Dishwasher

Abstract

The dishwasher includes: a tub; a door for opening and closing the tub, and including an outer frame forming an outer surface of the door, and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame and forming an inner surface of the door, and having an inner space therebetween; and an automatic detergent feeding device coupled to the inner frame and configured to feed a solid detergent into the tub when the door closes the tub. The automatic detergent feeding device includes: a storage chamber provided so that a plurality of solid detergents can be stacked so as to be loaded in one direction; and a discharge duct including a discharge hole formed to communicate with the internal space, and configured to discharge air flowing from the tub to the automatic detergent feeding device through the discharge hole to the internal space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular to a dishwasher with a device for feeding detergent. Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically cleans food residues and the like remaining on tableware using detergent and washing water.

[0003] The dishwasher includes a main body, a washing chamber formed of a tub disposed inside the main body, a receiving container disposed inside the washing chamber to receive dishes, and a spray unit configured to spray washing water toward the receiving container.

[0004] The receiving containers may generally be provided in two or three layers, and in order to spray wash water to locations where respective receiving containers are arranged, a plurality of spray units may be provided and may be arranged corresponding to the receiving containers.

[0005] The dishwasher may include a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, and a drying stroke. In the washing stroke, the spray unit may spray washing water, and at the same time, detergent may be injected into the tub from the detergent automatic injection device, so that the dishes may be washed. In the rinsing stroke, the detergent may be washed away by spraying washing water. In the drying stroke, the moisture remaining in the dishes may be removed.

[0006] The automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher may be configured to include a storage chamber to store various types of detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents in the storage chamber. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having a structure improved to put solid detergent into a tub during a washing stroke.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher improved in that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded in an automatic detergent feeding device.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having a structure improved to discharge air flowing from a tub into an interior of an automatic detergent feeder to the outside of the automatic detergent feeder.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having a structure improved to drain water flowing into an inner space between an inner frame and an outer frame.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having a structure improved to prevent solid detergent loaded in a storage chamber from being damaged and to prevent quality of the solid detergent from being deteriorated.

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having a structure improved to prevent damage to an automatic detergent feeding device and to increase lifespan.

[0014] The technical problems to be achieved in this article are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by people with common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs through the following records.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] A dishwasher according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a barrel; a door for opening and closing the barrel, and including an outer frame and an inner frame, the outer frame forming the outer surface of the door, the inner frame being coupled to the outer frame and forming the inner surface of the door, and having an inner space between the outer frame and the inner frame; and an automatic detergent injection device coupled to the inner frame and configured to inject solid detergent toward the inside of the barrel when the door closes the barrel. The automatic detergent injection device may include: a storage chamber configured to enable a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked in a manner of loading in one direction; and a discharge duct including a discharge hole formed to communicate with the inner space, and configured to allow air flowing from the barrel into the automatic detergent injection device to be discharged to the inner space through the discharge hole.

[0017] The discharge duct may extend in parallel with the one direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are loaded. The discharge hole may be formed at one side of the discharge duct in the one direction.

[0018] The discharge duct may be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the one direction with respect to the storage chamber.

[0019] The automatic detergent feeding device may further include a discharge hole cover for covering the discharge hole from the outside of the discharge pipe.

[0020] The discharge hole cover may include a cover portion facing the discharge hole at a position spaced apart from the discharge hole.

[0021] The automatic detergent feeding device may further include an air discharge guide configured to guide the air discharged through the discharge hole to the outside of the discharge hole cover. The air discharge guide may be formed to be inclined downward toward the outer frame when the door closes the tub.

[0022] The automatic detergent feeding device may further include: a housing, coupled to the inner frame, the storage chamber and the discharge pipe being provided inside the housing; a driving unit, arranged inside the housing, and configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device so that one of the plurality of solid detergents is discharged into the barrel; a control device, configured to control the driving unit; and an electric wire, electrically connecting the driving unit to the control device. At least a portion of the electric wire may be arranged along the discharge pipe.

[0023] The electric wire may pass through the discharge hole. The housing may include a control device cover covering a portion of the electric wire, the discharge hole, and the control device.

[0024] The automatic detergent feeding device may further include: a housing coupled to the inner frame. The housing may further include: a drainage groove formed to have a concave shape on the outer surface of the housing. The storage chamber and the discharge pipe may be arranged on the inner side of the housing. The discharge hole may be arranged on the outer surface of the housing. The drainage groove may be configured to prevent water flowing in from the barrel from flowing into the discharge hole.

[0025] The drainage groove is located in the inner space, and may be provided to allow water flowing from the tub into the inner space to be drained from the housing to a lower side of the inner space when the door is closed.

[0026] The drainage groove may be arranged along an outer side edge of the housing.

[0027] The drain hole may be formed on a surface of the housing on a side facing the outer frame. The housing may further include a housing rib arranged along the drain groove and including a protruding shape. The housing rib may be arranged in a direction toward the outer frame relative to the drain groove.

[0028] The storage chamber may include a storage chamber discharge hole to communicate with the internal space.

[0029] The storage chamber discharge hole may be disposed at one side of the storage chamber in the direction where the plurality of solid detergents are loaded.

[0030] The automatic detergent feeding device may further include: a feeding port, which is arranged to communicate with the barrel and discharge one of the plurality of solid detergents discharged from the storage chamber into the barrel. When the barrel is closed by the door, the plurality of solid detergents may be stacked in the up-down direction inside the storage chamber, the feeding port may be arranged below the discharge duct, and the discharge hole may be formed on the upper side of the discharge duct.

[0031] The automatic detergent feeding device may include a placement portion for placing the solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber and discharging the placed solid detergent into the tub, wherein the discharge pipe may extend between the placement portion and the discharge hole.

[0032] A dishwasher according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a main body; a barrel disposed inside the main body; a door for opening and closing the barrel; and an automatic detergent injection device arranged at the door and configured to inject solid detergent toward the inside of the barrel when the door closes the barrel. The automatic detergent injection device may include: a storage chamber configured to stack and load a plurality of the solid detergents; and a housing coupled to the door and having the storage chamber disposed inside. The housing may include: a drain groove formed to have a concave shape along at least a portion of an outer edge of the housing, and configured to allow water flowing in from the barrel to be discharged from the housing to the lower side of the door when the door is closed.

[0033] The housing may further include a housing rib arranged along the drainage groove and including a protruding shape. The housing rib may be arranged in a direction toward an outer surface of the door relative to the drainage groove.

[0034] The door may include: an outer frame forming an outer surface of the door; an inner frame forming an inner surface of the door and coupled to the outer frame; and an inner space arranged between the outer frame and the inner frame. A portion of the housing may be arranged in the inner space. The drain groove may be arranged in the inner space so that water flowing from the tub into the inner space is discharged to a lower side of the inner space.

[0035] The housing may further include a drain hole formed to communicate with the internal space. The drain groove may be provided to prevent water flowing from the tub from flowing into the drain hole.

[0036] A dishwasher according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a main body; a barrel disposed inside the main body; a door for opening and closing the barrel and including an internal space communicating with the barrel when the door is closed; and an automatic detergent injection device, coupled to the door and configured to inject solid detergent into the barrel when the door closes the barrel. The automatic detergent injection device may include: a housing, including a drain groove formed on the outer surface of the housing and coupled to the door; a storage chamber disposed inside the housing and configured to load a plurality of the solid detergents; and a discharge hole, arranged on the outer surface of the housing and formed so that the interior of the housing and the internal space of the door are communicated with each other. The drain groove may be configured to drain water to the lower side of the internal space to prevent water flowing from the barrel into the internal space from flowing into the discharge hole.

[0037] Beneficial Effects

[0038] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher may be configured to include a storage chamber, so that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded in the storage chamber of the automatic detergent feeding device.

[0039] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent injection device of the dishwasher includes an ejector for moving one of a plurality of solid detergents loaded in a storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber, thereby injecting the solid detergent into the tub during a washing stroke.

[0040] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeder of the dishwasher includes a discharge duct formed to communicate with the inner space of the door of the dishwasher, so that the air flowing from the tub into the automatic detergent feeder is discharged to the outside of the automatic detergent feeder.

[0041] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher includes a discharge duct configured to discharge air flowing from the tub, thereby preventing the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber from being damaged and preventing the quality of the solid detergent from being degraded.

[0042] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeder of the dishwasher includes an exhaust duct configured to exhaust air flowing from the tub, thereby preventing the automatic detergent feeder from being damaged and increasing the life of the automatic detergent feeder.

[0043] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher includes a drainage groove so that water flowing into the inner space between the inner frame and the outer frame can be drained.

[0044] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher includes a housing rib, so that the water collected in the drain groove can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the drain groove.

[0045] The effects according to the concept of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher in a state where a door is opened according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 3 The present invention is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention when loading detergent into an automatic detergent feeding device.

[0049] Figure 4 The present invention is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 5 The present invention is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention in another direction.

[0051] Figure 6 The present invention is a perspective view of a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is removed.

[0052] Figure 7 The present invention is an enlarged perspective view of a part of an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 8 The figure shows a state where the solid detergent loaded in the first storage chamber is discharged from the first storage chamber in a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0054] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a state in which solid detergent is discharged from the automatic detergent feeder of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which a part of the automatic detergent feeder is removed.

[0055] Fig.10 The present invention is an exploded perspective view showing a combination relationship between a door and an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig.11 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0057] Fig.12 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0058] Fig.13 It is along Fig.11 Side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A'.

[0059] Fig.14 Is magnification Fig.13 Enlarged view of B.

[0060] Fig.15 The diagram is an enlarged view showing a state in which a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is enlarged.

[0061] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which water is collected in a drain tank in an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0062] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where an automatic detergent injector is separated from an inner frame of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0063] Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the C-C' line.

[0064] Fig.19 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 20 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0066] Fig.21 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0067] Fig. 22 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0068] Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 A diagram showing a state in which the adjustment component of the second storage chamber is moved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0070] Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like or related components.

[0071] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item.

[0072] In this document, each of the statements such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding statement in its statement.

[0073] The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related stated elements or a certain element among a plurality of related stated elements.

[0074] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd” or “first” or “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding constituent element from another corresponding constituent element, and do not limit the corresponding constituent elements in other aspects (for example, importance or order).

[0075] When a certain (for example, a first) component is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (for example, a second) component, either together with the term “functionally” or “communicatively” or without these terms, this indicates that the certain component may be connected to the other component directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0076] The terms "including" or "having" are used to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in this document, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0077] When it is mentioned that a certain element is “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only the case where the elements are directly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted, but also the case where they are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted via a third element.

[0078] When a component is referred to as being “on” another component, this includes not only a case where the component is in contact with the other component but also a case where another component is present between the two components.

[0079] The terms "up and down direction", "height direction", "vertical direction" and the like used in the following description may refer to Figure 1The Z direction is based on the stereogram of the dishwasher, and the “horizontal direction” can be represented by Figure 1 The stereogram is based on the X direction or the Y direction, that is, all directions based on the XY plane can be represented.

[0080] The terms "first direction", "second direction", "third direction" and the like used in the following description are directions arbitrarily defined according to some references described later, and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, "first direction", "second direction", and "third direction" may mean directions including "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".

[0081] Hereinafter, tableware may be used as a concept including utensils, cups, cutlery, various cooking tools, and the like.

[0082] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with its door opened according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment, Figure 3 The present invention is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention when loading detergent into an automatic detergent feeding device.

[0084] The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 12 disposed inside the main body 10. The tub 12 may be provided in a substantially box shape. One side of the tub 12 may be open. The tub 12 may include an opening 12a. As an example, the tub 12 may be opened toward a first direction X as the front.

[0085] The dishwasher 1 may further include a door 20 configured to open and close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 20 may be provided to the main body 10 in a manner of opening and closing the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 20 may be rotatably provided to the main body 10 by means of a hinge 25 or the like. The door 20 may be installed in a manner detachable from the main body 10.

[0086] As an example, the door 20 may be rotatably hinged to the lower portion of the body 10. The rotation axis of the hinge 25 may be provided to extend in the second direction Y as the left-right direction of the body 10 so that the door 20 rotates from the front of the body 10 toward the front-rear direction.

[0087] As an example, the door 20 may be hinged with a hinge provided on the left or right side of the main body 10 along the second direction Y on the front side of the main body 10. The door 20 may be provided to rotate from the second direction Y to the first direction X by means of the hinge provided on the left and / or right side of the main body 10.

[0088] The door 20 may include an outer surface 22 forming an outer appearance of the dishwasher 1 together with the body and an inner surface 21 facing the inside of the tub 12 when the door 20 closes the tub 12 .

[0089] The dishwasher 1 may further include a storage container disposed inside the tub 12 to store tableware. The storage container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52, 53.

[0090] The storage container may include a middle basket 52 located in the middle in the height direction of the dishwasher 1 and a lower basket 51 located at the lower part in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The middle basket 52 may be provided to be supported by the middle guide rack 13b. The lower basket 51 may be provided to be supported by the lower guide rack 13a. The middle guide rack 13b and the lower guide rack 13a may be provided on the side surface 12d of the tub 12 in a manner that they can slide toward the opening 12a of the tub 12. The side surface 12d of the tub 12 may be a concept including the inner surface of the right side wall and the inner surface of the left side wall of the tub 12.

[0091] The lower basket 51 and the middle basket 52 can store relatively large tableware. However, the types of tableware stored 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, 53 can store not only relatively large tableware but also relatively small tableware.

[0092] The storage container may include an upper basket 53 located at the upper part in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The upper basket 53 may be formed in the form of a rack assembly to store relatively small tableware. As an example, cooking tools such as spoons, knives, spatulas, etc. and even cutlery may be stored in the upper basket 53, and small cups such as espresso cups may also be stored in the rack assembly. However, the types of tableware stored in the upper basket 53 are not limited to the examples.

[0093] The upper basket 53 may be provided to be supported by an upper guide frame. The upper guide frame may be provided at the side surface 12d of the tub 12. As an example, the upper basket 53 may be able to slide by the upper guide frame and may be introduced into or out of the washing chamber C.

[0094] Storage containers are not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape shown may not include the upper basket 53 according to the size of the tub 12. As an example, the storage container may also be realized by only the middle basket 52 and the lower basket 51.

[0095] The dishwasher 1 may include a washing chamber C as a space formed inside the tub 12. The washing chamber C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The washing chamber C may be formed as a space surrounded by a lower surface 12b, an upper surface 12c, a side surface 12d of the tub 12, and an inner surface 21 of the door 20 when the door 20 closes the tub 12.

[0096] The washing chamber C may refer to a space where dishes placed in the baskets 51 , 52 , and 53 can be washed and dried by washing water.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The spraying device 40 may include a plurality of spraying units 41 , 42 , 43 .

[0099] As an example, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43 may include: a first spray unit 41, arranged at a lower portion of the lower basket 51 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1; a second spray unit 42, arranged at a lower portion of the middle basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1; and a third spray unit 43, arranged at an upper portion of the upper basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1.

[0100] Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 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.

[0101] The spray device 40 may also spray washing water in a manner different from the above-described example. As an example, unlike the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43, the first spray unit 41 may be fixed to one side of the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. The first spray unit 41 may be configured to spray washing water in a substantially horizontal direction by means of a fixed nozzle, and the washing water sprayed in a horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 may be directed to the upper side by means of a conversion assembly (not shown) disposed inside the washing chamber C. The conversion assembly may be disposed on a track by a bracket, and may be configured to be movable in parallel along the track.

[0102] The dishwasher 1 may include a sump assembly 70 .

[0103] The sump assembly 70 may be configured to receive wash water. The sump assembly 70 may collect wash water in the washing chamber C. As an example, for smooth collection of the sump assembly 70, the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 may be configured to be inclined downward toward the sump assembly 70. The wash water in the washing chamber C may flow along the inclined surface of the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 and may flow smoothly into the sump assembly 70.

[0104] The sump assembly 70 may include a circulation pump 30 that pumps the wash water stored in the sump assembly 70 to the spray device 40 .

[0105] The sump assembly 70 may include a drain pump 60 to drain wash water and foreign materials (eg, food residues, etc.) remaining in the sump assembly 70 .

[0106] The sump assembly 70 may pump the collected wash water and supply it to the spray device 40. The sump assembly 70 may be connected with the spray device 40 to supply the wash water to the spray device 40.

[0107] The sump assembly 70 may be independently connected to the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43. As an example, the sump assembly 70 may be independently connected to respective connectors 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.

[0108] As an example, the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43 may be composed of one connector, and the wash water provided through the one connector may flow into the connector. The wash water flowing into the connector may be branched and provided to at least one of the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43 during the flow.

[0109] The dishwasher 1 may include an alternating device (not shown) for selectively supplying 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, 43. As an 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.

[0110] The dishwasher 1 may include a machine room L as a space provided below the tub 12. The machine room L may be a portion where a configuration for circulating wash water is arranged.

[0111] As an example, at least a portion of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. Most of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. The volume of the sump assembly 70 located in the washing room C may be smaller than the volume of the sump assembly 70 located in the machine room L. By reducing the volume of the sump assembly 70 occupied by the washing room C, the volume of the washing room C can be ensured. As a result, the capacity of the washing room C is increased, thereby improving the storage of tableware.

[0112] The dishwasher 1 may include an automatic detergent injection device 1000 configured to inject solid detergent into the tub 12. The dishwasher 1 may include a detergent box 90 configured to inject not only solid detergent but also powder detergent or liquid detergent into the tub 12.

[0113] When a user inputs information about the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 (information about a small amount of washing mode for washing a small amount of laundry or a quick washing mode for minimizing the washing time) through the input unit of the dishwasher 1 or a mobile device, the control device 1900 described later can control the dishwasher 1 based on the user input obtained from the main control device to selectively add detergent stored in the detergent box 90 to the interior of the barrel 12.

[0114] Solid detergent refers to solid detergent that is solidified into a predetermined shape. Solid detergent may have a roughly block-like shape, so solid detergent may be referred to as detergent block, block-type detergent, etc. The shape of solid detergent is not limited to a specific shape or size, etc., and may have a variety of shapes.

[0115] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be configured to load a plurality of solid detergents. The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be configured to feed one of the plurality of solid detergents into the tub 12 during the process of the dishwasher 1 performing dishwashing.

[0116] As an example, the dishwasher 1 can be configured to wash dishes through a pre-washing step, a main wash step, a rinsing step, and a drying step. The automatic detergent injection device 1000 can be configured to inject solid detergent into the tub 12 before or at the start of the main wash step.

[0117] The detergent box 90 may be configured to store powdered detergent or liquid detergent, and may be configured to put detergent into the tub 12 during the process of washing dishes in the dishwasher 1 .

[0118] The dishwasher 1 may be configured to put one of the detergent stored in the detergent box 90 or the solid detergent loaded in the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 , selected by the user, into the tub 12 .

[0119] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20. The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be provided to be combined with the inner surface 21 of the door 20.

[0120] The detergent box 90 may be disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20. The automatic detergent injection device 1000 and the detergent box 90 may be disposed to be aligned along the third direction Z as the up-down direction when the door 20 closes the tub 12.

[0121] Since the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is disposed at the door 20 , it can be configured to rotate together with the door 20 when the door 20 rotates.

[0122] When the position where the door 20 closes the tub 12 is defined as the first position 20A of the door 20 , and the position where the door 20 opens the tub 12 is defined as the second position 20B of the door 20 , the door 20 may be configured to move between the first position 20A and the second position 20B to open and close the tub 12 .

[0123] The second position 20B of the door 20 may be defined as any one of the positions where the door 20 opens the tub 12, preferably, a position where the tableware stored in the tub 12 can be led out of the tub 12. As an example, the second position 20B of the door 20 may be a position where the extension direction of the inner surface 21 of the door 20 corresponds to the first direction X.

[0124] Automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be configured to move in conjunction with door 20 between a first position 1000A of automatic detergent dispenser 1000 corresponding to first position 20A of door 20 and a second position 1000B of automatic detergent dispenser 1000 corresponding to second position 20B of door 20 .

[0125] When door 20 closes tub 12 , automatic detergent injector 1000 may be disposed at first position 1000A, and when door 20 opens tub 12 , automatic detergent injector 1000 may be disposed at second position 1000B.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, the user can load a plurality of solid detergents into automatic detergent feeder 1000 when automatic detergent feeder 1000 is arranged at second position 1000B.

[0127] The user may open the storage chamber cover 1140 of the automatic detergent injection device 1000 and load a plurality of solid detergents into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0128] In the prior art, whenever the dishwasher washes dishes, the user has to load detergent into the automatic detergent feeder or the detergent box each time, which causes inconvenience to the user. On the contrary, the automatic detergent feeder 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment can be configured to allow the user to load multiple solid detergents into the automatic detergent feeder 1000 during one loading, and when the dishwasher 1 performs a washing stroke, only one of the multiple solid detergents can be fed into the interior of the barrel 12 during one washing stroke.

[0129] During the washing cycle of dishwasher 1, since a plurality of solid detergents are retained inside automatic detergent feeder 1000, water may flow into automatic detergent feeder 1000 during the washing cycle, thereby possibly damaging the plurality of solid detergents.

[0130] Since automatic detergent feeding device 1000 moves between first position 1000A and second position 1000B, a problem may arise in that a plurality of solid detergents loaded in automatic detergent feeding device 1000 are separated from the positions where they are stored.

[0131] Hereinafter, automatic detergent dispenser 1000 which can solve the above-mentioned problems will be described in detail.

[0132] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent feeding device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention in another direction. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher is removed according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. Figure 8 The figure shows a state where the solid detergent loaded in the first storage chamber is discharged from the first storage chamber in a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0133] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a housing 1100 .

[0134] The housing 1100 may include a first housing 1110 forming a storage chamber 1200 described later and a second housing 1120 coupled to the first housing 1110 .

[0135] The first housing 1110 may be provided to be combined with the inner surface 21 of the door 20 .

[0136] The second housing 1120 may be configured to be combined with the first housing 1110 in the first direction X when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A.

[0137] The second housing 1120 may form a storage chamber 1200 together with the first housing 1110. The second housing 1120 may include a storage chamber opening 1121 configured to open the storage chamber 1200 to the outside. The second housing 1120 may include an inlet 1122 configured to communicate with the placement portion 1400 described later and to discharge solid detergent from the automatic detergent inlet device 1000 and be inlet into the tub 12.

[0138] The housing 1100 may include a middle housing 1130 disposed between the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120 and supporting the ejector 1300 and the like disposed inside the housing 1100 .

[0139] As an example, the ejector 1300 and other components may be disposed in the first housing 1110 and supported by the intermediate housing 1130. As an example, the ejector 1300 and other components may be disposed in the second housing 1120 and supported by the intermediate housing 1130.

[0140] As an example, the intermediate housing 1130 may be formed as one body with the first housing 1110. As an example, the intermediate housing 1130 may be formed as one body with the second housing 1120.

[0141] 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 .

[0142] The housing 1100 may include an inlet cover 1150 disposed on the second housing 1120 and configured to open and close the inlet 1122 .

[0143] The first housing 1110 may include a control device placement portion 1111 disposed in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first housing 1110 is combined with the second housing 1120 and is provided with a control device 1900 for controlling the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 .

[0144] As an example, the control device placement portion 1111 may be arranged inside the housing 1100 formed by combining the second housing 1120 with the first housing 1110. As an example, the control device placement portion 1111 may be arranged inside the housing 1100 formed by combining the second housing 1120 with the first housing 1110.

[0145] The first housing 1110 may include a control device cover 1112 that covers the control device placement portion 1111 from the outside. Since the control device cover 1112 is arranged outside the internal space of the housing 1100 instead of being arranged in the internal space of the housing 1100 formed by combining the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120, 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.

[0146] The control device 1900 may control driving of the ejector 1300 and the placement section 1410 described later, and may control the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 based on sensing values ​​of various sensors.

[0147] The control device 1900 may be configured to be able to communicate with a main control device of the dishwasher 1. As an example, the control device 1900 and the main control device may constitute a control unit of the dishwasher 1.

[0148] The main control device may obtain user input through an input unit of the dishwasher 1 or a mobile device, and may control the driving of the dishwasher 1 based on the user input.

[0149] The main control device may transmit the received information on the user input to the control device 1900. The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent dosing device 1000 based on the information on the input received from the main control device.

[0150] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a wire W that electrically connects the control device 1900 with electrical components configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device 1000. The wire W may electrically connect electrical components (a drive motor 1320, a placement section drive unit 1470, and various sensors) configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 to feed one of a plurality of solid detergents loaded inside the storage chamber 1200, 1200' into the tub 12 with the control device 1900.

[0151] As an example, the wire W can electrically connect the main control device, the power supply unit and the control device 1900 of the dishwasher 1. As an example, the wire W can be set to electrically connect only the various electrical components of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 and a part of the control device 1900 or the main control device of the dishwasher 1.

[0152] As an example, at least a portion of the various electrical components and sensors of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000, the control device 1900 or the main control device of the dishwasher 1, etc. can be configured to send and receive signals to each other via wireless communication rather than being electrically connected to each other via wires W.

[0153] Control device 1900 may control automatic detergent feeder 1000 based on values ​​sensed by various sensors of automatic detergent feeder 1000. This will be described in detail later.

[0154] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a storage chamber 1200 configured to load a plurality of solid detergents.

[0155] The storage chamber 1200 may be configured such that when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, a plurality of solid detergents are stacked in a third direction Z, which is an up-down direction. As an example, the storage chamber 1200 may be configured as a plurality of storage chambers 1200, 1200'. However, for ease of description, the description will be based on one storage chamber 1200.

[0156] The storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a space formed by the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120. The storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a space having a long side 1201 extending in the third direction Z when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, so that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded in the third direction Z.

[0157] As an example, the storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a space formed by the first housing 1110. As an example, the storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a space formed by the second housing 1120.

[0158] When the storage chamber cover 1140 opens the storage chamber opening 1121, the storage chamber 1200 can be opened to the outside through the storage chamber opening 1121. Figure 3 As shown, when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged at the second position 1000B, the user can open the storage chamber cover 1140 and inject a plurality of solid detergents into the storage chamber 1200 to load the plurality of solid detergents into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0159] Since the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is disposed on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, when the door 20 is opened, the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is disposed outside the washing chamber C, so that the user can easily inject detergent.

[0160] In order to store a plurality of solid detergents, the storage chamber 1200 may be configured to have a volume greater than a predetermined size. As described above, since the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, when the volume of the storage chamber 1200 increases in the first direction X, the volume of the washing chamber C may decrease. The storage chamber 1200 may be configured to stack a plurality of solid detergents in a third direction Z as an up-and-down direction when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is located in the first position 1000A, so as to prevent the volume of the storage chamber 1200 from increasing in the first direction X.

[0161] When the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, a plurality of solid detergents may be loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in a stacked arrangement only in the third direction Z, and not arranged in the first direction X.

[0162] Since the storage chamber 1200 is formed so that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked only in the third direction Z, the space of the washing chamber C can be maximized in the first direction X as described above, and in the automatic detergent feeding device 1000, the space of the storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y can also be ensured.

[0163] Since the storage chamber 1200 is formed so that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked only in the third direction Z, the driving structure of the ejector 1300 such as the transmission part 1330 of the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 or the electrical structure of the control device 1900 can be arranged in the second direction Y relative to the storage chamber 1200, so that the volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 in the second direction Y can be minimized.

[0164] Accordingly, on the inner surface 21 of the door 20, an additional structure other than the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 can be arranged on the outside of the automatic detergent dispensing device 2000 in the second direction Y, so as to increase the size ratio of the volume of the internal space of the barrel 12 relative to the volume of the main body 10 of the dishwasher 1.

[0165] Not limited thereto, a plurality of solid detergents may be loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in a stacked arrangement only in the second direction Y as the left-right direction when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A.

[0166] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include an ejector 1300 that moves one of the plurality of solid detergents to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 to discharge one of the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the storage chamber 1200 from the storage chamber 1200. As an example, the ejector 1300 may be provided as a plurality of ejectors 1300, 1300' in a number corresponding to the plurality of storage chambers 1200, 1200'. However, for ease of description, description will be made based on one ejector 1300.

[0167] When the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, the ejector 1300 may be configured to discharge the lowest solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0168] The ejector 1300 may be arranged at one side 1201a of the long side 1201 in 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 arranged at the lower side in the third direction Z, and the other side 1201b of the long side 1201a may be arranged at the upper side.

[0169] The ejector 1300 may be disposed at a lower portion of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z to discharge a lowermost solid detergent disposed in the third direction Z among a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0170] When automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged at first position 1000A, ejector 1300 may discharge solid detergents located closest to lower surface 1220 of storage chamber 1200 among the plurality of solid detergents to the outside of storage chamber 1200 .

[0171] As an example, the ejector 1300 may be configured to pressurize a solid detergent disposed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 among the plurality of solid detergents. The solid detergent being disposed on the lower surface 1220 means that the solid detergent is supported by the lower surface 1220, or the solid detergent is arranged to be in contact with the lower surface 1220, thereby meaning that the solid detergent is arranged at a position where it can be pressurized by the ejector 1300 and discharged from the storage chamber 1200.

[0172] The storage chamber 1200 may include a storage chamber discharge port 1210 provided to allow one solid detergent to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300 .

[0173] The storage chamber discharge port 1210 may be disposed at a lower portion of the storage chamber 1200 to discharge a lowermost solid detergent disposed in the third direction Z among a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0174] The storage chamber discharge port 1210 and the ejector 1300 are both disposed at a lower portion of the storage chamber 1200 so that a lowermost solid detergent among a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z may be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0175] The storage chamber 1200 may be configured to stack a plurality of solid detergents in a third direction Z, so that when the bottommost solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents is discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200, the plurality of solid detergents may move downward based on the stacking direction by gravity.

[0176] Since all the solid detergents move downward, the solid detergents arranged immediately above the solid detergents discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 can be moved to a position adjacent to the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, so as to be arranged in the space where the discharged solid detergents were originally located. The solid detergents can be arranged to be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300 in the next washing stroke of the dishwasher 1.

[0177] That is, when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the storage chamber 1200 is configured to stack a plurality of solid detergents in a third direction Z, and the ejector 1300 is arranged at the lower portion of the storage chamber 1200, so that the plurality of solid detergents can be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 in the order of stacking starting from the bottom in the third direction Z.

[0178] Without being limited thereto, the ejector 1300 may be configured to discharge an uppermost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0179] like Figure 7 As shown, when the solid detergent D is shaped such that the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 are greater than the height h, the solid detergent D may be loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in a manner of being stacked in the storage chamber 1200 in the direction of the height h.

[0180] In the solid detergent D described below, it is assumed that the lateral length d1 is formed to be larger than the longitudinal length d2 and the height h.

[0181] As an example, the solid detergent D may be loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in such a manner that a direction formed by a minimum length among a lateral length d1 , a longitudinal length d2 , and a height h of the solid detergent D corresponds to a stacking direction of a plurality of solid detergents.

[0182] This is to maximize the amount of solid detergent D that can be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 .

[0183] As an example, when the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the solid detergent D can be loaded into the storage chamber 1200 along a direction so that the surface of the solid detergent D formed by the horizontal length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 directions is opposite to the area S of the storage chamber 1200 formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0184] As an example, a plurality of solid detergents D may be stacked along a height h direction of the solid detergents D inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0185] The solid detergent may be set to have various sizes according to the composition, function or manufacturer of the solid detergent, but the volume of the solid detergent may be determined mainly in proportion to the volume size of the washing chamber of the dishwasher. Since the volume of the washing chamber is set to a size within a predetermined range, the volume of the solid detergent may also be set to a size within a predetermined range, whereby the lateral length, longitudinal length and height of the solid detergent may be designed to be similar regardless of its type.

[0186] The solid detergent D described below may be defined as a suitable solid detergent D that can be loaded into the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to an example, and the lateral length d1, longitudinal length d2, and height h of the solid detergent D are defined as approximate values ​​of the lateral lengths, longitudinal lengths, and heights of various solid detergents that can be roughly loaded into the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 of the dishwasher 1, and are defined as values ​​that can vary within a predetermined range. As an example, the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 are lengths defined by the dimensions formed along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the lateral length may also be defined as d2, and the longitudinal length may also be defined as d1.

[0187] When the automatic detergent feeding device 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 can easily load the solid detergent D and enable it to be stacked in the third direction Z.

[0188] The cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 may be formed by a pair of sides having a transverse length L1 extending along the second direction Y and a pair of sides having a longitudinal length L2 extending along the first direction X when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A. As an example, the transverse length L1 and the longitudinal length L2 are lengths defined based on the size formed along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the transverse length may also be defined as L2, and the longitudinal length may also be defined as L1.

[0189] The lateral length L1 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 is the length in the second direction Y between the right side surface 1230 and the left side surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200, and the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 is the length in the first direction X between the inner surface 1260 of the storage chamber 1200 and the storage chamber opening 1121.

[0190] When the solid detergent D is loaded in the storage chamber 1200, one side of the solid detergent D having a lateral length d1 can be arranged to correspond to an edge of the storage chamber 1200 having a lateral length L1 having a cross-sectional area S, and the other side of the solid detergent D having a longitudinal length d2 can be arranged to correspond to an edge of the storage chamber 1200 having a longitudinal length L2 having a cross-sectional area S.

[0191] As described above, since the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D is formed to be smaller than the transverse length d1, the transverse length L1 of the cross-sectional area S can be formed to be larger than the longitudinal length L2. Furthermore, since the transverse length d1 of the solid detergent is formed to be larger than the height h of the solid detergent D, the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S can also be formed to be larger than the height h of the solid detergent D.

[0192] The lateral length L1 of the cross-sectional area S may be set to be longer than the lateral length d1 of the solid detergent D by approximately 10% to 30% of the lateral length d1 of the solid detergent D.

[0193] The longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S may be set to be longer than the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D by approximately 10% to 30% of the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D.

[0194] The cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 may be formed with the above-mentioned value so that when the bottommost solid detergent arranged in the third direction moves to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300, the plurality of solid detergents can be stably moved downward in the storage chamber 1200 while maintaining a stacked arrangement.

[0195] When the lateral length L1 and the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S are formed to be longer than the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D by a length approximately equivalent to less than 10% of the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D, a plurality of solid detergents become stuck inside the storage chamber 1200 while moving downward inside the storage chamber 1200, and the solid detergents cannot move downward stably.

[0196] As an example, when the bottom solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the stacked multiple solid detergents moves downward, it may be stuck on the inside of the storage chamber 1200 and cannot be placed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200. Accordingly, even if the ejector 1300 is driven, the pressurizing portion 1312a described later cannot easily pressurize the bottom solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z, so that the solid detergent may not be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0197] When the lateral length L1 and the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S are formed to be longer than the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D by a length approximately equivalent to 30% longer than the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D, the stacked arrangement of the solid detergents may collapse due to rotational movement, etc. while moving downward inside the storage chamber 1200.

[0198] As an example, since the cross-sectional area S is formed wider than the solid detergent, the solid detergent may rotate or move in an inclined direction relative to the third direction Z when moving downward, causing multiple solid detergents to move simultaneously in the first direction X or the second direction Y without moving in the third direction, and thus may not be able to maintain a stacked arrangement.

[0199] Therefore, the lateral length L1 and the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S can be set to be longer than the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D, which is approximately 10% to 30% of the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D.

[0200] Since the longitudinal length L2 of the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 is formed to be longer than the longitudinal length d2 of the solid detergent D, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may have a predetermined thickness in the direction in which the longitudinal length L2 extends.

[0201] Accordingly, when the door 20 is disposed at the first position 20A, the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 protrudes from the door 20 toward the inside of the tub 12 along the first direction X, so that the space inside the tub 12 may be partially narrowed.

[0202] In particular, for the lower basket 51 arranged at a height substantially corresponding to the automatic detergent feeder 1000 in the third direction Z, when the door 20 is arranged in the first position 20A, it may collide with the automatic detergent feeder 1000 in the first direction X. In order to prevent this, the automatic detergent feeder 1000 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the lower basket 51 in the first direction X when arranged in the first position 1000A. As an example, the automatic detergent feeder 1000 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the middle basket 52 in the first direction X when arranged in the first position 1000A.

[0203] Furthermore, the door 20 is arranged in the second position 20B, accordingly, the lower basket 51 can be led out to the front of the barrel 12 along the first direction X. When the lower basket 51 is led out to the front, since the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is configured to have a predetermined thickness in the extension direction of the longitudinal length L2, the leading out of the lower basket 51 may be limited by the thickness of the automatic detergent feeding device 100.

[0204] The automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may be provided 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 coupled to the door 20 in a manner that the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is inserted into the inner side of the door 20 in the first direction X.

[0205] Accordingly, when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A, a predetermined spacing distance between the automatic detergent injection device 1000 and the lower basket 51 in the first direction X may be easily generated.

[0206] Accordingly, when the automatic detergent feeder 1000 is arranged in the second position 1000B, the protrusion of the automatic detergent feeder 1000 in the third direction Z can be minimized, so that when the lower basket 51 is led out along the first direction X, it can be easily led out without being restricted by the automatic detergent feeder 1000.

[0207] As an example, the automatic detergent feeder 1000 may be combined with the inner surface 21 of the door 20 so that when the automatic detergent feeder 1000 is arranged in the second position 1000B, the upper end of the automatic detergent feeder 1000 in the third direction Z is located at a position lower than the lower end of the lower basket 51 in the third direction Z. Accordingly, when the automatic detergent feeder 1000 is arranged in the second position 1000B, when the lower basket 51 slides to the outside of the tub 12 and is led out, the lower basket 51 can be led out of the tub 12 without being caught by the automatic detergent feeder 1000.

[0208] The ejector 1300 may include a pressurizing member 1310 that pressurizes a lowermost solid detergent disposed in the third direction Z among a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z to move it to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0209] The pressurizing member 1310 may include a cam member that pressurizes the solid detergent by rotating. Hereinafter, the pressurizing member 1310 is referred to as the cam member 1310 .

[0210] The cam member 1310 may include a pressurizing portion 1312 a protruding from an edge of the cam member 1310 and configured to pressurize the solid detergent while being rotated by the rotation of the cam member 1310 .

[0211] The pressurizing portion 1312a may be configured to rotate and move toward the inside of the storage chamber 1200 as the cam member 1310 rotates, and to move the solid detergent to the discharge port 1210 by pressurizing one of the plurality of solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z and arranged at the lowermost end in the third direction Z. The cam member 1310 may pressurize the solid detergent along the rotation direction of the cam member 1310, thereby moving the solid detergent.

[0212] For the sake of convenience, the rotation direction of the cam member 1310 and the left and right sides described below will be referred to as Figure 8 The illustrated state is used as a reference for explanation. Figure 8 The right side of can be Figure 1 The direction corresponding to the left side of Figure 8 The left side is Figure 1 The direction corresponding to the right side of , in the second direction Y, Figure 1 The left, right and Figure 8 The left and right sides in the figure can be opposite to each other, but for the sake of convenience, Figure 8 The left and right sides shown are used as references for explanation.

[0213] Furthermore, the cam member 1310 described below will be Figure 8The cam member 1310 of the ejector 1300 disposed on the left side is used as an example for explanation with reference to the second direction Y shown.

[0214] When the cam member 1310 rotates clockwise, the ejector 1300 is disposed at the lower portion of the storage chamber 1200 , so that the cam member 1310 can move the solid detergent disposed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 to the right side of the storage chamber 1200 while rotating in the clockwise direction.

[0215] In order to discharge the solid detergent moved to the right side to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 , the storage chamber discharge port 1210 may be provided to be arranged at a lower portion of the right side surface 1230 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0216] The storage chamber 1200 may include a through portion 1221 formed at a lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200 and configured to move the pressurizing portion 1312 a from the outside of the storage chamber 1200 to the inside of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0217] 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 portions of the right side surface 1230 and the left side surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0218] The pressurizing portion 1312a can rotate by the rotation of the cam component 1310 and move to the interior of the storage chamber 1200 through the lower portion of the left side surface 1240 and the through portion 1221 of the lower surface 1220, and can move to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 through the lower portion of the right side surface 1230 and the through portion 1221 of the lower surface 1220 as the cam component 1310 rotates.

[0219] At this time, the pressurizing part 1312a may be configured to rotate while pressurizing the solid detergent seated on the lower surface 1220, thereby moving the solid detergent to the right side.

[0220] like Figure 7 As shown, the through portion 1221 may be provided to open at least a portion of the lower surface 1220. Since 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 may rotate while moving the pressurizing portion 1312a to the inside of the storage chamber 1200 through the through portion 1221.

[0221] The through portion 1221 may be configured to open only at least a portion of the lower surface 1220 instead of opening the entire lower surface 1220 .

[0222] As an example, the lower surface 1220 may be configured such that the area where the through portion 1221 is formed is formed smaller than the area of ​​the lower surface 1222 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 detergent that is located at the bottom in the third direction Z.

[0223] As an example, the through portion 1221 may be provided to extend from the center of the lower surface 1220 in the first direction X along the second direction Y. Accordingly, the front and rear of the through portion 1221 in the first direction X may be provided as the support surface 1222 .

[0224] This is to ensure that, when a plurality of solid detergents are stacked, the solid detergent located at the bottom in the third direction Z is stably located on the lower surface 1220. The support surface 1222 can support the solid detergent located at the bottom in the third direction Z so that the solid detergent is arranged adjacent to the lower surface 1220, thereby making it easy to pressurize the solid detergent when the pressurizing portion 1312a moves through the through portion 1221.

[0225] In particular, the support surface 1222 can be set in front of and behind the through portion 1221 in the first direction X, so that the support surface 1222 can be set to support the lowest solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z in the storage chamber 1200 approximately horizontally in the third direction Z.

[0226] Accordingly, when the solid detergent is moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the pressurizing portion 1312a, it can move in the second direction Y in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the third direction Z.

[0227] As an example, the support surface 1222 may guide the solid detergent so that the solid detergent moving in the second direction Y moves in a horizontal state relative to the third direction Z. Figure 7 As a reference, the lower surface us of the solid detergent D in the third direction Z is loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in contact with the support surface 1222. When pressurized in the second direction Y by the pressurizing portion 1312a, the lower surface us can be guided by the support surface 1222, so that the solid detergent D moves to the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 while remaining approximately horizontal relative to the third direction Z.

[0228] When the solid detergent moves in the second direction Y in a state where it is tilted relative to the third direction Z, it may rotate or move in other directions due to the center of gravity instead of moving in the second direction Y, so that the solid detergent may not be able to move toward the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 and cannot be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0229] In the cam member 1310, the edge of the cam member 1310 may include a plurality of cam regions divided in the rotation direction of the cam member 1310, based on the rotation direction of the cam member 1310. When a cam region in which an edge having the shortest radius length from the rotation axis 1313 of the cam member 1310 is arranged among the plurality of cam regions is defined as the first cam region 1310A1, the first cam region 1310A1 may be arranged at the upper end of the cam member 1310 when the dishwasher 1 is not driven to the washing stroke.

[0230] The pressing portion 1312 a may be provided to protrude at a predetermined height in a radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 .

[0231] The pressurizing portion 1312 a may be provided to protrude at a predetermined height in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 so that the pressure capable of moving the solid detergent D to the storage chamber discharge port 1210 can be transmitted to the solid detergent D.

[0232] The pressurizing portion 1312a can be configured to protrude at a predetermined height in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam area 1310A1, so that when the cam member 1310 rotates, only the lowest solid detergent D arranged in the third direction Z is pressurized, and the solid detergent D arranged above the lowest solid detergent D is not pressurized.

[0233] As an example, the pressing portion 1312 a may be provided to protrude by 15 mm in the radial direction of the cam member 1310 relative to the first cam region 1310A1 .

[0234] The first cam region 1310A1 of the cam member 1310 may be arranged to be arranged at a position lower than the support surface 1222 in the third direction Z when arranged at the upper end of the cam member 1310. This is to ensure that the solid detergent located at the bottom of the plurality of solid detergents is located in the storage chamber 1200 in a substantially horizontal state relative to the third direction Z when arranged on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, and one side thereof is not pressed upward by the cam member 1310 based on the third direction Z.

[0235] On the contrary, Figure 8 The cam member 1310' of the ejector 1300' arranged on the right side with the second direction Y as the reference is set to Figure 8 The direction shown is used as a reference and the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200' arranged on the right side can be arranged to be discharged to the left side of the storage chamber 1200'. This will be described in detail later.

[0236] The rotating shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 may be arranged to extend toward the first direction X when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A. The cam member 1310 is arranged so that the radial direction of the cam member 1310 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, and accordingly, when the cam member 1310 is arranged inside the housing 1100, its volume 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.

[0237] The ejector 1300 may include a drive motor 1320 that generates a rotational force to drive the cam member 1310. The drive motor 1320 may be arranged so that a rotation shaft 1321 of the drive motor 1320 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction X when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A. Accordingly, when the drive motor 1320 is arranged inside the housing 1100, the volume 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.

[0238] The ejector 1300 may include a transmission part 1330 that transmits the rotation force generated at the driving motor 1320 to the pressurizing part 1310 .

[0239] The transmission component 1330 may include a plurality of gears. Since the rotation axis 1313 of the cam component 1310 is arranged to extend along the first direction X, and the rotation axis of the drive motor 1320 is arranged to extend along a direction orthogonal to the first direction X, the transmission component 1330 may include a worm gear to vertically convert the transmission direction of the driving force. As an example, the transmission component 1330 may include a bevel gear.

[0240] In the case where the transmission member 1330 includes a worm gear, it is possible to prevent the cam member 1310 from being arbitrarily rotated due to an external force.

[0241] Since the worm gear of the transmission member 1330 is arranged to extend in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X in which the rotation shaft 1313 of the cam member 1310 extends, the volume of the transmission member 1330 in the first direction X can be minimized when it is arranged inside the housing 1100. As described above, this is to maximize the volume of the washing chamber C in the first direction X.

[0242] The transmission component 1330 can transmit the rotational force generated by the drive motor 1320 to the cam component 1310 by connecting the cam component 1310 and the drive motor 1320. At this time, the transmission component 1330 can be configured to enable the cam component 1310 to rotate at an appropriate rotational speed. As an example, the transmission component 1330 can be configured to reduce the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 1321 of the drive motor 1320. The transmission component 1330 can be configured in various ways according to design factors such as the target rotational speed of the cam component 1310 and the rotational speed of the drive motor 1320.

[0243] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include: a holder 1500, which is configured to keep a plurality of solid detergents in a stacked state inside the storage chamber 1200 when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A and the second position 1000B, or moves between the first position 1000A and the second position 1000B.

[0244] The bracket 1500 may be moved in the direction in which the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200 extends by means of guides formed on both side surfaces 1230 and 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0245] The support 1500 may be disposed to be movable toward the plurality of solid detergents along the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked inside the storage chamber 1200. 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.

[0246] The support 1500 may be provided to be arranged on an upper side of a plurality of solid detergents inside the storage chamber 1200 when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A.

[0247] Bracket 1500 may be configured to be movable from the upper part to the lower side of storage chamber 1200 when automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at first position 1000A. Bracket 1500 may be configured to move downward inside storage chamber 1200 by gravity when automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at first position 1000A.

[0248] When the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the stacking direction of the multiple solid detergents can correspond to the third direction Z, and the bracket 1500 can be configured to move downward based on the third direction Z by gravity, thereby pressurizing the topmost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the multiple solid detergents downward.

[0249] The bracket 1500 may include a weight component configured to have a weight greater than a predetermined weight to move in the third direction Z by gravity. As an example, the weight component may be integrally configured with the bracket 1500. As an example, the weight component may be configured to be combined with the bracket 1500.

[0250] As an example, the bracket 1500 may be made of a heavy material to have a weight greater than a predetermined weight.

[0251] The support 1500 may be configured to have a weight greater than a predetermined weight, and thus may be configured to pressurize the plurality of solid detergents downward with reference to the third direction Z.

[0252] When the bottommost solid detergent among a plurality of solid detergents located in the third direction Z is discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300, the plurality of solid detergents can move downward by gravity based on the third direction Z which is the stacking direction, but the bracket 1500 can pressurize the plurality of solid detergents downward by gravity, so that the bracket 1500 can guide the plurality of solid detergents to move downward.

[0253] As an example, when one of the multiple solid detergents stacked in the third direction Z is partially detached from the arrangement, whereby a portion of the solid detergent is supported by the two side surfaces 1230 and 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 and the multiple solid detergents are restricted from moving downward, the bracket 1500 can pressurize the multiple solid detergents downward to guide the multiple solid detergents to move downward.

[0254] As described above, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be configured to stack multiple solid detergents in the third direction Z when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A. Accordingly, the space efficiency of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 and the dishwasher 1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be improved.

[0255] Furthermore, since the plurality of solid detergents are arranged in the direction of gravity, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be configured so that the plurality of solid detergents can be easily discharged sequentially from below in the direction of gravity.

[0256] However, when the door 20 is rotated or arranged in the second position 20B from the first position 20A to the second position 20B in order to open the tub 12, the directions of the plurality of solid detergent stacks may be arranged to face a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0257] At this time, since the stacking direction of the multiple solid detergents is towards a direction different from the gravity direction, one of the multiple solid detergents may detach from the stacking structure, causing the stacking arrangement of the multiple solid detergents in the third direction Z to collapse.

[0258] As an example, as described above, the solid detergent D may be loaded in the storage chamber 1200 in a direction where the surface of the solid detergent D formed by the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 directions is opposite to the cross-sectional area S of the storage chamber 1200 formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0259] As an example, the surface of the solid detergent D formed by the lateral length d1 and the longitudinal length d2 can be set to a curved shape instead of a conventional plane shape, and accordingly, when a plurality of solid detergents D are stacked, the solid detergents D opposite to each other in the stacking direction can be set to be opposite to each other with their respective curved surfaces, so that when the stacking direction of the plurality of solid detergents is toward a direction different from the direction of gravity, the plurality of solid detergents may be detached from the stacking arrangement.

[0260] That is, since it is more difficult to maintain the stacked state when the curved surfaces of the solid detergents D are stacked relative to each other, the bracket 1500 pressurizes the multiple solid detergents D along the stacking direction when the stacking direction corresponds to the gravity direction, and supports the solid detergents D to maintain the arrangement of the multiple solid detergents D when the stacking direction is different from the gravity direction.

[0261] When the stacked arrangement of multiple solid detergents collapses, even if the door 20 is arranged to the first position 20A again, the movement of the multiple solid detergents in the direction of gravity may be restricted, and the lowest solid detergent among the multiple solid detergents arranged in the third direction Z may be abnormally placed on the lower surface 1220 of the storage chamber 1200, resulting in the problem that the solid detergents cannot be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300.

[0262] The solid detergent is abnormally disposed on the lower surface 1220 , which means that the solid detergent is disposed at a position where it cannot be pressurized by the ejector 1300 when disposed on the lower surface 1220 , or cannot move to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 even if pressurized by the ejector 1300 .

[0263] To prevent this, the support 1500 may be configured to prevent the stacked arrangement of the plurality of solid detergents from collapsing when the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked is oriented in a direction different from the third direction Z due to the movement of the door 20 .

[0264] The support 1500 may be configured to maintain the stacked arrangement of the plurality of solid detergents even when the door 20 is opened at the first position 20A and moves toward the second position 20B, or when the door 20 is arranged at the second position 20B.

[0265] The support 1500 may be configured to support an uppermost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents when the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked faces a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0266] The bracket 1500 may be disposed to be fixed at a position adjacent to an uppermost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents when the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked faces a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0267] When the direction of stacking of multiple solid detergents is toward a direction different from the third direction Z, the movement of the topmost solid detergent among the multiple solid detergents arranged in the third direction Z is blocked by the temporarily fixed bracket 1500, thereby preventing the topmost solid detergent among the multiple solid detergents arranged in the third direction Z from detaching from the stacking arrangement.

[0268] The storage chamber 1200 may include a guide rail 1290 guiding the movement of the bracket 1500 inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0269] The bracket 1500 may be guided by the guide rail 1290 to move in parallel in the extending length direction of the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0270] The guide rail 1290 may be provided to enable the bracket 1500 to move downward with reference to the third direction Z when the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 is arranged at the first position 1000A.

[0271] As an example, the bracket 1500 may include a guide protrusion inserted into the guide rail 1290. The guide protrusion of the bracket 1500 may be inserted into the guide rail 1290 and move along the extending direction of the guide rail 1290.

[0272] The guide rail 1290 may be provided to extend along the extending direction of the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200. The bracket 1500 may be provided to be movable along the extending direction of the guide rail 1290.

[0273] The guide rail 1290 may include a clamping table 1293 configured to restrict movement of the bracket 1500 when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is not located at the first position 1000A.

[0274] During the movement of the door 20 from the first position 20A to the second position 20B, the guide protrusion of the bracket 1500 is restricted from moving by the engaging platform 1293 , thereby restricting the movement of the bracket 1500 inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0275] Alternatively, the rack 1500 may be configured to maintain the stacked arrangement of the plurality of solid detergents even when the door 20 is disposed in the second position 20B.

[0276] The support 1500 may be configured to support an uppermost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents when the plurality of solid detergents are stacked in a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0277] The bracket 1500 may be disposed to be fixed at a position adjacent to an uppermost solid detergent arranged in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents when the plurality of solid detergents are stacked in a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0278] Accordingly, when the direction of a plurality of solid detergent stacks is toward a direction different from the third direction Z, the bracket 1500 can be temporarily fixed inside the storage chamber 1200 by means of the clamping platform 1293, and the topmost solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents arranged in the third direction Z can be restricted from movement by the fixed bracket 1500.

[0279] Even when the direction in which multiple solid detergents are stacked is facing a direction different from the third direction Z, the stacking arrangement of the multiple solid detergents can be maintained by means of the bracket 1500, so that the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be arranged so that when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, even if the multiple solid detergents are set to be stacked in the third direction Z, one of the multiple solid detergents can be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 and fed into the inside of the barrel 12.

[0280] The automatic detergent injection device 1000 may include a placement portion 1400 configured to place a solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0281] The seating portion 1400 may be disposed to communicate with the storage chamber discharge port 1210. The seating portion 1400 may include a seating portion inner space 1401 communicating with the storage chamber discharge port 1210.

[0282] One of the plurality of solid detergents may be discharged from the storage chamber 1200 through the storage chamber discharge port 1210 and move to the seating portion inner space 1401 .

[0283] The seating portion may include a discharge guide 1430 connected to the tub 12. The discharge guide 1430 may be provided as a space connected to the seating portion inner space 1401.

[0284] As an example, the seating portion internal space 1401 and the discharge guide 1430 may be formed as one space, and the spaces of the seating portion internal space 1401 and the discharge guide 1430 may be divided by a seating portion opening 1420 opened and closed by a seating portion 1410 described later.

[0285] As an example, in the third direction Z, the lower end of the seating portion internal space 1401 may be formed by the seating portion opening 1420 , and the discharge guide 1430 may be a region formed downward in the third direction Z from the seating portion opening 1420 .

[0286] The seating portion 1400 may be configured such that a solid detergent moved to the seating portion inner space 1401 is temporarily seated in the seating portion 1400 and then is put into the tub 12 .

[0287] The seating portion 1400 may include a seating portion opening 1420 connecting the seating portion inner space 1401 with a discharge guide 1430 connected to the tub 12. The seating portion opening 1420 may be provided to be open toward the third direction Z when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is disposed in the first position 1000A.

[0288] The seating portion 1400 may include a seating portion 1410 that opens and closes a seating portion opening 1420. When the seating portion 1410 closes the seating portion opening 1420, the seating portion 1410 may be disposed to form a lower surface of the seating portion inner space 1401.

[0289] The placement section 1410 may include a placement surface 1411 for placing solid detergent when the placement section 1410 closes the placement section opening 1420. The placement surface 1411 may be arranged to face upward in the third direction Z when the placement section 1410 closes the placement section opening 1420.

[0290] As an example, the seating portion opening 1420 may be defined by a surface closed by the seating portion 1410 in the seating portion internal space 1401. Accordingly, an upper region formed above the seating portion opening 1420 may be defined as the seating portion internal space 1401, and a lower region formed below the seating portion opening 1420 may be defined as the discharge guide 1430. When the seating portion 1410 closes the seating portion opening 1420, a seating surface 1411 may be arranged on the seating portion opening 1420, and accordingly, the seating surface 1411 may be defined as the lower surface of the seating portion internal space 1401.

[0291] As an example, the bottom of the seating portion inner space 1401 may be defined by the seating portion opening 1420 , but when the seating portion 1410 closes the seating portion opening 1420 , the bottom of the seating portion inner space 1401 may be defined by the seating portion 1410 .

[0292] The placement section 1410 may be configured to seal the placement section internal space 1401 relative to the outside when the placement section 1410 closes the placement section opening 1420 , and may be configured to connect the placement section internal space 1401 to the barrel 12 when the placement section 1410 opens the placement section opening 1420 .

[0293] The seating section 1400 may include a seating section driving section 1470 configured to open and close the seating section 1410 .

[0294] As an example, the placement department driving part 1470 may include a driving motor and a transmission component.

[0295] As an example, the transmission component of the placement section driving part 1470 may include a plurality of gears. As an example, when the driving motor rotates in one direction, the plurality of gears may transmit the rotational force in one direction to the placement section 1410. The placement section 1410 may rotate in one direction by receiving the rotational force to open the placement section opening 1420 from a state where the placement section 1410 closes the placement section opening 1420.

[0296] As an 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 part 1410. The seating part 1410 may rotate in the opposite direction by receiving the rotational force to close the seating part opening 1420 from the state where the seating part 1410 opens the seating part opening 1420.

[0297] The placement portion opening 1420 may be connected to the input port 1122 via the discharge guide 1430. A solid detergent located in the placement portion internal space 1401 may be discharged from the placement portion internal space 1401 through the placement portion opening 1420, and may be discharged from the placement portion opening 1420 through the input port 1122 to the outside of the automatic detergent input device 1000 and be input into the inside of the tub 12.

[0298] The seating portion 1400 may include a discharge guide 1430 formed between the seating portion opening 1420 and the input port 1122 and guiding the solid detergent to move from the seating portion opening 1420 to the input port 1122 .

[0299] One solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 may be temporarily placed in the placement portion 1400 , and specifically, the solid detergent may be located on a placement surface 1411 of a placement portion 1410 forming a lower surface of the placement portion internal space 1401 .

[0300] The inlet 1122 may be opened and closed by the inlet cover 1150 , and may be configured so that the solid detergent discharged along the discharge guide 1430 pressurizes the inlet cover 1150 and causes the inlet cover 1150 to open the inlet 1122 .

[0301] The solid detergent may pressurize the inlet cover 1150 and move into the tub 12 through the inlet 1120 .

[0302] When the seating section 1410 opens the seating section opening 1420 , the solid detergent placed on the seating section 1410 may move downward by gravity and be discharged to the outside of the seating section inner space 1401 through the seating section opening 1420 .

[0303] Automatic detergent feeder 1000 may be configured to discharge a solid detergent discharged from storage chamber 1200 to the outside of storage chamber 1200 via seating portion 1400 when the solid detergent is discharged to the outside of automatic detergent feeder 1000 instead of being immediately discharged to the outside of automatic detergent feeder 1000 .

[0304] The storage chamber 1200 may include a middle door 1250 configured to open and close the storage chamber discharge port 1210. The middle door 1250 may be configured to restrict the solid detergent loaded into the storage chamber 1200 from being discharged from the storage chamber 1200 by the ejector 1300 but moving to the seating portion 1400 by external force.

[0305] The middle door 1250 may be configured to be biased in a direction to close the storage chamber discharge port 1210. The middle door 1250 may include an elastic member 1251 and may be configured to be biased toward the storage chamber discharge port 1210 by the elastic member 1251 so that the middle door 1250 closes the storage chamber discharge port 1210.

[0306] The solid detergents among the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the storage chamber 1200 that are pressurized by the pusher 1300 and moved toward the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 can be configured to pressurize the middle door 1250 to open the middle door 1250, and as the middle door 1250 is opened, the solid detergents can move to the seating portion 1400 through the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210.

[0307] Even if the solid detergent moves to the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 side by external force rather than by the pressurization of the ejector 1300 , the solid detergent may be blocked by the middle door 1250 so as not to pass through the storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 and not escape from the storage chamber 1200 .

[0308] When the solid detergent moves by the pressurizing portion 1312 a and collides with the middle door 1250 , the ejector 1300 may pressurize the solid detergent so that the biased middle door 1250 is opened by the pressurization of the solid detergent.

[0309] The force with which the middle door 1250 closes the storage chamber discharge port 1210 by the elastic member 1251 may be set to be substantially smaller than the force with which the solid detergent pressurizes the door 1250 by the pressurization of the ejector 1300 .

[0310] The storage chamber discharge port 1210 may be configured not to be directly connected to the tub 12 , but to form a seating portion 1400 between the storage chamber discharge port 1210 and the tub 12 , and the storage chamber discharge port 1210 may be connected to the tub 12 through the seating portion 1400 .

[0311] When the storage chamber discharge port 1210 is directly connected to the tub 12, water remaining in the tub 12 may flow into the interior of the storage chamber 1200 through the storage chamber discharge port 1210, and accordingly, a plurality of solid detergents loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 may be damaged or deformed by the water.

[0312] In order to prevent this, the storage chamber discharge port 1210 may be provided to be indirectly connected to the tub 12 through the seating portion 1400 instead of being directly connected to the tub 12 .

[0313] The placement part 1400 may be configured to open the placement part opening 1420 only when solid detergent is added to the tub 12, so that the internal space 1401 of the placement part is connected to the tub 12. In the step of not adding solid detergent to the inside of the tub 12, the placement part 1410 may close the placement part opening 1420 to minimize the flow of residual water in the tub 12 to the internal space 1401 of the placement part.

[0314] The seating portion 1400 may include a seating portion sensor 1440 that senses whether the solid detergent is seated in the seating portion 1400 .

[0315] Since the storage chamber 1200 is disposed to communicate with the seating portion 1400 , the solid detergent discharged from the storage chamber 1200 can certainly sense whether the solid detergent is seated in the seating portion 1400 through the seating portion sensor 1440 .

[0316] The seating portion sensor 1440 may be provided using a position sensor. As an example, the seating portion sensor 1440 may include an optical sensor.

[0317] The seating portion sensor 1440 may sense whether the solid detergent is located in the seating portion 1400, and the control device 1900 (see Figure 5 ) can control the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 based on the value sensed by the placement part sensor 1440.

[0318] The control device 1900 can receive information about whether solid detergent is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, whether the detergent is placed in the placement portion 1400 after the ejector 1300 is driven when the solid detergent is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, and whether the solid detergent is discharged from the placement portion 1400 after being placed in the placement portion 1400, and control the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 based on this.

[0319] The control device 1900 may be configured to cause the control unit to control the dishwasher 1 based on information received through communication with a main control device of the dishwasher 1 .

[0320] As an example, the control device 1900 and the main control device are lower components of the control unit, and the dishwasher 1 and the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be set to be controlled by the control unit. However, in the following control of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000, it is assumed that the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is controlled by the control device 1900.

[0321] As an example, after the ejector 1300 is driven, when the placement sensor 1440 cannot sense the solid detergent, the control device 1900 can determine that the solid detergent is not loaded into the storage chamber 1200 and the solid detergent is not discharged from the storage chamber 1200, or can determine that the solid detergent is not discharged from the storage chamber 1200 due to abnormal operation of the ejector 1300 when the solid detergent is loaded into the storage chamber 1200, and the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be controlled based on this.

[0322] As an example, control device 1900 may control ejector 1300 to be driven again to move solid detergent to seating portion 1400. Also, control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the control portion may control dishwasher 1 not to perform a stroke of dishwasher 1 based on the communication value.

[0323] As an example, if the seating portion sensor 1440 continues to be unable to sense the solid detergent after the control device 1900 controls the ejector 1300 so that the ejector 1300 is driven again, the control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the control portion may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value so as not to perform the trip of the dishwasher 1. Also, the control portion may control the display portion to inform the user that there is no solid detergent in the storage chamber 1200.

[0324] As an example, the display part may be implemented using a display located on the main body 10 of the dishwasher 1. As an example, the display part may be implemented in a separate device configured to communicate with the dishwasher 1.

[0325] As an example, when the placement part sensor 1440 senses the solid detergent placement part and keeps the sensing state but then fails to sense the solid detergent, the control device 1900 may determine that the solid detergent has been discharged from the placement part 1400 and the solid detergent has been put into the tub 12, and based on this, the automatic detergent injection device 1000 may be controlled. As an example, the control device 1900 may communicate with the main control device, and the control part may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value to perform the washing stroke of the dishwasher 1.

[0326] Since the placement part sensor 1440 senses the position of the solid detergent in the placement part 1400, the control device 1900 can be set to grasp all the above-mentioned situations, so that the number of sensors that additionally sense the position of the solid detergent can be minimized. That is, the control device 1900 can judge all situations whether the solid detergent is located in the storage chamber 1200 or the placement part internal space 1401 or the outside of the placement part 1400 by only arranging the placement part sensor 1440 in the placement part 1400, without arranging a position sensor that additionally senses the position of the solid detergent in the storage chamber 1200 or the discharge guide 1430. This will be described in detail later.

[0327] As described above, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided in plurality. As an example, the storage chamber 1200 may be provided in two.

[0328] In the following, for the sake of convenience, Figure 8As a reference, 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. As an 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'.

[0329] Furthermore, an ejector for discharging the solid detergent stored in the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as a first ejector 1300, and an ejector for discharging the solid detergent stored in the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as a second ejector 1300'. Furthermore, a bracket 1500 disposed inside the first storage chamber 1200 is defined as a first bracket 1500, and a bracket 1500 disposed inside the second storage chamber 1200' is defined as a second bracket 1500'.

[0330] The first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' may be arranged to be spaced apart in the second direction Y. When the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is arranged in the first position 1000A, the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' respectively include long sides extending toward the third direction Z, so the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' can be effectively arranged inside the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 only if they are spaced apart in the second direction Y.

[0331] When the user loads solid detergent into the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 , a larger amount of solid detergent can be loaded at one time by using the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0332] The seating portion 1400 may be disposed between the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y. As described above, the first storage chamber 1200 may be disposed in communication with the seating portion 1400 , and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may also be disposed in communication with the seating portion 1400 .

[0333] Accordingly, the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be provided to communicate with the tub 12 through one seating portion 1400 disposed between the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG.

[0334] This is to minimize the expansion of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 in the second direction Y by making the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' share the placement portion 1400. That is, when a plurality of placement portions 1400 are provided to correspond to the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the volume of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 in the second direction Y may increase due to the plurality of placement portions. At this time, as described above, for the automatic detergent feeding device 1000, it is provided that the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' are both connected to one placement portion 1400, so that the length of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 in the second direction Y can be minimized.

[0335] by Figure 8 As a reference, in the second direction Y, the first storage chamber 1200 may be disposed on the left side of the seating portion 1400 , and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be disposed on the right side of the seating portion 1400 .

[0336] As described above, the first cam member 1310 can rotate in a clockwise direction to move the solid detergent placed on the first lower surface 1220 of the first storage chamber 1200 toward the right side of the first storage chamber 1200, and since the first storage chamber discharge outlet 1210 is arranged at the lower portion of the first right side surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200, the solid detergent can move to the placement portion 1400 arranged on the right side of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0337] The first cam member 1310 may be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction in conjunction with the first driving motor 1320 and the first transmission member 1330 .

[0338] On the contrary, the second cam member 1310' may rotate in the counterclockwise direction. 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.

[0339] The second cam member 1310 ′ may be configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in conjunction with the second driving motor 1320 ′ and the second transmission member 1330 ′.

[0340] The second cam member 1310' can rotate in a counterclockwise direction to move the solid detergent placed on the second lower surface 1220' of the second storage chamber 1200' toward the left side of the second storage chamber 1200', and since the second storage chamber discharge outlet 1210' is arranged at the lower part of the second left side surface 1240' of the second storage chamber 1200', the solid detergent can move to the placement portion 1400 arranged on the left side of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0341] The second storage chamber 1200 ′ may include a second through portion 1221 ′ formed on a second lower surface 1220 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ and configured to move the second pressurizing portion 1312 a ′ from the outside of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ to the inside of the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0342] 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 portions of the second right side surface 1230 ′ and the second left side surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0343] The second pressurizing portion 1312a' can rotate by the rotation of the second cam component 1310' and move to the inside of the second storage chamber 1200' through the lower part of the second right side surface 1230' and the second through portion 1221' of the second lower surface 1220', and can move to the outside of the second storage chamber 1200' through the lower part of the second left side surface 1240' and the second through portion 1221' of the second lower surface 1220' as the second cam component 1310' rotates.

[0344] The second pressurizing portion 1312a' may be configured to pressurize the solid detergent disposed on the second lower surface 1220' while rotating, thereby moving the solid detergent to the left side.

[0345] The first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 may be disposed between the first left side surface 1240 and the first right side surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y. As an example, the first rotation axis 1313 of the first cam member 1310 may be disposed at the center of the left side surface 1240 and the right side surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y.

[0346] The second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' may be disposed between the second left side surface 1240' and the second right side surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y. As an example, the second rotation axis 1313' of the second cam member 1310' may be disposed in the second direction Y at the center of the second left side surface 1240' and the second right side surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0347] As described above, the reason why the first rotating shaft 1313 and the second rotating shaft 1313' of the first cam member 1310 and the second cam member 1310' are respectively arranged at the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y is that the first pressurizing part 1312a and the second pressurizing part 1312a' of the first cam member 1310 and the second cam member 1310' can stably support and pressurize the solid detergent when the solid detergent is rotated.

[0348] When the first rotating shaft 1313 and the second rotating shaft 1313' of the first cam component 1310 and the second cam component 1310' are respectively arranged outside the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' in the second direction Y, in the interval where the first pressurizing portion 1312a and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' penetrate the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' by the rotation of the first cam component 1310 and the second cam component 1310', the first pressurizing portion 1312a and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' may penetrate the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' by less than a predetermined length and it is difficult to stably support the solid detergent.

[0349] In the interval where the first pressurizing portion 1312a and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' enter or leave the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221', the first pressurizing portion 1312a and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' may penetrate the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221' by less than a predetermined length and may be unable to stably pressurize the solid detergent loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0350] In order to prevent this situation, the first rotating axis 1313 and the second rotating axis 1313' of the first cam component 1310 and the second cam component 1310' can be set to be arranged in the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' respectively in the second direction Y, so that the first pressurizing portion 1312a and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' enter or leave the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' through the first through portion 1221 and the second through portion 1221', and the first pressurizing portion 1312a' and the second pressurizing portion 1312a' are penetrated and rotated with a predetermined length or more.

[0351] Furthermore, when the first rotating shaft 1313 and the second rotating shaft 1313' of the first cam component 1310 and the second cam component 1310' are not arranged at the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' respectively in the second direction Y, since the volume of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 in the second direction Y will increase, preferably, the first rotating shaft 1313 and the second rotating shaft 1313' of the first cam component 1310 and the second cam component 1310' can be arranged at the center of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' respectively in the second direction Y.

[0352] The first ejector 1300 and the second ejector 1300 ′ may be configured to be driven in mirror-symmetrical directions around the seating portion 1400 in the second direction Y. The first cam member 1310 and the second cam member 1310 ′ may be configured to rotate in opposite directions to each other, thereby being mirror-symmetrical around the seating portion 1400 .

[0353] Since the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' are arranged on both sides with the placement portion 1400 as the center in the second direction Y, and the solid detergent discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' need to be moved to the placement portion 1400, the first ejector 1300 and the second ejector 1300' can be driven to be mirror-symmetrical with the placement portion 1400 as the center in the second direction Y.

[0354] The width L1 (or may be named as a lateral length) of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y and the width L1 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be set to be substantially the same.

[0355] The width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' and the width L3 of the placement portion 1400 in the second direction Y may be set to substantially corresponding lengths. This is because when the width L3 of the placement portion 1400 in the second direction Y is formed to be much smaller than the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', when the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200' to the placement portion 1400, it may not be placed on the placement portion 1410 and be stuck on the internal space 1401 of the placement portion.

[0356] On the contrary, when the width L3 of the accommodation portion 1400 in the second direction Y is formed to be much larger than the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200', the volume of the accommodation portion 1400 in the second direction Y increases beyond the necessary volume, and the problem of the volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 in the second direction Y increasing beyond the necessary volume may occur.

[0357] Therefore, as described above, the width L3 of the seating portion 1400 is preferably formed to have a length corresponding to the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y having the cross-sectional area S in consideration of the size of the solid detergent.

[0358] Hereinafter, the driving of automatic detergent dispenser 1000 will be described in detail.

[0359] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the solid detergent loaded in the first storage chamber is discharged from the first storage chamber in a state in which a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed. Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a state in which solid detergent is discharged from the automatic detergent feeder of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which a part of the automatic detergent feeder is removed.

[0360] like Figure 8 As shown, the control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 or the second ejector 1300 ′ to move one of the plurality of solid detergents stacked in any one of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ toward the seating portion 1400 .

[0361] As an example, the control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to drive the first ejector 1300. The control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to drive the first ejector 1300 again based on the sensing value of the seating sensor 1440, or may control the second ejector 1300' to drive the second ejector 1300', which will be described in detail later.

[0362] The control device 1900 may control the first ejector 1300 to drive the first driving motor 1320 to rotate the first cam member 1310 in the clockwise direction.

[0363] The control device 1900 may control the second ejector 1300 ′ to drive the second driving motor 1320 ′ to rotate the second cam member 1310 ′ in a clockwise direction.

[0364] The control device 1900 may control the position of the first cam member 1310 so that the first cam region 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 is disposed at the upper end in the third direction Z before the first pressurizing portion 1312a moves into the storage chamber 1200 due to the rotation of the first cam member 1310 .

[0365] 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, as described above, the first cam region 1310A1 may be arranged at the lower side of the first supporting surface 1222 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z. Accordingly, since the lowest solid detergent in the third direction Z among the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 may be stably placed on the first supporting surface 1222, the first pressurizing portion 1312a may stably move the solid detergent in the second direction Y by the rotation of the first cam member 1310.

[0366] As an example, this is because when a portion of the first cam component 1310 protrudes higher than the first support surface 1222 in the third direction Z through the first through portion 1221, the solid detergent located at the bottom of the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z cannot be arranged horizontally in the third direction Z. Accordingly, when the solid detergent moves in the second direction Y, it may rotate or move in other directions instead of moving in the second direction Y due to the center of gravity, thereby causing the solid detergent to be unable to move toward the first storage chamber discharge port 1210 and unable to be discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0367] Accordingly, the control device 1900 can control the position of the first cam member 1310 so that the first cam area 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 is arranged at the upper end in the third direction Z when the dishwasher 1 is not driven in the washing stroke. Then, when the dishwasher 1 is driven in the washing stroke, it can communicate with the main control device, and the control device 1900 can control the first ejector 1300 based on the communication value so that the first cover 1310 rotates in the clockwise direction.

[0368] The first pressurizing portion 1312a can be linked and moved into the first storage chamber 1200 by the rotation of the first cam member 1310, and accordingly, the bottom solid detergent located in the third direction Z can be moved to the right with reference to the second direction Y by the first pressurizing portion 1312a.

[0369] The solid detergent may be pressurized and moved to the first storage chamber discharge port 1210 by the first pressurizing part 1312a, and discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200 through the first storage chamber discharge port 1210 as the first middle door 1250 closing the first storage chamber discharge port 1210 is opened.

[0370] Then, the solid detergent may be arranged on the seating portion 1400 , specifically, may be arranged on the seating part 1410 .

[0371] The seating section sensor 1440 may sense the position of the solid detergent to sense whether the solid detergent is located on the seating section inner space 1401. Specifically, the seating section sensor 1440 may be disposed on the seating section 1410 in the third direction Z and may sense whether the solid detergent is located on the seating section 1410.

[0372] The control device 1900 may receive the information of the solid detergent placed on the placement part 1410 through the placement part sensor 1440 and communicate with the main control device, and the control part may control the dishwasher 1 to perform the washing process based on the communicated value.

[0373] As an example, the washing process of the dishwasher 1 may be divided into a pre-wash step, a main wash step, a rinsing step, and a drying step. The control unit may control the dishwasher 1 to perform the pre-wash step based on the communicated value.

[0374] As an example, when the placement sensor 1440 does not sense solid detergent after the control device 1900 drives the first ejector 1300 once, the control device 1900 may send information that the solid detergent is not sensed to the main control device, and the control unit may control the dishwasher 1 based on the communication value so that the dishwasher 1 does not perform the pre-washing step of the washing stroke. This is because the user may open the door 20 according to the situation to load the solid detergent into the automatic detergent feeding device 1000. Therefore, when the solid detergent is not arranged in the placement unit 1400, the control unit may control the dishwasher 1 not to start the washing stroke itself.

[0375] As an example, different from the above description, the control device 1900 can be configured to drive the first ejector 1300 once more when the placement unit sensor 1440 does not sense the solid detergent after the first ejector 1300 is driven once. As described above, at this time, the control unit can control the dishwasher 1 so that the dishwasher 1 does not perform the washing process.

[0376] This is for the purpose of driving the first ejector 1300 again to move the solid detergent in the second direction Y by means of the first pressurizing portion 1312a, so that it is discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200, when the bottom solid detergent among the multiple solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z is not stably placed on the first support surface 1222 and cannot be moved in the second direction Y by means of the first pressurizing portion 1312a but moves in other directions, thereby making it unable to move to the first storage chamber discharge outlet 1210.

[0377] Then, the control device 1900 may receive the information of the solid detergent placed on the placement part 1410 through the placement part sensor 1440 and communicate with the main control device, and the control part may control the dishwasher 1 to perform the washing process based on the communicated value.

[0378] like Fig. 9 As shown, the control device 1900 can open the placement section 1410 when the dishwasher 1 is driven by the control unit to the main wash step in the washing cycle, so that the solid detergent is discharged from the internal space 1401 of the placement section and is put into the inside of the barrel 12 through the discharge guide 1430.

[0379] The seating section 1410 may open the seating portion opening 1420 , and the solid detergent may move to the discharge guide 1430 through the seating portion opening 1420 and be discharged from the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 through the feeding port 1122 along the discharge guide 1430 .

[0380] As an example, the seating section 1410 may rotate downward to open the seating section opening 1420 , and the solid detergent placed on the seating section 1410 may move downward together with the rotation of the seating section 1410 and move to the discharge guide 1430 through the seating section opening 1420 .

[0381] The control device 1900 may rotate the seating section 1410 to open the seating section opening 1420 , and after a predetermined time has passed, may rotate the seating section 1410 in the opposite direction to reclose the seating section opening 1420 .

[0382] This is because, when the seating portion opening 1420 is opened for a predetermined time, water may flow from the tub 12 to cause water to flow into the storage chamber 1200 through the seating portion 1400. To prevent this, the control device 1900 may control the opening and closing of the seating portion 1410.

[0383] The control device 1900 can control the placement section driving unit 1470 to open and close the placement section 1410. The placement section driving unit 1470 can drive the placement section 1410 according to the control of the control device 1900 to transmit a rotational force in one direction or a reverse direction to the placement section 1410 to open and close the placement section opening 1420.

[0384] The control device 1900 can communicate with the main control device after controlling the placement section 1410 to open and close the placement section 1410, when receiving information from the placement section sensor 1440 that the solid detergent is not located in the placement section 1400, and the control section can control the dishwasher 1 based on the communicated value so that the dishwasher 1 performs the main wash step in the washing cycle.

[0385] This is to prevent the dishwasher 1 from performing the main wash step in a state where the solid detergent may not be separated from the seating portion internal space 1401 due to the solid detergent adhering to the seating portion 1410 even if the seating portion 1410 opens and closes the seating portion opening 1420 .

[0386] The control device 1900 can control the placement section 1410 in a manner of opening and closing the placement section 1410, receive information from the placement section sensor 1440 that the solid detergent is not located in the placement section 1400, and control the position of the first cam member 1310 so that the first cam area 1310A1 of the first cam member 1310 is arranged at the upper end in the third direction Z.

[0387] Accordingly, as the bottommost solid detergent among the plurality of solid detergents located in the third direction Z can be discharged to the outside of the first storage chamber 1200, the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 can move downward and the solid detergents located immediately above the discharged solid detergents can be stably arranged on the support surface 1222.

[0388] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to automatically inject solid detergent into the tub 12 when the dishwasher 1 is driven in a washing cycle by repeating the above process.

[0389] After driving the first ejector 1300, the control device 1900 may, as described above, drive the first ejector 1300 once more and then receive information from the seating portion sensor 1440 on whether solid detergent is sensed after receiving information from the seating portion sensor 1440 that solid detergent is not sensed.

[0390] At this time, after the control device 1900 drives the first ejector 1300 one more time, if the control device 1900 also receives information from the seating portion sensor 1440 that the solid detergent is not sensed, the control device 1900 may be configured to drive the second ejector 1300 ′ based on this information.

[0391] This is because, when the seating sensor 1440 does not sense the solid detergent after the control device 1900 controls the first ejector 1300 to drive the first ejector 1300 twice, the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 may have all been discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 .

[0392] Accordingly, the control device 1900 can control the second ejector 1300' to drive the second ejector 1300'. Since the features of the control device 1900 driving the second ejector 1300' are the same as the features of the control device 1900 driving the first ejector 1300, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0393] Above, refer to Figures 1 to 9 , the structure and operation of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described. However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the above description is only an example of a dishwasher and an automatic detergent feeding device thereof according to the concept of the present disclosure.

[0394] For example, when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is located at the first position 1000A, inside the storage chamber 1200, a plurality of solid detergents may be arranged to be stacked and loaded in a direction different from the third direction Z (ie, a direction different from the up and down direction of the dishwasher 1).

[0395] As an example, when the automatic detergent injection device 1000 is located at the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent injection device 1000 may include a storage chamber having a long side extending along the second direction Y as the left-right direction of the dishwasher 1, and a plurality of solid detergents may be arranged to be stacked and loaded in the second direction Y inside the storage chamber. The automatic detergent injection device 1000 may include a holder for moving a plurality of solid detergents stacked in the second direction Y inside the storage chamber in the second direction Y, for example, the holder may include an elastic member to move the plurality of solid detergents toward a cam member of an ejector in the second direction Y. The cam member may pressurize one of the plurality of solid detergents to move it to the outside of the storage chamber, for example, it may be discharged in a direction orthogonal to the second direction Y and moved to the bottom of the storage chamber. A solid detergent discharged to the outside of the storage chamber may be injected into the barrel 12 by a placement portion or the like.

[0396] Or, as an example, Figures 1 to 9 As shown, when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is located at the first position 1000A, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include storage chambers 1200, 1200' configured to allow a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked and loaded in the third direction Z. Figures 1 to 9Differently as shown, the automatic detergent injection device 1000 can be configured to move a plurality of solid detergents upward and discharge them inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200'. The automatic detergent injection device 1000 may include a bracket arranged inside the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' and moving a plurality of solid detergents upward, for example, the bracket may include an elastic component to move a plurality of solid detergents upward. A cam of an ejector may be arranged on the upper side of the storage chambers 1200 and 1200', and the solid detergent arranged at the top of the plurality of solid detergents may be moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 by means of the cam of the ejector. A solid detergent moved to the outside of the storage chamber 1200 may be injected into the barrel 12 by a placement portion or the like.

[0397] In the following, for the sake of convenience, when the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is located at the first position 1000A, the description is made on the premise that a plurality of solid detergents are stacked and loaded in the third direction Z, which is the up-down direction, inside the storage chamber 1200, 1200'. In addition, the description is made on the premise that a plurality of solid detergents are moved from top to bottom along the third direction Z inside the storage chamber 1200, 1200' and discharged from the solid detergent located at the bottom to the outside of the storage chamber 1200, 1200'.

[0398] In addition, the term "third direction" referring to the direction in which multiple solid detergents are stacked and loaded inside the storage chambers 1200, 1200' is only a term used to define the stacking direction of multiple solid detergents, and the interpretation of the stacking direction of multiple solid detergents is not limited by the expression "third" etc. For example, as needed, the stacking direction of multiple solid detergents can be called the "first direction", in which case the term "first direction" can also be interpreted as referring to the Z direction shown in the figure according to the embodiment of the present disclosure (provided that the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 is located at the first position 1000A), etc.

[0399] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view showing a combination relationship between a door and an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment, Fig.11 is a perspective view showing an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment, Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is removed. Fig.13 It is along Fig.11 The side section view taken along the A-A' line, Fig.14 Is magnification Fig.13 Enlarged view of B.

[0400] Reference Figures 10 to 14The door 20 may include an outer surface 22 that forms the appearance of the dishwasher 1 together with the body 10 and an inner surface 21 that faces the inside of the tub 12 when the door 20 closes the tub 12. The door 20 may include an outer frame 22 that forms the outer surface 22 of the door 20. The door 20 may include an inner frame 21 that forms the inner surface 21 of the door 20.

[0401] The outer frame 22 may include a first outer frame part 22a, a second outer frame part 22b, and a handle part 22c disposed between the first outer frame part 22a and the second outer frame part 22b. The first outer frame part 22a, the second outer frame part 22b, and the handle part 22c may be combined with each other to form the appearance of the front surface of the door 20.

[0402] The first outer frame part 22a may form an upper portion of the outer frame 22. The second outer frame part 22b may form a lower portion of the outer frame 22.

[0403] The handle member 22c may be formed so that a user can grasp it when opening and closing the door 20. For example, Fig.10 As shown, the handle part 22c may be formed to include a shape inclined with respect to the first outer frame part 22a or the second outer frame part 22b so that the user can easily grasp it.

[0404] The outer frame 22 may include a display 22d. The display 22d may be configured to display information about the state of the dishwasher 1 to the user (e.g., the operating state of the dishwasher 1, the operating time, the remaining amount of solid detergent loaded in the automatic detergent feeding device 1000, etc.). The display 22d may be configured to be able to receive information for controlling the dishwasher 1 from the user. In other words, the display 22d may be configured to be able to provide a user interface (UI). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, an operating unit (not shown) may be provided in the outer frame 22, which is able to receive information for controlling the dishwasher 1 from the user independently of the display 22d.

[0405] exist Fig.10 An example in which the display 22d is disposed on the upper surface of the first outer frame part 22a in the third direction Z is shown, but it is not limited to this. The display 22d can be disposed on the front surface of the first outer frame part 22a, or can be disposed on the second outer frame part 22b, or can also be disposed on the handle part 22c.

[0406] Various electrical components such as a main control device (not shown) for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 may be provided inside the door 20. As an example, the electrical components such as the main control device may be arranged inside the outer frame 22.

[0407] However, the configuration of the outer frame 22 is not limited thereto. As an example, the outer frame 22 may be formed by integrating the first outer frame member 22a, the second outer frame member 22b, and the handle member 22c. As an example, the outer frame 22 may be configured as follows: the first outer frame member 22a and the second outer frame member 22b are integrated, and a handle that allows a user to grip and open the door 20 is arranged on the first outer frame member 22a and the second outer frame member 22b.

[0408] The inner frame 21 may be coupled to the outer frame 22. More specifically, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the inner frame 21 may be coupled to the outer frame 22 in a direction toward the tub 12 relative to the outer frame 22. That is, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the inner frame 21 may be arranged rearward in the first direction X relative to the outer frame 22 and coupled to the outer frame 22.

[0409] The outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 may be coupled to each other in various ways such as by screw fastening.

[0410] When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the outer frame 22 may include a front surface facing forward in the first direction X, two side surfaces facing respectively in the second direction Y, and an upper surface facing upward in the third direction Z.

[0411] The two side surfaces of the outer frame 22 may extend in a direction from the front surface of the outer frame 22 toward the inner frame 21. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the two side surfaces of the outer frame 22 may extend from both ends of the front surface of the outer frame 22 in the second direction Y toward the rear in the first direction X.

[0412] The upper surface of the outer frame 22 may extend in a direction from an upper end of the front surface of the outer frame 22 in the third direction Z toward the inner frame 21. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the upper surface of the outer frame 22 may extend in a manner from an upper end of the front surface of the outer frame 22 in the third direction Z toward the rear in the first direction X.

[0413] The inner frame 21 may be formed to include a substantially flat plate shape. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the inner frame 21 may be formed to face the first direction X. The inner frame 21 may be formed to be parallel to a front surface of the outer frame 22 .

[0414] The inner frame 21 may be combined with rear portions of an upper surface of the outer frame 22 in the first direction X and rear portions of both side surfaces of the outer frame 22 in the first direction X, respectively.

[0415] However, it is not limited thereto, and the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 may include various shapes, respectively, and may be combined with each other through various configurations.

[0416] As an example, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the inner frame 21 may include a rear surface facing the rear in the first direction X, two side surfaces facing the second direction Y, and an upper surface facing the upper side in the third direction Z. The two side surfaces of the inner frame 21 may extend in a direction from the rear surface of the inner frame 21 toward the outer frame 22. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the two side surfaces of the inner frame 21 may extend in a manner from both ends of the rear surface of the inner frame 22 in the second direction Y toward the front in the first direction X. The upper surface of the inner frame 21 may extend in a direction from the upper end of the rear surface of the inner frame 21 in the third direction Z toward the outer frame 22. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the upper surface of the inner frame 21 may extend in a manner from the upper end of the rear surface of the inner frame 21 in the third direction Z toward the front in the first direction X. The outer frame 21 may be formed to include a substantially flat plate shape. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the outer frame 22 may be formed to face the first direction X. The outer frame 22 may be formed parallel to the rear surface of the inner frame 21. Here, the outer frame 22 may be combined with the front portion of the upper surface of the inner frame 21 and the front portions of both side surfaces of the inner frame 21 in the first direction X, respectively.

[0417] By the above-mentioned structure, an internal space I can be formed between the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 that are connected to each other (refer to Fig.19 The internal space I may have various shapes or sizes according to the shape, size, etc., or the arrangement, installation structure of the door 20, etc. of the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21.

[0418] The outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 may be formed to have sizes corresponding to each other. However, this does not mean that the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 have the same size as each other, and the sizes of the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 may be different depending on the connection relationship between the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, the connection relationship between the door 20 and the main body 10, etc.

[0419] As an example, in a state where the outer frame 22 is combined with the inner frame 21, the upper end of the outer frame 22 and the upper end of the inner frame 21 may be set to have almost no step difference or a small step difference. The lower end of the outer frame 22 and the lower end of the inner frame 21 may have a step difference, and specifically, the step difference between the lower ends may be formed to be greater than the step difference between the upper ends. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the lower end of the outer frame 22 may extend further below the lower end of the inner frame 21 in the third direction Z. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the outer frame 22 may extend longer than the inner frame 21 along the third direction Z.

[0420] By the configuration as described above, when the door 20 closes the tub 12 at the first position 20A, the rear of the lower portion of the outer frame 22 in the third direction Z in the first direction X may not be covered by the inner frame 21. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the internal space I may be connected to the tub 12 through the lower space of the inner frame 21.

[0421] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be coupled to the inner frame 21. The inner frame 21 may include an automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a formed to be coupled to the automatic detergent feeding device 1000. Specifically, the housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be coupled to the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a.

[0422] When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 coupled to the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a may be arranged with the first housing 1110 facing forward in the first direction X and with the second housing 1120 facing rearward in the first direction X. In other words, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the first housing 1110 may be arranged toward the outer frame 22, and the second housing 1120 may be arranged toward the tub 12. The first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120 may be coupled to each other, and the second housing 1120 may be arranged on a side facing the tub 12 relative to the first housing 1110.

[0423] Correspondingly, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the storage chamber cover 1140 and the inlet cover 1150 may be arranged to face rearward in the first direction X. In other words, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the storage chamber cover 1140 and the inlet cover 1150 may be arranged to face the tub 12 .

[0424] The automatic detergent feeding device coupling part 21a may be formed in an open shape. Specifically, the automatic detergent feeding device coupling part 21a may include an open shape that passes through the inner frame 21. The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be coupled to the inner frame 21 by inserting or even passing through the automatic detergent feeding device coupling part 21a.

[0425] The housing 1100 may be provided with an opening that passes through the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a so that at least a portion of the housing 1100 may be arranged in the internal space I. As an example, at least a portion of the first housing 1110 may be arranged in the internal space I. At this time, the second housing 1110 may be arranged in a direction toward the barrel 12 relative to the inner frame 21. However, it is not limited thereto, and as an example, not only the first housing 1110 but also at least a portion of the second housing 1120 may be arranged in the internal space I. Alternatively, as an example, substantially the entire housing 1100 may be arranged in the internal space I.

[0426] The opening of the automatic detergent injection device coupling part 21a may be provided along the edge of the housing 1100. The opening of the automatic detergent injection device coupling part 21a may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the housing 1100.

[0427] The detergent automatic feeding device coupling portion 21a may include a first housing fixing portion 21b formed to fix the first housing 1110 to the inner frame 21. For example, the first housing 1110 may be fixed to the first housing fixing portion 21b by screw fastening or the like.

[0428] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a gasket 1700 configured to seal a gap between the housing 1100 and the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a. The gasket 1700 may be formed in a shape having an opening arranged along an edge of the housing 1100. The gasket 1700 may be configured to prevent the wash water discharged from the spray device 40 from flowing into the internal space I through the gap between the housing 1100 and the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a when the dishwasher 1 is operated.

[0429] The gasket 1700 may seal a gap between the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120 .

[0430] However, it is not limited thereto, and the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be combined with the inner frame 21 in various ways. As an example, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the entire housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged in a direction toward the tub 12 relative to the inner frame 21. That is, the entire housing 1100 may be arranged outside the internal space I, and may be combined with the inner frame 21 in a manner of being arranged on the rear surface of the inner frame 21.

[0431] The inner frame 21 may be combined with a detergent box 90 configured to accommodate a powdered detergent or a liquid detergent. The inner frame 21 may include a detergent box setting portion 21c for the detergent box 90 to be combined. The detergent box setting portion 21c may be formed in a shape having an opening, and at least a portion of the detergent box 90 may be formed as an opening that is inserted into or even passes through the detergent box setting portion 21c. That is, at least a portion of the detergent box 90 may be arranged in the internal space I. However, it is not limited thereto, and the detergent box 90 may be combined with the inner frame 21 in a variety of ways.

[0432] The door 20 may be detachably fixed to the main body 10 by a locking device (not shown). As an example, the locking device may include a locker (not shown) provided at least one of the door 20 and the main body 10 and a latch (not shown) provided at the other of the door 20 and the main body 10. The latch may be detachably coupled to the locker. The locker and the latch may be provided at positions corresponding to each other in the door 20 and the main body 10, respectively.

[0433] The inner frame 21 may be formed with a locking device installation opening 21d formed through in a manner that a configuration of the locking device can be installed. As an example, the locking device installation opening 21d may be formed to correspond to the size and shape of the lock buckle so that the lock buckle, which is a configuration of the locking device, can protrude. The locking device installation opening 21d may be formed at the edge of the inner frame 21.

[0434] The door 20 may include a hinge bracket 25a supporting the hinge 25. The hinge bracket 25a may be coupled to at least one of the inner frame 21 and the outer frame 22. The hinge 25 may be coupled to the hinge bracket 25a to be coupled to the inner frame 21 and even the outer frame 22. The hinge bracket 25a may be arranged at a position adjacent to the rotation axis of the door 20 relative to the body 10, for example, the hinge bracket 25a may be arranged at the lower portion of the door 20 in the third direction Z, based on when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0435] Fig.10 2 shows an example in which the inner frame 21 is formed in one piece, but differently from this, the inner frame 21 may be formed by assembling a plurality of components to each other.

[0436] The structure of the inner frame 21 is not limited to the above-mentioned content. The inner frame 21 can form the inner surface of the door 20 and can be variously configured in a manner that can be combined with the automatic detergent feeding device 1000.

[0437] The structure of the door 20 described above is merely an example of a door of a dishwasher according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0438] As an example, in the door 20, the inner frame 21 forming the inner surface of the door 20 and the outer frame 22 forming the outer surface of the door 20 can be formed as one body. Fig.19 The interior space I is shown.

[0439] In the case where the inner frame 21 and the outer frame 22 of the door 20 are formed as one body, a portion of the door 20 forming the inner surface of the door 20 may be referred to as an inner frame and another portion of the door 20 forming the outer surface of the door 20 may be referred to as an outer frame. With the door 20 being in the first position 20A as a reference, the inner space I of the door 20 may be disposed rearwardly relative to the outer frame of the door 20 in the first direction X, and may be disposed forwardly relative to the inner frame of the door 20 in the first direction X. In other words, the inner space I of the door 20 may be disposed between the inner frame and the outer frame of the door 20.

[0440] However, hereinafter, in the description of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the door 20 is described on the premise of an example in which the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 are separately formed and coupled to each other.

[0441] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown in the figures, the automatic detergent injection device 1000 may include an injection port 1122 connected to the barrel and configured to inject solid detergent into the barrel 12. The injection port 1122 may be configured to face the barrel 12 when the door 20 is in the first position 20A. As an example, the injection port 1122 may be formed in the second housing 1120.

[0442] The detergent automatic injection device 1000 may include an injection port cover 1150 for opening and closing the injection port 1122. The injection port cover 1150 may be arranged to face the tub 12 when the door 20 closes the tub 12 at the first position 20A.

[0443] The inlet cover 1150 may open the inlet 1122 when the solid detergent is put into the tub 12, and may close the inlet 1122 before or after the solid detergent is put into the tub 12. As an example, the inlet cover 1150 may be rotatably coupled to the second housing 1120.

[0444] One of the plurality of solid detergents loaded in the storage chamber 1200, 1200' can be discharged from the storage chamber 1200, 1200' through the ejector 1300, 1300'. The driving of the ejector 1300, 1300' can be controlled by the control device 1900. One solid detergent can be discharged from the storage chamber 1200, 1200' through the storage chamber discharge port 1210, 1210' and moved to the placement portion 1400. In the process that one solid detergent moves to the placement portion 1400 through the storage chamber discharge port 1210, 1210', the middle door 1250, 1250' can be opened.

[0445] A solid detergent moved to the placement section 1400 can be placed in the internal space 1401 of the placement section. A solid detergent placed in the internal space 1401 of the placement section can move toward the inlet 1122 as the placement section 1410 opens the placement section opening 1420. The placement section 1410 can be driven by the placement section driving section 1470 to close the placement section opening 1420. The driving of the placement section driving section 1470 can be controlled by the control device 1900. The movement of a solid detergent can be guided by the discharge guide 1430 and moved to the inlet 1122. A solid detergent that arrives at the inlet 1122 can move to the barrel 12 as the inlet cover 1150 is opened. As an example, the inlet cover 1150 can be opened by pressurizing a solid detergent that arrives at the inlet 1122.

[0446] Through the above process, the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200, 1200' can be put into the tub 12. The above description is an example of the process of putting the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200, 1200' into the tub 12, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0447] In addition, during the process of adding solid detergent to the barrel 12, as the inlet 1122 opposite to the barrel 12 is opened, the high temperature and high humidity air inside the barrel 12 may flow into the interior of the automatic detergent addition device 1000 through the inlet 1122, and more specifically, may flow into the interior of the shell 1100.

[0448] A plurality of solid detergents may be loaded in the storage chambers 1200 and 1200' formed inside the housing 1100. When high-temperature and high-humidity air flows into the housing 1100, there may be a concern that the solid detergents may be damaged and the quality of the solid detergents may be reduced.

[0449] Alternatively, various components of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be included inside the housing 1100, and the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a driving unit (driving motor 1320, placement unit driving unit 1470, etc.) and a wire W, etc., wherein the driving unit is configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 so that one of the plurality of solid detergents loaded inside the storage chamber 1200, 1200' is fed into the barrel 12, and the wire W is used to electrically connect the driving unit and the control device 1900. In the case where high-temperature and high-humidity air flows into the interior of the housing 1100, there may be concerns that the components of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 as described above may be damaged, and there may be concerns that the life of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be reduced.

[0450] In particular, for example, since the process of injecting solid detergent into the tub 12 is performed during the washing cycle of the dishwasher 1, the interior of the tub 12 may form a high temperature and high humidity environment due to the injection of washing water, and the possibility of the aforementioned problem occurring is higher.

[0451] In order to solve the above problems, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include discharge pipes 1600, 1600'. The discharge pipes 1600, 1600' may be disposed inside the housing 1100. The discharge pipes 1600, 1600' may be disposed to be connected to the inner space I formed between the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 (refer to Fig.19 ) is connected to discharge the air flowing into the interior of the shell 1100 into the internal space I.

[0452] The exhaust duct 1600, 1600' may include an exhaust hole 1610, 1610' formed to communicate with the internal space I. With the door 20 being at the first position 20A as a reference, the exhaust hole 1610, 1610' may be provided on one side of the exhaust duct 1600, 1600' in a direction toward the outer frame 22 along the first direction X. As an example, the exhaust hole 1610, 1610' may be formed on a surface of the first housing 1110 on the side facing the outer frame 22.

[0453] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include an air flow path P from the feeding port 1122 toward the discharge holes 1610 and 1610 ′. The air flow path P may be formed between the discharge holes 1610 and 1610 ′ and the feeding port 1122 .

[0454] The exhaust ducts 1600 and 1600 ′ may form an air flow path P. More specifically, the air flow path P may be formed in the inner space of the exhaust ducts 1600 and 1600 ′. That is, the exhaust ducts 1600 and 1600 ′ may include the air flow path P.

[0455] The air flow path P may refer to all paths through which air can flow from the inlet 1122 toward the outlet holes 1610 , 1610 ′.

[0456] As an example, the air flow path P may be formed along a path in which the air flowing into the inlet 1122 sequentially passes through the space formed in the front or rear in the first direction X relative to the intermediate housing 1130 and the exhaust duct 1600, 1600' and flows toward the exhaust holes 1610, 1610'. Here, the space formed in the front in the first direction X relative to the intermediate housing 1130 may be the space between the intermediate housing 1130 and the second housing 1120. The space formed in the rear in the first direction X relative to the intermediate housing 1130 may be the space between the intermediate housing 1130 and the first housing 1110. The space between the intermediate housing 1130 and the first housing 1110 may include the through portion 1221.

[0457] Alternatively, as an example, the air flow path P can be formed along the path where the air flows into the inlet 1122 into the lower portion of the storage chamber 1200, 1200' and passes through the space formed at the lower portion of the left side surface 1240 of the first storage chamber 1200 or the lower portion of the right side surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200' and the exhaust ducts 1600, 1600' and flows toward the exhaust holes 1610, 1610'.

[0458] Furthermore, the air flow path P may be formed in various ways.

[0459] Furthermore, the air flow path P may collectively refer to a path along which air flows from the inlet 1122 toward the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h and 1200h′ described later.

[0460] The exhaust pipes 1600 and 1600' may be provided in a plurality. Fig.12 The exhaust duct 1600 shown on the left side in the second direction Y as a reference may be referred to as a first exhaust duct. Fig.12 The exhaust duct 1600 ′ shown on the right side in the second direction Y for reference may be referred to as a second exhaust duct.

[0461] The first exhaust duct 1600 may include a first exhaust hole 1610 formed to communicate with the inner space I. The second exhaust duct 1600' may include a second exhaust hole 1610' formed to communicate with the inner space I. The first exhaust hole 1610 and the second exhaust hole 1610' may be arranged side by side with each other in the second direction Y, but are not limited thereto.

[0462] The discharge ducts 1600, 1600' may be arranged relative to the storage chambers 1200, 1200' in a second direction Y (ie, a left-right direction) orthogonal to a third direction Z which is a vertical direction in which a plurality of solid detergents are stacked. Fig.12 As shown, the first exhaust duct 1600 may be arranged on the left side relative to the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y. As an example, Fig.12 As shown, the second exhaust duct 1600 ′ may be arranged on the right side relative to the second storage chamber 1200 ′ in the second direction Y. The storage chambers 1200 , 1200 ′ may be arranged in the second direction Y between the plurality of exhaust ducts 1600 , 1600 ′.

[0463] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the exhaust ducts 1600 and 1600 ′ is not limited thereto. As an embodiment, the exhaust ducts 1600 and 1600 ′ may be arranged in a direction parallel to the third direction Z with respect to the storage chambers 1200 and 1200 ′.

[0464] Also, as an example, the exhaust pipes 1600, 1600' may also be connected to Fig.12 The situations shown in the examples are variously set to the singular.

[0465] In the following, for the sake of convenience, when describing the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first storage chamber 1200, the first discharge pipe 1600, the first discharge hole 1610, etc. are specifically described, but the following description can also be applied to the second storage chamber 1200', the first discharge pipe 1600, the second discharge hole 1610', etc. Accordingly, in the following, the first storage chamber 1200, the first discharge pipe 1600, the first discharge hole 1610, etc. are respectively referred to as the storage chamber 1200, the discharge pipe 1600, the discharge hole 1610, etc., and a specific description is given of an embodiment of the discharge pipe and the discharge hole, etc. of the automatic detergent feeding device according to the concept of the present disclosure.

[0466] The exhaust duct 1600 may be disposed to exhaust air flowing in from the tub 12 in an up-and-down direction (ie, a third direction Z) in which a plurality of solid detergents are stacked inside the storage chamber 1200 when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0467] As an example, when the door 20 closes the tub 12, the inlet 1122 may be arranged below the exhaust duct 1600. When the door 20 closes the tub 12, the exhaust hole 1610 may be formed on the upper side of the exhaust duct 1600. When the inlet 1122 is opened, air flowing from the tub 12 into the interior of the housing 1100 may flow in a direction from bottom to top in the third direction Z, and may be exhausted to the outside of the housing 1100 through the exhaust port 1610. In other words, the air flow path P may be formed from the inlet 1122 toward the exhaust port 1610 in a direction from bottom to top in the third direction Z.

[0468] However, it is not limited thereto, and the direction of the air flow path P formed from the inlet 1122 toward the outlet 1610 may be formed differently according to the position of each of the inlet 1122 and the outlet 1610 .

[0469] As an example, unlike the case shown in the drawings, the inlet of the housing 1100 may also be formed to be located above the outlet. In this case, the air flowing along the air flow path formed in the exhaust duct may flow from the inlet toward the outlet and in a direction from top to bottom in the third direction Z.

[0470] Alternatively, as an example, the inlet and the outlet of the housing 1100 may also be arranged side by side with each other in the second direction Y. In this case, the exhaust duct may extend along the second direction Y, and the air flowing along the air flow path formed in the exhaust duct may flow along the second direction Y from the inlet toward the outlet.

[0471] The discharge duct 1600 may extend in parallel with a direction in which a plurality of solid detergents are stacked inside the storage chamber 1200. The discharge duct 1600 may extend in parallel with the third direction Z when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0472] The exhaust duct 1600 may extend in parallel with the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200. As an example, the exhaust duct 1600 may include a long side in a direction parallel to the long side 1201 of the storage chamber 1200.

[0473] The discharge hole 1610 may be formed at one side of the discharge duct 1600 in the direction in which the discharge duct 1600 extends. The air flowing in from the inlet 1122 may flow from the other side opposite to the one side of the discharge duct 1600 where the discharge hole 1610 is formed toward the one side of the discharge duct 1600 where the discharge hole 1610 is formed. The air flow path P may be formed in a direction from the other side opposite to the one side of the discharge duct 1600 where the discharge hole 1610 is formed toward the one side of the discharge duct 1600 where the discharge hole 1610 is formed.

[0474] However, it is not limited thereto, and the direction in which the discharge duct 1600 extends may be variously set according to the positions of the inlet 1122 and the discharge outlet 1610, the internal structure of the housing 1100, etc. As an example, the discharge duct 1600 may be formed to include no long side or short side in a specific direction. As an example, the discharge duct 1600 may include a curved shape.

[0475] With the above-described configuration, the exhaust duct 1600 can be connected to the internal space I of the door 20 through the exhaust hole 1610, and can be configured to exhaust high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing into the interior of the housing 1100 to the internal space I when the inlet 1122 is opened.

[0476] However, when the dishwasher 1 performs a washing stroke, the washing water sprayed from the spray device 40 may be sprayed with high water pressure, and accordingly, the washing water may flow from the tub 12 into the internal space I through the detergent automatic injection device coupling portion 21a despite being sealed by the gasket 1700. At this time, in the case where the washing water flowing into the internal space I flows into the inside of the housing 1100 through the discharge hole 1610, a problem of damage or quality degradation of the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200 may occur. Alternatively, a problem of damage to components of the detergent automatic injection device 1000, etc. may occur.

[0477] As described later, the first shell 1110 may be provided with a drain groove 1119 , but even so, since the drain hole 1610 is in an open state, there is a concern that the washing water may flow into the inside of the shell 1100 through the drain hole 1610 .

[0478] This is not Fig.10 In the case where the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 passes through the opening-shaped automatic detergent dispensing device coupling portion 21a and is coupled to the inner frame 21 as shown in the figure, as an example, problems may also occur in the case where the entire shell 1100 is arranged outside the internal space I or is coupled to the inner frame 21 in a manner of being arranged on the rear surface of the inner frame 21.

[0479] In order to solve the above problems, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may further include a discharge hole cover 1113 for covering the discharge hole 1610. More specifically, the housing 1100 may further include a discharge hole cover 1113 covering the discharge hole 1610 from the outside of the discharge duct 1600.

[0480] The drain hole cover 1113 may cover at least a portion of the drain hole 1610 from the outside of the drain pipe 1600. As an example, the drain hole cover 1113 may cover the drain hole 1610 in front of the drain hole 1610 in the first direction X. Accordingly, the drain hole cover 1113 may be configured to prevent wash water from flowing into the inside of the housing 1100 through the drain hole 1610.

[0481] The discharge hole cover 1113 may include a cover portion 1113a covering the discharge hole 1610. The cover portion 1113a may be disposed forwardly in the first direction X relative to the discharge hole 1610 when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0482] The cover portion 1113a may be disposed spaced apart from the discharge hole 1610. In other words, the cover portion 1113a may cover the discharge hole 1610 at a position spaced apart from the discharge hole 1610.

[0483] As an example, the first housing 1110 may include a cover spacer 1115 protruding forward relative to the discharge hole 1610 in the first direction X. The discharge hole cover 1113 may be arranged forward relative to the cover spacer 1115 in the first direction X. The discharge hole cover 1113 may be supported by the cover spacer 1115 and may be spaced apart from the discharge hole 1610 in the first direction X by the cover spacer 1115.

[0484] Since the cover portion 1113 a is spaced apart from the discharge hole 1610 and covers the discharge hole 1610 , even if the cover portion 1113 a entirely covers the discharge hole 1610 in the first direction X, discharge of air from the discharge hole 1610 may not be hindered.

[0485] However, it is not limited thereto, and as an example, the cover portion 1113a may cover the exhaust hole 1610 at a position close to the exhaust hole 1610 but not spaced apart from the exhaust hole 1610. In this case, as an example, the cover portion 1113a may cover a portion of the exhaust hole 1610 in the first direction X, and air may be exhausted from another portion of the exhaust hole 1610.

[0486] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include an air discharge guide 1114 configured to guide the air discharged through the discharge hole 1610 to the outside of the discharge hole cover 1113. More specifically, the housing 1100 may include the air discharge guide 1114, and as an example, the air discharge guide 1114 may be provided at the first housing 1110. In the case where the flow of the air discharged through the discharge hole 1610 is disturbed by the discharge hole cover 1113, the air discharge guide 1114 may guide the air to flow to the outside of the discharge hole cover 1113. Accordingly, despite the discharge hole cover 1113, the air discharged from the discharge hole 1610 may also easily flow into the internal space I.

[0487] When the door 20 closes the tub at the first position 20A, the air outlet guide 1114 may be formed to be inclined downward toward the outer frame 22. In other words, the air outlet guide 1114 may have a shape inclined toward the front in the first direction X and toward the bottom in the third direction Z.

[0488] Accordingly, the air discharge guide 1114 may be provided to guide the air so that the air discharged from the discharge hole 1610 flows downward in the third direction Z. The air discharged from the discharge hole 1610 may easily flow downward in the third direction Z by gravity. Therefore, the efficiency of discharging the air through the discharge hole 1610 may be improved.

[0489] Furthermore, since the air exhaust guide 1114 is inclined downward toward the outer frame 22, even if the washing water falls onto the air exhaust guide 1114, the washing water can be guided to flow downward in the third direction Z along the inclined direction of the air exhaust guide 1114, and the washing water can be prevented from flowing into the shell 1100 through the exhaust hole 1610.

[0490] The first housing 1110 may include a cover support portion 1114a for supporting the discharge hole cover 1113. The cover support portion 1114a may be provided on the air discharge guide 1114. As an example, the cover support portion 1114a may be formed to protrude in a direction from the air discharge guide 1114 toward the discharge hole cover 1113.

[0491] However, it is not limited thereto, and the air discharge guide 1114 may be configured to have various shapes.

[0492] The discharge hole cover 1113 may be coupled to the discharge hole 1610. Specifically, the discharge hole cover 1113 may be detachably coupled to the discharge hole 1610.

[0493] As an example, the discharge hole cover 1113 may be hooked to the discharge hole 1610. The discharge hole cover 1113 may include a hook portion 1113b hooked to the discharge hole 1610. The hook portion 1113b extends from the cover portion 1113a toward the discharge hole 1610. A hook structure may be provided at an end of the hook portion 1113b, the hook structure being bent and formed in a manner that can be hooked to the edge of the discharge hole 1610.

[0494] The present invention is not limited thereto, and the discharge hole cover 1113 may be coupled to the discharge hole 1610 in various ways such as threaded fastening. Alternatively, as an example, the discharge hole cover 1113 may be configured to be inseparable from the discharge hole 1610. Alternatively, as an example, the discharge hole cover 1113 may not be directly coupled to the discharge hole 1610.

[0495] The automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a driving unit configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 so that one of the plurality of solid detergents loaded inside the storage chamber 1200 is fed into the tub 12. For example, the driver may include a driving motor 1320 of the ejector 1300, a placement unit driving unit 1470 of the placement unit 1400, etc. The driving unit may be disposed inside the housing 1100.

[0496] The control device 1900 of the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 may be configured to control the driving of the driving unit. The automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 may include a wire W electrically connecting the control device 1900 to the driving unit. The control device 1900 and the driving unit may be electrically connected to transmit and receive electric signals to each other.

[0497] And, as an example, the wire W can connect the control device 1900 and various sensors of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000. The control device 1900 can receive electrical signals output from various sensors through the wire W. The various sensors of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can include various types of sensors such as Hall sensors and optical sensors. The various sensors of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be arranged on the inner side of the housing 1100.

[0498] As an example, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a seating portion sensor 1440, and the seating portion sensor 1440 may sense whether the solid detergent is seated in the seating portion inner space 1401. The wire W may electrically connect the seating portion sensor 1440 and the control device 1900.

[0499] As an example, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a sensor module se for sensing the driving state of the driving part. The wire W may electrically connect the sensor module se and the control device 1900.

[0500] Since the wire W is connected to a driving unit or a sensor of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 , at least a portion of the wire W may be disposed inside the housing 1100 .

[0501] At least a portion of the wire W may be arranged along the exhaust duct 1160. The wire W may be arranged along the exhaust duct 1160 within a range required in design for connecting the drive unit and the control device 1900 according to the arrangement of the control device 1900 or the drive unit.

[0502] As described above, the control device 1900 may be arranged outside the internal space formed by the first shell 1110 and the second shell 1120. The control device 1900 may be arranged in the control device placement portion 1111. In this case, the control device 1900 may be easily separated from moisture and the like in the internal space of the shell 1100, and damage and the like of the control device 1900 may be effectively prevented.

[0503] In other words, the driving unit or sensor of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged on the inner side with respect to the discharge hole 1160 , and the control device 1900 may be arranged on the outer side with respect to the discharge hole 1160 .

[0504] Therefore, the wire W may be disposed to penetrate the discharge hole 1610 .

[0505] However, this is not limited to this, and the wire W may not pass through the discharge hole 1160. As an example, the control device 1900 may be arranged in the internal space formed by the first shell 1110 and the second shell 1120, or, further, the control device 1900 may be arranged inside the discharge duct 1600. In this case, the wire W connecting the driving part or the sensor and the control device 1900 may not pass through the discharge hole 1160.

[0506] Or, as an example, Fig.11 As shown in the figures, when the control device 1900 is arranged outside the internal space formed by the first shell 1110 and the second shell 1120, the wire W can also connect the control device 1900 and components such as the driving unit through other holes (not shown) that pass through the non-discharge hole 1610.

[0507] However, when the wire W is arranged along the discharge duct 1600 and then passes through the discharge hole 1610 and is connected to the control device 1900, the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 such as the housing 1100 can be further simplified.

[0508] Hereinafter, description will be given on the premise that the electric wire W is provided to penetrate the discharge hole 1160 .

[0509] The housing 1100 may include a control device cover 1112 for covering the control device 1900. The control device cover 1112 may cover a portion of the wire W together.

[0510] The control device cover 1112 may cover the control device 1900 from the front in the first direction X when the door 20 is in the first position 20A. The control device cover 1112 may cover a portion of the wires W from the front in the first direction X when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0511] The control device cover 1112 may cover the discharge hole 1610. In other words, the control device cover 1112 may cover the discharge hole 1610, the control device 1900, and a portion of the wire W that passes through the discharge hole 1610 and is connected to the control device 1900.

[0512] The control device cover 1112 may be formed as one piece with the discharge hole cover 1113. Accordingly, the features of the discharge hole cover 1113 described above may be applied to the control device cover 1112.

[0513] For example, the control device cover 1112 may include a cover portion that is spaced from the discharge hole 1610 and covers the discharge hole 1610. The cover portion of the control device cover 1112 may be spaced from the discharge hole 1610 and covers the discharge hole 1610 by the cover spacer 1115. The air discharge guide 1114 may be provided to guide the air discharged through the discharge hole 1610 to the outside of the control device cover 1112. The control device cover 1112 can be detachably coupled to the discharge hole 1610, for example, it can be hooked to the discharge hole 1610 by the hook portion 1113b. Since the content of this has been previously described in relation to the discharge portion cover 1113, this content is omitted.

[0514] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control device cover 1112 may be a structure that is separated from the discharge hole cover 1113 .

[0515] As an example, the control device cover 1112 may cover the control device 1900 and a portion of the wire W connected to and adjacent to the control device 1900, but not cover the discharge hole 1610. The discharge hole 1610 may be covered by a separate discharge hole cover 1113 that is different from the control device cover 1112. In this case, a portion of the wire W arranged between the control device cover 1112 and the discharge hole cover 1113 may be exposed to the outside. However, as another example, it may be provided that a separate cover connecting the control device cover 1112 and the discharge hole cover 1113 is arranged between the control device cover 1112 and the discharge hole cover 1113, so that a portion of the wire W arranged between the control device cover 1112 and the discharge hole cover 1113 may be covered together.

[0516] The wires W may be guided by a plurality of wire guides 1160a, 1160b, 1160c.

[0517] The first wire guide 1160a may guide a portion of the wire W disposed between the discharge hole 1610 and the driving part or the sensor, etc. The first wire guide 1160a may be disposed in an inner space formed by the first housing 1110 and the second housing 1120 to guide a portion of the wire W. As an example, at least a portion of the first wire guide 1160a may be disposed inside the discharge duct 1600. As an example, at least a portion of the first wire guide 1160a may be disposed in the intermediate housing 1130.

[0518] The second wire guide 1160b may guide a portion of the wire W disposed between the discharge hole 1610 and the control device 1900. As an example, the second wire guide 1160b may be covered by the control device cover 1112.

[0519] The third wire guide 1160c may guide a portion of the wire W disposed on the outer side of the control device cover 1112 as a portion of the wire W connected to the control device 1900. As an example, the third wire guide 1160c may guide a portion of the wire W provided to electrically connect a main control device (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 and the control device 1900 of the automatic detergent feeder 1000.

[0520] However, the wire guides 1160 a , 1160 b , and 1160 c described above are merely examples of a configuration for guiding and supporting the wires W, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0521] As an example, differently from the above description, wire W may be provided to electrically connect only a portion of the components such as the driving unit, sensor, control device 1900 of automatic detergent dispenser 1000 and the main control device of dishwasher 1 .

[0522] Furthermore, the driving unit, sensor, control device 1900 or main control device of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 may not be electrically connected to each other using wires, but may be configured to transmit and receive signals to each other using wireless communication. Figures 10 to 14 The electric wire W shown in the figure may not be provided in the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 of the dishwasher 1 or the like.

[0523] When the inlet 1122 is opened, the air flowing from the barrel 12 into the housing 1100 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 1100 through the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h and 1200h' formed independently of the discharge holes 1600 and 1600'.

[0524] The storage chambers 1200 and 1200' may include storage chamber exhaust holes 1200h and 1200h' formed to communicate with the inner space I of the door 20. The storage chamber exhaust holes 1200h and 1200h' may include a first storage chamber exhaust hole 1200h formed in the first storage chamber 1200 and a second storage chamber exhaust hole 1200h' formed in the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0525] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the first storage chamber discharge hole 1200h will be specifically described, but the following description can also be applied to the second storage chamber discharge hole 1200h'. Hereinafter, the first storage chamber discharge hole 1200h will be referred to as the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h for description.

[0526] The storage chamber discharge hole 1200h may be provided at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the direction toward the outer frame 22 along the first direction X, with the door 20 being at the first position 20A. As an example, the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h may be formed at a surface of the storage chamber 1200 in the direction toward the outer frame 22.

[0527] The storage chamber drain hole 1200h may be formed at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are stacked. In other words, the storage chamber drain hole 1200h may be formed at one side of the storage chamber 1200 in the third direction Z when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0528] An air flow path P disposed between the inlet 1122 and the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h may be formed inside the housing 1100. That is, the automatic detergent inlet device 1000 may include an air flow path P formed from the inlet 1122 toward the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h.

[0529] exist Fig.10 The case where a plurality of storage chamber discharge holes 1200h are provided (three as an example) is shown in FIG. 1 , but the number of storage chamber discharge holes 1200h is not limited thereto.

[0530] Since the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h is provided separately from the discharge hole 1610, the air inside the housing 1100 can be discharged more easily. Furthermore, since the air flowing into the storage chamber 1200 can be directly discharged through the storage chamber discharge hole 1200h, the damage and quality degradation of the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200 can be more effectively prevented.

[0531] However, it is not limited to this. Figures 10 to 14Unlike the embodiment shown, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h', but does not include the discharge holes 1610, 1610' formed independently of the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h'. In this case, the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' can perform the functions of the discharge holes 1610, 1610' of the aforementioned embodiment. Similarly, the storage chambers 1200, 1200' can perform the functions of the discharge ducts 1600, 1600' of the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' according to an embodiment may include a structure corresponding to the structure of the discharge holes 1610, 1610' of the aforementioned embodiment. As an example, the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' may be covered by a discharge hole cover. As an example, the flow of air discharged from the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' may be guided by a discharge guide. As an example, the storage chamber exhaust holes 1200h and 1200h' may be provided so that the power supply line W may pass therethrough.

[0532] However, as in Figures 10 to 14 In the embodiment shown, when the discharge ducts 1600, 1600' and the discharge holes 1610, 1610' are formed independently from the storage chambers 1200, 1200' and the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h', at least a portion of the air flowing into the inlet 1122 can be guided to flow toward the discharge ducts 1600, 1600'. Accordingly, the solid detergent loaded in the storage chambers 1200, 1200' can be more effectively prevented from being damaged and the quality of the solid detergent is reduced.

[0533] Through the structure as described above, in the dishwasher 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the inlet 1122 is opened, the high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing from the barrel 12 into the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 can be discharged to the outside of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000, and can flow to the internal space I formed between the inner frame 21 and the outer frame 22 of the door 20.

[0534] Fig.15 is an enlarged view showing a state in which a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is enlarged, Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which water (washing water, etc.) is collected in a drain tank in an automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0535] When the dishwasher 1 is operated, the water pressure of the washing water discharged from the spray device 40 may be high. Accordingly, even if the gasket 1700 seals the gap between the housing 1100 and the automatic detergent injection device coupling portion 21a, the washing water may flow from the tub 12 into the internal space I through the gap between the automatic detergent injection device coupling portion 21a and the housing 1100 (refer to Fig.19 ).

[0536] The washing water flowing into the inner space of the door 20 may flow into the housing 1100 through the aforementioned discharge holes 1610, 1610' or the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h'. The washing water flowing into the housing 1100 may damage the components inside the housing 1100 or the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200. Alternatively, the washing water flowing into the inner space I of the door 20 may flow into the electrical components such as the control device 1900 and cause damage.

[0537] Even when the control device cover 1112 covers the control device 1900 in the first direction X and the drain hole cover 1113 covers the drain hole 1610 in the first direction X, these problems may still become a problem if the inflowing wash water is not sufficiently drained.

[0538] In addition, unlike the above-mentioned case, as an example, it can be assumed that the water that flows into the internal space I of the door 20 is less likely or almost impossible to flow into the inside of the housing 1100 because the drain holes 1610, 1610' or the storage chamber drain holes 1200h, 1200h' are not formed in the housing 1100, or, as an example, it can be assumed that the control device 1900 is arranged in a space completely separated from the internal space I of the door 20 and the water that flows into the internal space I of the door 20 is less likely or almost impossible to flow into the control device 1900. Even in this case, if water remains on the outer surface of a portion of the housing 1100 arranged on the side of the internal space I, for example, when the door 20 rotates from the first position 20A to the second position 20B, there may be a problem that the water remaining on the outer surface of the housing 1100 flows toward the electrical components such as the main control device arranged inside the door 20.

[0539] In order to solve the above problems, refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may include a drain groove 1119, which is configured to drain the washing water or the like flowing in from the passage 12 from the housing 1100 to the lower side of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed. In other words, the drain groove 1119 may guide the water flowing in from the passage 12 to flow to the lower side of the door 20.

[0540] The drain groove 1119 may be formed on the outer surface of the housing 1100. At least a portion of the wash water reaching the outer surface of the housing 1100 may be collected in the drain groove 1119 and may be discharged along the drain groove 1119. That is, the drain groove 1119 may be configured so that the water flowing from the tub 12 is collected on the outer surface of the housing 1100 and discharged along the outer surface of the housing 1100.

[0541] The drain groove 1119 may be formed to have a concave shape. More specifically, the drain groove 1119 may be formed to have a shape that is concavely sunken from the outer surface of the housing 1100. Water flowing in from the tub 12 may be collected in the concave shape of the drain groove 1119 ( Fig.16 The water collected in the drain groove 1119 may flow along the concave shape of the drain groove 1119 and may be discharged toward the lower side of the door 20 along the concave shape of the drain groove 1119 ( Fig.15 Drainage (drain)).

[0542] Here, the meaning that the drain groove 1119 has a concave shape does not mean that the outer surface of the drain groove 1119 should be formed concavely compared with the entire outer surface or at least most of the outer surface of other parts of the housing 1100. That is, the meaning that the drain groove 1119 has a concave shape is not limited to the meaning that the drain groove 1119 should have the deepest depth or the lowest height in the outer surface of the housing 1100. The meaning that the drain groove 1119 has a concave shape may include the case where the drain groove 1119 has a concave shape compared with a part of its periphery, and further, may include the case where at least a part of the inner side of the edge of the concave shape is formed to be concave compared with the edge of the concave shape.

[0543] The drain groove 1119 may include a shape with an open outer side. Accordingly, water can easily flow into the drain groove 1119. Moreover, compared with the case where the outer side of the drain groove 1119 is covered, when the outer side of the drain groove 1119 is opened, its structure is simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0544] The drain groove 1119 may be disposed in the inner space I. The drain groove 1119 disposed in the inner space I may collect water flowing from the tub 12 into the inner space I, and the collected water may be discharged to the lower side of the inner space I along the drain groove 1119 .

[0545] The drain groove 1119 may be provided in a portion of the housing 1100 disposed in the internal space I. For example, Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the drainage groove 1119 can be set in the first shell 1110.

[0546] When the door 20 closes the tub 12, the drain groove 1119 may be provided to discharge the water flowing in from the tub 12 to the lower side of the internal space I, and the lower side of the internal space I may be communicated with the lower portion of the tub 12. Therefore, the water collected in the drain groove 1119 may flow along the drain groove 1119 toward the lower side of the internal space I, and the water reaching the lower side of the internal space I may flow through the lower portion of the tub 12. Accordingly, the water flowing from the tub 12 into the drain groove 1119 may return to the tub 12 again.

[0547] The drain groove 1119 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer surface of the door 20 relative to the gasket 1700. In other words, the drain groove 1119 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer frame 22 relative to the gasket 1700. In other words, the drain groove 1119 may be arranged to face forward in the first direction X relative to the gasket 1700.

[0548] Even if the gasket 1700 covers the gap between the automatic detergent dispensing device coupling part 21a and the shell 1100, high-pressure washing water may pass through the gap and the gasket 1700, but as shown above, since the drain groove 1119 is arranged in the direction toward the outer surface of the door 20 relative to the gasket 1700, the drain groove 1119 can collect the washing water that has passed through the gasket 1700.

[0549] However, the arrangement of the drain groove 1119 is not limited thereto, and the drain groove 1119 may be arranged at various positions.

[0550] As an example, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the drain groove 1119 may be arranged in a direction toward the tub 12 relative to the door 20. That is, the drain groove 1119 may be arranged outside the inner space I of the door 20. In this case, the drain groove 1119 may be arranged in a direction toward the tub 12 relative to the gasket 1700, that is, may be arranged in a direction toward the rear in the first direction X.

[0551] However, in the following, for the sake of convenience, the description will be made on the premise that the drainage groove 1119 is arranged in the internal space I.

[0552] The drain groove 1119 may be formed along at least a portion of an outer side edge of the housing 1100. More specifically, the drain groove 1119 may be formed along at least a portion of an outer side edge of the first housing 1110.

[0553] As in Figures 10 to 16 As described in the examples above, the discharge holes 1610, 1610' or the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' may be formed on the front surface of the housing 1100 in the first direction X. Alternatively, as in Figures 10 to 16As described above, the control device placement portion 1111 in which the control device 1900 is placed can be provided on the front surface of the first housing 1100 in the first direction X. In this case, when the drainage groove 1119 is arranged at the outer edge of the first housing 1110, the drainage groove 1119 can avoid the discharge holes 1610, 1610', the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' or the control device 1900. Therefore, the drainage groove 1119 can more effectively prevent the collected water from flowing into the discharge holes 1610, 1610', the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h' or the control device 1900.

[0554] And, if Fig.10 As shown in the figures, the outer edge of the housing 1100 can be arranged in parallel with the detergent automatic feeding device combination part 21a. Therefore, when the drain groove 1119 is arranged at the outer edge of the housing 1100, the water flowing from the barrel 12 through the gap between the detergent automatic feeding device combination part 21a and the housing 1100 can be more effectively collected in the drain groove 1119.

[0555] The drain groove 1119 may be provided along the upper edge of the upper surface of the housing 1100 in the third direction Z. That is, at least a portion of the drain groove 1119 may be provided at the upper portion of the outer edge of the housing 1100. A portion of the drain groove 1119 provided at the upper edge of the housing 1100 may be referred to as a first portion 1119a. The first portion 1119a may be provided at the upper surface of the first housing 1110 in the third direction Z.

[0556] The first portion 1119 a may extend along the second direction Y. That is, the first portion 1119 a may extend along the left-right direction of the first housing 1110 in the second direction Y.

[0557] The drain groove 1119 may be disposed along at least one of a left edge of a left surface disposed on the second direction Y of the housing 1100 or a right edge disposed on a right surface. That is, at least a portion of the drain groove 1119 may be disposed at least one of a left portion of an outer edge of the housing 1100 or a right portion of an outer edge. A portion of the drain groove 1119 disposed on the left edge or the right edge of the housing 1100 may be referred to as a second portion 1119b. The second portion 1119b may be disposed on a left surface or a right surface of the first housing 1110 in the second direction Y.

[0558] When the door 20 closes the tub 12, at least a portion of the drain groove 1119 may extend along the up-down direction of the housing 1100. Accordingly, when the door 20 closes the tub 12, water flowing into the drain groove 1119 may be discharged to the lower side of the door 20.

[0559] More specifically, as in Fig.15 In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 1119 b may extend along the up-down direction of the housing 1100 in the third direction Z.

[0560] The drainage groove 1119 may be provided along only a portion of the outer side edge of the housing 1100 .

[0561] As an example, the drainage groove 1119 may be provided along the upper edge, the left edge, and the right edge of the housing 1100. The drainage groove 1119 may not be provided at the lower edge of the lower surface of the housing 1100 arranged in the third direction Z.

[0562] The drain groove 1119 may be provided so that water is collected in the first portion 1119a or the second portion 1119b, respectively, and the collected water may flow along the first portion 1119a and the second portion 1119b and be discharged to the lower side in the third direction Z. Even if the drain groove 1119 is not provided at the lower side edge of the housing 1100, water reaching the lower end of the second portion 1119b in the third direction Z may be discharged from the drain groove 1119.

[0563] As an example, the drainage groove 1119 may extend to extend from the second portion 1119 b and to a portion of the lower side edge of the housing 1100 .

[0564] As an example, the drain groove 1119 may be disposed only along a portion of the upper edge of the housing 1100. As an example, the drain groove 1119 may be disposed only along a portion of the left edge of the housing 1100. As an example, the drain groove 1119 may be disposed only along a portion of the right edge of the housing 1100.

[0565] As an example, the drainage groove 1119 may be disposed along the entire outer edge of the housing 1100. In other words, the drainage groove 1119 may be disposed along the entire upper and lower side edges and the left and right side edges of the housing 1100.

[0566] The drain groove 1119 may be arranged along at least a portion of the opening of the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a. The drain groove 1119 may be formed in parallel with at least a portion of the opening of the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a.

[0567] The drainage groove 1119 may be arranged along at least a portion of the gasket 1700. The drainage groove 1119 may be formed in parallel with at least a portion of the gasket 1700.

[0568] At least a portion of the drain groove 1119 may include a curved shape. The curved shape of the drain groove 1119 may be formed to have a gently changing inclination along an outer side edge of the housing 1100.

[0569] As an example, a portion of the first portion 1119a and the second portion 1119b connecting the drainage groove 1119 may be formed in a curved shape, so that water discharged from the first portion 1119a toward the second portion 1119b may flow smoothly along the curved surface.

[0570] The housing 1100 may include a housing rib 1118. The housing rib 1118 may be arranged along the drainage groove 1119. The housing rib 1118 may include a protruding shape.

[0571] The housing ribs 1118 may be configured to prevent water from collecting in the drain grooves 1119 ( Fig.16 The water (water)) is discharged to the outside of the drain groove 1119 before reaching the lower side of the door 20. Fig.15 and Fig.16 The illustrated situation is for illustrative purposes only, and the housing ribs 1118 may be configured to prevent water collected in the drainage grooves 1119 from being discharged in the first direction X from the drainage grooves 1119 .

[0572] As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer surface of the door 20 relative to the drainage groove 1119. In other words, the housing rib 1118 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer frame 22 relative to the drainage groove 1119. That is, the housing rib 1118 may be arranged in front of the drainage groove 1119 in the first direction X.

[0573] In this case, the housing ribs 1118 may be configured to prevent water from collecting in the drain grooves 1119 ( Fig.16 The housing rib 1118 may be configured to prevent the water collected in the drainage groove 1119 from being discharged from the drainage groove 1119 to the front in the first direction X. Accordingly, the housing rib 1118 may effectively prevent the water collected in the drainage groove 1119 from being discharged in the first direction X and flowing into the discharge holes 1610, 1610', the storage chamber discharge holes 1200h, 1200h', the control device 1900, and the like.

[0574] The housing rib 1118 may be formed to protrude from an edge portion of the drain groove 1119. As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be formed to protrude from a rear side edge portion of the drain groove 1119 in the first direction X.

[0575] The housing ribs 1118 may be arranged to correspond to the drainage grooves 1119 .

[0576] As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed in the internal space I. The housing rib 1118 may be provided at a portion of the housing 1100 disposed in the internal space I. For example, Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the shell rib 1118 can be set on the first shell 1110.

[0577] The housing rib 1118 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer surface of the door 20 relative to the gasket 1700. In other words, the housing rib 1118 may be arranged toward the front in the first direction X relative to the gasket 1700.

[0578] The housing rib 1118 may be formed along at least a portion of an outer side edge of the housing 1100. More specifically, the housing rib 1118 may be formed along at least a portion of an outer side edge of the first housing 1110.

[0579] The housing rib 1118 may be disposed along the upper edge of the housing 1100. That is, at least a portion of the housing rib 1118 may be disposed at an upper portion of the outer edge of the housing 1100.

[0580] The housing rib 1118 may be disposed along at least one of a left edge of a left surface of the housing 1100 disposed in the second direction Y or a right edge of a right surface. That is, at least a portion of the drain groove 1119 may be disposed at least one of a left portion of an outer side edge of the housing 1100 or a right portion of the outer side edge.

[0581] When the door 20 closes the tub 12 , at least a portion of the housing rib 1118 may extend in an up-and-down direction of the housing 1100 .

[0582] The housing rib 1118 may be disposed along only a portion of the outer side edge of the housing 1100 .

[0583] As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along the upper edge, the left edge, and the right edge of the housing 1100. The housing rib 1118 may not be disposed on the lower edge of the housing 1100.

[0584] As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along only a portion of the upper edge of the housing 1100. As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along only a portion of the left edge of the housing 1100. As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along only a portion of the right edge of the housing 1100.

[0585] As an example, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along the entire outer edge of the housing 1100. In other words, the housing rib 1118 may be disposed along the entire upper and lower side edges and the left and right side edges of the housing 1100.

[0586] The housing rib 1118 may be provided along at least a portion of the opening of the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a. The housing rib 1118 may be formed parallel to at least a portion of the opening of the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a.

[0587] The housing rib 1118 may be disposed along at least a portion of the gasket 1700. The housing rib 1118 may be formed in parallel with at least a portion of the gasket 1700.

[0588] The drainage groove 1119 may be formed between the gasket 1700 and the housing rib 1118. The drainage groove 1119 may be disposed in front of the gasket 1700 in the first direction X, and may be disposed in the rear of the housing rib 1118 in the first direction X. In other words, water flowing in from the tub 12 may be collected between the gasket 1700 and the housing rib 1118 ( Fig.16 The collected water may flow along the gasket 1700 and the housing ribs 1118 and be discharged to the lower side of the door 20 ( Fig.15 Drainage (drain)).

[0589] However, it is not limited thereto, and the housing rib 1118 may be configured to have various configurations depending on the shape, arrangement, and the like of the drainage groove 1119 .

[0590] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a state where the automatic detergent feeding device is separated from the inner frame of the dishwasher according to an embodiment, Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the C-C' line.

[0591] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 The door 20 may include an inner frame 21 including an opening. The inner frame 21 may include an automatic detergent injection device coupling portion 21a having an opening shape. The opening of the automatic detergent injection device coupling portion 21a may be formed to penetrate the inner frame 21 in the first direction X.

[0592] The housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may pass through the opening of the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a and be coupled to the inner frame 21. More specifically, the housing 1100 may pass through the inner frame 21 through the opening, at least a portion of the housing 1100 may be arranged in the inner space I of the door 20, and at least another portion of the housing 1100 may be arranged on the tub 12 side.

[0593] The automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a may further include a bent portion 21aa bent and extended from an edge of the opening toward the outer frame 22. The bent portion 21aa may be bent from the edge of the opening of the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a and extend toward the front in the first direction X. The bent portion 21aa may be provided along the edge of the opening of the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion 21a.

[0594] As an example, the bent portion 21aa may be formed by pressurizing and bending the edge of the opening of the automatic detergent dispenser coupling portion 21a. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the bent portion 21aa may be formed by various manufacturing methods.

[0595] Since the curved portion 21aa is provided at the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a, the contact area between the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a and the automatic detergent feeder 1000 can be increased. More specifically, the contact area between the automatic detergent feeder coupling portion 21a and the automatic detergent feeder 1000 can be increased along the first direction X by the curved portion 21aa.

[0596] The curved portion 21aa may be configured to allow water flowing from the tub 12 into the opening of the automatic detergent dispenser coupling portion 21a to be discharged toward the lower side of the door 20 when the door 20 is in the first position 20A. In other words, the curved portion 21aa may be configured to allow water flowing from the tub 12 into the opening of the automatic detergent dispenser coupling portion 21a to be discharged toward the lower side along the curved portion 21aa ( Fig.17 Drainage (drain)).

[0597] Specifically, the curved portion 21aa may form a surface extending from the edge of the opening of the detergent automatic feeding device coupling portion 21a in the first direction X, and water flowing from the tub 12 into the opening may be discharged downward along the surface of the curved portion 21aa ( Fig.17 Drainage (drain)).

[0598] The drain groove 1119 may be arranged in a direction toward the outer frame 22 relative to the bent portion 21aa. The drain groove 1119 may be arranged forward relative to the bent portion 21aa in the first direction X. Water that does not drain through the bent portion 21aa but flows into the inner space I may be drained through the drain groove 1119.

[0599] In addition to the drain groove 1119 provided in the housing 1100 of the automatic detergent dispenser 1000 , a bent portion 21 aa may be provided in the automatic detergent dispenser coupling portion 21 a , so that water flowing from the tub 12 can be more effectively drained.

[0600] Fig.19is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0601] Reference Fig.19 , air flowing into the inner space I formed between the inner frame 21 and the outer frame 22 through the exhaust hole 1610 may be exhausted to the outside of the door 20 .

[0602] As an example, the air flow path formed to exhaust air from the internal space I to the outside of the door 20 may include an upper flow path P1, which allows air to flow upward of the door 20 in the third direction Z, based on when the door 20 is in the first position 20A. The upper flow path P1 may be formed to extend from the internal space I toward a gap formed at the upper portion of the door 20 (for example, a gap formed at the locking device setting port 21d, etc.). At least a portion of the air in the internal space I may be exhausted to the outside of the upper side of the door 20 through the upper flow path P1.

[0603] As an example, the air flow path formed to exhaust air from the internal space I to the outside of the door 20 may include a lower flow path P2 for allowing air to flow downward of the door 20 in the third direction Z, based on when the door 20 is in the first position 20A. As described above, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the internal space I may be connected to the tub 12, and the lower flow path P2 may be formed from the internal space I toward the lower portion of the tub 12. At least a portion of the air in the internal space I may flow into the lower portion of the tub 12 through the lower flow path P2.

[0604] Apart from Fig.19 In addition to the air flow paths P1 and P2 shown, the internal space I can be exhausted to the outside of the door 20 along various paths through gaps formed in the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 respectively or through gaps formed between the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21.

[0605] And, refer to Fig.19 The water discharged toward the lower side of the door 20 along the drainage groove 1119 can flow into the lower part of the barrel 12 connected to the lower side of the internal space I, thereby returning to the barrel 12.

[0606] As an example, water discharged from the housing 1100 to the lower side of the door 20 along the drainage groove 1119 may flow in parallel with the aforementioned lower flow path P2 of the air, thereby being discharged from the internal space I of the door 20 .

[0607] Fig. 20 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0608] Reference Fig. 20 , an automatic detergent feeding device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig. 20 In the embodiment shown, for Figures 1 to 19 The same configurations as shown may be assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0609] Reference Fig. 20 The automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 may further include a blower fan F disposed inside the housing 1100 .

[0610] The blower fan F may include a fan motor Fm for generating a rotational force, fan blades Fb connected to the fan motor Fm and configured to be rotatable, and a fan housing Fh configured to support the fan motor Fm and the fan blades Fb.

[0611] The blow fan F may be provided inside the exhaust duct 1600 . The blow fan F may be arranged on the air flow path P. As an example, a fan housing Fh of the blow fan F may be supported on an inner wall of the exhaust duct 1600 .

[0612] As the fan blades Fb rotate, the blower fan F can generate a pressure difference of air between the upstream and downstream of the air flow path P based on the blower fan F. Due to the pressure difference of air generated by the blower fan F, the flow efficiency of air flowing along the air flow path P can be improved. As an example, the blower fan F can improve the flow efficiency of air flowing from the inlet 1122 toward the outlet 1610.

[0613] Since the blower fan F is disposed inside the exhaust duct 1600, 1600', the blower fan F can guide at least a portion of the air flowing into the inlet 1122 to flow toward the exhaust duct 1600, 1600'. This can more effectively prevent the solid detergent loaded in the storage chamber 1200, 1200' from being damaged or deteriorated.

[0614] Although in Fig. 20 Although the example in which the blower fan F is arranged inside the first exhaust duct 1600 is shown, the blower fan F may be arranged inside the second exhaust duct 1600 ′. Alternatively, the blower fan F may be arranged inside both the first exhaust duct 1600 and the second exhaust duct 1600 ′.

[0615] Although in Fig. 20 The example in which the blower fan F is configured as an axial fan type is shown, but the blower fan F may also be configured as a centrifugal fan type. The blower fan F may be configured as various types according to the shape of the exhaust ducts 1600, 1600', the arrangement of the exhaust holes 1610, 1610', and the like.

[0616] Above, refer to Figures 10 to 20The structure and operation of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described. However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the above description is only an example of a dishwasher and an automatic detergent feeding device thereof according to the concept of the present disclosure.

[0617] As an example, at least a portion of the drainage groove provided in the housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be formed on the front surface of the housing 1100 on the first direction X side (based on when the door 20 is in the first position 20A). At least a portion of the drainage groove may extend from the front surface of the housing 1100 along the up-down direction in the third direction Z. For example, the drainage groove may be connected to the upper surface of the housing 1100, and may also be configured so that water flowing into the upper surface of the housing 1100 flows toward the drainage groove and is discharged along the front surface of the housing 1100 on the first direction X side.

[0618] As an example, the drain groove provided in the housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be formed into a shape including a covered outer side. For example, at least a portion of the drain groove may be formed into a shape including a pipe (not shown). After the water flowing in from the barrel 12 is collected in the drain groove, it flows along the inside of the pipe shape of the drain groove and may be discharged to the lower side of the door 20.

[0619] As an example, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged on the inner surface of the inner frame 21 on the side facing the barrel 12. In other words, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged on the rear surface of the inner frame 21 in the first direction X. In other words, the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged relative to the inner frame 21 on the inner side facing the barrel 12 (i.e., relative to the rear side of the inner frame 21 in the first direction X) without penetrating the inner frame 21.

[0620] In particular, as an example, the detergent automatic feeding device coupling part of the inner frame 21 to which the detergent automatic feeding device 1000 is coupled may have a groove shape (not shown) formed to be inserted into at least a portion of the housing 1100 of the detergent automatic feeding device 1000. The groove of the inner frame 21 may be provided on the rear surface of the inner frame 21 in the first direction X. In this case, the washing water may not flow from the barrel 12 through the gap between the detergent automatic feeding device coupling part and the housing 1100 into the internal space I of the door 20, but the washing water of the barrel 12 may still flow into the groove of the detergent automatic feeding device coupling part into which the housing 1100 is inserted. The housing 1100 of the detergent automatic feeding device 1000 may include a drainage groove, which is provided to discharge the water flowing into the groove inside the detergent automatic feeding device coupling part, and when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the drainage groove may discharge the water flowing into the groove inside to the lower side of the groove. A separate drain port (not shown) or even a drain pipe (not shown) may be provided at the lower portion of the groove of the automatic detergent feeding device coupling portion for discharging water discharged to the lower side of the groove to the lower side of the door 20.

[0621] In the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to the concept of the present disclosure, the drain groove 1119 is not limited to draining the water flowing in from the tub 12 through the gap between the automatic detergent feeding device coupling part 21a of the door 20 and the housing 1100. The drain groove 1119 can drain the water flowing in due to various reasons to the lower side of the door 20.

[0622] As an example, water in a liquid state formed by condensation of water vapor or the like flowing into the inner space I of the door 20 may remain in the inner space I. Alternatively, as an example, a detergent box installation portion 21c for installing the detergent box 90 may be provided in the inner frame 21, and the detergent box installation portion 21c may be formed in an open shape (refer to Fig.10 At this time, high-pressure washing water may flow into the inner space I through the gap between the opening of the detergent box setting portion 21c and the detergent box 90. When the door 20 is in the first position 20A, due to the reasons described above, the drain groove may be provided for the water remaining in the inner space I to be discharged to the lower side of the door 20.

[0623] Alternatively, as an example, when the door 20 is in the first position 20A, the drain groove provided in the housing 1100 of the automatic detergent feeding device 1000 may be arranged inside the tub 12. That is, the drain groove may be arranged outside the internal space I of the door 20. In this case, the drain groove may be provided to collect water that flows directly from the tub 12 into the drain groove, and the collected water may be discharged to the lower side of the door 20 when the door 20 is in the first position 20A.

[0624] Hereinafter, a cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 1200 according to an example will be described in detail.

[0625] Fig.21 The figure shows a state where a part of the structure of the automatic detergent feeding device of the dishwasher according to one embodiment is removed.

[0626] As an example, Fig.21 As shown, a lateral length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 and a lateral length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be formed to be different from each other.

[0627] As an example, the lateral length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 may be set to have a predetermined length so that the solid detergent D can be stored in the storage chamber 1200. The lateral length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200' may be set to be smaller than the lateral length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200.

[0628] As an example, the lateral length L5 of the second storage chamber 1200 ′ may be set to be greater than the lateral length L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 .

[0629] The width L4 of the seating portion 1400 in the second direction Y may be set to a length substantially similar to the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200. This is because when the width L4 of the seating portion 1400 is formed to be much smaller than the width L5 of the second storage chamber 1200', when the solid detergent is discharged from the first storage chamber 1200 to the seating portion 1400, it may be stuck in the seating portion inner space 1401 and cannot be seated in the seating portion 1410.

[0630] On the contrary, when the width L4 of the placement portion 1400 in the second direction Y is formed to be 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 placement portion 1400 in the second direction Y increases above the necessary volume, and the problem of the volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device 1000 in the second direction Y increasing above the necessary volume may occur.

[0631] Therefore, preferably, as described above, the width L4 of the seating portion 1400 is formed to have a length similar to the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y having the cross-sectional area S in consideration of the size of the solid detergent.

[0632] Considering the capacity of the barrel 12 of the conventional dishwasher 1, the solid detergent D has an appropriate volume for washing. If the solid detergent D is defined as a conventional solid detergent D having a predetermined transverse length d1 according to the appropriate volume, the volume of the small solid detergent D' stored in the second storage chamber 1200' is smaller than the volume of the conventional solid detergent D, and can be defined as a small solid detergent D' having a transverse length d1' smaller than the transverse length d1 of the solid detergent D. Alternatively, the small solid detergent D' may be a solid detergent D' in a state where a portion of the conventional solid detergent D is cut in the direction of the transverse length d1.

[0633] In the case where the user wishes to wash a small amount of dishes, the small amount of dishes can generally be washed using a smaller amount than the conventional solid detergent D formed in consideration of the capacity of the tub 12 .

[0634] Independently of the conventional solid detergent D stored in the first storage chamber 1200, the second storage chamber 1200' may be configured to store small solid detergent D' having a volume different from that of the solid detergent D, so that the user may selectively wash with the conventional solid detergent D or with the small solid detergent D' according to demand.

[0635] The user may input information about the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 through an input portion of the dishwasher 1 or a mobile device, etc., so that the dishwasher 1 selectively performs one of the normal washing mode and the small amount washing mode.

[0636] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the first ejector 1300 or the second ejector 1300 ′ based on the user input obtained from the main control device.

[0637] When the user selects the normal washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the first ejector 1300 .

[0638] When the user selects the small amount washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the second ejector 1300 ′.

[0639] Hereinafter, the adjusting member 1270 for adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 1200 according to an example will be described in detail.

[0640] Fig. 22 1 is a diagram showing a state where a part of the automatic detergent feeding device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment is removed. Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 A diagram showing a state in which the adjustment component of the second storage chamber is moved.

[0641] As an example, Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member 1270 configured to adjust a width of the interior of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0642] Considering the capacity of the barrel 12 of the conventional dishwasher 1, the above-mentioned solid detergent D has an appropriate volume for washing. When the above-mentioned solid detergent D is defined as a conventional solid detergent D having a predetermined lateral length d1 according to the appropriate volume, for a part of the solid detergent D", its capacity is formed to be smaller than the capacity of the conventional solid detergent D, so that the width d1" of the solid detergent D" can be formed to be smaller than the width d1 of the conventional solid detergent D.

[0643] As an example, when a portion of solid detergent D" is stacked in a storage chamber 1200 having a width L1 formed corresponding to the width d1 of a conventional solid detergent D, inside the storage chamber 1200, movement in the second direction Y occurs between the solid detergent D" due to the separation between the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 and the portion of solid detergent D", whereby the solid detergent D" may be detached from the stacked state of the solid detergent D". When the ejector 1300 is driven in a state in which a portion of the solid detergent D" is detached, a plurality of solid detergents D" cannot move in the third direction Z with the ejector 1300, and thus a portion of the solid detergent D" may be stuck inside the storage chamber 1200 and cannot be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 1200.

[0644] As an example, the storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member 1270 capable of adjusting the width of the storage chamber 1200 in the second direction Y, and the adjustment member 1270 may adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 by moving in the second direction Y.

[0645] Even if the width d1” of a portion of the solid detergent D” is formed to be smaller than the width d1 of the conventional solid detergent D, the adjusting part 1270 can also adjust the width L6 of the storage chamber 1200 to correspond to the width d1” of the portion of the solid detergent D”, so that the solid detergent D” can maintain a stacking device inside the storage chamber 1200.

[0646] The adjusting component 1270 may include: a supporting wall 1271 supporting a plurality of solid detergents; a moving portion 1272 connected to the supporting wall 1271 in the second direction Y to move the supporting wall 1271 in the second direction Y, and configured to move the position of the supporting wall 1271 in the second direction Y.

[0647] The adjustment member 1270 may be disposed on the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 of the storage chamber 1200 .

[0648] The width L1 of the storage chamber 1200 when the support wall 1271 is disposed closest to the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 may be set to a length substantially corresponding to the width d1 of the general solid detergent D.

[0649] The user can adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 by pressurizing the support wall 1271 in the second direction Y. As an example, the support wall 1271 can be moved in the second direction Y at a position where the support wall 1271 is adjacent to the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 so that the length of the width d1" of a portion of the solid detergent D" corresponds to the width L6 of the storage chamber 1200.

[0650] As an example, the moving portion 1272 may be configured to extend or contract in the second direction Y to allow the support wall 1271 to move in the second direction Y inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0651] As an example, the moving portion 1272 may be configured to be movable in the second direction Y between the outside and the inside of the storage chamber 1200 , so that the support wall 1271 may be configured to move in the second direction Y inside the storage chamber 1200 .

[0652] As an example, the user can open the storage chamber 1200 by opening the storage chamber cover 1140, and can move the adjustment member 1270 in the second direction Y to set the user's desired width of the storage chamber 1200. The user can selectively adjust the width of the storage chamber 1200 by holding the support wall 1271 and moving the support wall 1271 in the second direction Y to form the user's desired width of the storage chamber 1200. As the user pressurizes the support wall 1271, the moving part 1272 can extend or contract in the second direction Y.

[0653] As an example, the adjustment member 1270 may be driven by the adjustment member driving device under 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 unit of the dishwasher 1 or a mobile device, etc. The control device 1900 may move the moving portion 1272 based on the user input obtained from the main control device to move the adjustment member 1270 a predetermined distance in the second direction Y, or the control device 1900 may control the adjustment member 1270 to extend or retract the moving portion 1272.

[0654] The bracket 1500 may be configured to move between the support wall 1271 and a surface 1230 , 1240 of the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 where the adjustment member 1270 is not arranged.

[0655] As an example, a guide rail 1290 for guiding the movement of the bracket 1500 may be arranged on the support wall 1271. The bracket 1500 may be configured to move in parallel in the third direction Z guided by the guide rail 1290 arranged on the support wall 1271 and the guide rail 1290 arranged on the surface 1230, 1240 of the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 where the adjustment member 1270 is not arranged.

[0656] The bracket 1500 may be configured to have a shape that contracts in the second direction Y when the support wall 1271 moves in a direction away from the right side surface 1230 or the left side surface 1240 .

[0657] The bracket 1500 may be configured to be a shape that contracts or extends in the second direction Y. As an example, the bracket 1500 may be configured to be a telescope shape that can be folded and contracted when the support wall 1271 moves toward the center direction of the storage chamber 1200, and can be unfolded and extended when the support wall 1271 moves toward a direction opposite to the center direction of the storage chamber 1200.

[0658] 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 ′.

[0659] As an 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.

[0660] As an 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 ′.

[0661] As an example, the user may adjust the widths of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′ by moving only any one of the first adjustment member 1270 and the second adjustment member 1270 ′.

[0662] As an example, the first regulating member 1270 may be disposed on the left side surface 1240 of the first storage chamber 1200. The second regulating member 1270' may be disposed on the right side surface 1230' of the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0663] As an example, the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the left side surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′. The first regulating member 1270 may be disposed on the right side surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 .

[0664] As an example, the first regulating member 1270 and the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the left side surface 1240 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the left side surface 1240 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′, respectively.

[0665] As an example, the first regulating member 1270 and the second regulating member 1270 ′ may be disposed on the right side surface 1230 of the first storage chamber 1200 and the right side surface 1230 ′ of the second storage chamber 1200 ′, respectively.

[0666] As an example, the adjustment member 1270 may be provided only in any one storage chamber 1200 or 1200 ′ of the first storage chamber 1200 and the second storage chamber 1200 ′.

[0667] As an example, Fig.23 As shown, the adjusting component 1270 of the first storage chamber 1200 can be arranged adjacent to the left surface 1240, so that the width L1 of the first storage chamber 1200 corresponds to the width d1 of the conventional solid detergent D, and the adjusting component 1270' of the second storage chamber 1200' can be set to move from the right side surface 1230' along the second direction Y, so that the width L6 of the second storage chamber 1200' corresponds to the width d1" of a portion of the solid detergent D".

[0668] At this time, the user may load the regular solid detergent D in the first storage chamber 1200, and may load a portion of the solid detergent D" in the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0669] The storage chamber 1200 may include an adjustment member sensing sensor for sensing the positions of the respective support walls 1271, 1271'. It may be configured that the adjustment member sensing sensor senses the positions at which the support wall 1271 inside the first storage chamber 1200 and the support wall 1271' of the second storage chamber 1200' are arranged, and based on the sensed values, the control device 1900 identifies the types of the solid detergent loaded in the first storage chamber 1200 and the solid detergent loaded in the second storage chamber 1200'.

[0670] As an example, the adjustment component sensing sensor may measure the distance between the respective support walls 1271, 1271', or may sense the distance between the respective support walls 1271, 1271' by sensing the length of the respective moving parts 1272, 1272' being moved, extended or contracted.

[0671] The user may input information about the washing mode of the dishwasher 1 through an input portion of the dishwasher 1 or a mobile device, etc., so that the dishwasher 1 selectively performs one of the normal washing mode and the small amount washing mode.

[0672] The control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the first ejector 1300 or the second ejector 1300 ′ based on the user input acquired from the main control device and the value sensed by the adjustment part sensing sensor.

[0673] As an example, when the user selects the normal washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the first ejector 1300. When the user selects the small amount washing mode, the control device 1900 may control the automatic detergent injection device 1000 to drive the second ejector 1300'.

[0674] The above is a diagram and description of a specific embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can fully change the implementation in various ways without departing from the technical concept of the invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, comprising: bucket; a door for opening and closing the tub and comprising an outer frame forming an outer surface of the door and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame and forming an inner surface of the door, and having an inner space therebetween; and an automatic detergent feeding device, which is combined with the inner frame and is configured to feed solid detergent into the interior of the tub when the door closes the tub, Wherein, the automatic detergent feeding device comprises: a storage chamber configured to enable a plurality of solid detergents to be stacked in a manner of being loaded in one direction; and The exhaust duct includes an exhaust hole formed to communicate with the internal space and is configured to exhaust the air flowing from the tub into the automatic detergent feeding device into the internal space through the exhaust hole.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge duct extends parallel to the direction in which the plurality of solid detergents are loaded, The discharge hole is formed at one side of the discharge pipe in the one direction.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge duct is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the one direction with respect to the storage chamber.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic detergent feeding device further includes a discharge hole cover, which covers the discharge hole from the outside of the discharge pipe.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein: The discharge hole cover includes a cover portion facing the discharge hole at a position spaced apart from the discharge hole.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein: The automatic detergent feeding device further comprises: an air discharge guide configured to guide the air discharged through the discharge hole to the outside of the discharge hole cover, The air discharge guide is formed to be inclined downward toward the outer frame when the door closes the tub.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic detergent feeding device also includes: a shell, combined with the inner frame, and provided with the storage chamber and the discharge pipe on the inner side; a driving unit, arranged inside the housing and configured to drive the automatic detergent feeding device to discharge one of the plurality of solid detergents into the barrel; a control device configured to control the driving unit; and An electric wire electrically connects the driving unit to the control device, Wherein, at least a portion of the electric wire is arranged along the discharge pipe.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein: The electric wire passes through the discharge hole, The housing includes a control device cover covering a portion of the electric wire, the discharge hole, and the control device.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic detergent feeding device further comprises: a housing, which is combined with the inner frame, Wherein, the housing further comprises: a drainage groove formed in a concave shape on the outer surface of the housing, The storage chamber and the discharge pipe are arranged inside the shell. The discharge hole is arranged on the outer surface of the shell, The drain groove is provided to prevent water flowing in from the tub from flowing into the drain hole.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein: The drainage groove is located in the inner space and is provided to drain water flowing from the tub into the inner space from the housing to a lower side of the inner space when the door is closed.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein: The drainage groove is arranged along the outer side edge of the shell.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein: The discharge hole is formed on a surface of the housing facing the outer frame. The housing further comprises: a housing rib arranged along the drain groove and comprising a protruding shape, The shell rib is arranged in a direction toward the outer frame relative to the drainage groove.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The storage chamber includes a storage chamber discharge hole to communicate with the internal space.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 13, wherein: The storage chamber discharge hole is arranged at one side of the storage chamber in the one direction where the plurality of solid detergents are loaded.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic detergent feeding device further includes: a feeding port, which is arranged to communicate with the barrel and discharge one of the plurality of solid detergents discharged from the storage chamber into the barrel, When the barrel is closed by the door, The plurality of solid detergents are stacked in the storage chamber in an up-and-down direction. The inlet is arranged below the discharge pipe. The discharge hole is formed at an upper side of the discharge pipe.

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