Patent ID: 12215456

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A configuration or a control method of an apparatus to be described below is only intended for describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit a scope of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals used herein represent the same elements.

As shown inFIG.1, a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure100includes a cabinet1defining an appearance of the apparatus, and a first chamber29disposed inside the cabinet to provide a space to accommodate laundry therein. As shown inFIG.2, a second chamber39is disposed below the first chamber and defines a space separated from the first chamber and is defined inside the cabinet. The second chamber39contains therein supply units7and8configured to supply at least one of moisture and air to the first chamber29.FIG.2andFIG.3illustrate a case where both an air supply unit7and a moisture supply unit8are disposed in the second chamber39.

As shown inFIG.2, the air supply unit7may be configured to include a circulation duct71,72, and74disposed in the second chamber39, a heat exchanger77that sequentially performs dehumidification and heating of air introduced into the circulation duct, and a water collector79that discharges condensate water generated from the heat exchanger to an outside of the second chamber39.

The circulation duct may be configured to include an intake duct71constructed to communicate with the first chamber29, a discharge duct72constructed to communicate with the first chamber29, and a connection duct74connecting the intake duct and the discharge duct to each other.

A fan741is disposed at the circulation duct to sequentially move air from the first chamber29along the intake duct, the connection duct, and the discharge duct.FIG.2shows an example where the fan741is installed at the connection duct74.

The heat exchanger77may be embodied as any device as long as the device dehumidifies the air introduced into the intake duct71, and heats the dehumidified air.FIG.2shows an example where the heat exchanger77is embodied as a heat pump.

In other words, the heat exchanger77inFIG.2may be configured to include a refrigerant pipe777that defines a circulation channel of the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger771that is fixed to the refrigerant pipe and is disposed inside the connection duct74, a second heat exchanger773which is fixed to the refrigerant pipe and disposed between the first heat exchanger771and the fan741, a compressor775that allows the refrigerant to circulate between the two heat exchangers771and773along the refrigerant pipe, and a pressure adjuster (not shown) that controls a pressure of the refrigerant pipe. The compressor775and the pressure adjuster may be disposed outside the circulation duct71,72, and74.

The first heat exchanger771may be embodied as an evaporator that transfers heat of the air flowing into the intake duct71to the refrigerant to cool the air and evaporate the refrigerant. In this case, the moisture contained in the air will travel along a surface of the first heat exchanger771and be collected on a bottom surface of the connection duct74.

The second heat exchanger773may be embodied as a condenser that transfers heat of the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor775to the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger, thereby heating the air, and condensing the refrigerant.

As shown inFIG.3, the circulation duct71,72, and74and the compressor775may be fixed to a receiving body78disposed inside the second chamber39. The receiving body78may be configured to be withdrawn out of the second chamber39when a portion14bof a rear panel14defining a rear surface of the cabinet1is removed from the cabinet.

A user will be able to withdraw the air supply unit7out of the second chamber by drawing the receiving body78out of the second chamber39. Thus, the receiving body78may facilitate inspection of the air supply unit7. Further, the control unit781that controls various devices disposed in the laundry treating apparatus100including the heat exchanger77may also be disposed on the receiving body78. In this case, the control unit781is preferably disposed at a position such that the control unit is exposed to an outside when the portion14bof the rear panel is separated from the cabinet1.

As shown inFIG.2, the water collector79may be configured to include a drainage tank791disposed outside the second chamber39to provide a space for storing water therein, a drainage tank through-hole passing through the drainage tank791, a first discharge pipe799ainserted into the drainage tank through-hole, a second discharge pipe799bwhich discharges condensate water discharged from the first heat exchanger771to an outside of the circulation duct, and a discharge pump799which moves condensate water discharged into the second discharge pipe799bto the first discharge pipe799a.

The drainage tank791may be removably disposed on a front surface of the cabinet1. In this case, a check valve797may be disposed at the drainage tank through-hole. The check valve797is configured to allow the first discharge pipe799ato be inserted into the drainage tank through-hole, but to prevent the water inside the drainage tank from being discharged through the drainage tank through-hole. Thus, when the drainage tank791is coupled to a front surface of the cabinet, the control unit781will be able to transfer the condensate water inside the circulation duct to the drainage tank791through the discharge pump799.

A discharge hole793that discharges the condensate water stored in the drainage tank791is defined in one surface of the drainage tank791.FIG.2illustrates an example where the discharge hole793is defined in a top surface of the drainage tank. The discharge hole793may be opened and closed by a lid795detachably disposed on the drainage tank.

Furthermore, the air supply unit7may be configured to dehumidify air in an indoor space in which the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure100is installed. To this end, the air supply unit7may further include am outside-air duct76that communicates the circulation duct71,72, and74with an outside of the second chamber39, a first valve711that controls opening and closing of the intake duct71, and a second valve761that controls opening and closing of the outside-air duct76. The first valve711and the second valve761may be configured to open or close the corresponding ducts71and76, respectively, under control of the control unit781.

The moisture supply unit8included in the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply heated water vapor (steam) to the first chamber, and may be configured to supply unheated water vapor (mist) to the first chamber.FIG.3shows an example where the moisture supply unit8is configured to supply steam generated by heating the water to the first chamber.

That is, the moisture supply unit8may include a steam generator81that is disposed in the second chamber39to generate steam, a steam sprayer84that discharges the steam supplied from the steam generator to the first chamber29, and a water supply unit86to supply water to the steam generator.

The steam generator81may include a water storage811that provides a space for storing water therein, and a heater813configured to heat the water inside the water storage811. The water storage811has a water inlet811athrough which water flows into the storage811and a steam discharge hole811bthat discharges steam inside the water storage811. The water storage811may be fixed to the receiving body78, and may be fixed to the connection duct74.

The steam sprayer84may include a spray body841having one end fixed to the bottom surface297of the first chamber, and the other end fixed to a top surface of the second chamber39, a supply pipe843to supply steam into the spray body841, and a spray hole847that discharges steam in the spray body841into the first chamber29. In this case, the supply pipe843may be connected to the steam discharge hole811bvia a connection pipe845.

When the circulation duct is detachably disposed in through-holes (holes communicating with the first chamber) defined in the top surface of the second chamber39, and when the connection pipe845is sufficiently long, the user will be able to extend the receiving body78from the second chamber39to withdraw the air supply unit7and the moisture supply unit8out of the second chamber.

The water supply unit86may be configured to include a water supply tank861disposed outside the second chamber39, and a supply pump869that supplies water stored inside the water supply tank861to the water storage811.

The water supply tank861may be removably disposed on a front surface of the cabinet1. In this case, the water supply tank861may have a water supply tank through-hole passing through the water supply tank and a check valve867for opening and closing the water supply tank through-hole. The water supply86may be configured to include a first supply pipe869ainserted into the water supply tank through-hole, a second supply pipe869bconnected to the water inlet811a, and a supply pump869to move water flowing into the first supply pipe869ato the second supply pipe869b.

The check valve867is configured to open the water supply tank through-hole only when the first supply pipe869ais inserted into the water supply tank through-hole. Thus, when the water supply tank861is coupled to the front surface of the cabinet, the control unit781will be able to supply water to the water storage811through the supply pump869.

A water supply hole863is defined in one surface of the water supply tank861.FIG.3shows an example where the water supply hole863is defined in a top surface of the water supply tank. The water supply hole863may be opened and closed by a lid865that is detachably disposed on the water supply tank.

As shown inFIG.1, the first chamber29may receive a laundry support to support laundry. The laundry support may be configured to include at least one of a first support6aand a second support6b.

The first support6amay include a support plate detachably coupled to the second chamber29, and a support plate through-hole constructed to extend through the support plate. The second support6bmay include a support bar66on which a hook H2of a hanger H1is detachably supported, a first connector62and a second connector64for connecting both ends of the support bar66to a top surface of the first chamber29, respectively, and a driving unit67,68, and69to move the support bar66along a width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber29.

As shown inFIG.2, the second support6bmay be fixed to a support frame61that is disposed fixedly between the top surface of the cabinet1and the top surface of the first chamber29. As shown inFIG.4, the support frame61may have a first support frame through-hole611and a second support frame through-hole613spaced apart from each other along a width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber. In this case, the first connector62is installed in the first support frame through-hole611. The second connector64is installed in the second support frame through-hole613. That is, the first connector62may be embodied as a first connection bar623inserted into the first support frame through-hole611and fixed to the support frame61. The second connector64may be embodied as a second connection bar643inserted into the second support frame through-hole613and fixed to the support frame61.

The first connection bar623may be rotatably coupled to a first fixed portion621fixed to the first support frame through-hole611. The second connection bar643may be rotatably coupled to a second fixed portion641fixed to the second support frame through-hole613.

In order that a bottom of the first connection bar623is disposed inside the first chamber29, and a top of the first connection bar623is disposed above the support frame61, the first fixed portion621may have a column shape with open top and bottom surfaces.

Similarly, in order that a bottom of the second connection bar643is disposed inside the first chamber29, and a top of the second connection bar643is positioned above the support frame61, the second fixed portion641may have a column shape with open top and bottom surfaces.

The support bar66may have one end fixed to a bottom of the first connection bar623, and the other end fixed to a bottom of the second connection bar643. The support bar66may have a hanger groove661defined therein in which a hook H2of the hanger is detachably accommodated.

The driving unit67,68, and69may be configured to include a motor67fixed to the support frame61, a vibrator68that performs alternately and repeatedly less than 90 degrees clockwise rotation and less than 90 degrees counterclockwise rotation via the motor67, and a power transmission69that converts a rotation motion of the vibrator68into a reciprocating motion of the support bar.

The vibrator68includes a first casing681disposed above the motor67, and a second casing682and a third casing683disposed on opposite sides of the first casing681, respectively, and fixed to the first casing681. As shown in (a) inFIG.5, the first casing681receives therein a driving gear684arotated by a rotation shaft671of the motor, and a first driven gear684band a second driven gear684crespectively disposed on opposite sides of the driving gear.

A first vibration body is disposed inside the second casing682. A second vibration body is disposed inside the third casing683.

The first vibration body may be configured to include a first gear685that is disposed inside the second casing682and is rotated by the first driven gear684b, and a first weight686fixed to the first gear685. Likewise, the second vibration body may be configured to include a second gear687that is disposed inside the third casing683and is rotated by the second driven gear684c, and a second weight688fixed to the second gear687. The first weight686may refer to means for positioning a center of gravity of the first gear685at a position between a center of rotation of the first gear685and an edge of the first gear. The second weight688may refer to means for positioning a center of gravity of the second gear687at a position between a center of rotation of the second gear687and an edge of the second gear.

FIG.5shows an example where each of the first weight686and the second weight688has a semicircular shape. In this case, the first weight686and the second weight688should be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees. That is, when the first weight686may be fixed to the first gear685so as to surface toward a +X axis, while the second weight688may be fixed to the second gear687so as to surface toward a −X axis.

The power transmission69may include a transmission bar691disposed above the first casing681of the vibrator and connecting the first connection bar623and the second connection bar643to each other, a slot693defined in the transmission bar691, and a slot protrusion695protruding from the first casing681and inserted in the slot693. The slot693may extend along a Z-axis direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the support bar66. A length of the slot693may be set to be equal to a displacement in the Z-axis direction of the slot protrusion695, or may be set to be larger than the displacement in the Z-axis direction of the slot protrusion695.

As shown in (b) inFIG.5, in the second support6bwith the above-described structure, when the rotation shaft671of the motor rotates counterclockwise, the first weight686and the second weight688are also rotated counterclockwise via the gears684a,684b,684c,685, and687. The first weight686and the second weight688are always oriented to surface toward opposite directions. Thus, when the driving gear684arotates, the first casing681repeats alternately a less than 90 degrees clockwise rotation and a less than 90 degrees counterclockwise rotation. When the first casing681repeats alternately the less than 90 degrees clockwise rotation and the less than 90 degrees counterclockwise rotation, the slot protrusion695protruding from the first casing may reciprocate along a arc.

In one example, the length of the slot693is set to be larger than the Z-axis displacement of the slot protrusion695, the transmission bar691will reciprocate along the X-axis direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the slot693. Because the support bar66disposed inside the first chamber29is connected to the transmission bar691via the first connection bar623and second connection bar643, the support bar66will reciprocate along a width direction of the first chamber. Thus, the apparatus according to the present disclosure may shake the laundry inside the first chamber29, and thus, dirt on the laundry may be separated from the laundry. Further, when moisture is supplied to the first chamber29while shaking the laundry, wrinkles on the laundry may be removed more effectively.

As shown inFIG.6, the cabinet1includes a cabinet body11defining top surface and both side surfaces. The cabinet body11includes a top panel111defining a top surface of the laundry treating apparatus100, and a first side panel112and a second side panel113respectively defining left and right sides of the laundry treating apparatus. The top panel111, the first side panel112and the second side panel113may be integrated with each other or may be assembled with each other to define a single cabinet body11.FIG.6illustrates one example where the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel are integrated with each other.

The cabinet1includes a bottom panel16which defines a bottom surface of the laundry treating apparatus100and which is coupled to the cabinet body11, and a rear panel14which defines a rear surface of the laundry treating apparatus100and is coupled to the cabinet body11.

The cabinet1receives therein a first chamber defining structure2defining the first chamber29and a second chamber defining structure3defining the second chamber39.

The first chamber defining structure2includes a first base21fixed to the cabinet1and positioned on a front surface of the cabinet, a laundry inlet22extending through the first base and communicating with the second chamber29, a tank receiving portion23disposed below the laundry inlet to provide a space to accommodate therein the drainage tank791and the water supply tank861, and a first outside-air intake hole24defined below the tank receiving portion and connected to the outside-air duct76.

The second chamber defining structure3may include a second base31,32, and34and36defining the second chamber39under the first chamber29. In other words, the second base may include a front frame32disposed between the first base21and the rear panel14, a top frame31extending from the front frame32toward the panel14and spaced from a bottom surface of the first chamber29, a first side frame34fixed to the two frames31and32and spaced apart from the first side panel112, and a second side frame36fixed to the two frames31and32and spaced apart from the second side panel113. In this case, the second chamber39will be defined by the front frame32, the top frame31, the first side frame34, the second side frame34, the bottom panel16, and the rear panel14.

The rear panel14may include a first rear panel14athat defines an upper rear surface of the cabinet, and a second rear panel14bthat is disposed under the first rear panel and defines a lower rear surface of the cabinet. The first rear panel14amay be constructed to be disposed in rear of the first chamber29. The second rear panel14bmay be constructed to define a rear surface of the second chamber39.

The bottom panel16may be configured to include a first bottom panel16aon which legs18and19are supported, and a second bottom panel16bconnected to the first bottom panel16a.

The first bottom panel16amay have a front surface fixed to the first base21, a rear surface fixed to the front frame32of the second base, and both side surfaces respectively fixed to a bottom of the first side panel112and a bottom of the second side panel113. Thus, the first bottom panel16amay maintain a spacing between the front panel211and the front frame32.

The second bottom panel16bmay be disposed below the second base31,32,34, and36, and may have a front surface connected to a rear surface of the first bottom panel16a, and both side surfaces fixed to a bottom surface of the first side frame34and a bottom surface of the second side frame, respectively. However, both side surfaces of the second bottom panel16bmay be configured to be fixed to the first side panel112and the second side panel113, respectively.

A first leg18and a second leg19installed on a bottom surface of an indoor room for supporting the laundry treating apparatus100are fixed to the first bottom panel16a. Rollers168that facilitate movement of the laundry treating apparatus may be disposed on the second bottom panel16b. In this case, the second chamber39will be defined by the front frame32, the top frame31, the first side frame34, the second side frame34, the second bottom panel16b, and the second rear panel14b.

The first leg18and the second leg19may be embodied as a structure capable of adjusting a spacing between a bottom surface of an installation space where the laundry treating apparatus is installed and the first bottom panel16a. A communication hole142may be defined in the rear panel14bto communicate an inside of the second chamber39with an outside thereof.

As shown inFIG.7, a front top-panel fastener114, a first front fastener116a, and second front fastener118amay be disposed in front of the top panel111, in front of the first side panel112, and in front of the second side panel113, respectively. A top of the first base21, and both sides thereof may be coupled to the cabinet1via the front top-panel fastener114, the first front fastener116a, and the second front fastener118a, respectively.

A rear top-panel fastener115, a first rear fastener116b, and a second rear fastener118bmay be disposed in rear of the top panel111, in rear of the first side panel112, and in rear of the second side panel113, respectively. As shown inFIG.8, the first rear panel14ahas a top rear-panel fastener145coupling to the rear top-panel fastener115, a first rear-panel fastener147coupling to the first rear fastener116b, and a second rear-panel fastener149coupling to the second rear fastener118b. In one example, a bottom of the first rear panel14ais fixed to a rear surface of the top frame31constituting the second chamber defining structure via a bottom rear-panel fastener148.

In one example, rear surfaces343and363of the second base31,32,33, and34may be fixed to the cabinet1via the first rear fastener116b, and the second rear fastener118b. The second rear panel14bmay be removably coupled to the rear surfaces343and363of the second base via a base fastener146. One example of the base fastener146may be a bolt that secures the second rear panel14bto the rear surfaces343and363of the second base.

As shown inFIG.9, a first bottom fastener116cand a second bottom fastener118cmay be disposed on a bottom of the first side panel112and a bottom of the second side panel113, respectively. Bottom surfaces347and367of the first bottom panel16aand the second base may be secured to the cabinet via the first bottom fastener116cand second bottom fastener118c, respectively.

That is, the first bottom panel16aincludes a panel body161, a front bottom-panel fastener162disposed on a front surface of the panel body161and coupled to a bottom of the first base21, a front frame fastener165which is disposed on a rear surface of the panel body161and fixed to the front frame32of the second chamber defining structure, a first bottom-panel fastener167disposed on one side surface of the panel body161and coupling to the first bottom fastener116c, and a second bottom-panel fastener169disposed on an opposite side surface of the panel body161and coupling to the second bottom fastener118c.

One end of the second bottom panel16bmay be connected to a panel connector163disposed on the panel body161. The panel connector163may include a protruding plate protruding from a bottom surface of the panel body161and providing a space for receiving therein a front end of the second bottom panel16b.

As shown inFIG.10, the first chamber defining structure2includes the first base21which is fixed to the cabinet1and disposed in front of the cabinet, the second chamber29which is fixed to the first base and provides a space to accommodate therein laundry, the laundry inlet22which extends through the first base and communicates with the second chamber29, and the tank receiving portion23disposed on the first base and disposed below the laundry inlet, and the first outside-air intake hole24defined below the tank receiving portion23and communicating with the outside-air duct76

The first base21may include the front panel211defining the front surface of the cabinet1, and a top front-panel fastener213, a first front-panel fastener215, a second front-panel fastener217and a bottom front-panel fastener219which are arranged along an edge of the front panel.

The top front-panel fastener213is coupled to the front top-panel fastener114. The first front-panel fastener215is coupled to the first front fastener116aof the cabinet. The second front-panel fastener217is coupled to the second front fastener118aof the cabinet. The bottom front-panel fastener219is coupled to the front bottom-panel fastener162.

The laundry inlet22may be embodied as a through-hole passing through the front panel211. As shown inFIG.7, the second chamber29may include a chamber top surface291that is fixed to the front panel211and disposed at a top of the laundry inlet22, a chamber bottom surface297which is fixed to the front panel211and disposed at a bottom of the laundry inlet22, a first chamber side surface293and a second chamber side surface295which are fixed to the front panel211and connect the chamber top surface and chamber bottom surface to each other, and a chamber rear surface298fixed to the four surfaces291,293,295, and297.

The chamber top surface291may have a first bar through-hole291ainto which the first connection bar623of the second support6bis inserted, and a second bar through-hole291binto which the second connection bar643thereof is inserted. Further, the chamber top surface291may have a lamp insertion hole291cthrough which a lamp299configured to illuminate the inside of the first chamber29is inserted.

As shown inFIG.10, the chamber bottom surface297may have a first chamber through-hole297a, a second chamber through-hole297b, and a third chamber through-hole297c.

The first chamber through-hole297amay refer to means for supplying the air inside the first chamber29to the intake duct71disposed in the second chamber39. The second chamber through-hole297bmay refer to means of introducing air discharged from the discharge duct72disposed in the second chamber39into the first chamber29. The third chamber through-hole297cmay refer to a space where a top surface of the spray body841is fixedly disposed. Steam exiting the spray hole847may be supplied to the first chamber29through the third chamber through-hole297c.

The tank receiving portion23disposed under the laundry inlet22may include a receiving groove231embodied as a groove defined concavely into a surface of the front panel211toward the second chamber defining structure3. The receiving groove231provides a space in which the drainage tank761and the water supply tank861are removably accommodated.

The receiving groove231may include a second chamber communication hole233constructed to communicate with the second chamber39. The first discharge pipe799aof the air supply unit and the first supply pipe869aof the moisture supply unit may be respectively coupled to the tanks791and861through the second chamber communication hole233.

As shown inFIG.7, the second chamber communication hole233may be opened and closed by a communication hole cover235that is detachably coupled to the front panel211. In this case, the first discharge pipe799aand the first supply pipe869ashould be constructed to extend through the communication hole cover235.

The laundry inlet22and the tank receiving portion23may be configured to be opened and closed by a door4rotatably coupled to at least one of the first base21or the cabinet1.

As shown inFIG.6, the door4is configured to open or close the laundry inlet22and the tank receiving portion23at the same time. To this end, the door4may include a door body41embodied as a structure of a shape corresponding to a shape of the front surface of the cabinet1. The door body41may be rotatably fixed to the cabinet1or the first base21via a first hinge52and a second hinge58.

FIG.6shows one example where the first hinge52and the second hinge58secure the door body41to the first base21. In this case, the first hinge52may be disposed at a top of the laundry inlet22, while the second hinge58may be disposed at a bottom of the tank receiving portion23.

The door4may further include a control panel43that is fixed to the door body41. The control panel43may include an input interface433,435, and437for receiving a control command from a user, and a display431displaying a control command selectable by the user and an execution process of a control command selected by the user. The input interface may include a first input interface433that allows the user to instruct supply of power to the laundry treating apparatus100, a second input interface435that receives a control command from the user, and a third input interface437that receives an initiation command of the control command selected via the second input interface.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7, the control panel43is connected to the control unit781installed in the second chamber39via a first wire. The first wire may include a control panel connection wire L13connected to the control panel43, and a first control wire L11connecting the control unit781and the control panel connection wire L13to each other. To ensure ease of assembly, the control panel connection wire L13and the first control wire L11may be attachable to or detachable from each other.

As shown inFIG.6, the first hinge52and the second hinge58may be disposed on a right top and a right bottom of the front panel211, respectively, so that the door body41may be configured to rotate via the rotation shaft disposed on a right side of the front panel. Alternatively, the first hinge52and the second hinge58may be disposed on a left top and a left bottom of the front panel211, respectively, so that the door body41may be configured to rotate via the rotation shaft disposed on a left side of the front panel.

To this end, as shown inFIG.10, the front panel211may include a first mounting portion26that provides a space in which the first hinge52is installed, and a second mounting portion27that provides a space in which the second hinge58is installed.

The first mounting portion26may include a groove defined concavely into the front panel221disposed above the laundry inlet22toward the rear panel14. The second mounting portion27may include a groove defined concavely into the front panel221positioned under the receiving groove231toward the rear panel14.

A first first-hinge mounting portion261may be disposed on a left side of the first mounting portion26. A second first-hinge mounting portion263may be disposed on a right of the first mounting portion26. The first hinge52may be configured to include a first hinge body521fixed to the first mounting portion26, and a rotation shaft523coupling the door body to the first hinge body521. The first hinge body521is symmetrical with respect to a horizontal line (a straight line X1parallel to the X-axis) passing through a center of the first hinge. This is intended to ensure that the first hinge body521may be fixed to any one of the first first-hinge mounting portion261and the second first-hinge mounting portion263.

A first second-hinge mounting portion271is disposed on a left side of the second mounting portion27. A second second-hinge mounting portion273is disposed on a right side of the second mounting portion27. As shown inFIG.9, the second hinge58may be configured to include a second hinge body581that is fixed to the second mounting portion27, and a rotation shaft583that couples the door body to the second hinge body581. The second hinge body583is also preferably embodied to have a symmetrical shape with respect to a horizontal line X2passing through a center of the second hinge.

According to the present disclosure, the first hinge52is fixedly disposed in a top space of the front panel211. Thus, as a load on the door body41increases, risk of damage to the front panel211increases. Thus, to prevent the damage to the front panel211due to the load of the door body41, the apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include a first hinge bracket51supporting the first hinge and a second hinge bracket54and56supporting the second hinge.

The first hinge bracket51may include a bracket body511that is fixed to the front panel211and disposed inside the cabinet1, first receiving portions515that is disposed on the bracket body to provide a space to accommodate therein the first first-hinge mounting portion261, and second receiving portions517disposed on the bracket body to provide a space for accommodating therein the second first-hinge mounting portion263.

Each of the first receiving portions515and the second receiving portions517may include or may be embodied as a groove defined concavely in a surface of the bracket body511in a direction away from the first mounting portion26.

The bracket body511may be secured to the first mounting portion26via a first hinge fixing bolt (not shown) that secures the first hinge52to the first mounting portion26. That is, the first hinge fixing bolt extends through the first hinge52and the first mounting portion26and is fixed to the bracket body511.

To facilitate coupling between the bracket body511and the first mounting portion26, a first position-fixing portion265may be disposed on the first mounting portion26, and a second position-fixing portion513fastened to the first position-fixing portion265may be disposed on the bracket body511.

In one example, the first position-fixing portion265may be embodied as a protrusion protruding from the first mounting portion26toward the bracket body511, while the second position-fixing portion513may be embodied as a through-hole defined in the bracket body511and into which the first position-fixing portion is inserted.

As shown inFIG.9, the second hinge bracket54and56may include a first second-hinge bracket54connecting the first second-hinge mounting portion271and the first bottom panel16ato each other, and a second second-hinge bracket56aconnecting the second second-hinge mounting portion273and the first bottom panel16ato each other.

The second second-hinge bracket56may be configured to include a second front-panel fixing plate561which is fixed to the front panel211and disposed between the second second-hinge mounting portion273and the front frame32, and a second bottom-panel fixing plate563connecting the panel body161to the second front-panel fixing plate561Likewise, the first second-hinge bracket54may be configured to include a first front-panel fixing plate541which is fixed to the front panel211and positioned between the first second-hinge mounting portion271and front frame32, and a first bottom-panel fixing plate543connecting the first front-panel fixing plate441and the panel body161to each other. The second hinge58may be fixed to the first front-panel fixing plate541via a second hinge fixing bolt (not shown) or may be fixed to the second front-panel fixing plate561via a second hinge fixing bolt (not shown).

When the second hinge bracket is disposed, the first leg18may extend through the panel body161and may be fixed to the first bottom-panel fixing plate543, while the second leg19may extend through the panel body161and be fixed to the second bottom-panel fixing plate563.

As shown inFIG.11, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure100may further include a first receiving-portion cover267that is detachably coupled to the first mounting portion26.

The first receiving-portion cover267may include a first cover body267awhich is detachably disposed on the first mounting portion26to prevent the first first-hinge mounting portion261and the second first-hinge mounting portion263from being exposed to an outside, and a first hinge through-hole267bwhich extends through the first cover body267aand into which the first hinge52is inserted.

Since the first hinge52may be fixed to any one of the first first-hinge mounting portion261and the second first-hinge mounting portion263, each of the first cover body267aand the first hinge through-hole267bshould be embodied to have a symmetrical shape with respect to a horizontal line passing through a center of the first cover body267aand a center of the first hinge through-hole267b.

The first cover body267amay be secured to the first mounting portion26via a first cover fastener. The first cover fastener may include a fastening protrusion267ddisposed on one of the first mounting portion26and the first cover body267a, and a fastening groove267cwhich is defined in the other of the first mounting portion26and the first cover body267aand into which the fastening protrusion is inserted. The fastening protrusion267dmay have a shape such that the protrusion267dis press-fitted into the fastening groove267c.

To removably couple the door body41to the first cover body267a, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure100may further include a first cover magnet267edisposed on the first receiving-portion cover267, and a first door magnetic body411(seeFIG.1) disposed on the door body41. The first cover body267amay be embodied as a magnetic body made of a metal. The first door magnetic body411may include a permanent magnet or a metal as positioned in a region of the door body41onto which the first cover magnet267eprojects.

As shown inFIG.12, the second receiving-portion cover277may be disposed on the second mounting portion27. The second receiving-portion cover277may include a second cover body277awhich is detachably disposed on the second mounting portion271to prevent the first second-hinge mounting portion271and the second second-hinge mounting portion273from being exposed to the outside, and a second hinge through-hole277bwhich extends through the second cover body277aand into which the second hinge58is inserted.

The second cover body277amay be secured to the second mounting portion27via a second cover fastener. The second cover fastener may include a fastening protrusion277ddisposed on one of the second mounting portion27and the second cover body277a, and a fastening groove277cdefined in the other of the second mounting portion27and the second cover body277aso that the fastening protrusion277dis forcibly fitted into the groove277c.

In one example, the second mounting portion27has an outside-air first intake hole24that supplies outside-air to the circulation duct. Thus, the second receiving-portion cover277must have a cover through-hole279that extends through the second cover body277aand communicates with the first outside-air intake hole24.

Although not shown in the drawing, each of the second cover body277aand the second hinge through-hole277bmay have a symmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal line passing through a center of the second cover body277a, a center of the cover through-hole279, and a center of the second hinge through-hole277b.

A third receiving portion28, and a third receiving-portion cover281fixed to the third receiving portion28may be further disposed in a spaced defined by the front panel211and between the laundry inlet22and the tank receiving portion23.

The third receiving portion28may be embodied as a groove defined concavely in the front panel211. The third receiving-portion cover281may include a third cover body281athat is forcibly fitted into the third receiving portion28. That is, the third cover body281amay be secured to the third receiving portion28via a third cover fastener embodied as a fastening protrusion281cthat is forcibly fitted into the fastening groove281b. The fastening groove281bmay be defined in one of the third cover body281aand the third receiving portion28, and the fastening protrusion281cmay protrude on the other of the third cover body281aand the third receiving portion28.

To couple the door body41detachably to the third receiving-portion cover281, an apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include a third cover magnet281dfixed to the third cover body281a, and a second door magnetic body413(seeFIG.1) disposed on the door body41. The third cover body281amay be embodied as a magnetic body made of metal. The second door magnetic body413may include a permanent magnet or a metal positioned in a region of the door body41onto the third cover magnet281dis projected.

As shown inFIG.13, the support frame61may be fixed to the cabinet1via a through-hole111aextending through the top panel111, the first support body91and the second support body92.

The through-hole111amay have any shape as long as the hole111asupports an edge of the support frame61. The support frame61may be secured to the cabinet1via a fastener such as a bolt that extends through the support frame and is secured to the top panel111.

The first support body91may be embodied as a pipe connecting the first support frame through-hole611extending through the support frame61and the first bar through-hole291adefined in the top surface291of the first chamber to each other. The second support body92may be embodied as a pipe connecting the second support frame through-hole613and the second bar through-hole291bto each other. Therefore, the first connection bar623and the second connection bar643may be inserted into the body through-holes defined in the first support body91and the second support body92, respectively, so that one end thereof may be exposed to the first chamber29, and the other end thereof may be disposed above the support frame61. Further, a spacing between the support frame61and the first chamber top surface291will be maintained via the first support body91and the second support body92.

In one example, the support frame61may further have a support frame guide615that guides a second wire connecting the motor67disposed on the second support and the control unit781to each other to a space defined between the first chamber29and the cabinet1. The second wire may include a driving unit connection wire L33disposed at the motor67and a second control wire L31connected to the control unit781and disposed in the second chamber.

Furthermore, a support frame through-hole through which the lamp connection wire L53disposed at the lamp299passes may be further defined in the support frame61. The lamp connection wire L53is connected to a third control wire L51connected to the control unit781. In this case, the support frame guide615would act as means for guiding the second wire L31and L33and third wire L51and L53to a space defined between the first chamber29and the cabinet1.

FIG.14shows one example of the second chamber defining structure3included in a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.14, the front panel211has a receiving-groove communication hole321communicating with a second chamber communication hole233defined in the tank receiving portion. When the receiving groove231is inserted into the receiving-groove communication hole321, the second chamber communication hole233may be constructed to communicate with the inside of the second chamber39. Further, the second chamber communication hole233and the receiving-groove communication hole321may be connected to each other when fixing the front panel211and the front frame32are coupled to each other via fasteners such as bolts.

Further, the front panel211may have a second outside-air intake hole323defined therein which communicates with the first outside-air intake hole24. When the first outside-air intake hole24is disposed under the receiving groove231, the second outside-air intake hole323may be disposed under the receiving-groove communication hole321. The outside-air duct76disposed in the air supply unit is configured to connect the second outside-air intake hole323to the intake duct71or the connection duct74.

The first outside-air intake hole24and the second outside-air intake hole323may be connected to each other via an outside-air guide95. As shown inFIG.9, the outside-air guide95may include a guide body951having one end fixed to the front panel211and the other end fixed to the front frame32, and a guide through-hole953extending through the guide body951to connect the two outside-air intake holes24and323to each other. The guide body951may refer to means for maintaining a spacing between the front panel211and the front frame32.

When the door4may select a position of the hinges52and58according to the user's choice, a first panel through-hole251and a second panel through-hole253may be defined in the front panel211, and a first frame through-hole325and a second frame through-hole327may be defined in the front frame32, as shown inFIG.7.

The first panel through-hole251is defined in the front panel211and is adjacent to the first second-hinge mounting portion271. The second panel through-hole253is defined in the front panel211and is adjacent to the second second-hinge mounting portion273.

The first frame through-hole325may be connected to the first panel through-hole251via a first wire guide96. The second frame through-hole327may be connected to the second panel through-hole253via a second wire guide97. The first wire guide96and the second wire guide97may be embodied as pipes disposed between the front panel211and the front frame32, and connecting the panel through-holes251and253to the frame through-holes325and327to each other, respectively.

Thus, when the hinges52and58are fixed to a left side of the front panel211, the first control wire L11and the control panel connection wire L13will be connected to each other while being inserted into the first panel through-hole251, the first wire guide96, and the first frame through-hole325. Conversely, when the hinges52and58are fixed to a right side of the front panel211, the first control wire L11and the control panel connection wire L13will be connected to each other while being inserted into the second panel through-hole253, the second wire guide97, and the second frame through-hole327.

When the door is constructed to be installed only on one of the left and right sides of the front panel211, only one panel through-hole, one frame through-hole, and one wire guide may be present.

In one example, as shown inFIG.9, in order to prevent the first second-hinge bracket54and the second second-hinge bracket56from interfering with the first wire guide96and second wire guide97, a first wire guide through-hole545may be defined in the first second-hinge bracket54, and a second wire guide through-hole565may be defined in the second second-hinge bracket56. The second wire guide through-hole565may be embodied as a hole passing through the second front-panel fixing plate561. The first wire guide through-hole545may be embodied as a hole passing through the first front-panel fixing plate541.

When the door is configured to be installed only on one of the left and right sides of the front panel211, only one panel through-hole, one frame through-hole, and one wire guide may be present.

As shown inFIG.14, the top frame31may have a first fixing hole311, a second fixing hole313, and a supply pipe through-hole317defined therein. The intake duct71is detachably connected to the first fixing hole311. The discharge duct72is detachably connected to the second fixing hole313. The supply pipe843of the steam sprayer84is inserted into the supply pipe through-hole317.

The first fixing hole311and the first chamber through-hole297adefined in the bottom surface of the first chamber are connected to each other via a first flow channel defining portion93. The second fixing hole313and the second chamber through-hole297bare connected to each other via a second flow channel defining portion94.

The first flow channel defining portion93may be configured to include a first flow channel body931constructed to maintain a spacing between the bottom surface297of the first chamber and the top frame31, and a first body through-hole933extending through the first flow channel body931for connecting the first chamber through-hole297aand the first fixing hole311to each other. The second flow channel defining portion94may be configured to include a second flow channel body941constructed to maintain a spacing between the bottom surface297of the first chamber and the top frame31, and a second body through-hole943extending through the second flow channel body941for connecting the second chamber through-hole297band the second fixing hole313to each other.

The supply pipe through-hole317may be constructed to communicate with accommodating portions315formed by protruding the top frame31toward the bottom surface297of the first chamber. In this case, the accommodating portions315will be disposed at a top of the second chamber39.

A free end of the supply pipe843may preferably have a length that the free end thereof is not exposed to an outside of the accommodating portions315. When manufacturing the laundry treating apparatus100, a device necessary for manufacturing the laundry treating apparatus may be inserted inside the second chamber39. This is because when a length of the free end of the supply pipe843is larger than a height of the accommodating portions315(length thereof in a Y-axis direction), the supply pipe843may be damaged during manufacture of the laundry treating apparatus.

In rear of the top frame31, a second bottom panel fastener319bent toward the chamber bottom surface298may be disposed. A bottom of the second rear panel14bmay be fixed to the second bottom panel fastener319via a bolt.

The first side frame34and the first side panel112of the cabinet are kept to be spaced from each other via a first spacer343and347. The second side frame36and the second side panel113are kept to be spaced from each other via a second spacer363and367.

The first spacer includes a first rear-panel supporting portion343extending from a rear end of the first side frame34toward the first side panel112, and a first bottom-panel supporting portion347extending from a bottom of the first side frame34toward the first side panel112. The second spacer includes a second rear-panel supporting portion363extending from a rear end of the second side frame36toward the second side panel113, and a second bottom-panel supporting portion367extending from a bottom of the second side frame36toward the second side panel113.

The first rear-panel supporting portion343and the first bottom-panel supporting portion347may be connected to each other to form an L-shape. The second rear-panel supporting portion363and the second bottom-panel supporting portion367may be connected to each other to form an L shape. This is intended to increase a strength of the first side frame34and the second side frame36.

The second rear panel14bmay be detachably coupled to the first rear-panel supporting portion343and the second rear-panel supporting portion363. The second bottom panel16bmay be detachably coupled to the first bottom-panel supporting portion347and the second bottom-panel supporting portion367.

A first frame rear fastener344is disposed on the first rear-panel supporting portion343. A first frame bottom fastener349is disposed on the first bottom-panel supporting portion347. The first frame rear fastener344may be formed by bending a free end of the first rear-panel supporting portion343toward the front frame32. The first frame bottom fastener349may be formed by bending a free end of the first bottom-panel supporting portion347towards the top frame31.

The first frame rear fastener344may be coupled to the first rear fastener116bdisposed on the first side panel112. The first frame bottom fastener349may be coupled to the first bottom fastener116cof the first side panel.

A second frame rear fastener364is disposed on the second rear-panel supporting portion363. The second frame bottom fastener369is disposed on the second bottom-panel supporting portion367. The second frame rear fastener364may be formed by bending a free end of the second rear-panel supporting portion363toward the front frame32. The second frame bottom fastener369may be formed by bending a free end of the second bottom-panel supporting portion367towards the top frame31.

The second frame rear fastener364may be coupled to the second rear fastener118bof the first side panel112. The second frame bottom fastener369may be coupled to the second bottom fastener118cof the first side panel.

Hereinafter, referring toFIG.15toFIG.17, an assembly process of the laundry treating apparatus having the above-described structure will be described.

As shown inFIG.15, for assembly of the laundry treating apparatus100according to the present disclosure, an assembly worker first assembles the cabinet body11and the first chamber defining structure2with each other. That is, the assembly worker couples the top front-panel fastener213disposed on the front panel211to the front top-panel fastener114disposed on the cabinet body11, and couples the first front-panel fastener215and the second front-panel fastener217to the first front fastener116aand the second front fastener118arespectively, such that the front panel211is coupled to the cabinet body11

When the top and both sides of the front panel211are coupled to the top panel and both side panels of the cabinet body11, respectively, the assembly worker couples the first bottom panel16ato the cabinet body11and the front panel211.

As shown inFIG.16, the first bottom panel16ais fixed to the cabinet body11when the first bottom-panel fastener167and the second bottom-panel fastener169disposed on both side surfaces of the panel body161, respectively are coupled to the first bottom fastener116cand the second bottom fastener118cdisposed on the bottom surfaces of the side panels112and113, respectively.

In one example, in front of the panel body161, the front bottom-panel fastener162is disposed which is coupled to the bottom front-panel fastener219disposed on a bottom of the front panel211. Thus, the first bottom panel16ais fixed to a bottom of the front panel211via the front bottom-panel fastener162and the bottom front-panel fastener219(seeFIG.9).

When the first bottom panel16ais fixed to the bottom of the front panel211, the assembly worker may assemble the second chamber defining structure3with the cabinet body11.

As shown inFIG.16, the assembly worker couples the first frame rear fastener344disposed on the rear surface of the second chamber defining structure3to the first rear fastener116bdefined on the rear surface of the first side panel, and couples the second frame rear fastener364disposed on the rear surface of the second chamber defining structure3to the second rear fastener118bdefined on the rear surface of the second side panel.

Further, the assembly worker may couple the first frame bottom fastener349and the second frame bottom fastener369disposed on the bottom surface of the second chamber defining structure3to the first bottom fastener116cand the second bottom fastener118cdisposed on the bottom surfaces of the side panels, respectively.

When the cabinet body11, the first chamber defining structure2, the second chamber defining structure3, and the bottom panel16are assembled with each other, the assembly worker fixes the second bottom panel16bto the bottom surface of the second chamber defining structure3. The second bottom panel16bmay be fixed to the first bottom-panel supporting portion347and the second bottom-panel supporting portion367of the second chamber defining structure via bolts or the like.

The assembly worker may then couple the first rear panel14ato the cabinet body11. As shown inFIG.15, the first rear panel14amay be coupled to the cabinet body11via the top rear-panel fastener145, the first rear-panel fastener147, and the second rear-panel fastener149.

That is, when the top rear-panel fastener145is coupled to the rear top-panel fastener115of the cabinet body, the first rear-panel fastener147is coupled to the first rear fastener116b, and the second rear-panel fastener149is coupled to the second rear fastener118b, the first rear panel14awill be fixed to the cabinet body11. Further, the bottom of the first rear panel14ais fixed to the second bottom panel fastener319disposed on the rear surface of the top frame31.

When the assembly of the first rear panel14ais completed, the assembly worker fixes the second rear panel14bto the second chamber defining structure3. As shown inFIG.16, the second rear panel14bmay be fixed to the first rear-panel supporting portion343and the second rear-panel supporting portion363via bolts.

As shown inFIG.15, in the above-described process, a top space S1is defined between the top panel111and the chamber top surface291. A first side space S2is defined between the first side panel112and the first chamber side surface293. A second side space S3is defined between the second side panel113and the second chamber side surface2395. A rear space S4is defined between the first rear panel14aand chamber rear surface298. The top space S1, the first side space S2, the second side space S3, and the rear space S4communicate with each other.

As shown inFIG.16, a first connection space S5connected to the first side space S2is defined between the first side panel112and the first side frame32. A second connection space S6connected to the second side space is defined between the second side panel113and the second side frame36. A front space S7is defined between the front panel11and the front frame31.

Further, a third connection space S8(seeFIG.3) is defined by the top frame31, the chamber bottom surface297of the first chamber, the first side panel112, the second side panel113, and the first rear panel14a. A front surface of the third connection space S8is connected to the front space S7. Both side surfaces of the third connection space S8are connected to the first connection space S5and the second connection space S6, respectively. A rear surface of the third connection space S8is connected to the rear space S4.

The first connection space S5, the second connection space S6, the third connection space, and the front space S7communicate with each other. Therefore, the spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8defined between the cabinet1, the first chamber29and the second chamber defining structure3may be connected to each other to form a single space.

In order to supply foam plastic to the foam spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8, a foam plastic inlet may be defined in the first rear panel14a. As shown inFIG.17, the foam plastic inlet may include a first foam plastic inlet141extending through the first rear panel14aand communicating with the first side space S2, and a second foam plastic inlet142extending through the first rear panel14aand communicating with the second side space S3.

Each of the first foam plastic inlet141and the second foam plastic inlet142may be embodied as a through-hole connected to an edge of the first rear panel14a. The foam plastic injected through the first foam plastic inlet141and the second foam plastic inlet142may flow along the first chamber side surface293and second chamber side surface295aand toward the bottom of the first side space S2and the second side space S3. That is, a projection surface of the first rear panel14aonto which the chamber rear surface298projects may be defined to interfere with the first foam plastic inlet141and the second foam plastic inlet142.

The foam plastic means a synthetic resin having a porous structure. The porous structure of the synthetic resin may be achieved using a foaming agent. The foam plastic may be a functional composite material that imparts light weight, cushioning, sound insulation, thermal insulation, etc. The synthetic resin used as a raw material for the foam plastic may be one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin and polyolefin. In addition to the synthetic resins described above, phenolic resins, polyvinyl chloride, urea resins, silicone, polyimide and melamine resin may be used for the foam plastic.

In order to convert polyurethane into a foam form, the foaming agent incorporated into the polyurethane resin may be classified into a chemical foaming agent and a physical foaming agent. The chemical foaming agent forms bubbles via chemical reactions. The physical foaming agent forms bubbles via change in a physical state of a compressed gas or a phase change of liquid (evaporation).

A multiple of gas discharge holes143may be further defined in the first rear panel14a. When a liquid foam plastic is injected into the spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8through the first foam plastic inlet141and the second foam plastic inlet142, the spaces will be filled with gas generated from a process of solidifying the foam plastic. The gas discharge hole143may refer to means for discharging the air and the gas from the spaces to the outside of the cabinet1. According to the present disclosure, the gas discharge hole143may prevent the cabinet body11from being expanded or destroyed by the gas. A diameter of the gas discharge hole143is preferably set to be smaller than a diameter of each of the foam plastic inlets141and142. This is intended to minimize leakage of the foam plastic through the gas discharge holes.

In one example, the holes defined in a top surface of the first chamber29and the holes defined in the support frame61are connected to each other via the first support body91and the second support body92. Thus, the foam plastic supplied to the top space S1will not leak into an inside of the first chamber29or out of the cabinet1.

Further, since the foam plastic inserted into the top space S1will serve to secure the first hinge bracket51inside the cabinet1, the apparatus according to the present disclosure may prevent damage to the first chamber defining structure2due to the load of the door body41.

The holes defined in the first chamber29and the holes defined in the second chamber39are connected to each other via the first flow channel defining portion93, the second flow channel defining portion94, and the spray body841. Thus, the foam plastic injected into the third connection space S8will not leak into the first chamber29or the second chamber39.

Further, the holes defined in the front panel211and the holes defined in the front frame32are connected to each other via the outside-air guide95and the wire guides96and97. Thus, the foam plastic injected into the front space S7will not leak into the second chamber39and out of the cabinet1.

Since the foam plastic injected into the front space S7will serve to secure the second hinge brackets54and56inside the cabinet1, the apparatus according to the present disclosure may prevent damage to the first chamber defining structure2due to the load of the door body41.

As shown inFIG.2, when the foam plastic is solidified inside the foam spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8, the top panel111and the chamber top surface291are fixed to each other via the foam plastic, and the first side panel112and the second side panel113are fixed to the first chamber side surface293and the second chamber side surface295, respectively, and the first rear panel14ais fixed to the chamber rear surface298. Further, the chamber bottom surface297is fixed to the top frame31, the front panel211is fixed to the front frame32, and the first side frame34and the second side frame36are fixed to the first side panel112and the second side panel113, respectively.

In the laundry treating apparatus100according to the present disclosure, the foam spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8defined between the cabinet1, the first chamber defining structure2, and the second chamber defining structure3are filled with the foam plastic, such that the vibration of the cabinet1when the air supply unit7, the moisture supply unit8and the second support6bare operating may be minimized.

Further, in the laundry treating apparatus100according to the present disclosure, because a thermal insulator F as the foam plastic inserted into the foam spaces surrounds the first chamber29, thereby to minimize loss of heat energy supplied to the first chamber29.

As long as the foam plastic inserted into the foam spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8defined between the cabinet1, the first chamber defining structure2, and the second chamber defining structure3is prevented from leakage to an outside of the cabinet, a coupling structures of the fasteners may be implemented in various ways.

FIG.15toFIG.17show an example where the fasteners are press-fitted with each other.

As shown inFIG.15, the top front-panel fastener213may be press-fitted into the front top-panel fastener114. the first front-panel fastener215may be press-fitted into the first front fastener116a. The second front-panel fastener217may be press-fitted into the second front fastener118a.

Each of the top front-panel fastener213, the first front-panel fastener215, and the second front-panel fastener217may be embodied as a fastening plate protruding from each corner of the front panel. Each fastening plate disposed on the front panel may have a shape having a plurality of bending points.

The front top-panel fastener114may include a front surface defining portion that is bent from a front edge of the top panel111toward the laundry inlet22to define a portion of a front surface of the cabinet, a bent portion bent from a free end of the front surface defining portion toward the top panel111, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the chamber top surface291to define a groove into which the top front-panel fastener213is inserted.

The first front fastener116amay include a front surface defining portion that is bent from a front edge of the first side panel112toward the laundry inlet22to define a portion of the front surface of the cabinet1, a bent portion bent from a free end of the front surface defining portion toward the first side panel112, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the first chamber side surface293to define a groove into which the first front-panel fastener215is inserted.

The second front fastener118amay include a front surface defining portion that is bent from a front edge of the second side panel113toward the laundry inlet22to define a portion of the front surface of the cabinet1, a bent portion bent from a free end of the front surface defining portion toward the second side panel113, and a groove defining portion bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the second chamber side surface295to define a groove into which the second front-panel fastener217is inserted.

As shown inFIG.9, the bottom front-panel fastener219may be constructed to be press-fitted into the front bottom-panel fastener162. In this case, the bottom front-panel fastener219is embodied as a fastening plate extending from a bottom of the front panel211, and having a plurality of bending points. The front bottom-panel fastener162may be constructed to define a groove into which the bottom front-panel fastener219is inserted.

That is, the front bottom-panel fastener162may include a front surface defining portion that is bent from a front edge of the panel body161toward the front panel211to define a portion of the front surface of the cabinet, a bent portion bent from a free end of the front surface defining portion toward the panel body161, and a groove defining portion that is bent from an edge of the bent portion toward the front panel211to define a groove into which the bottom front-panel fastener219is inserted.

As shown inFIG.15, the top rear-panel fastener145, the first rear-panel fastener147and the second rear-panel fastener149disposed on the first rear panel14amay be constructed to be press-fitted into the rear top-panel fastener115, the first rear fastener116b, and the second rear fastener118b, respectively.

The top rear-panel fastener145may be embodied as a fastening plate bent from a top of the first rear panel14atoward the chamber rear surface298. The first rear-panel fastener147and the second rear-panel fastener149may be embodied as fastening plates bent from left and right ends of the first rear panel14atoward the chamber rear surface298, respectively. The fastening plate disposed on each rear panel may have a plurality of bending points.

The rear top-panel fastener115may include a rear surface defining portion formed by bending a rear edge of the top panel toward the bottom panel16to define a portion of the rear surface of the cabinet1, a bent portion bent from a free end of the rear surface defining portion toward the chamber rear surface, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the first rear panel14ato define a groove into which the top rear-panel fastener145is inserted.

The first rear fastener116bmay include a rear surface defining portion formed by bending a rear edge of the first side panel112toward the second side panel113to define a portion of the rear surface of cabinet1, a bent portion bent from a free end of the rear surface defining portion toward the front surface of the cabinet, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the first rear panel14ato define a groove into which the first rear-panel fastener147is inserted.

The second rear fastener118bmay include a rear surface defining portion formed by bending a rear edge of the second side panel113toward the first side panel112to define a portion of the rear surface of cabinet1, a bent portion bent from a free end of the rear surface defining portion toward the front surface of the cabinet, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the first rear panel14ato define a groove into which the second rear-panel fastener149is inserted.

As shown inFIG.16, the first bottom-panel fastener167and the second bottom-panel fastener169disposed on opposite sides of the first bottom panel16a, respectively may be constructed to be press-fitted into the first bottom fastener116cand second bottom fastener118c, respectively.

The first bottom-panel fastener167may be embodied as a fastening plate bent upward from one end of the panel body161. The second bottom-panel fastener169may be embodied as a fastening plate bent upward from the other end of the panel body161. Each fastening plate disposed on the first bottom panel may have a plurality of bending points.

The first bottom fastener116cmay include a bottom surface defining portion formed by bending a bottom of the first side panel112toward the second side panel113to define a portion of the bottom surface of the cabinet, a bent portion bent from a free end of the bottom surface defining portion toward the top panel111, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the panel body161to define a groove into which the first bottom-panel fastener167is forcibly fitted

The second bottom fastener118cmay include a bottom surface defining portion formed by bending a bottom of the second side panel113toward the first side panel112to define a portion of the bottom surface of the cabinet, a bent portion bent from a free end of the bottom surface defining portion toward the top panel111, and a groove defining portion that is bent from a free end of the bent portion toward the panel body161to define a groove into which the second bottom-panel fastener169is forcibly fitted.

In one example, the first frame bottom fastener349disposed on the first side frame34and the second frame bottom fastener369disposed on the second side frame36may be constructed to be press-fitted into the second bottom fastener116cand the second bottom fastener118c, respectively. The first frame bottom fastener349may be embodied as a fastening plate formed by bending a free end of the first bottom-panel supporting portion347toward the first bottom fastener116c. The second frame bottom fastener369may be embodied as a fastening plate formed by bending a free end of the second bottom-panel supporting portion367toward the second bottom fastener118c. Each fastening plate disposed on a bottom surface of the second chamber defining structure may have a plurality of bending points.

The first frame rear fastener344and second frame rear fastener364may be constructed to be press-fitted into to the first bottom fastener116cand the second bottom fastener118c, respectively. The first frame rear fastener344may be embodied as a fastening plate formed by bending a free end of the first rear-panel supporting portion343toward the first rear fastener116b. The second frame rear fastener364may be embodied as a fastening plate formed by bending a free end of the second rear-panel supporting portion363toward the second rear fastener118b. Each fastening plate disposed on a rear surface of the second chamber defining structure may have a plurality of bending points.

As shown inFIG.7, the laundry treating apparatus100according to the present disclosure may further include a first reinforcing frame112aand a second reinforcing frame113arespectively disposed in a space defined between the first side frame34and the first side panel112, and a space defined between the second side frame36and the first side panel113

A thickness of the first connection space S5(seeFIG.16) defined between the first side frame34and the first side panel112may be smaller than a thickness of the second space S2(refer toFIG.15) defined between the first chamber side surface293and the first side panel112. The first reinforcing frame112amay refer to means for increasing a strength of the first connection space S5.

Further, a thickness of the second connection space S6(seeFIG.16) defined between the second side frame36and the second side panel113may be smaller than that of the third space S3defined between the second chamber side surface295and the second side panel113. Therefore, the second reinforcing frame113amay refer to means for increasing a strength of the second connection space S6.

The first reinforcing frame112amay be embodied as an L-shaped bar fixed to a rear corner of a bottom of the first side panel112. The second reinforcing frame113amay be embodied as an L-shaped bar fixed to a rear corner of a bottom of the second side panel113.

Furthermore, in order to increase a strength of the third connection space S8(seeFIG.3) defined between the chamber bottom surface297and the top frame31, a plurality of ribs may be further disposed in the second chamber defining structure3.

As shown inFIG.14, the ribs may include a first top rib381and a second top rib383disposed on opposite sides of the top frame31, respectively. The first top rib381may be embodied as a plate protruding from a top of the first side frame34toward the chamber bottom surface297. The second top rib383may be embodied as a plate extending from a top of the second side frame36toward the chamber bottom surface297.

Further, the ribs may further include a first side rib385and a second side rib387disposed on both sides of the front frame32, respectively. The first side rib385may be embodied as a plate protruding from a front end of the first side frame34toward the front panel211. The second front rib387may be embodied as a plate extending from a front end of the second side frame36toward the front panel211.

When the foam plastic flowing into the third connection space S8is solidified, the aforementioned ribs381,383,385, and387will increase a coupling force between the chamber bottom surface297and the second chamber defining structure3. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the ribs may increase a strength of the third connection space.

Further, the ribs381,383,385, and387will also serve to guide a liquid foam plastic flowing into the rear space S4to the third connection space S8and the front space S7.

As shown inFIG.8, in order to prevent inflow of contaminants such as water into the control unit781, the receiving body78may further include a control unit housing783which provides a space for accommodating therein the control unit781, and has a shape open toward the second rear panel14a.

The present disclosure may be modified and embodied in various forms, and a scope of a right thereof is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, when the modified embodiment includes elements of following claims, the modified embodiment should be considered to belong to a scope of the present disclosure.