Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet comprising a front panel provided with a first opening and a second opening distanced therefrom in the widthwise direction; a receiving part, provided inside the cabinet, for receiving laundry; a control panel installed in the first opening to be positioned on the front panel, and provided with a screen; and a movable part inserted in the second opening so as to allow being pulled out, wherein the height of the control panel is greater than that of the movable part.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device, and more particularly, to a garment treatment device including a control panel that outputs a screen.

[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] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] In relation to this, Korean Patent Publication No. KR10-1960309 discloses a control panel capable of outputting a screen and having buttons, etc.

[0007] The above control panel may include an output area where a screen is displayed. The output area may refer to an area in the control panel where a display is placed. Increasing the output area in the control panel is an important task in the present technical field, as it improves usability by increasing the screen size.

[0008] In addition, maximizing space utilization while improving usability through efficient determination of the layout relationship and size between various components other than the above control panel is an important task in this technical field.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device capable of effectively increasing the area in which a screen is output on a control panel.

[0010] In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a garment treatment device capable of efficiently arranging various configurations, such as a control panel, in a limited area.

[0011] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device capable of increasing the area in which a screen is output on a control panel while minimizing unnecessary area of ​​the display.

[0012] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, and a control panel and a moving part may be provided on the upper part of the front panel of the cabinet.

[0013] The above control panel and the movable part can be aligned with each other along the width direction of the cabinet. The length of the control panel along the height direction of the cabinet is set to be longer than the length of the movable part, thereby providing the user with a wider screen area.

[0014] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet including a front panel having a first opening and a second opening spaced apart in the width direction from the first opening, a receiving portion provided inside the cabinet for receiving garments, a control panel installed on the front panel to fill the first opening and displaying a screen, and a moving portion that is inserted so as to be withdrawable into the second opening, wherein the height of the control panel may be higher than the height of the moving portion.

[0015] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet including a front panel having a first opening and a second opening spaced apart in the width direction from the first opening, a receiving portion provided inside the cabinet for receiving garments, a control panel mounted to the first opening and positioned on the front panel to display a screen, and a moving portion that is inserted so as to be withdrawable into the second opening, wherein the height of the control panel may be set higher than the height of the moving portion.

[0016] The horizontal center line of the above control panel may be positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line of the above moving part or may be positioned above the horizontal center line of the above moving part.

[0017] The vertical center line of the above control panel may be spaced apart from the vertical center line of the front panel along the width direction.

[0018] The second opening may be positioned on one side in the width direction with respect to the vertical center line of the front panel, and the vertical center line of the control panel may be positioned on the other side in the width direction with respect to the vertical center line of the front panel.

[0019] The upper part of the above control panel may be positioned higher than the upper part of the above moving part. The lower part of the above control panel may be positioned higher than the lower part of the above moving part.

[0020] The front of the above moving part is provided with a handle groove recessed toward the rear, and the lower part of the control panel can be positioned lower than the lower part of the handle groove.

[0021] A first operation button operated by a user is provided between the moving part and the control panel on the front panel, and the first operation button may be positioned closer to one of the moving part and the control panel than to the other.

[0022] The above first operation button may be positioned closer to the control panel than the moving part. The lower portion of the above first operation button may be positioned higher than the lower portion of the control panel.

[0023] The upper part of the first operation button may be positioned lower than the horizontal center line of the control panel.

[0024] The lower end of the first operation button may be positioned higher than the lower end of the moving part. The front of the moving part may be provided with a rearwardly recessed handle groove, and the lower end of the first operation button may be positioned lower than the lower end of the handle groove.

[0025] The first operation button is located on one side of the control panel in the width direction, and the front panel is provided with a second operation button located on the other side of the control panel in the width direction, and a distance between the first operation button and the control panel may be the same as a distance between the second operation button and the control panel.

[0026] The above first operation button may correspond to a power button for power supply, and the above second operation button may correspond to a course execution button for processing clothing.

[0027] The control panel may further include a display that is arranged at the rear of the control panel and outputs the screen, and the control panel has a circular shape, and both ends along the width direction overlap the display, and the top and bottom may be spaced apart from the display along the height direction of the cabinet.

[0028] The above control panel may be provided with a panel button operated by the user. The panel button may be located between the top of the control panel and the top of the display.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device capable of effectively increasing the area in which a screen is output on a control panel.

[0030] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device capable of efficiently arranging various configurations, such as a control panel, in a limited area.

[0031] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device that can increase the area in which a screen is output on a control panel while minimizing unnecessary area of ​​the display.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the front of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the first, second, and third openings provided on the front of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a front view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part inserted into the cabinet.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a second opening in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving part inserted inside a cabinet in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a control panel in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a course setting screen output through a control panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a setting screen output through a control panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a display and control panel installed in a control case in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the control case viewed in the width direction of the cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 is a drawing showing an output area of ​​a control panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an operation button of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the height-direction positional relationship of a control panel, etc. in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing the width-wise positional relationship of a control panel, etc. in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0053] Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Also, in this specification, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any item among multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The garment treatment device (1) includes a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) forms the exterior of the garment treatment device (1), and a space for arranging various components can be formed inside.

[0057] The cabinet (10) may be provided by combining a plurality of panels. For example, the cabinet (10) may include at least one of a front panel (11), a rear panel, a side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel.

[0058] The cabinet (10) above includes the front panel (11), and the front panel (11) may be provided with an output unit (200) for providing information to a user. The output unit (200) may include a control panel (210) on which a screen is output. A first opening (12) may be formed in the front panel (11) for installing the control panel (210).

[0059] The front panel (11) may be provided with a movable part (100) that is inserted into the cabinet (10) so that it can be withdrawn from the cabinet (10). The movable part (100) may have its front exposed to the outside to ensure user accessibility. A second opening (13) may be formed in the front panel (11) for inserting the movable part (100).

[0060] The front panel (11) may be provided with a clothing opening for the user to insert clothing into the cabinet (10). The clothing opening in the front panel (11) may also be referred to as a third opening (14).

[0061] The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (15) for opening and closing the third opening (14). The door (15) may open or close the third opening (14) depending on the rotation state.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The above-mentioned clothing treatment device (1) can perform various treatments on clothing. For example, the above-mentioned clothing treatment device (1) may correspond to a washing machine capable of performing a washing process on clothing, a dryer capable of performing a drying process on clothing, or a washing and drying machine capable of performing both the washing process and the drying process.

[0064] However, for the convenience of explanation, in Fig. 2, the clothing treatment device (1) is illustrated as a washing machine capable of performing a washing process for clothing, and unless otherwise stated, the clothing treatment device (1) will be described below in correspondence with the washing machine, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0065] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (30) provided inside the cabinet (10). The tub (30) may have a space defined therein in which water is contained. The tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and a tub opening (35) may be provided on the front surface facing the front panel (11) to face the third opening (14) described above and communicate with the third opening (14).

[0066] The above clothing treatment device (1) may include a receiving portion (20). The receiving portion (20) may be provided inside the cabinet (10) to receive clothing. The receiving portion (20) may be provided so as to be rotatable inside the tub (30).

[0067] The receiving portion (20) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and a space for receiving clothing may be defined within the receiving portion. The receiving portion (20) may be conveniently referred to as a drum. A plurality of holes may be provided on the circumference of the receiving portion (20) so that water stored within the tub (30) may be supplied to the inside of the receiving portion (20).

[0068] Among the receiving portions (20), a receiving opening (25) communicating with the third opening (14) and the tub opening (35) may be provided on the front surface facing the front panel (11) and the front surface of the tub (30).

[0069] When a user inserts clothing through the third opening (14) provided on the front panel (11), the clothing can pass through the third opening (14), the tub opening (35), and the receiving opening (25) and be inserted into the receiving portion (20).

[0070] The above clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply unit (40). The water supply unit (40) may be connected to a water source outside the cabinet (10) and supply water to the tub (30). The water supply unit (40) may include a water supply valve and a water supply pipe.

[0071] The above-mentioned clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage unit (60). The drainage unit (60) may be connected to a tub (30) and provided to discharge water stored inside the tub to the outside of the cabinet (10). The drainage unit (60) may include a drainage pump and a drainage pipe.

[0072] For reference, if the above clothing treatment device (1) is provided to perform a drying process instead of the aforementioned washing process, the tub (30), water supply pipe, drain pipe, etc. may be omitted, and a component for the drying process, such as a hot air supply unit, etc., may be provided.

[0073] Meanwhile, the above-described clothing treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply unit (50). The above-described moving unit (100) may store detergent therein and may be a component of the detergent supply unit (50).

[0074] The above detergent can be supplied together with water into the tub (30) and used in the washing process. The user can withdraw the moving part (100), store the detergent, and then insert it back into the cabinet (10).

[0075] For reference, when the above clothing treatment device (1) is provided to perform a drying process, the detergent supply unit (50) may be omitted, and the moving unit (100) may be provided to store condensate generated by being separated from clothing during the drying process instead of the detergent.

[0076] The above clothing treatment device (1) may include a driving unit (70) for rotating the receiving unit (20). The driving unit (70) may be fixed to the rear of the tub (30) or the rear panel of the cabinet (10) and connected to the receiving unit (20) through a driving shaft.

[0077] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows the front of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The front of the above-mentioned clothing treatment device (1) can be defined by the front panel (11) described above. The front panel (11) can be provided with a control panel (210) of the above-mentioned output unit (200), an operation button (270), a moving unit (100), and a door (15).

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (210) may have a circular shape. The operation button (270) may also have a circular shape, and the door (15) described above may also have a circular shape. Through this, the garment treatment device (1) may provide a unified circular design sense to the user when viewed from the front.

[0080] The control panel (210) may be located on the upper side of the front panel (11). The control panel (210) may be located above the door (15). The control panel (210) may be positioned approximately in the center of the upper side. The operation buttons (270) may be provided in pairs and may be positioned on both sides of the control panel (210).

[0081] The control panel (210) and the pair of operation buttons (270) are arranged approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) to provide the user with a unified design element in the shape of a circle, and when operating the clothing treatment device (1), the first operation button (280), the control panel (210) and the second operation button (290) can be operated in one direction in that order, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0082] The moving part (100) may be positioned on the upper part of the front panel (11). The moving part (100) may be arranged on one side of the width direction (Y) from the upper part of the front panel (11). The moving part (100) may be arranged above the door (15) and may be spaced apart from the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y).

[0083] Fig. 4 illustrates a front panel (11) including a first opening (12), a second opening (13), and a third opening (14). In Fig. 4, a hole for providing an operation panel is omitted.

[0084] The above cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11), and the front panel (11) may be provided with the first opening (12). The first opening (12) may provide a space in which the control panel (210) is installed.

[0085] The first opening (12) can be shielded by a control panel (210). The control panel (210) can cover the first opening (12). The control panel (210) can fill the first opening (12). The control panel (210) can be positioned in the first opening (12) and positioned on the same plane as the front surface of the front panel (11). However, manufacturing tolerances or design-related unavoidable gaps may be allowed.

[0086] The first opening (12) may have a shape corresponding to that of the control panel (210). For example, the first opening (12) may have a circular shape, similar to the control panel (210).

[0087] The front panel (11) may further include a second opening (13) positioned apart from the first opening (12) along the width direction (Y). The second opening (13) may be an opening into which a moving part (100) is inserted. The second opening (13) may be positioned on one side of the control panel (210) in the width direction (Y).

[0088] The second opening (13) may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the moving part (100). For example, the second opening (13) may have a roughly square shape to correspond to a box-shaped moving part (100) in which detergent or condensate can be stored.

[0089] The front panel (11) may further include a third opening (14) facing the receiving portion (20). The third opening (14) may be the aforementioned clothing opening. A door (15) for opening and closing the third opening (14) is coupled to the front panel (11), and the first opening (12), the control panel (210), the clothing opening, and the door (15) may have a circular shape.

[0090] Meanwhile, Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of a moving part (100) inserted into a second opening (13). The moving part (100) can be inserted into the second opening (13) so as to be withdrawable. The moving part (100) can be inserted into the second opening (13) or withdrawn outward along the front-back direction (X).

[0091] In the second opening (13), a moving part (100) is inserted so as to be withdrawable toward the inside of the cabinet (10), and a handle groove (115) recessed toward the rear may be provided on the front side of the moving part (100). The handle groove (115) may be recessed from the front side of the moving part (100) toward the rear and may extend approximately along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0092] In a state where the moving part (100) is inserted into the second opening (13), the front surface of the moving part (100) can be positioned approximately on the same plane as the front surface of the front panel (11).

[0093] Fig. 6 illustrates a second opening (13) provided in the front panel (11), and Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a moving part (100) inserted into the second opening (13) as viewed in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the moving unit (100) may include a front portion (110) and a storage portion (120). The front portion (110) is located on the front side of the moving unit (100), and the front of the moving unit (100) may correspond to the front of the front portion (110).

[0095] The front portion (110) may be formed with the aforementioned handle groove (115). The front panel (11) may include a rear extension portion (111) extending rearward from the second opening (13), and the rear extension portion (111) may extend along the perimeter of the second opening (13) to form an accommodation space (112) for accommodating the front portion (110).

[0096] The storage unit (120) may extend rearward from the front portion (110), and a space for storing detergent or condensate may be formed inside. The user may use the handle groove (115) of the front portion (110) to pull the movable unit (100) out of the cabinet (10), and when the movable unit (100) is pulled out of the cabinet (10), detergent may be poured into the storage unit (120). If the garment treatment device is equipped to perform a drying process, the storage unit (120) may be equipped to store condensate generated during the drying process. In this case, the user may pull the movable unit (100) out of the cabinet (10) and then drain the condensate stored in the storage unit (120).

[0097] FIG. 8 illustrates a control panel (210) provided on a front panel (11) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The aforementioned output unit (200) may include the control panel (210), and the control panel (210) may be installed on the front panel (11) to fill the first opening (12) and a screen may be displayed. The control panel (210) may have a circular shape, and the first opening (12) may have a circular shape corresponding to the control panel (210).

[0099] The above control panel (210) may include an output area (215) to be described later, and the above screen may be displayed in the output area (215). The above control panel (210) may include a non-output area (216) to be described later, and the panel button (225) and its icon (226) to be described later may be provided in the non-output area (216).

[0100] FIG. 9 illustrates a course setting screen (P10) among the screens output from the control panel (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned output unit (200) can output the course setting screen (P10). That is, the control panel (210) can display the course setting screen (P10), and the display (230) can output the course setting screen (P10).

[0102] The course setting screen (P10) above may display a course object (P101) and an option object (P102). The course object (P101) may represent a processing course for processing clothing. The user may select a desired processing course by selecting and changing the course object (P101) on the course setting screen (P10).

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, there may be various methods for selecting or changing various objects displayed on the screen of the control panel (210). For example, the control panel (210) may be configured to detect a user's touch on the screen, and the user may perform a touch motion or a drag motion on the screen.

[0104] Meanwhile, the course setting screen (P10) may display at least one option object (P102), and the option object (P102) may display option information for the current processing course. The user may select the option object (P102) and adjust the option value of the corresponding option.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the selection of a processing course and the adjustment of options can be performed on the course setting screen (P10) as described above. Accordingly, a separate option window for providing information on processing course options can be omitted from the front panel (11), excluding the control panel (210).

[0106] FIG. 10 illustrates a setting screen (P20) among the screens output from the control panel (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The setting screen (P20) may display setting items (P201) for setting the garment treatment device (1). The user may command the display (230) to output the setting screen (P20) by operating the control panel (210) or the like.

[0108] The setting screen (P20) may display at least one setting item (P201). Each of the setting items (P201) may be displayed so that the user can select them. Each setting item (P201) may correspond to one of the functions for setting the garment treatment device (1).

[0109] For example, the above setting items (P201) may be items for setting the clothing treatment device (1), unlike the options of the processing course, such as communication items and reservation course items.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, a control panel (210) may be provided with a panel button (225). The panel button (225) may be provided to be operable by a user. For example, the panel button (225) may be a mechanical button with a variable protrusion amount, or a touch-sensitive button that detects a user's touch.

[0111] The above panel button (225) may have various functions. For example, the panel button (225) may be a setting button for outputting the setting screen (P20). Since the panel button (225) is separately provided on the control panel (210), the user can output the setting screen (P20) by operating the panel button (225) when necessary, regardless of the current screen of the control panel (210).

[0112] Meanwhile, Fig. 11 illustrates an output unit (200) of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 illustrates a control case (250) and a display (230) placed inside a cabinet (10), and the aforementioned control panel (210) is indicated by a dotted line.

[0113] The output unit (200) may include a display (230). The display (230) is positioned behind the control panel (210) and may output a screen recognized by the user through the control panel (210).

[0114] The screen output by the display (230) can be recognized by the user through the control panel (210). The control panel (210) can be arranged to cover the display (230).

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display (230) may be provided to have a wider width than the control panel (210). In the present invention, the width may refer to the length along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). The width may refer to the distance from one end of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y) to the other end.

[0116] The above display (230) may be provided to have a wider width than the control panel (210), and accordingly, the screen of the control panel (210) recognized from the outside of the cabinet (10) may be displayed on both ends (211, 212) in the width direction (Y) of the control panel (210), that is, the entire area between one end (211) and the other end (212) in the width direction (Y) of the control panel (210).

[0117] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (210) is arranged so that a screen is output between both ends (211, 212) in the width direction (Y), so that a wide screen area can be provided to the user without excessively increasing the size of the control panel (210).

[0118] In the above display (230), both ends (231, 232) along the width direction (Y), that is, one end (231) and the other end (232) of the display (230) in the width direction (Y), can be spaced apart from the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y). That is, both ends (211, 212) of the control panel (210) in the width direction (Y) can be positioned on the display (230).

[0119] The widthwise (Y) ends (231, 232) of the display (230) can be positioned so as to be outside the control panel (210), and a front panel (11) can be arranged in front. The widthwise (Y) ends (231, 232) of the display (230) can be positioned so as to be outside the first opening (12), and can be covered by the front panel (11) arranged in front.

[0120] The output unit (200) may include a control case (250). The control case (250) may be coupled to the front panel (11) inside the cabinet (10). The control case (250) may include a control board for controlling the display (230), etc. A mounting portion for mounting the display (230) may be provided inside the control case (250).

[0121] The control panel (210) may be placed on the front of the control case (250). The control panel (210) may be coupled to the control case (250) and positioned on the first opening (12).

[0122] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the control case (250) may be equipped with the aforementioned panel button (225). The panel button (225) may be installed in the control case (250) and may be exposed to the outside by penetrating the front panel (11). The number of panel buttons (225) may vary.

[0123] In the present invention, the panel button (225) may be provided to be illuminated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the control panel (210) may be provided with an icon (226) indicating the panel button (225) to be illuminated.

[0124] The control case (250) may be equipped with a lighting element (227) for lighting up the aforementioned panel button (225). The lighting element (227) may be supplied with power and may emit light, and may be placed behind an icon (226) for indicating the panel button (225) on the control panel (210).

[0125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (210) may have a circular shape as described above, and the display (230) may be provided in a square shape. The widthwise (Y) ends (231, 232) of the display (230) may be positioned outside the widthwise (Y) ends (211, 212) of the control panel (210).

[0126] Meanwhile, FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a cross-section of the display (230) and control panel (210) installed in the control case (250) as viewed in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0127] As described above, the control case (250) can be fixedly coupled to the front panel (11) at the rear of the front panel (11). A display (230) is mounted on the control case (250), and a control panel (210) can be placed in front of the display (230).

[0128] The control panel (210) may have its front exposed to the outside through the first opening (12). Meanwhile, the distance between the upper part (213) and the lower part (214) of the control panel (210) may be longer than the distance between the upper part (233) and the lower part (234) of the display (230).

[0129] Based on the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10), the display (230) may be arranged to overlap the control panel (210) as a whole. The display (230) may not be positioned between the upper part (213) of the control panel (210) and the upper part (233) of the display (230), and the display (230) may not be positioned between the lower part (214) of the control panel (210) and the lower part (234) of the display (230).

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (210) may include an output area (215) where a screen is output as an area overlapping the display (230), and may include a non-output area (216) where a screen is not output as an area not overlapping the display (230).

[0131] For example, the area between the top (213) of the control panel (210) and the top (233) of the display (230) and the area between the bottom (214) of the control panel (210) and the bottom (234) of the display (230) may correspond to a non-output area (216) where the screen is not output.

[0132] Figure 13 illustrates the output area (215) and non-output area (216) of the control panel (210).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment of the present invention, both ends (211, 212) of the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) overlap with the display (230), and the upper end (213) and the lower end (214) of the control panel (210) may be spaced apart from the display (230) along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10). That is, the width (W1) of the control panel (210) may be smaller than the width (W2) of the display (230).

[0134] The upper part (233) of the display (230) may be positioned lower than the upper part (213) of the control panel (210), and the lower part (234) of the display (230) may be positioned higher than the lower part (214) of the control panel (210). That is, the height (H2) of the display (230) may be smaller than the height (H1) of the control panel (210). In the present invention, the height may mean the length along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10). The height may mean the distance from the upper part to the lower part.

[0135] The control panel (210) overlaps with the display (230) and includes an output area (215) where the screen is displayed and a non-output area (216) excluding the output area (215). Both ends (211, 212) of the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y) are included in the output area (215), and the top (213) and bottom (214) of the control panel (210) can be included in the non-output area (216).

[0136] Based on the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10), the upper and lower parts of the control panel (210) may correspond to non-output areas (216), and the central part between the upper and lower parts may correspond to an output area (215).

[0137] The above central portion may correspond to the output area (215) as a whole along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). Accordingly, both ends of the output area (215) in the width direction (Y) may correspond to both ends (211, 212) in the width direction (Y) of the control panel (210).

[0138] However, in the present invention, when the width direction (Y) ends of the output area (215) and the width direction (Y) ends (211, 212) of the control panel (210) are the same, a bezel that inevitably exists on the control panel (210) or a border that inevitably exists due to design can be ignored as needed.

[0139] In one embodiment of the present invention, the output area (215) may have curved edges (221) at both ends along the width direction (Y). The upper and lower ends of the output area (215) may have straight edges (222). The output area (215) may have an edge in which a pair of straight edges (222) and a pair of curved edges (221) are connected.

[0140] The above curved border (221) may correspond to a part of the border of the control panel (210). That is, the curved border (221) of the output area (215) may be defined by the border of the control panel (210) having a circular shape.

[0141] The non-output area (216) may be positioned between the upper part (213) of the control panel (210) and the upper part of the output area (215), and between the lower part (214) of the control panel (210) and the lower part of the output area (215). For example, the non-output area (216) of the control panel (210) may include a first non-output area (217) positioned above the output area (215) and a second non-output area (218) positioned below the output area (215).

[0142] The above output area (215) needs to be fully transparent to the screen output by the display (230) so that it can be recognized by the user, and the above non-output area (216) may not display the screen output by the display (230).

[0143] Accordingly, the control panel (210) may be provided so that the non-output area (216) has a lower brightness than the output area (215). For example, the control panel (210) may have a color in which the output area (215) is transparent or easily transmits light, and the non-output area (216) may have a color that is darker than the output area (215).

[0144] However, when the display (230) is placed behind the output area (215), the difference in brightness between the output area (215) and the non-output area (216) may not be easily recognized by the user.

[0145] Meanwhile, the control panel (210) is provided with a panel button (225) that is operated by the user as described above, and the panel button (225) can be located in the non-output area (216). The panel button (225) is located between the upper part (213) of the control panel (210) and the upper part (233) of the display (230), so that the user's convenience can be improved.

[0146] The control panel (210) may display an icon (226) representing the panel button (225) so that the user can recognize the panel button (225). The icon (226) may be provided to be illuminated by the aforementioned lighting element (227) positioned at the rear of the icon (226).

[0147] Meanwhile, Fig. 14 illustrates an operation button (270) provided on the front panel (11).

[0148] The aforementioned operation button (270) is provided on the front panel (11), and may be at least one, and may be arranged spaced apart from the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y).

[0149] When the above operation buttons (270) are provided in multiple numbers, they may be provided on each side of the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y). As described above, the control case (250) is positioned rearward of the control panel (210) and coupled to the front panel (11), and the display (230) may be installed, and the operation buttons (270) may be installed in the control case (250) so as to penetrate the front panel (11).

[0150] The above operation button (270) may be provided in multiple numbers and may include a first operation button (280) located on one side of the control panel (210) in the width direction (Y) and a second operation button (290) located on the other side of the control panel (210) in the width direction (Y).

[0151] For example, on the front panel (11), a first operation button (280) may be provided on one side of the control panel (210) based on the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10) of the control panel (210), and a second operation button (290) may be positioned on the opposite side of the first operation button (280) with the control panel (210) as the center.

[0152] The above first operation button (280) may correspond to a power button for power supply, and the above second operation button (290) may correspond to a course execution button for processing clothing.

[0153] The user can turn on the power of the garment treatment device (1) by operating the power button located first along the width direction (Y), set the garment treatment course by operating the control panel (210) located next to the power button along the width direction (Y), and command the execution of the treatment course by operating the execution button located next to the control panel (210).

[0154] Meanwhile, Fig. 15 shows the positional relationship of the components provided on the front panel (11) along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10).

[0155] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height (H1) of the control panel (210) may be higher than the height (H3) of the moving part (100). The distance between the upper end (213) and the lower end (214) of the control panel (210) may be set longer than the distance between the upper end (101) and the lower end (102) of the moving part (100).

[0156] In this way, as the height (H1) of the control panel (210) increases compared to the height (H3) of the moving part (100), the size of the screen provided to the user can be effectively increased.

[0157] The height (H3) of the above moving part (100) may correspond to the height of the front of the moving part (100). If necessary, it may also be understood as the height of the second opening (13).

[0158] The lower part (214) of the control panel (210) may be positioned higher than the lower part (102) of the moving part (100), and the upper part (213) of the control panel (210) may be positioned higher than the upper part (101) of the moving part (100).

[0159] The control panel (210), which may have a darker color than the moving part (100), may have the effect of being visually positioned lower than its actual position.

[0160] Accordingly, when the screen of the control panel (210) is not displayed, the control panel (210) is positioned at a higher point than the moving part (100), so that the user can be provided with a visual effect in which the moving part (100) and the control panel (210) are aligned in the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0161] In addition, when the screen of the control panel (210) is displayed, a screen positioned closer to the user can be provided, thereby improving usability and screen recognition rate.

[0162] The front of the above-described moving part (100) is provided with the aforementioned handle groove (115), and the lower end (214) of the control panel (210) may be positioned lower than the lower end (104) of the handle groove (115). For example, the lower end (214) of the control panel (210) may be positioned between the lower end (102) of the moving part (100) and the lower end (104) of the handle groove (115).

[0163] Meanwhile, the horizontal center line (G11) of the control panel (210) may be positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line (G2) of the moving part (100). However, if necessary, it may be positioned above the horizontal center line (G2) of the moving part (100).

[0164] In the case of the operation button (270), the upper part (271) of the operation button (270) may be positioned lower than the horizontal center line (G11) of the control panel (210), and the lower part (272) of the operation button (270) may be positioned higher than the lower part (214) of the control panel (210).

[0165] That is, the operation button (270) may be located between the horizontal center line (G11) of the control panel (210) and the lower end (214) of the control panel (210). The lower end (272) of the operation button (270) may be located above the lower end (102) of the moving part (100).

[0166] The upper end (271) of the above-described operation button (270) may be positioned lower than the upper end (103) of the handle groove (115). The lower end (272) of the first operation button (280) and the second operation button (290) may be positioned lower than the lower end (104) of the handle groove (115). The lower end of the output area (215) may be positioned at a position crossing the operation button (270) along the width direction (Y).

[0167] Meanwhile, Fig. 16 shows the positional relationship of the components provided on the front panel (11) along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10).

[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical center line (G12) of the control panel (210) may be spaced apart from the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11) along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10). That is, the vertical center line (G12) of the control panel (210) and the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11) may not coincide.

[0169] The vertical center line (G12) of the control panel (210) may be positioned on the other side in the width direction (Y) with respect to the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11). That is, the vertical center line (G12) of the control panel (210) may be spaced apart from the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11) on the other side in the width direction (Y).

[0170] However, the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11) may be positioned to cross the control panel (210). The vertical center line (G4) of the door (15) may be positioned on the same line as the vertical center line (G3) of the front panel (11), and the vertical center line (G12) of the control panel (210) may be spaced apart from the vertical center line (G4) of the door (15) in the width direction (Y).

[0171] The distance (B1) between the first operation button (280) and the control panel (210) may be the same as the distance (B2) between the second operation button (290) and the control panel (210). That is, the distance (B1) between the first operation button (280) and the control panel (210) along the width direction (Y) may be the same as the distance (B2) between the second operation button (290) and the control panel (210).

[0172] Meanwhile, the first operation button (280) may be positioned closer to one of the moving unit (100) and the control panel (210) than to the other. The first operation button (280) is positioned between the moving unit (100) and the control panel (210), and may be positioned closer to the control panel (210) than to the moving unit (100). The first operation button (280) may be positioned closer to the control panel (210) than to the moving unit (100).

[0173] That is, the distance (B3) between the first operation button (280) and the moving part (100) can be set longer than the distance (B1) between the first operation button (280) and the control panel (210).

[0174] 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. A cabinet including a front panel having a first opening and a second opening spaced apart in the width direction from the first opening; A storage compartment provided inside the cabinet for storing clothing; A control panel mounted in the first opening and positioned on the front panel, wherein a screen is displayed; and A garment treatment device comprising a moving part that can be drawn into the second opening, and characterized in that the height of the control panel is set higher than the height of the moving part.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the horizontal center line of the control panel is positioned on the same line as the horizontal center line of the moving part or is positioned higher than the horizontal center line of the moving part.

3. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the vertical center line of the control panel is spaced apart from the vertical center line of the front panel along the width direction.

4. In paragraph 1, The above second opening is arranged on one side of the width direction with respect to the vertical center line of the front panel, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the vertical center line of the control panel is located on the other side in the width direction with respect to the vertical center line of the front panel.

5. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the upper part of the control panel is positioned higher than the upper part of the moving part.

6. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the lower part of the control panel is positioned higher than the lower part of the moving part.

7. In paragraph 1, The front of the above moving part is provided with a handle groove recessed toward the rear, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the lower part of the control panel is positioned lower than the lower part of the handle groove.

8. In paragraph 1, A first operation button operated by a user is provided between the moving part and the control panel on the front panel. A garment treatment device, characterized in that the first operation button is positioned closer to one of the moving part and the control panel than to the other.

9. In paragraph 8, A garment treatment device, characterized in that the first operation button is positioned closer to the control panel than to the moving part.

10. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the lower part of the first operation button is located higher than the lower part of the control panel.

11. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the upper part of the first operation button is located below the horizontal center line of the control panel.

12. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the lower part of the first operation button is positioned higher than the lower part of the moving part.

13. In paragraph 12, The front of the above moving part is provided with a handle groove recessed toward the rear, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the lower part of the first operation button is positioned lower than the lower part of the handle groove.

14. In paragraph 8, The above first operation button is located on one side of the width direction of the above control panel, The above front panel is provided with a second operation button located on the other side of the width direction of the above control panel, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the distance between the first operation button and the control panel is the same as the distance between the second operation button and the control panel.

15. In paragraph 14, The above first operation button is set as a power button for power supply, A clothing treatment device, characterized in that the second operation button is set as a course execution button for clothing treatment.

16. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a display arranged at the rear of the control panel and outputting the screen; The above control panel has a circular shape, and both ends along the width direction overlap the display, and the top and bottom are aligned along the height direction of the cabinet. A clothing treatment device characterized by being separated from this.

17. In paragraph 16, The above control panel is equipped with panel buttons that can be operated by the user. A garment treatment device, characterized in that the panel button is located between the top of the control panel and the top of the display.

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