Apparatus for treating laundry

Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus. The present invention includes a cabinet having an opening, a laundry receiving part provided within the cabinet to receive the laundry therein, the laundry receiving part having an input entrance communicating with the opening, a door opening/closing the opening, and a hinge part joining the door to the cabinet rotatably, the hinge part including a base joined to the cabinet, a projection portion projected from the base to be connected to the door, a hinge holder joined to the door to support one side of the projection portion rotatably, and a hinge cover joined to the hinge holder to support the other side of the projection portion rotatably, wherein the hinge holder further includes a reinforce recess having one side formed concave. And, the hinge holder is characterized in being formed in uniform thickness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2017-0014838, filed on Feb. 2, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating laundry.

Discussion of the Related Art

Generally, a laundry treating device includes a device for washing laundry, a device for drying laundry, or a device capable of washing and drying laundry. In a laundry treating device, laundry washing corresponds to a cycle of removing particles attached to laundry through actions of water and detergent and laundry drying corresponds to a cycle of dehydrating laundry through a hot air supplier provided to the laundry treating device.

Generally, a laundry treating device includes a cabinet having an opening by forming an exterior, a laundry receiving part provided within a cabinet, a driving unit rotating a drum configuring the laundry receiving part, and a door configured to open/close the opening.

As the door of the laundry treating device occupies a considerable area of one side of the cabinet, a configuration of the door considerably affects overall aesthetic view and unity.

Since the door is configured to be turned centering on a front or top of the cabinet of the laundry treating device, user's eyes may be focused on the door.

Recently, using such property of the door, a laundry treating device is manufactured in a manner that a control panel configured to display a state of the laundry receiving part and/or receive an input of a control command for controlling the laundry receiving part to perform a washing or drying cycle.

In order to reinforce user's accessibility and emphasize aesthetic impression, the door may be configured to have a diameter greater than that of the opening.

Hence, the door can play a role as an interface of enabling a user to control and recognize the laundry treating device as well as open/close the opening.

However, since a control panel should be installed within the above-mentioned laundry treating device, the door needs to be configured by joining various components together.

Namely, the door consists of an inner frame for opening/closing the opening and an outer frame forming a front side of the door by being joined to the inner frame, and the control panel can be inserted and installed between the inner frame and the outer frame.

According to the related art laundry treating device, since the outer frame and the inner frame form the exterior of the door together, there is a problem that the unity of the door is degraded.

If the outer frame and the inner frame are joined to each other by a fastening member such as a bolt, a nut and the like, the fastening member and the fastening part are externally exposed. Hence, there is a problem that the aesthetic impression is degraded.

Since a weld line is formed on the fastening part joined to the fastening member in the course of injection molding of the exterior of the door, there is a problem that the overall unity is reduced.

And, there is also a problem that a user mistakes the weld line for a crack in the door.

As the control panel is installed in the door, a diameter of the door increases. Hence, when the opening is opened or closed, it is necessary to turn the door at a wider angle. In doing so, as the inner and outer frames of the door collide with a hinge part coupling the door with the cabinet rotatably, they may be broken.

Generally, the hinge part is provided in a manner of being inserted between the inner and outer frames of the door. Here, thickness of the hinge part may differ for each portion for rigidity.

If the thickness of the hinge part differs, it is advantageous to maintain the rigidity of the hinge part. Yet, it causes a problem that the thickness of the door increases.

And, it also causes a problem that material and molding costs are raised in manufacturing the hinge part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a laundry treating apparatus that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

One object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus, by which a production cost of a hinge holder can be reduced in a manner that the hinge holder has uniform thickness.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus, by which a hinge holder can maintain the same rigidity and durability of an existing hinge holder despite having relatively small thickness.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus, by which a defect rate in producing and molding a hinge holder can be lowered.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus, by which thickness of a door can be reduced.

Further object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus, by which an excessive rotation of a door and a breakage of the turned door can be prevented.

Technical tasks obtainable from the present invention are non-limited by the above-mentioned technical tasks. And, other unmentioned technical tasks can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in the disclosure herein as well as the accompanying drawings. Such aspects may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus for treating laundry according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet having an opening, a laundry receiving part provided within the cabinet to receive the laundry therein, the laundry receiving part having an input entrance communicating with the opening, a door opening/closing the opening, and a hinge part joining the door to the cabinet rotatably, the hinge part including a base joined to the cabinet, a projection portion projected from the base to be connected to the door, a hinge holder joined to the door to support one side of the projection portion rotatably, and a hinge cover joined to the hinge holder to support the other side of the projection portion rotatably, wherein the hinge holder further comprises a reinforce recess having one side formed concave.

Preferably, the projection portion may include a shaft extending from an end to form a rotation shaft of the door and the hinge holder may further include a holder body in a plate shape having the reinforce recess and a shaft receiving recess provided to both sides or one side of the reinforce recess to receive the shaft therein in a manner that one side of the holder body is formed concave.

More preferably, the reinforce recess and the shat receiving recess may be projected from one side of the holder body in a same direction.

More preferably, the projection portion may include a first projection portion projected from the base by including a first shaft provided to an end in a manner of extending to form a rotation shaft of the door and a second projection portion projected from the base by being spaced apart from the first projection portion in a predetermined distance and including a second shaft provided to an end in parallel with the first shaft and the hinge holder may include a first shaft receiving recess having at least one portion of the first shaft received therein and a second shaft receiving recess having at least one portion of the second shaft received therein by being spaced apart from the first shaft receiving recess in a predetermined distance.

Here, the reinforce recess may be provided between the first and second shaft receiving recesses of the holder body.

A depth of each of the first and second shaft receiving recesses may be set different from that of the reinforce recess.

The first projection portion may include a first projection rib projected from the base toward the door and a first receiving rib extending from the first projection rib in a direction getting away from the opening by having the first shaft provided to an end, the second projection portion may include a second projection rib projected from the base toward the door and a second receiving rib extending from the second projection rib in a direction getting away from the opening by having the second shaft provided to an end, and the hinge holder may include a first receiving rib receiving recess provided to one side of the first shaft receiving recess so as to receive at least one portion of the first receiving rib therein and a second receiving rib receiving recess provided to one side of the second shaft receiving portion so as to receive at least one portion of the second receiving rib therein.

A depth of each of the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses may be set different from that of the reinforce recess.

The reinforce recess may include a center recess provided between the first and second shaft receiving recesses, a first extension recess extending from one side of the center recess toward the first receiving rib recess, and a second extension recess extending from the other side of the center recess toward the second receiving rib recess.

The center recess may further extend from an overlapping portion between the first and second extension recesses in one direction and each of the first and second extension recesses may further extend from a portion overlapping with the center recess in the other direction.

The hinge holder may include a flange extending from an outer circumference of the holder body and the flange may be bent in a direction opposite to a depth direction of the reinforce recess.

The flange may include a center flange provided to a portion facing the opening in an outer circumference of the holder body by extending by a gap between the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses, a first extension flange extending to one end of the holder body by being spaced apart from the center flange by a thickness of the first receiving rib receiving recess, a second extension flange extending to the other end of the holder body by being spaced apart from the center flange by a thickness of the second receiving rib receiving recess; a top flange provided to one side of the outer circumference of the holder body in a direction vertical to a direction facing the opening, and a bottom flange provided to the other side.

More preferably, the projection portion may include a projection rib projected from the base toward the door and a receiving rib extending from the projection rib in a direction getting away from the opening by having the shaft provided to an end and the hinge holder may include a stop portion for limiting a rotation angle of the receiving rib.

Here, the stop portion may include a support portion projected in an opposite direction of the shaft receiving recess so as to come into contact with the receiving rib.

The stop portion may further include a rigid bending portion projected from both lateral sides of the support portion in a direction of the shaft receiving recess.

And, the receiving rib may include a block portion provided to one side to come into contract with the stop portion.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects and/or features.

First of all, the present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, by which a production cost of a hinge holder can be reduced in a manner that the hinge holder has uniform thickness.

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, by which a hinge holder can maintain the same rigidity and durability of an existing hinge holder despite having relatively small thickness.

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, by which a defect rate in producing and molding a hinge holder can be lowered.

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, by which thickness of a door can be reduced.

And, the present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, by which an excessive rotation of a door and a breakage of the turned door can be prevented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective diagram showing an exterior of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention.FIG. 2is a diagram conceptually showing a state that an opening is open by turning a door.

Referring toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, a laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet1and a door8.

The cabinet1forms an exterior and has an opening13through which laundry is inputted. AlthoughFIG. 1andFIG. 2show that the opening13is provided to a front side of the cabinet1having a hexahedral shape, they are provided for description only. Alternatively, the opening13may be provided to a top side of the cabinet1.

The cabinet1of the laundry treating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel10having the opening13provided to a front side thereof. A laundry receiving part20configured to receive laundry therein may be provided within the cabinet1by having an input entrance communicating with the opening13.

If the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention is configured as a device for drying laundry, the laundry receiving part may include a drum22rotatably provided within the cabinet1.

If the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention is configured as a device capable of both laundry washing and laundry drying, the laundry receiving part may include a tub21provided within the cabinet to store water therein and a drum22rotatably provided within the tub to receive laundry therein.

A drive unit (not shown) configured to rotate the drum22may be provided to one side of the tub21or within the cabinet1. The drive unit may include a motor generating a drive force and a belt rotating the drum22using the drive force. The drive unit (not shown) includes a stator provided to a backside of the tub21to generate a rotational magnetic force, a rotor rotated by the stator, and a rotating shaft connected to the rotor to rotate the drum. Hence, the drive unit can rotate the drum22in direct.

Meanwhile, a detergent supply unit (not shown) can be installed at the cabinet1so as to be pushed in or pulled out like drawer. A power button16is provided to the cabinet1to turn on/off a power of the laundry treating apparatus.

The door8is rotatably joined to the cabinet1to open/close the opening13.

The door8is provided to the front side of the cabinet1and joined to the cabinet1rotatably, thereby attracting user's attention. Moreover, as a user should grip the door8in order to insert or discharge laundry through the opening13, the door8may be a part most easily accessible by the user.

Hence, a control panel860may be provided to the door8so as to display a state of the laundry treating apparatus or the laundry receiving part20and/or receive an input of an operation or control command for executing at least one of a wash cycle and a dry cycle.

Namely, the control panel860may include a display panel861displaying a state of the laundry receiving part20.

The display panel861displays (outputs) information processed by the laundry treating apparatus. For example, the display panel861can display a running screen information of a cycle (e.g., wash cycle, dewater cycle, dry cycle, etc.) driven in the laundry treating apparatus or UE/GUI (user interface/graphic user interface) information corresponding to the running screen information.

The control panel860may include a control panel862receiving an input of a control command for executing a wash cycle or a dry cycle in the laundry reeving part20.

The control panel862may be formed of PCB and the like. The control panel862may include a panel configured to transceiver signals remotely by having a communication module of WiFi and the like.

And, the control panel862may play a role as a control unit configured to control a wash or dry cycle to be performed in the laundry receiving unit20by converting the inputted control command into a launch signal.

The control panel862is provided separately from a controller (not shown) controlling a drive unit, a water supply unit, a drain unit and is able to play a role as an auxiliary controller configured to control the display panel861only. Thus, although a power is not supplied to the controller (not shown), the control panel860can be supplied with power only so as to control the display panel861and the control panel862.

Hence, the control panel862plays a role as an auxiliary controller controlling the configuration provided to the door8, whereby standby power can be reduced considerably.

Meanwhile, the display panel861may be provided with a touch panel or a touchscreen. A power may be configured to be turned on/off through a touch input to the display panel861. Here, if the power of the laundry treating apparatus is controlled through the display panel861, the power button16can be omitted.

The door8may have a diameter greater than that of the opening13. And, a center of the door8may be set to incline toward a top or front side rather than a center of the opening13.

Thus, since the control panel860is provided within the door8, a user can easily recognize and access the control panel860.

Hence, the front panel10having the opening13may include a stepped surface14for holding an outer circumference of the door8and a holding surface15extending from the stepped surface to the opening13so as to come in contact with the backside of the door8.

Namely, the stepped surface14is bent inward from the front panel10so as to hold the door8together with the holding surface15.

Therefore, the door8may be externally exposed from the front panel10in part and have a big diameter to facilitate the control panel860to be exposed to a user.

The front panel10may include a plane part11having the opening13and an incline part12extending from a top side of the plane part11to incline upward. And, a portion of the opening13may be formed at a bottom end of the incline part12.

Namely, the plane part11may be provided vertical to a ground surface. And, the incline part12may be provided to gradually incline toward a backside of the front panel10from the top side of the plane part11to a top end.

And, an incline corresponding to the incline part12may be provided to a top side of the door8. Namely, the door8may have the incline provided to get thinner toward the top side.

Thus, as the control panel860is provided to the top side of the door8so as to improve user's accessibility. And, a user taller than the cabinet1can easily recognize the control panel860.

See-through holes811and821may be included within the door8so that a user can see through the opening13.

The see-through holes811and821are formed of transparent material, whereby an inside of the laundry receiving part20can be seen through the opening13.

The see-through holes811and821may be provided below the control panel860.

FIG. 3sows one example of a hinge part900for rotatably joining the door8to the cabinet1.

The hinge part900may include a base910joined to each of the door8and the cabinet1to turn the door8and a hinge holder920joining to fix the base910to the door8or cabinet1.

In case that a plurality of hinge holders920are provided, one hinge holder may be joined to the door8together with the base910and another hinge holder may be joined together with the base910by being inserted in an opening perforated hole13′ provided to one side of the opening13of the cabinet1.

Namely, the hinge holder920may assist the base910to be joined to the door8or cabinet1and play a role in supporting the base910.

FIG. 4is a diagram shows components of the door8and one example of assembling the components into the door8.

The door8may include a first frame810opening/closing the opening13, a second frame820joined to a front side of the first frame810, and a door cover840joined to a front side of the second frame820to form a front side of the door8.

Thus, the door8is configured with a plurality of frames instead of a single body in order to install the components such as the control panel860, a control line, the hinge part900and the like by forming a space inside.

The first frame810and the second frame820can form an exterior of the door8, and more particularly, a front side and a rear side of the door8, respectively.

The first frame810may include a first see-through hole811perforating the first frame810to enable an inside of the laundry receiving part20to be seen through, a panel input hole814provided to enable the control panel860860to be inserted, and a panel cover816provided in parallel with a backside of the first frame810by opening/closing the panel input hole814.

A gasket817may be provided to an inner circumference of the first see-through hole811to seal the opening13. If the door8closes the opening13, the gasket817seals the opening13by being inserted in the inner circumference of the opening13and is able to guide laundry or water, which moves to the opening13within the laundry receiving part20, to the inside of the laundry receiving part20again.

The gasket817is formed of transparent material so that the inside of the laundry receiving part20can be externally exposed through the opening13.

The second frame820may include a second see-through hole821provided to a portion corresponding to the first see-through hole811by perforating the second frame820and a panel display hole823provided to expose the control panel860externally.

The door cover840may be attached to the front side of the second frame820through an adhesive agent or the like and formed of transparent material overall.

Meanwhile, portions corresponding to the panel display hole and the second see-through hole821may be formed of transparent material and the rest of portions may be tinted I black to raise aesthetic impression by cutting off the inner configuration.

The first frame810and the second frame820may be jointed to each other by a fastening member830. The fastening member830penetrates the backside of the first fame810and is then able to be joined to the second frame820. Thus, as the door cover840can be provided in a manner of being attached to the second frame820, the interference between the door cover840and the fastening member830can be prevented.

The first frame810may further include a join hole818formed in an inner circumference of the first frame810so that the fastening member830is inserted in the join hole818to be joined by penetrating the first frame810. And, the second frame820may have a join part828provided to the backside of the second frame820to be joined to the fastening member830.

The fastening member830is joined to the join part (not shown) provided to the second frame820by penetrating the join hole818, thereby enabling the first and second frames820and810to be strongly joined to each other.

Regarding the door8having the above structure, after the first frame810and the second frame820have been joined together by an adhesive agent and the like without employing the fastening member830, the second frame820and the door cover840can be joined together by an adhesive agent and the like. Yet, since there is a waiting time until adhesion is completed after coating the adhesive agent, a process for manufacturing the door8may be delayed. Hence, it may be preferable to join the first and second frames810and820together quickly through the fastening member830.

FIG. 5Ashows a backside of the door8, andFIGS. 5B to 5Dshow the structure that the hinge part900enables the door8to swing.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the hinge part900is seated on the backside of the second frame820and the first frame810is joined to the backside of the second frame820, whereby the hinge part900can be fixed to the door8.

Referring toFIGS. 5B to 5D, the hinge part900may include a base910joined to a lateral side of the opening, projection portions912and913projected from the base910to be rotatably joined to the second frame820, and a hinge holder920joined to the backside of the second frame820to support the projection portions912and913rotatably.

The hinge holder920can include a steel sheet capable of supporting the projection portions912and913stably despite that the projection portions912and913are repeatedly rotated. Namely, if the second frame820is formed of material such as plastics, the hinge holder920can reinforce the rigidity of the second frame820.

The hinge holder920and the projection portions912and913are joined between the first frame810and the second frame820, whereby locations can be fixed thereto.

Referring now toFIG. 5A, although the first frame is firmly joined to the second frame820by the fastening member830, a weld line may be formed due to a presence of the join hole818.

Namely, in the course of manufacturing the first frame810by injection molding, the weld line can be formed due to differences of speed and direction of injection in forming the join hole818.

The weld line may ruin the sense of beauty and degrade the overall unity. A user may mistakenly think that a crack is formed in the door8, thereby misunderstanding a quality of the laundry treating apparatus.

In case that the first and second frames810and820form the whole exterior of the door8, the unity of the door8may be weakened. And, it is possible that the door cover840attached to the front side of the second frame820may be detached from the second frame820by the vibration generated from the laundry receiving part20.

Moreover, as a gap is generated between the joined first and second frame810and820, installation locations of the control panel860, the hinge part900and the like located inside may be changed.

Hence, it is necessary to prevent the join hole818from being externally exposed as well as to reinforce the joined state between the first and second frames810and820.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG. 5D, since the hinge holder920and the projection portions912and913are provided between the first and second frames810and820, whenever the door8is opened/closed, an external force for separating the first and second frames810and820from each other may be generated.

If the door8fully opens the opening13, the projection portions912and913may come into contact with an outer circumference of the second frame820.

If the second frame820comes into contact with the projection portions912and913, an angle of excessively rotating the door8may be limited but the second frame820may be broken or damaged.

Hence, it is necessary to limit the excessive rotation of the door8and to prevent the breakage of the components of the door8including the second frame820.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow an embodiment of maintaining and reinforcing the unity and aesthetic impression of the exterior by improving the joining force of the door8.

Referring toFIG. 6A, the door8may include a first frame810opening/closing the opening and a second frame820joined by being received within the first frame810.

Namely, the first and second frames810and820can be joined together in a manner that an outer circumference of the second frame820is inserted in an inner circumference of the first frame810. The second frame820is exposed to the front side of the door only but the lateral side and backside of the door8may be formed by the first frame810.

Thus, since the door frame810and820can derive the same effect as integrally formed into a single body, unity and identity can be improved. Moreover, since the second frame820is joined by being received in the first frame810, it is able to prevent the first and second frames810and820from being separated from each other. Therefore, the installation locations of the hinge part900and the control panel860joined or located within the door8can be fixed.

Here, the second frame820includes at least one join hook822formed by being projected along an inner circumference of the second frame820and the first frame810may include a hook join portion813formed on an inner circumference of the first frame810to be joined to the join hook822.

Optionally, a plurality of the hooks822and a plurality of the hook join portions813may be provided in a manner of being spaced apart from each other in a predetermined distance.

Thus, as the first and second frames810and820are joined together firmly and physically, it is able to prevent the first and second frames810and820from being separated from each other. Moreover, since the second frame820is joined to the first frame810in a manner of being completely received in the first frame810, the first frame810forms an exterior of the door8except a front side of the door8. Hence, the unity and aesthetic impression can be improved.

In this case, as the fastening member830for joining the first and second frames810and820together can be omitted, a manufacturing process can be simplified. And, as the join hole818is omitted, it is able to prevent the weld line from being generated from the door8.

Meanwhile, the first frame810may include a join rib812provided along an inner circumference of the first frame by being spaced apart from the inner circumference in a predetermined distance, and the second frame820may include a contact portion826projected from an inner circumference of the second frame to come into contact with the join rib812.

The join rib812may be provided in a manner of being projected from the inner circumference of the first frame810, and the second frame820may play a role in limiting a length for the second frame820to be inserted in the inner circumference of the first frame810. Particularly, the join rib812may be provided in a manner of being spaced apart from the inner circumference of the first frame810into the first frame810by a thickness of the first frame810or more.

Thus, the second frame820can be inserted until coming into contact with the join rib812and the outer circumference of the second frame820may not be externally exposed from the door8.

An adhesive agent may be coated between the join rib812and the contact portion826. If so, as the join rib812and the contact portion826are attached to each other though the adhesive agent, the first and second frames810and820can be joined together.

In this case, as the fastening member830for joining the first and second frames810and820together can be omitted, a manufacturing process can be simplified. And, as the join hole818is omitted, it is able to prevent the weld line from being generated from the door8.

Meanwhile, the join rib812may be provided in a manner of being spaced apart from the inner circumference of the first frame810in a predetermined distance toward a center direction of the first frame, and the contact portion826of the second frame820may include a rib coming into contact with both an inner size and an outer side of the join rib812.

Preferably, the join rib812is provided in a manner of being spaced apart from the inner circumference of the first frame810by the thickness of the rib provided to the contact portion826.

The contact portion826may include a first contact rib826acoming into contact with an outer side of the join rib812and a second contact rib826bcoming into contact with an inner side of the join rib812.

Namely, the first and second contact ribs826aand826bmay form a shape of a recess in which the join rib812is inserted and received.

Hence, if an adhesive agent is coated between the first and second contact ribs826aand826b, it can be easily coated on the join rib812.

At least one join hook822projected from one of the first and second contact ribs826aand826bis provided to one of the first and second contact ribs826aand826b, and a hook join portion813joined to the join hook may be included in the join rib812.

The hook join portion813may include a hole perforating a portion of the join rib812or a recess provided to one side of the join rib812to receive the join hook822therein.

Thus, the first and second frames810and820can be firmly joined together by the physical hook join as well as by the adhesive agent. Of course, the use of the adhesive agent may be omitted.

Therefore, the second frame820can be stably received within the first frame810.

Meanwhile, as described above, the front panel10can be configured in a manner that one side of the front panel10inclines. Namely, if the front panel10includes the incline part12, a top side of the second frame820may have an incline corresponding to the incline part12.

Namely, the top side of the second frame820may be provided to incline toward the first frame810.

The second frame820may include a frame body820aprovided in parallel with the first frame810and a body incline part820bprovided to the top side of the frame body by inclining toward the first frame810.

Here, the number of the join hooks822provided to the connected portion between the frame body820aand the body incline part820bmay be greater than the number of the join hooks822provided to the frame body820aor the body incline part820b.

Namely, if the incline changed portion in the second frame820is joined to the first frame810, the joining force is weakened.

Therefore, if more join hooks822are provided to the connected portion than provided to the rest of portions, although an incline angle of the second frame820is changed, the joining force can be maintained.

Meanwhile, the join rib812may be provided in a manner of being spaced apart from the outer circumference of the first frame810into the first frame810by a length amounting to a sum of the thickness of the second frame820and the thickness of the door cover840.

This is to enable the door cover840to be joined to the frame810by being received therein.

Referring toFIG. 6B, an outer circumference of the second frame820and an outer circumference of the door cover840can be provided in a manner of being received in an inner circumference of the first frame810.

The door cover840can be provided in a manner of being joined to a front side of the second frame820and then received in the first frame820. Thus, although vibration is transferred to the door8, it is able to prevent the door cover840from being separated from the first frame810. Moreover, since the outer circumference of the door cover840is not exposed to the first frame810, the unity of the door8can be improved.

The door cover840may be joined in a manner of being attached to the inner circumference of the second frame820through an adhesive agent and the like.

Yet, as described above, if the second frame820is provided by being received in the first frame810, the first frame810forms an exterior of the door8. Hence, the projection portions912and913of the hinge part900may be limitedly provided between the first frame810and the second frame820.

Hence, the first frame810may further include a hinge input hole815provided to one side or backside of the first frame810so as to be penetrated by the hinge part900[cf.FIG. 6(a)]. Particularly, the hinge input hole815can form a space in which the projection portions912and913of the hinge part900can be freely rotated by being exposed.

Moreover, the hinge part900may further include a hinge cover930covering the hinge input hole815.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow that the hinge part900forms a module type hinge assembly with the hinge holder920and the hinge cover930.

Referring toFIG. 7A, the hinge cover930can be joined to the hinge holder920by the fastening member830.

Particularly, the hinge holder920is seated on the backside of the second frame820, and the hinge cover930can be seated on the backside of the second frame820as well. Thereafter, a plurality of the fastening members830penetrate the second frame810and the hinge holder920and can be then joined to the hinge cover930.

Thus, by the single fastening member830, the second frame810, the hinge holder920and the hinge cover930can be joined together. In doing so, the base910can be joined in a manner that the projection portions912and913are pressed to the hinge holder920and the hinge cover930.

Meanwhile, the fastening member830can be inserted in the join hole825formed by perforating one side of the second frame820[cf.FIG. 6A]. Namely, the fastening member830penetrates the front side of the door instead of the backside of the door8. Since the join hole825is blocked by the door cover840, a portion to which the fastening member830is joined may not be externally exposed. Hence, even if a weld line is formed in the join hole825, since the weld line is not externally exposed, the unity and aesthetic impression of the door8can be improved.

Referring now toFIG. 7AandFIG. 7B, the hinge part900may include the base910joined to the cabinet, the projection portions912and913projected from the base910to be connected to the door, the hinge holder920joined to the door to support one sides of the projection portions912and913rotatably, and the hinge cover930joined to the hinge holder920to support the other sides of the projection portions rotatably.

The hinge cover930may include a cover body931forming a main body of the hinge cover by being provided in parallel with one side of the first frame810, a holder joint portion932provided to a front side of the cover body931to be joined together with the hinge holder920by the fastening member830, a frame join portion933joined together with the second frame820by the fastening member830, and an indirect cut portion934provided by cutting or penetrating a prescribed portion of the cover body931to enable the projection portions912and913to rotate freely.

Meanwhile, the hinge part900of the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention needs to guide a harness or wire for delivering control signals to the controller (not shown) or the drive unit (not shown) provided within the cabinet1.

Hence, the hinge part900may further include a harness connecting portion950provided above or below the base910.

The harness connecting portion950and the base910can be assembled or joined into a single body.

The harness connecting portion950may include a harness body951provided in parallel with the base910by being joined to the base910, a harness projection portion952provided in parallel with the projection portion912, and a harness shaft953forming the shaft of the door8by being provided to an end of the harness projection portion952.

Meanwhile, the projection portions may include shafts912cand913cprovided to ends by extending to for the rotation shaft of the door. The hinge holder920may include a holder body921in a plate shape and shaft receiving recesses921band922cprovided to one side of the holder body921concavely to receive the shafts therein.

The shaft receiving recesses921band922bare the areas on which most of load works when the door8is turned. Moreover, when the door8is turned, torsion stress applies to the holder body921. Hence, the holder body921may get bent.

To prevent this, in the hinge holder920, front sides or backsides of the shaft receiving recesses921band922bor a portion of the holder body921on which the stress works strongly can be formed thicker than the rest portion.

Yet, if the hinge holder920is formed thick, a larger space is necessary to enable the hinge holder920to be received between the first frame810and the second frame820. Moreover, if a specific portion of the hinge holder920is formed thick, it is difficult to mold and process the hinge holder920to manufacture. And, the material cost is raised disadvantageously.

Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce the rigidity of the hinge holder920while maintaining uniform thickness of the hinge holder920.

The structure of the hinge holder920of one embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 7A, 7BandFIG. 8as follows.

The hinge holder920of the laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention can be provided in uniform thickness.

Namely, any portion of the hinge holder920of the laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention can have the uniform thickness.

The hinge holder920may further include a reinforce recess923provided to one side of the shaft receiving recess921b/922bin a manner that one side of the holder body is formed concave.

Since the reinforce recess923includes a recess concavely provided to one side of the holder body921, it is able to prevent the holder body921from being bent or crooked.

The reinforce recess923may be provided in a manner of being stepped and projected from one side of the holder body921, and a depth of the reinforce recess923may be uniform.

The reinforce recess923prevents the holder body921from being twisted and also plays a role in maintaining and reinforcing rigidity of the hinge holder920together with the shaft receiving recesses921band922b.

The projection portion may include a first projection portion912projected from the base910by including a first shaft912cprovided to an end in a manner of extending to form the rotation shaft of the door and a second projection portion913projected from the base910by being spaced apart from the first projection portion912in a predetermined distance and including a second shaft913cprovided to an end in parallel with the first shaft912c.

Here, the hinge holder920may include a first shaft receiving recess921bhaving at least one portion of the first shaft912creceived therein and a second shaft receiving recess922bhaving at least one portion of the second shaft913creceived therein by being spaced apart from the first shaft receiving recess921bin a predetermined distance.

The reinforce recess923may be provided between the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922bof the holder body921.

The reinforce recess923and the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922bmay be provided in a manner of being projected from the hinge holder920in the same direction.

Here, a depth of each of the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922bmay be set different from that of the reinforce recess923.

Thus, if a depth of each of the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922bis set different from that of the reinforce recess923, it is advantageous in distributing the stress applied to the holder body921.

Particularly, the first projection portion912may include a first projection rib912aprojected from the base910toward the door8and a first receiving rib912bextending from the first projection rib912ain a direction getting away from the opening by having the first shaft912cprovided to an end. And, the second projection portion913may include a second projection rib913aprojected from the base910toward the door8and a second receiving rib913bextending from the second projection rib913ain a direction getting away from the opening by having the second shaft913cprovided to an end.

To correspond to the above structure, the hinge holder920may include a first receiving rib receiving recess921aprovided to one side of the first shaft receiving recess921bhaving the first shaft912creceived therein so as to receive at least one portion of the first receiving rib therein and a second receiving rib receiving recess922aprovided to one side of the second shaft receiving portion so as to receive at least one portion of the second receiving rib therein.

Namely, the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses921aand922aare provided to one side and the other side of the holder body921, respectively and can reinforce the rigidity and torsion stress durability of the hinge holder920together with the reinforce recess923.

Meanwhile, a depth of each of the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses921aand922acan be set different from that of the reinforce recess932. This is to distribute the stress applied to the hinge holder920or the holder body921in various directions.

In this case, the depth of each of the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses921aand922acan be set equal to that of each of the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922b.

The reinforce recess923may include a center recess923bprovided between the first and second shaft receiving recesses921band922b, a first extension recess923aextending from one side of the center recess923btoward the first receiving rib recess921a, and a second extension recess923cextending from the other side of the center recess toward the second receiving rib recess922a.

The center recess923band the first and second extension recesses923aand923cmay have the same step depth but differ from each other in size.

The center recess923bmay be provided in a manner of further extending from an overlapping portion between the first and second extension recesses923aand923cin one direction, and each of the first and second extension recesses923aand923cmay be provided in a manner of further extending from a portion overlapping with the center recess in the other direction.

Namely, the center recess923bmay be disposed in a manner of crossing with the first and second extension recesses923aand923c. Particularly, the center recess923bmay be provided in a manner of extending from the hinge holder920in an outer direction of the front panel10, and the first and second extension recesses923aand923cmay be provided in a manner of extending in an inner direction of the front panel1.

Thus, since the shaft receiving recess921a/922ais formed longer than the receiving rib receiving recess921b/922b, it can be supplemented and reinforced.

The first and second extension recesses923aand923cmay be provided in a manner of coming into contact with the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses921aand922a, respectively.

Meanwhile, the hinge holder920includes a flange924extending from an outer circumference of the holder body, and the flange924may be bent in a direction opposite to a depth direction of the reinforce recess923.

The flange924may include a center flange924cprovided to a portion facing the opening in an outer circumference of the holder body921by extending by a gap between the first and second receiving rib receiving recesses921aand922a, a first extension flange924dextending to one end of the holder body by being spaced apart from the center flange924cby a thickness of the first receiving rib receiving recess, a second extension flange924d′ extending to the other end of the holder body by being spaced apart from the center flange924cby a thickness of the second receiving rib receiving recess, a top flange924aprovided to one side of the outer circumference of the holder body in a direction vertical to a direction facing the opening, and a bottom flange924bprovided to the other side.

The flange924is projected from the outer circumference of the holder body921, thereby maximizing the effect of reinforcing the rigidity and torsional durability of the hinge holder920. And, the flange924can improve the durability against an external force for bending the holder body921.

Preferably, the recesses provided to the holder body921are projected from one side of the holder body921in the same direction by differing from each other in depth only.

This is to support the configuration of the base910stably and minimize a defect rate and error in forming each recess by press molding.

Thus, as the hinge holder920of one embodiment of the present invention has uniform thickness and various recesses and flanges by pressing or bending the holder body921, it is able to maintain or improve durability and rigidity better than those of a hinge holder having a specific portion formed thicker.

Since the hinge holder920is formed in uniform thickness, it is able to lower a defect rate and product cost in manufacturing the hinge holder920.

Meanwhile, the hinge holder920may further include a stop portion925provided to prevent the projection portion912/913from colliding with the first frame810or the second frame820despite the opening13fully opened/closed by the door8and limit a rotation angle of the door8.

Regarding the projection portions912and913, the receiving rib912bor913bmay come into contact with the first frame810or the second frame820. Hence, the hinge holder920can include the stop portion925for limiting the rotation angles of the receiving ribs912band913b.

FIG. 9Ais a cross-sectional diagram of the stop portion925in front view, andFIG. 9Bis a cross-sectional diagram of the stop portion925in lateral view.

The stop portion925may include a support portion925aprovided to come into contact with the receiving rib912b/913bby being projected in a direction opposite to a direction in which the shaft receiving recess921b/922bis projected from the holder body921or concavely provided thereto.

The support portion925amay be provided in a manner of being projected in a direction opposite to a direction in which the receiving ribs912band913b, the reinforce recess923and the like are projected from the holder body921. If the first and second receiving ribs912band913bare rotated in the hinge holder920, they will come into contact with the hinge holder920on a surface opposite to a projected opposite side of the reinforce recess923.

Meanwhile, the stop portion925may further include a rigid bending portion925bprojected from both lateral sides of the support portion925ain a direction of the shaft receiving recess.

The rigid bending portion925bis provided to cross with the support portion925a, thereby enabling the stop portion925to maintain rigidity and shape overall.

Meanwhile, the stop portion925may be provided to the shaft receiving recess921b/922bin a direction opposite to the receiving rib receiving recess921a/922aor provided to one end of the hinge holder920.

Namely, if the door8fully opens the opening13, the receiving ribs are rotated centering on the shaft receiving recesses921band922b, thereby getting away from the receiving rib receiving recesses92aand922a.

The second frame810may further include a holder seating part824provided to the backside having the join part825formed therein in order for the hinge holder920to be seated thereon. The holder seating part824is provided to correspond to a shape of the hinge holder920, thereby coming into contact with the holder body921of the hinge holder920. Moreover, the holder seating part824may further include a frame projection portion824aprovided along a shape of the stop portion925to support the support portion925aand the rigid bending portion925b.

Referring toFIG. 9B, the receiving rib912b/913bmay include a block portion14provided to one side of the shaft912c/913cto come into contract with the stop portion925.

The block portion14may be configured to preferentially come into contact with the stop portion925.

Thus, the receiving rib912b/913bcan be configured to be always spaced apart from the first frame810in a predetermined distance D. The block portion14can beforehand prevent the possibility that the receiving rib912b/913bcollides with the first frame810.