) and the vertical line defined at the end of the output unit (100) toward the button (160), based on the widthwise distance.

[0199] As described above, the button (160) and the output unit (100) can be connected together to the module housing (125). In addition, the width of the cabinet (10) can be changed depending on the capacity of the tub (30) or the receiving unit (20).

[0200] However, if the distance between the button (160) and the output unit (100) and the distance between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) are kept constant despite the change in the width of the cabinet (10), the position of the opening (12) of the front panel (11) and the position of the moving unit (55) may change depending on the change in the width of the cabinet (10), which may be disadvantageous in design, and the position of the detergent case (52) into which the moving unit (55) is inserted may also have to be adjusted, which may cause disadvantages in manufacturing.

[0201] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention sets the distance between the button (160) and the output unit (100) and the distance between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) differently, thereby maintaining the size of the module housing (125) of the operating unit and the detergent case (52) of the detergent unit (50) and their positions within the cabinet (10) despite changes in the width of the cabinet (10).

[0202] Referring to Fig. 13, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance (W1) between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) may be longer than the distance (W2) between the button (160) and the output unit (100). The button (160) may be the first button (161) described above.

[0203] Determining the distance (W1) between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) to be greater than the distance (W2) between the button (160) and the output unit (100) can enhance the aforementioned design aspects as the width of the cabinet (10) increases.

[0204] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance (W2) between the output unit (100) and the first button (161) may be the same as the distance (W3) between the output unit (100) and the second button (162). The first button (161) and the second button (162) may be coupled to the module housing (125) described above, and thus, the distances (W2, W3) between the first button (161) and the second button (162) with respect to the output unit (100) may be constant, regardless of changes in the width of the cabinet (10), etc.

[0205] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance (W2) between the first button (161) and the distance (W3) between the second button (162) and the output unit (100) can be determined to be the same regardless of the change in the width of the cabinet (10) so as to improve the completeness of the product through a unified image in appearance.

[0206] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical center line (VL1) of the output unit (100) on the front panel (11) may be positioned on the same line as the vertical center line (VL2) of the front panel (11). Through this, an image in which the circular output unit (100) and the circular door (15) are perfectly aligned vertically can be provided to the user.

[0207] In the front panel (11), the width (W5) of the optional part (200) in the width direction may be smaller than the width (W6) of the moving unit (55). In addition, the width (W5) of the optional part (200) may be larger than the width (W7) of the handle groove (58).

[0208] Based on the above width direction, the width (W5) of the option part (200) may be greater than the distance (W4) between one end from the first button (161) toward the moving unit (55) and one end from the second button (162) toward the option part (200).

[0209] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance (W1) between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) may be smaller than the distance (W2) between the button (160) and the output unit (100).

[0210] As described above, this may have design advantages as the width of the cabinet (10) decreases. For example, if the width of the cabinet (10) is reduced below a certain level while the position of the detergent compartment (50) or the moving unit (55) based on the interior of the cabinet (10) is fixed, the distance (W1) between the button (160) and the moving unit (55) may become smaller than the distance (W2) between the button (160) and the output unit (100) maintained according to the design size of the module housing (125).

[0211] In this case, in order to prevent structural interference between the module housing (125) and the detergent case (52) inside the cabinet (10) due to the width of the cabinet (10) being below a certain level, the module housing (125) may be positioned away from the detergent case (52).

[0212] That is, the moving unit (55) in the front panel (11) can be positioned on one side in the width direction of the output unit (100), and the vertical center line (VL1) of the output unit (100) can be spaced apart from the vertical center line (VL2) of the door (15) or the front panel (11) on the other side in the width direction.

[0213] Accordingly, the vertical center line (VL2) of the front panel (11) can be positioned between the moving unit (55) and the vertical center line (VL1) of the output unit (100). The vertical center line (VL2) of the front panel (11) can cross the output unit (100).

[0214] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Cabinet including front panel; A receiving section provided inside the cabinet where clothing is received and processed; A movable unit that is inserted into an opening formed in the front panel so as to be withdrawable and close the opening; An output unit provided on the front panel to output a screen; and A button provided on the front panel and arranged between the moving unit and the output unit and operated by a user; The above output section, A screen portion protruding from the front panel and outputting a screen from the front; and A rotating part surrounding the periphery of the above screen part and rotatable around the above screen part; A clothing processing device in which the distance between the button and the moving unit and the distance between the button and the output unit are different from each other based on the width direction of the cabinet.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the button and the moving unit is longer than the distance between the button and the output unit.

3. In paragraph 2, A clothing treatment device in which the vertical center line of the output section on the front panel is positioned on the same line as the vertical center line of the front panel.

4. In paragraph 1, The above button corresponds to the first button and is located on one side of the output section based on the width direction of the cabinet. The front panel is provided with a second button that is located on the other side of the output unit based on the width direction and is operated by the user. A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the output unit and the first button is the same as the distance between the output unit and the second button.

5. In paragraph 1, The front panel above is provided with an option section that displays option values ​​for the clothing processing process. The above output unit is a garment processing device arranged between the above option unit and the above moving unit.

6. In paragraph 5, A clothing processing device in which the width of the optional part in the width direction on the front panel is smaller than the width of the moving unit.

7. In paragraph 5, In the above moving unit, a handle groove that is recessed toward the rear is provided on the front side exposed to the outside of the cabinet, A clothing processing device in which the width of the above optional part is greater than the width of the above handle groove.

8. In paragraph 5, The above button corresponds to the first button and is located on one side of the output section based on the width direction of the cabinet. The front panel is provided with a second button that is located on the other side of the output unit based on the width direction and is operated by the user. A clothing processing device in which, based on the above width direction, the width of the optional part is greater than the distance between one end of the first button facing the moving unit and one end of the second button facing the optional part.

9. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the button and the moving unit is smaller than the distance between the button and the output unit.

10. In paragraph 9, A garment treatment device in which the vertical center line of the front panel is located between the vertical center lines of the moving unit and the output unit.

11. In paragraph 10, A garment treatment device in which the vertical center line of the front panel crosses the output section.

12. In paragraph 1, A clothing processing device in which the horizontal center line of the above output section is positioned above the horizontal center line of the above button.

13. In paragraph 12, A garment processing device in which the horizontal center line of the above output section crosses the above button.

14. In paragraph 1, The above screen part, A display built into the above screen portion and outputting a screen; and A window defining the front of the above screen portion and covering the display; A garment treatment device in which the above window has an output area that overlaps at least a portion of the above display and has a light-transmitting property so that the screen of the above display can be recognized from the outside.

15. In paragraph 14, The above output area is a clothing processing device that extends from one end of the window to the other end along the width direction of the cabinet.

16. In paragraph 14, The above output area is located below the top of the above window, A garment treatment device in which a status area is provided between the top of the window and the output area in the above window, in which an indicator indicating the status of the garment treatment device is positioned.

17. In paragraph 14, The above output area is located above the bottom of the above window, A garment treatment device in which an operation area is provided between the bottom of the window and the output area in the above window, where an operation button operated by a user is positioned.

18. In paragraph 1, The above moving unit is a garment treatment device provided to store water or detergent.

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