Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treatment apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a housing forming the exterior thereof, and including a front panel to which a door is coupled. The clothes treatment apparatus may comprise: a drum, which is rotatably disposed in the housing and accommodates clothes; and at least one cover separably coupled to the side surfaces of the front panel. The front panel can include a front surface and the side surfaces, which extend rearward from the front surface. The side surface of the front panel can include: a flat part connected to the front surface of the front panel; and a cover mounting part which is bent inward from the flat part and to which the at least one cover is coupled.

Description

Garment processing device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a garment treatment device including a cover detachably coupled to a front panel of the garment treatment device.

[0002] The clothing treatment device may include a washing machine that rotates clothes and detergent placed inside a rotating drum together using the driving force of a motor to wash clothes through friction between them, and a dryer that rotates a rotating drum containing an object to be dried to dry the object inside the drum.

[0003] A garment treatment device may include a body forming an exterior. The body of the garment treatment device may include a front panel, an upper panel, left / right side panels, a rear panel, and a lower panel.

[0004] Typically, the front panel of a body is formed by pressing a single sheet of steel. During the pressing process, the left and right sides or the top surface of the front panel are bent, resulting in an overall body of a single color or material.

[0005] This does not satisfy the user's need for the front appearance of the garment treatment device to have various colors or materials.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a garment treatment device including a side cover and an upper cover that are detachably coupled to a front panel of the garment treatment device and are made of a color and / or material that is the same as or different from the color and / or material of the front panel.

[0007] A garment treatment device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing forming an exterior, the housing including a front panel to which a door is coupled, a drum rotatably disposed within the housing and configured to receive garments, and at least one cover detachably coupled to side surfaces of the front panel. The front panel may include a front surface and side surfaces extending rearward from the front surface. The side surfaces of the front panel may include a flat portion connected to the front surface of the front panel and a cover mounting portion bent inward from the flat portion, to which the at least one cover is coupled.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a housing forming an exterior, the housing including a front panel to which a door is coupled, a tub disposed inside the housing, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and at least one cover detachably coupled to a side surface of the front panel. The front panel may include a front surface and side surfaces extending rearward from the front surface. The side surface of the front panel may include a flat portion connected to the front surface of the front panel and a cover mounting portion bent inward from the flat portion, to which the at least one cover is coupled.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the side and / or upper surface of the front panel of a garment treatment device is further bent to form a recessed portion compared to the side and / or upper surface of a conventional front panel. Covers (e.g., side covers or upper covers) made of a color and / or material identical to or different from that of the front panel are detachably attached to the recessed portion. Accordingly, the appearance of the front panel can be made of various colors and / or materials, thereby satisfying various user needs regarding the front appearance of the garment treatment device.

[0010] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a front panel separated from a main body of a washing machine and a side cover separated from the front panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main body of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 6.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a state in which the front panel and the side cover are separated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 2.

[0021] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0022] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0026] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0027] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0028] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0031] According to various embodiments, home appliances may include a clothing treatment device. A washing machine, one such clothing treatment device, can perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices capable of both washing and drying clothing.

[0032] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0033] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0034] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0035] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0036] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0037] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0038] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0039] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0040] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0041] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0042] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0043] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0044] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0045] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0046] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0047] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0048] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0049] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0050] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0051] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0052] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0053] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0054] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0055] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0056] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0057] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0058] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0059] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the present disclosure will be described with a focus on a washing machine, which is an example of a clothing treatment device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least part of the description of the washing machine can be substantially equally applied to a dryer, which is another example of a clothing treatment device.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a side view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings for overall explanation of a washing machine (1), one of the home appliances. Figures 1 to 3 are drawings provided as examples for convenience of explanation, and the scope of rights of this document is not limited thereto.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a main body (10) that accommodates various components therein. The main body (10) may have a hexahedral shape. An opening (11a) may be formed on the front surface (or front panel (11)) of the main body (10). Two or more surfaces of the main body (10) may be formed as a single body. Each surface of the main body (10) may be manufactured separately and then assembled. The main body (10) may be press-molded using, for example, a sheet metal material or injection-molded using a resin material.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a front panel (11), an upper panel (12), left / right side panels (13), a rear panel (14), or a lower panel (15). The components included in the main body (10) may be configured individually or may be configured integrally. For example, the left / right side panels (13) and the rear panel (14) included in the main body (10) may be formed integrally to form a side / rear panel. The front panel (11), the upper panel (12), the left / right side panels (13), the rear panel (14), or the lower panel (15) included in the main body (10) may form an internal housing. The internal housing may include an internal space in which various components constituting the washing machine (1) may be stored or mounted. For example, the main body (10) may be referred to as a housing.

[0067] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the body (10) may include a steel plate structure. In the body (10), at least one of the front panel (11), the upper panel (12), the left / right side panels (13), the rear panel (14), or the lower panel (15) may be composed of a steel plate structure.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a support bracket (e.g., the support bracket (19) of FIG. 5) for supporting the connection of the front panel (11) to the main body (10). The support bracket (19) may be fixed to the front (e.g., in the +X-axis direction) of the left / right side panels (13). The support bracket (19) may be arranged on the lower side of the front panel (11). The front panel (11) may be secured to the upper surface (191) of the support bracket (19). The support bracket (19) may temporarily fix the position of the front panel (11) when assembling the front panel (11) to the main body (10), and may bring the front panel (11) into close contact with the left / right side panels (13).

[0069] According to one embodiment, a door (20) that opens and closes the opening (11a) of the main body (10) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening (11a). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge (not shown) fixed to one surface of the main body (10). For example, at least a portion of the door (20) may be provided to be transparent or semi-transparent so that the inside may be visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into the drum (40) located inside the main body (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked, for example, by a locking device (not shown) so as not to be opened while the washing machine (1) is in operation. According to one embodiment, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of, for example, a transparent reinforced glass material so that the inside of the main body (10) can be seen through, and this document is not limited thereto.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly arranged inside the main body (10). The tub (30) may have a cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body (10) on the front of the tub (30). The tub (30) may store washing water. A drain hole (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain hole (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage unit (80).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a damper (not shown). The damper (not shown) may be provided to connect the main body (10) and the tub (30). One end of the damper may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body (10) and the other end may be fixed to the tub (30). The damper may be provided to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (30) and / or the main body (10) when the drum (40) rotates, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the drum (40), respectively. A drum opening may be provided in the front plate (43) at a position corresponding to the opening (11a) of the main body (10) and the tub opening (31) of the tub (30). The drum (40) may accommodate laundry. The drum (40) may receive rotational power from a driving unit (60) and rotate inside the tub (30). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside the tub (30). The drum (40) may be referred to as a rotating drum.

[0073] In one embodiment, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of holes (42). The lifter (41) lifts laundry contained in the drum (40) while the drum (40) rotates, thereby causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple surfaces of the laundry to be washed evenly. The holes (42) may be passages formed so that water or washing water contained in the tub (30) may be introduced into the interior of the drum (40), or water or washing water inside the drum (40) may be discharged to the exterior. In one example, the lifter (41) or the holes (42) may be omitted.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). The control panel (50) may be positioned on the upper front side of the main body (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input unit (51) and a display unit (52).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include various types of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the washing machine (1). The user may input power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), etc., through the input unit (51). According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (51) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that a user can grasp and rotate. According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information of the washing machine (1) remotely through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) in the form of a corresponding infrared signal. According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information of the washing machine (1) corresponding to the user's voice can be obtained through the microphone.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can display various washing setting information input to the input unit (1) and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1). The display unit (52) can include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and Micro LED. For example, the display unit (52) can be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and the present document is not limited to a specific type of display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and can display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can operate to provide the user with information for guiding user input and / or information related to the currently ongoing cycle audibly. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can provide information on the total amount of water used during the washing process and / or the amount of water used for each cycle. For example, the display unit (52) can separately provide information on the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the washing process and the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the rinsing process.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a driving unit (60) for rotating the drum (40). The driving unit (60) may include a motor (61) and a driving shaft (62) for transmitting driving force generated by the motor (61) to the drum (40). The motor (61) is composed of a fixed stator (611) and a rotor (612) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (611), and may convert electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotational power generated by the motor (61) may be transmitted to the drum (40) through the driving shaft (62). The driving shaft (62) may be provided to be press-fitted into the rotor (612) of the motor (61) and rotate together with the rotor (612). A portion of the driving shaft (62) may penetrate the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the motor (61). The driving unit (60) can rotate the drum (40) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply unit (70) for supplying washing water to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The water supply unit (70) may include at least one water supply pipe (71) and at least one water supply valve (72). At least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to an external water source and may be arranged to supply washing water into the interior of the tub (30). One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (e.g., a first detergent supply device (16a)) provided within the main body (10). Here, the detergent supply device (16a) may have an interior divided into a plurality of spaces, and each space may be arranged to allow detergent or a rinsing agent (e.g., a fabric softener) to be injected. Washing water passing through the detergent supply device (16a) can be supplied to the tub (30) together with detergent (or softener) through the detergent supply pipe (131). Another of at least one of the water supply pipes (71) can be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) can be directly supplied to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate component such as the detergent supply device (16a).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a plurality of detergent supply devices (16) for supplying detergent into the tub (30). In one embodiment, the detergent supply devices (16) may include a first detergent supply device (16a) and a second detergent supply device (16b).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first detergent supply device (16a) may be disposed on the upper side of the tub (30). The first detergent supply device (16a) may be disposed on the inner upper part of the main body (10). The first detergent supply device (16a) may be provided to be slidable in / out of the main body (10). For example, the first detergent supply device (16a) may be drawn out or drawn in from the main body (10) through a detergent box mounting portion (11b) formed on the front panel (11). The first detergent supply device (16a) may be provided so that the detergent contained therein is supplied into the tub (30). The first detergent supply device (16a) may be connected to a water supply portion (70) to supply detergent together with wash water into the tub (30). The first detergent supply device (16a) can supply detergent, such as general detergent, neutral detergent, and fabric softener, to the tub (30).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the second detergent supply device (16b) may be arranged at the lower side of the tub (30). The second detergent supply device (16b) may be provided to be able to slide in / out of the main body (10). The second detergent supply device (16b) may be provided to be able to be withdrawn or introduced from the main body (10) at the lower side of the front panel (11). The second detergent supply device (16b) may be provided to supply the detergent contained therein into the tub (30). Although not specifically indicated in this drawing, the second detergent supply device (16b) may be connected to a pump (not shown) for sucking the detergent contained therein and supplying it to the tub (30) to supply the detergent into the tub (30). The second detergent supply device (16b) may supply, for example, a detergent such as a general detergent, a neutral detergent, or a fabric softener to the tub (30).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drain (80) for draining washing water contained in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The drain (80) may include a drain valve (not shown), a first drain pipe (82), a second drain pipe (83), or a pump room (84). The drain (80) may be arranged, for example, at the bottom of the tub (30) to discharge washing water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0083] According to one embodiment, a drain valve (not shown) may be provided to open and close a drain port (32). When the drain valve is opened, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain port (32) to the drain portion (80).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a path that guides the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream side with respect to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream side is referred to as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe (82) may be connected to the drain port (32) and the other end may be connected to the pump room (84). The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, one end may be connected to the pump room (84) and the other end may be connected to the outside of the washing machine (1). Therefore, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0085] According to one embodiment, a pump room (84) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store water or wash water drained from the tub (30). For example, a drain pump (841) may be provided inside the pump room (84) to discharge the stored water or wash water to the outside. The water or wash water pumped by the drain pump (841) may be guided to the outside of the main body (10) through a second drain pipe (83).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a side cover (17) detachably coupled to the left and right sides (112) of the front panel (11).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include an upper cover (18) detachably coupled to an upper surface (113) of a front panel (11). The upper cover (18) may have a structure substantially the same as or similar to a side cover (17), in which case the description of the side cover (17) may equally apply to the upper cover (18).

[0088] The joint structure of the side cover (17) and the upper cover (18) and the front panel (11) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include an input unit (51), a sensor unit (90), a communication unit (100), a control unit (110), a memory (120), a driving unit (60), a water supply unit (70), a drain unit (80), or a display unit (52).

[0091] Below, the description of parts that overlap with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 to 3 is omitted.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (90) may include a dehydration sensor (91), a current sensor (92), a door sensor (93), or a light sensor (94), but this is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the dehydration sensor (91) is a sensor designed to detect the water level within the tub (30), and may be provided to determine the progress of the dehydration process when performing the dehydration process. The control unit (110) may receive information regarding the water level within the tub (30) from the dehydration sensor (91) and use it as a reference for controlling the dehydration process.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (92) may be provided to detect the current flowing to the motor (61) of the driving unit (60). The control unit (110) may estimate the torque value applied to the motor (61) using the current value measured by the current sensor (92). The control unit (110) may, for example, estimate the amount of laundry loaded into the drum (40) based on the estimated torque value.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a door sensor (93) may be provided so that the control unit (110) can determine whether the door (20) is closed before performing a washing operation.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (94) may be provided to check the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) by measuring the reflectivity of a portion of the inner surface of the washing machine (1) (e.g., tub (30)). The control unit (110) (or processor) may receive the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) from the light sensor (94) and determine whether to wash (e.g., whether to wash the tub). The control unit (110) may transmit the determination result to the user through the display unit (52) or the like, or may execute at least one command preset (or stored) in a memory (e.g., memory (120) of FIG. 3) corresponding to the determination result to proceed with washing.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and an external server. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may also include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, or a location information module.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to, for example, technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, for example, various forms of data resulting from the transmission and reception of voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia messages.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the wireless Internet module may be, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), but is not limited thereto, and may transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of, for example, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and a network in which the other device is located, for example, via a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless short-range communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine (1), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). To this end, the control unit (110) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The control unit (110) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may control hardware or software components connected to the control unit (110) by, for example, driving an operating system or application program, and may also perform various data processing and operations. In addition, the control unit (110) may load commands or data received from at least one of the other components into volatile memory and process them, and store various data in non-volatile memory.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the washing process using, for example, a signal received from the input unit (51) or the communication unit (100). Specifically, the control unit (110) can control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The control unit (110) can control the operation of the driving unit (60), the water supply unit (70), or the drain unit (80) to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle. At this time, the control unit (110) can receive operation information about the washing machine (1) from the sensor unit (90) and perform feedback control.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the memory (120) can store data supporting various functions of the washing machine (1). The memory (120) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs (or applications) used in the washing machine (1), data for the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs can be stored in the memory (120) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). The application programs can be stored in the memory (120), for example, and driven by the control unit (110) to perform operations (or functions) of the washing machine (1). According to some embodiments, the memory (120) may be included as a part of the control unit (110) configuration.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a speaker (130). The speaker (130) may be provided to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input or information related to the current cycle.

[0107] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a front panel separated from a main body of a washing machine and a side cover separated from the front panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main body of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 6.

[0110] FIGS. 5 to 7 omit various components accommodated inside the main body (10), the upper panel (e.g., the upper panel (12) of FIGS. 1 to 3) and the upper cover (e.g., the upper cover (18) of FIGS. 1 and 2). However, as described above, the side cover (17) and the upper cover (18) may have substantially the same structure, shape and / or function, and therefore, the description of the side cover (17) may be applied to the upper cover (18).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a main body (10) of a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3) according to one embodiment may include a front panel (11), an upper panel (12), left / right side panels (13), a rear panel (14), a lower panel (15), a side cover (17), and an upper cover (18).

[0112] Below, the description of parts that overlap with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 to 3 is omitted.

[0113] According to one embodiment, a laundry inlet (11a) for loading laundry into the main body (10), a detergent box mounting portion (11b) for loading / unloading a detergent supply device (e.g., the first detergent supply device (16a) of FIGS. 1 and 3), and a control panel mounting portion (11c) for installing a control panel (50) may be provided on the front surface (111) of the front panel (11).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11) can be bent rearward (e.g., in the -X-axis direction) from the left / right edges of the front surface (111) of the front panel (11). For example, most areas of the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11) can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11). For example, some areas of the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11) can be arranged not to be perpendicular to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) (e.g., to form a curved surface).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11) may include a first bending portion (1121) and a second bending portion (1122).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the first bending portion (1121) is connected to the left and right edges of the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) and may extend rearward. The first bending portion (1121) is a portion that is primarily bent to form the left and right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11) and may be bent vertically from the front surface (111) of the front panel (11). For example, the first bending portion (1121) may be provided to be flat overall. The first bending portion (1121) may be named a flat portion (e.g., a first flat portion).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the second bending portion (1122) is connected to the first bending portion (1121) and may extend rearward. The second bending portion (1122) may be a portion on which the side cover (17) is mounted, and may be a portion that is secondarily bent on the left / right side (112) of the front panel (11). The second bending portion (1122) may be called a cover mounting portion for mounting a cover (e.g., side cover (17)). According to one embodiment, the second bending portion (1122) may include a first part (1122a) and a second part (1122b) extending from the first part (1122a).

[0118] In one embodiment, the first part (1122a) of the second bending portion (1122) may extend backwardly and inclinedly with respect to the first bending portion (1121) when the washing machine (1) is viewed from above, such that the portion that is substantially bent in the second bending portion (1122) is formed. The first part (1122a) may be formed, for example, in a curved or flat shape. The first part (1122a) may be referred to as a curved portion or an inclined portion.

[0119] In one embodiment, the second part (1122b) of the second bending portion (1122) may extend rearward from the first part (1122a) of the second bending portion (1122). The second part (1122b) may be, for example, provided as a flat surface. The second part (1122b) may be referred to as a flat portion (e.g., a second flat portion).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the side cover (17) can be detachably coupled to the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the side cover (17) is provided in multiple pieces, and the multiple side covers (17a, 17b) can be arranged on the left side surface (112) and the right side surface (112) of the front panel (11), respectively. The side cover (17) can be fixed to the second bending portion (1122) of the left / right side surfaces (112) by a fastening portion (e.g., fastening portions (173, 174) of FIG. 8) described below. The coupling structure (e.g., fastening portions (173, 174)) of the side cover (17) and the front panel (11) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the side cover (17) can cover at least a portion of the left / right side (112) of the front panel (11). The side cover (17) can cover, for example, the second bending portion (1122) of the left / right side (112) of the front panel (11).

[0122] In one embodiment, the side cover (17) may include an outer surface (171) and an inner surface (172) opposite the outer surface (171).

[0123] The outer surface (171) of the side cover (17) can form the side appearance of the front panel (11) together with the left / right side surfaces (112) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined. The outer surface (171) can be provided to be substantially parallel to the surface of the first bending portion (1121) of the front panel (11) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined. The side cover (17) may not form a step with the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11) (e.g., the surface of the first bending portion (1121)) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined, and in this case, the side outline of the front panel (11) can appear to the user to be substantially at the same height.

[0124] The inner side (172) of the side cover (17) may correspond to a side facing the left / right side (112) of the front panel (11) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined. The inner side (172) may substantially contact at least a portion of the front panel (11) (e.g., the second bending portion (1122)) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined.

[0125] In one embodiment, the inner side surface (172) of the side cover (17) may have a shape corresponding to the second bending portion (1122). The inner side surface (172) may include a first surface (172a) corresponding to the first part (1122a) of the second bending portion (1122) and a second surface (172b) corresponding to the second part (1122b) of the second bending portion (1122). For example, the first surface (172a) may be provided as a curved surface or a flat surface to correspond to the first part (1122a) of the second bending portion (1122). For example, the second surface (172b) may be provided as a flat surface to correspond to the second part (1122b) of the second bending portion (1122).

[0126] In one embodiment, the side cover (17) may be designed to have a color that is the same as or different from the color of the front panel (11). In one embodiment, the side cover (17) may be designed to have a material that is the same as or different from the material of the front panel (11). In one embodiment, the side cover (17) may be designed to have a thickness in the range of about 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may be bent rearward from the upper end of the front surface (111) of the front panel (11). For example, the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may be arranged generally perpendicular to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may have substantially the same structure as the left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11). For example, the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may be bent twice and form bending portions that are substantially the same as the bending portions (1121, 1122) of the left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) can be detachably coupled to the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) can cover at least a portion of the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) can be designed to have a color that is the same as or different from the color of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) can be designed to have a material that is the same as or different from the material of the front panel (11).

[0130] In the case of the existing front panel (11), the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113) are bent once, for example, the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113) are formed only by the first bending portion (1121), so that the front surface (111) and the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) are designed with the same design (e.g., color / material).

[0131] However, in the case of the front panel (11) disclosed in this document, the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may be bent twice, for example, the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113) may be configured with a first bending portion (1121) and a second bending portion (1122). In addition, the side cover (17) and / or the upper cover (18) may be provided as a separate configuration from the front panel (11) and may be designed to have various colors / materials, and may be detachably coupled to the left / right side surfaces (112) and / or the upper surface (113). Accordingly, by combining the front panel (11) with the side cover (17) and / or the upper cover (18), the front appearance of the washing machine (1) with various colors / materials may be provided to the user, and the emotional quality of the washing machine (1) may be improved.

[0132] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a state in which the front panel and the side cover are separated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 2.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a main body (e.g., main body (10) of FIGS. 1 to 3) of a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3) according to one embodiment may include a front panel (11) forming a front surface, side covers (17) covering left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11), and an upper cover (e.g., upper cover (18) of FIG. 1) covering an upper surface (113) of the front panel (11).

[0135] Below, the description of parts that overlap with the configuration described in FIGS. 5 to 7 is omitted.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11) may include a first bending portion (1121), a second bending portion (1122), and a recessed portion (1123).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the recessed portion (1123) may be provided on the inner side of the second bending portion (1122). The recessed portion (1123) may be recessed from the second bending portion (1122). The recessed portion (1123) may be recessed into the inner side of the second bending portion (1122), for example, by a drawing process. The recessed portion (1123) may extend in the vertical direction.

[0138] When the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are combined, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the distance between the recessed portion (1123) and the side cover (17) may be greater than the distance between the second bending portion (1122) and the side cover (17). For example, the distance between the recessed portion (1123) and the side cover (17) may be about 4 mm to 5 mm greater than the distance between the second bending portion (1122) and the side cover (17). For example, the recessed portion (1123) may be recessed within a range of about 4 mm to 5 mm from the second bending portion (1122).

[0139] In this case, the extension length of the second fastening member (174) to be described later can be increased more than in the case where the recess portion (1123) is not provided, so that the elasticity of the second fastening member (174) can be sufficiently secured.

[0140] According to one embodiment, a plurality of fastening holes (1124, 1125) into which fastening parts (173, 174) of a side cover (17) to be described later are inserted may be provided on the left and right sides (112) of the front panel (11). In one embodiment, the plurality of fastening holes (1124, 1125) may include a plurality of first fastening holes (1124) and a plurality of second fastening holes (1125).

[0141] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first fastening holes (1124) may be provided in the second bending portion (1122) of the left / right side surfaces (112). The plurality of first fastening holes (1124) may include a plurality of pairs of fastening holes (1124a, 1124b) adjacent to the edges of the second bending portion (1122) and spaced apart from each other. Each pair of fastening holes (1124) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

[0142] According to one embodiment, a plurality of second fastening holes (1125) may be provided in the recessed portion (1123) of the left and right sides (112). The plurality of second fastening holes (1125) may be provided in the upper and lower portions of the recessed portion (1123), respectively. In one embodiment, the plurality of second fastening holes (1125) may be designed to have different widths in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the plurality of second fastening holes (1125) may include a first part (1125a), a second part (1125b), and a third part (1125c). The second part (1125b) of the second fastening hole (1125) may connect the first part (1125a) and the third part (1125c). The second part (1125b) may be designed to have a width that gradually narrows from the upper side to the lower side. The first part (1125a) and the third part (1125c) have a constant width, and the width of the first part (1125a) can be designed to be wider than the width of the third part (1125c).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the side cover (17) can be detachably coupled to the left / right sides (112) of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the side cover (17) can include an outer side (171) and an inner side (172) opposite to the outer side (171). According to one embodiment, a fastening portion (173, 174) for coupling the side cover (17) and the front panel (11) can be provided on the inner side (172) of the side cover (17).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the fastening member (173, 174) may include a plurality of first fastening members (173) and a plurality of second fastening members (174).

[0145] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first fastening members (173) may be provided at positions corresponding to a plurality of first fastening holes (1124) of the front panel (11) on the inner surface (172) of the side cover (17). For example, the plurality of first fastening members (173) may include a plurality of pairs of first fastening members (173a, 173b) adjacent to the edge of the inner surface (172) of the side cover (17) and spaced apart from each other. The first fastening members (173) of each pair may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the first fastening member (173) may include an extension portion (1731) protruding from the inner surface (172) of the side cover (17) and a hook portion (1732) extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension portion (1731). When the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are coupled, the plurality of first fastening members (173) are inserted into the corresponding first fastening holes (1124) of the front panel (11), and then the hook portions (1732) are hooked to the left / right sides (112) of the side cover (17), thereby stably fixing the side cover (17) to the front panel (11).

[0147] According to one embodiment, a plurality of second fastening members (174) may be provided at positions corresponding to a plurality of second fastening holes (1125) of the front panel (11) on the inner surface (172) of the side cover (17). For example, a plurality of second fastening members (174) may be provided on the upper and lower portions of the inner surface (172) of the side cover (17), respectively.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the second fastening member (174) may include a pair of protrusions (174a, 174b) that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap and are symmetrical. In one embodiment, each of the pair of protrusions (174a, 174b) may include a body (1741) and a catch (1742) provided at an end of the body (1741). The catch (1742) may be designed to be thicker than the width of the body (1741). The catch (1742) may have an inclined surface that guides the insertion of the second fastening member (174) when the front panel (11) and the side cover (17) are coupled.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may have substantially the same structure as the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11). The upper surface (113) of the front panel (11) may include a first bending portion, a second bending portion, and a recess portion that are substantially the same as the first bending portion (1121), the second bending portion (1122), and the recess portion (1123) of the left / right side surfaces (112) of the front panel (11). A plurality of fastening holes into which a fastening portion of the upper cover (17) is inserted may be provided in the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) can be detachably coupled to the upper surface (113) of the front panel (11). According to one embodiment, the upper cover (18) is substantially identical to the fastening portions (173, 174) of the side cover (17), and a fastening portion for coupling the upper cover (18) and the front panel (11) can be provided.

[0151] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a garment treatment device may include a housing (10) forming an exterior, the housing including a front panel (11) to which a door (20) is coupled. The garment treatment device may include a rotating drum (40) rotatably disposed within the housing (10) and configured to receive garments. The garment treatment device may include at least one cover (17, 18) detachably coupled to a side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11). The front panel (11) may include a front surface (111) and a side surface (112, 113) extending rearwardly from the front surface (111). The side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may include a flat portion (1121) connected to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11), and a cover mounting portion (1122) bent inward from the flat portion (1121) and to which at least one cover (17, 18) is coupled.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the cover mounting portion (1122) may include a first part (1121a) connected to the flat portion (1121) and configured as a curved surface, and a second part (1121b) extending rearward from the first part (1121a) and arranged in a direction parallel to the flat portion (1121).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may be recessed inwardly relative to the second part (1121b) and may include a recessed portion (1123) in which a fastening hole (1125) is formed.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the recessed portion (1123) can be formed by a drawing process.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the at least one cover (17, 18) may include a fastening portion (173, 174) that protrudes from the inner side (172) and penetrates and engages the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the fastening portion (173, 174) may include a plurality of pairs of first fastening members (173) inserted into a plurality of pairs of first fastening holes (1124) spaced apart from each other adjacent to the edge of the cover mounting portion (1122), and a plurality of second fastening members (174) inserted into a second fastening hole (1125) of the recessed portion (1123) and configured to be elastically deformable.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the at least one cover (17, 18) may include a pair of side covers (17) coupled to both sides (112) of the front panel (11) and an upper cover (18) coupled to the upper side (113) of the front panel (11).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the side surfaces (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may be bent vertically from the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) to form the flat portion (1121), and then a portion of the flat portion (1121) may be bent inward to form the cover mounting portion (1122).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the at least one cover (17, 18) may be composed of a different material than the front panel (11).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the at least one cover (17, 18) may be of a different color than the front panel (11).

[0161] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (10) forming an exterior, which may include a front panel (11) to which a door (20) is coupled. The washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) disposed inside the housing (10). The washing machine (1) may include a rotating drum (40) rotatably disposed inside the tub (30). The washing machine (1) may include at least one cover (17, 18) detachably coupled to a side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11). The front panel (11) may include a front surface (111) and a side surface (112, 113) extending rearward from the front surface (111). The side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may include a flat portion (1121) connected to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11), and a cover mounting portion (1122) bent inward from the flat portion (1121) and to which at least one cover (17, 18) is coupled.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the cover mounting portion (1122) may include a first part (1121a) connected to the flat portion (1121) and configured as a curved surface, and a second part (1121b) extending rearward from the first part (1121a) and arranged in a direction parallel to the flat portion (1121).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may be recessed inwardly relative to the second part (1121b) and may include a recessed portion (1123) in which a fastening hole (1125) is formed.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the side surfaces (112, 113) of the front panel (11) may be bent vertically from the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) to form the flat portion (1121), and then a portion of the flat portion (1121) may be bent inward to form the cover mounting portion (1122).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the at least one cover (17, 18) may be made of a different material or a different color than the front panel (11).

Claims

1. In a clothing processing device, A housing (10) forming an exterior, comprising a front panel (11) to which a door (20) is coupled; A drum (40) rotatably arranged within the housing (10) and configured to receive clothing; and At least one cover (17, 18) is included that is detachably connected to the sides (112, 113) of the front panel (11), The above front panel (11) includes a front side (111) and side sides (112, 113) extending rearward from the front side (111). A garment treatment device, wherein the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) includes a flat portion (1121) connected to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11), and a cover mounting portion (1122) bent inward from the flat portion (1121) and to which at least one cover (17, 18) is coupled.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cover mounting part (1122) is A first part (1121a) connected to the above flat part (1121), Including a second part (1121b) extending rearwardly from the first part (1121a), The above first part (1121a) is composed of a curved surface, The above second part (1121b) is composed of a plane parallel to the flat portion (1121). Garment handling device.

3. In paragraph 2, A garment treatment device, wherein the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) includes a recessed portion (1123) that is sunken inwardly with respect to the second part (1121b).

4. In paragraph 3, The above recessed portion (1123) is a clothing processing device formed by a drawing process.

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, At least one cover (17, 18) above, An outer side (171) and an inner side (172) opposite to the outer side (171) and facing the side (112, 113) when the cover (17, 18) and the side (112, 113) of the front panel (11) are joined, At least one cover (17, 18) above, A garment treatment device, comprising a fastening member (173, 174) protruding from the inner surface (172) and connecting by penetrating the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11).

6. In paragraph 5, At least one cover (17, 18) above, A plurality of pairs of first fastening holes (1124) adjacent to the edge of the cover mounting portion (1122); and Including a second fastening hole (1125) formed in the above recessed portion (1123), The above fastening part (173, 174) is A plurality of pairs of first fastening members (173) inserted into each pair of first fastening holes (1124), A garment treatment device, comprising a plurality of second fastening members (174) inserted into the second fastening holes (1125) and configured to be elastically deformable.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, At least one cover (17, 18) above, A pair of side covers (17) each attached to the left and right sides (112) of the front panel (11), A garment treatment device comprising an upper cover (18) coupled to the upper side (113) of the front panel (11).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A clothing treatment device in which the side surfaces (112, 113) of the front panel (11) are bent vertically from the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) to form the flat portion (1121), and then a portion of the flat portion (1121) is bent inward to form the cover mounting portion (1122).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A garment treatment device, wherein at least one cover (17, 18) is made of a different material from the front panel (11).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A garment treatment device, wherein at least one cover (17, 18) is composed of a different color from the front panel (11).

11. In the washing machine (1), A housing (10) forming an exterior, comprising a front panel (11) to which a door (20) is coupled; A tub (30) placed inside the above housing (10); A drum (40) rotatably positioned within the above tub (30); and At least one cover (17, 18) is detachably attached to a side (112, 113) of the front panel (11), The above front panel (11) includes a front side (111) and side sides (112, 113) extending rearward from the front side (111). A washing machine, wherein the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) includes a flat portion (1121) connected to the front surface (111) of the front panel (11), and a cover mounting portion (1122) bent inward from the flat portion (1121) and to which at least one cover (17, 18) is coupled.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cover mounting part (1122) is A first part (1121a) connected to the above flat part (1121), Including a second part (1121b) extending rearwardly from the first part (1121a), The above first part (1121a) is composed of a curved surface, The above second part (1121b) is composed of a plane parallel to the flat portion (1121). washing machine.

13. In paragraph 12, A washing machine, wherein the side surface (112, 113) of the front panel (11) includes a recessed portion (1123) that is sunken inwardly with respect to the second part (1121b).

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, A washing machine in which the side surfaces (112, 113) of the front panel (11) are bent vertically from the front surface (111) of the front panel (11) to form the flat portion (1121), and then a portion of the flat portion (1121) is bent inward to form the cover mounting portion (1122).

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, A washing machine, wherein at least one cover (17, 18) is made of a different material or a different color than the front panel (11).

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