Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a laundry treating apparatus. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a door, a control panel provided on a front surface of the cabinet, and a PCB provided within the control panel. The control panel includes a main panel which is configured to define a portion of an outer appearance of the control panel and on which the PCB is disposed, a sub panel coupled to a front surface of the main panel and having a sub opening at a position corresponding to the PCB, and a window configured to shield the sub opening and comprising a transparent widow. A drain groove is defined to be recessed at a position at which a rear surface of the sub panel and a circumference of the window are in contact with each other so that water introduced into the sub panel is guided to the outside of the window.

Description

LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus.

[0002] In general, a laundry treating apparatus may be an apparatus that performs necessary processing on laundries, such as removing contamination or drying laundries by putting the laundries such as clothing or bedding, into a drum, and may include a washing machine and a dryer.

[0003] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may be configured in a front-loading manner, including a cabinet provided with an inlet that is opened in a front direction and a door that opens and closes the inlet. In addition, the front-loading type laundry treating apparatus may be provided with a control panel configured to check user's manipulation and operation state on a front surface of the cabinet.

[0004] In the case of the general laundry treating apparatus, there is a limitation in that moisture is penetrated into the control panel due to handling of wet clothing or characteristics of use and working environments. To prevent the moisture from being penetrated, a configuration for sealing or adhesion may be provided, but there is a limitation in deteriorating assembly workability, productivity, and serviceability.

[0005] Particularly, when the control panel is provided by coupling a plurality of panels to a window, the possibility of moisture penetration may increase, and there is a limitation in that breakdown and defective or malfunctioning touch operations due to the penetration of moisture occur.

[0006] Embodiments provide a laundry treating apparatus that prevents water from being penetrated into a control panel.

[0007] Embodiments also provide a laundry treating apparatus that induce water so that the water penetrated into the inside of a control panel is discharged to the outside of a window.

[0008] Embodiments also provide a laundry treating apparatus that prevents limitations such as breakdown, defective operation, and malfunction of a control panel due to penetration of moisture.

[0009] In one embodiment, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a cabinet provided with a drum therein and having a front surface in which a loading port communicating with the drum is opened; a door mounted on the cabinet to open and close the loading port; a control panel provided on a front surface of the cabinet; and a PCB provided within the control panel, wherein the control panel includes: a main panel which is configured to define a portion of an outer appearance of the control panel and on which the PCB is disposed; a sub panel coupled to a front surface of the main panel and having a sub opening at a position corresponding to the PCB; and a window configured to shield the sub opening, wherein a drain groove is defined to be recessed at a position at which a rear surface of the sub panel and a circumference of the window are in contact with each other so that water introduced into the sub panel is guided to the outside of the window.

[0010] The drain groove may be defined in an upper end of a front surface of the window.

[0011] The window may include: a body portion provided to have a size corresponding to that of the sub opening and configured to shield the sub opening; and an edge portion which is provided to be stepped along a circumference of the body portion and is in contact with the rear surface of the sub panel, wherein the drain groove may be defined in the edge portion.

[0012] The drain groove may be provided in plurality to be spaced at regular intervals from each other along the upper end of the window.

[0013] A support configured to support the rear surface of the sub panel may be disposed on the edge portion, and the support may be disposed between the plurality of drain grooves.

[0014] A support configured to support the rear surface of the sub panel may be further disposed on the edge portion, and the drainage may include: a first groove extending along an upper end of the support; and a plurality of second grooves extending downward from the first groove, wherein the second grooves may be defined in both ends of the support.

[0015] A panel rib protruding upward may be disposed on an upper end of the sub panel, and a rib insertion hole into which the panel rib is inserted may be defined in the main panel corresponding to the panel rib.

[0016] The panel rib and the rib insertion holes may be provided in plurality to be spaced apart from each other, and a coupling part protruding to fix the PCB may be further disposed between the rib insertion holes.

[0017] A circumference of the body portion may be in contact with a circumference of the sub opening, a circumference of the edge portion may be in contact with a circumference of the main opening that is opened in the front surface of the main panel, and the sub opening may have a size less than that of the main opening.

[0018] The PCB may be provided with an LED configured to indicate an operation state and a detection member configured to detect a user's operational input.

[0019] The main panel may have a main opening corresponding to the PCB, and a PCB bracket on which the PCB is mounted may be provided in the main opening.

[0020] The detection member may be a touch device, and the touch device may pass through the main opening and the sub opening to be in contact with a rear surface of the window.

[0021] A front surface of the PCB bracket may be in contact with the rear surface of the window.

[0022] A touch film configured to recognize a touch operation of the window may be attached to the rear surface of the window.

[0023] The main panel and the sub panel may have colors or textures different from each other.

[0024] The main panel and the sub panel may be made of materials different from each other.

[0025] The main panel may be provided as a portion of the cabinet.

[0026] A drawer hole may be defined in a front surface of the main panel, and a drawer may be disposed in the drawer hole so that the drawer is drawn in and out.

[0027] The main panel may be provided with a manipulation part configured to input a user manipulation, and drawer and the window may be disposed at both sides with respect to the manipulation part.

[0028] A seating part stepped so that the window is seated along a circumference of the sub opening may be disposed on a rear surface of the sub panel, and the drain groove may be defined to be recessed in the seating part.

[0029] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0030] The following effects may be expected from the laundry treating apparatus according to the proposed embodiment.

[0031] The laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment may have the structure in which the panel rib protruding upward is inserted into the rib insertion groove when the sub panel is mounted on the main panel, to block the water in front of the control panel from being penetrated into the rear of the sub panel. In addition, the coupling of the edge portion, which protrudes upward, and the seating part of the window may prevent the water in front of the control panel from being introduced to be penetrated into the rear surface of the window.

[0032] The coupling of the panel rib and the edge may prevent the water from being penetrated into the control panel, thereby preventing the PCB, the touch film, etc., within the control panel from being damaged or malfunctioned.

[0033] Particularly, even if some water is penetrated into the portion at which the panel rib is not provided, the water flowing downward along the rear surface of the sub panel may flow to the front of the window through the drain groove at the upper end of the window. Therefore, the water may be prevented from being introduced into the rear of the window to prevent the touch film and the PCB from being submerged.

[0034] Therefore, the introduction of the water into the control panel may be prevented even in the area with the high humidity or environments in which a lot of water splashes.

[0035] In addition, in the structure in which the control panel is provided by coupling the main panel to the sub panel to inevitably cause a coupling gap, there may be the advantage in preventing the damage and malfunction of the control panel by inducing the drainage toward the front of the window using the drain groove.

[0036] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a control panel of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the control panel.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a main panel constituting the control panel.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sub panel constituting the control panel.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a window constituting the control panel.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a portion at which the sub panel and the window are coupled to the main panel.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a portion at which the sub panel, the window, and a light guide are mounted on the main panel.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion A of FIG. 9.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a window of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sub panel according to a third embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a control panel according to the third embodiment.

[0050] Hereinafter, detailed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to proposed embodiments of the present invention, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments included in the scope of the spirits of the present disclosure may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements.

[0051] Before explaining, directions will be defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction toward a bottom surface on which a washing machine is installed may be defined as a downward direction, a direction away from the bottom surface may be defined as an upward direction, a direction toward a surface on which a door is disposed may be defined as a forward direction, and a direction away from the door may be defined as a backward direction with respect to a center of the washing machine illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, when described about an undefined direction, the direction may be described by being defined based on each drawings.

[0052] In addition, it is to be noted in advance that the embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of being applied to all types of laundry treating apparatuses, such as washing machines and dryers, each of which is provided with a cabinet, a door, and a control panel.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may have an outer appearance defined by a hexahedral cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may have each surface defined by at least one plate and may provide a space in which driving part for driving in addition to a drum and a motor for washing or drying clothes are disposed therein.

[0055] For example, the cabinet 10 may include a front plate 11 defining a front surface, a side plate 12 defining both left and right surfaces, and a top cover 13 defining a top surface. In addition, the rear surface of the cabinet 10 may be integrated by bending the side plate 12.

[0056] A loading port communicating with an inlet of the drum may be provided in the front plate 11. Clothes to be washed or dried may be loaded through the loading port.

[0057] A door 20 may be mounted on the cabinet 10. The door 20 may be configured to open and close the loading port by rotation. In addition, the door 20 may be made of a material that allows the inside of the loading port to be seen therethrough.

[0058] The cabinet 10 may be provided with a control panel 30. The control panel 30 may be mounted on a front surface of the cabinet 10. The control panel 30 may be provided on an upper end of a front surface of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and may extend from one end to the other end of the cabinet 10. The control panel 30 may be configured to display an operation state of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and / or set the operation and may be exposed forward.

[0059] In a state in which the control panel 30 mounted, the control panel 30 may define an outer appearance of the cabinet 10. The control panel 30 may define a portion of the outer appearance having the front surface, the top surface, and both the left and right surfaces of the cabinet 10. The control panel 30 may be in contact with an upper end of the front plate 11 and a front end of each of the top cover 13 and the side plate 12. That is, the control panel 30 may define a portion of the outer appearance of the laundry treating apparatus 1 in the state of being mounted.

[0060] The window 60 that displays the operation state externally may be provided on the front surface of the control panel 30. The window 60 may be configured to display information as well as a manipulation input by a user's touch operation.

[0061] The control panel 30 may further be provided with a manipulation member for the user operation input. For example, the manipulation member may be provided as a knob 32 and may be disposed at a center of the control panel 30 so that the user rotates the manipulation member. The manipulation member may be omitted or configured in the form of a switch as necessary.

[0062] In addition, a drawer 31 may be disposed at one side of the control panel 30. The drawer 31 may be configured to operate the laundry treating apparatus 1 and may be pulled out and in through the front surface of the control panel 30. For example, the drawer 31 may have a structure through which a detergent for washing is put, or condensate is collected.

[0063] The knob 32 may be disposed in the center of the control panel 30, and the window 60 and the drawer 31 may be disposed at both left and right sides based on the knob 32.

[0064] Hereinafter, the control panel 30 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the control panel of the laundry treating apparatus. In addition, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the control panel.

[0066] As illustrated in the drawings, the control panel 30 may include a main panel 40, a sub panel 50, and a window 60.

[0067] The main panel 40 may be mounted on the cabinet 10 and form the overall shape of the control panel 30. The main panel 40 may be made of a plastic material and may be provided to have the same color or outer appearance as the cabinet 10. In addition, the main panel 40 may be configured to be integrated with the cabinet 10 as necessary.

[0068] The main panel 40 may include a front surface 41, a top surface 42, a bottom surface 43, and a side surface 44. The front surface 41 may have a length corresponding to a left and right length of the cabinet 10 and provide a surface on which the drawer 31, the knob 32, and the window 60 are disposed. In addition, a PC bracket 35 coupled to a PC 34 may be mounted on the front surface 41.

[0069] In detail, a drawer opening 411, a knob opening 412, and a main opening 413 may be defined in the front surface 41. The drawer 31 may be mounted to be pulled in and out through the drawer opening 411. The drawer 31 may define a portion of the front surface of the control panel 30 in a state of being inserted.

[0070] The knob opening 412 may be defined at a position corresponding to the knob 32 and may be configured to so that a knob PCB 34 for operation of the knob 32 is mounted.

[0071] The main opening 413 may be opened at a position corresponding to the window 60. In addition, a PCB 34 and a PCB bracket 35 on which the PCB 34 is mounted may be disposed at a position corresponding to the main opening 413.

[0072] The PCB 34 may be provided with a plurality of LEDs 341 to display an operation through the window 60. Alternatively, a display that outputs a screen may be provided instead of the LEDs 341. In addition, the PC 34 may be provided with a detection member 342 that detects the user's touch operation on the window 60. For example, the detection member 342 may be a touch device or a touch sensor. For example, the detection member 342 may be configured as a capacitive touch sensor and may extend up to the rear surface of the window 60 so that a user inputs the manipulation by touching the window 60.

[0073] The PCB bracket 35 may further include a bracket body 351 disposed in front of the PCB 34 and a bracket mounting part 354 that mounts the bracket body 351 on the main panel 40. In the bracket body 351, an LED hole 352 and a detection member hole 353 may be defined at positions corresponding to the LED 341 and the detection member 342, respectively.

[0074] The bracket body 351 may guide light of the LED 341 at a corresponding position through the LED hole 352 toward a specific position of the window 60. Thus, the bracket body 351 may also be called a light guide.

[0075] The bracket mounting part 354 may be provided in plurality along a circumference of the bracket body 351. The bracket mounting part 354 may be firmly coupled the main panel 40, and the PCB 34 may be coupled to the main panel 40 in a state of being mounted on the bracket body 351.

[0076] A top surface 42 and a bottom surface 43 may be defined at upper and lower ends of the front surface 41, respectively. The top surface 42 may define a portion of the outer appearance of the top surface of the control panel 30 and the laundry treating apparatus 1. The top surface 42 may extend backward from an upper end of the front surface 41. In addition, the front end 421 of the top surface 42 may protrude further forward than the front surface 41. In addition, the front end 421 of the top surface 42 may extend up to the front surface of the sub panel 50. The protruding front end 421 of the top surface 42 may support an upper end of the sub panel 50.

[0077] The bottom surface 43 may extend backward from a lower end of the front surface 41. In addition, the bottom surface 43 may be supported by the front plate 11.

[0078] The side surface 44 may connect the top surface 42, the bottom surface 43, and the front surface 41 to each other and may define an outer appearance of the side surface of the main panel 40.

[0079] In addition, the sub panel 50 may be mounted on the main panel 40 to define a portion of an outer appearance of the front surface of the control panel 30. The sub panel 50 may be disposed in front of the main panel 40 and may be mounted on the front surface 41 and the side surface 44. The sub panel 50 may define a portion of the outer appearance of the control panel 30 and the laundry treating apparatus 1 in a state of being mounted on the main panel 40.

[0080] The sub panel 50 may have a different color or texture from the main panel 40. Thus, the sub panel 50 may allow the outer appearance to stand out and focus the user's attention in the state of being mounted. Particularly, there is an advantage in that the knob 32 and the window 60 are disposed on the sub panel 50 to induce natural focusing of the user, thereby ensuring convenience of use and visibility.

[0081] The sub panel 50 may be made of the same material as the main panel 40 and may simply be provided with a different color or have a different texture. Alternatively, the sub panel 50 may be made of the same material as the main panel 40.

[0082] The sub panel 50 may include a front part 51 and a side part 52. The front part 51 may be coupled to the front surface 41, and the side part 52 may be coupled to the side surface 44. Thus, in the state in which the sub panel 50 is mounted, the sub panel 50 may shield a portion of each of the front surface 41 and the side surface 44 of the main panel 40 to define a portion of the outer appearance of each of the front and side surfaces of the control panel 30. Alternatively, the sub panel 50 may be provided as only the front part 51.

[0083] A decoration knob hole 512 in which the knob 32 is disposed may be defined in the front part 51. The decoration knob hole 512 may be defined at a position corresponding to the knob opening 412. In addition, a sub opening 513 may be defined in the front part 51. The sub opening 513 may be provided in a square shape, be defined at a position corresponding to the main opening 413, and be defined in front of the main opening 413.

[0084] The sub panel 50 may be provided with the window 60. The window 60 may be provided to shield the sub panel 50. The window 60 may be mounted on a rear surface of the sub panel 50 and may shield the sub opening 513 in the state of being mounted. The window 60 may be made of a material that allows light to pass therethrough. For example, the window 60 may be made of a transparent plastic or glass material. In addition, the window 60 may have a color or texture by coating, coloring, or deposition. Here, the window may have the same color or texture as the sub panel 50. Thus, the window 60 may be provided to have a sense of unity with the sub panel 50 in a state in which the LED 341 is turned off.

[0085] In addition, a touch film 36 may be further provided on the rear surface of the window 60 to recognize the user's touch operation of the window 60.

[0086] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the control panel 30 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the main panel constituting the control panel.

[0088] As illustrated in the drawing, a main opening 413 may be defined in the front surface of the main panel 40. The main opening 413 may be spaced apart from the upper and lower ends and both left and right ends of the front surface 41.

[0089] In addition, a plurality of decoration coupling holes 451 may be defined in the front surface 41. The decoration coupling hole 451 may be defined at a position corresponding to a decoration coupling protrusion 531 disposed on the sub panel 50 and may be defined so that the decoration coupling protrusion 531 is inserted and fixed. For example, the decoration coupling hole 451 may be opened so that the decoration coupling protrusion 531 is inserted, and an upper portion of the decoration coupling hole 451 may be provided to be narrower than a lower portion thereof so that the sub panel 50 is mutually restricted with the decoration coupling protrusion 531 when the sub panel 50 moves upward.

[0090] The decoration coupling hole 451 may be provided in plurality in the front surface and may be evenly distributed at the arrangement position of the sub panel 50 so that the sub panel 50 is firmly fixed to the main panel 40.

[0091] The decoration coupling hole 451 may also be provided in plurality in the side surface. Thus, the sub panel 50 may be firmly fixed to the front surface 41 and the side surface 44 of the main panel 40 and then be maintained in a close contact state.

[0092] A rib insertion hole 452 may be defined at the upper end of the front surface 41. The rib insertion hole 452 may be provided at a position corresponding to the upper end of the sub panel 50 and may be provided so that the panel rib 511 is inserted. When the decoration coupling protrusion 531 moves upward to be coupled to the decoration coupling hole 451, the panel rib 511 may be inserted into the rib insertion hole 452.

[0093] Here, the front end 421 of the top surface may protrude forward and be in contact with the upper end of the sub panel 50. The front end 421 and the front surface of the sub panel 50 may have heights corresponding to each other, and thus, the sub panel 50 and the main panel 40 may be assembled to have the sense of unity.

[0094] A first coupling groove 453, a second coupling groove 455, and a guide hole 454 may be defined in the front surface 41 to assist the coupling with the sub panel 50. The first coupling groove 453 may be defined in a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the decoration coupling groove 451 and may be defined so that the decoration coupling protrusion 531 disposed on the sub panel 50 is inserted therein. The first coupling groove 453 may be recessed into a circumference of the main opening 413 and may be defined in plurality along the upper end 413 of the main opening 413.

[0095] The second coupling groove 455 may be recessed along the circumference of the main opening 413 and may accommodate a window coupling part 533 disposed on the sub panel 50. In addition, the guide hole 454 may be opened so that a guide protrusion 532 disposed on the sub panel 50 is inserted.

[0096] The first coupling groove 453, the second coupling groove 455, and the guide hole 454 may be configured so that the decoration coupling protrusion 531, the window coupling part 533, and the guide protrusion 532 are respectively inserted to be more firmly coupled in the state in which the front surfaces of the sub panel 50 and the main panel 40 are aligned with each other.

[0097] The first coupling groove 453, the second coupling groove 455 and the guide hole 454 may be defined along an upper side of the window 60, that is, along the upper end of the main opening 413. Thus, the sub panel 50 and the main panel 40 at the position at which the window 60 is disposed may be firmly coupled to minimize water penetration toward the window 60.

[0098] The first coupling groove 453, the second coupling groove 455, and the guide hole 454 may be referred to as an upper coupling part, and at least one or more may be defined along the main opening 413.

[0099] A bracket coupling part 461 protruding backward may be disposed on the front surface 41. The bracket coupling part 461 may be provided in plurality around the main opening 413 and may be coupled to the bracket mounting part 354 disposed on the PC bracket 35 so that the PC 34 and the PC bracket 35 are fixed on an area corresponding to the main opening 413. The bracket coupling part 461 may be disposed between the rib insertion holes 452.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sub panel constituting the control panel.

[0101] As illustrated in the drawing, the sub panel 50 may include a decoration front part 51 and a decoration side part 52. In addition, the sub opening 513 may be defined in the decoration front part 51. A plurality of decoration coupling protrusions 531 may be disposed on the decoration front part 51 and the decoration side part 52. The decoration coupling protrusion 531 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the decoration coupling hole 451 so that the decoration coupling protrusion 531 and the decoration coupling hole 451 are coupled with each other.

[0102] A seating part 514 may be disposed around the sub opening 513. The seating part 514 may be provided to be stepped forward based on the rear surface of the sub panel 50. In addition, a circumference of the window 60 may be seated to the seating part 514. Thus, the window 60 may be mounted to be in close contact with the sub opening 513.

[0103] In addition, some of the plurality of decoration coupling protrusions 531 may be disposed around the circumference of the sub opening 513. The decoration coupling protrusion 531 may be disposed along at least the upper end of the sub opening 513. In detail, the decoration coupling protrusion 531 may be disposed higher than the seating part 514 so as not to interfere with the mounting of the window 60. In addition, the decoration coupling protrusion 531 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first coupling groove 453.

[0104] The decoration coupling protrusion 531 may protrudes backward from the sub panel 50 and may extend in a vertical direction. In addition, the protruding end of the decoration coupling protrusion 531 may be provided to have a larger width so as to have a structure that is movable upward and is capable of being fixed in a state of being inserted into the decoration coupling hole 451 and the first coupling groove 453.

[0105] The window coupling part 533 may be disposed around the sub opening 513. The window coupling part 533 may restrict the circumference of the window 60 and simultaneously guide the mounting of the sub panel 50.

[0106] The window coupling part 533 may include a restriction part 5331 provided in a hook shape and hooked with the circumference of the window 60, and a support rib 5332 protruding from the restriction part 5331 in a direction opposite to the arrangement position of the window.

[0107] The window coupling part 533 may be disposed along the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the window 60 to firmly fix the circumference of the window 60. The restriction part 5331 may protrude up to a position corresponding to the seating part 514, and the circumference of the window 60 may be restricted by the seating part 514 and the restriction part 5331.

[0108] In addition, the support rib 5332 may be inserted into the second coupling groove 455 and supported at the recessed inner side of the second coupling groove 455. Thus, the support rib 5332 may be aligned with the inside of the second coupling groove 455 to facilitate the coupling between the decoration coupling protrusion 531 and the decoration coupling hole 451.

[0109] A guide protrusion 532 may be further disposed around the circumference of the sub opening 513. The guide protrusion 532 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the guide hole 454. In the process of inserting the guide protrusion 532 into the guide hole 454, the sub panel 50 may be aligned to an accurate position, and the coupling of the decoration coupling protrusion 531 and the decoration coupling hole 541 may be easily performed.

[0110] The decoration coupling protrusion 531, the window coupling part 533, and the guide protrusion 532 may be disposed above the sub opening 513 and thus may be referred to as an upper coupling part. The upper coupling part may be provided as at least one or more, and the coupling at the upper portion of the window 60 may be more firmly performed by the coupling with the upper coupling part. Thus, water penetration from the upper portion of the window 60 may be minimized.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the window constituting the control panel.

[0112] As illustrated in drawing, the window 60 may be provided to a size corresponding to that of the sub opening 513. Thus, when the window 60 is installed, the sub opening 513 may be shielded and be exposed forward.

[0113] The window 60 may include a body portion 61 and an edge portion 62. The body portion 61 may be provided to have the same size as the sub opening 513 to shield the sub opening 513. A circumference of the body portion 61 may be in contact with the circumference of the sub opening 513. That is, the circumference of the body portion 61 may be supported by an inner end of the sub opening 513.

[0114] The edge portion 62 may be provided to be stepped along the circumference of the body portion 61 and may be seated on the seating part 514. The edge portion 62 may be disposed along the entire upper and lower ends and left and right ends of the body portion 61. Alternatively, the edge portion 62 may be provided to further include at least a portion including the upper end of the body portion 61.

[0115] An end of the edge portion 62 may correspond to the main opening 413. That is, the rear surface of the window 60 may have the same size as the main opening 413. Thus, a circumference of the edge portion 62 may be supported by an inner end of the main opening 413.

[0116] In the state in which the window 60 is mounted, a recessed drain groove 622 may be defined at a position at which the rear surface of the sub panel 50 and the circumference of the window 60 are in contact with each other. The drain groove 622 may be configured to discharge water penetrated into the coupling part between the sub panel 50 and the main panel 40 to the outside, i.e., the front side of the window 60.

[0117] For example, the drain groove may be defined in the window 60. The drain groove 622 may be defined in an upper end of the front surface of the window 60. In addition, the drain groove 622 may be provided in plurality along the edge portion 62 of the upper end of the window 60.

[0118] In detail, a support 621 that supports the rear surface of the sub panel 50 and a recessed drain groove 622 at both sides of the support 621 may be disposed on the front surface of the edge portion 62. The support 621 and the drain groove 622 may be disposed along the upper end of the window 60 on the edge portion 62. Since the drain groove 622 is configured to drain water flowing downward along the rear surface of the sub panel 50 above the window 60, the drain groove 622 may be defined only at the upper end of the window 60.

[0119] The drain groove 622 may extend downward from the upper end of the edge portion 62. In addition, the plurality of drain grooves 622 may be spaced apart at regular intervals and disposed side by side along the upper end of the window 60.

[0120] For example, the drain groove 622 may include a first groove 6221 and a plurality of second grooves 6222 extending from the first groove 6221. The first groove 6221 may extend along the upper end of the support 621. The first home 6221 may extend along the upper end of the edge portion 62.

[0121] In addition, the second groove 6222 may be defined to extend downward from the first groove 6221. The second groove 6222 may extend vertically downward from the first groove 6221 to extend up to the body portion 61. The first groove 6221 may be defined in plurality at regular intervals and may have a width W2 set to ensure smooth drainage downward from an upper side.

[0122] When the drain groove 622 is provided to be recessed, the remaining portion of the edge portion 62 at which the drain groove 622 is not defined may naturally become the support 621. The support 621 may protrude forward based on the drain groove 622 and be in contact with the fixing member 514 so that, when the window 60 is mounted, the circumference of the window 60 is supported by the sub opening 513. The support 621 may have a width W1 that is capable of ensuring stable support of the window 60.

[0123] Here, the width W1 of the support 621 may be provided larger than the width W2 of the drain groove 622. Thus, the window 60 may be maintained in the stable state without moving in the state of being mounted. In addition, the water flowing from the upper side may be effectively distributed by the plurality of drain grooves 622.

[0124] FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a portion at which the sub panel and the window are coupled to the main panel. In addition, FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a portion at which the sub panel, the window, and a light guide are mounted on the main panel.

[0125] As illustrated in the drawings, the window 60 may be mounted on the sub panel 50, and the sub panel 50 in the state in which the window 60 is mounted may be mounted on the main panel 40.

[0126] In detail, the window 60 may be mounted to shield the sub opening 513. Here, the edge portion 62 may be mounted on the seating part 514, and the body portion 61 may shield the sub opening 513. In addition, the restriction part 5331 of the window coupling part 533 may restrict the edge portion 62 of the window 60.

[0127] In addition, the upper part of the sub panel 50 may be fixed by inserting the panel rib 511 into the rib insertion hole 452. When the panel rib 511 is inserted into the rib insertion hole 452, the front end 421 of the top surface 42 of the main panel 40 may be in close contact with the upper end of the sub panel 50.

[0128] In addition, the plurality of the decoration coupling protrusions 531 may be inserted into the decoration coupling hole 451, and thus, the sub panel 50 may be fixed in a state of being in close contact with the front surface of the main panel 40 as a whole. Particularly, the decoration coupling protrusion 531, the window coupling part 533, and the guide protrusion 532 above the sub opening 513 may be inserted into the first coupling groove 453, the second coupling groove 455, and the guide hole 454 so that the sub panel 50 above the sub opening 513 is more coupled to be in close contact with the main panel 40.

[0129] The PC bracket 35 may be mounted in the state in which the sub panel 50 is mounted on the main panel 40. The PCV bracket 35 may be disposed at a rear side of the main opening 413 and may be fixedly mounted to the main panel 40 in the state in which the decoration frame 40 is mounted.

[0130] Here, the PCB 34 may be fixedly mounted on the rear surface of the PCB bracket 35. In addition, the PCB bracket 35 may be mounted on the main panel 40 in the state in which the PCB 34 is mounted. The bracket mounting part 354 may be fixedly mounted to the bracket coupling part 461. Here, the PC bracket 35 may be firmly fixed to the main panel 40 by a screw that passes through the bracket coupling part 461 and is coupled to the bracket mounting part 354.

[0131] In the state in which the PC bracket 35 is mounted, the front surface of the PC bracket 35 may pass through the main opening 413 and the sub opening 513 and then be in contact with the rear surface of the window 60.

[0132] Hereinafter, the water penetration and drainage state of the control panel 30 having the above-described structure is described with reference to the drawings in an assembled state.

[0133] FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 2. Also, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion A of FIG. 9.

[0134] As illustrated in the drawings, if the environment in which the laundry treating apparatus 1 is used is humid, or water splashes on a front surface of the laundry treating apparatus 1, water may be penetrated through the front surface of the control panel 30. However, the coupled portion of the sub panel 50 corresponding to the position at which the PCB 34 is disposed may have a structure that prevents water from being introduced from the outside.

[0135] In detail, the panel rib 511 on the upper end of the sub panel 50 may have a structure that protrudes upward from the upper end of the sub panel 50. Thus, even if water is introduced into a gap between the sub panel 50 and the front end 421 of the main panel 40, the panel rib 511 may prevent the water from being introduced up to the rear of the sub panel 50.

[0136] In addition, even if water is introduced into a gap between the upper end of the sub opening 513 and the upper end of the window 60, the water may be prevented from being introduced into the rear of the window 60 by the upper protruding edge portion 62.

[0137] That is, in a structure in which the sub panel 50 is provided separately, and the window 60 is provided on the sub panel 50, it is possible to prevent the PCB 34 inside the control panel 30 from being damaged due to the water introduced from the outside.

[0138] Due to the characteristics of the coupling part structure of the sub panel 50, the water may be introduced into the gap between the upper end of the sub panel 50 and the front end 421 through a portion at which the panel rib 511 is not provided, and in this case, the introduced water may flow along the rear surface of the sub panel 50.

[0139] In addition, the water flowing along the rear surface of the sub panel 50 may be directed toward the seating part 514. Here, the seating part 514 may be in contact with the support 621 and may be spaced apart from the drain groove 622. Thus, the water flowing down toward the seating part 514 may be introduced into the drain groove 622 to flow downward along the drain groove 622. In addition, the water flowing downward along the drain groove 622 may pass through the gap between the window 60 and the upper end of the sub opening 513 and then be discharged to the front surface of the window 60.

[0140] Here, an amount of water flowing to the rear surface of the sub panel 50 may not be large due to the shielding of the primary water inflow by the panel rib 511, and thus, the water may be sufficiently drained through the drain groove 622. Alternatively, even if the amount of water flowing down from the rear surface of the sub panel 50 is large, the water may be distributed through the first groove 6221 and then be guided to the front surface of the window 60 along the plurality of second grooves 6222, thereby ensuring the smooth drainage.

[0141] The water flowing down along the rear surface of the sub panel 50 may flow to the front surface of the window 60 along the drain groove 622 rather than toward the rear surface of the window 60. Thus, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the touch film 36 disposed on the rear surface of the window 60, thereby causing poor touch recognition or malfunction. In addition, there is an advantage in that water is prevented from being introduced into the PC 34 disposed behind the window 60, thereby preventing the damage or malfunction of the PC 34.

[0142] In addition, the water may not remain on the rear surface of the window 60 to prevent water droplets from being visible through the window 60.

[0143] The present disclosure may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In configurations according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, configurations that are the same as those of the above-described embodiments may be omitted for detailed description and illustration and also may be described using the same reference numerals. That is, only structures that are different from the above-described embodiment are described below, and other configurations that are not described may be the same as the above-described embodiment.

[0144] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a window of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0145] As illustrated in the drawing, a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment may be provided with a control panel 30 having the same structure as the above-described structure, with a difference only in a structure of a window 60a.

[0146] The window 60a may include a body portion 61 that shields a sub opening 513 and an edge portion 62 that is provided to be stepped along a circumference of the body portion 61. In addition, the edge portion 62 may be seated to a seating part 514 to shield the sub opening 513 and maintain a coupled state with a sub panel 50.

[0147] The edge portion 62 may be disposed at upper and lower ends and both left and right ends of the window 60a. In addition, in the entire edge portion 62, a drain groove 624 and a support 623 may be provided at the edge portion 62 of an upper end of the window 60a.

[0148] The support 623 may be in contact with the seating part 514 to maintain the window 60a mounted on the sub panel 50. In addition, the support 623 may be provided in plurality at regular intervals and may extend from an upper end of the edge portion 62 to the body member 61.

[0149] The drain groove 624 may be provided between the supports 623. A width W4 of the drain groove 624 may be provided larger than a width W3 of the support 623. In addition, the width W3 of the support 623 may be provided to a degree that is capable of supporting the seating part 514, and the drain groove 624 may be provided to be recessed into a remaining portion of the edge portion 62 excluding the support 623.

[0150] Thus, even if an amount of water flowing along a rear surface of the sub panel 50 is large, the water introduced through the relatively wide drain groove 624 may be effectively discharged to a front surface of the window 60a.

[0151] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sub panel according to a third embodiment. In addition, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a control panel according to the third embodiment.

[0152] As illustrated in the drawing, a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment may be provided with a control panel 30 having the same structure as the above-described structure, with a difference only in structures of a sub panel 50b and a window 60b.

[0153] The sub panel 50b may include a front part 51 and a side part 52, and a plurality of decoration coupling protrusions 531 may be disposed on a rear surface of the sub panel 50b. In addition, a sub opening 513 may be defined in the sub panel 50b. A decoration knob hole 512 may be further defined in the sub panel 50b.

[0154] A seating part 514 may be provided to be recessed around the sub opening 513. In addition, a circumference of the window 60b may be seated to the seating part 514. A window coupling part 533 for coupling with the window 60b may be disposed around a circumference of the sub opening 513. In addition, the sub panel 50b may be further provided with a decoration coupling protrusion 531 and a guide protrusion 532. The window coupling part 533, the decoration coupling part 531, and the guide protrusion 532 may be disposed along an upper end of the sub opening 513.

[0155] A plurality of supports 515 that support the window 60b may be disposed on the seating part 514. The support 515 may be in contact with an edge portion 62 of the window 60b when the window 60b is mounted. In addition, a plurality of drain grooves 516 may be defined in the seating part 514. The drain groove 516 may be defined in both sides of the support 515 and also may be defined between the spaced supports 515.

[0156] The drain groove 516 may include a first groove 5161 and a second groove 5162. The first groove 5161 may be defined to extend in a left and right direction along an upper end of the seating part 514 and pass through an upper end of the support 515. In addition, the second groove 5162 may extend downward from the first groove 5161 and may extend up to the body portion 61.

[0157] The window 60b may include a body portion 61 that shields a sub opening 513 and an edge portion 62 that is provided to be stepped along a circumference of the body portion 61. In addition, the edge portion 62 may be seated to a seating part 514 to shield the sub opening 513 and maintain a coupled state with a sub panel 50b.

[0158] When water is introduced into a rear surface of the sub panel 50b in a state in which the window 60b is mounted on the sub panel 50b, the water flowing along the sub panel 50b may be discharged to the front surface of the window 60b along the drain groove 516 defined in the seating part 514.

[0159] The raundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents damage from water penetration and ensures operational reliability, so high industrial applicability is expected.

Claims

1.A laundry treating apparatus comprising:a cabinet provided with a drum therein and having a front surface in which a loading port communicating with the drum is opened;a door mounted on the cabinet to open and close the loading port;a control panel provided on a front surface of the cabinet; anda PCB provided within the control panel,wherein the control panel comprises:a main panel which is configured to define a portion of an outer appearance of the control panel and on which the PCB is disposed;a sub panel coupled to a front surface of the main panel and having a sub opening at a position corresponding to the PCB; anda window configured to shield the sub opening,wherein a drain groove is defined to be recessed at a position at which a rear surface of the sub panel and a circumference of the window are in contact with each other so that water introduced into the sub panel is guided to the outside of the window.2.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drain groove is defined in an upper end of a front surface of the window.3.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the window comprises:a body portion provided to have a size corresponding to that of the sub opening and configured to shield the sub opening; andan edge portion which is provided to be stepped along a circumference of the body portion and is in contact with the rear surface of the sub panel,wherein the drain groove is defined in the edge portion.4.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drain groove is provided in plurality to be spaced at regular intervals from each other along the upper end of the window.5.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a support configured to support the rear surface of the sub panel is disposed on the edge portion, andthe support is disposed between the plurality of drain grooves.6.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a support configured to support the rear surface of the sub panel is further disposed on the edge portion, andthe drainage comprises:a first groove extending along an upper end of the support; anda plurality of second grooves extending downward from the first groove,wherein the second grooves are defined in both ends of the support.7.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a panel rib protruding upward is disposed on an upper end of the sub panel, anda rib insertion hole into which the panel rib is inserted is defined in the main panel corresponding to the panel rib.8.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the panel rib and the rib insertion holes are provided in plurality to be spaced apart from each other, anda coupling part protruding to fix the PCB is further disposed between the rib insertion holes.9.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a circumference of the body portion is in contact with a circumference of the sub opening,a circumference of the edge portion is in contact with a circumference of the main opening that is opened in the front surface of the main panel, andthe sub opening has a size less than that of the main opening.10.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main panel and the sub panel have colors or textures different from each other.11.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main panel and the sub panel are made of materials different from each other.12.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a seating part stepped so that the window is seated along a circumference of the sub opening is disposed on a rear surface of the sub panel, andthe drain groove is defined to be recessed in the seating part.

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