WALL-MOUNTED WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A wall-mounted washing machine includes a rear panel capable of being hung on a wall surface; a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing objects; a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub; a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing objects; and a water level detecting sensor coupled to the tub front panel and configured to detect an internal pressure of the tub to determine an amount of the washing water. The water level detecting sensor is disposed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0075703, filed on Jun. 15, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a wall-mounted washing machine and, more particularly, to wall-mounted washing machine including a water level detecting sensor.

BACKGROUND

In general, a wall-mounted washing machine is manufactured so that it can be installed on a wall, typically in a narrow space.

A typical wall-mounted washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub movably disposed within the cabinet and configured to store washing water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and configured to accommodate washing items, a drive unit configured to supply power to the drum, a water supply device configured to supply the washing water into the tub, and a water drain device configured to drain the washing water from the tub to the outside of the cabinet.

In the wall-mounted washing machine, if a washing operation is started after a user puts washing items into the drum, the washing water is supplied into the tub and the drum by operation of the water supply device. The drum is then rotated by the drive unit to perform a washing operation. At the end of washing, any washing water contained in the tub and the drum is drained to the outside of the cabinet through the water drain device by the operation of the water drain device.

In recent years, there is a trend that wall-mounted washing machines are provided with a drying device for user convenience. When the drying device is operated, a process of drying the washed washing items proceeds. This provides an advantage in that a user can collect the washing items which are dry.

In the case where the drying device is installed in the wall-mounted washing machine as described above, there is a problem that a sensor member such as a water level detecting sensor, or the like, is erroneously operated or damaged depending on the temperature of the drying device.

Accordingly, a existed need exists for a wall-mounted washing machine that is provided with a drying device and further capable of preventing an erroneous operation of a water sensor member.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wall-mounted washing machine provided with a drying device and capable of preventing an erroneous operation of a water sensor member.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wall-mounted washing machine, comprises a rear panel capable of being hung on a wall surface; a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items; a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub; a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing items; and a water level detecting sensor coupled to the tub front panel and configured to detect an internal pressure of the tub to determine an amount of the washing water. The water level detecting sensor may be disposed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel.

Further, the drying device includes: a fan coupled to an upper portion of the tub and configured to blow air; a hot air supply duct connected to the fan and configured to supply air into the tub; a drying heater provided inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct; and a hot air discharge duct coupled to the tub and configured to guide the air passing through the tub toward the fan.

Further, the water level detecting sensor may be disposed more adjacent to the fan than the hot air supply duct.

Further, the fan may be disposed more rearward than the water level detecting sensor.

Further, the distance between the water level detecting sensor and the fan may be shorter than the distance between the water level detecting sensor and the hot air supply duct.

Further, the water level detecting sensor is disposed in a position biased toward the hot air discharge duct.

Further, an end portion of the hot air supply duct on the side of the tub is connected to a front upper portion of the tub, and an end portion of the hot air discharge duct on the side of the tub is connected to a rear lower portion of the tub.

Further, a condensed water introduction port, through which condensed water is introduced, is provided on one side of the hot air discharge duct, and the condensed water introduced through the condensed water introduction port is used to remove moisture from the air passing through the hot air discharge duct.

Further, at least one vent hole for circulating the air is formed in the rear panel.

Further, a plurality of ribs is provided on a rear surface of the rear panel, and end portions of the ribs are cut away to form air circulation grooves.

It is appreciated that the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent an erroneous operation of the water level detecting sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view showing a wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear plan view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a wall surface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear panel and a tub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front plan view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic right side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, which is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily dimensionally illustrated. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in their sizes, and a predetermined size is just examplary and not limiting. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics.

The drawings of the present disclosure illustrate ideal exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, include a modification of form due to manufacturing.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view showing a wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a washing machine that is operative to be hung on or fixed to a wall surface W and capable of carrying out a washing operation. The wall-mounted washing machine 1000 may include a housing 1060 forming an outer shell, and a rear panel 1010 coupled to a rear surface of the housing 1060 and meant to be hung on or fixed to the wall surface W.

The housing 1060 may include a side cover 1061 forming a side surface of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000, a front cover 1062 forming a front surface of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000, and a door 1063 rotatably coupled to the front cover 1062. An operator may open the door 1063 and may put washing items into the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 or may remove the washing items from the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a wall surface. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear panel and a tub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a schematic right side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rear panel 1010 meant to be hung on a wall surface, a tub 1020 configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel 1010, a drum 1030 rotatably installed inside the tub 1020 and configured to accommodate washing objects, a drying device 1040 coupled to an outer surface of the tub 1020 and configured to dry the washing items, a drive unit 1050 (FIG. 2) configured to supply power for rotating the drum 1030, and a housing 1060 coupled to the rear panel 1010 and configured to form an outer shell of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000.

The rear panel 1010 may be hung on a wall surface W. For example, the rear panel 1010 may be hung on the wall surface W by separate fastening members 1011a. To this end, through-holes 1011 penetrating the rear panel 1010 may be formed in the rear panel 1010 so that the fastening members 1011a can be inserted into the through-holes 1011. A method of hanging the rear panel 1010 on the wall surface W will now be briefly described. A user first installs the fastening members 1011a on the wall surface W and fits shock-absorbing members 1011c, for shock and vibraction reduction, to the fastening members 1011a. Thereafter, the user hangs the rear panel 1010 on the wall surface W so that the fastening members 1011a are inserted into the through-holes 1011 of the rear panel 1010. Subsequently, nut members 1011b are coupled to the fastening members 1011a protruding forward from the rear panel 1010 via the through-holes 1011, whereby the rear panel 1010 can be hung on the wall surface W.

Next, a mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 so that a space is formed between the rear panel 1010 and the wall surface W. The mounting groove portion 1012 is formed to make sure that the drive unit 1050 (to be described later) can be coupled to the rear panel 1010 without interfering with the wafer W. The mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed by depressing the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 at a predetermined depth.

At least one vent hole 1013 may be formed in the rear panel 1010. For example, a plurality of vent holes 1013 penetrating the rear panel 1010 may be formed in the upper portion of the rear panel 1010. The vent holes 1013 allow air existing in the space surrounded by the rear panel 1010 and the housing 1060 to be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing air existing inside the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 from being heated. In the drawings, there is shown only a configuration in which a plurality of vent holes 1013 is formed in a rectangular shape in the upper portion of the rear panel 1010. This configuration is exemplary. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The position and shape of the vent holes may be variously changed in order to assure smooth discharge of the air.

A plurality of ribs 1014 may be provided on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010. The ribs 1014 may protrude from the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 in order to enhance the rigidity of the rear panel 1010. In this case, the end portions of the ribs 1014 may be partially cut away to form air circulation grooves 1014a. Due to the existence of the air circulation grooves 1014a, the air passing through the vent holes 1013 may be discharged to the outside.

The tub 1020 may be provided on the front side of the rear panel 1010. In this regard, the tub 1020 may be simultaneously injection-molded with the rear panel 1010 and may be integrally formed with the rear panel 1010. Alternatively, the tub 1020 may be manufactured as a separate member and, then, may be coupled to the rear panel 1010.

A water supply device 1022 and a water drain device 1023 may be connected to the tub 1020. For example, the water supply device 1022 may be connected to the upper portion of the tub 1020, and the water drain device 1023 may be connected to the lower portion of the tub 1020. However, the connection configurations of the water supply device 1022 and the water drain device 1023 may be replaced by various connection configurations that are well known and may be commonly used in the related art.

The water supply device 1022 may be connected to an external water supply source. When a user operates an operation unit 1062a to carry out washing, the water supply device 1022 may supply washing water into the tub 1020. The washing water supplied to the tub 1020 may enter the drum 1030 via washing water introduction holes 1030a formed on the outer surface of the drum 1030.

When the washing operation is completed, the washing water may be drained to the outside via the water drain device 1023 installed under the tub 1020.

The drum 1030 may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the tub 1020. For example, a driving shaft 1031 may be connected to the drum 1030. The driving shaft 1031 may be connected to the drive unit 1050 disposed on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 so that the driving shaft 1031 can receive power from the drive unit 1050.

The drive unit 1050 may be coupled to the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 in order to rotate the drum 1030. In this regard, the drive unit 1050 may be coupled to the mounting groove portion 1012 of the rear panel 1010. The mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed to be depressed by a predetermined depth from the rear surface of the rear panel 1010. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent interference between the drive unit 1050 and the wall surface W even when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is installed on the wall surface W.

As an example, the drive unit 1050 may include a motor 1051 provided with a rotating shaft 1051a and configured to supply power, a driving wheel 1052 connected to the driving shaft 1031, and a belt 1053 connected to the rotating shaft 1051a and the driving wheel 1052 to transmit the power of the motor 1051 to the driving wheel 1052. Thus, when the motor 1051 rotates, the rotating shaft 1051a of the motor 1051 may rotate the belt 1053, whereby the driving wheel 1052 may be rotated to rotate the drum 1030.

Washing items may be accommodated inside the drum 1030. One or more washing water introduction holes 1030a may be formed on the outer surface of the drum 1030. Thus, the washing water supplied to the tub 1020 may be introduced into the drum 1030 via the washing water introduction holes 1030a to wash the washing objects.

Reinforcing ribs 1021 may be provided in the rear portion of the tub 1020 where the tub 1020 and the rear panel 1010 make contact with each other. The term “front” may refer to the direction extending from the rear panel 1010 toward the tub 1020 on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the positive X-axis direction. The term “rear” may refer to the direction extending from the tub 1020 toward the rear panel 1010 on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the negative X-axis direction.

The reinforcing ribs 1021 may be formed along the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion of the tub 1020 to protrude radially outward. The reinforcing ribs 1021 may include first reinforcing ribs 1021a extending in the circumferential direction of the tub 1020 and second reinforcing ribs 1021b configured to connect the rear surfaces of the first reinforcing ribs 1021a and the front surface of the rear panel 1010. In this regard, the second reinforcing ribs 1021b may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tub 1020 to be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Some of the second reinforcing ribs 1021b may be formed to extend toward the front side of the tub 1020.

The reinforcing ribs 1021 may distribute any stresses that may be concentrated on the portion where the tub 1020 and the rear panel 1010 are coupled to each other. This makes it possible to prevent damage of the tub 1020 or separation of the tub 1020 from the rear panel 1010.

A tub front panel 1025 may be coupled to the front side of the tub 1020. The tub front panel 1025 may be coupled to the tub 1020 to form an internal space in which the drum 1030 is disposed. A detour rib 1027 may be provided in the lower portion of the tub front panel 1025. The detour rib 1027 may protrude frontward from the front surface of the tub front panel 1025. The transverse opposite end portions of the detour rib 1027 may be bent downward to make curved surfaces. As used herein, the term “transverse” may refer to the left-right direction when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is viewed from the front side, namely the Y-axis direction on the basis of FIG. 3.

A hot water heater power supply unit 1028a for supplying electric power to a hot water heater 1028 may be disposed under the detour rib 1027. Thus, the detour rib 1027 may prevent washing water flowing out from the interior of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 from making contact with the hot water heater power supply unit 1028a. In addition, an operation unit 1062a coupled to the housing 1060 (to be described later) may be disposed under the detour rib 1027. The detour rib 1027 may prevent the washing water from entering the operation unit 1062a.

An opening 1025a may be formed in the tub front panel 1025. A gasket 1029 for sealing may be coupled to the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the edge portion that forms the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025 may be provided in a step-like shape in order to increase the coupling force with the gasket 1029. The gasket 1029 may seal any gap between the housing 1060 and the tub 1020 and may prevent foreign materials from entering the space between the tub front panel 1025 and the drum 1030. The gasket 1029 is fitted to the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. At least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 1029 may make selective contact with the door 1063 to be described later, and the remaining part of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 1029 may make close contact with the opening 1025a. For example, the gasket 1029 may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. The gasket 1029 may be formed in a ring shape with the central portion thereof opened and may be made of a rubber material, for instance.

A hot air introduction port 1025b into which hot air discharged from a hot air supply duct 1043 of the drying device 1040 (to be described later) is introduced may be formed in the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. The hot air introduced through the hot air introduction port 1025b may move toward the drum 1030 disposed inside the tub 1020. A drying operation using the hot air will be described later.

In the meantime, the drying device 1040 for drying the washing items may be provided on the outer surface of the tub 1020. The drying device 1040 is a device for drying the washing objects by supplying hot air into the tub 1020. The drying device 1040 may be provided to communicate with the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025 and the rear lower portion of the tub 1020.

For example, the drying device 1040 may include a fan 1041 coupled to the upper portion of the tub 1020 and configured to blow air, a hot air supply duct 1043 connected to the fan 1041 and configured to supply the air into the tub 1020 through the hot air introduction port 1025b formed in the tub front panel 1025, a drying heater 1045 provided inside the hot air supply duct 1043 and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct 1043, and a hot air discharge duct 1047 connected to the tub 1020 and configured to guide air passing through the tub 1020 toward the fan 1041.

In the drying device 1040 provided in the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fan 1041, the hot air supply duct 1043, the tub 1020 and the hot air discharge duct 1047 may form one air circulation path. In other words, the drying device 1040 may perform a drying operation by circulating the air existing inside the wall-mounted washing machine 1000.

A condensed water introduction port 1047a through which condensed water is introduced may be formed in the hot air discharge duct 1047.

The condensed water (not shown) injected into the hot air discharge duct 1047 through the condensed water introduction port 1047a may be combined with the moisture existing in the air passing through the hot air discharge duct 1047. This makes it possible to remove the moisture existing in the air. Accordingly, the air is cooled and dehumidified while passing through the hot air discharge duct 1047. In this state, the air may be re-introduced into the fan 1041.

A method of drying washing items, e.g., laundry, with the drying device 1040 will be briefly described. When the washing operation is completed and the drying operation is performed by a user, the fan 1041 is operated. If air moves along the hot air supply duct 1043 by the operation of the fan 1041, the air is heated to a high temperature by the drying heater 1045, whereby hot air is generated. The hot air is sequentially introduced into the tub 1020 and the drum 1030 through the tub front panel 1025. The hot air dries the washing items by making contact with the washing items existing inside the drum 1030. Thereafter, the hot air used for drying the washing items is introduced into the hot air discharge duct 1047 through a hot air discharge port 1024 formed in the rear lower portion of the tub 1020. As described above, the hot air is dehumidified by the condensed water and is re-introduced into the fan 1041. Such a process may be repeatedly performed to carry out the drying operation.

In order to enhance the drying efficiency of the drying device 1040, one end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be connected to the fan 1041. The other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043, namely the end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 on the side of the tub front panel 1025, to which the hot air is supplied, may be connected to the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the hot air supply duct 1043 may include a portion extending along the upper surface of the tub 1020 and a portion bent from the extended end portion toward the front surface of the tub 1020 to extend downward. Thus, the other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be connected to the front surface of the tub front panel 1025.

Furthermore, one end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 may be connected to the fan 1041. The other end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047, namely the end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 on the side of the tub 1020, through which the hot air is introduced from the tub 1020 into the drying device 1040, may be connected to the lower rear side of the side surface of the tub 1020. In other words, the other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be biased frontward on the basis of a centerline C1 shown in FIG. 8 and may be connected to the tub front panel 1025 above a centerline C2 shown in FIG. 7. The other end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 may be biased rearward on the side surface of the tub 1020 on the basis of the centerline C1 shown in FIG. 8 and may be connected to the tub 1020 below the centerline C2 shown in FIG. 7.

By connecting the hot air supply duct 1043 and the hot air discharge duct 1047 to the front upper portion of the tub 1020 and the lower rear side of the side surface of the tub 1020 as described above, the hot air is introduced from the hot air supply duct 1043 toward the front side of the tub 1020. After drying the washing items accommodated in the tub 1020, hot air is discharged through the hot air discharge duct 1047 on the rear side of the tub 1020. Thus, the hot air supplied to the tub 1020 through the drying device 1040 may be circulated through the interior of the drum 1030 as a whole. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the drying efficiency of the washing items. A water level detecting sensor 1070 may be coupled to the tub front panel 1025. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may be formed of, for example, a pressure sensor. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may be connected to a separate pipe branched from the water drain device 1023 of the tub 1020 and may measure the internal pressure of the tub 1020. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may measure the amount of the washing water stored in the tub 1020 by sensing the internal pressure of the tub 1020.

As one example, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed in the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed more frontward than the drying device 1040 disposed above the tub 1020. More specifically, the fan 1041 constituting the drying device 1040 may be disposed more rearward than the water level detecting sensor 1070.

The water level detecting sensor 1070 is sensitive to heat because it is formed of electronic parts. In other words, when heat of a predetermined temperature or more is applied to the water level detecting sensor 1070, there is a possibility that the water level detecting sensor 1070 may become erroneously operated or damaged. Accordingly, it is important to properly set the positions of the water level detecting sensor 1070 and the drying device 1040 including the drying heater 1045 as a heat generating body.

In the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed more adjacent to the fan 1041 than the hot air supply duct 1043 of the drying device 1040. In other words, the distance between the water level detecting sensor 1070 and the fan 1041 may be shorter than the distance between water level detecting sensor 1070 and the hot air supply duct 1043. In this regard, the distance between certain two members refers to the minimum distance between the two members. When viewed as a whole, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed to be biased in position toward the hot air discharge duct 1047 of the drying device 1040 on the basis of the drying device 1040.

During the operation of the drying device 1040, the air passing through the fan 1041 of the drying device 1040 is moved along the hot air supply duct 1043 and is heated by the drying heater 1045. Thereafter, the air passing through the tub 1020 and the drum 1030 is cooled and dehumidified by the condensed water while moving along the hot air discharge duct 1047. Thus, the temperature of the air introduced into the fan 1041 may be lowest among the temperatures of the whole air circulation lines of the drying device 1040. As a result, in the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, any overheating of the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be prevented by locating the water level detecting sensor 1070 adjacent to the fan 1041.

The housing 1060 may be coupled to the rear panel 1010. The housing 1060 is a member coupled to the rear panel 1010 and configured to form an outer shell of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. The housing 1060 may include a side cover 1061 opened on the front and rear sides thereof and coupled to the rim of the rear panel 1010 on the rear side thereof, a front cover 1062 coupled to the open front side of the side cover 1061 and provided with an opening 1062b, and a door 1063 rotatably coupled to the front cover 1062 and configured to selectively close and open the opening 1062b.

An operation unit 1062a may be provided in the front cover 1062. The operation unit 1062a is provided to enable a user to control the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. Buttons of the operation unit 1062a may be exposed through the front cover 1062. The operation unit 1062a may be entirely disposed under the detour rib 1027 formed in the tub front panel 1025 described above. Thus, any washing water leaked from the interior of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 may flow along the detour rib 1027 without entering the operation unit 1062a.

A hinge coupling portion 1062c may be formed in the front cover 1062. The hinge coupling portion 1062c may be formed on the front surface of the front cover 1062 to be depressed at a predetermined depth. A door hinge 1063a may be coupled to the hinge coupling portion 1062c.

The door 1063 may be provided to open and close the opening 1062b of the front cover 1062. For example, the door 1063 may be coupled to the front cover 1062 via the door hinge 1063a. A user may close or open the door 1063 using a handle of the door 1063. Alternatively, the door 1063 may be an electronic door opened or closed in a one touch manner through the use of an operation button provided in the front cover 1062.

In the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the water level detecting sensor 1070 is disposed on the side of the fan of the drying device 1040. This location prevents an erroneous operation or damage of the water level detecting sensor 1070 as a result of heat generated during the operation of the drying device 1040.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways without changing the necessary features or the spirit of the present disclosure.

Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting, but only an example in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is expressed by claims below, not the detailed description, and it should be construed that all changes and modifications achieved from the meanings and scope of claims and equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wall-mounted washing machine, the washing machine comprising: a rear panel adapted to be hung on a substantially vertical surface;a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel;a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items;a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub;a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing items; anda water level detecting sensor coupled to the tub front panel and configured to determine an amount of the washing water,wherein the water level detecting sensor is disposed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the drying device comprises: a fan coupled to an upper portion of the tub and configured to blow air;a hot air supply duct coupled to the fan and configured to supply air into the tub;a drying heater disposed inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat air introduced into the hot air supply duct; anda hot air discharge duct coupled to the tub and configured to guide air passing through the tub toward the fan.

3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the water level detecting sensor is disposed more adjacent to the fan than the hot air supply duct.

4. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the fan is disposed more rearward than the water level detecting sensor.

5. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein a distance between the water level detecting sensor and the fan is less than a distance between the water level detecting sensor and the hot air supply duct.

6. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the water level detecting sensor is disposed in a position biased toward the hot air discharge duct.

7. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein an end portion of the hot air supply duct on a side of the tub is connected to a front upper portion of the tub, and an end portion of the hot air discharge duct on the side of the tub is connected to a rear lower portion of the tub.

8. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein a condensed water introduction port through which condensed water is introduced is provided on one side of the hot air discharge duct, and wherein further condensed water introduced through the condensed water introduction port is used to remove moisture from air passing through the hot air discharge duct.

9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein at least one vent hole for circulating air is formed in the rear panel.

10. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs is provided on a rear surface of the rear panel, and end portions of the ribs are cut away to form air circulation grooves.

11. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the water level detecting sensor is operable to detect an internal pressure of the tub.

12. A wall-mounted washing machine, the washing machine comprising: a rear panel adapted to be hung on a wall surface;a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel;a drum disposed inside the tub and configured to rotate and accommodate washing items;a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub;a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing items, wherein the drying device comprises: a fan; and a hot air supply duct; anda water level detecting sensor coupled to the tub front panel and configured to determine an amount of the washing water,wherein the water level detecting sensor is disposed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel and is disposed more adjacent to the fan than the hot air supply duct.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the fan is coupled to an upper portion of the tub and configured to blow air and wherein the hot air supply duct coupled to the fan and configured to supply air into the tub, and wherein the drying device further comprises: a drying heater disposed inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat air introduced into the hot air supply duct; anda hot air discharge duct coupled to the tub and configured to guide air passing through the tub toward the fan.

14. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the fan is disposed more rearward than the water level detecting sensor.

15. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein a distance between the water level detecting sensor and the fan is less than a distance between the water level detecting sensor and the hot air supply duct.

16. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the water level detecting sensor is disposed in a position biased toward the hot air discharge duct.

17. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein an end portion of the hot air supply duct on a side of the tub is connected to a front upper portion of the tub, and an end portion of the hot air discharge duct on the side of the tub is connected to a rear lower portion of the tub.

18. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein a condensed water introduction port through which condensed water is introduced is provided on one side of the hot air discharge duct, and wherein further condensed water introduced through the condensed water introduction port is used to remove moisture from air passing through the hot air discharge duct.

19. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein at least one vent hole for circulating air is formed in the rear panel.

20. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the water level detecting sensor is operable to detect an internal pressure of the tub.