Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a cabinet defining a contour of the washing machine, a front panel coupled to a front portion of the cabinet, a control panel coupled to an upper portion of the front panel, upper panels coupled on both sides of the control panel, and side panels coupled on both sides of the front panel. Each upper panel is provided at a lower end with a hook portion. Each side panel is provided at an upper end with a hook hole in which the hook portion is inserted.

1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a cabinet defining a contour of the washing machine;    a front panel coupled to a front portion of the cabinet;    a control panel coupled to an upper portion of the front panel;    upper panels coupled on both sides of the control panel, each upper panel being provided at a lower end with a hook portion; and    side panels coupled on both sides of the front panel, each side panel being provided at an upper end with a hook hole in which the hook portion is inserted.    
   
   
       2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein a sectional area of the hook portion is gradually reduced as it goes downward.  
   
   
       3 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein a sectional area of the hook hole is identical to or greater than that of the hook portion.  
   
   
       4 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion includes an insertion portion inserted in the hook hole and a protrusion extending from a lower end of the insertion portion.  
   
   
       5 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion includes an insertion portion inserted in the hook hole and a protrusion extending from a lower end of the insertion portion and bent in a direction.  
   
   
       6 . The washing machine according to  claim 5 , wherein a groove in which the bent portion of the protrusion is inserted is formed on a step defining the hook hole.  
   
   
       7 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion includes an insertion portion inserted in the hook hole and a key formed beside the insertion portion and the side panel is provided with a key groove in which the key is inserted.  
   
   
       8 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein a guide rib is formed along an edge of the lower end of the upper panel and a guide rib insertion groove is formed on the upper end of the side panel.  
   
   
       9 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a front panel;    a control panel coupled to a upper portion of the front panel;    upper panels coupled on both sides of the control panel, each upper panel being provided at a lower end with a hook portion; and    side panels coupled on both sides of the front panel, each side panel being provided at an upper end with a hook hole in which the hook portion is inserted,    wherein the hook portion includes an insertion portion extending from the lower end of the upper panel and a protrusion extending from a lower end of the insertion portion.    
   
   
       10 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein a sectional area of the insertion portion is gradually reduced at it goes downward.  
   
   
       11 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein-the protrusion extends frontward or rearward of the insertion portion in a horizontal direction.  
   
   
       12 . The washing machine according to  claim 11 , wherein the protrusion is hooked on a step defining the hook hole.  
   
   
       13 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein an end portion of the protrusion is bent upward and an insertion groove in which the bent portion of the protrusion is inserted is formed on a step defining the hook hole.  
   
   
       14 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a front panel;    a control panel coupled to a upper portion of the front panel;    upper panels coupled on both sides of the control panel, each upper panel being provided at a lower end with an insertion portion and a guide rib formed along an edge of the lower end; and    side panels coupled on both sides of the front panel, each side panel being provided at an upper end with a hook hole in which the hook portion is inserted and a guide rib insertion groove in which the guide rib is inserted.    
   
   
       15 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein a depth of the guide rib insertion groove is equal to or greater than a height of the guide rib.  
   
   
       16 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the guide rib and the guide rib insertion groove has a sectional area that is gradually reduced as it goes downward.  
   
   
       17 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the guide rib is formed in a single strip shape or has a plurality of sections arranged at predetermined intervals.  
   
   
       18 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a front panel;    a control panel coupled to a upper portion of the front panel;    upper panels coupled on both sides of the control panel, each upper panel being provided at a lower end with an insertion portion and a key spaced apart from the insertion portion; and    side panels coupled on both sides of the front panel, each side panel being provided at an upper end with a hook hole in which the hook portion is inserted and a key groove in which the key is inserted.    
   
   
       19 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 , wherein one of the insertion portion and the key has a sectional area that is gradually reduced as it goes downward.  
   
   
       20 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 , wherein a depth of the key groove is equal to or greater than a height of the key.  
   
   
       21 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 , wherein one of the hook hole and the key groove has a sectional area that is equal to or greater than that of corresponding one of the insertion portion and the key.