Dishwasher

Abstract

This disclosure relates to dishwashers. The handle is configured to automatically protrude forward and move from the door only when necessary, such as when the door is opened or closed, and a handle light visually conveys to the user whether the handle is operating normally and its operating status, thereby significantly improving user convenience and aesthetics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a household appliance, and more specifically, to a dishwasher and a household appliance in which a handle is configured to automatically protrude forward and move from the door only when necessary, such as when the door is opened and closed, and to visually convey to the user whether the handle is operating normally and its operating status via a handle light, thereby significantly improving user convenience and aesthetics. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that washes dishes and cooking utensils stored inside by spraying them with washing water. In this respect, the washing water may contain detergent.

[0003] A dishwasher typically includes a washing tub that defines the washing space, a dish rack that holds the items to be washed in the washing tub, a spray arm that sprays washing water onto the dish rack, and a water collection tank that stores water therein and supplies the washing water to the spray arm.

[0004] Using this type of dishwasher can reduce the time and effort required to wash dishes and other items after meals, thus contributing to user convenience.

[0005] Typically, dishwashers are configured to perform a washing cycle for cleaning the items being washed, a rinsing cycle for rinsing the items being washed, and a drying cycle for drying the washed and rinsed items being dried.

[0006] To store dishes inside the dishwasher before the cycle begins and to remove washed and dried dishes after the cycle is complete, the user should open and close the door.

[0007] In this regard, doors are usually equipped with handles, which users can grip as a device to facilitate opening and closing the door.

[0008] In this regard, European Patent No. 2096360 (previous document 001) discloses a dishwasher configured to have a pop-out handle in the door that protrudes from the front surface of the door during gripping for opening and closing.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] (Patent Document 001) European Patent No. 2096360 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The handle disclosed in the aforementioned prior document 001 is configured to protrude manually from a non-use position with its protrusion from the door minimized towards a use position where it can be gripped by the user while being rotated.

[0013] Therefore, the handle disclosed in the previous document 001 requires the user to manually move the handle from the non-use position to the use position, and then manually move the handle back to the non-use position when the door is opened and closed, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0014] Furthermore, the handle disclosed in previous document 001 does not include a device that allows the user to check whether the handle has moved properly to the use position during the movement from the non-use position to the use position.

[0015] Therefore, when a user grasps the handle disclosed in previous document 001 and opens the door while the handle is not properly moved to the working position, the handle is very likely to be damaged.

[0016] Furthermore, the handle disclosed in the previous document 001 does not include a device that can visually guide the accurate gripping position in low-light conditions such as at night.

[0017] Therefore, the handle disclosed in the previous document 001 is very likely to cause inconvenience or even harm to users, because in environments with insufficient light, such as at night, users cannot grip the handle in the correct position.

[0018] This disclosure aims to address the problems of the prior art. The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a household appliance in which a handle is configured to automatically protrude forward and move from the door only when necessary, such as when the door is opened and closed, and to visually convey to the user whether the handle is operating normally and its operating status via a handle light, thereby significantly improving user convenience and aesthetics.

[0019] Furthermore, a second object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a household appliance configured to effectively guide the handle to the accurate gripping position in low ambient light conditions, such as at night, via a handle light, thereby improving user convenience and effectively preventing handle damage and user injury.

[0020] Furthermore, a third object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a household appliance configured to minimize the number of lighting elements constituting the handle illuminator and to uniformly illuminate the outside of the handle with the minimum number of lighting elements, thereby minimizing power consumption and simplifying the internal structure of the handle.

[0021] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the objectives described above, and other objectives and advantages not mentioned in this disclosure may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood through the implementation of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means specified in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0022] One aspect of this disclosure provides a dishwasher comprising: a tub body defining a washing space having an open front surface therein; a door configured to open and close the open front surface of the tub body; and a handle configured to reciprocate between an extended position in which the handle projects forward from the door and a retracted position in which the handle is at least partially received in the door, wherein the handle comprises: a handle body exposed to the outside of the door when the handle is moved to the extended position; and a handle illuminator configured to generate visible light from the interior of the handle and to illuminate the exterior of the handle.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the handle light includes: a handle substrate, the handle substrate being configured such that the thickness direction of the handle substrate is parallel to the front-rear direction; and a plurality of lighting elements, the plurality of lighting elements being mounted on the front or rear surface of the handle substrate.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the plurality of lighting elements are arranged linearly along a single line extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the single line bisects the handle base plate in a vertical direction.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the plurality of lighting elements are arranged linearly along a first line and a second line, the first line extending in a left-right direction, and the second line located below the first line and extending parallel to the first line in the left-right direction.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the first vertical distance between the upper edge of the handle base plate and the first line and the second vertical distance between the lower edge of the handle base plate and the second line are equal to each other.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lateral spacing between each pair of adjacent lighting elements among the plurality of lighting elements is uniform.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lateral spacing between pairs of adjacent lighting elements among the plurality of lighting elements varies in the direction toward the left or right edge of the handle base plate.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the left-right spacing between a pair of lighting elements disposed on the left edge closest to the handle base plate and the left-right spacing between a pair of lighting elements disposed on the right edge closest to the handle base plate are minimized.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the left-right spacing between a pair of lighting elements disposed on the left edge closest to the handle base plate and the left-right spacing between a pair of lighting elements disposed on the right edge closest to the handle base plate are equal to each other.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the handle substrate includes a plurality of through holes defined therethrough along the thickness direction.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, at least one of the plurality of lighting elements is disposed between the leftmost through hole and the left edge of the handle substrate.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, at least one of the plurality of lighting elements is disposed between the rightmost through-hole and the right edge of the handle substrate.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the handle light further includes a light guide plate coupled to the handle body and configured to transmit visible light generated from the lighting element to the outside, wherein the handle substrate is housed in the light guide plate.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the light guide plate includes: a main board having an outer edge surface exposed to the outside; and a receiving portion defining rib that protrudes from the rear surface of the main board toward the handle body and defines a space for receiving the handle substrate, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion defining rib contacts the inner surface of the handle body.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the receiving portion defines a rib that protrudes from the rear surface of the mainboard at a height greater than the thickness of the mainboard.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the handle base plate is disposed inside the receiving portion defining rib in a state spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion defining rib.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the plurality of lighting elements are arranged on the rear surface of the handle substrate to face the inner surface of the handle body, wherein visible light generated from the lighting elements is reflected by the inner surface of the handle body and then incident on the light guide plate.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the inner surface of the handle body includes one of a flat portion extending parallel to the handle base plate and a curved portion forming a continuous surface with the flat portion and recessed in a direction away from the handle base plate.

[0041] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a household appliance comprising: a door configured to open and close an interior space having an open front surface; and a handle configured to move horizontally between an extended position in which the handle protrudes forward from the door and a retracted position in which the handle is at least partially received in the door, wherein the handle includes a handle illuminator configured to generate visible light from the interior of the handle and to illuminate the exterior of the handle.

[0042] The dishwasher and household appliance according to this disclosure may include a handle configured to automatically protrude forward and move from the door only when necessary, such as when the door is opened and closed, and to visually convey to the user whether the handle is operating normally and its operating status via a handle light, thereby significantly improving user convenience and aesthetics.

[0043] Furthermore, the dishwashers and household appliances according to this disclosure can be configured to effectively guide the handle to the accurate gripping position in situations of insufficient ambient light, such as at night, via a handle light, thereby improving user convenience and effectively preventing handle damage and user injury.

[0044] Furthermore, the dishwasher and household appliance according to this disclosure can be configured to minimize the number of lighting elements constituting the handle light and to uniformly illuminate the outside of the handle with the minimum number of lighting elements, thereby minimizing power consumption and simplifying the internal structure of the handle.

[0045] Furthermore, the dishwasher and household appliance according to this disclosure can ensure the maximum connection area between the light guide plate supporting and accommodating the handle substrate and the handle body connected to the light guide plate, because the light guide plate is at least partially inserted into the handle body, thereby improving the overall strength of the handle, improving the connection strength between the light guide plate and the handle body, and ensuring the sealing performance of the handle substrate.

[0046] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of this disclosure will be described along with the description of the specific matters used to implement this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view showing the state in which the pop-out handle of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been moved to the retracted position.

[0050] Figure 4 It is shown as follows Figure 3 The image shown is a front-view perspective view of the pop-out handle in its extended position.

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified side view.

[0052] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The front and rear views of the pop-up handle are shown.

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The exploded stereoscopic view, and Figure 9 yes Figure 7 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0054] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0055] Figure 11 and Figure 12 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 The rear view of the handle base plate shown.

[0056] Figures 13 to 15 It is shown Figure 8 and Figure 9 The image shows a partially enlarged view of the handle substrate being housed in the light guide plate.

[0057] Figure 16 It is cut along a vertical surface. Figure 15 A sectional view.

[0058] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the pop-out handle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a vertical surface.

[0059] Figure 19 and Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the pop-out handle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a vertical surface.

[0060] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the pop-out handle according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a vertical surface.

[0061] Figure 23 yes Figure 3 The rear-view perspective of the door shown indicates that the rear panel of the door has been removed.

[0062] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 The rear-view perspective view of the handle actuator is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The above-described objects, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to readily implement the technical concepts of this disclosure. In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to this disclosure are omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0064] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0065] The terminology used herein is intended to describe the purpose of particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0066] It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed on the second element or may be indirectly disposed on the second element, wherein a third element or layer is disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer. It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "below" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed below the second element or may be indirectly disposed below the second element, wherein a third element or layer is disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer.

[0067] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly connected to or attached to the other component or layer, or there can be one or more intermediate components or layers between them. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "between" two components or layers, it can be the only component or layer between the two components or layers, or there can be one or more intermediate components or layers between the two components.

[0068] It will also be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. When preceding a list of components, expressions such as "at least one / one" may modify the entire list of components and may not modify individual components of the list. In the interpretation of numerical values, errors or tolerances may occur even if not explicitly described.

[0069] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “below,” “above,” “up,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the figure can be flipped, an element or feature described as “below,” “under,” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover orientations above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented, for example, rotated 90 degrees or placed in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0070] As used herein, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise explicitly stated. When preceding a list of components, expressions such as “at least one / one” may modify the entire list of components and may not modify individual components of the list. As used herein, “C to D” means containing C to containing D, unless otherwise stated.

[0071] In the following description, the present disclosure will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate configurations according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] [Overall structure of a dishwasher]

[0073] In the following, the general structure of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a simplified cross-sectional view that briefly shows the internal structure of the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a housing 10 that constitutes the exterior.

[0076] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a tub 20 installed inside the housing 10, wherein the tub 20 defines a washing space 21 for washing the object to be washed, and has an open front surface.

[0077] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a door 30 for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0078] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a drive 40 located below the tub 20, the drive 40 being used to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge washing water for cleaning the objects being washed.

[0079] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a dish rack 50 detachably disposed in the internal washing space 21 of the tub 20 for holding the objects to be washed.

[0080] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a water sprayer 60 installed near the dish rack 50 to spray washing water onto the dish rack for cleaning the items being washed.

[0081] In this regard, the items to be washed placed on the dish rack 50 can be tableware such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, as well as other cooking utensils. In the following text, unless otherwise stated, the items to be washed will be referred to as tableware.

[0082] The tub body 20 can be formed as a box shape with a fully open front surface, and corresponds to a structure known as a washing box.

[0083] The washing space 21 can be confined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 can be opened / closed via the door 30.

[0084] The barrel body 20 can be formed by pressing a metal sheet (such as a stainless steel sheet) that is resistant to high temperature and moisture.

[0085] In addition, multiple supports can be provided on the inner surface of the barrel 20 for supporting and installing functional components such as the bowl basket 50 and the water sprayer 60, which will be described later, inside the barrel 20.

[0086] In one example, the drive 40 may include a water collection tank 41 in which washing water is stored.

[0087] In addition, the drive 40 may include a water collection tank cover 42 that separates the water collection tank 41 from the tank body 20.

[0088] In addition, the drive 40 may include a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the water collection tank 41.

[0089] In addition, the drive 40 may include a drain 44 that discharges the washing water from the collection tank 41 to the outside.

[0090] In addition, the driver 40 may include a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 for supplying washing water from the collection tank 41 to the sprayer.

[0091] The water collection tank cover 42 can be set on top of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to separate the tank body 20 and the water collection tank 41 from each other.

[0092] In addition, the water collection tank cover 42 may define a plurality of collection holes therein for collecting the washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 by the water sprayer 60 into the water collection tank 41.

[0093] That is, the washing water sprayed from the sprayer toward the dishes can fall to the bottom of the washing space 21 and can be collected again into the water collection tank 41 through the water collection tank cover 42.

[0094] The washing pump 45 can be installed on one side of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the sprayer 60.

[0095] One end of the washing pump 45 can be connected to the water collection tank 41, and the other end can be connected to the supply flow path 46. The washing pump 45 may include an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When the motor 453 is powered, the impeller 451 can rotate, so the washing water in the water collection tank 41 can be pressurized and then supplied to the sprayer through the supply flow path 46.

[0096] Although not shown, the washing pump 45 may include a washing water heater for heating the washing water supplied during a washing cycle or a heated rinsing cycle.

[0097] In one example, supply path 46 can be used to selectively supply washing water from washing pump 45 to sprayer 60.

[0098] For example, supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to the lower spray arm 61 and a second supply flow path 463 connected to the upper spray arm 62 and the top nozzle 63.

[0099] The supply path 46 may be equipped with a supply path switching valve 465 that selectively opens / closes the supply paths 461 and 463.

[0100] In this respect, the supply path switching valve 465 can be controlled to open the supply paths 461 and 463 sequentially or simultaneously.

[0101] In one example, the sprayer 60 may be configured to spray washing water onto dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0102] More specifically, the sprayer 60 may include a lower spray arm 61 located at the bottom of the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the lower dish rack 51.

[0103] In addition, the water sprayer 60 may include an upper spray arm 62 located between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52 to spray washing water onto the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0104] In addition, the sprayer 60 may include a top nozzle 63 located on the upper part of the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0105] Specifically, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably arranged in the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and can spray washing water onto the dishes in the dish rack 50 while rotating.

[0106] The lower spray arm 61 can be rotatably supported above the water collection tank cover 42 so as to spray washing water toward the lower dish rack 51 while rotating and positioned below the lower dish rack 51.

[0107] In addition, the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder 467 so as to spray washing water on the dishes while rotating and positioned between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0108] In one example, although not shown, in order to improve washing efficiency, an additional device may be provided at the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 to redirect the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 to an upward direction (redirecting along the U direction).

[0109] The detailed configuration of the water sprayer 60 is known in the art. Therefore, a description of the specific configuration of the water sprayer 60 will be omitted below.

[0110] A dish rack 50 for storing tableware can be installed in the washing space 21.

[0111] The basket 50 can be configured to extend from or retract into the interior space of the barrel 20 through the open front surface of the barrel 20.

[0112] For example, in Figure 2The present invention illustrates one embodiment in which the dish racks include a lower dish rack 51 located at the bottom of the tub 20 for accommodating relatively large cutlery, an upper dish rack 52 located above the lower dish rack 51 for accommodating medium-sized cutlery, and a top dish rack 53 located at the top of the tub 20 for storing small cutlery, etc. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. However, in the following description, an example of a dishwasher 1 including three dish racks 50 as shown is described.

[0113] Each of the lower basket 51, the upper basket 52, and the top basket 53 can be configured to extend outward through the open front surface of the barrel 20.

[0114] For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) can be respectively provided on two opposing inner sidewalls constituting the inner surface of the barrel 20. As an example, the guide rails may include an upper guide rail, a lower guide rail, and a top guide rail.

[0115] Wheels can be installed on the bottom of each of the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53. Users can extend the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53 to the outside through the open front surface of the bucket body 20 and place the dishes on them or easily remove the washed dishes.

[0116] The guide rail (not shown) can be implemented as a simple track-type fixed guide rail to guide the extension or retraction of the basket 50, or as a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extension or retraction of the basket 50 and simultaneously increasing its extension distance as the basket 50 extends further from the interior space of the bucket.

[0117] In one example, as described above, door 30 is configured to open / close the open front surface of barrel 20.

[0118] The hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 is closed or opened can typically be located at the bottom of the open front surface. Thus, the door 30 can be opened by pivoting around the hinge, which serves as the pivot axis.

[0119] In this respect, the handle 31 for opening the door 30 and the control panel 32 for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 can be provided on the outer surface of the door 30.

[0120] As shown in the figure, the control panel 32 may include a display 33 and a button unit 34. The display 33 visually displays information such as the current operating status of the dishwasher 1, and the button unit 34 includes selection buttons for inputting user program selection operations and a power button for inputting user operations to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0121] In one example, the rear panel that forms the inner surface of the door 30 can form a surface of the barrel 20 when the door 30 is closed, and can form the mounting surface of the lower basket 51 that supports the basket 50 when the door 30 is fully open.

[0122] Therefore, when the door 30 is fully opened downwards, the rear panel of the door 30 can form a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as the guide rail that guides the displacement of the lower basket 51.

[0123] In one example, unlike a conventional handle, the handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure can be configured to be at least partially housed inside the door 30 when the handle is not in use, and to automatically extend forward from the door 30 in a protruding manner when the door 30 needs to be opened and closed.

[0124] The handle 31 may be referred to by various names, such as pop-out handle, retractable handle, extendable handle, etc., as long as the handle is configured to retract so as to be at least partially accommodated inside the door 30 or to extend forward from the door 30 in a protruding manner from the door 30.

[0125] In the following text, a handle 31 configured to retract into or extend from the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be referred to as a pop-out handle 31.

[0126] Detailed configuration of the pop-out handle 31 will be provided later. Figure 3 The following description is accompanied by accompanying figures.

[0127] Although not shown, the rear panel inside the limiting door 30 may be further provided with a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the tub 20.

[0128] Furthermore, the door position sensor 36 can be disposed on the outer top surface of the barrel 20 and can be configured to detect whether the door 30 is in a closed or open state. For example, the door position sensor 36 may include a door position sensor S_d or a latch sensor that detects the position of a door latch (not shown).

[0129] In one example, the drying air supply 80 may be located at the bottom of the tub 20 and may be configured to generate high-temperature or low-temperature drying air and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space 21 inside the tub 20.

[0130] As shown in the figure, the drying air supply unit 80 can be configured to include a filter element 883 for filtering external air, a blower fan 825 for generating drying airflow, a heater 84 for heating the drying airflow, and an airflow guide 83 disposed inside the barrel 20 to guide the drying airflow.

[0131] The drying air supply hole can be defined in the lower surface of the barrel 20, so that the high-temperature drying air generated by the drying air supply unit 80 can be introduced into the interior of the barrel 20 through the drying air supply hole.

[0132] Therefore, high-temperature drying air or low-temperature drying air can be supplied from the drying air supply 80 to the inside of the drum 20 during the drying cycle, which can significantly improve the drying efficiency and sterilization effect of tableware compared with traditional dishwashers.

[0133] In one example, the dishwasher can be configured such that airflow supplied to the interior of the tub 20 and moistened while drying the dishes can be discharged to the outside, and the discharge of the airflow can be accomplished by partially opening the door 30 or by a separate air discharge device (not shown).

[0134] [Appearance and operation of the pop-out handle]

[0135] In the following text, see references Figures 3 to 5 The appearance and operation of the pop-out handle 31 provided at the door 30 of a dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0136] In the following description, an embodiment in which the pop-out handle 31 and related components of the pop-out handle 31 are disposed inside the door 30 constituting the dishwasher 1 will be described as an example.

[0137] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the pop-out handle 31 and related components of the pop-out handle 31, which will be described later, can be similarly applied to household appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, dryers, washing machines, or laundry management devices whose interior space of the housing is configured to open and close through a door to perform a specific function.

[0138] However, such ovens, refrigerators, dryers, washing machines, or garment management devices are configured to operate under different operating conditions and environments with different purposes and functions than the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure.

[0139] In particular, because ovens operate at high temperatures, the pop-out handle and handle actuator should be made of heat-resistant materials. Furthermore, while the oven door provides sufficient space for the pop-out handle and actuator, the use of partially heat-resistant glass necessitates that the handle and actuator be compatible with the glass material. Additional features can be added to ensure durability and safety under high-temperature conditions.

[0140] In one example, in a refrigerator, shelves, storage space, insulation, etc., are included inside the door, so space utilization may be limited.

[0141] Therefore, installing pop-out handles and handle actuators may require redesigning the door's internal structure or ensuring sufficient space for installation without interfering with the existing structure. Furthermore, in the case of refrigerators, because the pop-out handle is located in a door that is frequently opened and closed, durability and water resistance may be essential.

[0142] With this in mind, the motor or electronic components driving the pop-out handle can be housed in a defined empty space inside the refrigerator door and need to be designed to be compatible with the refrigerator's power supply structure. However, a design may be needed to prevent interference with the insulation and shelving structure inside the door, and measures considering waterproofing and durability may be added.

[0143] In one example, the dryer is exposed to high temperatures and humidity. The pop-out handle and handle actuator should be made of heat-resistant materials, and devices should be added to prevent damage from the heat inside the dryer.

[0144] In one example, in the case of a washing machine, the tub for holding water, detergent, and clothes is located at the rear of the door. Therefore, when a pop-up handle and handle actuator are installed in the washing machine door, waterproof and dustproof design may be essential because of the high likelihood of exposure to water and detergent. Specifically, the handle actuator should be installed in a sealed space so that the motor or electronic components are not exposed to water, and waterproof and dustproof design features are needed to ensure durability.

[0145] In one example, because the garment management device includes a steam function, moisture may seep into the door. Therefore, the pop-out handle and handle actuator should be moisture-resistant and designed with a seal to prevent water from penetrating. Thus, waterproof and moisture-proof features are required to ensure durability in steamy environments.

[0146] Given the operating environment and conditions, as washing machines, stylers, and dryers are highly likely to be exposed to water and moisture, a sealed structure may be essential for pop-up handles and handle actuators.

[0147] In addition, because dryers and ovens need to operate in high-temperature environments, their pop-out handles and handle actuators should be made of heat-resistant materials.

[0148] Furthermore, the motor or electronic components driving the handle actuator should be arranged to effectively utilize the interior space of the door and should be designed to avoid inconvenience to the user. Additionally, pop-out handles and handle actuators need to be equipped with devices for user safety and injury prevention, and should also include a mechanism that allows the user to manually open the door even in the event of a malfunction.

[0149] Specifically, the following description will be based on the following configuration: taking into account the opening and closing direction of the door 30 of the dishwasher 1, the pop-out handle 31 is configured to be elongated in the left-right direction parallel to the top surface of the door 30. However, in the case of household appliances (such as refrigerators and clothing management devices) that adopt different opening and closing directions of the door 30, the pop-out handle 31 may be provided in the door such that the longitudinal direction of the pop-out handle 31 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0150] As described above, the pop-out handle 31 can be provided in the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure so as to reciprocate in the front-back direction.

[0151] In this respect, as described above, the door 30 can be configured to pivot about a hinge (not shown) attached to the lower end of the door.

[0152] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and drawer doors configured to open and close in a simple horizontal movement along the front-to-back direction (FR direction) are also applicable. Hereinafter, as shown, an embodiment will be described based on which the door 30 opens and closes while pivoting about a hinge attached to its lower end.

[0153] Taking this into consideration, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pop-out handle 31 can be positioned as close as possible to the top surface of the door 30, where the user can easily grip the handle.

[0154] Furthermore, the pop-out handle 31 can be arranged to be retractable and extendable via the front panel 30a that forms the front surface of the door 30.

[0155] In addition, the pop-out handle 31 can be arranged parallel to the top surface of the door 30 in the left-right direction for easy gripping by the user.

[0156] Furthermore, the pop-out handle 31 can be configured to generally have The shape is designed to make it easy for users to grip.

[0157] As shown in the figure, in order to extend or retract the pop-out handle 31, an opening 30e having an elongated shape corresponding to the appearance of the pop-out handle 31 can be defined in the front panel 30a of the door 30 and extend along the extension direction of the front edge of the top surface of the door 30, and have a depth in the front-rear (FR) direction.

[0158] The pop-out handle 31 can be configured to reciprocate in the forward and backward directions through the opening 30e of the front panel 30a in the front-rear (FR) direction under the operation of the handle driver 35, which will be described later.

[0159] More specifically, the pop-out handle 31 can be arranged to reciprocate in the forward and backward directions between the foremost and rearmost positions under the operation of the handle driver 35.

[0160] For convenience, the forwardmost position of the pop-out handle 31 is defined as the extended position Pd. The rearmost position of the pop-out handle 31 is defined as the retracted position Pa.

[0161] Figure 3 The image shows the pop-out handle 31 moved to its rearmost position, i.e., the retracted position Pa, and thus retracted into the door 30.

[0162] As shown in the figure, when the pop-out handle 31 has moved to the retracted position Pa, the pop-out handle 31 can be in a state where it is fully or partially retracted into the door 30.

[0163] In this respect, as an example, the pop-out handle 31 can pass through the entire portion of the opening 30e of the door 30 and retract into the interior of the door 30.

[0164] Furthermore, when the pop-out handle 31 has been moved to the retracted position Pa, the pop-out handle 31 can be in a state where the pop-out handle 31 does not protrude from the front panel 30a of the door 30 in the forward direction.

[0165] Furthermore, when the pop-out handle 31 has been moved to the retracted position Pa, the front surface of the pop-out handle 31 can be coplanar with the front surface of the front panel 30a of the door 30 to form a continuous surface.

[0166] That is, the front surface of the pop-out handle 31 in the retracted position Pa can be parallel to the front panel 30a.

[0167] Therefore, it is possible to form a state where no step is formed between the front surface of the front panel 30a of the door 30 and the front end surface of the pop-out handle 31.

[0168] Therefore, when the pop-out handle 31 has moved to the retracted position Pa, the opening 30e of the front panel 30a can be completely blocked.

[0169] Furthermore, when the pop-out handle 31 has been moved to the retracted position Pa, no step is formed between the front surface of the front panel 30a and the front end surface of the pop-out handle 31, so that phenomena such as the accumulation of foreign matter such as dust on the protrusion formed on the front surface of the door 30 or on the handle itself, as in conventional solutions, can be fundamentally prevented.

[0170] In one example, as will be described later, the front surface of the pop-out handle 31 may be the front surface of a decorative panel 317, which is separate from the first handle body 311, the second handle body 3112 and the third handle body 3113 that constitute the appearance of the pop-out handle 31.

[0171] In this respect, the front surface of the decorative panel 317 may include a material with the same texture and color as the front panel 30a of the door 30.

[0172] Therefore, a sense of unity can be achieved between the decorative panel 317 and the front panel 30a of the door 30.

[0173] In addition, the aesthetic appearance of the door 30 can be improved, and the user's perception of the door's aesthetics can be improved.

[0174] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This shows the state in which the pop-out handle 31 has moved from the retracted position Pa to the extended position Pd, which is the foremost position.

[0175] The door 30 of the dishwasher 1 should be opened and closed to store dishes that need to be washed in the dishwasher or to remove washed dishes from the dishwasher 1.

[0176] When the user's intention to open the door 30 is recognized when it is necessary to open / close the door 30, the pop-out handle 31 can automatically move from the retracted position Pa to the extended position Pd under the operation of the handle driver 35.

[0177] Therefore, the dishwasher 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may further be provided with a device for detecting the user's intention to open the door 30.

[0178] For example, a device for detecting a user’s intention to open door 30 may include a proximity sensor (not shown).

[0179] A proximity sensor can be a sensor that can detect whether a user is approaching so that they are within a specific range of 30 degrees from the door.

[0180] For example, proximity sensors may include any of the following: radar sensors, image sensors, or infrared (IR) sensors.

[0181] In order to effectively identify whether a user is nearby, proximity sensors can be arranged on at least one of the top surface, bottom surface and front surface of the door 30.

[0182] In addition, the device for detecting the user's intention to open the door 30 may include a touch sensor (not shown).

[0183] As an example, a touch sensor may include any of the following: a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and a pressure touch sensor.

[0184] A touch sensor can be incorporated into the pop-out handle 31 to effectively recognize the intent to open or close the door 30.

[0185] As an example, the touch sensor can be mounted on the handle base plate 314 together with the lighting element 315, which will be described later.

[0186] When the user's intent is recognized, the pop-up handle 31 can automatically move forward as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The extended position Pd is shown.

[0187] When the pop-out handle 31 moves to the extended position Pd as described above, the first handle body 311 constituting the pop-out handle 31 can be completely exposed to the outside of the door 30.

[0188] Furthermore, when the pop-out handle 31 completes its movement to the extended position Pd, a state in which the user can grip the handle can be achieved.

[0189] In this respect, the travel Ls of the pop-out handle 31 from the retracted position Pa to the extended position Pd can, for example, be equal to or greater than 40 mm and equal to or less than 50 mm.

[0190] Preferably, the stroke Ls of the pop-out handle 31 from the retracted position Pa to the extended position Pd can be 45 mm.

[0191] The travel Ls of the pop-out handle 31 is determined in this way, taking into account the fact that when the travel Ls is too small (e.g., less than 40 mm), it is not easy for the user to grip the pop-out handle 31, while when the travel Ls is too large (e.g., more than 50 mm), the size of the pop-out handle 31 increases in the front-to-back direction and therefore the pop-out handle 31 does not retract completely into the door 30.

[0192] However, the travel Ls of such a pop-out handle 31 is just an example and can be set differently depending on the overall size of the dishwasher 1 and the size of the door 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0193] In one example, as the pop-out handle 31 moves to the extended position Pd, the first handle body 311 of the pop-out handle 31 can exit the opening 30e of the front panel 30a of the door 30 and be fully exposed and protruding to the outside of the door 30.

[0194] Therefore, the closed state of the opening 30e of the front panel 30a is at least partially released by the pop-out handle 31.

[0195] However, as will be described later, when the pop-out handle 31 is moved to the extended position Pd, the blind plate of the blind plate module 37 moves forward together with the first handle body 311.

[0196] Therefore, the opening 30e of the front panel 30a that opens based on the movement of the pop-up handle 31 can be covered by the blind plate module 37.

[0197] Therefore, even when the pop-out handle 31 is moved to the extended position Pd, the opening 30e of the front panel 30a can remain closed or covered.

[0198] Therefore, it can effectively prevent foreign objects such as dust from being introduced into the door 30 through the opening 30e.

[0199] Furthermore, the blind plate module 37 makes it impossible to observe the interior of the door 30 through the opening 30e in the front panel 30a.

[0200] Therefore, it can effectively prevent the perceived deterioration of the door's aesthetics.

[0201] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the pop-out handle 31 can be configured to allow the user to visually identify whether the pop-out handle 31 is being normally driven or is in operation.

[0202] For this purpose, as will be described later, the pop-out handle 31 may include handle lights 314, 315 and 316 that generate visible light L from inside the pop-out handle 31 and illuminate the visible light L toward the outside of the pop-out handle 31.

[0203] As shown in the figure, visible light L generated by the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316 inside the pop-out handle 31 can be projected outward through the light-emitting surface that forms part of the outer surface of the pop-out handle 31.

[0204] The luminescent surface can be formed continuously relative to the upper surface, lower surface and side surfaces of the pop-up handle.

[0205] Furthermore, the width of the entire luminescent surface in the front-to-back direction (FR direction) can be uniform.

[0206] As will be described later, the luminescent surface may be the outer edge surface of the light guide plate 316 that constitutes the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316.

[0207] Detailed configurations of handle lights 314, 315, and 316 will be provided later. Figure 8 The following description is accompanied by accompanying figures.

[0208] [Detailed configuration of the pop-up handle]

[0209] Figures 6 to 10 The detailed configuration of the pop-out handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0210] Below, for reference Figures 6 to 10 Describe the detailed configuration of the pop-out handle 31.

[0211] First, such as Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the pop-out handle 31 may include a first handle body 311 that protrudes fully outside the door 30 during forward and horizontal movement toward the extended position Pd.

[0212] The first handle body 311 can extend horizontally in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0213] As described above, when the movement to the extended position Pd is completed, the first handle body 311 corresponds to the part that is grasped by the user to open and close the door 30.

[0214] Therefore, when the user grips the door 30 for opening / closing operations, the first handle body 311 may bear a considerable load.

[0215] Considering the large load applied to the first handle body 311, the first handle body 311 can be formed by extrusion molding of a lightweight metal material (such as aluminum).

[0216] In addition, the outer surface of the grip portion 3111 of the first handle body 311, which corresponds to the part for the user to grip, needs to increase the user's gripping force.

[0217] Therefore, the edges of the outer surface of the gripping part can be chamfered to form a smooth curved surface.

[0218] In addition, the first handle body 311 is used to at least partially accommodate and support the handle lights 314, 315 and 316, which will be described later.

[0219] In the illustrated embodiment, a configuration is shown where the first handle body 311 is located at the rear and handle lights 314, 315, and 316 are connected to the front of the first handle body 311. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration where the first handle body 311 is located at the front and the handle lights 314, 315, and 316 are located at the rear of the first handle body 311 and connected to the rear of the first handle body 311 is also applicable. Hereinafter, a configuration based on the illustrated embodiment where the handle lights 314, 315, and 316 are located at the front of the first handle body 311 and connected to the front of the first handle body 311 will be described.

[0220] The front surface of the first handle body 311 can be fully opened, allowing handle lights 314, 315 and 316 to be attached to and housed therefrom from the front.

[0221] Furthermore, the recessed receiving space can be confined within the first handle body 311, allowing the handle lights 314, 315, and 316 to be partially received within this receiving space.

[0222] As will be described later, the handle lights 314, 315 and 316 can be fastened and secured to the first handle body 311 using multiple bolts 318.

[0223] Multiple fastening holes 3113 for screwing in various bolts 318 can be confined within the first handle body 311.

[0224] In this embodiment, a total of four bolts 318 are provided, and correspondingly, a total of four fastening holes 3113 are defined in the first handle body 311.

[0225] However, this is merely an example, and the number of bolts 318 and the number of fastening holes 3113 can be set differently depending on the size of the pop-out handle 31 and the load acting on the pop-out handle 31.

[0226] In one example, the outermost bolt 318 among the plurality of bolts 318 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) not only performs the function of fastening the handle lights 314, 315 and 316 to the first handle body 311, but also further performs the function of fastening both the handle lights 314, 315 and 316 and the first handle body 311 to the second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313 respectively.

[0227] Therefore, the fastening hole 3113 located on the outermost side in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be defined as extending through the first handle body 311 in the front-back direction (FR direction).

[0228] Furthermore, the first handle body 311 can be used to reflect and uniformly distribute the visible light L generated from the illumination element 315 of the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316, which will be described later.

[0229] For this purpose, the inner surface 311a of the first handle body 311 may include a reflective surface formed facing the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316.

[0230] As will be described later, the reflective surface of the first handle body 311 may be configured as a composite surface including at least one flat portion or at least one curved portion.

[0231] The detailed configuration of the inner surface 311a of the first handle body 311, which has a reflective surface, will be referred to later. Figures 17 to 22 Describe it.

[0232] In one example, the pop-out handle 31 may include a second handle body 312 and a third handle body 313 respectively fastened to both ends of the first handle body 311.

[0233] More specifically, the pop-out handle 31 may further include a second handle body 312, which is connected to the left end of the first handle body 311 and extends rearward.

[0234] Furthermore, the pop-out handle 31 may further include a third handle body 313, which is connected to the right end of the first handle body 311 and extends rearward.

[0235] The second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313 can be connected and fastened to the connecting part 3112 formed at the left end of the first handle body 311 and the connecting part 3112 formed at the right end of the first handle body 311, respectively.

[0236] The second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313 are used to receive the driving force of the handle driver 35 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) and to transmit the user load for opening / closing operation of the door 30 to the door 30.

[0237] Considering the large loads applied to the second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313, the second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313 can be formed by extrusion molding of a lightweight metal material (such as aluminum material), just like the first handle body 311.

[0238] In this regard, in order to minimize the weight of the second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313, the second handle body 312 and the third handle body 313 can be formed into hollow cylindrical shapes that allow the front and rear ends to be fully open based on their arrangement in the door 30.

[0239] As described above, the leftmost bolt 318 among the plurality of bolts 318 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) secures both the handle lights 314, 315 and 316 and the first handle body 311 to the second handle body 312.

[0240] The second handle body 3112 may include a screw boss 3121 extending linearly in the front-rear direction (FR direction), such that a bolt 318 can be tightened to the screw boss 3121 by screwing.

[0241] In this regard, in order to prevent the strength of the second handle body 312 itself from decreasing and to increase the fastening strength relative to the first handle body 311, the screw boss 3163 can be formed as a plate-shaped rib protruding horizontally from the left side surface of the second handle body 312.

[0242] The fastening hole for screwing in the bolt 318 can be defined by extending through the inner end of the screw boss 3163 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0243] Furthermore, a plurality of screw holes 3123 for fastening the guide block 3114, which will be described later, can be defined through the second handle body 312.

[0244] In this respect, multiple screw holes 3123 can pass through the left side surface 312c of the second handle body 312 and extend into the interior of the screw boss 3163.

[0245] Since the screw hole 3123 extends into the interior of the screw boss 3163 as described above, minimum fastening strength and fastening depth for the guide block 3114 can be ensured.

[0246] As described above, the pop-out handle 31 is configured to receive linear driving force from the handle driver 35 in the forward / backward (FR) direction via the second handle body 312.

[0247] More specifically, for example, the second handle body 312 is connected to the first link 354a of the handle driver 35 and receives linear driving force in the forward and backward direction (FR direction) via the first link 354a.

[0248] In this respect, the first link 354a can be configured to transmit linear driving force in the forward and backward (FR) direction while connected to the second handle body 312 via a movable pin (not shown) so as to be rotatable relative to it.

[0249] Therefore, the pin hole 3122 for inserting and connecting the upper end of the movable pin can be defined by passing through the upper surface 312a of the second handle body 312 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0250] Furthermore, the pin hole 3122 for inserting and connecting the lower end of the movable pin can be defined by passing through the lower surface 312b of the second handle body 312 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0251] As shown in the figure, the pin hole 3122 can be positioned as close as possible to the rear end of the second handle body 312 so that it is not exposed to the outside during the forward movement of the handle to the extended position Pd, without interfering with the operation of the first link 354a.

[0252] In one example, the third handle body 313 may have a shape symmetrical to the second handle body 312 with respect to the vertical surface that separates the first handle body 311 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), and may be arranged in a position symmetrical to it.

[0253] Therefore, the detailed configuration of the third handle body 313, including the pin holes 3132 defined through the upper surface 313a and the lower surface 313b respectively, and the plate-shaped screw boss 3131 integrally protruding from the right side surface 313d and extending inward, can be set in a position symmetrical to these features of the second handle body 312, and have a shape symmetrical to them.

[0254] Since the third handle body 313 is positioned symmetrically to the second handle body 312 and is symmetrically shaped to it, redundant descriptions of the third handle body 313 will be omitted below.

[0255] In one example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pop-out handle 31 may include a guide block 3114 attached to each of the left side surface 312c of the second handle body 312 and the right side surface 313d of the third handle body 313.

[0256] The guide block 3114 is inserted into the guide brackets 30h1 and 30h2 of the handle frame 30d, which will be described later, and is used to guide the forward and backward reciprocating motion of the handle frame 30d.

[0257] In addition, the guide block 3114 can be used as a stop to prevent the pop-out handle 31 from moving further forward after it has moved to the extended position Pd.

[0258] In addition, it can also be used to absorb the load or impact that the user exerts on the second handle body 3112 and the third handle body 3113 of the pop-out handle 31 in order to open the door 30 after the pop-out handle 31 is moved to the extended position Pd.

[0259] With this in mind, the guide block 3114 can be made of an elastic material with predetermined elasticity.

[0260] The guide block 3114 can be fastened and fixed to the left side surface 312c of the second handle body 312 and the right side surface 313d of the third handle body 313 by fastening devices such as bolts.

[0261] As described above, the plurality of screw holes 3123 for fastening the guide block 3114 can be defined through the left side surface 312c of the second handle body 312.

[0262] Furthermore, a plurality of screw holes 3133 for fastening the guide block 3114 can be defined through the right side surface 313d of the third handle body 313.

[0263] In one example, as described above, the pop-out handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include handle lights 314, 315 and 316, which allow the user to visually identify whether the pop-out handle 31 is being normally driven or whether the pop-out handle 31 is in operation.

[0264] For example, as described above, handle lights 314, 315 and 316 can be configured to generate visible light L from inside the pop-up handle 31 and to illuminate the visible light L outward through the luminescent surface of the pop-up handle 31.

[0265] First, the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316 may include a plurality of illuminating elements 315 disposed in front of the first handle body 311 and producing visible light L.

[0266] The lighting element 315 can be used without restriction, as long as it is a device capable of receiving power and generating a predetermined visible light L, and can be, for example, an LED element.

[0267] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which a total of 20 lighting elements 315 are arranged. The number of lighting elements 315 can be set differently depending on the position and shape of the arrangement of the lighting elements 315, as will be described later.

[0268] In this respect, the lighting element 315 can have the same size and shape.

[0269] Therefore, the lighting element 315 can be mounted on the handle base plate 314 so that they are interchangeable.

[0270] In addition, handle lights 314, 315 and 316 may include a handle base plate 314 disposed in front of the first handle body 311.

[0271] As shown in the figure, multiple lighting elements 315 can be mounted on one side surface of the handle base plate 314.

[0272] In order to minimize the size of the pop-out handle 31 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), the handle base plate 314 can be configured such that its thickness direction is parallel to the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0273] In addition, the pop-out handle 31 may have a rectangular shape, wherein the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) becomes the longitudinal direction, corresponding to the shape of the first handle body 311.

[0274] Therefore, the lighting element 315 can be arranged in an elongated manner along the longitudinal direction of the first handle body 311.

[0275] Multiple lighting elements 315 can be mounted on the front surface 314a or the rear surface 314b of the handle base plate 314 based on their position in front of the first handle body 311.

[0276] In this respect, as will be described later, a plurality of lighting elements 315 may be mounted and arranged on the rear surface 314a of the handle base plate 314 such that visible light L can be directed toward the inner surface 311b of the first handle body 311, which serves as a reflective surface.

[0277] The handle base plate 314 is fixed to and supported by the rear surface of the light guide plate 316 located in front of it.

[0278] More specifically, the handle base plate 314 can be supported by a screw boss 3163 provided on the light guide plate 316, and can be prevented from deviating by the screw boss 3163.

[0279] As shown in the figure, the handle base plate 314 may include a plurality of through holes 314h defined at the position of the screw boss 3163 corresponding to the light guide plate 316 and defined as extending through the handle base plate 314 from the front surface 314a to the rear surface 314b.

[0280] Detailed configurations of the lighting element 315 and the handle base plate 314 will be referenced later. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Describe it.

[0281] In addition, the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316 may include a light guide plate 316 disposed in front of the handle substrate 314 and diffuse the visible light L generated from the plurality of illuminators 315.

[0282] The light guide plate 316 is used to diffuse the visible light L generated from the lighting element 315 and to emit the visible light L to the outside of the pop-up handle 31 through the light-emitting surface.

[0283] More specifically, based on the illustrated embodiment, visible light L generated from the illumination element 315 can be introduced to the rear side of the light guide plate 316, then uniformly dispersed inside the light guide plate 316, and then diffused toward the outer edge surface 3161c of the light guide plate 316, which is the light-emitting surface.

[0284] The light guide plate 316 can be formed by injection molding of a plastic material with a predetermined light transmittance, so that visible light L can be effectively incident on it and diffused uniformly therein.

[0285] For the same reason as the handle base plate 314, the light guide plate 316 can be disposed in front of the first handle body 311, such that its thickness direction is parallel to the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0286] In one example, the light guide plate 316 can also house and support the handle base plate 314.

[0287] Therefore, as will be described later, the light guide plate 316 may include a receiving portion defining rib 3162 arranged in the form of a barrier surrounding the entire periphery of the handle base plate 314.

[0288] Furthermore, as described above, the light guide plate 316 is fixed to and supported by the first handle body 311 together with the handle base plate 314 via a plurality of bolts 318.

[0289] For this purpose, the light guide plate 316 may include a screw boss 3163 protruding from its rear surface toward the first handle body 311.

[0290] Each screw boss 3163 may be a hollow boss, so that each bolt 318 can pass through it and extend to the fastening hole 3113 of the first handle body 311.

[0291] In addition, each screw boss 3163 of the light guide plate 316 can pass through the through hole 314h of the handle base plate 314 and extend rearward.

[0292] Detailed configuration of the light guide plate 316, including the receiving portion defining rib 3162 and the screw boss 3163, will be referenced later. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Describe it.

[0293] In one example, as described above, the pop-out handle 31 may include a decorative panel 317 disposed in front of the light guide plate 316 and configured to completely cover the front surface of the light guide plate 316.

[0294] As described above, the decorative panel 317 is made of a metal material with a predetermined thickness and is surface treated to have the same texture as the front panel 30a of the door 30.

[0295] Therefore, the visible light L introduced into the light guide plate 316 cannot pass through the decorative panel 317, and can be reflected by the rear surface of the decorative panel 317 to diffuse again inside the light guide plate 316.

[0296] In one example, the lighting element 315 constituting the handle lighting 314, 315 and 316 receives power from outside the pop-out handle 31 and produces visible light L.

[0297] For this purpose, the handle base plate 314, on which the lighting element 315 is mounted, can be electrically connected to a cable (not shown) and is configured to receive power through the cable.

[0298] The cable hole 3112a is defined by passing through the first handle body 311 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), so that the cable for supplying power to the handle base plate 314 can pass through the cable hole.

[0299] The cable hole 3112a can be located in either the left connecting portion 3112 or the right connecting portion 3112 of the first handle body 311.

[0300] exist Figures 8 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, an exemplary configuration is shown in which the cable hole 3112a is defined in the right connecting portion 3112 of the first handle body 311.

[0301] As described above, since the cable hole 3112a is confined in the right connecting portion 3112 of the first handle body 311, the cable hole 3112a can communicate with the internal space of the third handle body 313.

[0302] Therefore, the cable passing through the cable hole 3112a of the first handle body 311 can pass through the interior space of the third handle body 313 and extend toward the interior of the door 30.

[0303] The cable extending toward the interior of door 30 can be electrically connected to drive control panel 357, which will be described later.

[0304] [Detailed configuration of the arrangement structure of the handle base plate and lighting elements]

[0305] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The arrangement of the handle base plate 314 and the lighting element 315 mounted on the handle base plate 314 is described in the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which constitute the handle lights 314, 315 and 316.

[0306] As described above, multiple lighting elements 315 can be arranged on the rear surface 314b of the handle base plate 314 so that they are interchangeable with each other.

[0307] In this regard, such as Figure 13 As shown, multiple lighting elements 315 can be arranged linearly and in rows along a single line L extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0308] As described above, since the multiple lighting elements 315 are arranged in a row, the number of multiple lighting elements 315 arranged can be minimized.

[0309] In this respect, the single line L along which the multiple lighting elements 315 are arranged can be a line that bisects the handle base plate 314 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0310] Furthermore, the single line L along which the multiple lighting elements 315 are arranged can be a line parallel to each of the upper edge 3141 and the lower edge 3142 of the handle base plate 314.

[0311] Therefore, the first vertical distance Wh11 from the lighting element 315 to the upper edge 3141 of the handle base plate 314 and the second vertical distance Wh12 from the lighting element 315 to the lower edge 3142 of the handle base plate 314 can be set to be equal to each other.

[0312] Therefore, the visible light L generated from the multiple lighting elements 315 arranged along a single line L can be evenly distributed to the upper edge 3141 and the lower edge 3142.

[0313] Therefore, as will be described later, the vertical deviation of the amount of light emitted from the outer edge surface 3161c of the light guide plate 316, which serves as the light-emitting surface, can be minimized.

[0314] In one example, the left-right spacing W1 and W2 between pairs of adjacent lighting elements 315 in the entire handle base plate 314 can be uniform.

[0315] Alternatively, the left-right spacing W1 and W2 between each pair of adjacent lighting elements 315 can vary in the direction toward the left edge 3143 or the right edge 3144 of the handle base plate 314.

[0316] Figure 11 An exemplary configuration is shown in which the left-right spacing W1 between each pair of lighting elements 315 disposed adjacent to each other is the same, except for a pair of lighting elements 315 disposed at the left edge 3143 closest to the handle base plate 314 and a pair of lighting elements 315 disposed at the right edge 3144 closest to the handle base plate 314.

[0317] In this respect, the left-right spacing W2 between the pair of lighting elements 315 disposed on the left edge 3143 closest to the handle base plate 314 and the left-right spacing W2 between the pair of lighting elements 315 disposed on the right edge 3144 closest to the handle base plate 314 can be minimized.

[0318] Furthermore, the left-right spacing W2 between a pair of lighting elements 315 disposed on the left edge 3143 closest to the handle base plate 314 and the left-right spacing W2 between a pair of lighting elements 315 disposed on the right edge 3144 closest to the handle base plate 314 can be set to be equal to each other.

[0319] This adjustment of the lateral spacing between adjacent pairs of lighting elements 315 is to take into account the overlapping effect of light emitted by the lighting element 315 located near the center of the handle base plate 314.

[0320] Therefore, as will be described later, the left-right directional deviation of the amount of light emitted from the outer edge surface 3161c of the light guide plate 316, which serves as the light-emitting surface, can be minimized.

[0321] In one example, as described above, a plurality of through holes 314h can be defined by passing through the handle substrate 314 along the thickness direction of the handle substrate 314.

[0322] The screw boss 3163 and bolt 318 of the light guide plate 316, which will be described later, pass through the respective through holes 314h.

[0323] As shown in the figure, the diameter of each through hole 314h is approximately 50% of the width of the handle base plate 314 in the vertical direction.

[0324] Therefore, it is highly likely that visible light L directed toward the left edge 3143 and the right edge 3144 of the handle base plate 314 will be at least partially blocked by the screw boss 3163 and bolt 318 passing through the through hole 314h, and thus, it is highly likely that light intensity deviation will occur at the left edge 3143 and the right edge 3144 of the handle base plate 314.

[0325] In order to minimize the light amount deviation at the left edge 3143 and the right edge 3144 of the handle base plate 314, as shown in the figure, at least one of the plurality of lighting elements 315a can be disposed between the leftmost through hole 314h of the plurality of through holes 314h and the left edge 3143 of the handle base plate 314.

[0326] Furthermore, for the same reason, at least one of the multiple lighting elements 315h can be disposed between the rightmost through hole 314h of the multiple through holes 314h and the right edge 3144 of the handle base plate 314.

[0327] In one example Figure 12A configuration is shown in which a plurality of lighting elements 315 are arranged linearly in two rows along a first line L1 extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and a second line L2 extending parallel to the first line L1 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and located below the first line L1.

[0328] Compared to the single-row arrangement described above, this arrangement of multiple lighting elements 315 in two rows may be suitable when a relatively large amount of light needs to be ensured or when the vertical width of the handle base plate 314 is relatively large.

[0329] Even when multiple lighting elements are arranged in two rows as described above, it is necessary to minimize the vertical deviation of the light volume.

[0330] Therefore, the first vertical distance Wh21 between the upper edge 3141 of the handle base plate 314 and the first line L1 and the second vertical distance Wh22 between the lower edge 3142 of the handle base plate 314 and the second line L2 can be equal to each other.

[0331] Furthermore, in order to minimize the vertical deviation of the light amount, similar to the above configuration, the left-right distance W2 between the pair of lighting elements 315 disposed at the left edge 3143 closest to the handle base plate 314 and the left-right distance W2 between the pair of lighting elements 315 disposed at the right edge 3144 closest to the handle base plate 314 can be minimized.

[0332] [Detailed configuration of the light guide plate]

[0333] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 13 to 16 The detailed configuration of the light guide plate 316 that constitutes the handle lights 314, 315 and 316 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0334] As described above, in addition to diffusing and dispersing the visible light L generated from the multiple lighting elements 315 and transmitting the visible light L to the outside of the pop-out handle 31 via the outer edge surface 3161c, the light guide plate 316 constituting the handle illuminators 314, 315 and 316 can also be used to house and support the handle substrate 314 therein.

[0335] First, the light guide plate 316 may include a motherboard 3161, which transmits visible light L to the outside of the pop-up handle 31.

[0336] In order to minimize the size of the pop-out handle 31 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), the motherboard 3161 can be configured such that its thickness direction is parallel to the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0337] In addition, the motherboard 3161 may have a rectangular shape, wherein the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) becomes the vertical direction, corresponding to the shape of the first handle body 311.

[0338] The motherboard 3161 can be a plate-shaped component, wherein the thickness is substantially uniform in the front-to-back direction.

[0339] As described above, a decorative panel 317 made of an opaque metallic material is attached to the front surface 3161a of the main board 3161.

[0340] Therefore, due to the connection of the decorative panel 317, visible light L may be blocked from passing through the front surface 3161a of the motherboard 3161 and emitted to the outside.

[0341] For the fitting of the decorative panel 317, a step with a width corresponding to the thickness of the decorative panel 317 can be formed at the edge of the front surface 3161a of the main board 3161.

[0342] The outer edge surface 3161c of the motherboard 3161 can be exposed to the outside of the pop-out handle 31 and act as a light-emitting surface.

[0343] The width of the outer edge surface 3161c in the front-back direction can be uniform across the entire outer edge surface 3161c, so that a uniform amount of light can be emitted to the outside through the outer edge surface 3161c, which acts as a light-emitting surface.

[0344] In addition, the light guide plate 316 may include a receiving portion defining a rib 3162, which defines a receiving space for the receiving handle substrate 314.

[0345] The receiving portion limiting rib 3162 can protrude rearward from the rear surface 3161b of the motherboard 3161 and can be integrally connected with the rear surface 3161b of the motherboard 3161.

[0346] In order to define a receiving space that can accommodate the entire handle base plate 314, the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be formed into a barrier shape that completely surrounds the outer edge of the handle base plate 314.

[0347] Since the receiving portion limiting rib 3162 protrudes from the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161, the receiving space that is recessed in the forward direction can be defined inside the receiving portion limiting rib 3162.

[0348] In this respect, the height at which the receiving portion defines the rib 3162 protrudes from the rear surface 3161b of the motherboard 3161 can be approximately uniform throughout the motherboard 3161.

[0349] However, in order to fully accommodate the handle base plate 314, the height at which the accommodating portion defines the rib 3162 protrudes from the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 can be greater than the thickness of the main board 3161.

[0350] However, as will be described later, the visible light L generated from the lighting element 315 is reflected by the inner surface of the first handle body 311 and then incident on the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the receiving portion defining rib 3162.

[0351] Because the handle base plate 314 is completely housed inside the receiving portion limiting rib 3162, it is possible to form a state in which the receiving portion limiting rib 3162 is partially covered by the handle base plate 314.

[0352] In order to maximize the incident area of ​​visible light L of the rib 3162 defined by the introduced receiving part, such as Figure 16 As shown, the handle base plate 314 can be disposed inside the receiving portion defining rib 3162 in a state spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the receiving portion defining rib 3162.

[0353] In one example, as will be described later, the light guide plate 316 can be forcibly fitted into the first handle body 311.

[0354] In this respect, since the outer peripheral surface 3162a of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 is in surface contact with the inner surface 311a of the first handle body 311, the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be forcibly assembled.

[0355] In one example, the light guide plate 316 may further include a screw boss 3163 that projects rearward from the rear surface 3161b of the motherboard 3161.

[0356] More specifically, for example, the screw boss 3163 may include a first boss 3163a inserted into a through hole 314h in the handle substrate 314.

[0357] The first protrusion 3163a is used to guide the placement of the handle base plate 314 and prevent the handle base plate 314 from deviating from the correct position.

[0358] Therefore, the first boss 3163a can have a simple cylindrical shape, wherein the outer diameter is uniform as the first boss 3163a extends in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0359] In order for the through hole 314h of the handle substrate 314 to pass through, the outer diameter of the first boss 3163a can be equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 314h of the handle substrate 314.

[0360] The front end of the first boss 3163a can be integrally formed with the rear surface of the motherboard 3161, and the rear end of the first boss 3163a can pass through the through hole 314h and extend rearward when the handle substrate 314 is placed.

[0361] Furthermore, the screw boss 3163 may further include a second boss 3163b integrally formed with the rear end of the first boss 3163a.

[0362] The second boss 3163b may have a truncated conical shape, the outer diameter of which gradually decreases as the second boss 3163b extends rearward, so that the insertion connection of the handle base plate 314 can be easily performed.

[0363] In this regard, in order to prevent interference with the through hole 314h of the handle substrate 314, the outer diameter of the front end of the second boss 3163b can be smaller than the outer diameter of the first boss 3163a.

[0364] In one example, the rear end of the second boss 3163b may extend beyond the rear end of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 and extend toward the inner surface 311a of the first handle substrate 314, which will be described later.

[0365] In one example, the first boss 3163a and the second boss 3163b may have hollow portions with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the bolt 318, so that the bolt 318 can pass through the screw boss 3163 and extend to the first handle base plate 314.

[0366] The hollow portion defined in the first boss 3163a and the second boss 3163b can be continuously defined from the front surface 3161a of the motherboard 3161 to the rear end of the second boss 3163b.

[0367] [The inner surface shape of the first handle body]

[0368] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 17 to 21 The shape of the inner surface 311a of the first handle body 311 that constitutes the pop-out handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0369] As described above, the inner surface 311a of the first handle body 311 may include a connecting surface 311a1 in which the light guide plate 316 is forcibly mounted, and reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 that reflect visible light L generated from the lighting element 315.

[0370] Considering the position of the light guide plate 316 located in front of the first handle body 311 and connected to the first handle body 311, the connecting surface 311a1 can be configured to extend backward from the front end of the first handle body 311.

[0371] Furthermore, the connecting surface 311a1 can be formed as a stepped surface including a vertical surface and a horizontal surface.

[0372] In one example, reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 may include at least one of a flat portion extending parallel to a handle base plate 314 disposed in front of the first handle body 311 and a curved portion forming a continuous surface with the flat portion and recessed in a direction away from the handle base plate.

[0373] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagram shows a configuration in which the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 according to the first embodiment are composed only of flat portions.

[0374] As shown in the figure, the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 may include a first reflective surface 311a21 and a third reflective surface 311a23 (which are planes parallel to the handle substrate 314) and a second reflective surface 311a22 perpendicular to the handle substrate 314.

[0375] In this respect, the second reflective surface 311a22 can be disposed between the first reflective surface 311a21 and the third reflective surface 311a23, so that the first reflective surface 311a21, the second reflective surface 311a22 and the third reflective surface 311a23 can generally form a stepped surface.

[0376] According to the first embodiment, the first reflective surface 311a21, the second reflective surface 311a22, and the third reflective surface 311a23 may have a shape that is vertically symmetrical with respect to a single line L along which the plurality of lighting elements 315 are arranged.

[0377] Therefore, as Figure 18 As shown, the visible light L generated from the multiple lighting elements 315 can be initially reflected by the first reflective surface 311a21 or the second reflective surface 311a22. The initially reflected visible light L can be irradiated toward the handle substrate 314 and reflected a second time by the handle substrate 314. The second-reflected visible light L can be reflected a third time by the third reflective surface 311a23.

[0378] The visible light L reflected for the third time by the third reflecting surface 311a23 can be incident on the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the accommodating portion defining rib 3162, and then diffuse and disperse evenly toward the upper outer edge surface 3161c and lower outer edge surface 3161c of the main board 3161.

[0379] In one example, in a first embodiment, the rear end of the screw boss 3163 of the light guide plate 316 is connected to the first reflective surface 311a21 in a state of surface contact with it.

[0380] Therefore, the protruding height of the screw boss 3163 can be limited to the distance between the first reflective surface 311a21 and the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0381] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rear end of the rib 3162 defined by the receiving portion of the light guide plate 316 is connected to the third reflective surface 311a23 in a state of surface contact with it.

[0382] Therefore, the protruding height of the receiving portion defining the rib 3162 can be limited to the distance between the third reflective surface 311a23 and the rear surface 3161b of the main plate 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0383] As an example, the protruding height of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 may be equal to or less than 50% of the protruding height of the screw boss 3163.

[0384] Furthermore, the protruding height of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 may be greater than the protruding height of the lighting element 315 from the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0385] Light generated from the lighting element 315 moves upward or laterally from the lighting element 315. By setting the protruding height of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 as described above, this disclosure can be configured such that not only reflected light but also light directly from the lighting element 315 can be introduced into the receiving portion defining rib 3162.

[0386] Furthermore, since the protruding height and placement position of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 are set as described above, the diffuse reflection effect of light can be amplified by the first reflective surface 311a21, the second reflective surface 311a22 and the third reflective surface 311a23 formed as stepped surfaces, so the amount of light introduced into the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be ensured to be as large as possible.

[0387] Figure 19 and Figure 20 The diagram shows the configuration in which the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 according to the second embodiment are formed as a composite surface including flat portions and curved portions.

[0388] As shown in the figure, the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 according to the second embodiment may include a first reflective surface 311a21 as a plane parallel to the handle substrate 314 and a second reflective surface 311a22 as a curved portion that is recessed in a direction away from the first handle substrate 314.

[0389] In this respect, a pair of second reflective surfaces 311a22 having the same shape can be arranged such that the first reflective surface 311a21 is located therebetween.

[0390] Similar to the first embodiment, the first reflective surface 311a21 and the second reflective surface 311a22 according to the second embodiment may have a shape that is vertically symmetrical with respect to a single line L along which the plurality of lighting elements 315 are arranged.

[0391] Therefore, as Figure 20 As shown, the visible light L generated from the multiple lighting elements 315 can be reflected once by the first reflective surface 311a21 or the second reflective surface 311a22. The first reflected visible light L can irradiate the handle substrate 314 and be reflected twice by the handle substrate 314. The second reflected visible light L can be incident on the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the receiving portion defining rib 3162, and then diffuse and disperse uniformly towards the upper outer edge surface 3161c and the lower outer edge surface 3161c of the main board 3161.

[0392] In one example, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the rear end of the screw boss 3163 of the light guide plate 316 is coupled to the first reflective surface 311a21 in a state of contact with its surface.

[0393] Therefore, the protruding height of the screw boss 3163 can be limited to the distance between the first reflective surface 311a21 and the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0394] However, unlike the first embodiment, the vertical width of the first reflective surface 311a21 according to the second embodiment can be smaller than the diameter of the rear end of the screw boss 3163.

[0395] Furthermore, the protruding height of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be limited to the distance between the front end of the second reflective surface 311a22 and the rear surface 3161b of the main plate 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0396] As an example, the protrusion height of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be equal to or less than 50% of the protrusion height of screw boss 3163 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0397] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the rear end of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 can be configured not to be at least partially covered by the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311. Light reflected by the second reflective surface 311a22 can be directly introduced through the open rear end of the receiving portion defining rib 3162.

[0398] Therefore, the amount of light introduced into the housing rib 3162 can be further ensured.

[0399] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The diagram shows the configuration in which the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 according to the third embodiment are formed as a composite surface including flat portions and curved portions.

[0400] As shown in the figure, as in the second embodiment, the reflective surfaces 311a21 and 311a22 of the first handle body 311 according to the third embodiment may include a first reflective surface 311a21 as a plane parallel to the handle substrate 314 and a second reflective surface 311a22 as a curved portion recessed in a direction away from the first handle substrate 314.

[0401] In this respect, a pair of second reflective surfaces 311a22 having the same shape can be configured such that the first reflective surface 311a21 is located therebetween.

[0402] As in the above embodiments, the first reflective surface 311a21 and the second reflective surface 311a22 according to the third embodiment may have a shape that is vertically symmetrical with respect to a single line L along which the plurality of lighting elements 315 are arranged.

[0403] Therefore, as Figure 22 As shown, the visible light L generated from the multiple lighting elements 315 can be initially reflected by the first reflective surface 311a21 or the second reflective surface 311a22. The initially reflected visible light L can irradiate the handle substrate 314 and be reflected a second time by the handle substrate 314. The second-reflected visible light L can be incident on the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the receiving portion defining rib 3162, and then diffuse and disperse uniformly towards the upper outer edge surface 3161c and the lower outer edge surface 3161c of the main board 3161.

[0404] In one example, in the same manner as the above embodiments, in the third embodiment, the rear end of the screw boss 3163 of the light guide plate 316 is connected to the first reflective surface 311a21 in a state of surface contact with it.

[0405] Therefore, the protruding height of the screw boss 3163 can be limited to the distance between the first reflective surface 311a21 and the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 of the light guide plate 316.

[0406] Furthermore, in the same manner as the second embodiment, the vertical width of the first reflective surface 311a21 according to the third embodiment can be smaller than the outer diameter of the rear end of the screw boss 3163.

[0407] However, the vertical width of the second reflective surface 311a22 according to the third embodiment may be smaller than the vertical width of the second reflective surface 311a22 according to the second embodiment.

[0408] Therefore, the protrusion height of the receiving portion limiting rib 3162 according to the third embodiment can be limited to the distance between the front end of the second reflective surface 311a22 and the rear surface 3161b of the main board 3161 of the light guide plate 316, but it can be greater than the protrusion height of the receiving portion limiting rib 3162 according to the second embodiment.

[0409] More specifically, according to the third embodiment, the protrusion height of the receiving portion defining the rib 3162 can be greater than 50% and less than 100% of the protrusion height of the screw boss 3163.

[0410] Therefore, the amount of light incident on the inner peripheral surface 3162b of the receiving portion defining rib 3162 after being reflected by the first reflective surface 311a21, the second reflective surface 311a22 and the rear surface 314b of the handle substrate 314 can be increased, and finally, the amount of visible light L emitted through the outer edge surface 3161c of the motherboard 3161 can be ensured to reach a predetermined level or higher.

[0411] [Example configuration of handle driver and handle frame]

[0412] In the following text, see references Figure 23 and Figure 24 An exemplary configuration will be described, which drives the pop-out handle 31 to reciprocate between an extended position Pd and a retracted position Pa, and a handle frame 30d in which the handle driver 35 is housed.

[0413] The handle driver 35 may include a single drive motor 351 that receives power and generates rotational driving force.

[0414] Therefore, the rotational driving force provided to the left end and the right end of the pop-out handle 31 can be generated by the drive motor 351.

[0415] The rotational driving force of the drive motor 351 can be transmitted to the first lead screw 352a via the first coupling 355a.

[0416] In addition, the rotational driving force of the drive motor 351 can be transmitted to the second lead screw 352b via the second coupling 355b.

[0417] The motor body of the drive motor 351 can be fixed inside the handle frame 30a while being housed in the motor bracket 3511d.

[0418] In one example, the handle driver 35 may further include a pair of lead screws 352a and 352b.

[0419] More specifically, the lead screws 352a and 352b may include a first lead screw 352a, which is connected to the first output shaft 3512a of the drive motor 351 and rotates by receiving rotational driving force from the first output shaft 3512a.

[0420] In one example, an external lead screw thread with a predetermined longitudinal width can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the left end of the first lead screw 352a.

[0421] The first nut 353a, which constitutes the first motion converters 353a and 354a, can be threaded to the external screw thread.

[0422] When the first nut 353a moves linearly in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) by the forward or reverse rotation of the first lead screw 352a, the rotational driving force of the first lead screw 352a can be converted into a linear driving force in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) by the first nut 353a.

[0423] In addition, the lead screw pair may include a second lead screw 352b, which is connected to the second output shaft 3512b of the drive motor 351 and rotates by receiving rotational driving force from the second output shaft 3512b.

[0424] In one example, an external lead screw thread with a predetermined longitudinal width can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the right end of the second lead screw 352b.

[0425] The second nut 353b, which constitutes the second motion converters 353b and 354b, can be threaded to the external screw thread, as will be described later.

[0426] In one example, the handle driver 35 may further include a pair of couplings 355a and 355b.

[0427] In one example, the handle driver 35 may further include a pair of motion converters.

[0428] The pair of motion converters may include first motion converters 353a and 354a that convert the rotational driving force transmitted from the first lead screw 352a into a linear driving force in the forward-backward (FR) direction.

[0429] The linear driving force in the forward / backward (FR) direction converted by the first motion converters 353a and 354a can be transmitted to the second handle body 3112 forming the left end of the pop-out handle 31.

[0430] More specifically, the first motion converters 353a and 354a may include a first nut 353a that is threaded to the external screw thread of the first lead screw 352a described above.

[0431] In one example, the first motion converters 353a and 354a may further include a first link 354a, which converts the linear driving force transmitted from the first nut 353a in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) into a linear driving force in the front-back direction (FR direction).

[0432] In one example, the pair of motion converters may include second motion converters 353b and 354b that convert the rotational driving force transmitted from the second lead screw 352b into a linear driving force in the forward-backward (FR) direction.

[0433] More specifically, the second motion converters 353b and 354b may include a second nut 353b that is threaded to the external screw thread of the aforementioned second lead screw 352b.

[0434] In one example, the second motion converters 353b and 354b may further include a second link 354b, which converts the linear driving force transmitted from the second nut 353b in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) into a linear driving force in the front-back direction (FR direction).

[0435] In one example, the handle frame 30d may be equipped with a blind plate module 37 that blocks the opening 30e through which the pop-out handle 31 passes when the pop-out handle 31 moves from the retracted position Pa to the extended position Pd.

[0436] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a handle frame 30d in which a handle actuator 35 and a pop-out handle 31 are housed.

[0437] More specifically, the handle frame 30d may include a frame body in which a pop-out handle 31 and a handle driver 35 are housed.

[0438] The frame body may have a hollow box shape to fully accommodate and support the pop-out handle 31 and handle driver 35.

[0439] In one example, a handle inlet having a cross-sectional area and shape corresponding to the appearance of the pop-out handle 31 can be defined through the front wall 30d11 of the frame body, allowing the pop-out handle 31 to be entered and exited.

[0440] To increase space utilization, the control panel retainer 321, which houses the aforementioned control panel 32, can be connected to the upper wall 30d12 of the frame body while in contact with its surface.

[0441] In one example, the substrate frame 30f that houses and supports the driver control substrate 357 can be arranged below the handle frame 30d.

[0442] As described above, the control panel holder 321, which houses the control panel 32 for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 and the control panel base plate (not shown), can be connected to the upper wall 30d12 of the frame body 30d1.

[0443] That is, as in the illustrated embodiment, the driver control board 357 for controlling the handle driver 35 can be disposed in the board frame 30f, separate from the control panel 32 and the control panel board (not shown).

[0444] However, unlike the illustrated embodiment, the control board can be integrated into a single control board capable of controlling both the operation of the dishwasher 1 and the operation of the pop-out handle 31. Therefore, the internal structure of the door 30 can be simplified.

[0445] Regardless of whether the control panel board and the drive control board 357 are provided separately or integrated as described above, they can be electrically connected to the main controller (not shown) provided in the main body of the dishwasher 1. Therefore, the operation of the various detailed components constituting the dishwasher 1 (including the pop-out handle 31) can be controlled by the main controller.

[0446] The handle frame 30d and the base plate frame 30f can be directly fastened to the front panel 30a of the door 30, or indirectly fastened to the front panel 30a of the door 30.

[0447] The mounting bracket 30g can be provided as a device for indirectly fastening the handle frame 30d to the front panel 30a of the door 30.

[0448] In one example, the handle frame 30d may include guide brackets 30h1 and 30h2 as a means for realizing horizontal movement of the pop-out handle 31.

[0449] Guide brackets 30h1 and 30h2 are used to accommodate the second handle body 3112 and the third handle body 3113 of the pop-out handle 31 and to guide the second handle body 3112 and the third handle body 3113 to move horizontally in the front-back direction.

[0450] As an example, guide brackets 30h1 and 30h2 may include a first guide bracket 30h1 in which a second handle body 3112 is housed and a second guide bracket 30h2 in which a third handle body 3113 is housed.

[0451] The first guide bracket 30h1 and the second guide bracket 30h2 can be integrally formed with the frame body of the handle frame 30d, or they can be separately formed from the frame body and fastened to the frame body.

[0452] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, even though the effects of configurations according to the present disclosure are not explicitly described and explained in the description of embodiments of the present disclosure, it should naturally be recognized that the effects predictable by the corresponding configurations are appropriate.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising: A tub body that defines a washing space having an open front surface; A door, configured to open and close the open front surface of the barrel; as well as A handle, the handle being configured to reciprocate between an extended position in which the handle projects forward from the door and a retracted position in which the handle is at least partially received within the door. The handle includes: The handle body, when the handle is moved to the extended position, is exposed to the outside of the door; and A handle light illuminator configured to generate visible light from inside the handle and to illuminate the outside of the handle.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The handle light includes: A handle base plate, wherein the handle base plate is configured such that the thickness direction of the handle base plate is parallel to the front-rear direction; and Multiple lighting elements are mounted on the front or rear surface of the handle base plate.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of lighting elements are arranged linearly along a single line extending in the left-right direction.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of lighting elements are arranged linearly along a first line and a second line, the first line extending in a left-right direction, and the second line located below the first line and extending parallel to the first line in the left-right direction.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The lateral spacing between adjacent pairs of lighting elements varies in the direction toward the left or right edge of the handle base plate.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein, The left-right spacing between the pair of lighting elements closest to the left edge of the handle base plate and the left-right spacing between the pair of lighting elements closest to the right edge of the handle base plate are minimized.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The handle substrate includes a plurality of through holes defined by the handle substrate along the thickness direction.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the plurality of lighting elements is disposed between the leftmost through hole and the left edge of the handle base plate.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the plurality of lighting elements is disposed between the rightmost through hole and the right edge of the handle base plate.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The handle illuminator also includes a light guide plate, which is attached to the handle body and configured to transmit visible light generated by the illuminator to the outside. The handle substrate is housed within the light guide plate.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein, The light guide plate includes: A motherboard, the motherboard having an outer edge surface exposed to the outside; and A receiving portion defining rib protrudes from the rear surface of the main board toward the handle body and defines a space for receiving the handle base plate. The outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion defines the contact between the inner surface of the handle body and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein, The height of the rib protruding from the rear surface of the motherboard is greater than the thickness of the motherboard.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein, The handle base plate is disposed inside the receiving portion defining rib in a state that is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion defining rib.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of lighting elements are arranged on the rear surface of the handle base plate to face the inner surface of the handle body. Visible light generated from the lighting element is reflected by the inner surface of the handle body and then incident on the light guide plate.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein, The inner surface of the handle body includes one of a flat portion extending parallel to the handle base plate and a curved portion forming a continuous surface with the flat portion and recessed in a direction away from the handle base plate.

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