Household appliance

Abstract

This invention relates to household appliances. A household appliance is provided. The appliance includes: a door; a handle configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein a handle movement mode is selected by a user; and a sensor disposed on the door or handle and configured to sense input from the user. The appliance receives a handle movement mode selected by the user and, based on the selected handle movement mode and a detection signal from the sensor, extends or retracts the handle from the door or maintains the handle in the extended state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a household appliance, and more particularly to a household appliance having a handle extending from a door. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a home may contain a variety of household appliances. For example, a home may contain various appliances that provide convenience, such as dishwashers, garment care devices, laundry handling equipment, dryers, and refrigerators.

[0003] Household appliances may have doors for opening and closing their interior spaces, and these doors may have handles for users to grip. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance with a handle extending from a door, wherein the user can select and change the handle movement mode according to preference or environment.

[0005] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance that can automatically or semi-automatically retract a handle extending from a door, or maintain the handle in the extended position, depending on a handle movement mode selected by the user.

[0006] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance that automatically retracts a handle extending from a door.

[0007] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance capable of semi-automatically retracting a handle extending from a door.

[0008] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance capable of maintaining the position of a handle extending from a door in a fixed state.

[0009] The technical objectives to be achieved according to the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical objectives not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] In a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can select and change the handle movement mode to extend or retract the handle from the door according to the user's preference or environment, and the controller of the household appliance can allow the handle to extend or retract from the door based on the handle movement mode selected by the user.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the handle movement mode can be selected and changed by the user, and based on the sensor signal and the selected or changed handle movement mode, the handle can be extended from or retracted into the door, or the handle position can be fixed in the extended state.

[0012] Furthermore, in response to the handle movement mode being set to an automatic retraction mode, the household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the handle holding condition is met based on at least one of the sensor detection signal and the elapsed time length, and can retract the handle back into the front panel of the door based on the determination result.

[0013] Furthermore, in response to the handle movement mode being set to semi-automatic retraction mode and a user command being entered, the household appliance according to embodiments of this disclosure can extend or retract the handle from the door based on the handle's current position.

[0014] Furthermore, in response to the handle movement mode being set to the handle position fixed mode, the household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can fix the handle position in the extended state. In response to inputting a signal corresponding to disabling the handle position fixed mode from an external terminal, the household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can retract the handle into the door.

[0015] As described above, the household appliance disclosed herein can be configured to allow the user to select or change the handle movement mode according to the user's preferences or environment so that the handle extends from or retracts into the door.

[0016] Furthermore, the household appliance disclosed herein can automatically extend or retract the handle from the front panel of the door, or fix the handle in the extended position, based on the handle movement mode selected or changed by the user.

[0017] Furthermore, in response to the user selecting the handle movement mode as the automatic retraction mode or changing the handle movement mode to the automatic retraction mode, the household appliance of this disclosure can automatically retract the extended handle back to the front panel of the door based on the sensor's detection signal and the elapsed time.

[0018] Furthermore, in response to a user selecting a semi-automatic retraction mode for the handle movement mode or changing the handle movement mode to a semi-automatic retraction mode and sensing a double touch on the extended handle, the household appliance disclosed herein can retract the handle back into the front panel of the door.

[0019] Furthermore, in response to the user selecting the handle movement mode as the handle position fixed mode or changing the handle movement mode to the handle position fixed mode, the household appliance of this disclosure can maintain the extended state of the handle in a fixed manner.

[0020] Furthermore, in response to the detection that a person's hand is caught between the handle and the door while the extended handle is retracting into or towards the front panel of the door, the household appliance of this disclosure can automatically stop the retraction movement and extend the handle, thereby preventing hand injury due to hand pinching.

[0021] Furthermore, the household appliance disclosed herein allows users to select or change the handle movement mode and control the handle extension state according to user preferences or environment, thereby meeting the needs of various users.

[0022] For example, for users who don't frequently use household appliances but move around a lot in the kitchen, keeping the handle retracted in the door might be more convenient than having it extended out. Furthermore, even when a flat, aesthetically pleasing door design is desired, keeping the handle retracted might be preferable.

[0023] In addition, for users who frequently use home appliances or find it difficult to operate them electronically, it may be more convenient to keep the handle extended from the door at all times.

[0024] As described above, the household appliances disclosed herein allow users to select or change the handle movement mode according to their needs, thereby improving user convenience and allowing for design changes.

[0025] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state in which the handle of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is concealed inside the door.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the dishwasher handle of an embodiment of the present disclosure in its maximum extended state.

[0030] Figure 5 It is shown as follows Figure 4 The side view shown shows the handle with its maximum extension.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the dishwasher handle of an embodiment of the present disclosure with partially extended.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the handle of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the handle of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the handle.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the location of a first sensor disposed at the lower end of the dishwasher door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a dishwasher control device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in the automatic retraction mode of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in the semi-automatic retraction mode of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a dishwasher handle position fixing mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of an example of a control device in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This diagram illustrates hand sensing performed by sensors arranged in the handle. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, thus enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the technical concepts of this disclosure. In the description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to this disclosure will be omitted where it is determined that such descriptions might unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the 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 denote the same or similar components.

[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it is clear that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Unless otherwise stated, a first component can be a second component.

[0044] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but various modifications can be applied thereto, and this disclosure can be implemented in various different forms. However, these embodiments are provided to complete this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those disclosed below, but should be understood as allowing one embodiment's configuration to be substituted for or added to another's configuration, and all changes, equivalents, and substitutions included within the technical spirit and scope of this disclosure are included in this disclosure.

[0045] The accompanying drawings are provided merely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. The technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited to the drawings, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure are included herein. In the drawings, components may appear larger or smaller in size or thickness for ease of understanding, etc. However, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments or implementations only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure. That is, it should be understood that in this disclosure, the terms “comprising” and “including” do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0047] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., can be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0048] When it is said that a component is "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that a component can be directly connected to or linked to another component, or that there may be another component between them. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component between them.

[0049] When a component is described as being "set on" or "set below" another component, it should be understood that a component can be directly set on or below another component, or that there may be another component between them.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technical context, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or over-formalized meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0051] In the following description, a household appliance and its control method thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which are capable of automatically or semi-automatically retracting a handle extending from the front panel of a door or changing the state of the handle to a fixed state.

[0052] In this disclosure, for ease of description, an example of a household appliance implemented as a dishwasher 1 is described. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In another example, the household appliance may be implemented as a household appliance configured such that the door and handle are visible to the outside, such as a dishwasher, a garment care device, a clothes handling appliance, a dryer, and a refrigerator.

[0053] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the household appliance is implemented as a dishwasher with a door that opens and closes in a hinged manner. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. In another example, the household appliance may be implemented as a household appliance with a door that opens and closes in a drawer-like manner.

[0054] In this disclosure, the front-to-back direction refers to the direction based on the front and rear sides of the dishwasher 1, and the left-to-right direction refers to the direction based on the lateral side of the dishwasher 1. The user uses the dishwasher 1 when positioned in front of it.

[0055] In this disclosure, the outward direction of the door 30 can be defined as the forward direction of the dishwasher 1.

[0056] [Overall structure of the dishwasher]

[0057] The overall structure of the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include: a housing 10 constituting the exterior; a tub 20 installed in the interior space of the housing 10 and defining a washing space 21 therein, in which the objects to be washed are washed, wherein the front surface of the tub is open; a door 30 for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20; a drive unit 40 located below the tub 20 for heating, supplying, collecting, circulating and discharging washing water for washing the objects; a dish rack 50 removably disposed in the interior washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive the objects to be washed therein; and sprayers 61, 62 and 63 installed adjacent to the dish rack 50 to spray washing water for washing the objects to be washed therein.

[0060] For this purpose, the items to be washed in the dish rack 50 may be, for example, 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.

[0061] The tub body 20 can be formed as a box shape with the front surface 22 completely open, and each of the rear surface 23, upper surface 24, lower surface 25, right surface 27 and left surface is closed, corresponding to the part referred to as the washing tub.

[0062] The washing space 21 can be formed inside the tub 20, and the open front surface of the tub 20 can be opened and closed by the door 30.

[0063] The barrel body 20 can be formed by pressing a high-temperature and moisture-resistant metal sheet (such as a stainless steel sheet).

[0064] In addition, multiple supports can be arranged on the inner surface of the barrel 20 for supporting and installing functional components such as the bowl basket 50 and the sprinkler (described later) inside the barrel 20.

[0065] The drive unit 40 may be configured to include: a water collection tank 41 for storing washing water therein for washing and rinsing the washed objects; a water collection tank cover 42 for separating the water collection tank 41 from the tub body 20; a water supply device 43 for supplying washing water from an external source to the water collection tank 41; a drainage device 44 for draining the washing water from the water collection tank 41; a washing pump 45 for supplying the washing water from the water collection tank 41 to the jet; a heater 47 for heating the washing water; and a supply flow path 46.

[0066] A water collection tank cover 42 can be disposed on top of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to separate the tub body 20 from the water collection tank 41. Furthermore, the water collection tank cover 42 can have multiple collection holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 by the sprayers into the water collection tank 41. Washing water sprayed towards the dishes from the sprayers 61, 62, and 63 can fall to the bottom of the washing space 21 and can be collected again by the water collection tank cover 42 and enter the water collection tank 41.

[0067] The washing pump 45 can be located on the side or bottom of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the sprayers. 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 can be equipped with 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 sprayers through the supply flow path 46.

[0068] A heater assembly, including a heating heater 47, can be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing of the washing pump 45. The heating heater 47 can be used to heat the washing water to be supplied to the washing pump 45. The heating heater 47 can heat the washing water for washing and rinsing the objects to a target temperature based on a control signal from a controller. For example, the heating heater 47 can heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to the washing cycle. Furthermore, the heating heater 47 can heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to the rinsing process. Additionally, the heating heater 47 can heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to whether moisture absorption and drying are activated.

[0069] Furthermore, the heating heater 47 can, in response to a control signal from the controller, heat the washing water to a varying target temperature during the washing or rinsing cycle. Additionally, the heating heater 47 can, in response to a control signal from the controller, heat the washing water supplied during the rinsing process to a target temperature that varies depending on whether moisture absorption and drying are activated. For example, when moisture absorption and drying are activated, the heating heater 47 can heat the washing water during the rinsing process to a higher temperature than when moisture absorption and drying are deactivated.

[0070] In one example, supply path 46 can be used to selectively supply washing water from washing pump 45 to sprayers.

[0071] For example, the 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. The supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens / closes the supply flow paths 461 and 463.

[0072] In this respect, the supply path switching valve 465 can be controlled to open the supply paths 461 and 463 sequentially or simultaneously.

[0073] In one example, the sprayer can be configured to spray wash water onto the dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0074] More specifically, the sprayer may include: a lower spray arm 61 located below the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the lower dish rack 51; an upper spray arm 62 located between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52 to spray washing water onto both the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52; and a top nozzle 63 located at the top of the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the top dish rack 53 or the upper dish rack 52.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The lower spray arm 61 can be rotatably supported on top of 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.

[0077] In addition, the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder 467 so as to spray washing water onto the dishes when rotating and positioned between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0078] In one example, although not shown, in order to improve washing efficiency, an additional device may be provided on 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 in the U direction).

[0079] A dish rack 50 for storing tableware can be provided in the washing space 21. The dish rack 50 can be configured to extend from or retract into the interior space of the tub 20 through an open front surface of the tub 20.

[0080] For example, in Figure 2 The present invention illustrates one embodiment in which the dish rack 50 includes: a lower dish rack 51 located at the bottom of the bucket body 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 bucket body 20 for storing small cutlery. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. However, an example in which the dishwasher 1 includes three dish racks 50 as shown in the figure is described below.

[0081] Each of the lower basket 51, the upper basket 52, and the top basket 53 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.

[0082] For this purpose, guide rails 54 can be respectively disposed on two opposing inner surfaces constituting the inner surface of the barrel 20. By way of example, the guide rails may include an upper guide rail 542, a lower guide rail 541, and a top guide rail 543.

[0083] Wheels can be installed on the bottom of each of the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53. The user can extend the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53 from the interior space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and place tableware on them, or easily extend washed tableware from them.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Although not shown, the rear panel 30b inside the defining door 30 may be further provided with a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the interior of the tub 20.

[0086] Furthermore, a door position sensor 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 may include a door position sensor, latch sensor, or limit sensor that detects the position of a door latch (not shown).

[0087] In one example, a moisture-absorbing drying device 80 may be disposed below the drum 20 and configured to absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the drum 20 during the drying cycle, and then supply water vapor-free air back to the drum 20.

[0088] The desiccant drying device 80 may include: an intake pipe 81 through which air discharged from the barrel 20 is drawn in; a blower 82 for generating an airflow; a heater 83 for heating the air drawn in from the barrel 20; and a desiccant 85 for absorbing water vapor contained in the air.

[0089] Air supply hole 254 can be defined in the lower surface 25 of barrel 20, and air that has had water vapor removed by moisture absorption and drying device 80 is introduced into barrel 20 through air supply hole.

[0090] The airflow supplied to the inside of the container 20 and which becomes damp while drying the tableware can be discharged to the outside, and the discharge of the airflow can be done by partially opening the door 30 or by a separate exhaust device (not shown).

[0091] Because dry air from the desiccant drying unit 80 is supplied into the interior of the drum 20 during the drying process, the drying efficiency and sterilization effect of the tableware can be significantly improved.

[0092] As described above, door 30 serves to open and close the open front surface of barrel 20. A hinge (not shown) around which door 30 is closed or opened can be provided at the bottom of the open front surface. Therefore, door 30 can pivot about the hinge as a pivot axis.

[0093] When the door 30 is closed, the rear panel 30b that forms the inner surface of the door 30 can form a surface of the barrel 20, and when the door 30 is fully open, it can form the mounting surface of the lower basket 51 that supports the basket 50.

[0094] Therefore, when the door 30 is fully opened downwards, the rear panel 30b of the door 30 can be configured as a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as the guide rail 54 that guides the lower basket 51 to move.

[0095] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 can be provided on the outer surface of the door 30.

[0096] The control panel 32 may include: a display 33 that visually displays information such as the current operating status of the dishwasher 1; and a button unit 34, which includes a selection button for inputting user program selection operations and a power button for inputting user operations to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0097] According to this disclosure, the handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 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.

[0098] Because the handle is configured to retract so as to be at least partially housed inside the door 30 or to extend forward from the door 30 in a projecting manner, the handle 31 can be referred to by various names, such as pop-out handle, retractable handle, extendable handle, etc. In the following, the 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 handle 31.

[0099] [Handle appearance and operation]

[0100] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 6 The appearance and operation of the handle 31 provided at the door 30 of a dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0101] As described above, the front panel 30a of the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a handle 31 that can reciprocate in the front-rear direction. In this regard, as described above, the door 30 may be configured to pivot about a hinge (not shown) connected to the lower end of the door.

[0102] The handle 31 can be located near the top surface of the door 30, where the user can easily grip the handle, and the handle can be located on the front panel 30a that forms the front surface of the door 30 and can extend out of or retract into the door.

[0103] Furthermore, the handle 31 can extend along the front edge of the top surface of the door 30 and in the left-right direction, allowing the user to easily grip the handle. The handle 31 can be formed in a U-shape with approximately 90 degrees of rotation.

[0104] In order to extend or retract the handle 31, an elongated opening 30e having a shape corresponding to the appearance of the handle 31 may 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.

[0105] As described below, the handle 31 can be configured to reciprocate in the forward and rearward directions through the opening 30e of the front panel 30a under the operation of the handle driver.

[0106] More specifically, the handle 31 can be configured to reciprocate between a forwardmost position and a rearmost position under the operation of the handle driver. Furthermore, depending on the operation of the handle driver, the handle 31 can be partially extended in the forward direction.

[0107] For convenience, in the following text, the foremost position to which the handle 31 is moved in the forward direction is defined as the maximum extension position Pd2 or the second position Pd2. The rearmost position to which the handle 31 is moved in the rearward direction is defined as the insertion position Pa. Furthermore, the position where the handle 31 is partially extended in the forward direction is defined as the partial extension position Pd1 or the first position Pd1.

[0108] Figure 3 This shows the state where the handle 31 has been moved to the rearmost position (i.e., the insertion position Pa) and has therefore been retracted into the door 30.

[0109] As shown in the figure, when the handle 31 has been moved to the insertion position Pa, the handle 31 has at least partially retracted into the interior of the door 30. In this respect, preferably, the handle 31 can pass through the entire opening 30e of the door 30 and retract into the interior of the door 30.

[0110] Furthermore, when the handle 31 has been moved to the insertion position Pa, the handle 31 can be in a state where the handle 31 does not protrude forward from the front panel 30a of the door 30. In addition, when the handle 31 has been moved to the insertion position Pa, the front end surface of the handle 31 can be coplanar with the front surface of the front panel 30a of the door 30 so as to form a continuous surface.

[0111] In other words, when the handle 31 has been moved to the insertion position Pa, a state can be formed in which, while the opening 30e of the door 30 is completely closed, no step is formed between the front surface of the front panel 30a of the door 30 and the front surface of the handle 31. Therefore, when the handle 31 has been moved to the insertion position Pa, the opening 30e of the front panel 30a is completely blocked, and at the same time, no step is formed between the front surface of the front panel 30a and the front surface of the handle 31, which fundamentally prevents foreign objects such as dust from accumulating on the protruding part of the door 30 or on the handle itself as in conventional solutions.

[0112] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This shows the state where handle 31 has been moved from the insertion position Pa to the maximum extension position Pd2, and Figure 6 The diagram shows the state where the handle 31 has shifted from the insertion position Pa to the partially extended position Pd1. In this disclosure, the partially extended position of the handle 31 can be referred to as the partially extended position Pd1 or the first position Pd1. Furthermore, the position where the handle 31 is fully extended can be referred to as the fully extended position Pd2 or the second position Pd2.

[0113] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, handle 31 can extend from the insertion position Pa to the maximum extension position Pd2. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, handle 31 can extend from the insertion position Pa to the partially extended position Pd1.

[0114] First, when the first sensor 210 (in) Figure 10(As shown in the diagram) When a person is detected, the handle 31 can extend to a partially extended position Pd1. The first sensor 210 can be located at the lower end of the door 30 to maintain a seamless design of the front panel 30a of the door 30. For example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a proximity sensor. Alternatively, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as one of radar (RADAR, radio detection and ranging), lidar (LIDAR, light detection and ranging), and thermal sensor.

[0115] For example, in response to the first sensor 210 detecting a person, the handle 31 can extend 5 mm from the door. In one example, the travel Ls of the handle 31 from the insertion position Pa to the partially extended position Pd1 can be in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm, preferably 5 mm. When the movement of the handle 31 to the partially extended position Pd1 is complete, the cover 324 and the light guide 323 of the handle 31 can be exposed. A first LED module 250 having a plurality of LED elements 3221 can be disposed inside the handle 31, and light emitted from the first LED module 250 can be exposed through the light guide 323.

[0116] The partially extended travel distance Ls of the handle 31 is determined with the following factors in mind: the distance at which the handle 31 is extended from the door so that the light emitted from the first LED module 250 can be exposed to the user through the light guide 323. The partially extended travel distance Ls of the handle 31 is merely an example and can be designed to vary depending on the thickness of the light guide 323.

[0117] Furthermore, in response to the first sensor 210 detecting a person, the handle 31 can extend 5mm outward from the inside of the door 30. Simultaneously, the first LED module 250 can be activated to serve as preset welcome lighting. For example, the multiple LED elements 3221 of the first LED module 250 can be activated in an animated manner, and can be activated sequentially in a clockwise / counterclockwise rotation manner or a left / right gradual manner (activated sequentially from the center to each of the left and right sides, or activated sequentially from each of the left and right sides towards the center), thereby serving as preset welcome lighting.

[0118] Next, when the second sensor 220 (in) Figure 11 (As shown in the diagram) When a human hand is detected, the handle 31 can extend to its maximum extended position Pd2. A second sensor 220 can be disposed inside the handle 31. The second sensor 220 being housed inside the handle 31 allows the front panel 30a of the door 30 to maintain a seamless design.

[0119] For example, the second sensor 220 can be implemented as a capacitance-based sensor capable of sensing non-contact touch (air touch) or contact touch. Therefore, the second sensor 220 can sense a user's touch on the front surface of the handle 31. The second sensor 220 may include touch electrodes, and the touch electrodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board 322 disposed within the handle. The second sensor 220 can detect air touch or contact touch based on the detection of capacitance changes between the touch electrodes and the user's hand. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and any device capable of detecting whether a user's hand is near the handle can be used as the second sensor 220 without limitation.

[0120] When the handle 31 has moved to the maximum extension position Pd2, the handle body 321 of the handle 31 can be in a state where the handle body 321 is completely exposed to the outside of the door 30 and the user can grip the handle body 321. As the handle 31 moves to the maximum extension position Pd2, the handle body 321 of the handle 31 leaves the opening 30e of the front panel 30a of the door 30 and is exposed to the outside of the door 30.

[0121] For example, the displacement stroke Ls of the handle 31 from the insertion position Pa to the maximum extension position Pd2 can be in the range of 40mm to 50mm, preferably 45mm. The displacement stroke Ls of the handle 31 is just an example and can be designed to vary depending on the overall size of the dishwasher 1 and the front and rear dimensions of the door 30.

[0122] [Detailed structure of the handle]

[0123] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the handle of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the handle of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the handle.

[0124] Reference Figure 7 The handle 31 includes a handle body 321, a printed circuit board 322, a light guide 323, and a handle cover 324.

[0125] The handle body 321 extends elongatedly along the left-right direction and is disposed in the front panel 30a of the door 30 for reciprocating movement in the front-back direction. The handle body 321 includes a first handle body 321a and a second handle body 321b respectively connected to two opposite sides in the left-right direction of the front panel 30a.

[0126] A handle actuator can be disposed in each of the first handle body 321a and the second handle body 321b. A pair of handle actuators can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction, and the driving force generated from the pair of handle actuators can be transmitted to the first handle body 321a and the second handle body 321b respectively. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the handle 31 may be driven by only a single handle actuator. In this disclosure, a detailed configuration of the handle actuator is not shown. However, the handle actuator may include: a pivoting link, one end of which is pivotable relative to a door, and the other end of which is connected to the handle so as to be pivotable relative to the handle; a drive cam that presses the pivoting link to pivot forward when rotating in the forward direction, and presses the pivoting link to pivot rearward when rotating in the reverse direction; and a handle drive motor 351 (in Figure 11 (As shown in the figure), it generates a rotational driving force to make the drive cam rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

[0127] A printed circuit board 322 may be disposed on the front surface of the handle body 321. An LED module having multiple LED elements 3221 is mounted on the printed circuit board 322. Multiple washers 3222 for sensing the proximity of a human hand are mounted on the printed circuit board 322. The multiple washers 3222 may be connected to internal touch electrodes (not shown). For example, the touch electrodes may be formed as a single-plate structure. In another example, the touch electrodes may be divided into multiple electrodes.

[0128] For example, a corresponding side of the plurality of washers 3222 can contact the handle cover 324, and a corresponding other side of the plurality of washers 3222 can be electrically connected to a single-plate-shaped touch electrode. When a user approaches the handle cover 324, the plurality of washers 3222 can be used to sense whether an air touch has occurred based on the capacitance change of the capacitor between the user's hand and the touch electrode. In this case, the plurality of washers 3222 can be used to detect the position of the hand approaching the handle cover 324.

[0129] In another example, a corresponding side of the plurality of washers 3222 can contact the handle cover 324, while the corresponding other side of the plurality of washers 3222 can be electrically connected to a plurality of corresponding touch electrodes. For example, one washer 3222 can be individually connected to one touch electrode. In this case, the plurality of washers 3222 can be used to detect the position of a hand approaching or touching the handle cover 324. The function of the dishwasher 1 can be controlled according to the position of the hand touching the handle cover 324. For example, when a hand touches the left or right edge of the handle cover 324, a pause function can be performed during the washing, rinsing, or drying cycle of the dishwasher 1. Furthermore, when a hand touches the middle area of ​​the handle cover 324, a function can be performed to extend the handle 31 to the maximum extended position Pd2.

[0130] Multiple LED elements 3221 can be disposed on each of the upper and lower portions of the front surface of the printed circuit board 322, and can be arranged along the periphery of the handle 31. For example, multiple LED elements 3221 can be densely arranged along the periphery of the handle 31 to enable dynamic steering signal control.

[0131] Multiple LED elements 3221 can be configured to activate in an animated manner, and can be activated sequentially in a clockwise / counterclockwise rotation or a left / right gradual change (activating sequentially from the center to each of the left and right sides, or from each of the left and right sides towards the center), thereby serving as preset welcome lighting. Furthermore, the multiple LED elements 3221 can be configured to emit light such that the color of the light changes according to the washing, rinsing, or drying process. Additionally, the multiple LED elements 3221 can be configured such that the number of activated LED elements 3221 arranged in the left-right direction gradually increases according to the elapsed time of the washing, rinsing, or drying process. Furthermore, the multiple LED elements 3221 can be configured to emit red light for a hand-pinching warning. Furthermore, when the user temporarily stops the operation of the dishwasher 1 and attempts to open the door 30, the multiple LED elements 3221 can be configured to emit light such that the color of the light changes according to the internal temperature of the dishwasher 1.

[0132] Multiple washers 3222 can be arranged along the centerline of the front surface of the printed circuit board 322 in the vertical / vertical direction and in the left-right direction. For example, multiple washers 3222 can be arranged in the left-right direction and on the centerline between the upper and lower arrays of multiple LED elements 3221 disposed on the front surface of the printed circuit board 322.

[0133] A light guide 323 may be disposed on the front surface of a printed circuit board 322, and each washer hole 3231 for guiding each of the plurality of washers 3222 into contact with the handle cover 324 may be formed in the light guide 323. The washer holes 3231 may be arranged along a vertical / vertical centerline and in a left-right direction. The light guide 323 may be made of a light-guiding material that diffuses light when the plurality of LED elements 3221 emit light. When the handle 31 is extended from the door 30, the light guide 323 may be exposed in the forward direction and may diffuse light from the plurality of LED elements 3221 along the periphery of the handle 31.

[0134] Handle cover 324 is disposed on the front surface of light guide 323 and physically contacts a corresponding side of a plurality of gaskets 3222. For example, handle cover 324 may be formed to have the same texture as the front panel 30a of door 30. For example, when the second sensor 220 is implemented as a sensor configured to sense a single point of non-contact touch, handle cover 324 may be made of a metallic material. Alternatively, when the second sensor 220 is implemented as a sensor configured to sense multiple points of non-contact touch, handle cover 324 may be made of a non-metallic material.

[0135] [Apparatus and method for controlling handles]

[0136] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a dishwasher control device according to an embodiment.

[0137] Reference Figure 11 The control device of the dishwasher 1 includes a first sensor 210, a second sensor 220, a first limit switch 230, a second limit switch 240, a control panel 32, a first LED module 250, a second LED module 260, a handle drive motor 351, a tactile motor, a speaker and microphone 140, and a controller 100.

[0138] The first sensor 210 detects a person within a first distance from the dishwasher 1. The first sensor 210 may be located at the lower end of the door 30 to maintain the seamless design of the front panel 30a of the door 30. In addition, the first sensor 210 may also be used as a sensor to activate the sensing function of the second sensor 220.

[0139] In response to determining that a person is approaching a position within a first distance from the dishwasher 1 based on the distance between the person and the dishwasher 1 sensed by the first sensor 210, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to extend to a first position Pd1. For example, the first distance can be set to 50 cm from the dishwasher 1, and the first position Pd1 can be set to a position corresponding to a displacement stroke Ls of 5 mm. In one example, when a person approaches a position within 50 cm of the dishwasher 1 and remains at that position within the first distance for 1 second or longer, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to move to the first position Pd1.

[0140] Furthermore, in response to determining that the person is approaching a position within a first distance from the dishwasher 1 based on the distance between the person and the dishwasher 1 measured by the first sensor 210, the controller 100 can be configured to activate the second sensor 220.

[0141] For example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a proximity sensor that detects the approach of an object located in front of the dishwasher 1.

[0142] In another example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a position-sensitive detector (PSD) sensor. A PSD sensor is a sensor that uses a light source to detect position. A PSD sensor is an optical sensor used to measure the position of incident light and can determine the position of an object based on measurements of the current distribution generated when light or particles collide with the sensor surface. A PSD sensor can be referred to as a position detection sensor or a light position detector.

[0143] In yet another example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor. A TOF sensor is a sensor configured to emit light of a specific wavelength, measure the time it takes for the light to be emitted to an object, reflected from the object, and returned to the sensor, and calculate the distance to the object based on the measured time. The TOF sensor accurately measures the round-trip time of light and uses the length of time it takes for light to be emitted to an object, reflected from the object, and returned to the sensor to calculate the distance between the object and the sensor in real time.

[0144] In yet another example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor is a sensor configured to emit sound waves toward an object and receive reflected waves from the object, and to measure the distance to the object based on the reception of the reflected waves. The ultrasonic sensor can accurately calculate the distance to the object based on the measurement of the time between the emission of the sound waves and the reception of the reflected waves.

[0145] In yet another example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a radar sensor. The radar sensor can be configured to transmit radio waves, receive reflected waves, measure the time between the transmission and reception of the radio waves, and calculate the distance to an object based on that time. The radar sensor can monitor various information such as the object's angle, position, and velocity based on the phase difference between the transmitted and reflected waves.

[0146] In yet another example, the first sensor 210 can be implemented as a lidar sensor. The lidar sensor is configured to use the time-of-flight (TOF) principle to measure the time it takes for a laser beam to be emitted towards an object, reflected from the object, and returned to the sensor, and to calculate the distance to the object based on the measured time. The lidar sensor can identify sensor values ​​of the surrounding environment while being rotated 360 degrees using a motor.

[0147] In yet another example, the first sensor 210 may include a thermal sensor. A thermal sensor is a sensor configured to detect heat emitted from a human body or object and to identify the location of the human body or object based on analysis of the detected heat. The thermal sensor uses infrared radiation energy to detect objects and does not use light, so it can even work effectively in dark environments.

[0148] The second sensor 220 detects a human hand within a second distance from the handle 31. The second sensor 220 can be disposed inside the handle 31. The second sensor 220 can be received inside the handle 31 so that the front panel 30a of the door 30 can maintain a seamless design. The second sensor 220 can be used to extend the handle 31 to a second position Pd2 when a human hand is sensed by it. Furthermore, the second sensor 220 can be used to detect whether the user's hand is trapped between the handle 31 and the door 30.

[0149] The controller 100 can be configured to determine, in response to a signal sensed by the second sensor 220, that a hand is within a second distance from the handle, allowing the handle 31 to extend to a second position Pd2. For example, the second distance can be set to 5 cm, and the second position can be set to a position corresponding to a handle displacement stroke of 45 mm.

[0150] For example, the second sensor 220 can be implemented as a capacitance-based sensor capable of sensing non-contact (air touch) or contact touch of a user on the front surface of the handle 31. The second sensor 220 may include touch electrodes, and the touch electrodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board 322 disposed inside the handle. The second sensor 220 can sense air touch or contact touch based on the sensing result of the capacitance change between the touch electrodes and the user's hand.

[0151] In another example, the second sensor 220 can be implemented as a capacitance-based sensor including multiple spaced touch electrodes. Preset UI functions can be executed based on the touch position or touch pattern of the handle 31. For example, when the central portion of the handle 31 is touched by the user, the function of extending the handle to the second position Pd2 can be set to be executed. When the left or right portion of the handle 31 is touched by the user, the function of temporarily stopping the operation of the dishwasher 1 or ejecting the handle into the first position Pd1 can be set to be executed. As described above, the handle 31 can be used as a means / device for executing preset UI functions.

[0152] In another example, the second sensor 220 may be disposed on the door 30. For example, the second sensor 220 may be disposed on one side of the front panel 30a of the door 30. When a user brings his / her hand close to the side of the front panel 30a where the second sensor 220 is disposed, the second sensor 220 may detect the user's indirect touch, direct touch, or touch pattern, and provide a detection signal based on the detection result to the controller 100.

[0153] In yet another example, the second sensor 220 can be implemented as a sensor for detecting user input. For example, various sensors such as proximity sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, RGB or IR cameras for recognizing hand shapes, gestures, or actions, non-contact proximity sensors, sensors for sensing touch or contact, or capacitive or piezoelectric sensors can be used as sensors for sensing user input.

[0154] This disclosure describes examples of sensing user input, including sensing a human hand or sensing hand shape, gesture, or movement. Examples of user command input may include simple touch, two-touch, control panel button input, display input, etc.

[0155] The handlebar drive motor 351 is used to reciprocate the handlebar in the forward and backward direction. The handlebar drive motor 351 may be included in a handlebar driver disposed in each of the first handlebar body 321a and the second handlebar body 321b. The handlebar drive motor 351 generates a rotational driving force for rotating the drive cam in the forward or reverse direction.

[0156] As described above, the controller 100 can be configured to control the handle drive motor 351 to extend the handle 31 to a first position Pd1 in response to the first sensor 210 detecting a person, and to control the handle drive motor 351 to extend the handle 31 to a second position Pd2 when the second sensor 220 senses a human hand, in which the handle has extended beyond the first position Pd1 in the forward direction.

[0157] The first limit switch 230 senses the position caused by the movement of the handle 31 and provides its sensing signal to the controller 100. The retracted state of the handle 31 indicates that the extended handle 31 has moved from the second position Pd2 to the first position Pd1 or the rearmost position (or the insertion position Pa) and has been inserted into the door 30. The first limit switch 230 may include at least one first limit switch, which can sense at least one position respectively according to the movement of the handle.

[0158] The second limit switch 240 detects the opening and closing of the door 30 and provides a detection signal to the controller 100. The second limit switch 240 may include at least one second limit switch and can detect the opening and closing of the door 30.

[0159] The control panel 32 may include buttons 34 for user input and a display 33 for showing the current operating status. Furthermore, the control panel 32 may include a second LED module 260 for displaying the operating status of the buttons 34. The second LED module 260 may be used in the display 33 for displaying the current operating status.

[0160] The first LED module 250 can be disposed inside the handle 31. A plurality of LED elements 3221 of the first LED module 250 can be arranged along the upper and lower lines of the front surface of the printed circuit board 322 and along the periphery of the handle 31. The first LED module 250 can be used as welcome lighting. Furthermore, the first LED module 250 can be configured to emit light such that the color of the light changes according to a washing, rinsing, or drying cycle to indicate the cycle status.

[0161] Furthermore, the plurality of LED elements 3221 can be configured such that the number of activated LED elements 3221 arranged in the left-right direction gradually increases according to the elapsed time of the washing, rinsing, or drying process, thus serving as illumination to indicate the elapsed time. Additionally, the plurality of LED elements 3221 can be configured to emit red light for notification to prevent pinching. Furthermore, the plurality of LED elements 3221 can be configured to emit light such that the color of the light changes according to the internal temperature of the dishwasher 1, thus serving as illumination to warn of safety accidents.

[0162] A haptic motor 360 may be disposed in the handle 31 and may serve as one of the means / devices for warning of hand pinching. In one example, the haptic motor 360 is used to generate vibration in the handle 31 when it detects that a hand is pinched between the handle 31 and the door 30.

[0163] The speaker and microphone 140 can be used to notify or guide the dishwasher 1 regarding mode selection or operating status. Furthermore, the speaker and microphone 140 can be used to issue warnings when a hand is detected being pinched or when an attempt to open the door 30 is detected when the internal temperature of the dishwasher 1 is high. Additionally, the speaker and microphone 140 can be used to recognize voice commands to control the dishwasher 1.

[0164] The controller 100 can be configured to receive input signals from the control panel 32, receive detection signals from each sensor, and control each load based on the input signals or the detection signals from each sensor.

[0165] The controller 100 can be configured to include at least one processor. The processor may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, or a communication processor. Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to include a timer 120. Additionally, the controller 100 can be configured to include an analog-to-digital converter that converts signals detected from sensors into digital signals. Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to include a driver for driving each motor. Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to include a driver for driving each LED module. Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to include a driver for driving touch electrodes disposed in the handle. Additionally, the controller 100 can communicate with a main controller that controls the washing, rinsing, and drying functions of the dishwasher 1.

[0166] For example, controller 100 may be configured to include touch driving circuitry. Controller 100 may be configured to apply a touch driving signal TDS to the touch electrode of the second sensor 220 via touch driving circuitry TDC, and may receive feedback signals from the touch electrode. Controller 100 may be configured to determine that a hand is approaching handle 31 based on the detection result of a change in the feedback signal caused by a change in capacitance between the hand and the touch electrode.

[0167] The memory 130 can store data or programs for controlling the dishwasher 1. Furthermore, various parameters pre-stored for each washing program, such as operating conditions and time conditions for each cycle, can be stored in the memory 130. Additionally, data or programs for controlling the handle 31 can be stored in the memory 130.

[0168] The communication unit 60 can be used to communicate with an external terminal 70. For example, the communication unit 60 can communicate with a remote control or a user's smart terminal. An application for controlling or setting the dishwasher 1 can be installed in the smart terminal. The user can control the dishwasher 1 or set the operating mode through the smart terminal. For example, the user can use a remote control or smart terminal that can communicate with the communication unit 60 to select and set the welcome lighting of the dishwasher 1.

[0169] Furthermore, the user can use a remote control or smart terminal capable of communicating with the communication unit 60 to select the handle movement mode for retracting the extended handle of the dishwasher 1. For example, in this respect, the handle movement mode can be set to one of the following modes: automatic retraction mode (or first handle movement mode), in which the handle extended from the front panel 30a of the door 30 automatically retracts to the insertion position Pa of the front panel; semi-automatic retraction mode (or second handle movement mode), in which the handle 31 retracts when a user command is input; and handle position fixed mode (or third handle movement mode), in which the extended state of the handle is maintained in a fixed state based on sensor signals and the elapsed time.

[0170] In embodiments of this disclosure, an example is described where the handle 31 retracts into the door 30 when the second sensor 220 of the handle 31 senses a double touch as a user command in a second handle movement mode. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. User commands may include a simple touch or a double touch of the handle 31, or inputs from buttons on the control panel 32, inputs on the display 33, etc., in addition to touches on the handle 31.

[0171] When the controller 100 determines that a user is approaching the dishwasher 1 based on the sensing results from the first sensor 210, the controller 100 can be configured to drive the handle drive motor 351 of the handle driver in the forward direction to move the handle 31 to a first position Pd1 in the forward direction.

[0172] Furthermore, in response to the second sensor 220 sensing the user's hand after the handle 31 has been moved to the first position Pd1, the controller 100 can be configured to additionally drive the handle drive motor 351 in the forward direction to move the handle 31 to the second position Pd2 in the forward direction.

[0173] Furthermore, in response to user commands input from the control panel 32, the controller 100 can be configured to control the dishwasher 1 to turn its power on / off or to perform a separate cycle of the dishwasher 1 according to the selected washing program and selected operating mode. Additionally, the controller 100 can be configured to receive user commands from an external terminal such as a remote control or smartphone via the communication unit 60.

[0174] In addition, the controller 100 can be configured to receive a detection signal from the first limit switch 230 and determine whether the handle 31 is in the first position Pd1, the second position Pd2, or the insertion position Pa based on the received detection signal.

[0175] Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to receive a detection signal from the second limit switch 240 and determine whether the door 30 is currently in a closed or open state based on the received detection signal. Additionally, the controller 100 can be configured to extend or retract the handle based on the determination result. For example, when the second limit switch 240 senses that the door 30 is open, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to extend to the second position Pd2 and activate the first LED module 250 in white for 10 minutes. Furthermore, when the second limit switch 240 senses that the door 30 is closed, the controller 100 can be configured to maintain the extended state of the handle 31 for 5 seconds and then retract the handle to the inserted position Pa.

[0176] Furthermore, when it is necessary to open the door 30 when it is closed, the controller 100 can be configured to operate the handle driver to move the handle 31 forward to a second position Pd2. For example, when the second sensor 220 senses a hand when the door 30 is closed, the controller 100 can be configured to extend the handle 31 to the second position Pd2. In this regard, the controller 100 can be configured to make the first LED module 250 flash with a color that changes according to the internal temperature of the dishwasher 1.

[0177] Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to determine whether a user's hand or another object is caught between the handle 31 and the door 30 by receiving a signal from the second sensor 220. Additionally, the controller 100 can be configured to determine whether a user's hand or another object is caught between the handle 31 and the door 30 by receiving a signal from a current sensor (not shown) that detects overload of the handle drive motor 351 when the handle 31 moves backward. Furthermore, in response to the second sensor 220 of the handle 31 sensing the presence of a hand, the controller 100 can be configured not to retract the handle 31.

[0178] Furthermore, when the power is cut off, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to extend to the second position Pd2. For example, when the power is cut off, the controller 100 can be configured to extend the handle 31 using a capacitor or reserved residual power so that the door 30 can be easily opened after a situation such as a sudden power outage.

[0179] In addition, in response to the first sensor 210 detecting a person, the controller 100 can be configured to extend the handle 31 partially to the first position Pd1, and at the same time or after the partial extension, turn on the first LED module 250 in a welcome lighting mode.

[0180] Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to drive the haptic motor 360 to vibrate after the handle 31 begins to move backward via a signal received from the second sensor 220, when it is determined that the user's hand or an object is caught between the handle 31 and the door 30.

[0181] Furthermore, when it is determined, based on signals received from the second sensor 220, that a user's hand or object is caught between the handle and the door, the controller 100 can be configured to generate a voice alarm or sound alert via the speaker 140 to guide the user to remove their hand or object from the handle 31. For example, the voice notification may include guidance or warning messages such as, "Please remove your hand from the handle. I want to close the handle" or "Please remove the object from the handle. I want to close the handle."

[0182] Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to invoke the operating conditions, time conditions, etc. of each cycle based on each washing program pre-stored in the memory 130, and use the operating conditions or time conditions to generate control signals for controlling the execution and termination of the cycle according to the washing program.

[0183] Furthermore, the controller 100 can be configured to receive a mode selection signal from a remote control or smart terminal corresponding to selecting one of an automatic retraction mode, a semi-automatic retraction mode, and a handle position fixed mode for retracting the handle 31, and can store the selected handle movement mode and the received mode selection signal in the memory 130.

[0184] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 12 to 14 A method for controlling a dishwasher 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0185] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in the automatic retraction mode of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] Reference Figure 12 In response to a signal input from terminal 70 in standby state S11 corresponding to the selection of automatic retraction mode (A mode or first handle movement mode), the controller 100 of dishwasher 1 causes the first LED module 250 to flash green once in S12, and sets the handle movement mode related to the retraction of handle 31 to automatic retraction mode in S13.

[0187] In S14, the controller 100 checks whether a human hand has been detected by the second sensor 220 on the handle 31. In this regard, the second sensor 220 can detect non-contact touch or direct touch when a human hand is within 5 cm of the handle 31.

[0188] In response to the detection of a human hand by the second sensor 220 of the handle 31, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S15 to extend the handle 31 in the forward direction, causing the first LED module 250 to flash white twice, and then turns on the first LED module 250 in white when the handle 31 is fully extended to the second position Pd2.

[0189] In S16, controller 100 checks whether the handle retention condition of handle 31 is met when the handle is extended. In this regard, controller 100 can be configured to determine whether the handle retention condition is met based on the corresponding detection signals from the sensors and the elapsed time associated with the handle retention condition. For example, in response to no sensor input or no user input for a predetermined time or longer after the second sensor 220 senses a hand, controller 100 can be configured to determine that the handle retention condition is not met. Furthermore, for example, when the start button is pressed and the closed state of door 30 is sensed, controller 100 can be configured to determine that the handle retention condition is not met.

[0190] In response to the fulfillment of the handle holding condition when the handle 31 is extended, the controller 100 maintains the handle 31 in the extended state in S17.

[0191] In response to the failure to meet the handle retention condition when the handle 31 is extended, the controller 100 allows the handle 31 to retract in S18. In this regard, the handle 31 can retract to either a first position (partially extended position) Pd1 or an inserted position Pa, depending on the operating state of the dishwasher. For example, in response to the start button indicating the start of the washing or rinsing operation of the dishwasher 1 being pressed and the door being sensed to be closed, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to move to the first position Pd1. Furthermore, for example, in response to the absence of sensor signals after a human hand is sensed on the handle 31, or the absence of user input for a predetermined time or longer, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to move to the inserted position Pa.

[0192] In S19, controller 100 checks whether a hand is being pinched while the handle drive motor 351 is being driven to retract the handle 31. For example, controller 100 may be configured to detect the load on the second sensor 220 of handle 31 or the load on handle drive motor 351 to check whether an object is being pinched between handle 31 and door 30.

[0193] When the handle 31 is clamped in the space, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S20 to extend the handle 31 and turn on the first LED module 250 in red. Then, when the handle 31 is fully extended to the second position Pd2, the first LED module 250 turns on in white.

[0194] As described above, in response to the handle movement mode of handle 31 being set to automatic retraction mode, dishwasher 1 can maintain the extended state of handle 31 or automatically retract the extended handle based on the detection signals of each sensor.

[0195] Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in the semi-automatic retraction mode of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] Reference Figure 13 When a signal corresponding to the selection of a semi-automatic retraction mode (B mode or second handle movement mode) is input from the terminal 70 in standby state S31, the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 causes the first LED module 250 to flash green twice in S32, and sets the handle movement mode related to the retraction of the handle 31 to the semi-automatic retraction mode in S33.

[0197] In S34, the controller 100 checks whether a double touch is detected by the second sensor 220 on the handle 31. In this regard, the second sensor 220 can detect a direct touch on the handle 31.

[0198] In response to the double touch detected by the second sensor 220 of the handle 31, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S35 to extend the handle 31 in the forward direction, causing the first LED module 250 to flash twice in white, and then turns on the first LED module 250 in white when the handle 31 is fully extended to the second position Pd2.

[0199] In S36, the controller 100 checks whether the handle holding condition is met when the handle 31 is extended, that is, whether the second sensor 220 of the handle 31 senses a double touch.

[0200] In response to the condition of holding the handle in the extended state being met, that is, the second sensor 220 of the handle 31 does not detect a double touch, the controller 100 maintains the handle 31 in the extended state in S37.

[0201] In response to the failure to meet the handle retention condition when the handle 31 is extended (i.e., a double touch is sensed by the second sensor 220 of the handle 31 when the handle 31 is extended), the controller 100 allows the handle 31 to retract into the door or retract toward the door in S38. In this respect, the handle 31 can retract to the first position Pd1 or the inserted position Pa depending on the operating state of the dishwasher.

[0202] In S39, controller 100 checks whether a hand is being pinched while the handle drive motor 351 is being driven to retract the handle 31. For example, controller 100 may be configured to detect the load on the second sensor 220 of handle 31 or the load on handle drive motor 351 to check whether an object is being pinched between handle 31 and door 30.

[0203] In response to the handle 31 being clamped therein, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S40 to extend the handle 31, turning on the first LED module 250 in red, and then turning on the first LED module 250 in white when the handle 31 has been fully extended to the second position Pd2.

[0204] When the handle movement mode of handle 31 is set to semi-automatic retraction mode, the dishwasher 1 can maintain the extended state of handle 31 or retract the extended handle 31 depending on whether double touch of handle 31 is detected.

[0205] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a dishwasher handle position fixing mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] Reference Figure 14 In response to a signal input from terminal 70 in standby state S51 corresponding to the selection of handle position fixed mode (C mode or third handle movement mode), the controller 100 of dishwasher 1 causes the first LED module 250 to flash green three times in S52, and sets the handle movement mode related to the retraction of handle 31 to handle position fixed mode in S53.

[0207] In response to the handle movement mode being set to the handle position fixed mode, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S54 to extend the handle 31 in the forward direction and maintains the handle 31 in the extended state. In this regard, the controller 100 causes the first LED module 250 to flash white twice in S54, and turns on the first LED module 250 white when the handle 31 is fully extended to the second position Pd2.

[0208] In S55, controller 100 checks whether a signal corresponding to the deactivated handle position fixed mode is input from terminal 70. When no signal corresponding to the deactivated handle position fixed mode is input, controller 100 maintains the extended state of handle 31 in S56.

[0209] In response to a signal corresponding to the deactivated handle position fixed mode input from terminal 70 while the handle 31 is extended, controller 100 allows the handle 31 to retract in S57. In this respect, the handle 31 can retract to either the first position Pd1 or the inserted position Pa, depending on the operating state of the dishwasher.

[0210] In S58, controller 100 checks whether a hand is being pinched while the handle drive motor 351 is being driven to retract the handle 31. For example, controller 100 may be configured to detect the load on the second sensor 220 of handle 31 or the load on handle drive motor 351 to check whether an object is being pinched between handle 31 and door 30.

[0211] In response to the handle 31 being clamped therein, the controller 100 drives the handle drive motor 351 in S59 to extend the handle 31, turn on the first LED module 250 in red, and then turn on the first LED module 250 in white when the handle 31 has been fully extended to the second position Pd2.

[0212] Thus, when the handle movement mode of handle 31 is set to handle position fixed mode, dishwasher 1 can fix handle 31 in the extended state. Then, in response to the input of a signal corresponding to disabling the handle position fixed mode, dishwasher 1 can retract handle 31.

[0213] In one example, the commands associated with opening and closing the door 30 can have a higher level than the handle movement mode. That is, handle-related movements indicated by commands associated with the open and closed states of the door 30 can be executed, regardless of the handle movement mode. More specifically, the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 can extend or retract the handle 31 according to the open or closed state of the door 30, regardless of the handle movement mode. For example, when the dishwasher 1 has completed a wash or rinse cycle and the second limit switch 240 detects that the door 30 is open, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to extend, regardless of the handle movement mode. For example, in response to the start button on the control panel being pressed and the second limit switch 240 detecting that the door 30 is closed, the controller 100 can be configured to allow the handle 31 to retract after maintaining the extended state of the handle 31 for 5 seconds, regardless of the handle movement mode.

[0214] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of an example of a control device in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. Figure 16 and Figure 17 This diagram illustrates hand sensing performed by sensors arranged in the handle.

[0215] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the second sensor 220 is disposed on the handle 31 of the dishwasher 1 and includes a touch electrode 3223 and a washer 3222. The touch electrode 3223 and the washer 3222 can be mounted on a printed circuit board 322 (see attached diagram). Figure 7 )superior.

[0216] The gasket 3222 can be arranged in the left-right direction along the vertical / vertical centerline of the front surface of the printed circuit board 322. One side of the gasket 3222 can contact the touch electrode 3223, and the other side of the gasket 3222 can contact the handle cover 324. For example, the handle cover 324 can be made of a material such as metal, glass, or film.

[0217] When a user touches the front surface of the handle cover 324 of the handle 31 in a non-contact or contact manner, the second sensor 220 can sense whether the hand is close to the dishwasher and whether it has been touched on the handle based on the sensing results of the capacitance change between the touch electrode 3223 and the user's hand.

[0218] In response to the presence of a human hand detected by the second sensor 220, the controller 100 can be configured to drive the handle drive motor 351 to extend the handle 31 from the front panel 30a of the door 30 in the forward direction, and can turn the first LED module 250 on or off with a color that changes according to the operating state of the dishwasher 1.

[0219] As shown in the figure, the second sensor 220 can sense touch using the handle cover 324 of the handle 31. In this regard, the handle cover 324 contacts a gasket 3222, and the gasket 3222 is connected to a touch electrode 3223 mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, a capacitive touch sensor can be used to identify a user's intention to open the door via non-contact proximity (or air touch) sensing, contact sensing, pressure sensing, or non-contact gestures (or air gestures).

[0220] exist Figure 17 In the diagram, Ch represents the capacitance between the person and the ground, Rs represents the resistance of the person, Ct represents the touch capacitance between the handle 31 and the person's hand, Cx represents the free space capacitance between the handle 31 and the ground, Cp represents the grounding loop capacitance, Cp represents the parasitic capacitance, and Rs represents the source resistance between the controller 100 and the handle 31.

[0221] When a non-contact or direct touch occurs on handle 31, the parallel grounding path through the human body is increased, resulting in an increase in the total capacitance value caused by the touch capacitance Ct. This change in total capacitance can be used to detect whether a human hand has touched handle 31.

[0222] A household appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a door; a handle configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein a handle movement mode of the handle is selected or changed by a user; a sensor disposed on the handle and configured to sense a human hand; and a controller configured to receive a handle movement mode selected or changed by the user, and based on the selected handle movement mode and a detection signal from the sensor, to extend or retract the handle from the door or maintain the handle in an extended state.

[0223] A household appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a door; a handle configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein a handle movement mode is selected or changed by a user; a sensor disposed on the handle and configured to sense a human hand; a light source module disposed in the handle; a handle position detection sensor configured to detect the handle position based on the movement of the handle; a door opening / closing detection sensor configured to detect the opening / closing of the door; a handle drive motor configured to drive the handle to extend forward or retract backward into the door; and a controller configured to receive a handle movement mode selected or changed by the user, and based on the selected handle movement mode and detection signals from each sensor, to extend or retract the handle from the door or maintain the handle position in the extended state.

[0224] A household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a door; a handle configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein a handle movement mode of the handle is selected by a user; a sensor disposed on the door or the handle and configured to sense input from the user; and a controller configured to receive a handle movement mode selected by the user and, based on the selected handle movement mode and a detection signal from the sensor, extend or retract the handle from the door or maintain the handle in an extended state.

[0225] A household appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a door; a handle configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein a handle movement mode of the handle is selected by a user; a user input detection sensor disposed on the door or the handle and configured to sense input from the user; a handle position detection sensor configured to detect the handle position based on the movement of the handle; a door opening / closing detection sensor configured to detect opening / closing of the door; a handle drive motor configured to drive the handle to extend forward or retract backward into the door; and a controller configured to receive a handle movement mode selected by the user and, based on the selected handle movement mode and detection signals from each sensor, extend or retract the handle from the door or maintain the handle position in the extended state.

[0226] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe, not limit, the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present disclosure are not explicitly described in the above description of the embodiments, it should be readily recognized that the predictable effects of such configuration are possible.

Claims

1. A household appliance, said household appliance comprising: Door; A handle, the handle being configured to extend from or retract into the door, wherein the handle's movement mode is selected by the user; A sensor, which is disposed on the door or the handle and configured to sense input from the user; and A controller configured to receive a handle movement mode selected by the user, and based on the selected handle movement mode and a detection signal from the sensor, to extend or retract the handle from the door or maintain the handle in the extended position.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The handle movement modes include: In the first handle movement mode, the handle automatically retracts after it has been extended. A second handle movement mode, in which the handle retracts in response to a user command; and The third handle movement mode, in which the handle position is maintained in the extended state.

3. The household appliance according to claim 2, wherein, One of the first handle movement modes to the third handle movement mode is selected by the user through an external terminal capable of communicating with the home appliance or on the control panel or display of the home appliance.

4. The household appliance according to claim 2, wherein, In the first handle movement mode, the controller is configured to maintain the position of the handle in the extended state or automatically retract the handle into the door or retract it toward the door based on whether the handle holding condition is met.

5. The household appliance according to claim 4, wherein, In the first handle movement mode The controller is configured to: The condition for maintaining the handle is determined based on at least one of the detection signal from the sensor and the elapsed time; and Based on the determined result, the handle is retracted.

6. The household appliance according to claim 2, wherein, In the second handle movement mode, in response to the input of the user command, the controller is configured to extend or retract the handle based on the current position of the handle.

7. The household appliance according to claim 2, wherein, In the third handle movement mode, In response to the input of the selection signal for the third handle movement mode, the controller is configured to maintain the handle position in the extended state. In response to a signal indicating that the third handle movement mode has been deactivated, the controller is configured to retract the handle.

8. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The household appliance mentioned is a dishwasher. Regardless of the selected handle movement mode, the handle movement is performed based on the open or closed state of the door. In response to sensing that the door has opened after the operation of the dishwasher has been completed, the controller is configured to extend the handle from the door.

9. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The selected handle movement mode is chosen by the user via an external terminal capable of communicating with the home appliance or on the control panel or display of the home appliance.

10. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The handle movement modes include: a handle movement mode in which the handle is extended or retracted; and a holding mode in which the position of the handle is maintained in the extended state.

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