Dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes: an inner container; the door is used for opening / closing the inner container; and the automatic cleaning agent pushing device is arranged on the door and is used for pushing the solid cleaning agent into the inner container. The automatic cleaning agent pushing device comprises a storage chamber and a conveying component, the storage chamber is arranged to enable multiple solid cleaning agents to be stacked in one direction and contained in the storage chamber, and the conveying component is arranged on one side of the storage chamber in the direction where the multiple solid cleaning agents can be stacked and arranged to enable one of the multiple solid cleaning agents contained in the storage chamber to be moved out of the storage chamber. The conveying component comprises a hub part and a body part, the hub part is arranged to be capable of rotating around the rotating shaft in the first rotating direction, and the body part extends in the radial direction of the hub part from the portion of the periphery of the hub part so that the body part can rotate together with the hub part in the first rotating direction. The body portion is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to press one of the plurality of solid cleaning agents toward the outside of the storage chamber when the plurality of solid cleaning agents are loaded into the storage chamber, and at least one of the remaining solid cleaning agents in the storage chamber is guided by the body portion to move in a direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dishwashers, and more particularly, to dishwashers including a device configured to input detergent. Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically removes food residues and the like from dishes using detergent and washing water.

[0003] The dishwasher includes a main body, a washing chamber formed by an inner tank disposed inside the main body, a storage container disposed inside the washing chamber to store dishes, and a spray unit configured to spray wash water toward the storage container.

[0004] The storage containers may be generally provided in two or three stages, and the spray units may be provided in plural and provided to correspond to the storage containers, thereby spraying wash water to each position where each storage container is provided.

[0005] The dishwasher may include a washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. In the washing process, the spray unit may spray washing water, and at the same time, the detergent automatic dispenser may input detergent into the inner tank. Thus, the tableware may be washed. In the rinsing process, the washing water may be sprayed to remove the detergent. In the drying process, the moisture remaining in the tableware may be removed.

[0006] The automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher may include a storage chamber to store various types of detergents, such as powder detergent or liquid detergent, in the storage chamber. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues to be solved

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher including an improved structure in which a solid detergent is input into an inner tank during a washing process.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher including an improved structure in which a plurality of pieces of solid detergent are stacked and loaded into an automatic detergent dispenser.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher including an improved structure in which an amount of solid detergent loaded in a storage chamber of an automatic detergent dispenser is input into an inner tank during a washing process.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher including an improved structure in which movement of a solid detergent loaded in a storage chamber of an automatic detergent dispenser is guided.

[0012] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes: an inner tank; a door, the door being used to open and close the inner tank; and an automatic detergent dispenser, the automatic detergent dispenser being arranged on the door and being configured to input solid detergent toward the interior of the inner tank, the automatic detergent dispenser including a storage chamber and a conveying member, a plurality of solid detergents being able to be stacked in one direction to be loaded in the storage chamber, the conveying member being arranged at one side of the storage chamber along the one direction along which the plurality of solid detergents are able to be stacked, and the conveying member being configured to move the solid detergents among the plurality of solid detergents loaded into the storage chamber to the storage chamber. The conveying member includes a hub portion and a main body portion outside the chamber, the hub portion is configured to be able to rotate around a rotation axis in a first rotation direction, the main body portion extends from a portion of the outer periphery of the hub portion in a radial direction of the hub portion, and the main body portion is configured to rotate together with the hub portion in the first rotation direction, wherein the main body portion is configured to: push one of the multiple solid cleaners to the outside of the storage chamber, and guide at least one of the multiple solid cleaners to move along the one direction inside the storage chamber when rotating in the first rotation direction and multiple solid cleaners are loaded into the storage chamber.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body may include a pushing portion, which is configured to push the solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber during rotation of the main body along the first rotation direction, and the pushing portion may be formed at one end of the main body in the first rotation direction.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pushing portion may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the hub portion, and the second portion extending from one end of the first portion in the first rotation direction.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first portion may extend obliquely from the hub portion in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction with respect to the radial direction of the hub portion.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extension length of the first portion may be greater than an extension length of the second portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage chamber may include a storage chamber outlet, which is configured to allow the solid cleaning agent to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber through the storage chamber outlet, and the distance between one end of the pushing portion in the radial direction of the hub portion and the rotation axis of the conveying member may be greater than or equal to the distance between the storage chamber outlet and the rotation axis of the conveying member.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveying member may include a plurality of cam areas divided in the first rotation direction on the outer periphery of the conveying member, and the plurality of cam areas may include: a first cam area, which is located on the outer periphery of the hub portion; and a second cam area, which is located on one side of the first cam area on the outer periphery of the main body portion in the first rotation direction, and the second cam area may be configured to guide the at least one piece of remaining solid cleaning agent to move along the one direction inside the storage chamber toward the rotation axis of the conveying member during rotation of the main body portion along the first rotation direction.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cam area may include: a plurality of peak areas, which are arranged along the first rotation direction and protrude in the radial direction of the conveying member; and a concave area, which is positioned between adjacent peak areas among the plurality of peak areas and is recessed inwardly along the radial direction of the conveying member.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protruding length of each of the plurality of peak regions in the radial direction of the conveying member may gradually increase along the first rotation direction.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveying member can be configured to be able to rotate along a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the multiple peak areas can be configured to push one of the multiple solid cleaners when the conveying member rotates along the second rotation direction.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage chamber may include a support surface, which is configured to allow the solid cleaner among the multiple solid cleaners that is closest to the rotation axis of the conveying member to be supported in the direction along which the multiple solid cleaners are stacked, and the first cam area may be configured such that the distance between the outer periphery of the first cam area and the rotation axis of the conveying member is less than or equal to the distance between the support surface and the rotation axis of the conveying member.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body portion may have a shape in which a length extending from the hub portion gradually increases along the first rotation direction.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body portion may be configured to push the piece of solid cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the one direction along which the plurality of pieces of solid cleaner are stacked.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the inner tank is closed by the door, the direction along which the multiple solid cleaners are stacked can be parallel to the up and down direction of the door, and the conveying member is configured to: as the conveying member rotates along the first rotation direction, a piece of solid cleaner among the multiple solid cleaners that is at the lowest position before being pushed to the outside of the storage chamber is moved to the outside of the storage chamber.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotation axis of the conveying member may be located below the storage chamber.

[0029] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a dishwasher, comprising: a main body; an inner tank, the inner tank being arranged inside the main body; a door, the door being configured to open and close the inner tank; and an automatic detergent dispenser, the automatic detergent dispenser being arranged on the door and being configured to input solid detergent toward the inside of the inner tank, wherein the automatic detergent dispenser comprises a storage chamber and a conveying member, the storage chamber being configured to allow stacking and loading of multiple pieces of solid detergent in the up and down direction of the door when the door closes the inner tank, the conveying member being configured to be able to rotate around a rotation axis located on one side of the storage chamber, and allowing a piece of solid detergent adjacent to the rotation axis among the multiple pieces of solid detergent to be discharged from the storage chamber, wherein the conveying member comprises a pushing portion protruding in a radial direction of the conveying member, the pushing portion being configured to: according to the rotation of the conveying member, push the piece of solid detergent in a direction different from the direction along which the multiple pieces of solid detergent can be stacked.

[0030] The conveying member may include a hub portion through which the rotating shaft passes, and a body portion formed to extend from a portion of an outer circumference of the hub portion in a radial direction of the hub portion, wherein the pressing portion may be formed on the body portion.

[0031] The body portion may be configured to guide the plurality of pieces of solid detergent disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the body portion to gradually descend inside the storage chamber according to rotation about the rotation axis of the conveying member.

[0032] The conveying member may include: a plurality of convex peak areas, which are arranged at intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the main body along the rotation direction of the conveying member and have a shape that protrudes in the radial direction of the main body; and a concave area, which is positioned between the plurality of convex peak areas and is concavely formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body, wherein the protruding length of each of the plurality of convex peak areas in the radial direction of the main body can be formed to gradually increase along the rotation direction of the conveying member.

[0033] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a dishwasher, comprising: a main body; an inner tank, the inner tank being arranged inside the main body; a door, the door being configured to open and close the inner tank; and an automatic detergent dispenser, the automatic detergent dispenser being arranged on the door and being configured to input solid detergent toward the inside of the inner tank when the door closes the inner tank, wherein the automatic detergent dispenser comprises: a storage chamber, the storage chamber being configured to allow stacking and loading of multiple pieces of solid detergent in a first direction; and a conveying member, the conveying member being rotatably arranged relative to the storage chamber, and the conveying member being configured to move one of the multiple pieces of solid detergent inside the storage chamber in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the conveying member comprises: a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions having a shape protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the conveying member and being formed to support the solid detergent inside the storage chamber; and a concave portion, the concave portion being located between the plurality of protrusions on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying member and being formed to have a concavely recessed shape.

[0034] Beneficial Effects

[0035] According to the technical concept of the present disclosure, an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher may include a storage chamber so that a plurality of pieces of solid detergent may be stacked and loaded into the storage chamber of the automatic detergent dispenser.

[0036] According to the technical concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher may include a pusher, which is configured to move one solid detergent from multiple solid detergents loaded into a storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber so that a certain amount of solid detergent can be input into the inner tank during the washing process.

[0037] According to the technical concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher may include a cam member that is rotatably arranged so that the cam member can push the solid detergent loaded into the storage chamber to move the solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber.

[0038] According to the technical concept of the present disclosure, a detergent automatic dispenser of a dishwasher may include a cam member rotatably provided to guide movement of a solid detergent loaded into a storage chamber.

[0039] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a door of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is opened;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which detergent is loaded into an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from another angle;

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are removed;

[0046] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of some components of an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 is a view of a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are removed;

[0048] Fig. 9 The icon is loaded into Figure 8 A view of a state in which the solid detergent in the first storage chamber is discharged from the first storage chamber;

[0049] Fig.10 It is a graphic Fig. 9 A view showing a state in which a solid cleaning agent is placed on a placement member;

[0050] Fig.11 It is a graphic Fig.10 A view of a state in which a solid detergent is discharged from an automatic detergent dispenser;

[0051] Fig.12 The icon is loaded into Figure 8 a view of a state in which the solid detergent in the second storage chamber is discharged from the second storage chamber;

[0052] Fig.13 is a view illustrating a cam member of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 an enlarged view of a portion of;

[0054] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 A view of a state in which a solid cleaning agent moves inside a storage chamber;

[0055] Fig.16 The cam member is shown in the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. Figures 10 to 14 A view of a state in which the direction is opposite to that shown in FIG.

[0056] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 A view of a state in which the storage chamber is closed by the middle door after the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber;

[0057] Fig.18 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are removed;

[0058] Fig.19 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are removed;

[0059] Fig. 20 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are removed; and

[0060] Fig.21 The diagram has been changed from Fig. 20 The state shown in FIG. 1 is a view of a state in which the adjusting member of the second storage chamber is moved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to a specific form, and the present disclosure should be construed as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0062] In describing the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like constituent elements.

[0063] A singular expression may include a plural expression unless they are clearly distinguished in the context.

[0064] The expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B" or "one or more of A or / and B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B or / and C" or "one or more of A, B or / and C" etc. used in this document may include any or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0065] The term "and / or" includes plural combinations of related items or any one of the plural related items.

[0066] Herein, expressions “first”, “second”, “the first”, “the second”, etc. may be used simply to distinguish one element from other elements, but do not limit other aspects (importance or order) of the elements.

[0067] When one element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element directly (eg, wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the terms "including", "having", etc. are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, factors, or a combination thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, factors, or a combination thereof.

[0069] When an element is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported” or “contacted” to another element, this includes not only the case when the element is directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also the case when the element is indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

[0070] Throughout the description, when one element is 'on' another element, this includes not only a case when the element is in contact with the other element but also a case when another element exists between the two elements.

[0071] The terms "up and down direction", "height direction", "vertical direction" and the like used in the following description may refer to the vertical direction based on the vertical direction. Figure 1 The Z direction of the perspective view of the dishwasher in FIG. 1 , and the “horizontal direction” may refer to the Z direction based on Figure 1 perspective view, along any direction of the XY plane in the X direction or the Y direction.

[0072] The terms "first direction", "second direction", "third direction", etc. used in the following description are arbitrarily defined according to some standards to be described later, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the "first direction", "second direction", and "third direction" may refer to directions that completely include all "the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction", "the second direction and the direction opposite to the second direction", and "the third direction and the direction opposite to the third direction".

[0073] In the following text, "tableware" may be used as a concept covering bowls, cups, knives and forks, and various cooking utensils.

[0074] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a door of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is opened, Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which detergent is loaded into an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0076] The dishwasher 1 may include a washing drum or inner tank 12 arranged inside the body 10. The inner tank 12 may be formed in a generally box-like shape. One side of the inner tank 12 may be open. The inner tank 12 may include an opening 12a. For example, the front surface of the inner tank 12 may be open toward the first direction X.

[0077] The dishwasher 1 may further include a door 20 configured to open and close the opening 12a of the inner tank 12. The door 20 may be installed in the main body 10 to open and close the opening 12a of the inner tank 12. The door 20 may be rotatably installed in the main body 10 by a member such as a hinge 25. The door 20 may be detachably installed to the main body 10.

[0078] For example, the door 20 may be rotatably hinged to the lower portion of the body 10. The rotation axis of the hinge 25 may extend in a second direction Y that is a left-right direction of the body 10 to allow the door 20 to rotate in the front-rear direction in front of the body 10.

[0079] For example, at the front side of the body 10, the door 20 may be hinged to a hinge arranged on the left or right side of the body 10 relative to the second direction Y. The door 20 may be configured to be rotated from the second direction Y to the first direction X by the hinge arranged on the left and / or right side of the body 10.

[0080] The door 20 may include an outer surface 22 that forms the exterior of the dishwasher 1 together with the body 10 , and an inner surface 21 that faces the interior of the inner container 12 when the door 20 closes the inner container 12 .

[0081] The dishwasher 1 may further include a storage container, which is arranged in the inner tank 12 for accommodating tableware. The storage container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52 and 53.

[0082] The storage container may include a middle basket 52 positioned in the middle relative to the height direction of the dishwasher 1 and a lower basket 51 positioned in the lower part relative to the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The middle basket 52 may be configured to be supported by the middle guide bracket 13b. The lower basket 51 may be configured to be supported by the lower guide bracket 13a. The middle guide bracket 13b and the lower guide bracket 13a may be mounted on the side surface 12d of the inner tank 12 so as to be able to slide toward the opening 12a of the inner tank 12. The side surface 12d of the inner tank 12 may include the inner surface of the right wall and the inner surface of the left wall of the inner tank 12.

[0083] Relatively large tableware can be stored in the lower basket 51 and the middle basket 52. However, the types of tableware accommodated in the lower basket 51 and the middle basket 52 are not limited to relatively large tableware. That is, the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53 can accommodate not only relatively large tableware but also relatively small tableware.

[0084] The storage container may include an upper basket 53 positioned in the upper part relative to the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The upper basket 53 may be formed as a bracket assembly for accommodating relatively small tableware. For example, the upper basket 53 may accommodate cooking utensils such as a ladle, a knife, or a spatula, or a cutlery. In addition, the upper basket 53 may accommodate small cups such as espresso cups. However, the type of tableware accommodated in the upper basket 53 is not limited thereto.

[0085] The upper basket 53 may be configured to be supported by an upper guide bracket. The upper guide bracket may be mounted on the side surface 12d of the liner 12. For example, the upper basket 53 may be moved in a sliding manner by the upper guide bracket and may be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C.

[0086] Storage containers are not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The storage container may not include the upper basket 53, depending on the size of the liner 12. For example, the storage container may be implemented with the middle basket 52 and the lower basket 53.

[0087] The dishwasher 1 may include a washing chamber C, which is a space formed inside the inner tank 12. The washing chamber C may be defined as the inner space of the inner tank 12. When the door 20 closes the inner tank 12, the washing chamber C may correspond to a space surrounded by the lower surface 12b, the upper surface 12c, and the side surface 12d of the inner tank 12 and the inner surface 21 of the door 20.

[0088] The washing chamber C may refer to a space in which dishes placed in the baskets 51 , 52 , 53 are washed by wash water and dried.

[0089] The dishwasher 1 may include a spray device 40 configured to spray wash water. The spray device 40 may receive wash water from the sump assembly 70.

[0090] The spray device 40 may include a plurality of spray units 41 , 42 , and 43 .

[0091] For example, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may include: a first spray unit 41 disposed below the lower basket 51 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1; a second spray unit 42 disposed below the middle basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1; and a third spray unit 43 disposed above the upper basket 53 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1.

[0092] Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may be configured to spray wash water while rotating. Each of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may be configured to spray wash water while rotating. The plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may be referred to as a plurality of spray rotors. The first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may be referred to as a first spray rotor 41, a second spray rotor 42, and a third spray rotor 43, respectively.

[0093] However, the spray device 40 can spray washing water in a manner different from the above examples. For example, unlike the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43, the first spray unit 41 can be fixed to one side of the lower surface 12b of the liner 12. The first spray unit 41 can be configured to spray washing water in a substantially horizontal direction through a fixed nozzle. The direction of the washing water sprayed in a substantially horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 can be changed by a conversion assembly (not shown) arranged on the first spray unit 41, and then the washing water can move upward. The conversion assembly can be mounted on a track by a retainer and can be configured to be movable translationally along the track.

[0094] The dishwasher 1 may include a sump assembly 70 .

[0095] The sink assembly 70 may be configured to receive wash water. The sink assembly 70 may collect wash water of the washing chamber C. For example, the lower surface 12b of the inner tank 12 may be tilted downward toward the sink assembly 70 so as to smoothly collect water into the sink assembly 70. The wash water of the washing chamber C may flow along the slope of the lower surface 12b of the inner tank 12 and smoothly flow into the sink assembly 70.

[0096] The water tank assembly 70 may include a circulation pump 30 configured to pump wash water stored in the water tank assembly 70 to the spray device 40 .

[0097] The sink assembly 70 may include a drain pump 60 configured to drain wash water and foreign materials (eg, food residues) remaining in the sink assembly 70 .

[0098] The sump assembly 70 may pump the collected wash water and supply the wash water to the spray device 40. The sump assembly 70 may be connected to the spray device 40 to supply the wash water thereto.

[0099] The water tank assembly 70 may be independently connected to the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43. For example, the water tank assembly 70 may be independently connected to a connector connected to the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43. The connector may be configured in the shape of a connection port, a pipe, or the like.

[0100] For example, the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43 may be provided with one connector, and in this case, the washing water supplied through the one connector may flow into the connector. The washing water flowing into the connector may be diverted during movement, and the diverted washing water may be provided to at least one of the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43.

[0101] The dishwasher 1 may include an alternating device (not shown) configured to selectively supply wash water to the spray device 40. The alternating device (not shown) may be driven to selectively supply wash water to each connector connected to each spray device 41, 42, and 43. For example, the alternating device (not shown) may selectively supply wash water to at least one of a connector connected to the first spray device 41 and a connector connected to the second spray device 42.

[0102] The dishwasher 1 may include a machine room L which is a space provided below the inner tank 12. The machine room L may be a place where components for circulating wash water are arranged.

[0103] For example, at least a portion of the sink assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine chamber L. Most of the sink assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine chamber L. As for the volume of the sink assembly 70, the volume of the sink assembly 70 located in the washing chamber C may be smaller than the volume of the sink assembly 70 located in the machine chamber L. By reducing the volume of the sink assembly 70 occupying the washing chamber C, the volume of the washing chamber C may be ensured. Therefore, the capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased, and thus the storage capacity for tableware may be improved. The dishwasher 1 may include an automatic detergent dispenser 1000 configured to input a solid detergent into the liner 12.

[0104] The dishwasher 1 may include a detergent box 90 provided to be used for inputting not only solid detergent but also powder detergent or liquid detergent into the inner container 12 .

[0105] When the user inputs information related to the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 through the input device of the dishwasher 1 or through the mobile device, the control device 1900 to be described later can control the dishwasher 1 based on the user input obtained from the main control device to selectively input the detergent stored in the detergent box 90 into the inner tank 12. The information related to the washing mode may include: information related to a small amount washing mode in which a small number of dishes are washed, or information related to a quick washing mode in which the washing time is minimized.

[0106] A solid detergent refers to a solid detergent formed into a predetermined shape. The solid detergent may have an approximately block shape, and thus various terms such as detergent block and block-type detergent may be used to refer to the solid detergent. The shape of the solid detergent is not limited to a specific shape or size, and may have various shapes.

[0107] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to allow loading of multiple solid detergents. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to allow input of one solid detergent from multiple solid detergents into the inner container 12 when the dishwasher 1 washes dishes.

[0108] For example, the dishwasher 1 may be configured to wash dishes through a pre-washing operation, a main washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a drying operation. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to input a solid detergent into the inner tank 12 before or at the beginning of a main washing process.

[0109] The detergent box 90 may be configured to contain powder detergent or liquid detergent. The detergent box 90 may be configured to allow detergent to be input into the inner tank 12 when the dishwasher 1 washes dishes.

[0110] The dishwasher 1 may be configured to allow one detergent selected by a user from among detergents stored in the detergent box 90 and solid detergents loaded into the detergent automatic dispenser 1000 to be input into the inner tank 12 .

[0111] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed to be coupled to the inner surface 21 of the door 20.

[0112] The detergent box 90 may be disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20. When the door 20 closes the inner container 12, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and the detergent box 90 may be arranged along the third direction Z which is the vertical direction.

[0113] Since the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed on the door 20 , the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to rotate together with the door 20 as the door 20 rotates.

[0114] When the position where the door 20 closes the inner container 12 is defined as the first position 20A of the door 20, and the position where the door 20 opens the inner container 12 is defined as the second position 20B of the door 20, the door 20 can be configured to open and close the inner container 12 by moving between the first position 20A and the second position 20B.

[0115] The second position 20B of the door 20 may be defined as any position in which the door 20 opens the inner pot 12, and preferably the second position 20B is a position in which the tableware stored in the inner pot 12 is allowed to be taken out to the outside of the inner pot 12. For example, the second position 20B of the door 20 may be a position in which the extension direction of the inner surface 21 of the door 20 corresponds to the first direction X.

[0116] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be interlocked with the door 20 to move between a first position 1000A corresponding to the first position 20A of the door 20 and a second position 1000B corresponding to the second position 20B of the door 20 .

[0117] When the door 20 closes the inner container 12 , the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be arranged at the first position 1000A, and when the door 20 opens the inner container 12 , the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be arranged at the second position 1000B.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the second position 1000B, the user can load a plurality of pieces of solid detergent into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 .

[0119] The user may open the storage chamber cover 1140 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and load a plurality of pieces of solid detergent into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0120] In the conventional manner, whenever the dishwasher washes dishes, the user must input detergent into the automatic detergent dispenser or detergent box, which causes inconvenience to the user. On the other hand, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to the embodiment can be configured to allow the user to load multiple solid detergents into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 at one time, and when the dishwasher 1 performs a washing process, one solid detergent of the multiple solid detergents can be input into the inner tank 12 at one washing process.

[0121] Since the solid detergent may remain inside the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 during the washing process of the dishwasher 1, moisture may flow into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 during the washing process, and thus pieces of the solid detergent may be broken.

[0122] As the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 moves between the first position 1000A and the second position 1000B, the plurality of pieces of solid detergent loaded in the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be separated from the storage position.

[0123] Hereinafter, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 capable of solving the above-mentioned difficulties will be described in detail.

[0124] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the automatic detergent dispenser for the dishwasher according to the embodiment when viewed from another angle, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment are removed, Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of some components of an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment, and Figure 8 is a view of a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment are removed.

[0125] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a housing 1100 .

[0126] The housing 1100 may include a first housing 1110 forming a storage chamber 1200 which will be described later and a second housing 1120 coupled to the first housing 1110 .

[0127] The first housing 1110 may be disposed to be coupled to the inner surface 21 of the door 20 .

[0128] The second housing 1120 may be coupled to the first housing 1110 along the first direction X when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed at the first position 1000A.

[0129] The second shell 1120 may form a storage chamber 1200 together with the first shell 1110. The second shell 1120 may include a first storage chamber opening 1121 configured to allow the storage chamber 1200 to be opened to the outside. The second shell 1120 may include an inlet 1122 that communicates with a placement member 1400 to be described later, and the inlet 1122 is configured to allow solid detergent to be discharged from the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and introduced into the inner tank 12.

[0130] The housing 1100 may include an intermediate housing 1130 disposed between the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120 , and the intermediate housing 1130 is configured to support a pusher 1300 or the like disposed inside the housing 1100 .

[0131] For example, a component such as the ejector 1300 may be disposed on the first housing 1110 and supported by the intermediate housing 1130. Alternatively, a component such as the ejector 1300 may be disposed on the second housing 1120 and supported by the intermediate housing 1130.

[0132] For example, the intermediate housing 1130 may be integrally formed with the first housing 1110. Alternatively, the intermediate housing 1130 may be integrally formed with the second housing 1120.

[0133] The housing 1100 may include a storage chamber cover 1140 disposed on the second housing 1120 and configured to open and close the storage chamber opening 1121 .

[0134] The housing 1100 may include an inlet cover 1150 disposed on the second housing 1120 , and the inlet cover 1150 is configured to open and close the inlet 1122 .

[0135] The first shell 1110 may include a control device placement component 1111, which is arranged in a direction opposite to the direction along which the first shell 1110 is connected to the second shell 1120, and is configured to place a control device 1900 for controlling the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 on the control device placement component 1111.

[0136] For example, the control device seating member 1111 may be arranged outside the interior of the housing 1100 formed by coupling the second housing 1120 to the first housing 1110. For example, the control device seating member 1111 may be arranged inside the housing 1100 formed by coupling the second housing 1120 to the first housing 1110.

[0137] The first housing 1110 may include a control device cover 1112 that covers the control device seating member 1111 from the outside. The control device cover 1112 is not arranged in the internal space of the housing 1100 formed by combining the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120, but is arranged outside the internal space of the housing 1100. Therefore, when the control device 1900 needs to be replaced, the control device 1900 can be easily replaced without disassembling the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120.

[0138] The control device 1900 may control driving of the ejector 1300 and the seating member door 1410 which will be described later, and the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 based on sensing values ​​of various sensors.

[0139] The control device 1900 may be configured to communicate with a main control device of the dishwasher 1. For example, the control device 1900 and the main control device may constitute a controller of the dishwasher 1.

[0140] The main control device may acquire a user input through an input device of the dishwasher 1 or through a mobile device, and may control the driving of the dishwasher 1 based on the acquired user input.

[0141] The main control device may transmit information about the received user input to the control device 1900. The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 based on the information about the input received from the main control device.

[0142] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a wire W that electrically connects the control device 1900 to electronic components configured to drive the automatic detergent dispenser 1000. The wire W may electrically connect the electronic components (drive motor 1320, placement member door driver 1470, and various sensors) configured to drive the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to the control device 1900 to allow one of the multiple solid detergents loaded into the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' to be input into the inner tank 12.

[0143] For example, the wire W may electrically connect the main control device and the power supply of the dishwasher 1 to the control device 1900. For example, the wire W may be provided to electrically connect only a portion of components such as various electronic components and the control device 1900 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 or the main control device of the dishwasher 1.

[0144] For example, various electronic components, sensors, and at least some of the control device 1900 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 or the main control device of the dishwasher 1 may be configured to send and receive signals to each other through wireless communication without being electrically connected through the wire W.

[0145] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 based on the values ​​sensed by the various sensors of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000. This will be described in detail later.

[0146] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a storage chamber 1200 into which a plurality of pieces of solid detergent are loaded.

[0147] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, the storage chamber 1200 may be configured to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked in a third direction Z corresponding to the vertical direction. For example, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided with a plurality of storage chambers 1200 and 1200'. However, for ease of description, a single storage chamber 1200 will be described.

[0148] The storage chamber 1200 may correspond to a space formed by the first shell 1110 and the second shell 1120. In order to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked and loaded in the third direction Z, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided with a space including a long side 1201 extending along the third direction Z when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A.

[0149] For example, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided as a space formed by the first housing 1110. Alternatively, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided as a space formed by the second housing 1120.

[0150] When the storage chamber cover 1140 opens the storage chamber opening 1121, the storage chamber 1200 can be connected to the outside through the storage chamber opening 1121. Figure 3 As shown, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is located at the second position 1000B, the user may open the storage chamber cover 1140 and input a plurality of solid detergents into the storage chamber 1200 , thereby loading the plurality of solid detergents into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0151] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, and thus when the door 20 is opened, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed outside the washing chamber C, and thus a user may easily input detergent.

[0152] The storage chamber 1200 may have a predetermined volume or a larger volume to store multiple solid detergents. As described above, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, and therefore when the volume of the storage chamber 1200 increases along the first direction X, the volume of the washing chamber C decreases. In order to prevent the volume of the storage chamber 1200 from increasing along the first direction X, the storage chamber 1200 may be configured to allow multiple solid detergents to be stacked in a third direction Z corresponding to the vertical direction when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A.

[0153] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, a plurality of solid detergents may be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 so that the plurality of solid detergents are stacked and arranged only in the third direction Z without arranging the plurality of solid detergents in the first direction X.

[0154] The storage chamber 1200 may be formed to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked only in the third direction Z. Therefore, the space of the washing chamber C in the first direction X as described above can be maximized, and the space of the storage chamber 1200 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y can be ensured.

[0155] The storage chamber 1200 may be formed to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked only in the third direction Z, and thus a driving configuration (e.g., a transmission member 1330 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000) or an electronic configuration (e.g., a control device 1900) of the pusher 1300 may be arranged in the storage chamber 1200 along the second direction Y. Therefore, the volume of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y may be minimized.

[0156] Therefore, on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, additional components other than the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be arranged outside the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y, and thus the ratio of the volume of the internal space of the inner tank 12 to the volume of the main body 10 of the dishwasher 1 can be increased.

[0157] But not limited thereto, and when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, a plurality of solid detergents may be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 to be stacked and arranged only in the second direction Y which is the left-right direction.

[0158] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a pusher 1300 configured to move one of the plurality of solid detergents loaded into the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 so as to be discharged from the storage chamber 1200. For example, the pusher 1300 may be provided with a plurality of pushers 1300 and 1300' corresponding to the number of the plurality of storage chambers 1200 and 1200'. However, for ease of description, the description will be based on a single pusher 1300.

[0159] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the pusher 1300 may be configured to allow a single solid detergent arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among multiple solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0160] The pusher 1300 may be arranged at one side 1201a of the long side 1201 relative to the extending direction of the long side 1201. When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, the one side 1201a of the long side 1201 may be provided at the lower side in the third direction Z, and the other side 1201b of the long side 1201 may be arranged at the upper side.

[0161] The pusher 1300 may be arranged at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200 relative to the third direction Z to allow a single solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among multiple solid cleaners stacked in the third direction Z to be discharged from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0162] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the pusher 1300 may discharge the solid detergents, among the plurality of solid detergents, which are closest to the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0163] For example, the pusher 1300 may be configured to push a solid cleaner among the plurality of pieces of solid cleaners disposed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200. The solid cleaner disposed on the lower surface 1220 means that the solid cleaner is supported by the lower surface 1220 or the solid cleaner is placed in contact with the lower surface 1220. Therefore, the solid cleaner disposed on the lower surface 1220 means that the solid cleaner is placed at a position where the solid cleaner is pushed by the pusher 1300 and then discharged from the storage chamber 1200.

[0164] The storage chamber 1200 may include a storage chamber outlet 1210 configured to discharge a block of solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 through the ejector 1300 .

[0165] The storage chamber outlet 1210 may be disposed in a lower portion of the storage chamber 1200 to allow one solid cleaner disposed at a lowest position in the third direction Z among a plurality of solid cleaners stacked in the third direction Z to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0166] The storage chamber outlet 1210 and the pusher 1300 may be arranged at the lower portion / side of the storage chamber 1200 so as to discharge a piece of solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position among multiple pieces of solid cleaners stacked in the third direction Z to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0167] The storage chamber 1200 is configured to allow multiple solid cleaners to be stacked in the third direction Z, and therefore, when the lowest solid cleaner among the multiple solid cleaners is discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200, the multiple solid cleaners can move downward in the stacking direction by means of gravity.

[0168] Since the plurality of pieces of solid detergent all move downward, the solid detergent arranged directly above the solid detergent discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 can move to be adjacent to the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, and then be arranged in the space where the discharged solid detergent is located. The solid detergent can be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pusher 1300 during the next washing process of the dishwasher 1.

[0169] That is, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the storage chamber 1200 may be configured to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked in the third direction Z, and the pusher 1300 may be arranged at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200. Therefore, the plurality of solid detergents may be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 in the stacking order starting from the lowest solid detergent in the third direction Z.

[0170] However, the pusher 1300 is not limited thereto, and the pusher 1300 may be configured to discharge a piece of solid detergent arranged at a highest position in the third direction Z from among a plurality of pieces of solid detergent stacked in the third direction Z from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0171] like Figure 7 As shown, when the solid cleaner D has a shape in which the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 are greater than the height h, the solid cleaner D may be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 so as to be stacked in the height direction H in the storage chamber 1200 .

[0172] For the solid cleanser D described below, it is assumed that the horizontal length d1 is greater than the vertical length d2 and the height h.

[0173] For example, the solid cleaner D may be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 in such a manner that a direction formed by a minimum length among a horizontal length d1 , a vertical length d2 , and a height h of the solid cleaner D corresponds to a stacking direction of a plurality of pieces of the solid cleaner.

[0174] This can maximize the amount of the solid detergent D loaded into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0175] For example, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the solid detergent D can be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 in the following manner: the surface of the solid detergent D formed in the direction of the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 corresponds to the cross-sectional area S formed in the first direction X and the second direction Y of the storage chamber 1200.

[0176] For example, a plurality of pieces of the solid detergent D may be stacked in a direction of a height h of the solid detergent D inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0177] The solid detergent may have various sizes according to its composition, function or manufacturing company, but the volume of the solid detergent may be determined in proportion to the volume of the washing chamber of the dishwasher. Since the volume of the washing chamber is set within a predetermined range, the volume of the solid detergent may also be set within a predetermined range, and therefore, regardless of the type of the solid detergent, the horizontal length, vertical length and height of the solid detergent may be similarly designed.

[0178] The solid detergent D described below can be defined as a suitable solid detergent D that can be loaded into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to the embodiment, and the horizontal length d1, vertical length d2 and height h of the solid detergent D can be defined as the approximate values ​​of the horizontal length, vertical length and height of each block of solid detergent that can be loaded into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1. In addition, the horizontal length d1, vertical length d2 and height h of the solid detergent D can be defined as variable values ​​within a predetermined range. For example, the vertical length can define the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 based on the dimensions set along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the horizontal length can also be defined as d2, and the vertical length can also define the vertical length as d1.

[0179] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the area S of the storage chamber 1200 in the first direction X and the second direction Y (hereinafter referred to as the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 1200) can be set to a size that is easy to load and stack the solid detergent D in the third direction Z.

[0180] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position A, the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a pair of sides having a horizontal length L1 extending along the second direction Y and a pair of sides having a vertical length L2 extending along the first direction X. For example, the vertical length may define the horizontal length L1 and the vertical length L2 based on the dimensions set along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the horizontal length may also be defined as L2, and the vertical length may also be defined as L1.

[0181] The horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 may be the length in the second direction Y between the right surface 1230 and the left surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200, and the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 may be the length in the first direction X between the inner surface 1260 of the storage chamber 1200 and the storage chamber opening 1121.

[0182] When the solid cleaner D is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, the solid cleaner D can be arranged to allow one side of the solid cleaner D with a horizontal length d1 to correspond to one side of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 with a horizontal length L1, and to allow the other side of the solid cleaner D with a vertical length d2 to correspond to one side of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 with a vertical length L2.

[0183] As described above, since the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D is formed to be smaller than the horizontal length d1, the horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S can be formed to be larger than the vertical length L2. In addition, since the horizontal length d1 of the solid detergent is formed to be larger than the height h of the solid detergent D, the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S can be formed to be larger than the height h of the solid detergent D.

[0184] The horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S may be greater than the horizontal length d1 of the solid detergent D by about 10% to 30% of the horizontal length d1 of the solid detergent D.

[0185] The vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S may be greater than the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D by about 10% to 30% of the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D.

[0186] In order to allow multiple pieces of solid cleaners to be stably descended into the storage chamber 1200 while maintaining a stacked arrangement when the solid cleaners arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z are moved out of the storage chamber 1200 by the pusher 1300, the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 can be formed to have the above-mentioned value.

[0187] When the horizontal length L1 and the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S are formed to be less than 10% of the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D, the pieces of solid detergent may be stuck inside the storage chamber 1200 when moving downward inside the storage chamber 1200. Therefore, it is difficult for the pieces of solid detergent to stably move downward.

[0188] For example, when a solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among a plurality of stacked solid cleaners moves downward, the solid cleaner may be stuck inside the storage chamber 1200 and may not be placed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200. Therefore, even when the pusher 1300 is driven, the pushing member 1312a to be described later may not easily push the solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z, and thus the solid cleaner may not be discharged from the storage chamber 1200.

[0189] When the horizontal length L1 and the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S are formed to be greater than 30% of the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D, the detergent may rotate while moving downward in the storage chamber 1200, and thus the stacking arrangement of the detergent may be destroyed.

[0190] For example, since the cross-sectional area S is formed larger than the solid detergent, the solid detergent may rotate or move in an inclined direction relative to the third direction Z while moving downward, and thus the solid detergent may move in the first direction X and the second direction Y, but not in the third direction. Therefore, the stacking arrangement of a plurality of solid detergents may not be maintained.

[0191] Therefore, the horizontal length L1 and the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S may be formed to be greater than the horizontal length d1 and the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D by about 10% to 30%.

[0192] For example, the horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S may be 40 mm to 50 mm.

[0193] For example, the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S may be 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0194] For example, the horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S may be set so that the difference between the horizontal length L1 of the cross-sectional area S and the horizontal length d1 of the solid detergent D is 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0195] For example, the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S may be set so that the difference between the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S and the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D is 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0196] Since the vertical length L2 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 is formed to be greater than the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may have a predetermined thickness in a direction in which the vertical length L2 extends.

[0197] Therefore, when the door 20 is arranged in the first position 20A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may protrude from the door 20 toward the inside of the inner container 12 along the first direction X, and thus the inner space of the inner container 12 may be reduced.

[0198] In particular, for the lower basket 51 disposed at a height substantially corresponding to the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the third direction Z, when the door 20 is disposed in the first position 20A, the lower basket 51 may collide with the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the first direction X. In order to prevent this, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the lower basket 51 in the first direction X when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed at the first position 1000A. For example, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed at the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the middle basket 52 in the first direction X.

[0199] In addition, the door 20 is arranged at the second position 20B, and thus the lower basket 51 can be drawn out toward the front of the inner tank 12 along the first direction X. When the lower basket 51 is drawn out forward, since the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 has a predetermined thickness in the extending direction of the vertical length L2, the drawing out of the lower basket 51 may be limited by the thickness of the automatic detergent dispenser 100.

[0200] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be disposed to be coupled to the inner surface 21 of the door 20. When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is coupled to the inner surface 21, at least a portion of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be inserted into the interior of the door 20 along the first direction X.

[0201] Therefore, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, a predetermined separation distance between the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and the lower basket 51 in the first direction X can be easily generated.

[0202] Therefore, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the second position 1000B, the protrusion of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be minimized in the third direction Z, and thus the lower basket 51 can be easily withdrawn in the first direction X without being restricted by the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 .

[0203] For example, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be coupled to the inner surface 21 of the door 20 in the following manner: when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the second position 1000B, the upper end of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the third direction Z is positioned at a lower position than the lower end of the lower basket 51 in the third direction Z. Therefore, when the lower basket 51 slides out of the inner tank 12 and is pulled out when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the second position 1000B, the lower basket 51 can be pulled out of the inner tank 12 without colliding with the automatic detergent dispenser 1000.

[0204] The pusher 1300 may include a pushing member 1310 configured to push a piece of solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among a plurality of pieces of solid cleaners stacked in the third direction Z and move the solid cleaner to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0205] The pressing member 1310 may include a cam member configured to rotate to press the solid detergent. Hereinafter, the pressing member 1310 will be referred to as the cam member 1310 .

[0206] The cam member 1310 may include a pressing portion 1312 a provided to protrude from a circumference of the cam member 1310 and configured to press the solid detergent while being rotated by the rotation of the cam member 1310 .

[0207] The pushing portion 1312a may rotate and move into the storage chamber 1200 according to the rotation of the cam member 1310, and is configured to push a piece of solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among a plurality of pieces of solid cleaners stacked in the third direction Z to move the solid cleaner to the storage chamber outlet 1210. The cam member 1310 may move the solid cleaner by pushing the solid cleaner toward the rotation direction of the cam member 1310.

[0208] For ease of description, we will Figure 8 The state shown is used to describe the rotation direction of the cam member 1310 and the left and right sides. Figure 8 The right side of can be Figure 1 The left side of the corresponding direction, and Figure 8 The left side of the Figure 1The right side of corresponds to the direction. Therefore, Figure 1 The left and right sides in the second direction Y can be relative to Figure 8 The left and right sides are opposite. However, for ease of description, Figure 8 The left and right sides shown in FIG.

[0209] In addition, the cam member 1310 described below will be used as Figure 8 An example in which the cam member 1310 of the ejector 1300 is shown arranged on the left side in the second direction Y is described.

[0210] The pusher 1300 may be disposed at a lower side of the storage chamber 1200, and thus when the rotation direction of the cam member 1310 is clockwise, the cam member 1310 may move the solid detergent disposed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 to the right when the cam member 1310 rotates clockwise.

[0211] In order to discharge the solid detergent moved to the right side to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 , the storage chamber outlet 1210 may be disposed at a lower portion of a right surface 1230 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0212] The storage chamber 1200 may include a through portion 1221 formed on a lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 and configured to allow the pressing portion 1312 a to move from the outside of the storage chamber 1200 to the inside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0213] The through portion 1221 may be provided to extend not only to the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 but also to lower sides of the right and left surfaces 1230 and 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0214] The pushing portion 1312a can be rotated by the rotation of the cam member 1310, and move into the storage chamber 1200 through the lower side of the left surface 1240 and the through-portion 1221 of the lower surface 1220, and then move to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 through the lower side of the right surface 1230 and the through-portion 1221 of the lower surface 1220 according to the rotation of the cam member 1310.

[0215] The pressing portion 1312a may be configured to rotate while pressing the solid cleaner seated on the lower surface 1220, thereby allowing the solid cleaner to be moved to the right.

[0216] The through portion 1221 may be configured such that at least a portion of the lower surface 1220 is open. Figure 7Because at least a portion of the lower surface 1220 is open, the cam member 1310 disposed at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200 can rotate, and the pushing portion 1312 a can be moved into the storage chamber 1200 through the through portion 1221 .

[0217] The through portion 1221 may be provided such that not all but at least a portion of the lower surface 1220 is open.

[0218] For example, the area of ​​the portion in which the through portion 1221 is formed in the lower surface 1220 may be smaller than the area of ​​a portion of the lower surface 1220 that is closed in the third direction Z. Hereinafter, the lower surface 1222 that is closed in the third direction Z is referred to as a support surface 1222. This is because the support surface 1222 supports the solid cleaning agent located at the lowest position in the third direction Z.

[0219] For example, the through portion 1221 may be provided to extend from the center of the lower surface 1220 with respect to the first direction X toward the second direction Y. Therefore, the front and rear sides of the through portion 1221 with respect to the first direction X may be provided as the support surface 1222 .

[0220] This is to stably position the solid cleaner located at the lowest position in the third direction Z on the lower surface 1220 when stacking multiple pieces of solid cleaners. The support surface 1222 can support the solid cleaner located at the lowest position in the third direction Z to allow the solid cleaner to be arranged adjacent to the lower surface 1220, and thus the pushing portion 1312a can easily push the solid cleaner while moving through the through portion 1221.

[0221] In particular, support surfaces 1222 may be formed in front of and behind the through portion 1221 in the first direction X, and the support surfaces 1222 may allow a piece of solid detergent arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z to be horizontally supported by the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z.

[0222] Therefore, when the solid detergent is moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pushing portion 1312a, the solid detergent may be moved in the second direction Y in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the third direction Z.

[0223] For example, the support surface 1222 can guide the solid cleaning agent moving in the second direction Y to move in a horizontal state relative to the third direction Z. Figure 7, the solid detergent D can be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 in a state where the lower surface (us) of the solid detergent D in the third direction Z contacts the support surface 1222. When the solid detergent D is pushed toward the second direction Y by the pushing portion 1312a, the lower surface (us) of the solid detergent D can be guided by the support surface 1222 and then moved to the storage chamber outlet 1210, while the solid detergent D is maintained in a substantially horizontal state relative to the third direction Z.

[0224] When the solid detergent moves in the second direction Y while being tilted with respect to the third direction Z, the solid detergent may rotate or move in another direction due to the center of gravity without moving in the second direction Y. Therefore, the solid detergent does not move toward the storage chamber outlet 1210 and is not discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0225] For the cam member 1310, the periphery of the cam member 1310 relative to the rotation direction of the cam member 1310 may include a plurality of cam regions divided along the rotation direction of the cam member 1310. When a cam region in which a periphery having the shortest radius from the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 is arranged among the plurality of cam regions is defined as a first cam region 1310A1, the first cam region 1310A1 may be arranged on the upper end of the cam member 1310 when the dishwasher 1 does not perform a washing process.

[0226] The pressing portion 1312 a may protrude to a predetermined height in a radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 .

[0227] The pressing portion 1312 a may protrude to a predetermined height in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 so as to allow a pressing force to be transferred to the solid detergent D, which can transfer the solid detergent D to the storage chamber outlet 1210 .

[0228] The pushing portion 1312a can protrude to a predetermined height relative to the first cam area 1310A1 in the radial direction of the cam member 1310, and therefore when the cam member 1310 rotates, the pushing portion 1312a can push the solid cleaner D arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z without pushing the solid cleaner above the solid cleaner D arranged at the lowest position.

[0229] For example, the pressing portion 1312 a may protrude by 15 mm in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 .

[0230] When the first cam region 1310A1 of the cam member 1310 is arranged on the upper end of the cam member 1310, the first cam region 1310A1 may be arranged at a position lower than the support surface 1222 in the third direction Z. That is, when the solid cleaner located at the lowest position among the plurality of solid cleaners is arranged on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, the solid cleaner is located in the storage chamber 1200 in a substantially horizontal state relative to the third direction Z, while preventing one side of the solid cleaner from being pushed upward in the third direction Z by the cam member 1310.

[0231] Relative to Figure 8 The cam member 1310' of the ejector 1300' arranged on the right side in the second direction Y shown in FIG. Figure 8 The direction shown in can be rotated counterclockwise. Therefore, the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200' and arranged on the right side can be discharged to the left side of the storage chamber 1200'. This will be described in detail later.

[0232] The rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 may be arranged to extend in the first direction X when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A. The cam member 1310 may be arranged so that the radial direction of the cam member 1310 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, and therefore, when the cam member 1310 is arranged inside the housing 1100, the volume of the cam member 1310 may be minimized in the first direction X. As described above, this is to maximize the volume of the washing chamber C in the first direction X.

[0233] The pusher 1300 may include a drive motor 1320 configured to generate a rotational force to drive the cam member 1310. The drive motor 1320 may be arranged so that when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, a rotation axis 1321 of the drive motor 1320 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X. Therefore, when the drive motor 1320 is arranged inside the housing 1100, the volume of the drive motor 1320 in the first direction X may be minimized. As described above, this is to maximize the volume of the washing chamber C in the first direction X.

[0234] The ejector 1300 may include a transmission member 1330 configured to transmit a rotational force generated by the driving motor 1320 to the pushing member 1310 .

[0235] The transmission member 1330 may include a plurality of gears. Since the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 is arranged to extend in the first direction X, and the rotation shaft 1321 of the drive motor 1320 is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, the transmission member 1330 may include a worm gear configured to vertically change the transmission direction of the driving force. For example, the transmission member 1330 may include a bevel gear.

[0236] When the transmission member 1330 includes a worm gear, it can prevent the cam member 1310 from being arbitrarily rotated by an external force.

[0237] The worm gear of the transmission member 1330 is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X along which the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 extends, and thus when the transmission member 1330 is arranged in the housing 1100, the volume of the transmission member 1330 in the first direction X can be minimized. As described above, this is to maximize the volume of the washing chamber C in the first direction X.

[0238] The transmission member 1330 may connect the cam member 1310 and the drive motor 1320 to transmit the rotational force generated by the drive motor 1320 to the cam member 1310, and at this time, the transmission member 1330 may be configured to allow the cam member 1310 to rotate at an appropriate rotational speed. For example, the transmission member 1330 may be configured to reduce the rotational speed of the rotation shaft 1321 of the drive motor 1320. The transmission member 1330 may be configured in various ways according to design factors such as the target rotational speed of the cam member 1310 and the rotational speed of the drive motor 1320.

[0239] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a retainer 1500, which is configured to allow multiple pieces of solid detergent to be maintained in a stacked state inside the storage chamber 1200 when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A or the second position 1000B, or during the movement of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 between the first position 1000A and the second position 1000B.

[0240] The holder 1500 may be moved in a direction in which the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200 extends, by guide portions formed on both side surfaces 1230 and 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0241] In the storage chamber 1200, the retainer 1500 may be arranged to be movable toward the plurality of solid detergents along the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked. This is because the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked corresponds to the direction in which the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200 extends.

[0242] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is disposed in the first position 1000A, the holder 1500 may be disposed above the plurality of pieces of solid detergent in the storage chamber 1200 .

[0243] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the holder 1500 can move from the upper side to the lower side of the storage chamber 1200. When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the holder 1500 can move downward inside the storage chamber 1200 by gravity.

[0244] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the stacking direction of the plurality of solid detergents may correspond to the third direction Z, and the holder 1500 may move by gravity along the third direction Z. Therefore, the holder 1500 may be configured to press downward the solid detergent arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents.

[0245] The holder 1500 may include a weight member having a weight greater than a predetermined weight so as to move by gravity in the third direction Z. For example, the weight member may be provided integrally with the holder 1500. Alternatively, the weight member may be provided to be coupled to the holder 1500.

[0246] For example, the holder 1500 may be formed of a heavy material so as to have a weight greater than a predetermined weight.

[0247] The holder 1500 may be configured to have a weight greater than or equal to a predetermined weight, and the holder 1500 may be configured to press the pieces of solid cleaning agent downward with respect to the third direction Z.

[0248] When the solid cleansers at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleansers are discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pusher 1300, the plurality of solid cleansers may move downward by gravity along the third direction Z corresponding to the stacking direction. The holder 1500 may press the plurality of solid cleansers downward by gravity, and the holder 1500 may guide the downward movement of the plurality of solid cleansers.

[0249] For example, when one of the plurality of solid cleansers stacked in the third direction Z is separated from the stacking arrangement and thus some of the solid cleansers are supported on both side surfaces 1230 and 1240 of the storage chamber 1200, downward movement of the plurality of solid cleansers may be restricted. In this case, the holder 1500 may guide the downward movement of the plurality of solid cleansers by pressing the plurality of solid cleansers downward.

[0250] As described above, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be configured to allow multiple pieces of solid detergent to be stacked in the third direction Z when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, and thus the space efficiency of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and the dishwasher 1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be improved.

[0251] Furthermore, since the plurality of solid cleaning agents are arranged in the direction of gravity, the automatic cleaning agent dispenser 1000 may be configured to allow the plurality of solid cleaning agents to be discharged easily and sequentially from the bottom in the direction of gravity.

[0252] However, when the door 20 is rotated from the first position 20A to the second position 20B to open the liner 12 or the door 20 is arranged in the second position 20B, the direction along which the pieces of solid detergent are stacked may be arranged to point in a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0253] At this time, since the stacking direction of the multiple solid cleaners points to a direction different from the gravity direction, one of the multiple solid cleaners may be separated from the stacking structure, and the stacking arrangement of the multiple solid cleaners in the third direction Z may be destroyed.

[0254] For example, as described above, the solid detergent D may be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 in such a manner that a surface of the solid detergent D formed along the horizontal length d1 direction and the vertical length d2 direction faces the cross-sectional area S formed along the first direction X and the second direction Y of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0255] For example, the surface formed along the direction of the horizontal length d1 and the direction of the vertical length d2 of the solid detergent D may be set as a curved surface rather than a flat surface. Therefore, when multiple solid detergents D are stacked, the multiple solid detergents facing each other in the stacking direction can be arranged to allow the curved surfaces of the solid detergents to face each other, and thus when the stacking direction of the multiple solid detergents points to a direction different from the gravity direction, the multiple solid detergents can be separated from the stacking arrangement.

[0256] That is, when multiple solid detergents D are stacked so that their curved surfaces face each other, it is more difficult to maintain the stacked state. Therefore, when the stacking direction corresponds to the gravity direction, the retainer 1500 can press the multiple solid detergents D toward the stacking direction, and when the stacking direction is different from the gravity direction, the retainer 1500 can support the multiple solid detergents D to maintain the arrangement of the multiple solid detergents D.

[0257] Even when the door 20 is arranged in the first position 20A again in a state where the stacking arrangement of the plurality of solid cleaners is destroyed, the movement of the plurality of solid cleaners in the direction of gravity may be restricted. In addition, the solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners may be abnormally placed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, and thus the solid cleaner may not be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pusher 1300.

[0258] The solid cleaner is abnormally placed on the lower surface 1220, which means a state in which the pusher 1300 cannot push the solid cleaner when the solid cleaner is placed on the lower surface 1220, or the solid cleaner is placed in a position that prevents the solid cleaner from being discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 even if the solid cleaner is pushed by the pusher 1300.

[0259] To prevent this, when the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z due to the movement of the door 20, the holder 1500 can prevent the stacking arrangement of the plurality of solid cleaners from being destroyed.

[0260] The holder 1500 may be configured to maintain the stacked arrangement of the plurality of pieces of solid cleaning agent when the door 20 is moved from the first position 20A to the second position 20B or even when the door 20 is arranged in the second position 20B.

[0261] When the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the holder 1500 may be configured to support the solid cleaner arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners.

[0262] When the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the holder 1500 may be disposed to be fixed at a position adjacent to a solid cleaner arranged at a highest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners.

[0263] When the stacking direction of multiple solid cleansers points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the movement of the solid cleansers arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z among the multiple solid cleansers can be blocked by the temporarily fixed retainer 1500, and thereby the solid cleansers arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z among the multiple solid cleansers can be prevented from being separated from the stacking arrangement.

[0264] The storage chamber 1200 may include a guide rail 1290 configured to guide movement of the holder 1500 inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0265] The holder 1500 may be guided by the guide rail 1290 , and may translate along an extension direction of the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0266] The guide rail 1290 may be provided to allow the holder 1500 to move downward in the third direction Z when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A.

[0267] For example, the holder 1500 may include a guide protrusion inserted into the guide rail 1290. The guide protrusion of the holder 1500 may be inserted into the guide rail 1290 and move along the extending direction of the guide rail 1290.

[0268] The guide rail 1290 may be provided to extend along an extending direction of the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200. The holder 1500 may be configured to move along the extending direction of the guide rail 1290.

[0269] The guide rail 1290 may include a stopper 1293 configured to limit the movement of the holder 1500 when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is not arranged in the first position 1000A.

[0270] When the door 20 moves from the first position 20A to the second position 20B, since the movement of the guide protrusion of the holder 1500 is restricted by the stopper 1293 , the movement of the holder 1500 in the storage chamber 1200 may be restricted.

[0271] Alternatively, the holder 1500 may be configured to maintain the stacked arrangement of the plurality of pieces of solid cleaning agent even when the door 20 is arranged in the second position 20B.

[0272] When the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the holder 1500 may be configured to support the solid cleaner arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners.

[0273] When the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the holder 1500 may be configured to be fixed to a position adjacent to a solid cleaner arranged at a highest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners.

[0274] Therefore, when the stacking direction of multiple solid cleaners points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the retainer 1500 can be temporarily fixed to the interior of the storage chamber 1200 by the stopper 1293, and the movement of the solid cleaner among the multiple solid cleaners arranged at the highest position in the third direction Z can be restricted by the fixed retainer 1500.

[0275] Even when the stacking direction of the plurality of solid detergents points to a direction different from the third direction Z, the stacking arrangement of the plurality of solid detergents can be maintained by the retainer 1500. Therefore, even when the plurality of solid detergents are stacked in the third direction Z in a state where the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be configured to allow one of the plurality of solid detergents to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 and then input into the liner 12.

[0276] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a seating member 1400 configured to seat a piece of solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0277] The seating member 1400 may be disposed to communicate with the storage chamber outlet 1210. The seating member 1400 may include a seating member inner space 1401 disposed to communicate with the storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0278] One solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents may be discharged from the stored chamber 1200 through the storage chamber outlet 1210 and moved to the seating member inner space 1401 .

[0279] The seating member may include a discharge guide 1430 connected to the liner 12. The discharge guide 1430 may be provided as a space communicating to the interior space 1401 of the seating member.

[0280] For example, the seating member inner space 1401 and the discharge guide 1430 may be formed as one space, and may be partitioned by a seating member opening 1420 that is opened or closed by a seating member door 1410 to be described later.

[0281] For example, the lower end of the seating member internal space 1401 in the third direction Z may be formed as the seating member opening 1420 , and the discharge guide 1430 may be a region formed toward the lower side from the seating member opening 1420 with respect to the third direction Z.

[0282] The seating member 1400 may be configured to allow a piece of solid detergent moved to the seating member inner space 1401 to be temporarily seated on the seating member 1400 and then input into the liner 12 .

[0283] The installation member 1400 may include an installation member opening 1420 connected to a discharge guide 1430 through which the installation member inner space 1401 is connected to the inner tank 12. When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the installation member opening 1420 may be configured to be opened toward the third direction Z.

[0284] The seating member 1400 may include a seating member door 1410 configured to open and close the seating member opening 1420. When the seating member door 1410 closes the seating member opening 1420, the seating member door 1410 may be disposed to form a lower surface of the seating member inner space 1401.

[0285] The seating member door 1410 may include a seating surface 1411 on which the solid detergent is seated when the seating member door 1410 closes the seating member opening 1420. When the seating member door 1410 closes the seating member opening 1420, the seating surface 1411 may be arranged to face upward in the third direction Z.

[0286] For example, the seating member opening 1420 may be defined as a surface closed by the seating member door 1410 in the seating member internal space 1401. Therefore, an area formed above the upper surface of the seating member opening 1420 may be defined as the seating member internal space 1401, and an area formed below the lower surface of the seating member opening 1420 may be defined as the discharge guide 1430. When the seating member door 1410 closes the seating member opening 1420, the seating surface 1411 may be arranged on the seating member opening 1420, and therefore, the seating surface 1411 may be defined as the lower surface of the seating member internal space 1401.

[0287] For example, the lower surface of the seating member inner space 1401 may be defined as the seating member opening 1420 , but when the seating member door 1410 closes the seating member opening 1420 , the lower surface of the seating member inner space 1401 may be defined as the seating member door 1410 .

[0288] The placement member door 1410 may be configured to seal the placement member inner space 1401 from the outside when the placement member door 1410 closes the placement member opening 1420. In addition, when the placement member door 1410 opens the placement member opening 1420, the placement member door 1410 may connect the placement member inner space 1401 and the liner 12.

[0289] The seating member 1400 may include a seating member door driver 1470 configured to open and close the seating member door 1410 .

[0290] For example, the seating member door driver 1470 may include a driving motor and a transmission member.

[0291] For example, the transmission member of the placement member door driver 1470 may include a plurality of gears. For example, when the driving motor rotates in one direction, the plurality of gears may transmit the rotational force in one direction to the placement member door 1410. In a state where the placement member door 1410 closes the placement member opening 1420, the placement member door 1410 may rotate in one direction by the received rotational force, thereby opening the placement member opening 1420.

[0292] For example, when the driving motor rotates in the opposite direction, the plurality of gears may transmit the rotational force in the opposite direction to the seating member door 1410. In a state where the seating member door 1410 opens the seating member opening 1420, the seating member door 1410 may rotate in the opposite direction by the received rotational force, thereby closing the seating member opening 1420.

[0293] The placement member opening 1420 may be communicated with the inlet 1122 through the discharge guide 1430. A piece of solid detergent located in the placement member internal space 1401 may be discharged from the placement member internal space 1401 through the placement member opening 1420, and then discharged from the placement member opening 1420 to the outside of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 through the inlet 1122. Thus, the solid detergent may be input into the inner tank 12.

[0294] The seating member 1400 may include a discharge guide 1430 formed between the seating member opening 1420 and the inlet 1122 and configured to guide movement of the solid detergent from the seating member opening 1420 to the inlet 1122 .

[0295] A piece of solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 may be temporarily seated on the seating member 1400 , and in particular, the solid detergent may be located on a seating surface 1411 of the seating member door 1410 forming a lower surface of the seating member inner space 1401 .

[0296] The inlet 1122 may be opened and closed by the inlet cover 1150. When the solid detergent discharged along the discharge guide 1430 pushes the inlet cover 1150, the inlet cover 1150 may open the inlet 1122.

[0297] The solid cleaning agent may pass through the inlet 1122 while pushing the inlet cover 1150 , and then move to the inner container 12 .

[0298] When the seating member door 1410 opens the seating member opening 1420 , the solid detergent placed on the seating member door 1410 may move downward by gravity and then be discharged to the outside of the seating member inner space 1401 through the seating member opening 1420 .

[0299] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to allow a piece of solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 to move to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 through the seating member 1400 instead of being immediately discharged to the outside of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 .

[0300] The storage chamber 1200 may include a middle door 1250 configured to open and close the storage chamber outlet 1210. The middle door 1250 may be configured to prevent the solid detergent loaded into the storage chamber 1200 from being moved to the seating member 1400 by external force without being discharged from the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300.

[0301] The middle door 1250 may be biased in a direction to close the storage chamber outlet 1210. The middle door 1250 may include an elastic member 1251, and may be biased toward the storage chamber outlet 1210 by the elastic member 1251 to allow the middle door 1250 to close the storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0302] The solid detergents among the plurality of solid detergents loaded into the storage chamber 1200, pushed by the pusher 1300 and moved to the storage chamber outlet 1210 can open the middle door 1250 by pushing the middle door 1250. When the middle door 1250 is opened, the solid detergents can move to the seating member 1400 through the storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0303] Even when the solid cleanser is moved toward the storage chamber outlet 1210 not by the push of the pusher 1300 but by external force, the solid cleanser may be blocked by the middle door 1250, and thus the solid cleanser does not pass through the storage chamber outlet 1210 and cannot be discharged from the storage chamber 1200.

[0304] When the solid cleaner is moved by the pushing portion 1312 a and collides with the middle door 1250 , the pusher 1300 may push the solid cleaner to allow the biased middle door 1250 to be opened by the pushing of the solid cleaner.

[0305] The force with which the middle door 1250 closes the storage chamber outlet 1210 by the elastic member 1251 may be set to be smaller than the force with which the solid detergent pushes the door 1250 by the pusher 1300 .

[0306] Since the seating member 1400 is formed between the storage chamber opening 1121 and the liner 12 , the storage chamber outlet 1210 may be connected to the liner 12 through the seating member 1400 , rather than being directly connected to the liner 12 .

[0307] When the storage chamber outlet 1210 is directly connected to the liner 12, water remaining in the liner 12 may flow into the storage chamber 1200 through the storage chamber outlet 1210, and thus pieces of solid detergent loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 may be damaged or deformed by water.

[0308] To prevent this, the storage chamber outlet 1210 may be configured to bypass the inner liner 12 through the seating member 1400 instead of being directly connected to the inner liner 12 .

[0309] When solid detergent needs to be input into the inner container 12, the placement member 1400 can open the placement member opening 1420 to allow the placement member internal space 1401 to communicate with the inner container 12. In the stage where the solid detergent is not input into the inner container 12, the placement member door 1410 can close the placement member opening 1420, thereby minimizing the flow of water remaining in the inner container 12 into the placement member internal space 1401.

[0310] The seating member 1400 may include a seating member sensor 1440 configured to detect whether the solid detergent is seated on the seating member 1400 .

[0311] Since the storage chamber 1200 is provided to communicate with the seating member 1400 , it is naturally detected by the seating member sensor 1440 whether the solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 is seated on the seating member 1400 .

[0312] The installation member sensor 1440 may be provided as a position sensor. For example, the installation member sensor 1440 may include an optical sensor.

[0313] The seating member sensor 1440 may detect whether the solid detergent is located in the seating member 1400, and the control device 1900 (refer to Figure 5 ) The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be controlled based on the value detected by the seating member sensor 1440.

[0314] The control device 1900 can receive: information related to whether the solid cleanser is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, information related to whether the solid cleanser is placed on the mounting member 1400 after the pusher 1300 is driven in a state where the solid cleanser is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, and information related to whether the solid cleanser is discharged from the mounting member 1400 after the solid cleanser is placed on the mounting member 1400, and control the automatic cleanser dispenser 1000 based on the received information.

[0315] The control device 1900 may be configured to communicate with a main control device of the dishwasher 1 and to allow the controller to control the dishwasher 1 based on the received information.

[0316] For example, the control device 1900 and the main control device can be subcomponents of the controller, and both the dishwasher 1 and the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be controlled by the controller. However, in the following description, only the control of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is targeted, assuming that the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is controlled by the control device 1900.

[0317] For example, when the installation member sensor 1440 fails to detect the solid detergent after the pusher 1300 is driven, the control device 1900 may determine that the solid detergent is not discharged from the storage chamber 1200 because the solid detergent is not loaded into the storage chamber 1200, or determine that the solid detergent is not discharged from the storage chamber 1200 due to a malfunction of the pusher 1300 even if the solid detergent is loaded into the storage chamber 1200. Based on this determination, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000.

[0318] For example, control device 1900 may allow pusher 1300 to be driven again to move solid detergent to seating member 1400. In addition, control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the controller may control dishwasher 1 to not perform a washing process of dishwasher 1 based on the communication value.

[0319] For example, after the control device 1900 controls the pusher 1300 to be driven again, when the placement member sensor 1440 continues to fail to detect the solid detergent, the control device 1900 can communicate with the main control device, and the controller can control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to not perform the washing process of the dishwasher 1. In addition, the controller can control the display to inform the user that there is no solid detergent in the storage chamber 1200.

[0320] For example, the display may be implemented as a display positioned on the main body 10 of the dishwasher 1. For example, the display may be implemented as a separate device configured to communicate with the dishwasher 1.

[0321] For example, after the detection state is maintained since the seating member sensor 1440 detects the solid detergent in the seating member, when the seating member sensor 1440 fails to detect the solid detergent, the control device 1900 may determine that the solid detergent is discharged from the seating member 1400 and then input into the inner tank 12, and the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 based on the determination. For example, the control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the controller may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to perform the washing process of the dishwasher 1.

[0322] Since the placement member sensor 1440 senses the position of the solid detergent in the placement member 1400, the control device 1900 can be configured to recognize all of the above situations, and thus the number of additional sensors configured to detect the position of the solid detergent can be minimized. That is, even if the position sensor configured to additionally detect the position of the solid detergent is not placed in the storage chamber 1200 or the discharge guide 1430, by placing the placement member sensor 1440 on the placement member 1400, the control device 1900 can also be configured to determine all of these situations, such as whether the solid detergent is located in the storage chamber 1200, or whether the solid detergent is located in the placement member internal space 1401, or whether the solid detergent is located outside the placement member 1400. This will be described in detail later.

[0323] As described above, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided in plural. For example, two storage chambers 1200 may be provided.

[0324] In the following, for the convenience of description, Figure 8 The storage chamber 1200 arranged on the left side in the second direction Y is defined as the first storage chamber 1200, and the storage chamber 1200' arranged on the right side is defined as the second storage chamber 1200'. In addition, the configuration of the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as the first configuration, and the configuration of the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as the second configuration. For example, the middle door 1250 of the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as the first middle door 1250, and the middle door 1250' of the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as the second middle door 1250'.

[0325] In addition, the pusher configured to discharge the solid detergent stored in the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as the first pusher 1300, and the pusher configured to discharge the solid detergent stored in the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as the second pusher 1300'. In addition, the retainer 1500 arranged inside the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as the first retainer 1500, and the retainer 1500 arranged inside the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as the second retainer 1500'.

[0326] The first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' respectively include long sides extending along the third direction Z when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A. Therefore, when the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y, the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' may be effectively arranged inside the automatic detergent dispenser 1000.

[0327] Thanks to the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′, the user can load a large amount of solid detergent into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 at one time.

[0328] The mounting member 1400 may be disposed between the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y. The first storage chamber 1200 may be provided to communicate with the mounting member 1400 as described above, and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may also be provided to communicate with the mounting member 1400 .

[0329] Therefore, the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may communicate with the liner 12 through the single seating member 1400 disposed between the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y.

[0330] This is to minimize the expansion of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y because the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' share the placement member 1400. That is, when a plurality of placement members 1400 are provided to correspond to the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the volume of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y may increase due to the plurality of placement members. However, with the automatic detergent dispenser 1000, the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' may be communicated with each other through the single placement member 1400 as described above, and thus the length of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y may be minimized.

[0331] based on Figure 8 , with respect to the second direction Y, the first storage chamber 1200 may be disposed on the left side of the seating member 1400 , and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be disposed on the right side of the seating member 1400 .

[0332] As described above, when the first cam member 1310 rotates clockwise, the first cam member 1310 can move the solid cleanser placed on the first lower surface 1220 of the first storage chamber 1200 to the right side of the first storage chamber 1200, and since the first storage chamber outlet 1210 is arranged at the lower part of the first right surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200, the solid cleanser can move to the placement member 1400 arranged on the right side of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0333] The first cam member 1310 may be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction by being interlocked with the first driving motor 1320 and the first transmission member 1330 .

[0334] On the contrary, the second cam member 1310 ′ may rotate counterclockwise. Unlike the first ejector 1300 , the second ejector 1300 ′ may be configured to move the solid detergent loaded into the second storage chamber 1200 ′ to the left.

[0335] The second cam member 1310 ′ may be configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction by being interlocked with the second driving motor 1320 ′ and the second transmission member 1330 ′.

[0336] When the second cam member 1310' rotates counterclockwise, the second cam member 1310' can move the solid cleanser placed on the second lower surface 1220' of the second storage chamber 1200' to the left side of the second storage chamber 1200', and since the second storage chamber outlet 1210' is arranged at the lower part of the second left surface 1240' of the second storage chamber 1200', the solid cleanser can move to the placement member 1400 arranged on the left side of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0337] The second storage chamber 1200' may include a second through portion 1221' formed on the second lower surface 1220' of the second storage chamber 1200' and configured to allow the second pushing portion 1312a' to move from the outside of the second storage chamber 1200' to the inside of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0338] The second through portion 1221 ′ may be provided to extend not only to the second lower surface 1220 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ but also to lower sides of the second right surface 1230 ′ and the second left surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0339] The second pushing portion 1312a' can be rotated with the aid of the rotation of the second cam member 1310', and move into the second storage chamber 1200' through the lower side of the second right surface 1230' and the second through portion 1221' of the second lower surface 1220', and then move to the outside of the second storage chamber 1200' through the lower side of the second left surface 1240' and the second through portion 1221' of the second lower surface 1220'.

[0340] The second pressing portion 1312a' may be configured to rotate while pressing the solid cleanser seated on the second lower surface 1220', thereby allowing the solid cleanser to move to the left.

[0341] The first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 may be disposed between the first left surface 1240 and the first right surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y. For example, the first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 may be disposed at the center between the left surface 1240 and the right surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y.

[0342] The second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' may be disposed between the second left surface 1240' and the second right surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y. For example, the second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' may be disposed at the center between the second left surface 1240' and the second right surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y.

[0343] The reason why the first rotating axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 and the second rotating axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' as described above are respectively located at the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y is to stably support and push the solid detergent when the first pushing portion 1312a of the first cam member 1310 and the second pushing portion 1312a' of the second cam member 1310' rotate.

[0344] When the first rotating axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 and the second rotating axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' are arranged outside the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y, the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' can pass through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' with a predetermined length or shorter length of the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a', and therefore, in the section where the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' pass through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' by means of the rotation of the first cam member 1310 and the second cam member 1310', it is difficult for the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' to stably support the solid detergent.

[0345] In the section where the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' enter or leave the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' by passing through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221', the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' can pass through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' with a predetermined length of the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' or a shorter length, and therefore it is difficult for the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' to stably support the solid detergent loaded into the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0346] In order to prevent this situation, the first rotating axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 and the second rotating axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' can be respectively arranged at the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y, so that in the section where the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' pass through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' to enter or leave the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' pass through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' with a predetermined length of the first pushing portion 1312a and the second pushing portion 1312a' or more and rotate.

[0347] When the first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 and the second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' are not arranged at the centers of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', respectively, in the second direction Y, the volume of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y may increase. Therefore, it is appropriate that the first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 and the second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' are arranged at the centers of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', respectively.

[0348] The first and second ejectors 1300 and 1300 ′ may be configured to be driven in mirror-symmetrical directions with respect to the seating member 1400 in the second direction Y. The first and second cam members 1310 and 1310 ′ may be configured to rotate in opposite directions to each other so as to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the seating member 1400 .

[0349] In order to arrange the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' on opposite sides of the mounting member 1400 relative to the second direction Y, and to move the solid cleaning agent discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' to the mounting member 1400, the first pusher 1300 and the second pusher 1300' can be arranged to be driven in a mirror-symmetrical direction relative to the mounting member 1400 in the second direction Y.

[0350] A width L1 (or referred to as a horizontal length) of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y may be substantially the same as a width L1 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0351] The width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y may substantially correspond to the width L3 of the seating member 1400. When the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in a state where the width L3 of the seating member 1400 in the second direction Y is much smaller than the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the solid detergent may be stuck in the seating member inner space 1401 and cannot be seated on the seating member door 1410.

[0352] On the contrary, when the width L3 of the mounting member 1400 in the second direction Y is much larger than the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the volume of the mounting member 1400 in the second direction Y may increase more than necessary, and thus the volume of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y may increase more than necessary.

[0353] Therefore, as described above, appropriately, in the second direction Y, the width L3 of the seating member 1400 may have a length corresponding to the width L1 of the first and second storage chambers 1200 and 1200 ′ having the cross-sectional area S consistent with the size of the solid detergent.

[0354] Hereinafter, the operation of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 will be described in detail.

[0355] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment are removed, Fig. 9 The icon is loaded into Figure 8 a view of a state in which the solid detergent in the first storage chamber is discharged from the first storage chamber, Fig.10 It is a graphic Fig. 9 A view of a state in which a solid cleaning agent is placed on a placement member, Fig.11 It is a graphic Fig.10 a view of a state in which a solid detergent is discharged from an automatic detergent dispenser, and Fig.12 The icon is loaded into Figure 8 A view of a state in which the solid detergent in the second storage chamber is discharged from the second storage chamber.

[0356] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the control device 1900 may control the first pusher 1300 or the second pusher 1300 ′ to allow one of the plurality of solid cleaners stacked in one of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ to move to the seating member 1400 .

[0357] For example, the control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to be driven. The control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to be driven again or control the second ejector 1300' to be driven based on the sensed value of the seating member sensor 1440. The description thereof will be described in detail later.

[0358] By driving the first driving motor 1320 , the control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to allow the first cam member 1310 to rotate clockwise.

[0359] By driving the second driving motor 1320 ′, the control device 1900 may control the second ejector 1300 ′ to allow the second cam member 1310 ′ to rotate clockwise.

[0360] The control device 1900 may control the position of the first cam member 1310 to allow the first cam region 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 to be arranged at the upper end in the third direction Z before the first cam member 1310 rotates and the first pressing portion 1312 a moves into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0361] When the first cam region 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 is arranged at the upper end of the first cam member 1310 in the third direction Z, the first cam region 1310A1 can be arranged below the first supporting surface 1222 of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z as described above. Therefore, the solid cleaners arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid cleaners arranged in the first storage chamber 1200 can be stably placed on the first supporting surface 1222, and thus the first pushing portion 1312a can stably move the solid cleaners toward the second direction Y by the rotation of the first cam member 1310.

[0362] For example, when a portion of the first cam member 1310 passes through the first through portion 1221 and protrudes higher than the first supporting surface 1222 in the third direction Z, the solid detergent located at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 may not be placed horizontally in the third direction Z. Therefore, when the solid detergent moves in the second direction Y, the solid detergent may rotate or move in another direction by the center of gravity, and may not move in the second direction Y. Therefore, the solid detergent may not move toward the first storage chamber outlet 1210, and may not be discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0363] Therefore, when the dishwasher 1 does not perform a washing process, the control device 1900 may control the position of the first cam member 1310 to allow the first cam area 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 to be arranged at the upper end in the third direction Z. Thereafter, when the dishwasher 1 performs a washing process, the control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the control device 1900 may control the first pusher 1300 to allow the first cam member 1310 to rotate clockwise.

[0364] The first pushing portion 1312a can be interlocked with the rotation of the first cam member 1310 and moved into the first storage chamber 1200, and therefore, the solid detergent located at the lowest position in the third direction Z can be moved to the right side relative to the second direction Y by the first pushing portion 1312a.

[0365] The solid detergent can be pushed and moved to the first storage chamber outlet 1210 by the first pushing portion 1312a, and when the solid detergent opens the first middle door 1250 configured to close the first storage chamber outlet 1210, the solid detergent can be discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200 through the first storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0366] Thereafter, the solid detergent may be disposed on the mounting member 1400, in particular, on the mounting member door 1410, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 shown.

[0367] The installation member sensor 1440 can detect the position of the solid detergent, that is, whether the solid detergent is located in the installation member inner space 1401. In particular, the installation member sensor 1440 can be arranged on the installation member door 1410 in the third direction Z and configured to detect whether the solid detergent is located on the installation member door 1410.

[0368] The control device 1900 may receive information about the position of the solid detergent located on the seating member door 1410 through the seating member sensor 1440 and communicate with the main control device, and the controller may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to allow the dishwasher 1 to perform a washing process.

[0369] For example, the washing process of the dishwasher 1 may be divided into a pre-washing operation, a main washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a drying operation. The controller may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to allow the dishwasher 1 to perform the pre-washing operation.

[0370] For example, when the placement member sensor 1440 fails to detect the solid detergent after driving the first pusher 1300 once, the control device 1900 may send information that the solid detergent is not detected to the main control device. The controller may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to allow the dishwasher 1 not to perform the pre-washing operation of the washing process. This is because, in some cases, the user may open the door 20 to load the solid detergent into the automatic detergent dispenser 1000. Therefore, when the solid detergent is not placed in the placement member 1400, the controller may control the dishwasher 1 to not start the washing process itself.

[0371] For example, when the installation member sensor 1440 fails to detect the solid detergent after the first pusher 1300 is driven once, the control device 1900 may drive the first pusher 1300 again, which is similar to Fig.10 As described above, the controller may control the dishwasher 1 to allow the dishwasher 1 not to perform the washing process.

[0372] This is for driving the first pusher 1300 again to move the solid cleaner in the second direction Y through the first pushing portion 1312a, thereby allowing the solid cleaner to be discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200, when the solid cleaner arranged at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the multiple solid cleaners loaded into the first storage chamber 1200 is not stably placed on the first support surface 1222 and is moved in another direction instead of the second direction Y by the first pushing portion 1312a.

[0373] Thereafter, the control device 1900 may receive information about the position of the solid detergent located on the seating member door 1410 through the seating member sensor 1440 and communicate with the main control device, and the controller may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to allow the dishwasher 1 to perform a washing process.

[0374] like Fig.11 As shown, when the dishwasher 1 performs the main washing operation of the washing process through the controller, the control device 1900 can open the seating member door 1410 to allow the solid detergent to be discharged from the seating member inner space 1401 and input into the inner tank 12 through the discharge guide 1430 .

[0375] When the seating member door 1410 opens the seating member opening 1420 , the solid detergent may move to the discharge guide 1430 through the seating member opening 1420 , and the solid detergent may be discharged from the detergent automatic dispenser 1000 through the inlet 1122 along the discharge guide 1430 .

[0376] For example, the seating member door 1410 may open the seating member opening 1420 while rotating downward, and the solid detergent placed on the seating member door 1410 may move to the discharge guide 1430 by passing through the seating member opening 1420 while the solid detergent moves downward according to the rotation of the seating member door 1410 .

[0377] The control device 1900 may rotate the seating member door 1410 to allow it to open the seating member opening 1420 , and after a predetermined time has passed, the control device 1900 may rotate the seating member door 1410 in the opposite direction to allow it to close the seating member opening 1420 again.

[0378] This is because, when the seating member opening 1420 is opened for a predetermined period of time, water may flow from the liner 12 through the seating member 1400 into the storage chamber 1200. To prevent this, the control device 1900 may control the seating member door 1410.

[0379] The control device 1900 may control the seating member door driver 1470 to open and close the seating member door 1410. The seating member door driver 1470 may transmit a rotational force in one direction or the opposite direction to the seating member door 1410 under the control of the control device 1900 so as to drive the seating member door 1410 to open and close the seating member opening 1420.

[0380] When the control device 1900 receives information from the seating member sensor 1440 that no solid detergent is located in the seating member 1400 after the control device 1900 controls the seating member door 1410 to be opened and closed, the control device 1900 can communicate with the main control device, and the controller can control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to perform the main wash operation of the washing process.

[0381] This is to prevent the dishwasher 1 from performing the main washing operation in a state where the solid detergent is not discharged from the seating member internal space 1401 due to the solid detergent adhering to the seating member door 1410 even when the seating member door 1410 is opened and the seating member opening 1420 is closed.

[0382] After the control device 1900 controls the placement member door 1410 to be opened and closed, the control device 1900 can receive information from the placement member sensor 1440 that no solid detergent is located in the placement member 1400, and the control device 1900 can control the position of the first cam member 1310 to allow the first cam area 1310A1 of the cam member 1310 to be arranged at the upper end in the third direction Z.

[0383] Therefore, as the solid cleaner at the lowest position in the third direction Z among the multiple solid cleaners is discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200, the multiple solid cleaners loaded into the first storage chamber 1200 can move downward, and the solid cleaner positioned directly above the discharged solid cleaner can be stably placed on the support surface 1222.

[0384] By repeating the above process, the control device 1900 can control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow the solid detergent to be automatically input into the inner tank 12 in response to the dishwasher 1 performing the washing process.

[0385] When receiving information that the seating member sensor 1440 does not detect the solid detergent after driving the first ejector 1300, the control device 1900 may drive the first ejector 1300 again and receive information whether the solid detergent is detected from the seating member sensor 1440 as described above.

[0386] When receiving information that the seating member sensor 1440 does not detect the solid detergent even after the first ejector 1300 is driven again, the control device 1900 may drive the second ejector 1300 ′ based on the information.

[0387] Since the pieces of solid detergent loaded into the first storage chamber 1200 are all discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 , the seating member sensor 1440 cannot detect the solid detergent even after the control device 1900 controls the first pusher 1300 to be driven twice.

[0388] Therefore, the control device 1900 may control the second ejector 1300' to be driven. Features of driving the second ejector 1300' by the control device 1900 are the same as features of driving the first ejector 1300 by the control device 1900, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0389] In the above description, reference has been made to Figures 1 to 12 The configuration and operation of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the above contents are merely examples of the dishwasher and the automatic detergent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0390] For example, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, a plurality of pieces of solid detergent may be stacked and loaded into the storage chamber 1200 in a direction different from the third direction Z (ie, a direction different from the vertical direction of the dishwasher 1 ).

[0391] For example, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a storage chamber having a long side extending along a second direction Y, and the second direction Y is the left-right direction of the dishwasher 1. Multiple solid detergents may be stacked and loaded into the storage chamber along the second direction Y. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a retainer configured to move multiple solid detergents stacked in the storage chamber along the second direction Y to the second direction Y. For example, the retainer may include an elastic member, and thus the retainer may move multiple solid detergents toward the cam member of the pusher along the second direction Y. The cam member may push a solid detergent in the multiple solid detergents to discharge it to the outside of the storage chamber. For example, the solid detergent may be discharged in a direction perpendicular to the second direction Y, and then moved to the lower side of the storage chamber. A solid detergent discharged to the outside of the storage chamber may be introduced into the liner 12 by placing a member, etc.

[0392] As an example, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include storage chambers 1200 and 1200' in which a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded along the third direction Z. Figures 1 to 12 However, Figures 1 to 12 Different from the content shown, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 can be arranged to allow multiple solid detergents to move upward in the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' and then be discharged. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a retainer, which is arranged inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' and is configured to move multiple solid detergents to the upper side. For example, the retainer may include an elastic member, and the retainer may move multiple solid detergents to the upper side. The cam of the pusher may be arranged on the upper side of the storage chambers 1200 and 1200', and a solid detergent that is arranged at the highest position among the multiple solid detergents can be moved out of the storage chamber 1200 by the cam of the pusher. A solid detergent that is moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 can be introduced into the liner 12 by placing components, etc.

[0393] For ease of description, it is illustrated that when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded in the third direction Z, which is a vertical direction, inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200'. In addition, it is illustrated that a plurality of solid detergents move from top to bottom along the third direction Z inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200', and are discharged to the outside of the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' starting from the solid detergents located at the lower position.

[0394] Meanwhile, the term "third direction" refers to the direction along which multiple solid cleaning agents are stacked and loaded inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200', and the term "third direction" is merely a term used to define the stacking direction of multiple solid cleaning agents. Therefore, the stacking direction of multiple solid cleaning agents is not limited by the term "third direction". For example, as required, the stacking direction of multiple solid cleaning agents may be referred to as the "first direction", and even in this case, the term "first direction" may also refer to the Z direction shown in the drawings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (assuming that the automatic cleaning agent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A), etc.

[0395] In addition, for ease of description, the following description of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be made in detail with respect to the first storage chamber 1200, the first pusher 1300, and the first cam member 1310. However, the following description is also applicable to the second storage chamber 1200', the second pusher 1300', and the second cam member 1310'. Therefore, in the following description, the detailed construction and operation of the cam member according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by referring to the first storage chamber 1200, the first pusher 1300, the first cam member 1310, etc. as the storage chamber 1200, the pusher 1300, the cam member 1310, etc.

[0396] Fig.13 is a view illustrating a cam member of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment; Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 an enlarged view of a portion of; Fig.15 It is a graphic Figure 8 A view of a state in which the solid cleaning agent moves inside the storage chamber; and Fig.16 The cam member is shown in the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. Figures 10 to 14 A view of a state in which the direction is rotated in the opposite direction as shown.

[0397] refer to Figures 13 to 17 The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include an automatic detergent dispenser 1000 disposed on the door 20 and configured to input solid detergent into the interior of the inner tank. The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a storage chamber 1200 in which a plurality of solid detergents are loaded, and a cam member 1310 configured to move a solid detergent of the plurality of solid detergents to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0398] The cam member 1310 may transfer a piece of the solid detergent among the solid detergents inside the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200. The cam member 1310 may be referred to as a "transfer member".

[0399] For example, unlike what is shown in the drawings, the ejector 1300 may include a conveying member that conveys the solid cleaning agent inside the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by a structure other than a cam structure. For example, the conveying member of the ejector 1300 may convey the solid cleaning agent from the inside of the storage chamber 1200 to the outside by translational motion. However, in the following description, it is illustrated that the conveying member 1310 of the ejector 1300 has a cam structure as shown in the drawings, and for the convenience of description, the "conveying member 1310" is referred to as the "cam member 1310".

[0400] The storage chamber 1200 may be configured to allow a plurality of pieces of solid cleaning agents to be stacked and loaded along the third direction Z as described above.

[0401] The cam member 1310 may be disposed at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. Specifically, when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, the cam member 1310 may be disposed at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200. Therefore, the cam member 1310 may be configured to move one of the plurality of solid detergents located at the lowest position of the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200. However, alternatively, the cam member 1310 may also be disposed at the upper side of the storage chamber 1200 as described above.

[0402] As described above, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include a retainer 1500 configured to maintain the stacked state of the plurality of solid detergents inside the storage chamber 1200. The retainer 1500 may be positioned in the third direction Z of the plurality of solid detergents inside the storage chamber 1200, and the retainer 1500 may be configured to squeeze the plurality of solid detergents along the third direction Z.

[0403] Here, when the direction along which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is located at the first position 1000A is defined as the direction from the upper side of the storage chamber 1200 to the lower side of the storage chamber 1200, the retainer 1500 can be said to be located on one side in the stacking direction relative to the plurality of solid detergents. In addition, the retainer 1500 can be said to be arranged to squeeze the plurality of solid detergents in the direction opposite to the stacking direction.

[0404] Under the above assumption, the cam member 1310 can be said to be located on one side in the direction opposite to the stacking direction of the plurality of solid cleaning agents relative to the storage chamber 1200. That is, the holder 1500 can move the plurality of solid cleaning agents loaded into the storage chamber 1200 toward the cam member 1310. The cam member 1310 can be configured to discharge one of the plurality of solid cleaning agents squeezed by the holder 1500 from the storage chamber 1200.

[0405] The cam member 1310 may be rotatably disposed relative to the storage chamber 1200. In other words, the cam member 1310 may be rotatably disposed relative to the housing 1100. The cam member 1310 may be configured to push a piece of solid detergent toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by rotation. Alternatively, the cam member 1310 may be configured to guide a plurality of solid detergents to move parallel to the third direction Z inside the storage chamber 1200 by rotation.

[0406] A rotation direction in which the cam member 1310 rotates to push a piece of solid cleaner toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200 or guide the pieces of solid cleaner to move inside the storage chamber 1200 parallel to the third direction Z may be defined as a first rotation direction R1.

[0407] refer to Figures 13 to 17 , the first rotation direction R1 may be the direction in which the first cam member 1310 rotates clockwise. Figures 13 to 17 , the first rotation direction R1 may be a direction in which the second cam member 1310 ′ rotates counterclockwise.

[0408] The cam member 1310 may be rotatably disposed relative to the rotation axis 1313. The rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 may be arranged on one side relative to the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. In other words, the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 may be positioned below the storage chamber 1200. Therefore, the cam member 1310 may be rotatably disposed at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200. The cam member 1310 may be configured to discharge a solid detergent adjacent to the rotation axis 1313 from a plurality of solid detergents from the storage chamber 1200.

[0409] Since the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 is located at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200 , at least half of the hub 1311 may be disposed at the lower side of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0410] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may include power supply devices 1320 and 1330 that supply power to the cam member 1310 to enable the cam member 1310 to rotate. In other words, the power supply devices 1320 and 1330 may be configured to supply power to the rotating shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310.

[0411] Specifically, the ejector 1300 may include a drive motor 1320 and a transmission member 1330 as components of the power supply devices 1320 and 1330. As described above, the drive motor 1320 may generate a rotational force for driving the cam member 1310, and the transmission member 1330 may transmit the rotational force generated by the drive motor 1320 to the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310. The transmission member 1330 may include a plurality of gears, and the plurality of gears may include various types of gears, such as spur gears, worm gears, and bevel gears.

[0412] The cam member 1310 may include a power transmission portion 1314 configured to receive power from the power supply devices 1320 and 1330. For example, the power transmission portion 1314 may be formed in the shape of a gear including teeth, and the power transmission portion 1314 may be configured to mesh with the gear of the transmission member 1330. The power transmission portion 1314 may be formed in the shape of a gear centered on the rotation axis 1313. Therefore, the cam member 1310 may receive power from the power supply devices 1320 and 1330, and the cam member 1310 may be configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis 1313.

[0413] However, it is not limited thereto, and the cam member 1310 may receive the rotational force through various configurations. For example, the transmission member 1330 may not include a plurality of gears, but may include only a single gear connected to the drive motor 1320 and meshed with the power transmission portion 1314 of the cam member 1310 to transmit the rotational force to the cam member 1310. For example, the power transmission portion 1314 of the cam member 1310 may not be configured in the shape of a gear, and more specifically, the power transmission portion 1314 may have a configuration in which the rotation shaft 1313 is connected to the center of one of the plurality of gears of the transmission member 1330 to receive the rotational force.

[0414] The cam member 1310 may include a hub portion 1311 rotatably disposed relative to the storage chamber 1200 and a body portion 1312 disposed to be rotatable together with the hub portion 1311 and extending from the hub portion 1311 in a radial direction of the hub portion 1311 .

[0415] The rotating shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 may be disposed in the hub 1311. In other words, the rotating shaft 1313 may be disposed at the center of the hub 1311, and the hub 1311 may rotate around the rotating shaft 1313. The hub 1311 may be formed concentrically with the power transmission portion 1314. The hub 1311 may be connected to the rotating shaft 1313. The hub 1311 may be penetrated by the rotating shaft 1313.

[0416] The hub portion 1311 may be formed in a substantially flat disc shape. That is, the hub portion 1311 may have an outer circumference whose distance from the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 in the radial direction is constant.

[0417] The body portion 1312 may extend from a portion of the outer circumference of the hub portion 1311 in a radial direction of the hub portion 1311. In other words, the body portion 1312 may be formed to extend in a radial direction of the hub portion 1311 and be located on a portion of the outer circumference of the hub portion 1311.

[0418] A portion of the outer periphery of the hub 1311 may not be exposed to the outside due to the presence of the body 1312. On the other hand, another portion of the hub 1311 may be exposed to the outside due to the absence of the body 1312. That is, the body 1312 may cover a portion of the outer periphery of the hub 1311, and may not cover another portion of the outer periphery of the hub 1311.

[0419] As described above, the cam member 310 may have a shape in which a certain outer circumferential portion protrudes more radially than another outer circumferential portion due to the difference between the portion including the body portion 1312 and the portion not including the body portion 1312. The outer circumferential surface of the cam member 1310 may be configured to push one solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents in the storage chamber 1200 according to the rotation of the cam member 1310, so that the cam member 1310 can discharge the one solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0420] The body portion 1312 may be configured to push a piece of solid detergent toward the storage chamber 1200 by rotating in the first rotation direction R1. That is, the body portion 1312 may include the above-mentioned pushing portion 1312a.

[0421] The pushing portion 1312a may protrude in the radial direction of the cam member 1310. The pushing portion 1312a may be disposed at one end of the body portion 1312 in the first rotation direction R1. In other words, the pushing portion 1312a may form a surface disposed at one end of the body portion 1312 in the first rotation direction R1. With such a configuration, the pushing portion 1312a may be configured to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 to push a piece of solid detergent toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0422] The body portion 1312 may be configured to allow a solid detergent among a plurality of solid detergents stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 to be pushed by the pushing portion 1312a in a direction different from the third direction Z. Fig.14 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1 , the body portion 1312 may be configured to allow a piece of solid detergent to be pushed along a second direction Y by the pushing portion 1312 a , the second direction Y being a direction perpendicular to the third direction Z.

[0423] When the pushing portion 1312a rotates along the first rotation direction R1 to push a piece of solid detergent toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200, a contact surface can be formed between the pushing portion 1312a and the piece of solid detergent. In this case, the direction of the external force applied by the pushing portion 1312a to the piece of solid detergent can be formed differently depending on the direction of the contact surface. The direction of the contact surface between the pushing portion 1312a and the piece of solid detergent can vary depending on the size, shape or arrangement of the pushing portion 1312a and the solid detergent. As long as the solid detergent is formed into a shape that does not greatly deviate from a predetermined range, the direction of the contact surface can vary depending on the shape of the pushing portion 1312a.

[0424] When the pushing portion 1312a extends only in a constant direction from the hub portion 1311, the efficiency of pushing a piece of solid detergent toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pushing portion 1312a may be reduced.

[0425] For example, it can be assumed that the pushing portion 1312a is formed to extend from the hub 1311 only in a direction completely parallel to the radial direction of the hub 1311, or only in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1 and obliquely relative to the radial direction of the hub 1311. In this case, the pushing portion 1312a can rotate in the first rotation direction R1 while contacting a piece of solid detergent, and thereby exert an upward external force on the piece of solid detergent. Therefore, a portion of the pushed solid detergent may be lifted upward, and may hinder the solid detergent from being discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0426] On the contrary, for example, it can be assumed that the pushing portion 1312a extends obliquely from the hub 1311 only along the first rotation direction R1 relative to the radial direction of the hub 1311. In this case, the problem described above that the solid detergent pushed by the pushing portion 1312a is lifted upward may not occur. However, even in this case, the portion of the pushing portion 1312a that contacts the solid detergent may be only the portion arranged on the outside in the radial direction, and therefore the efficiency of pushing a piece of solid detergent by the pushing portion 1312a may be reduced.

[0427] In order to solve the above problem, the pushing portion 1312a may include a first portion 1312aa and a second portion 1312ab extending in different directions.

[0428] Specifically, the pushing portion 1312a may include a first portion 1312aa formed to extend from the hub 1311, and a second portion 1312ab formed to be bent and extended from the first portion 1312aa. The second portion 1312ab may be formed to be bent from one end of the first portion 1312aa and extend in the first rotation direction R1. That is, the second portion 1312ab may be formed to extend from the first portion 1312aa in a direction toward a piece of solid detergent when the pushing portion 1312a pushes the piece of solid detergent.

[0429] Through such a construction, Fig.14 As shown, the second part 1312ab can apply a downward external force to a piece of solid cleaning agent, and the second part 1312ab can prevent the piece of solid cleaning agent from being lifted upward when being pushed. In particular, even when an upward external force is applied to a piece of solid cleaning agent by the first part 1312aa, the second part 1312ab can prevent the piece of solid cleaning agent from being lifted upward.

[0430] The first portion 1312aa may be formed to extend from the hub 1311 in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1 at an inclination relative to the radial direction of the hub 1311. In other words, the first portion 1312aa may be formed to extend from the hub 1311 in a direction away from a piece of solid detergent when the pushing portion 1312a may push a piece of solid detergent.

[0431] In the case where the extension direction of the second portion 1312ab is set to be different from the above, the solid cleaning agent may not be fully pushed by the first portion 1312aa. In order to make the first portion 1312aa fully contact with the solid cleaning agent, the second portion 1312ab may need to be bent at a smaller angle relative to the first portion 1312aa to extend toward the first rotation direction R1.

[0432] Using the above construction, Fig.14 As shown, a solid cleaning agent can be fully pushed not only by the second part 1312ab, but also by the first part 1312aa. In addition, the second part 1312ab can be set to be bent at a larger angle relative to the first part 1312aa, so that the solid cleaning agent can be more effectively prevented from being lifted when being pushed.

[0433] In other words, the pushing portion 1312a may be formed in a shape including a concave shape formed by the first portion 1312aa and the second portion 1312ab.

[0434] For example, a concavo-convex shape (not shown), a rib (not shown), etc. may be formed on the pushing portion 1312 a to effectively prevent the solid detergent from sliding down when being pushed.

[0435] In the case where the extension length of the first portion 1312aa is shorter than the extension length of the second portion 1312ab, the first portion 1312aa may not easily contact a piece of solid detergent, and thus the solid detergent may not be sufficiently pushed by the first portion 1312aa. In order to make the first portion 1312aa fully contact a piece of solid detergent, the second portion 1312ab may need to be bent at a smaller angle relative to the first portion 1312aa to extend toward the first rotation direction R1. Alternatively, in order to sufficiently ensure the angle at which the second portion 1312ab is bent, a complex design may be required, such as increasing the extension length of the first portion 1312aa from the hub 1311 while increasing the inclination angle of the first portion 1312aa relative to the radial direction of the hub 1311.

[0436] To prevent this, the first portion 1312aa may be formed to extend from the hub 1311 to a length greater than or equal to the length of the second portion 1312ab extending from the first portion 1312aa. In addition, preferably, the extension length of the first portion 1312aa may be formed to be longer than the extension length of the second portion 1312ab.

[0437] However, it is not limited thereto, and the pushing portion 1312a may extend in multiple directions and be formed to have multiple shapes. For example, the pushing portion 1312a may be formed to have a convex shape toward the first rotation direction R1. For example, the pushing portion 1312a may be formed to extend in a constant direction and have an overall flat shape.

[0438] The pushing portion 1312a may protrude from the hub 1311 to have a length substantially corresponding to the length of a piece of solid detergent. More specifically, in the pushing portion 1312a, a distance between an end of the first portion 1312aa adjacent to the hub 1311 and an end of the second portion 1312ab opposite to the first portion 1312aa may be set to correspond to the solid detergent. The pushing portion 1312a may protrude to approximately correspond to the height h of a piece of solid detergent D (see Figure 7 ).

[0439] In other words, the difference between the distance from the rotating shaft 1313 to the outer end of the pushing portion 1312a and the distance from the rotating shaft 1313 to the inner end of the pushing portion 1312a (or to the hub 1311) may approximately correspond to the height h of a piece of solid detergent D.

[0440] In other words, the difference between the maximum distance to the second cam region 1310A2 of the cam member 1310 and the distance to the first cam region 1310A1 may approximately correspond to the height h of a piece of the solid detergent D.

[0441] Alternatively, for example, the pushing portion 1312a may be formed to push the solid detergent at a position higher than or equal to about at least the middle height of the solid detergent. That is, the pushing portion 1312a may protrude to have a length greater than or equal to about the middle position of the height h of the solid detergent D.

[0442] Therefore, the pushing portion 1312a may be provided with a length suitable for sufficiently pushing one piece of the solid cleanser without pushing two or more pieces of the solid cleanser due to having an excessively long length.

[0443] However, as described above, since the solid cleaner may have various sizes depending on the composition, function or manufacturing company of the solid cleaner, the pushing portion 1312a does not necessarily have a length exactly corresponding to a piece of solid cleaner or a length greater than or equal to the middle position of a piece of solid cleaner.

[0444] With such a configuration, the body part 1312 may push one of the plurality of solid cleaners stacked and loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 to move the one solid cleaner to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0445] The hub portion 1311 and the body portion 1312 may be formed integrally with each other. In other words, the cam member 1310 may be formed as one piece.

[0446] The hub portion 1311 and the body portion 1312 may be components that conceptually define the respective portions of the cam member 1310 formed as one piece. Figures 13 to 16 , the hub 1311 and the body 1312 are described assuming that the hub 1311 is defined as a disc-shaped component in which only a portion of the outer periphery is exposed, and the body 1312 is defined as a component extending radially from a portion of the outer periphery of the hub 1311, but the construction of the hub 1311 and the body 1312 is not limited to these definitions.

[0447] For example, according to Fig.13 In an embodiment different from the embodiment shown, the hub portion and the body portion may not be formed integrally with each other, but may be formed to have a greater Fig.13 The hub portion 1311 of a smaller radius and the body portion configured to cover the entire outer circumference of the hub portion can be coupled to each other to form a cam member.

[0448] The concept of the present disclosure does not exclude the embodiments constructed as described above. In the above examples, the body portion may also be defined as a component extending from a portion of the outer periphery of the hub portion, and the hub portion may also be defined as a component in which the outer periphery is partially exposed to the outside due to the absence of the body portion at another portion of the outer periphery.

[0449] Under the above defined assumptions, the cam region of the cam member 1310 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0450] The body part 1312 may be configured to guide the plurality of solid cleansers stacked and loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 to move parallel to the third direction Z. More specifically, the body part 1312 may be configured to guide the plurality of solid cleansers disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the body part 1312 to gradually descend as the body part 1312 rotates in the first rotation direction R1.

[0451] Alternatively, it may be stated that the cam member includes a hub portion and a body portion, and the body portion is formed to extend from a portion of the outer circumference of the hub portion so that a distance between a rotation axis of the cam member and an outer circumferential surface of the body portion is constant.

[0452] Alternatively, it can be described that the cam member includes a hub portion having a disc shape with a constant radius from the rotation axis and a pushing portion protruding radially from the hub portion and configured to push a piece of solid detergent, wherein the pushing portion can be formed to protrude radially from a very narrow portion of the outer periphery of the hub portion, thereby allowing the rest of the outer periphery of the hub portion to be exposed to the outside.

[0453] Even in the case of the above-mentioned example, it is possible to provide an effect of moving one of the plurality of solid cleansers stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200. However, during the rotation of the cam member, due to the steep step difference between the body portion or the pushing portion and the hub portion, the plurality of solid cleansers remaining inside the storage chamber 1200 after the one solid cleansers are discharged may not be properly supported by the cam member, and thus may move rapidly in the third direction Z. For example, the plurality of solid cleansers remaining inside the storage chamber 1200 may fall to the bottom of the storage chamber 1200.

[0454] In this case, noise and vibration may be generated due to collision between the multiple pieces of solid cleaners and the support surface 1222 of the storage chamber 1200, the service life of the product may be reduced due to damage to parts, the solid cleaners may be damaged, or the stacking state of the multiple pieces of solid cleaners may be disturbed.

[0455] To solve this problem, the cam member 1310 may be configured to allow pieces of solid detergent disposed on the outer circumference to move parallel to the third direction Z inside the storage chamber 1200 in a stepwise and / or progressive manner as the cam member 1310 rotates in the first rotation direction R1.

[0456] Specifically, as described above, the cam member 1310 may include a plurality of cam areas divided along the first rotation direction R1 on the outer circumference of the cam member 1310 .

[0457] The plurality of cam regions may include a first cam region 1310A1 and a second cam region 1310A2 positioned at one side of the first cam region 1310A1 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0458] The first cam region 1310A1 may be located on an outer circumference of the hub 1311 .

[0459] More specifically, the first cam region 1310A1 may be defined as a region located on a portion of the outer periphery of the hub portion 1311 that is different from a portion of the outer periphery of the hub portion 1311 from which the body portion 1312 extends. In other words, the first cam region 1310A1 may be defined as a region of the outer periphery of the hub portion 1311 that is exposed to the outside due to the absence of the body portion 1312. The first cam region 1310A1 may be a region having the shortest distance in the radial direction from the rotation axis 1313 to the outer periphery among the plurality of cam regions. The first cam region 1310A1 may be a constant extension length away from the rotation axis 1313 in the radial direction.

[0460] In the first cam region 1310A1, the distance between the outer circumference of the first cam region 1310A1 and the rotation axis 1313 may be set to be less than or equal to the distance between the support surface 1222 of the storage chamber 1200 and the rotation axis 1313. In other words, the entire hub 1311 may be disposed below the storage chamber 1200.

[0461] With such a configuration, the first cam area 1310A1 located at the top of the cam member 1310 when the dishwasher 1 is not driven in a washing cycle can be arranged at a position lower than the support surface 1222 in the third direction Z. Therefore, when the solid detergent located at the lowest position among the plurality of solid detergents is arranged on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, the solid detergent can be placed in the storage chamber 1200 in a substantially horizontal state relative to the third direction Z, and one side of the solid detergent is not pushed upward relative to the third direction Z by the cam member 1310.

[0462] The second cam region 1310A2 may be defined as a region located on the outer circumference of the body portion 1312. An extending length of the second cam region 1310A2 extending from the rotation shaft 1313 in the radial direction may not be constant along the first rotation direction R1.

[0463] The second cam region 1310A2 may have a length extending radially from the rotation axis 1313, which tends to increase along the first rotation direction R1. When the cam member 1310 rotates along the first rotation direction R1 around the rotation axis 1313, the portion of the second cam region 1310A2 that contacts the plurality of solid detergents inside the storage chamber 1200 may have a length extending from the rotation axis 1313 that tends to decrease. That is, the second cam region 1310A2 may be formed to guide the solid detergents in the storage chamber 1200 in the direction toward the rotation axis 1313 of the conveying member 1310 during rotation along the first rotation direction R1. Therefore, the solid detergents stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 may descend in a stepwise manner along the third direction Z.

[0464] In other words, as the body part 1312 rotates about the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 , the pieces of solid detergent disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the body part 1312 may be guided to descend in a stepwise manner inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0465] The second cam region 1310A2 may include a plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA arranged along the first rotation direction R1 and protruding in the radial direction of the cam member 1310. Each of the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA may have a shape protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the body portion 1312. The plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first rotation direction R1 of the cam member 1310 on the outer circumferential surface of the body portion 1312.

[0466] Each of the plurality of peak areas 1310PA may be formed to support the solid detergent inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0467] The peak area 1310PA may also be referred to as a “protruding portion” of the cam member 1310 .

[0468] A plurality of peak areas 1310PA may be defined as areas located on the outer periphery of the cam member 1310 as a portion of the second cam area 1310A2 .

[0469] A plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA may protrude from the rotation axis 1313 in the radial direction of the cam member 1310, and the protruding length gradually increases in the direction along the first rotation direction R1. In other words, when a plurality of solid detergents are placed on the second cam region 1310A2, as the cam member 1310 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the solid detergents may sequentially contact the convex peak areas from the convex peak area 1310PA having a larger radial protrusion length from the rotation axis 1313 to the convex peak area 1310PA having a smaller radial protrusion length from the rotation axis 1313.

[0470] The outer circumference of the cam member 1310 may be formed to have a shape that is concavely recessed toward the inside in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 . Specifically, such a concavely recessed shape may be provided on the outer circumference of the body part 1312 .

[0471] In other words, the second cam region 1310A2 may include a concave area 1310CA that is concavely recessed inwardly in the radial direction of the cam member 1310. The concave area 1310CA may be arranged between the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA. The concave area 1310CA may be concavely formed on the outer circumferential surface of the body portion 1312.

[0472] The concave area 1310CA may also be referred to as a “concave portion” of the cam member 1310 .

[0473] The concave area 1310CA may be defined as an area located at the outer periphery of the cam member 1310 as a part of the second cam area 1310A2. A plurality of concave areas 1310CA may be provided, and the plurality of concave areas 1310CA may be arranged along the first rotation direction R1 on the second cam area 1310A2. Each of the plurality of concave areas 1310CA may be arranged between two adjacent convex peak areas 1310PA in the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA.

[0474] A single concave area 1310CA may include: a portion where the distance between the outer periphery and the rotation axis 1313 decreases along the first rotation direction R1, and a portion where the distance between the outer periphery and the rotation axis 1313 increases along the first rotation direction R1, thereby having a concave shape. However, as described above, the lengths of the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA from the rotation axis 1313 are formed to gradually increase along the first rotation direction R1, and accordingly, the degree to which each of the plurality of concave areas 1310CA protrudes from the rotation axis 1313 can be set to gradually increase along the first rotation direction R1. In other words, the average distance between the single concave area 1310CA and the rotation axis 1313 can be set to gradually increase along the first rotation direction R1.

[0475] With such a configuration, as the cam member 1310 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 , the distance between the pieces of solid cleaners placed on the second cam area 1310A2 and the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 may decrease in a stepwise manner.

[0476] refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.15 In comparison, multiple pieces of solid cleaners stacked and loaded along the third direction Z inside the storage chamber 1200 can be moved along the third direction Z by means of the gravity of the solid cleaners themselves or by the squeezing of the retainer 1500, and when moving along the third direction Z, the multiple pieces of solid cleaners placed on the second cam area 1310A2 can be guided by the second cam area 1310A2 and gradually descend toward the support surface 1222 inside the storage chamber 1200.

[0477] In addition, since the concave area 1310CA is provided in the second cam area 1310A2, the solid cleanser placed on the second cam area 1310A2 can be supported more stably. For example, the solid cleanser may have various shapes depending on the manufacturer, etc., and in particular, the solid cleanser may have a shape in which the lower surface in the third direction Z is convex outward. In this case, the convex lower surface is placed on the concave area 1310CA, and thus the solid cleanser can be stably supported in a horizontal state by the cam member 1310.

[0478] When a piece of solid cleaner among the multiple pieces of solid cleaners stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 is pushed to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the cam member 1310, the piece of solid cleaner may be stuck inside the storage chamber 1200, or may be stuck between the middle door 1250 and the storage chamber 1200, and thus cannot be smoothly discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0479] To solve this problem, the cam member 1310 may be configured to be rotatable in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1, and the plurality of peak areas 1310PA may be configured to push one of the plurality of solid cleaners while rotating in the second rotation direction R2.

[0480] based on Figures 13 to 16 , the second rotation direction R2 may be the direction in which the first cam member 1310 rotates counterclockwise. Figures 13 to 16 , the second rotation direction R2 may be a direction in which the second cam member 1310 ′ rotates clockwise.

[0481] Specifically, the control device 1900 may recognize that the solid detergent is not discharged from the storage chamber 1200 and does not move to the seating member 1400 although the cam member 1310 is rotated.

[0482] For example, after the cam member 1310 is driven to rotate in the first rotation direction R1, when the seating member sensor 1440 senses that no solid detergent is seated on the seating member 1400, the control device 1900 can receive a signal output from the seating member sensor 1440 and identify, based on the received signal, that the solid detergent has not yet been discharged from the storage chamber 1200.

[0483] For example, a position sensor (not shown) may be provided on the holder 1500 or inside the storage chamber 1200, the position sensor being configured to sense the position of the holder 1500 or the stacked solid detergent, and the position sensor may be configured to sense the position of the holder 1500 or the solid detergent after the cam member 1310 is driven to rotate in the first rotation direction R1, and output a signal. The control device 1900 may receive the signal output from the position sensor, and recognize that the solid detergent has not been discharged from the storage chamber 1200 based on the received signal.

[0484] However, it is not limited thereto, and the control device 1900 may recognize that the solid detergent has not been discharged from the storage chamber 1200 in various ways.

[0485] The control device 1900 may recognize that the solid detergent has been stuck inside the storage chamber 1200 or between the middle door 1250 and the storage chamber 1200 .

[0486] For example, based on the fact that during the rotation of the cam member 1310 along the first rotation direction R1, the power consumption of the drive motor 1320 increases to a value greater than or equal to the reference power consumption (the power consumption required to drive the drive motor 1320 in normal time) or the load of the drive motor 1320 increases, the control device 1900 can identify that the solid detergent has been stuck in the storage chamber 1200.

[0487] For example, based on recognizing that the solid detergent has not been discharged from the storage chamber 1200 despite the rotation of the cam member 1310 in the first rotation direction R1 , the control device 1900 may recognize that the solid detergent has been stuck in the storage chamber 1200 .

[0488] In order to solve the problem of the solid detergent being stuck, the control device 1900 may control the driving of the ejector 1300 so that the cam member 1310 rotates in the second rotation direction R2.

[0489] As the cam member 1310 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA protruding in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 may push the lower surface of the stuck solid detergent in the third direction Z. In other words, as the cam member 1310 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the plurality of convex peak areas 1310PA may push the stuck solid detergent in a direction from the outside of the storage chamber 1200 to the inside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0490] Therefore, the solid detergent stuck in the storage chamber 1200 may be released, and then the cam member 1310 may be rotated again in the first rotation direction R1 to push a piece of solid detergent and discharge the piece of solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber 1200. Upon recognizing that no solid detergent is discharged from the storage chamber 1200 even after performing the above process, the control device 1900 may recognize that the solid detergent is still stuck inside the storage chamber 1200, or may recognize that no solid detergent is loaded into the storage chamber 1200.

[0491] However, the configuration of the plurality of cam regions provided on the outer periphery of the cam member 1310 is not limited to the above description, and the cam member 1310 may be formed to have the same Figures 13 to 16 The shapes shown are different from the various shapes of the outer peripheral surface.

[0492] Fig.17 It is shown in Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a view of a state in which the storage chamber is closed by the middle door after the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber.

[0493] See also Fig.17 , after one of the plurality of solid cleaners stacked and loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 is completely discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the cam member 1310 , the middle door 1250 may be configured to close the storage chamber outlet 1210 .

[0494] Among the multiple pieces of solid cleaners loaded into the storage chamber 1200, a piece of solid cleaner pushed by the cam member 1310 and moved to the storage chamber outlet 1210 can open the middle door 1250 while pushing the middle door 1250, and as the middle door 1250 is opened, the piece of solid cleaner can move to the placement member 1400 through the storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0495] After a solid detergent is completely moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200, the middle door 1250 may be configured to immediately close the storage chamber outlet 1210. For example, the middle door 1250 may be biased toward the storage chamber outlet 1210 by the elastic member 1251 so that the middle door 1250 closes the storage chamber outlet 1210.

[0496] Therefore, the middle door 1250 may be configured to restrict or limit the movement of the solid detergent inside the storage chamber 1200 not being discharged by the pushing of the cam member 1310 but moving to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by another external force.

[0497] The pushing portion 1312a of the cam member 1310 may be arranged such that a distance between one end of the pushing portion 1312a in the radial direction of the hub 1311 and the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 is greater than or equal to a distance between the storage chamber outlet 1210 and the rotation axis 1313. In other words, the pushing portion 1312a may be extended according to the rotation of the cam member 1310 to pass through the storage chamber outlet 1210. For example, after a piece of solid detergent moves to the placement member 1410, the pushing portion 1312a may immediately pass through the storage chamber outlet 1210, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 shown.

[0498] In this case, the middle door 1250 may include a door inserting portion 1250a into which at least a portion of the pushing portion 1312a can be inserted to quickly close the storage chamber outlet 1210. The pushing portion 1312a located in a position to pass through the storage chamber outlet 1210 by rotation may be inserted into the door inserting portion 1250a, and the middle door 1250 may be prevented from interfering with the pushing portion 1312a during closing.

[0499] The door insertion portion 1250a may extend to one end of the middle door 1250 in the third direction Z. The pressing portion 1312a inserted into the door insertion portion 1250a may be configured to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 and reach one end of the middle door 1250 in the third direction Z to be disengaged from the door insertion portion 1250a.

[0500] When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, the thickness of the pushing portion 1312 a in the first direction X may be smaller than the width of the door insertion portion 1250 a in the first direction X.

[0501] Fig.18 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher according to the embodiment are removed.

[0502] refer to Fig.18 , an automatic detergent dispenser for a dishwasher according to an embodiment will be described. Fig.18 In the embodiment shown, Figures 1 to 17 The same components as those shown may be given the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

[0503] See also Fig.18, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1 may include cam members 2310 and 2310' rotatably provided at one side of the storage chambers 1200 and 1200'. Fig.18 , the cam members 2310 and 2310' may include a first cam member 2310 arranged on the left side and a second cam member 2310' arranged on the right side. The first cam member 2310 and the second cam member 2310' may be configured to correspond to each other. For ease of description, the following description will be made with respect to the first cam member 2310, and the description of the second cam member 2310' may be omitted. In addition, for ease of description, the first cam member 2310 may be referred to as a cam member.

[0504] The cam member 2310 may be disposed at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. When the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is in the first position 1000A, the cam member 2310 may be configured to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 to move one of the plurality of solid detergents stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0505] The cam member 2310 may be disposed to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 2313 located at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. The cam member 2310 may include a power transmission portion 2314 disposed to receive a rotation force from the power supply devices 1320 and 1330 .

[0506] The cam member 2310 may include a hub portion 2311 configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis 2313 and a body portion 2312 configured to be rotatable together with the hub portion 2311 and formed to radially extend from a portion of an outer circumference of the hub portion 2311 .

[0507] The body portion 2312 may include a pressing portion 2312a configured to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 to press a piece of solid detergent toward the outside of the storage chamber 1200. The pressing portion 2312a may be provided at one end of the body portion 2312 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0508] like Fig.18 As shown, the pushing portion 2312a may be formed to extend from the hub portion 2311 only in a constant direction, for example, in a radial direction of the hub portion 2311. However, it is not limited thereto, and as an example, the pushing portion 2312a may be formed to have a concavely recessed shape.

[0509] The body portion 2312 may be formed to include a shape in which a length extending from the hub portion 2311 gradually increases along the first rotation direction R1. In other words, the body portion 2312 may be formed to have a shape in which a distance between an outer periphery of the body portion 2312 and the rotation axis 2313 gradually increases along the first rotation direction R1. The body portion 2312 may be formed to include a smooth curved surface.

[0510] Therefore, the body part 2312 may be configured to guide the plurality of solid cleaning agents stacked and loaded in the storage chamber 1200 to move parallel to the third direction Z. More specifically, the body part 1312 may be configured to guide the plurality of solid cleaning agents disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the body part 1312 to gradually descend inside the storage chamber as the body part 1312 rotates along the first rotation direction R1.

[0511] On the other hand, the main body 2312 may be provided with a plurality of convex peak areas (not shown) on its outer periphery, the plurality of convex peak areas protruding in the radial direction of the cam member 2310, and as the cam member 2310 rotates along the second rotation direction R2, the plurality of convex peak areas may be configured to push the solid detergent stuck inside the storage chamber 1200, thereby releasing the stuck solid detergent, as in Fig.16 As described in .

[0512] Hereinafter, a cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 1200 according to an embodiment will be described in detail.

[0513] Fig.19 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of the automatic detergent dispenser of the dishwasher according to the embodiment are removed.

[0514] About Figures 1 to 17 The structure of the automatic detergent dispenser including the cam member 1310 is shown to Fig.19 The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.19 The described embodiments may also be applicable to Fig.18 The structure of the automatic detergent dispenser including the cam member 2310 is shown.

[0515] For example, Fig.19 As shown, a horizontal length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and a horizontal length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be different from each other.

[0516] For example, the horizontal length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 may be set to have a predetermined length for allowing the above-mentioned solid detergent D to be stored in the storage chamber 1200. The horizontal length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200' may be smaller than the horizontal length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0517] For example, the horizontal length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be greater than the horizontal length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 .

[0518] The width L4 of the seating member 1400 in the second direction Y may be substantially similar to the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200. This is because, when the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 to the seating member 1400 in a state where the width L4 of the seating member 1400 is much smaller than the width L5 of the second storage chamber 1200', the solid detergent may be stuck in the seating member inner space 1401, and may not be seated on the seating member door 1410.

[0519] On the contrary, when the width L4 of the mounting member 1400 in the second direction Y is much larger than the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 or the width L5 of the second storage chamber 1200', the volume of the mounting member 1400 in the second direction Y will increase to a greater extent than necessary, and therefore the volume of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 in the second direction Y will increase to a greater extent than necessary.

[0520] Therefore, as described above, it is appropriate that, in the second direction Y, the width L4 of the seating member 1400 may have a length similar to the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 having the cross-sectional area S consistent with the size of the solid detergent.

[0521] When the above-mentioned solid detergent D is defined as a conventional solid detergent D having an appropriate volume for washing consistent with the capacity of the inner tank 12 of the conventional dishwasher 1 and having a predetermined horizontal length d1 consistent with the appropriate volume, the small solid detergent D' stored in the second storage chamber 1200' may be defined as a small solid detergent D' having a smaller volume than the conventional solid detergent D and thus having a horizontal length shorter than the horizontal length d1 of the solid detergent D. In addition, the small solid detergent D' may be a solid detergent D' having a shape in which the conventional solid detergent D is partially cut in the direction of the horizontal length d1.

[0522] When the user wants to wash only a small amount of dishes, a smaller amount of detergent than the conventional solid detergent D that is usually used according to the capacity of the inner tank 12 may be used to wash the small amount of dishes.

[0523] In addition to the regular solid detergent D stored in the first storage chamber 1200, the second storage chamber 1200' may also be configured to store small solid detergent D' which is different in volume from the solid detergent D. Therefore, the user can selectively use the regular solid detergent D or the small solid detergent D' to perform a washing process as desired.

[0524] The user may input information about the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 through an input device of the dishwasher 1 or through a mobile device to allow the dishwasher 1 to selectively perform one of the normal washing mode and the small amount washing mode.

[0525] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to drive the first ejector 1300 or the second ejector 1300 ′ based on the user input acquired from the main control device.

[0526] When the user selects the normal washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow the first pusher 1300 to be driven.

[0527] When the user selects the small amount washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow the second pusher 1300 ′ to be driven.

[0528] Hereinafter, the adjustment member 1270 configured to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 1200 according to an embodiment will be described in detail.

[0529] Fig. 20 is a view illustrating a state in which some components of an automatic detergent dispenser of a dishwasher according to an embodiment are removed, and Fig.21 The diagram is from Fig. 20 A view of a state in which the adjusting member of the second storage chamber is moved in a state.

[0530] About Figures 1 to 17 The structure of the automatic detergent dispenser including the cam member 1310 is shown to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The described embodiments may also be applicable to Fig.18 The structure of the automatic detergent dispenser including the cam member 2310 is shown.

[0531] For example, Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown, the storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member 1270 configured to adjust the inner width of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0532] When the above-mentioned solid detergent D is defined as a conventional solid detergent D having an appropriate volume for washing consistent with the capacity of the inner tank 12 of a conventional dishwasher 1 and having a predetermined horizontal length d1 consistent with the appropriate volume, some solid detergents D" may have a smaller volume than the conventional solid detergent D, and therefore the width d1" of the solid detergent D" may be smaller than the width d1 of the conventional solid detergent D.

[0533] For example, when certain solid cleaners D” are stacked in a storage chamber 1200 having a width L1 corresponding to a width d1 of a conventional solid cleaner D, due to a gap between the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 and the certain solid cleaners D” in the storage chamber 1200, the certain solid cleaners D” may move along the second direction Y, and thus the certain solid cleaners D” may be separated from the stacking arrangement of the solid cleaners D”. When the pusher 1300 is driven in a state in which certain solid cleaners D” are separated, multiple pieces of solid cleaners D” may not be moved along the third direction Y by the pusher 1300, and the certain solid cleaners D” may be stuck in the storage chamber 1200 and thus may not be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0534] For example, the storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member 1270 configured to adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y, and the adjustment member 1270 may be movable in the second direction Y to adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0535] Even when the width d1” of certain solid detergents D” is smaller than the width d1 of conventional solid detergents D, the adjusting member 1270 can adjust the width L6 of the storage chamber 1200 so as to correspond to the width d1” of the certain solid detergents D”, and thus the stacking state of the solid detergents D” can be maintained in the storage chamber 1200.

[0536] The adjusting member 1270 may include a supporting wall 1271 configured to support a plurality of pieces of solid detergent and a mover 1272 connected to the supporting wall 1271 in the second direction Y to move the position of the supporting wall 1271 toward the second direction Y.

[0537] The regulating member 1270 may be disposed on the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0538] When the support wall 1271 is disposed closest to the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 , the width L1 of the storage chamber 1200 may be substantially the same as the width d1 of the general solid detergent D. As shown in FIG.

[0539] The user can adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 by pressing the support wall 1271 toward the second direction Y. For example, the user can move the support wall 1271 disposed adjacent to the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 toward the second direction Y to allow the width d1″ of some solid detergent D″ to correspond to the width L6 of the storage chamber 1200.

[0540] For example, the mover 1272 may extend or retract in the second direction Y to allow the support wall 1271 to move in the second direction Y inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0541] For example, the mover 1272 may be configured to be movable along the second direction Y between the outside and the inside of the storage chamber 1200 to allow the support wall 1271 to move along the second direction Y inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0542] For example, the user can open the storage chamber cover 1140 to open the storage chamber 1200, and move the adjustment member 1270 toward the second direction Y so that the storage chamber 1200 has a user-desired width. The user can selectively adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 by grasping the support wall 1271 and moving the support wall 1271 toward the second direction Y to form the user-desired width of the storage chamber 1200. As the user presses the support wall 1271, the mover 1272 can extend or retract along the second direction Y.

[0543] For example, the adjusting member 1270 may be driven by the adjusting member driver through the control of the control device 1900. The user may input information about the width of the storage chamber 1200 to the dishwasher 1 through the input device of the dishwasher 1 or through the moving device, and the control device 1900 may control the adjusting member 1270 to move the mover 1272 or extend or retract the mover 1272 based on the user input obtained from the main control device, thereby allowing the adjusting member 1270 to move a predetermined distance in the second direction Y.

[0544] The holder 1500 may be disposed to move between the support wall 1271 and one of the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 on which the adjustment member 1270 is not disposed.

[0545] For example, a guide rail 1290 configured to guide the movement of the holder 1500 may be disposed on the support wall 1271. The holder 1500 may be translated along the third direction Z by being guided by the guide rail 1290 disposed on the support wall 1271 and a guide rail disposed on one of the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 on which the adjustment member 1270 is not disposed.

[0546] The retainer 1500 may be provided in a shape that retracts in the second direction Y when the support wall 1271 moves in a direction away from the right surface 1230 or the left surface 1240 .

[0547] The retainer 1500 may be configured to be retracted or extended in the second direction Y. For example, the retainer 1500 may be configured to be retractable. Therefore, when the support wall 1271 moves toward the center of the storage chamber 1200, the retainer 1500 may be folded and retracted, and when the support wall 1271 moves toward a direction opposite to the center direction of the storage chamber 1200, the retainer 1500 may be extended and extended.

[0548] The regulating member 1270 may include a first regulating member 1270 disposed inside the first storage chamber 1200 and a second regulating member 1270 ′ disposed inside the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0549] For example, the user may adjust the widths of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ by moving the first adjustment member 1270 and the second adjustment member 1270 ′, respectively.

[0550] For example, the user may maintain the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ by not moving both the first adjustment member 1270 and the second adjustment member 1270 ′.

[0551] For example, the user may adjust the widths of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ by moving one of the first adjustment member 1270 and the second adjustment member 1270 ′.

[0552] For example, the first regulating member 1270 may be disposed on the left surface 1240 of the first storage chamber 1200. The second regulating member 1270' may be disposed on the right surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0553] Alternatively, the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the left surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ The first regulating member 1270 may be disposed on the right surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 .

[0554] Alternatively, the first regulating member 1270 and the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the left surface 1240 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the left surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′, respectively.

[0555] Alternatively, the first regulating member 1270 and the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the right surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the right surface 1230 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′, respectively.

[0556] Alternatively, the regulating member 1270 may be provided in only one of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0557] For example, Fig.21 As shown, the adjustment member 1270 of the first storage chamber 1200 can be arranged adjacent to the left surface 1240 to allow the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 to correspond to the width d1 of the conventional solid detergent D, and the adjustment member 1270' of the second storage chamber 1200' can be moved from the right surface 1230' along the second direction Y to allow the width L6 of the second storage chamber 1200' to correspond to the width d1" of certain solid detergents D".

[0558] At this time, the user may load the general solid detergent D into the first storage chamber 1200 and load some solid detergent D″ into the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0559] The storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member detection sensor configured to detect the position of each of the support walls 1271 and 1271'. The adjustment member detection sensor may detect the position at which the support wall 1271 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the support wall 1271' of the second storage chamber 1200' are set, and the control device 1900 may be configured to identify the type of solid detergent loaded into the first storage chamber 1200 and the type of solid detergent loaded into the second storage chamber 1200' based on the detection value.

[0560] For example, the adjustment member detection sensor can measure the distance to the position of each of the support walls 1271 and 1271', or detect the distance to the position of each of the support walls 1271 and 1271' by detecting the distance that each of the movers 1272 and 1272' moves, extends or retracts.

[0561] The user may input information about the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 through an input device of the dishwasher 1 or through a mobile device to allow the dishwasher 1 to selectively perform one of the normal washing mode and the small amount washing mode.

[0562] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow the first ejector 1300 or the second ejector 1300 ′ to be driven based on the user input acquired from the main control device and the value sensed by the adjustment member detection sensor.

[0563] For example, when the user selects the normal washing mode, the controller 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow driving of the first pusher 1300. When the user selects the small amount washing mode, the controller 1900 may control the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 to allow driving of the second pusher 1300'.

[0564] refer to Figures 1 to 21 The cam members 1310 and 2310 may be rotatably provided around rotation axes 1313 and 2313 in a direction parallel to the first direction X. However, this is not limiting, and the cam members 1310 and 2310 may also be provided to have rotation axes in directions different from the above directions.

[0565] For example, the cam members 1310 and 2310 may be configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis along a direction parallel to the third direction Z. Even when a plurality of pieces of solid cleansers are stacked along the third direction Z in the storage chamber 1200, the cam members 1310 and 2310 may be arranged on the lower side of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. The cam members 1310 and 2310 may be configured to push a piece of solid cleansers to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 while rotating around a rotation axis along a direction parallel to the third direction Z. In this case, as an example, the pushing portion of the cam members 1310 and 2310 configured to push a piece of solid cleansers may have a shape that protrudes in a direction parallel to the radial direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310, such as Figures 1 to 18 Alternatively, the pressing portion of the cam members 1310 and 2310 configured to press a piece of solid detergent may have a shape protruding in the third direction Z.

[0566] In addition, as an example, the cam members 1310 and 2310 may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the third direction Z, and the cam members 1310 and 2310 may be formed to have a shape in which the thickness or height of the cam members 1310 and 2310 in the third direction Z changes in a progressive and / or stepwise manner along the rotation direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310. More specifically, as an example, the cam members 1310 and 2310 may include a first cam region having a minimum thickness in the third direction Z and a second cam region arranged on one side of the first cam region in the rotation direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310. In this case, the second cam region may be formed to have a shape in which the thickness in the third direction Z gradually increases along the rotation direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310. Alternatively, as an example, the cam members 1310 and 2310 may include a first cam area and a second cam area, the first cam area being located at a position where the height of the upper surface in the third direction Z is the lowest, and the second cam area being arranged on one side of the first cam area in the rotation direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310. In this case, the second cam area may be formed to have a shape in which the height of the upper surface in the third direction Z gradually / stepwise increases along the rotation direction of the cam members 1310 and 2310. In this case, as the cam members 1310 and 2310 rotate, a plurality of pieces of solid detergent disposed on the upper surface of the cam members 1310 and 2310 in the third direction Z may be guided to move in parallel with the third direction Z. In other words, as the cam members 1310 and 2310 rotate, a plurality of pieces of solid detergent may slowly move downward along the third direction Z.

[0567] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, comprising: Liner; A door, the door being used to open and close the inner container; and An automatic detergent dispenser is arranged on the door and is configured to input solid detergent into the interior of the inner tank, and the automatic detergent dispenser includes: a storage chamber in which a plurality of pieces of solid cleaning agents can be stacked in one direction to be loaded, and a conveying member arranged at one side of the storage chamber along the one direction along which the plurality of solid detergents can be stacked, and configured to move the solid detergents among the plurality of solid detergents loaded into the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber, the conveying member comprising: a hub configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a first rotation direction, and a body portion extending from a portion of an outer circumference of the hub portion in a radial direction of the hub portion and configured to rotate together with the hub portion in the first rotation direction, Wherein, the body portion is configured such that when the body portion is rotated in the first rotation direction and a plurality of solid detergents are loaded into the storage chamber: pushing one of the plurality of solid cleaning agents to the outside of the storage chamber, and At least one remaining solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents is guided to move in the one direction inside the storage chamber.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion includes a pushing portion configured to push the solid detergent to the outside of the storage chamber during rotation of the body portion in the first rotation direction, and The pressing portion is formed at one end of the body portion in the first rotation direction.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein: The pushing portion comprises: a first portion extending from the hub; and A second portion extends from one end of the first portion in the first rotation direction.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein: The first portion extends from the hub in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction at an inclination with respect to the radial direction of the hub.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein: The first portion extends longer than the second portion.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein: The storage chamber includes a storage chamber outlet configured to allow the solid detergent to pass through the storage chamber outlet to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber, and A distance between one end of the pushing portion in the radial direction of the hub portion and the rotation axis of the conveying member is greater than or equal to a distance between the storage chamber outlet and the rotation axis of the conveying member.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The conveying member includes a plurality of cam areas divided along the first rotation direction on an outer circumference of the conveying member, The plurality of cam regions include: a first cam region located on an outer periphery of the hub, and a second cam region located on one side of the first cam region in the first rotation direction on the outer periphery of the body portion, and The second cam region is configured to guide the at least one piece of remaining solid detergent to move in the one direction toward the rotation axis of the conveying member within the storage chamber during rotation of the body portion in the first rotation direction.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein: The second cam area includes: a plurality of convex peak areas arranged along the first rotation direction and protruding in the radial direction of the conveying member, and A concave area is positioned between adjacent convex peak areas among the plurality of convex peak areas and is recessed inwardly in the radial direction of the conveying member.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein: A protruding length of each of the plurality of peak regions in the radial direction of the conveying member gradually increases along the first rotation direction.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein: The conveying member is configured to be rotatable in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and The plurality of peak regions are configured to push a solid detergent from among the plurality of solid detergents when the conveying member rotates in the second rotational direction.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein: The storage chamber includes a support surface configured to allow a solid cleaner among the plurality of solid cleaners that is closest to the rotation axis of the conveying member to be supported in the one direction along which the plurality of solid cleaners are stacked, and The first cam region is configured such that a distance between an outer periphery of the first cam region and the rotation axis of the conveying member is less than or equal to a distance between the support surface and the rotation axis of the conveying member.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion has a shape in which a length extending from the hub portion gradually increases along the first rotation direction.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion is configured to push the piece of solid cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the one direction along which the plurality of pieces of solid cleaner are stacked.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: When the inner container is closed by the door: The one direction along which the plurality of solid cleaning agents are stacked is parallel to the up-down direction of the door, and The conveying member is configured to move the piece of solid detergent located at the lowest position before being pushed to the outside of the storage chamber among the plurality of solid detergents to the outside of the storage chamber as the conveying member rotates in the first rotation direction.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein: The rotation axis of the conveying member is located below the storage chamber.

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