WO2025071375A1 - Clothes treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet; an accommodation unit provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothes; and an output area provided to the cabinet and defined as a space in which information is output, wherein the output area includes a central portion having a linear edges and side portions respectively positioned at the ends of the central portion and having curved edges, the linear edges of the central portion and the curved edges of the side portions of the output area being connected so as to form a track shape, and overall the output area providing a space in which information is output.

Description

Garment treatment device

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device, and more particularly, to a clothing treatment device that receives and processes clothing.

A clothing treatment device is a device that can perform various treatment courses for treating clothing, such as a washing course to remove contaminants on laundry or a drying course to remove moisture from clothing, by placing clothing, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “laundry”) inside a drum.

The garment treatment device may include a cabinet forming an exterior, and may include a receiving portion provided inside the cabinet to receive garments. In addition, when water is used in the garment treatment course, a tub may be provided inside the cabinet, and the receiving portion may be installed inside the tub.

Meanwhile, the cabinet may be provided with a control panel. The control panel may be defined by a portion of the outer surface of the cabinet, or may be provided separately and installed so that at least a portion of the control panel is exposed to the outside of the cabinet.

The control panel may be provided to provide various information to the user or to receive commands from the user. For example, the control panel may be provided to output a screen to provide visual information to the user or may include buttons that are operated by the user to generate an operation signal from the user.

In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. KR10-1960309 discloses a control panel capable of outputting a screen and equipped with buttons, etc.

The above control panel may include an output area where a screen is output. The output area may refer to an area where a display is placed in the control panel. Increasing the output area in the control panel may be advantageous in improving usability, such as by increasing the screen size.

Meanwhile, the control panel can improve the product's external appearance by having a unified design with various components exposed to the outside of the cabinet, such as doors and buttons.

Accordingly, the control panel may have a cross-section that is not rectangular, such as a garden shape or an oval shape, and in this case, an area where the display does not overlap with the control panel due to the display generally having a rectangular cross-section may occur, making it difficult to expand the output area.

In addition, when a configuration such as a button is added to the control panel, the output area may be limited or reduced by the area in which the button is placed on the control panel.

For the reasons mentioned above, if the output area of the control panel is reduced, the area of the output area where the screen can be output is reduced again in the limited area of the control panel secured by considering the relationship with other configurations, so it may be disadvantageous in terms of the output of the screen, usability, and space utilization.

Therefore, developing a garment treatment device including a control panel that can maximize the output area on which the screen can be output while providing a unified design effect with various configurations exposed outside the cabinet has become an important task in this technical field.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a garment treatment device including a control panel having excellent space utilization and improved usability.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a garment treatment device that effectively patterns the shapes of components exposed to the outside of a cabinet.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a garment treatment device including a control panel capable of maximizing an output area.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a garment treatment device capable of outputting a screen throughout the control panel.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a garment treatment device capable of minimizing the number of buttons.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a garment treatment device can output a screen on the entire control panel provided on the front panel.

The output area, which is the area where the screen is output on the above control panel, can be defined throughout the above control panel.

The above control panel can be positioned within an opening formed in the front panel to shield the opening, and the output area can be defined as the entire area of the opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel may have only a single button, and the button may be located outside the control panel.

A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided inside the cabinet and can receive and process garments.

The above cabinet defines an output area where a screen is output. The above output area may include a central portion having a straight border with respect to the cabinet and side portions positioned at each end of the central portion, and having curved borders with respect to the cabinet.

The above output area has a track shape by the central portion and the side portion, and can be arranged so that the screen can be output as a whole.

The straight edge of the central portion and the curved edge of the side portion can be connected to form the track-shaped edge of the output area.

The cabinet further includes a display configured to output a screen, wherein the output area can overlap with the display as a whole.

The cabinet includes an opening defining the output area, the opening being positionable on the display as a whole, the display having an area larger than the opening, and a portion of the display being positionable within the opening.

A portion of the display may be exposed to the exterior of the cabinet through the opening, and the remainder of the display may be shielded from the exterior of the cabinet by the cabinet.

The above display may be provided in a square shape, and the opening may be provided in the track shape. The display may be provided to detect a user's touch signal for the entire output area.

The cabinet may further include a panel module provided inside the cabinet, including the display, and installed in the cabinet such that at least a portion of the display is positioned to overlap the entire opening.

On the screen of the above output area, a plurality of courses for processing clothing received in the receiving section may be displayed, each with a circular border.

The above side portions are positioned at each end of the central portion defined based on one direction, and the plurality of courses in the output area can be displayed aligned along the one direction.

Among the plurality of courses displayed on the screen of the above output area, the target of execution scheduled to be performed may be displayed with a larger size than the rest. The plurality of courses may have different background images displayed within their respective borders. The plurality of courses may be displayed only in the central portion of the above output area.

One of the above multiple courses may have a portion positioned on the side and the remainder positioned on the central portion. An image of a performance button for a course execution command for processing clothing received in the receiving portion may be displayed on the screen of the output area.

The screen of the above output area displays a course for processing clothing received in the receiving section with a circular border, and the execution button image can be placed within the circular border of the course.

The cabinet may be provided with a power button that is operated by a user and is spaced apart from the output area. The cabinet may include a front panel forming a front of the cabinet, and the front panel may have only a single button, and the single button may correspond to the power button.

The above side portions are positioned at each end of the central portion defined based on one direction, and the power button can be positioned spaced apart from the output area in the one direction.

The cabinet may include a front panel forming a front of the cabinet, and the front panel may include a first opening communicating with the interior of the cabinet for inserting clothing, and a second opening positioned above the first opening to define the output area.

The first opening may have a circular shape, and the second opening may have a track shape. The second opening may be provided with a width longer than a height, and a power button may be provided on the front panel spaced apart from the second opening along the width direction of the cabinet.

The present application provides a garment processing device including: a cabinet; a receiving portion provided inside the cabinet for receiving garments; and an output area provided in the cabinet and defined as a space where information is output; wherein the output area includes a central portion having a straight edge; and side portions positioned at each end of the central portion and having curved edges; and wherein the output area has a track shape in which the straight edge of the central portion and the curved edges of the side portion are connected, and provides a space where information is output as a whole.

The above clothing treatment device further includes a display installed in the cabinet and providing a screen exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the output area; and the output area may be provided to overlap the display as a whole.

The above clothing treatment device includes a display installed in the cabinet and providing a screen exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the output area; and an opening provided in the cabinet and forming the output area; and the opening may be provided so as to overlap the display as a whole.

The display has an area larger than the opening, and a portion of the display can be positioned within the opening.

A portion of the display may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the opening, and the remainder of the display may be provided so as not to be exposed to the outside of the cabinet by the cabinet.

The above display may be provided in a square shape, and the above opening may be provided in the shape of the track.

The above display may be equipped to detect a user's touch signal for the entire output area.

The above clothing treatment device may further include a panel module, which is installed in the cabinet so that the display is mounted thereon and at least a portion of the display is positioned to overlap the entire opening.

A plurality of courses for processing clothing received in the receiving section may be displayed within the above output area, and each course may be displayed as an image or icon with a circular border.

The above side portions are positioned at each end of the central portion defined based on one direction, and the plurality of courses in the output area can be displayed aligned along the one direction.

Among the multiple courses displayed within the above output area, the course to be performed may be displayed in a larger size than the remaining courses.

The above multiple courses may each have different background images displayed within their respective borders.

The above multiple courses can be displayed only in the central portion of the above output area.

Any one of the above multiple courses may be provided such that some areas are located in the side portion and the remaining areas are located in the central portion.

Within the above output area, an execution button image for executing a course for processing clothing received in the receiving unit may be displayed.

Within the above output area, a course for processing clothing accommodated in the above receiving section is displayed with a circular border, and the execution button image can be placed within the circular border of the course.

The above cabinet may be provided with a power button that is operated by the user and is separated from the output area.

The above cabinet includes a front panel forming a front of the cabinet, and the front panel has only a single button, and the single button can be set as the power button.

The above side portions may be positioned at each end of the central portion defined based on one direction, and the power button may be positioned at a point spaced apart from the output area in the one direction.

The cabinet may include a front panel forming a front of the cabinet; and the front panel may include a first opening provided in the cabinet to enable clothing to be fed into the receiving section; and a second opening provided in the cabinet to be positioned above the first opening and forming the output area.

The second opening may be provided so that its width is longer than its height, and a power button may be provided on the front panel at a point spaced apart from the second opening along the width direction of the cabinet.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device including a control panel with excellent space utilization and improved usability.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device that effectively patterns the shapes of components exposed outside a cabinet.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device including a control panel in which an output area can be maximized.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device capable of outputting a screen throughout the control panel.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a garment treatment device capable of minimizing the number of buttons.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a first opening and a second opening provided on a front panel of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a door of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the upper part of the front panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an output area of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a panel module provided inside a cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a drawing showing a screen output to the central and side portions of an output area in one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a drawing showing a screen output in the central part of an output area in one embodiment of the present invention.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice it.

However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in order to clearly describe the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar drawing reference numerals throughout the specification.

In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

Also, in this specification, when it is mentioned that a component is 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, in this specification, when it is mentioned that a component is 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” only specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, in this specification, the term 'and/or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any one of multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

FIG. 1 illustrates the exterior of a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) forms the exterior of the garment treatment device (1), and a space in which various components are arranged can be defined inside.

The cabinet (10) may have a shape roughly hexahedral and may be formed by combining a plurality of panels. For example, the cabinet (10) may be formed by combining a front panel (11), a side panel, a top panel, a rear panel, etc.

Meanwhile, the longitudinal direction (X), width direction (Y), and height direction (Z) mentioned in the present invention can be defined based on the cabinet (10) unless otherwise stated. The longitudinal direction (X) can be the front-back direction, the width direction (Y) can be the left-right direction, and the height direction (Z) can be the up-down direction.

In addition, unless otherwise stated, the height of each configuration described below refers to the length in the height direction (Z) of the configuration itself. For example, the height of a configuration may refer to the vertical distance between imaginary horizontal lines defined at the top and bottom of the configuration, respectively, and the vertical distance may be defined parallel to the height direction (Z). The height of the configuration may refer to the length along the height direction (Z) of the configuration.

In addition, unless otherwise stated, the width of each configuration described below means the length in the width direction (Y) of the configuration itself. For example, the width of a configuration may mean the vertical distance between imaginary vertical lines defined at one end and the other end of the width direction (Y) of the configuration, and the vertical distance may be defined parallel to the width direction (Y). The width of the configuration may mean the length along the width direction (Y) of the configuration.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet (10) includes a front panel (11) forming the front of the cabinet (10), and an opening may be formed in the front panel (11), and there may be a plurality of openings.

The above-mentioned plurality of openings may include a first opening (17). That is, a first opening (17) may be provided in the front panel (11). The first opening (17) may connect the exterior and interior of the cabinet (10).

The first opening (17) is connected to a receiving portion (20) to be described later, so that clothing input through the first opening (17) can be input into the receiving portion (20). The first opening (17) may also be referred to as a clothing opening for inputting clothing.

The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (16) for opening and closing the first opening (17). In other words, one embodiment of the present invention may be a front loader type in which the first opening (17) and the door (16) are provided on the front panel (11).

The door (16) may be arranged to open and close the first opening (17) in various ways. For example, the door (16) may be hinged to the front panel (11) and rotated to a closed state to close contact with the front panel (11) and block the first opening (17), or rotated to an open state to open the first opening (17) by moving away from the front panel (11).

In addition, the cabinet (10) may be equipped with a control panel (100). The control panel (100) may be equipped on the front panel (11), and an output area (220) for outputting a screen may be equipped. A detailed description of the control panel (100) will be described later.

Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used by being placed adjacent to an additional treatment device (2) provided outside the cabinet (10). For example, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used by being placed on top of the additional treatment device (2) and being stacked with the additional treatment device (2).

The above additional processing device (2) may be provided to receive clothing separately from the clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and may be provided to perform a separate processing course for clothing.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a lower part of the front of a cabinet (10) in a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention being shielded by an additional treatment device (2), and FIG. 3 is a side view of the clothing treatment device (1) and the additional treatment device (2) of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel (11) of the cabinet (10) may have a shorter height than the side panels. In addition, the lower portion of the front panel (11) among the front surfaces of the cabinet (10) may be shielded from the outside through the front surface of the additional processing device (2).

In this case, the upper part of the front of the additional processing device (2) may be positioned in front of the side panel of the cabinet (10) and may be positioned below the front panel (11). However, one embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited as above, and the front panel (11) may have the same height as the side panel, if necessary.

Meanwhile, the front panel (11) may be formed by molding a single panel material. For example, the front panel (11) may be formed by a single plate-shaped material, and may be formed by a front area forming the front surface of the cabinet and a plurality of flange parts formed by folding an outer portion of the front area. In this case, the flange parts may be welded to each other to eliminate the gap between them.

Meanwhile, in the area corresponding to the front of the front panel (11), the first opening (17) described above and the second opening (18) in which the control panel (100) described in detail below is arranged can be formed by cutting, punching, or the like.

The first opening (17) may be formed larger than the second opening (18). The second opening (18) may be located between the first opening (17) and the upper part of the front panel (11). The second opening (18) may also be referred to as a panel opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first opening (17) and the door (16) may each be provided in a circular shape. The first opening (17) may be provided in a circular shape and may be opened and closed by the door (16), and the door (16) may be provided to have a circular border with respect to the front panel (11).

In the present invention, the circle can be understood to include not only a garden but also a shape that can be understood as a circle by those skilled in the art, such as an ellipse. The door (16) is provided to have an area greater than the first opening (17) and can close the first opening (17).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) may be positioned between the upper portion of the front panel (11) and the upper portion of the door (16) depending on the position of the second opening (18). The control panel (100) may be coupled to the front panel (11) so that at least a portion of the control panel (100) is positioned in the second opening (18).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) may have a track shape as described below, and the second opening (18) may have a track shape having both a straight edge (210) and a curved edge (310) to correspond to the control panel (100).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) can be understood as a part, area, and shape that is exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the second opening (18), etc. For example, the control panel (100) can be provided as a module that occupies a larger area than the second opening (18), but an area of the module that is exposed to the outside through the second opening (18) and recognized from the outside can be defined as the control panel (100).

Accordingly, the second opening (18) can be formed in a track shape having the straight edge (210) and the curved edge (310), and the control panel (100) can be installed inside the cabinet (10) but can be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) by being defined as the track shape by the shape of the second opening (18).

Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the control panel (100) is described as having a track shape as an area or part exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) by being placed in the second opening (18).

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform washing treatment of clothing and/or drying treatment of clothing.

In order to perform the above laundry treatment, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (30). The tub (30) may include a space for containing water therein. The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply unit that receives water from the outside, and the water supply unit may supply water into the inside of the tub (30).

The above-described clothing receiving portion (20) may be provided inside the above-described tub (30). The receiving portion (20) may be referred to as a drum having a space defined inside. The receiving portion (20) may be provided inside the tub (30) and may be provided to be rotatable by a driving portion. The receiving portion (20) may be provided to be rotatable by a rotation axis defined by the driving portion.

The receiving portion (20) can receive clothes inside, and a plurality of holes connecting the outside and the inside can be formed on the circumference. Accordingly, water stored in the tub (30) can be provided inside the receiving portion (20), and laundry treatment of clothes can be performed through rotation of the receiving portion (20).

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a detergent supply unit (50), and the detergent supply unit (50) may store detergent for washing clothes. The detergent of the detergent supply unit (50) may be supplied into the tub (30) or the receiving unit (20).

The water supply unit can supply water to the detergent supply unit (50). The water supply unit can supply water to the tub (30) via the detergent supply unit (50), and can also supply water directly to the tub (30).

The tub (30) and the receiving portion (20) may be provided in an approximately cylindrical shape and may be opened toward the first opening (17) provided in the cabinet (10). For example, the tub (30) may have a tub opening (31) that opens toward the first opening (17) of the front panel (11), and the receiving portion (20) may have a receiving opening (21) that opens toward the tub opening (31) and the first opening (17).

One embodiment of the present invention may include a drain, and the drain may be connected to a tub (30) to discharge water inside the tub (30) to the outside of the cabinet (10).

Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air conditioning unit (40) for drying treatment. The air conditioning unit (40) may be provided at various locations inside the cabinet (10).

For example, when a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided to enable the aforementioned laundry treatment, the clothing treatment device (1) includes a tub (30) and an air conditioning unit (40) may be positioned above the tub (30) and communicated with the tub (30).

Meanwhile, if the clothing treatment device (1) is provided so that only drying processing is possible, excluding washing processing, the tub (30) can be omitted, and the air conditioning unit (40) can be placed below or above the receiving unit (20) and can be provided so as to be in communication with the inside of the receiving unit (20).

Hereinafter, for the purpose of explaining the present invention, a clothing treatment device (1) capable of both washing and drying clothing will be described as an example. However, it is of course also possible to perform only one of washing or drying, if necessary.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a clothing treatment device (1) capable of both washing and drying clothing, the air conditioning unit (40) may be provided so that air is introduced from the rear of the tub (30) and air is introduced to the front of the tub (30) or the front of the receiving unit (20). However, it is also possible for the air inlet and outlet of the air conditioning unit (40) to be set in reverse, if necessary.

The air conditioning unit (40) can dehumidify and heat the air delivered from the tub (30) and supply it back to the tub (30). As a result, the air inside the tub (30), whose humidity has increased due to moisture in the clothing, can be dried at a high temperature again while passing through the air conditioning unit (40), and the moisture present in the clothing inside the receiving unit (20) can be evaporated into the air and dried.

Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be positioned above the additional treatment device (2) by being mounted on the upper surface of the aforementioned additional treatment device (2). The additional treatment device (2) can receive clothing separately from the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention and perform treatment of the clothing.

For example, the additional processing device (2) may be equipped with an additional receiving unit (3) for receiving clothes separately from the aforementioned receiving unit (20), and may perform processing of clothes received in the additional receiving unit (3). The additional processing device (2) may perform washing and/or drying processing on clothes in the additional receiving unit (3).

The additional treatment device (2) may be supplied with water, detergent, or high-temperature dry air from the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and at least one of the components for treating clothing, such as the water supply unit, drain unit, detergent supply unit (50), and air conditioning unit (40) described above, may be provided separately from the clothing treatment device (1).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the cabinet (10) may be defined to be the same as the height of the side panel of the cabinet (10). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, even if some of the plurality of panels, for example, the front panel (11), have a smaller height than the side panel, the height of the cabinet (10) may be defined by the side panel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the center of the door (16) may be positioned above the center of the cabinet (10). Here, the center of the door (16) means the center of the cross-section of the door (16) as viewed from the front, and the center of the cabinet (10) may be understood as the center between the top and bottom of the cabinet (10).

Through this, the first opening (17) as well as the location of the tub (30) or the receiving portion (20) can be moved upward, making it easier for the user to access the first opening (17) and securing additional space at the bottom inside the cabinet (10).

The first opening (17) may be surrounded by the door mounting portion (15), and the center of the door mounting portion (15) may also be positioned above the center of the cabinet (10). The door (16) may be mounted on the door mounting portion (15) so as not to protrude forward from the front panel (11) in a closed state with respect to the first opening (17).

In addition, in the closed state, the center of the door (16) may be located above the center of the door mounting portion (15). During use, the center of the door (16) may gradually lower due to its own weight. In one embodiment of the present invention, the door (16) is installed so that its center is located above the center of the door mounting portion (15), thereby compensating for the phenomenon of the center sagging downward during use.

In the closed state of the door (16), the front surface of the door (16) can be positioned on the same surface as the front surface of the front panel (11). That is, the door fixing portion (15) can have a recessed depth that allows the door (16) to form the same surface as the front panel (11).

However, it is not necessary to provide a door mounting portion (15) so that the door (16) forms the same surface as the front panel (11), and if necessary, the door mounting portion (15) may not exist or the door (16) may be mounted on the door mounting portion (15) but may protrude forward from the front panel (11).

Meanwhile, Fig. 5 shows an image showing an opening formed in the front panel (11).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet (10) may include an opening. The front panel (11) of the cabinet (10) may include the opening. The opening may be provided in multiple numbers.

An opening defining the output area (220) may be provided in the above cabinet (10). The opening may be the second opening (18) described above, i.e., a panel opening.

The front panel (11) may include a first opening (17) and a second opening (18), and the first opening (17) may be in communication with the interior of the cabinet (10) so that clothing may be introduced. The second opening (18) may be positioned above the first opening (17) so as to define the output area (220).

The above first opening (17) may have a circular shape, and the above second opening (18) may have the track shape. The track shape may be formed of a straight edge (210) and a curved edge (310) as described above.

The above first opening (17) may be surrounded by a door mounting portion (15) on which a door (16) is mounted. The door mounting portion (15) may be recessed rearward from the front panel (11) and include a space in which the door (16) is accommodated.

The second opening (18) can be closed by a control panel (100). The control panel (100) can be defined within the second opening (18). The second opening (18) can also define a boundary of an output area (220).

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 illustrates a door mounting part (15) and a door (16) provided in a cabinet (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, clothing can be introduced from the outside of the cabinet (10) into the inside of the cabinet (10) through the first opening (17) formed in the cabinet (10), and can be accommodated inside a receiving portion (20) provided inside the cabinet (10).

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first opening (17) communicating with the receiving portion (20) may be formed in the front panel (11) of the cabinet (10). The receiving portion (20) may be provided to receive clothing that is put in through the first opening (17).

The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (16) that opens and closes the first opening (17). In addition, the front panel (11) may be provided with a door mounting portion (15) on which the door (16) in a closed state that closes the first opening (17) is mounted.

The door mounting portion (15) may have a recessed surface recessed further rearward than the front surface defined in the front panel (11). That is, the door mounting portion (15) may be provided in the form of a groove recessed rearward from the front panel (11), and the first opening (17) described above may be positioned at the center of the door mounting portion (15).

In other words, the door mounting portion (15) may be provided to extend along the perimeter of the first opening (17) and surround the first opening (17). A door (16) that is rotated to be in close contact with the front panel (11) to close the first opening (17) may be inserted at least partially into the door mounting portion (15).

Accordingly, the amount by which the closed door (16) protrudes forward of the front panel (11) can be reduced, and a close contact structure between the door (16) and the front panel (11) can be effectively implemented, so that the interior of the cabinet (10) can be effectively closed.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the upper part of the front panel (11) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The upper part of the front panel (11) may include an area between the upper part of the door (16) of the front panel (11) and the upper part of the front panel (11).

The second opening (18) described above may be positioned at the upper portion of the front panel (11). A control panel (100) may be provided in the second opening (18). That is, the control panel (100) may be positioned above the door (16), and the vertical center line of the control panel (100) may be positioned approximately on the same line as the vertical center line of the front panel (11) and the vertical center line of the door (16).

Meanwhile, the cabinet (10) may be provided with a power button (141) that is operated by a user and is spaced apart from the output area (220). The power button (141) may be spaced apart from the control panel (100) in which the output area (220) is defined along the width direction of the cabinet (10).

Based on the width direction, the power button (141) may be located on one side or the other side of the control panel (100). For example, there may be no button on one side of the front panel (11) in the width direction of the control panel (100), and the power button (141) may be located on the other side of the control panel (100) in the width direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, only a single button exists on the front panel (11), and the single button may correspond to the power button (141). That is, all buttons other than the power button (141) may be removed from the front panel (11), and the user may operate the garment treatment device (1) by manipulating the screen of the control panel (100) except for the power button (141).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) and the side portions (300) of the output area (220) may be positioned at each end of the central portion (200) defined based on one direction. For example, the side portions (300) may be positioned at each end of the central portion (200) along the width direction. A detailed description of the central portion (200) and the side portions (300) will be described later.

The power button (141) may be positioned spaced apart from the output area (220) in the one direction. That is, the power button (141) may be positioned spaced apart from the output area (220) along the width direction of the cabinet (10).

The second opening (18) in which the control panel (100) and the output area (220) are positioned may be provided so that the width is longer than the height. That is, the control panel (100) and the output area (220) may have a shape that extends along the width direction of the cabinet (10). The front panel (11) may be provided with a power button (141) spaced apart from the second opening (18) along the width direction of the cabinet (10).

Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates a control panel (100) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a control panel (100) may be installed in an opening of a front panel (11). The control panel (100) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the opening. The opening may be the second opening (18) described above.

The control panel (100) may include a display (400). The display (400) may be installed in the cabinet (10) and configured to output a screen. The display (400) may be installed in a panel module (500) arranged at the rear of the control panel (100) inside the cabinet (10).

An output area (220) in which a screen is output can be defined in the above cabinet (10). The control panel (100) can be provided to output a screen in the above output area (220). The front panel (11) can be provided to output a screen in the above output area (220).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) may be the output area (220) as a whole. That is, the control panel (100) may be provided so that a screen can be output on the entire area exposed to the outside through the opening of the front panel (11). The output area (220) may be defined for the entire opening of the front panel (11), for example, the second opening (18) described above.

In addition, the output area (220) may overlap with the display (400) as a whole. In other words, the control panel (100) may overlap with the display (400) as a whole.

Accordingly, the entire area of the control panel (100) exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) corresponds to the output area (220), so that a screen can be output in the entire area.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second opening (18), the control panel (100), and the output area (220) may be understood to have the same cross-sectional shape. The second opening (18), the control panel (100), and the output area (220) may have a track shape.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the output area (220) having the track shape may include a central portion (200) and a side portion (300). The central portion (200) may have a straight edge (210) with respect to the cabinet (10), and the side portions (300) may be positioned at each end of the central portion (200) and may have a curved edge (310) with respect to the cabinet (10).

The central portion (200) may have a straight edge (210) at the top and bottom that is parallel to the width direction of the front panel (11). That is, the central portion (200) may have a pair of straight edges (210) arranged at the top and bottom.

In addition, the side portion (300) may be placed at each end of the central portion (200) based on the width direction, and may have a curved border (310) connecting the pair of straight borders (210).

The two ends of the above curved border (310) can be connected to different straight borders (210). For example, one end of the above curved border (310) can be connected to the straight border (210) at the top of the central portion (200), and the other end of the above curved border (310) can be connected to the straight border (210) at the bottom of the central portion (200).

The above curved border (310) may be a curved shape such that the distance from the central portion (200) increases as it gets farther away from the straight border (210). The side portion (300) having the curved border (310) may have a shape that protrudes in the width direction from the central portion (200).

The side portion (300) may include a first side portion (301) and a second side portion (302). The first side portion (301) may be located on one side in the width direction of the central portion (200), and the second side portion (302) may be located on the other side in the width direction of the central portion (200).

The straight edge (210) of the central portion (200) and the curved edge (310) of the side portion (300) may be connected to form a track-shaped edge of the output area (220). The track shape may be applied equally to the control panel (100) and the second opening (18) as well as the output area (220).

In Fig. 8, a border connection point (110) where a curved border (310) and a straight border (210) are connected is shown, and the boundary line of the central portion (200) and the side portion (300) passing through the border connection point (110) is shown as a dotted line.

Meanwhile, the control panel (100) may be provided so that the entire screen can be output. The output area (220) may be defined over the entire control panel (100), and may be provided so that the entire screen can be output.

To this end, the display (400) of the control panel (100) may have an area larger than the opening of the front panel (11). The display (400) may have an area larger than the opening, and a part of the display (400) may be positioned within the opening. The opening may be positioned on the display (400) as a whole.

A part of the display (400) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the opening, and the remainder of the display (400) may be shielded from the outside of the cabinet (10) by the cabinet (10). Here, the display (400) being exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) may be understood as being exposed through the control panel (100) or the output area (220).

In Fig. 8, the exposed portion (401) recognized from the outside of the cabinet (10) through the second opening (18) of the display (400) and the shielded portion (402) covered by the front panel (11) and shielded from the outside are respectively displayed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a display (400) is arranged to overlap the entire control panel (100) so that the entire control panel (100) forms an output area (220), thereby enabling a screen to be output by making maximum use of the limited area by the control panel (100).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the display (400) may be provided in a square shape, which is a conventional manufacturing form, for ease of manufacturing and handling. In addition, the opening, i.e., the control panel (100) and the output area (220), may be provided in a track shape to increase the area while securing design unity with a curved shape such as a circular door (16).

FIG. 8 illustrates the border of a display (400) and an output area (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Since the display (400) is covered by a front panel (11) or the like, the border of the display (400) is indicated by a dotted line.

According to one embodiment of the present invention in which a display (400) is provided on the entire control panel (100), a user can check information through a screen of an output area (220) defined on the entire control panel (100) or input a command to the garment treatment device (1) by manipulating the screen.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the output area (220) may be provided to detect a user's touch on the screen. A touch detection unit for detecting a user's touch may be provided in the output area (220).

In other words, the display (400) may be arranged to detect a user's touch signal for the entire output area (220). The display (400) may be equipped with a touch film corresponding to the touch detection unit.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, a panel module (500) may be provided inside the cabinet (10), and the control panel (100) may be a part of the panel module (500) or may be coupled to the panel module (500). In Fig. 8, the border of the panel module (500) is indicated by a dotted line.

FIG. 9 illustrates the panel module (500) provided inside the cabinet (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The panel module (500) may include a panel housing forming the exterior of the panel module (500), and the panel housing may be coupled to the front panel (11) at the rear of the front panel (11). The panel housing may be arranged on the rear of the front panel (11).

Inside the above panel housing, a substrate portion constituting a control unit for controlling the control panel (100) may be provided, and the above-described display (400) may be provided. In addition, the above-described control panel (100) may be located on the front of the panel housing.

The panel module (500) may be installed in the cabinet (10) so that at least a portion of the display (400) overlaps the entire opening. That is, the panel module (500) may be arranged to overlap the entire opening. The display (400) provided in the panel housing may also be arranged to cover the entire opening.

Meanwhile, FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a screen output in an output area (220) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

On the screen of the above output area (220), a plurality of courses for processing clothing received in the receiving section (20) may be displayed, each with a circular border.

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, a course screen may be output in the output area (220). Various courses for processing clothing received in the receiving unit (20) may be displayed as images on the course screen.

The above plurality of courses may be displayed on the course screen as course images (145) each having a circular border. On the course screen, the above plurality of courses may have a background image displayed within the circular border.

That is, the plurality of courses may each display different background images within their respective borders. The background images may be stored in advance in the control unit and may also be set by the user.

On the screen of the above output area (220), i.e., the course screen, an execution button image (142) for an execution command of a course for processing clothes received in the receiving unit (20) may be displayed. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the execution button for the execution command is not separately provided in the cabinet (10) of the clothing treatment device (1), but is displayed as an image on the screen, so that the execution button can be physically removed.

Through this, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a user with a simple appearance of the clothing treatment device (1), and can improve convenience of use by allowing the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) to be managed only by manipulating the screen.

The above-mentioned execution button image (142) can be placed within the circular border of the above-mentioned course. Accordingly, the user can select the execution button image (142) provided for the course desired to be executed for clothing processing among the above-mentioned multiple courses and command execution of the course.

The above course screen can display at least some of the above multiple courses simultaneously. The output area (220) can be in a form that extends along one direction, and the side portion (300) can be positioned in the one direction with respect to the central portion (200). That is, the side portion (300) can be positioned at each end of the central portion (200) defined based on the one direction.

A plurality of courses displayed on the screen of the above output area (220) can be aligned along the above one direction. A user can move the plurality of courses by inputting a swipe-type touch on the screen.

Specifically, any one of the plurality of courses displayed on the screen of the output area (220) may be displayed as a target (T) to be performed. The course that becomes the target (T) of the plurality of courses may be displayed differently from the rest.

For example, among the multiple courses displayed together on the screen, the performance target (T) may be displayed in a larger size than the remaining courses, or may be displayed in a visually recognizable way, such as by changing the color of the border.

The user can designate the desired course as the performance target (T) through a touch input on the screen, and can command the performance of the course by selecting the performance button image (142) provided for the course that has become the performance target (T).

The above-mentioned execution button image (142) may be displayed in each of multiple courses, or may be displayed only in the course indicated as the execution target (T).

Meanwhile, as described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel (100) may be an output area (220) as a whole, and the output area (220) may overlap with the display (400) as a whole to output a screen.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention may have a part of the screen positioned on the side (300) as illustrated in FIG. 10. For example, one of the plurality of courses may have a part positioned on the side (300) and the remainder positioned on the central portion (200).

Accordingly, the boundary line between the side portion (300) and the central portion (200) may cross any one of the plurality of courses. One embodiment of the present invention can provide a user with a screen with improved recognition rate by having the central portion (200) and the side portion (300) output a single screen together.

Meanwhile, FIG. 11 illustrates a course screen output in the central portion (200) excluding the side portion (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the output area (220) may be arranged to output the screen together in the central portion (200) and the side portion (300), but for efficient screen output, the plurality of courses may be displayed only in the central portion (200) of the output area (220).

In this case, the side part (300) may not output a screen, or may output a screen related to the screen output in the central part (200) separately. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the central part (200) and the side part (300) may be divided from each other and output different screens.

For example, when one screen is output in the central portion (200), the side portion (300) can output a button image related to the screen output in the central portion (200).

For example, when the course screen is output in the central portion (200) as shown in Fig. 11, the aforementioned execution button image (142) may be output in the side portion (300) rather than within the border of the course.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of courses displayed on the screen of the output area may have their own background images, the performance target (T) may be displayed differently from the rest, the performance target (T) may include the aforementioned performance button image (142), and the number of courses displayed simultaneously on the screen may be determined in various ways.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

cabinet; A storage compartment provided inside the cabinet for storing clothing; and An output area defined as a space where information is output and provided in the above cabinet; The above output area includes a central portion having a straight border; and side portions positioned at each end of the central portion and having curved borders; A garment processing device characterized in that the above output area has a track shape in which the straight edge of the central portion and the curved edge of the side portion are connected, and provides a space in which information is output as a whole. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a display installed in the cabinet and providing a screen exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the output area; A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above output area overlaps the above display as a whole. In the first paragraph, A display installed in the cabinet and providing a screen exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the output area; and An opening provided in the above cabinet and forming the output area; A garment treatment device characterized in that the above opening overlaps the above display as a whole. In the third paragraph, A garment treatment device, characterized in that the display has an area larger than the opening, and a part of the display is positioned within the opening. In the third paragraph, A garment treatment device, characterized in that a part of the display is exposed to the outside of the cabinet through the opening, and the rest of the display is not exposed to the outside of the cabinet by the cabinet. In the third paragraph, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the display is provided in a square shape and the opening is provided in the track shape. In the third paragraph, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above display is capable of detecting a user's touch signal for the entire output area. In the third paragraph, A garment treatment device characterized by further comprising a panel module installed in the cabinet so that the display is mounted thereon and at least a portion of the display is positioned to overlap the entire opening. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device characterized in that a plurality of courses for processing clothing received in the receiving section are displayed within the output area, each course having a circular border. In Article 9, The above side portions are positioned at each end of the above central portion defined based on one direction, A garment treatment device, characterized in that the plurality of courses are aligned along the one direction within the output area. In Article 9, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the target of execution scheduled to be performed among the plurality of courses displayed within the above output area is displayed to have a larger size than the remaining courses. In Article 9, A garment treatment device characterized in that each of the plurality of courses has a different background image displayed within each border. In Article 9, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above plurality of courses are displayed only in the central portion of the output area. In Article 9, A clothing treatment device characterized in that one of the above multiple courses is provided such that some areas are located in the side portion and the remaining areas are located in the central portion. In the first paragraph, A garment treatment device characterized in that an execution button image for a course execution command for processing garments accommodated in the receiving unit is displayed within the output area. In Article 15, Within the above output area, a course for processing clothing received in the receiving section is displayed with a circular border. A garment treatment device, characterized in that the above-mentioned execution button image is placed within the above-mentioned circular border of the above-mentioned course. In Article 15, A garment treatment device characterized in that it further includes a power button which is provided on the cabinet so as to be located at a point spaced apart from the output area and is operated by a user. In Article 17, The above cabinet includes a front panel forming the front of the cabinet, A garment treatment device characterized in that there is only a single button on the front panel, and the single button is set as the power button. In the first paragraph, The above cabinet includes a front panel forming the front of the cabinet; The above front panel, A first opening provided in the above cabinet to enable clothes to be fed into the receiving compartment; A garment treatment device characterized by including a second opening provided in the cabinet so as to be positioned above the first opening and forming the output area. In Article 19, The above second opening is designed so that its width is longer than its height, A garment treatment device characterized in that the front panel is provided with a power button located at a point spaced apart from the second opening along the width direction of the cabinet.

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