Patent Description:
A laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus that removes contaminants from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as laundry) put into a drum. The laundry treating apparatus may perform operations such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. The laundry treating apparatuses may be divided into a top loading type apparatus and a front loading type apparatus depending on how the laundry is put into the drum.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet defining an exterior, a tub accommodated in the cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub and configured to receive laundry introduced thereinto, a control panel including a control part operated by a user, and a drawer panel configured to store a detergent therein.

When the drum is rotated by a motor with washing water supplied to the laundry contained in the drum, dirt may be removed from the laundry by friction against the drum and the washing water.

Related document <CIT> discloses a laundry treating apparatus including a control panel provided over a front panel, a detergent box disposed on one side of the control panel to store a detergent, and a drawer panel or handle panel including a handle provided at the front of the detergent box. According to the laundry treating apparatus disclosed in the document, when the detergent box is fully inserted into the front panel, the control panel and the drawer panel are arranged in the same plane.

Since the control panel includes a control part operated by a user, it is important to prevent water from penetrating into the control panel. In general, a panel cover or window is installed on an outer surface of the control panel to prevent external water from penetrating into the panel, and an instruction input unit for operating the control part is provided on the outer surface of the panel cover. In this configuration, when the panel cover is not closely coupled to the control panel, a user is likely to be injured due to a poor coupling of the window, and also the quality of appearance of the laundry treating apparatus may be deteriorated.

<CIT> discloses a laundry treatment device comprising a control panel assembly which includes an outer dashboard covering a PCB. <CIT> discloses a household device comprising a panel section which uses a spring at the coupling position between a front surface and a cover of the panel section. <CIT> discloses a washing machine having a control assembly.

One of the various objects of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of improving safety and the quality of appearance through close coupling between a control panel and a panel cover.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus including a water penetration preventing rib for preventing water from penetrating into a control part operated by a user from the outside.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosure may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

The present invention is defined by the appended independent claim, and preferred aspects of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, not falling into the scope of claim <NUM>, a laundry treating apparatus may include: a cabinet including a first front panel provided with a cabinet door allowing laundry to be introduced therethrough, a control panel arranged on one side on the first front panel and provided with a control part operated by a user, a drawer panel arranged on an opposite side on the first front panel and provided in a rear thereof with a detergent storage part configured to store detergent; a tub disposed inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub to provide a space to store laundry; and a panel cover including a first cover provided on a front side of the control panel to protect the control panel, and a second cover provided on a front side of the drawer panel to protect the drawer panel. The first cover may be coupled to the control panel by sliding in a vertical direction, and the second cover may be coupled to the drawer panel by sliding in a left-right direction.

According to the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus includes: a cabinet including a first front panel arranged on a front side, and a second front panel arranged on the first front panel and provided with a control part operated by a user; a tub disposed inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub to provide a space to store laundry; and a panel cover arranged on a front side of the second front panel to protect the second front panel. The panel cover includes a water penetration prevention rib formed on a top surface of the panel cover to prevent water from penetrating into the control part from an outside.

The second front panel includes an upper end protrusion protruding forward of the second front panel, wherein the upper end protrusion of the second front panel is be positioned above the panel cover.

The second front panel includes a control panel including the control part, and the panel cover includes a first cover configured to protect the control panel. The water penetration prevention rib is formed on a top surface of the first cover.

The control panel may include a front surface and a side surface extending rearward from a side end of the front surface of the control panel, and the first cover may include a front surface to cover the front surface of the control panel, and a side surface to cover the side surface of the control panel. The water penetration prevention rib may be formed on a top surface of the front surface of the first cover and a top surface of the side surface of the first cover.

The control panel further may include a first edge portion connecting the front surface and the side surface of the control panel, the first edge portion having a curved shape, and the first cover further may include a third edge portion configured to cover the first edge portion, the third edge portion having a curved shape.

The first cover may surround front and side surfaces of the control panel together, and the water penetration prevention rib may be formed on an inner side of a top surface of the first cover and contact at least a portion of the control panel.

The upper end protrusion of the second front panel includes a first upper end protrusion formed on an upper portion of the control panel to cover at least a portion of the top surface of the first cover, wherein the first upper end protrusion includes a rib accommodation groove formed on a lower surface of the first upper end protrusion. The water penetration prevention rib is coupled to the rib accommodation groove.

The water penetration prevention rib is formed on an inner side of the top surface of the first cover, and the rib accommodation groove is be formed on an inner side of the lower surface of the first upper end protrusion facing the inner side of the top surface of the first cover.

The control panel may further include a drawer panel coupling portion arranged in parallel with the control part. The second front panel may further include a drawer panel arranged in parallel with the control part, coupled to the drawer panel coupling portion, and provided in a rear thereof with a detergent storage part configured to store detergent. The panel cover may further include a second cover arranged in parallel with the first cover to protect the drawer panel. The water penetration prevention rib may not be formed on the top surface of the second cover.

The upper end protrusion of the second front panel may further include a second upper end protrusion formed on an upper portion of the drawer panel and arranged in parallel with the first upper end protrusion. The rib accommodation groove may not be formed on the lower surface of the second upper end protrusion.

Each of the second front panel and the panel cover may have a curved surface having a central portion protruding forward, and the water intrusion prevention rib may be formed in a curved shape such that a portion of the water intrusion prevention rib formed on a top surface of the central portion of the panel cover protrudes forward when viewed from above.

The second front panel includes a control panel including the control part and a drawer panel arranged in parallel with the control part, and the panel cover includes a first cover configured to protect the control panel and a second cover configured to protect the drawer panel. The first cover may be coupled to the control panel by sliding along a vertical direction. The second cover may be coupled to the drawer panel by sliding toward the control panel along a lateral direction of the second front panel.

An upper portion of the control part may be provided with a first upper end protrusion protruding compared to a front surface or side surface of the control part, wherein a lower portion of the first upper end protrusion is provided with a rib accommodation groove to accommodate the water penetration prevention rib. The water penetration prevention rib is inserted into the rib accommodation groove in the vertical direction.

A portion of the top surface of the first cover positioned on a front side of the water penetration prevention rib may be spaced apart from a portion of a lower surface of the first upper end protrusion positioned on a front side of the rib accommodation groove by a predetermined distance along the vertical direction.

A front surface of the control panel, a front surface of the first cover, a front surface of the drawer panel, and a front surface of the second cover may each have a slope inclined with respect to a top surface of the first front panel.

The water penetration prevention rib and the rib accommodation groove may each have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel.

The control panel further may include a drawer panel coupling portion arranged in parallel with the control part, and the drawer panel may include a front surface and a side surface extending rearward from a side end of the front surface of the drawer panel. The second cover may include a front surface to cover the front surface of the drawer panel, and a side surface to cover the side surface of the drawer panel. The side surface of the second cover may further extend along a thickness direction of the second front panel to cover a side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion.

The drawer panel further may include a second edge portion connecting the front and side surfaces of the drawer panel, the second edge portion having a curved shape, wherein the second cover may surround the front and side surfaces of the drawer panel, the second edge portion, and the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion together.

As described above, the laundry treating apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a control panel provided with a control part operated by a user, a first cover arranged on a front side of the control panel to protect the control panel, a drawer panel arranged in parallel with the control panel and provided in a rear thereof with a detergent storage part configured to store detergent, and a second cover arranged on a front side of the drawer panel to protect the drawer panel. A water penetration prevention rib having a shape protruding upward from a top surface of the first cover may be formed at the top of the first cover. The water penetration prevention rib may prevent water from penetrating into the control part from the outside.

The first cover may be coupled to the control panel by sliding from bottom to top in the vertical direction for ease of coupling of the water penetration prevention rib, and the second cover may be coupled to the control panel by sliding toward the control panel in a left-right direction so as to be more closely coupled to the side surface of the drawer panel. That is, the first cover and the second cover may slide in different directions to be coupled to the control panel and the drawer panel, respectively.

Accordingly, as the panel cover, which includes the first cover and the second cover, is closely coupled to the second front panel, which includes the control panel and the drawer panel, a poor coupling between the second front panel and the panel cover, may be prevented, and the appearance quality of the laundry treating apparatus may be improved.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and/or systems described herein. However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known technology of the related art will be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. Terms which will be used below are defined in consideration of the functions of the corresponding elements in the present disclosure. The definitions of the terms may vary depending on intention of a user or an operator, customs, or the like. Therefore, the terms should be defined based on the disclosure throughout the specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is merely intended to describe embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. The singular forms include plural referents unless context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "includes" or "has" are intended to indicate existence of characteristics, figures, steps, operations, constituents, components, parts thereof, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification. The terms "includes" or "has" should be understood as not precluding existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, figures, steps, operations, constituents, components, parts thereof, or combinations thereof.

In describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, various terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., are used solely for the purpose of differentiating one component from another, but the essence, order or sequence of the components are not limited to these terms.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM> having an opening in a front thereof, a tub <NUM> arranged in the cabinet <NUM>, and a drum <NUM> rotatably arranged in the tub <NUM>. The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a washing machine in which washing, rinsing and dehydration are performed on fabric items inserted into the washing tub, or a dryer in which drying is performed on wet fabric items inserted thereinto.

Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM> defining an exterior, and a first front panel <NUM> arranged at the front of the cabinet <NUM> to define a front surface, and a rear panel (not shown) arranged at the rear of the cabinet <NUM> to define a rear surface. A clothing opening communicating with the drum <NUM> may be formed in the first front panel <NUM>. The clothing opening may be opened and closed by a cabinet door <NUM> provided to the first front panel <NUM>. The cabinet door <NUM> may include a transparent member such as tempered glass allowing the inside of the cabinet <NUM> or the drum <NUM> to be visually checked.

In addition, side panels <NUM> may be provided on both sides of the cabinet <NUM> in the lateral direction, and an upper panel <NUM> defining a top surface and a lower panel (not shown) defining a bottom surface may be arranged at the top and bottom of the cabinet <NUM>.

A second front panel <NUM> provided with a control part operated by a user may be arranged on the first front panel <NUM>. The second front panel <NUM> may include a control panel <NUM> including the control part, and a drawer panel <NUM> arranged in parallel with the control panel <NUM> in the lateral direction of the second front panel <NUM> to store detergent. The control part may include various keys configured to control the operation state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> and a display configured to display the operation state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>. A detergent supply part <NUM> to store and supply detergent may be arranged at the rear of the drawer panel <NUM>.

The drawer panel <NUM> may include a handle part <NUM> formed by recessing a portion of the front surface of the drawer panel <NUM> toward the inside of the cabinet <NUM>. The user may use the handle part <NUM> to control the drawer panel <NUM>. Accordingly, the detergent supply part <NUM> provided at the rear of the drawer panel <NUM> may be inserted into or drawn out of the cabinet <NUM>.

The first front panel <NUM>, the second front panel <NUM>, the rear panel, the side panel <NUM>, the upper panel <NUM> and the lower panel may together define the cabinet <NUM>, and may be coupled to each other.

A tub <NUM> configured to contain washing water and the drum <NUM> rotatably arranged in the tub <NUM> to accommodate laundry may be disposed inside the cabinet <NUM>. Although not shown, in addition to the tub <NUM> and the drum <NUM>, internal components constituting the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be further arranged inside the cabinet <NUM>. For example, a balancer to compensate for maldistribution caused by rotation may be further provided on one side of the drum <NUM>.

In the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, clothing that needs to be treated may be introduced into the cabinet <NUM> through the clothing opening and accommodated in the drum <NUM>, and the treatment operations such as washing and drying may be performed by the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

While the clothing opening is illustrated in <FIG> as being provided in the first front panel <NUM> together with the cabinet door <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing opening is not necessarily limited to the first front panel <NUM>. It may be provided in the side panel <NUM> or the upper panel <NUM> together with the cabinet door <NUM>. For example, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be a front loading type apparatus or a top loading type apparatus.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating the second front panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, <FIG> and <FIG> are a perspective view and a rear view illustrating coupling of the second front panel and a panel cover, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> to protect the second front panel <NUM> is arranged on the front side of the second front panel <NUM>. In addition, a driving part <NUM> to drive the control part and a detergent storage part <NUM> to store detergent may be arranged on the rear side of the second front panel <NUM>. The driving part <NUM> may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) constituting a circuit.

The second front panel <NUM> may include the control panel <NUM> arranged on one side on the first front panel <NUM> and provided with a control part operated by a user, and the drawer panel <NUM> arranged on the opposite side on the first front panel <NUM> and provided in the rear thereof with a detergent storage part <NUM> configured to store detergent.

The second front panel <NUM> may include a front surface provided on the front side and both side surfaces extending rearward from both side ends of the front surface. Here, a portion of the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> may be the front surface of the control panel <NUM>, and the other portion of the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> may be the front surface of the drawer panel <NUM>. In addition, one of both side surfaces of the second front panel <NUM> may be the side surface of the control panel <NUM> located at a side facing away from the drawer panel <NUM>, and the other one of the surfaces of the second front panel <NUM> may be the side surface of the drawer panel <NUM> located on a side facing away from the control panel <NUM>.

The panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first cover <NUM> arranged on the front side of the control panel <NUM> to protect the control panel <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM> arranged on the front side of the drawer panel <NUM> to protect the drawer panel <NUM>.

The panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may surround the front side surface and both side surfaces of the second front panel <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may surround the front and side surfaces of the control panel <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM> may surround the front and side surfaces of the drawer panel <NUM>.

The panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may include a transparent or semi-transparent member such as tempered glass, silicone, or acrylic.

While <FIG> and <FIG> shows that, when viewed from the front side, the control panel <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> are disposed on the right side in the second front panel <NUM>, and the drawer panel <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are disposed on the left side in the second front panel <NUM>, embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the control panel <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> may be disposed on the left side in the second front panel <NUM>, and the drawer panel <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may be disposed on the right side in the second front panel <NUM>.

The length of the control panel <NUM> extending in a lateral direction of the second front panel <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as a lateral direction) may be greater than the length of the drawer panel <NUM> extending in the lateral direction, Accordingly, in the second front panel <NUM>, the proportion of the control panel <NUM> may be greater than that of the drawer panel <NUM>.

Also, the length of the first cover <NUM> extending in the lateral direction to protect the control panel <NUM> may be greater than the length of the second cover <NUM> extending in the lateral direction to protect the drawer panel <NUM>. Accordingly, in the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>, the proportion of the first cover <NUM> may be greater than the proportion of the second cover <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> may be formed in a curved shape with a central portion protruding forward. The central portion of the second front panel <NUM> may be a part of the control panel <NUM>. In other words, a portion most protruding forward in the front surface of the second front panel <NUM>, that is, the central portion of the front surface of the second front panel <NUM>, may not be arranged at a position where the drawer panel <NUM> is located in the second front panel <NUM>, but may be arranged at a position where the control panel <NUM> is disposed. Accordingly, the control panel <NUM> may include a portion extending between the central portion of the second front panel <NUM> and the drawer panels <NUM>. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the second front panel <NUM> opposite to the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> may be a flat surface.

When the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> is formed in a curved shape having a central portion protruding forward, each of the front and rear surfaces of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may also be formed in a corresponding curved shape having a central portion protruding forward. The central portions of the front and rear surfaces of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may constitute a part of the first cover <NUM>. That is, a portion of the front surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> that most protrudes forward, that is, the central portion of the front surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may not be at the position where the second cover <NUM> is disposed, but may be at the position where the first cover <NUM> is disposed. In addition, a portion of the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> that most protrudes forward, that is, the central portion of the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>, may not be at the position where the second cover <NUM> is disposed, but may be located at the position where the first cover <NUM> is disposed. Accordingly, the first cover <NUM> may include a portion extending between the central portion of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface of the control panel <NUM>, the front surface of the first cover <NUM> that covers the front surface of the control panel <NUM>, the front surface of the drawer panel <NUM>, and the front surface of the second cover <NUM> that covers the front surface of the drawer panel <NUM> may inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>, rather than being perpendicular to the top surface. In one embodiment, the thickness of the second front panel <NUM> may gradually decrease from bottom to top.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating the direction of coupling between a control panel and a first cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the control panel and the first cover which are not coupled yet, and <FIG> is a front view illustrating the direction in which the first cover is coupled to the control panel.

Referring to <FIG>, the control panel <NUM> may include a control part 104a and a drawer panel coupling portion 104b arranged in parallel with the control part 104a. The first cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> so as to cover the control part 104a included in the control panel <NUM>.

The control part 104a may include a front surface <NUM>, a side surface <NUM>, and a first edge portion <NUM> having a curved shape and configured to connect the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the control part 104a. The first cover <NUM> may include a front surface <NUM>, a side surface <NUM>, and a third edge portion <NUM> having a curved shape and configured to connect the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>. Thus, the first cover <NUM> may cover the control part 104a as a whole.

A first upper end protrusion <NUM> protruding compared to each of the front surface <NUM>, the side surface <NUM>, and the first edge portion <NUM> of the control part 104a may be formed at the top of the control part 104a. The first upper end protrusion <NUM> may cover at least a portion of the top surface of the first cover <NUM> when the first cover <NUM> is coupled to the control panel <NUM>.

The drawer panel coupling portion 104b may be a portion to which the drawer panel <NUM>, which will described later, is coupled. The drawer panel coupling portion 104b may not be covered by the first cover <NUM>. That is, the first cover <NUM> may surround only the control part 104a, and may not surround the drawer panel <NUM>.

Since the front surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b is covered by the drawer panel <NUM> later, only the front surface <NUM> of the control part 104a may serve as the front surface of the control panel <NUM>. Accordingly, the front surface <NUM> of the control part 104a may be referred to as the front surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>. In addition, since the first edge portion <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the control part 104a continuously extend together with the front surface <NUM> of the control part 104a, they may be referred to as the first edge portion <NUM> and side surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>.

The first cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding toward the first upper end protrusion <NUM> from the bottom to the top, that is, in the vertical direction.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the control part 104a, and the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> may each have a generally flat surface. In addition, the first edge portion <NUM> and the third edge portion <NUM> may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface <NUM> of the control part 104a and the front surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>, respectively.

The panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> further includes a water penetration prevention rib <NUM> formed on the top surface thereof to prevent water from penetrating into the control part 104a from the outside.

More specifically, the first cover <NUM> may include the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> protruding from the top surface thereof in a vertical direction. The water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding together with the first cover <NUM> toward the first upper end protrusion <NUM> in the vertical direction.

Since the first cover <NUM> includes the front surface <NUM>, the side surface <NUM>, and the third edge portion <NUM>, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be formed on each of the front surface <NUM>, the side surface <NUM> and the third edge portion <NUM> of the first cover.

In exemplary embodiments, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>, but may have an extension length less than the extension length of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>. In one embodiment, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface constituting the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>, and may have an extension length equal to the extension length of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the second front panel <NUM> and the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a curved surface with a central portion protruding forward. When viewed from above, a portion of the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> formed on the top surface of the central portion of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> may form a curve protruding forward.

As described above, the central portions of the front and rear surfaces of the first cover <NUM> and the front surface of the control panel <NUM> each have a curved surface protruding forward, the control panel <NUM> includes a portion extending between the central portion of the front panel <NUM> and the drawer panel <NUM>, and the first cover <NUM> includes a portion extending between the central portion of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, it is difficult for the first cover <NUM> to slide in the lateral direction to be coupled to the control panel <NUM>. Therefore, the first cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding in the vertical direction.

In addition, as the first cover <NUM> includes the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> which protrudes from the top surface of the first cover <NUM> in the vertical direction, the water penetration prevention rib makes it more difficult to slide the first cover <NUM> in the lateral direction to couple the first cover <NUM> to the control panel <NUM>. Accordingly, the first cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding in the vertical direction.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a water penetration prevention rib and a rib accommodation groove according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the control panel and the first cover coupled to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper end protrusion of the second front panel <NUM> may include a rib accommodation groove <NUM> formed in a lower portion thereof to receive the water penetration preventing rib <NUM> inserted into the rib accommodation groove <NUM>.

More specifically, the first upper end protrusion <NUM> includes a rib accommodation groove <NUM> formed on the lower surface thereof to receive the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> inserted thereinto. The water penetration prevention rib <NUM> is inserted into the rib accommodation groove <NUM> by sliding together with the first cover <NUM> toward the first upper end protrusion <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In exemplary embodiments, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may extend along the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>, and may have an extension length less than the extension length of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the panel cover <NUM>, <NUM>. In one embodiment, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>, and may have an extension length equal to the extension length of the curved surface defining the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, while the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> stay inserted into the rib accommodation groove <NUM>, the top surface of the first cover <NUM> except for the portion provided with the water penetration prevention rib <NUM>, that is, the top surface of the first cover <NUM> positioned on the front side of the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the first upper end protrusion <NUM> except for the portion provided with the rib accommodation groove <NUM>, that is, the lower surface of the first upper end protrusion <NUM> positioned on the front side of the rib accommodation groove <NUM> along the vertical direction.

That is, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be formed to be higher than the height of the rib accommodation groove <NUM>, such that the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be sufficiently inserted into the rib accommodation groove <NUM> in the vertical direction. Accordingly, an empty vertical space may not be formed between the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> and the rib accommodation groove <NUM>. Accordingly, penetration of water into the control part included in the control panel <NUM> from the outside may be more firmly prevented by the water penetration prevention rib <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may each have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>. In one embodiment, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the first cover may have the same inclination with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>.

That is, when the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> has a slope perpendicular to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>, it may be inconvenient to insert the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> into the rib accommodation groove <NUM>. Accordingly, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be formed to have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>, and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may also be formed to have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>. Thereby, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> is easily inserted into the rib accommodation groove <NUM> by sliding along the vertical direction.

In exemplary embodiments, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the top surface of the first cover <NUM>, and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the lower surface of the first upper end protrusion <NUM> facing the inner side of the top surface of the first cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may at least partially contact the front surface <NUM>, the side surface <NUM>, and the first edge portion <NUM> of the control panel, and therefore penetration of water into the control part may be prevented more effectively.

A driving device accommodating portion <NUM> may be provided between the control panel <NUM> and the first cover <NUM>, and a driving part <NUM> to drive the control part may be arranged in the driving device accommodating portion <NUM>.

<FIG> are views illustrating a method of coupling the control panel and the first cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, <FIG> is a front view illustrating the front surface of the control panel, and <FIG> is a side view illustrating the side surface of the control panel. <FIG> is a rear view illustrating the rear surface of the first cover, and <FIG>and <FIG>are an enlarged side view and enlarged top view illustrating the method of coupling the control panel and the first cover. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the method of coupling the control panel and the first cover.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first coupling groove <NUM> including a lower portion having a first width and an upper portion having a second width less than the first width may be formed in the front surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>. Also, a first coupling portion <NUM> to be inserted into the first coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> may be inserted into the lower portion of the first coupling groove <NUM> and then slid in the vertical direction to be coupled to the upper portion of the first coupling groove <NUM>.

In the first coupling groove <NUM>, the lower portion of the first coupling groove <NUM> may be formed in a shape protruding further toward the side surface <NUM> of the control panel along the lateral direction compared to the upper portion of the first coupling groove <NUM>.

A second coupling groove <NUM> including a lower portion having a third width and an upper portion having a fourth width less than the third width may be formed in the side surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>, and a second coupling portion <NUM> to be inserted into the second coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on the side surface of the first cover <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> may be inserted into the lower portion of the second coupling groove <NUM> and then slid in the vertical direction to be coupled to the upper portion of the second coupling groove <NUM>. In the second coupling groove <NUM>, the lower portion of the second coupling groove <NUM> may be formed in a shape protruding further forward compared to the upper portion of the second coupling groove <NUM>.

<FIG>shows the second coupling portion <NUM> inserted into the lower portion of the second coupling groove <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the second coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the upper portion of the coupling groove <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second coupling portion <NUM> may include a second support 1144a protruding from the inner wall of the side surface <NUM> of the first cover in the lateral direction, and a second protrusion 1144b protruding from the second support 1144a in the front-back direction. Here, the second protrusion 1144b may be formed to be spaced apart from the inner wall of the side surface <NUM> of the first cover.

That is, when the second coupling portion <NUM> slides in the vertical direction, the second protrusion 1144b may move in the vertical direction in a manner of surrounding a portion of the side surface <NUM> of the control panel adjacent to the upper portion of the second coupling groove <NUM>. The portion of the side surface <NUM> of the control panel adjacent to the upper portion of the second coupling groove <NUM> may be interposed between the second protrusion 1144b and the inner wall of the side surface <NUM> of the control panel. Accordingly, the first cover <NUM> and the control panel <NUM> may be closely coupled to each other.

Although not shown in the figures, the first coupling groove <NUM> and the first coupling portion <NUM> may also be coupled in substantially the same manner as the coupling of the second coupling groove <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the first cover <NUM> and the control panel <NUM> may be closely coupled in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as the front-back direction) of the second front panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a third coupling groove <NUM> penetrated through the control panel <NUM> may be further formed in the front surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>, and a third coupling portion <NUM> having a protruding shape may be further formed on the rear surface of the first cover <NUM>. The third coupling portion <NUM> may be slid in the vertical direction to be coupled to the third coupling groove <NUM>. Accordingly, the coupling between the third coupling portion <NUM> and the third coupling groove <NUM> may prevent the first cover <NUM> from being separated from the control panel <NUM> in the vertical direction.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating coupling between a drawer panel and a second cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper end protrusion of the second front panel <NUM> may further include a second upper end protrusion <NUM> protruding forward from the top of the drawer panel <NUM> and arranged parallel to the first upper end protrusion <NUM> along the lateral direction. The second upper end protrusion <NUM> may cover the top surface of the second cover <NUM> when the second cover <NUM> is coupled to the control panel <NUM>.

The water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may not be formed on the top surface of the second cover <NUM>, and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may not be formed on the lower surface of the second upper end protrusion <NUM>. That is, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may be formed only on the top surface of the first cover <NUM> except the top surface of the second cover <NUM>, and the rib accommodation groove <NUM> may be formed only in the lower surface of the first upper end protrusion <NUM> except the lower surface of the second upper end protrusion <NUM>.

That is, unlike the control panel <NUM> including the control part operated by the user, the drawer panel <NUM> does not include the control part. Accordingly, the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> configured to prevent water from penetrating into the control part from the outside may not be formed on the top surface of the drawer panel <NUM>, and the rib accommodation groove to receive the water penetration prevention rib <NUM> inserted thereinto may not be formed in the lower surface of the second upper end protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> are views illustrating the drawer panel and the control panel coupled to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the drawer panel <NUM> may be coupled to a drawer panel coupling portion 104b of the control panel <NUM>.

The drawer panel <NUM> may include a front surface <NUM>, a side surface <NUM>, and a second edge portion <NUM> connecting the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel <NUM> and having a curved shape.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel and the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the second cover may be a flat surface as a whole. The second edge portion <NUM> and the fourth edge portion <NUM> may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel and the front surface <NUM> of the second cover may each have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel may be a curved surface that protrudes forward as it extends toward the control panel <NUM>.

The second upper end protrusion <NUM> may cover the top surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b, and thus the top surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b may not be exposed to the outside.

The side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel may not cover the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b, and thus the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b may be exposed to the outside. That is, the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b and the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel may be sequentially arranged toward the front side.

<FIG> illustrates that the detergent supply part <NUM> configured to store and supply detergent is coupled to the rear of the drawer panel <NUM> through the drawer panel coupling portion 104b of the control panel <NUM>.

<FIG> are views illustrating a coupling direction and coupling method of the drawer panel and the second cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the drawer panel <NUM> by sliding toward the control panel <NUM> from, for example, left to right along the lateral direction.

That is, since the central portion of the second front panel <NUM>, which is a portion of the front surface of the second front panel <NUM> that most protrudes forward, does not constitute a part of the drawer panel <NUM>, it is not difficult to couple the second cover <NUM> to the drawer panel <NUM> by sliding the second cover <NUM> in along the lateral direction. In addition, since the second cover <NUM> does not include the water penetration prevention rib <NUM>, the second cover <NUM> does not need to be slid in the vertical direction to be coupled to the drawer panel <NUM>. Accordingly, the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the drawer panel <NUM> by sliding along the lateral direction.

Unlike the control panel <NUM> fixed to the front of the cabinet <NUM>, the drawer panel <NUM> should be arranged to allow the detergent supply part <NUM> provided at the rear to be inserted into or drawn out of the cabinet <NUM>. Accordingly, the second cover <NUM> to protect the drawer panel <NUM> needs to be more closely coupled to the side portion of the drawer panel <NUM>. Accordingly, as the second cover <NUM> slides along the lateral direction and is coupled to the drawer panel <NUM>, the distance between the side portion of the second cover <NUM> and the side portion of the drawer panel <NUM> may be further reduced.

The second cover <NUM> may include a front surface <NUM>, a side surface <NUM>, and a fourth edge portion <NUM> connecting the front surface <NUM> and the side surface <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> and having a curved shape. The front surface <NUM>, the side surface <NUM>, and the fourth edge portion <NUM> correspond to the front surface <NUM>, the side <NUM>, and the second edge portion <NUM> of the drawer panel <NUM>. Thus, the second cover <NUM> may cover the lower panel <NUM> as a whole.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel, the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel, the front surface <NUM> of the second cover, and the side surface <NUM> of the second cover may each be flat as a whole, whereas the second edge portion <NUM> of the drawer panel and the fourth edge portion <NUM> of the second cover may each have a curved shape. In one embodiment, the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel and the front surface <NUM> of the second cover may each have a slope inclined with respect to the top surface of the first front panel <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the front surface <NUM> and the rear surface of the second cover may each form a curved surface that protrudes forward as it extends toward the first cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>, a fourth coupling groove <NUM> including a first portion having a fifth width and a second portion having a sixth width less than the fifth width may be formed in the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel <NUM>. In addition, a fourth coupling portion <NUM> to be inserted into the fourth coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the second cover <NUM>. The fourth coupling portion <NUM> may be inserted into the first portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM> and then slid toward the control panel along the lateral direction so as to be coupled to the second portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM>. The first portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM> may be positioned on the side facing the control panel <NUM> in the fourth coupling groove <NUM>, and the second portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM> may be positioned on the side facing away from the control panel <NUM> in the fourth coupling groove <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the fourth coupling groove <NUM> may be shaped such that the first portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM> protrudes further downward than the second portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the fourth coupling portion <NUM> may include a fourth support 1162a protruding from the rear side of the front surface <NUM> of the second cover in the front-back direction, and a fourth protrusion 1162b protruding from the fourth support 1162a in the lateral direction. Here, the fourth protrusion 1162b may be spaced apart from the rear side of the second cover front surface <NUM>.

That is, when the fourth coupling portion <NUM> slides along the lateral direction, the fourth protrusion 1162b may move along the lateral direction in a manner of surrounding a portion of the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel adjacent to the second portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM>. The portion of the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel adjacent to the second portion of the fourth coupling groove <NUM> may be interposed between the fourth protrusion 1162b and the front surface <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the second cover <NUM> and the drawer panel <NUM> may be closely coupled to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a fifth coupling groove <NUM> penetrated through the drawer panel <NUM> may be formed in the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel <NUM>, and a fifth coupling portion <NUM> to be inserted into the fifth coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on the side surface 116c of the second cover <NUM>. The fifth coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled to the fifth coupling groove <NUM> by moving toward the control panel <NUM> along the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the fifth coupling portion <NUM> and the fifth coupling groove <NUM> may be hook-coupled to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the second cover <NUM> may cover not only the drawer panel <NUM> but also the drawer panel coupling portion 104b of the control panel <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the side surface <NUM> of the second cover that covers the side surface <NUM> of the drawer panel may be further extended in the front-back direction to cover even the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b.

In exemplary embodiments, an extension length of the second cover side surface <NUM> in the front-back direction may be greater than an extension length of the drawer panel side surface <NUM> in the front-back direction. In one embodiment, the extension length of the second cover side surface <NUM> in the front-back direction may be greater than or equal to the sum of the extension length of the drawer panel side surface <NUM> in the front-back direction and the extension length of the side surface of the drawer panel coupling portion 104b in the front-back direction.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a method of coupling the second cover and a handle part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the drawer panel <NUM> may include a handle part <NUM> formed by recessing a portion of the front surface <NUM> of the drawer panel is drawn toward the inside of the cabinet <NUM>. A handle panel <NUM> having a shape corresponding to that of the handle part <NUM> may be coupled to the outer surface of the handle part <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the handle panel <NUM> may be coupled before the second cover <NUM> is coupled to the drawer panel <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the drawer panel <NUM> after the handle panel <NUM> is coupled to the handle part <NUM>. In one embodiment, the handle part <NUM> may include a handle coupling groove <NUM>, and the handle panel <NUM> may include a handle coupling portion <NUM>. The handle coupling portion <NUM> may move along the front-back direction to be inserted and coupled to the handle coupling groove <NUM>.

A sixth coupling groove <NUM> penetrated through the drawer panel <NUM> may be further formed in the lower portion of the handle part <NUM>. In addition, a sixth coupling portion <NUM> to be inserted into the sixth coupling groove <NUM> may be further formed on the rear surface of the second cover <NUM>. The sixth coupling portion <NUM> may move toward the control panel <NUM> in the lateral direction to be coupled to the sixth coupling groove <NUM>. That is, the second cover <NUM> may be additionally coupled to the handle part <NUM> by sliding along the lateral direction.

As the handle panel <NUM> is formed separately and coupled to the handle part <NUM>, rather than being integrated with the drawer panel <NUM>, the handle panel <NUM> and the drawer panel <NUM> may be made of different materials, thereby preventing possible deterioration in appearance quality.

As described above, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a control panel <NUM> provided with a control part operated by a user, a first cover <NUM> arranged on a front side of the control panel <NUM> to protect the control panel <NUM>, a drawer panel <NUM> arranged in parallel with the control panel <NUM> and provided in a rear thereof with a detergent storage part <NUM> configured to store detergent, and a second cover arranged on a front side of the drawer panel <NUM> to protect the drawer panel <NUM>. A water penetration prevention rib <NUM> having a shape protruding upward from a top surface of the first cover <NUM> may be formed at the top of the first cover <NUM>. The water penetration prevention rib <NUM> may prevent water from penetrating into the control part from the outside.

The first cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding from bottom to top in the vertical direction for ease of coupling of the water penetration prevention rib <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> by sliding toward the control panel <NUM> in a left-right direction so as to be more closely coupled to the side surface of the drawer panel <NUM>. That is, the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may slide in different directions to be coupled to the control panel <NUM> and the drawer panel <NUM>, respectively.

Claim 1:
A laundry treating apparatus comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) including a first front panel (<NUM>) arranged on a front side and a second front panel (<NUM>) arranged adjacent to the first front panel (<NUM>);
a tub (<NUM>) disposed inside the cabinet (<NUM>);
a drum (<NUM>) rotatably disposed inside the tub (<NUM>) to provide a space to accommodate laundry; and
a panel cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged on a front side of the second front panel (<NUM>) to protect the second front panel (<NUM>),
wherein:
the second front panel (<NUM>) comprises an upper end protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) facing an inner side of a top surface of the panel cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a control panel (<NUM>) including a control part (104a); and wherein
the panel cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first cover (<NUM>) configured to protect the control panel (<NUM>),
and wherein the upper end protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first upper end protrusion (<NUM>) formed on an upper portion of the control panel (<NUM>) to cover at least a portion of the top surface of the first cover (<NUM>), wherein the first cover (<NUM>) further comprises a water penetration prevention rib (<NUM>) formed on the inner side of the top surface of the first cover (<NUM>) and having at least a part of an upper portion thereof extending to an inside of the first upper end end protrusion (<NUM>) to prevent water from an outside,
wherein the first upper end protrusion (<NUM>) comprises a rib accommodation groove (<NUM>) formed on an inner side of a lower surface of the upper end protrusion (<NUM>), characterised in that
the water penetration prevention rib (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into the rib accommodation groove (<NUM>) by sliding along a vertical direction.