Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a panel frame, a control panel, a deco and a detergent container. The control panel is coupled to a front surface of the panel frame. The deco is coupled to the panel frame such that the deco covers a circumference of the control panel. The detergent container includes a drawer panel that is inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco are closed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a drum type washing method performs a washing cycle using a frictional force between the laundry and the drum rotated by driving force of a motor in a state where detergent, washing water and laundry are accommodated in the drum. The drum type washing method has some advantages that can prevent the laundry from being tangled, so that fabrics of the laundry are not damaged. Also, the drum type washing method has an effect of beating and rubbing the laundry.

In a related art washing machine, during a drop impact test or sudden dropping while the washing machine is carried, there is possibility that a plurality of coupling ribs formed at an upper deco are destroyed because the ribs are formed thin. When the coupling ribs of the upper deco are destroyed, there is a problem in that coupling of the upper deco and the control panel is also weaker.

In recent years, drum type washing machines includes an upper deco that surrounds an edge of a control panel. At this point, it is required to improve a structure of a coupling hole to achieve coupling of a detergent container and to improve a coupling structure between a panel frame and the upper deco.

During an environment test that applies heat and moisture, a gap is generated between the upper deco and the drawer panel as time elapses, so that an appearance of the washing machine does not look fine.

Also, a process for matching coupling holes of the control panel with coupling holes formed in a guide rib of the upper deco, respectively is required, when the upper deco is coupled to the control panel, but the process is difficult to perform. After that, the coupling holes should be assembled using screws, which increases the number of processes and makes a coupling process complicated.

When impact such as dropping of the drum type washing machine is generated, the ribs having the coupling holes of the upper deco may be easily destroyed due to structural disadvantage of the ribs formed thin.

When the upper deco is coupled to the control panel, the coupling holes of the control panel and coupling holes formed in a guide rib of the upper deco are matched, respectively. After that, the coupling holes should be assembled using screws, which increases the number of processes and makes a coupling process complicated.

Also, when external impact is applied to the drum type washing machine, the ribs having the coupling holes of the upper deco may be easily destroyed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine for allowing an upper deco to be more firmly coupled to a panel frame by improving a structure of the upper deco to form a boss on the upper deco and directly attaching the upper deco to the panel frame using the boss.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine including a control panel where an upper deco is provided, capable of enhancing coupling force between the upper deco and the control panel.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine that can prevent a gap from being generated between an upper deco and a control panel as time elapses when an environment test such as a heat test and freezing test is performed.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine that can easily and firmly couple an upper deco to a control panel.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an upper deco and a control panel that can be more easily coupled to each other.

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

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a washing machine including: a panel frame; a control panel coupled to a front surface of the panel frame; a deco coupled to the panel frame to cover a circumference of the control panel; and a detergent container including a drawer panel inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco is closed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a panel frame; a control panel coupled to an front surface of the panel frame; and a deco coupled to the panel frame to cover a circumference of the control panel.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a panel frame; a control panel disposed on a front surface of the panel frame; and a deco covering a circumference of the control panel, wherein the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are passed through an identical coupling member such that the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are mutually coupled.

According to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a control panel; a deco covering a circumference of the control panel; and a detergent container including a drawer panel inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco are closed.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a control panel; a deco covering a circumference of the control panel; a hook formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco; and a catch hole, in which the hook is caught, formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are coupled.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a control panel; a deco covering a circumference of the control panel; a guide protrusion formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco; and a guide hole in which the guide protrusion is inserted, the guide hole being formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are aligned.

An effect of washing machine according to the present invention will be described below.

The boss is directly formed on an upper deco and screwably coupled to a panel frame, so that a boss coupling structure is reinforced by higher intensity than a related art rib coupling structure when drop impact is applied.

A rib is formed at the upper deco and the rib is disposed between a control panel and the panel frame. After that, when a detergent container is coupled to the control panel, the panel frame, the upper deco, and the control panel are fixed at the same time, so that coupling force between the control panel and the upper deco is improved and an assembly process is easily performed.

An insert portion having a -shape is formed in the upper deco and an upper portion of the control panel and an upper portion of the drawer panel are inserted in the insert portion, so that a gap caused by change in an environment such as heat and moisture is prevented from being generated between the upper deco and the drawer panel.

A hook is provided at the control panel, and the upper frame having a coupling recess to which the hook is coupled is formed at the upper deco, and the control panel and the upper deco are coupled to each other. Therefore, the upper deco and the control panel are strongly coupled through a simple operation.

A square hole is defined in the control panel and the guide rib is formed at the upper deco such that the guide rib is inserted in the square hole. Thus, when the control panel and the upper deco are coupled to each other, the square hole serves as a guide for inducing insertion of the guide rib of the upper and an assembling process becomes easy.

When the guide rib provided at the upper deco is formed in a hook-shape, the upper deco and the control panel can be coupled to each other without a screw.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a panel frame where an upper deco is coupled according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a control panel of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial rear perspective view of the control panel shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a coupling structure of a control panel and an upper deco in a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line III-III′ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a control panel and an upper deco of a control panel assembly, which are coupled to each other, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a control panel and an upper deco of a control panel assembly, which are coupled to each other, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a panel frame where an upper deco is coupled according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a coupling structure of the upper deco 100 and the panel frame 106 of a drum type washing machine according to present invention, the drum type washing machine includes the panel frame 106 provided at an upper end portion of a front surface of a body, a control panel 103 coupled to the panel frame 106, and the upper deco 100 coupled to an edge portion of the control panel 103 and coupled to the panel frame 106 simultaneously. Also, the upper deco 100 has a -shaped cross-section where a front surface is closed. A coupling boss 105 and a coupling hole 101 are formed in the upper deco 100 in a rear direction. In the panel frame 106, a coupling hole is defined in a position corresponding to the coupling hole defined in the upper deco 100.

A detergent compartment opening 104 is formed at one side portion of the control panel 103.

The control panel 103 according to present invention includes a plurality of buttons (not shown) and a display screen (not shown) to allow a user to operate a washing cycle in an outside the same as a related art washing machine.

Preferably, an upper side and a left/right side of an edge portion of the control panel 103 are coupled to surround the upper deco 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Also, it is preferable that the upper deco 100 coupled to the upper side and the left/right side of the edge portion of the control panel 103 has one body.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control panel 103 has a plurality of coupling holes 102 and the panel frame 106 has a plurality of coupling holes (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of coupling holes 102, such that the control panel 103 having the coupling hole is coupled to the panel frame.

The panel frame 106 is coupled to the control panel 103 using the coupling hole 102 defined in the control panel 103.

An assembly structure according to the embodiment of the present invention and its resulting effect will be described.

First, an assembly process of the upper deco and the panel frame will be described.

A circuit board for operating a drum type washing machine, a plurality of buttons (not shown) for inputting a washing cycle and a rotary knob (not shown) are installed inside of the control panel 103.

An installing structure of the buttons and the knob is obvious to those skilled in the art so that further description will be omitted therein.

The upper deco 100 is coupled to an edge portion of the control panel 103. Each coupling hole 101 defined in the coupling boss 105 of the upper deco 100 is screwably coupled to each coupling hole 101 corresponding to the panel frame 106.

Thus, the upper deco 100 is directly screwably coupled to the panel frame 106.

The control panel 103 is coupled separately to the panel frame 106 using a coupling hole 102 defined in the coupling panel 103.

That is, a boss having the coupling hole 101 is provided at the upper deco 100 and directly screwably coupled to the panel frame 106, so that the boss coupling structure can more improve durability even more compared to a related art rib coupling structure when a drop impact is applied.

That is, the coupling structure using a plurality of bosses increases coupling force as well as preventing damage of a coupling portion.

An effect of an assembly structure between the control panel 103 and the upper deco 100 according to the present invention will now be described.

The boss is directly formed on the upper deco 100 and screwably coupled to the panel frame 106, so that the boss coupling structure is reinforced by higher intensity than a related art rib coupling structure when the drop impact is applied.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a control panel of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the control panel described in FIG. 4.

A drum type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a detergent container 202 receiving detergent at an upper side portion of a cabinet 206, a plurality of input buttons for inputting washing cycles, a rotary knob 203 and a control panel 200 including a display screen 204 for displaying remaining time.

A door 208 is formed on a front surface of the cabinet 206.

A tub (not shown) storing washing water and a drum (not shown) formed inside of the tub and receiving a laundry are formed inside of the cabinet 206 and connected to pass the door 208.

The drum type washing machine according to the present invention, an upper deco 201 is coupled to surround an edge of the control panel 200.

The control panel 200 that the upper deco is coupled is coupled to a panel frame 213 located on an upper side of the drum type washing machine.

A coupling hole 212 is defined in both sides of a detergent compartment opening 211 so as to be coupled to the detergent container 202.

At this point, the panel frame 213 has a coupling hole 214 through which the detergent container 202 coupled to the detergent compartment opening 211 is coupled. The panel frame 213 has the coupling hole 212 through which the panel frame 213 is fitted at a portion corresponding to the coupling hole 214 of the panel frame 213.

A rib 209 is formed at a portion of the upper deco 201 that corresponds to the coupling hole 212 of the control panel 200 and the coupling hole 210 is defined in the rib 209.

The rib 209 formed at the upper deco 201 is located between the control panel 200 and the panel frame 213.

A coupling boss 215 is provided at the control panel 200 and the coupling hole 212 is defined in the coupling boss 215.

The upper deco 201 is coupled to an upper side and a left/right side of an edge portion of the control panel 200.

For convenience of manufacture and installation, it is preferable that the upper deco 201 coupled to the upper side and the left/right side of the edge portion of the control panel 200 has one body.

An assembly process according to the embodiment of the present invention and its resulting effect will now be described.

The upper deco 201 is coupled to the control panel 200.

The coupling hole 210 defined in the rib 209 provided at the upper deco 201 is formed to coincide with the coupling hole 212 defined in the control panel 200.

Also, in case that the panel frame 213 is coupled to the control panel 200, the coupling hole 212 defined in the control panel 200 is coupled to coincide with the coupling hole 214 defined in the panel frame 213.

Then, a coupling hole defined in the detergent container 202 is made to coincide with the coupling hole 212 defined in the control panel 200.

The detergent container 202, the control panel 200, the upper deco 201 and the panel frame 213 can be fixed by one process at a time when the coupling hole of the each member is coupled by a screw.

The coupling hole defined in the control panel 200 serves to increase coupling force and have structural stability by preventing a gap generated between the control panel 200 and the rib 209 provided at the upper deco 201.

Therefore, the coupling force and assemblability between the control panel 200 and the upper deco 201 increase at the same time.

An effect of a coupling structure between the control panel 200 and the upper deco 201 according to the present invention will now be described.

The rib 209 is formed on the upper deco 201 and located between the control panel 200 and the panel frame 213. Then, the panel frame 213, the upper deco 201 and the control panel 200 can be fixed by one process at a time, thereby increasing the coupling force between the control panel 200 and the upper deco 201 and improving an assembly operation when the detergent container 202 is coupled to the control panel 200.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 6 is an appearance perspective view of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, a drum type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a drawer panel 306, a plurality of input buttons 303 for inputting washing cycles, a rotary knob 304 and a control panel 302 including a display screen 305 for displaying remaining time and washing process state. The drawer panel 306 formed as a detergent container is formed on an upper side portion of a front surface of a cabinet 301 formed as an appearance of a body.

An upper deco 300 is coupled to an edge portion of the control panel 302.

A tub (not shown) storing washing water is formed inside of the cabinet 301. A drum (not shown) is formed inside of the tub and receives a laundry.

Referring to FIG. 7, a lower portion of the upper deco 300 includes an insert portion 308 having a -shaped section and formed toward a front direction. An upper side of the control panel 302 includes a first insert portion 309 having a bent structure toward a rear direction and inserted into the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300. An upper side of the drawer panel 311 includes a second insert portion 310 having a bent structure toward a rear direction and slidably inserted into the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300.

The insert portion 308 provided at the upper deco 300 is formed in a -shape and an inside of the insert portion 308 has an insert recess.

An upper portion of the insert portion 308 formed in the -shape also has a -shaped section.

Preferably, the upper deco 300 is coupled to an upper side and the left/right side of the edge portion of the control panel 302

Also, it is preferable that the upper deco 300 coupled to the upper side and the left/right, side of the edge portion of the control panel 302 is formed in one body.

An operation of the embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

An assembly process of the control panel assembly will be described below.

The upper deco 300 is installed on the edge portion of the control panel 302.

The upper deco 300 may be coupled to the control panel 302 by a screw coupling method and a press-fit method.

The drawer panel 311 for receiving a detergent is fitted in one side of the control panel 302.

The first insert portion 309 bently formed toward the rear direction in an upper end of the control panel 302 is inserted in the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300. The second insert portion 310 of the drawer panel 311 is inserted in a sliding manner between the first insert portion 309 of the control panel 302 and the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300.

The first portion 309 of the control panel 302 and the second insert portion 310 of the drawer panel 311 are inserted inside the insert portion 308 formed in a -shape.

Accordingly, the second insert portion 310 of the drawer panel 311 is inserted in the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300, so that the coupled portion has a sliding structure.

The second insert portion 310 of the drawer panel 311 is completely inserted in the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300 to prevent a gap from being generated between the two portions.

Also, the first insert portion 309 of the drawer panel 311 is completely inserted in the insert portion 308 of the upper deco 300 to prevent a gap from being generated between the two portions.

In case of an environment test where heat and humidity are applied, the drum type washing machine according to present invention prevents the gap from being generated between the upper deco 300 and the drawer panel 311 as time elapses.

An effect of the control panel assembly structure of the drum type washing machine according to present invention will be described below.

The insert portion 308 formed in a z,1 -shape is formed in the upper deco 300 and an upper portion of the control panel and an upper portion of the drawer panel are inserted in the insert portion 308, so that the coupled portion prevents the gap from being generated the upper deco 300 and the drawer panel 311 that corresponds to changing of the environment such as the heat and the humidity.

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a coupling structure of a control panel and an upper deco of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line III-III′ of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in a coupling structure of the control panel and the upper deco of a drum type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the drum type washing machine includes a cabinet forming an appearance, the control panel 402 coupled to an upper portion of a front surface of the cabinet and including a rotary knob 404 for operating a washing cycle, and the upper deco 400. A plurality of hooks 403 is provided along an edge portion of the control panel 402, and a plurality of coupling recesses 405 is formed in portions of the upper deco 400 that correspond to the plurality of hooks such that the hooks 403 are coupled to the coupling recesses 405.

The upper deco 400 is formed in a -shaped section opened toward a rear direction on the basis of a front of the drum type washing machine.

When an inside of the upper deco 400 having the -shaped section is coupled to the control panel 402, an upper frame 401 is formed with a structure that is vertically bent from an inside to an outside. The coupling recess 405 where the hook 403 of the control panel 402 is coupled is formed in the upper deco 401.

Although the accompanying drawing does not described in detail, it is preferable that an upper side and a left/right side of an edge portion of the control panel 402 are coupled to surround the upper deco 400 and the upper frame 401 having the coupling recess 405 also formed in both an upper side and a left/right side.

Also, the hook 403 is formed at a portion of the control panel 402 that corresponds to the coupling recess 405 defined in the upper side and the left/right side of the upper frame 401.

An operation according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

When the upper deco 400 is coupled to the control panel 402, the hook 403 of the control panel 400 is matchably inserted in the coupling hole 405 of the upper deco 402.

The upper deco 400 coupled by the hook 403 and the control panel 402 can be strongly coupled using a screw (not shown).

When the upper deco 400 and the control panel 402 are coupled, the plurality of hooks 403 provided at the control panel 402 is inserted in the coupling recess 405 of the upper frame 401, which defined in the upper deco 400, so that an assembly operation is more easily and a coupling structure is reinforced even more compared to a related art coupling structure.

Then, the control panel 402 and the upper deco 400 are coupled to a panel frame by a screw coupling method or a press-fit method.

An effect of an assembly structure of the upper deco and the control panel of the drum type washing machine according to present invention will be described below.

The hook 403 is provided at the control panel and the upper frame having the coupling recess 405 where the hook is coupled is formed in the upper deco 400. After, the control panel 402 and the upper deco 400 are coupled. Therefore, the upper deco 400 and the control panel 402 are strongly coupled through a simple operation.

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment and a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a control panel and an upper deco of a control panel assembly, which are coupled to each other, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 11 is a rear view of a control panel and an upper deco of a control panel assembly, which are coupled to each other, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a coupling structure of the control panel 502 and the upper deco 500 of a drum type washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the drum type washing machine includes a cabinet forming an appearance, and the control panel coupled to an upper portion of a front surface of the cabinet and including a rotary knob 507 and a display screen 506. A plurality of coupling ribs 503 having a coupling hole 504 vertically bent inward are formed along an edge portion of the control panel 502. The upper deco 500 includes a plurality of guide ribs 501 formed at a portion corresponding to the coupling holes 504 defined in the coupling rib 503 and coupled to the coupling holes 504.

The coupling rib 503 has a structure that is vertically bent and protrudes toward inside of the upper deco 500.

The control panel 502 includes the display screen 506 for telling a user to washing process state.

The upper deco 500 installed in an upper side and the left/right side edge portion of the control panel 502.

It is preferable that the upper deco 500 coupled to the upper side and the left/right side edge portion of the control panel 502 is formed in one body.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a control panel and an upper deco of a control panel assembly, which are coupled to each other, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, when an end portion of the guide rib 501 formed in a hook-shape is coupled to the coupled hole 504, the coupled portion prevents separation.

A coupling hole (not shown) where a panel frame is coupled is defined in the control panel 502 and the panel frame is coupled by screw using the coupling hole (not shown).

An assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention and its resulting effect will be described below.

When the upper deco 500 is coupled to the control panel 502, the guide rib 501 of the upper deco 500 is couplably inserted in the coupling hole 505 of the control panel 502 such that the guide rib 501 is coupled to the coupling hole 504.

The upper deco 500 and the control panel 502 are completely coupled using such as the screw.

When the upper deco 500 and the control panel 502 are coupled, the guide rib 501 provided at the upper deco 500 is inserted in the coupling hole 504 of the control panel 502. After, the upper deco 500 is maintained at the control panel 502 in a state that the two members are provisionally fixed and coupled to the control panel 502 using such as the screw, thereby performing an assembly operation easily.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the guide rib 501 is formed in the hook-shape, the upper deco 500 and the control panel 502 can be coupled without a screw-couple.

An effect of the coupling structure of the control panel and the upper deco according to the present invention will be described below.

First, a square hole is defined in the control panel and the guide rib is formed at the upper deco such that the guide rib is inserted in the square hole. Thus, when the control panel and the upper deco are coupled to each other, the square hole serves as a guide for inducing insertion of the guide rib of the upper and an assembling process becomes easy.

Second, when the guide rib provided at the upper deco is formed in a hook-shape, the upper deco and the control panel can be coupled to each other even without a separate screw.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a panel frame;

a control panel coupled to a front surface of the panel frame;

a deco coupled to the panel frame to cover a circumference of the control panel; and

a detergent container including a drawer panel inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco is closed.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are passed through an identical coupling member such that the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are coupled to one another.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a hook formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco, and a catch hole in which the hook is caught, the catch hole being formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are coupled.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a guide protrusion formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco, and a guide hole through which the guide protrusion is inserted, the guide hole being formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are aligned.

5. A washing machine comprising:

a panel frame;

a control panel coupled to an front surface of the panel frame; and

a deco coupled to the panel frame to cover a circumference of the control panel.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the deco has a protrusion to which a coupling member fixing the panel frame to the deco is coupled.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the panel frame has a hole through which the coupling member is passed.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is protruded in a rear direction of the deco.

9. A washing machine comprising:

a panel frame;

a control panel disposed on a front surface of the panel frame; and

a deco covering a circumference of the control panel,

wherein the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are passed through an identical coupling member such that the panel frame, the control panel and the deco are mutually coupled.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the deco comprises a deco coupling plate having a hole through which the coupling member is passed.

11. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the deco has a deco coupling plate that is disposed between the panel frame and the control panel pressed by the panel frame and the control panel such that the deco is fixed.

12. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the control panel comprises a protrusion that has a hole through which the coupling member is passed.

13. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the panel frame has a hole through which the coupling member is passed.

14. The washing machine according to claim 9, further comprising a detergent container wherein the coupling member is passed through the detergent container.

15. A washing machine comprising:

a control panel;

a deco covering a circumference of the control panel; and

a detergent container including a drawer panel inserted between the control panel and the deco such that a recess between the control panel and the deco are closed.

16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the deco has a hole in which the drawer panel is inserted.

17. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein the hole is formed in a front direction of the deco.

18. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein the control panel has one end portion that is inserted in the hole.

19. The washing machine according to claim 18, wherein the drawer panel closely contacts the deco having the hole and the one end portion of the inserted control panel, respectively.

20. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein a portion in which the drawer panel is inserted has a chamfer shape.

21. A washing machine comprising:

a control panel;

a deco covering a circumference of the control panel;

a hook formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco; and

a catch hole, in which the hook is caught, formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are coupled.

22. The washing machine according to claim 21, wherein the hook comprises a plurality of hooks formed along a circumference of at least one of the control panel and the deco.

23. The washing machine according to claim 21, wherein the catch hole is formed in an upper frame formed by bending an end portion of the deco.

24. A washing machine comprising:

a control panel;

a deco covering a circumference of the control panel;

a guide protrusion formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco; and

a guide hole in which the guide protrusion is inserted, the guide hole being formed in at least one of the control panel and the deco such that the control panel and the deco are aligned.

25. The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein the control panel has a hole-forming portion in which the guide hole is defined and the hole-forming portion is protruded.

26. The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein the guide protrusion is formed in a hook shape.

27. The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein the guide protrusion and the guide hole are formed toward a lower direction of the control panel and the deco.

28. The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein the guide protrusion comprises a plurality of the guide protrusions formed along a circumference of at least one of the control panel and the deco.