Dishwasher and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method therefor, the dishwasher supplying, through a single tube, a detergent to a tub during forward rotational driving of a pump motor and supplying air to a detergent container during reverse rotational driving of the pump motor, thereby having a simplified structure, having improved assemblability, and enabling manufacturing costs to be reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, wherein detergent is supplied to a tub through a single tube when a pump motor operates in a forward rotation, and air is supplied to a detergent container when the pump motor operates in a reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving assemblability thereof, and reducing a manufacturing cost thereof.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A dish washer is an apparatus that washes dishes and cooking utensils as washing targets stored therein by spraying washing water thereto. In this regard, the washing water may contain washing detergent.

[0003] A dish washer generally includes a washing tub having a washing space defined therein, a dish rack that accommodates therein a washing target inside the washing tub, a spraying arm that sprays the washing water into the dish rack, and a sump that stores therein water and supplies the washing water to the spraying arm.

[0004] Using this dish washer may allow a time and effort required to wash the dishes and other washing targets after a meal to be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0005] The detergent used for washing may be supplied into the tub through a detergent supply device. The detergent supplied to the inside of the tub may be mixed with water to generate washing water.

[0006] In general, the detergent supply device may be configured to include a container for storing therein detergent and a detergent pump for pumping the detergent stored in the container into the tub.

[0007] In this regard, European Patent No. 3286369 (Prior Document 001) discloses a configuration of a clothing management apparatus configured to supply a detergent through a detergent pump in a tube pump scheme.

[0008] The detergent pump of the prior art document 001 is configured to supply a first detergent stored in a first container busing a first tube, and supply a second detergent stored in a second container using a second tube, wherein a plurality of rollers are configured to revolve while simultaneously pressing the first tube and the second tube.

[0009] The detergent pump of the prior art document 001 is configured to recover a pressure inside the second container by supplying air to the second container through the second tube when the first detergent is supplied through the first tube, and to recover a pressure inside the first container by supplying air to the first detergent container through the first tube when the second detergent is supplied through the second tube.

[0010] However, the structure disclosed in prior document 001 has a problem in that the assemblability of the detergent supply device is deteriorated, the structure is somewhat complicated, and the manufacturing cost is significantly increased in that a plurality of tubes should be provided in the detergent supply device, separately.

[0011] In addition, the structure disclosed in prior document 001 has a problem in that because there is a high possibility that a variation in an amount of each of the actually supplied detergent and the actually supplied air may occur due to slip or wear between the roller and the first tube or between the roller and the second tube, the internal pressure of each of the first container and the second container is not effectively recovered, and thus a load applied to the pump motor is likely to gradually increase.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0012] A first technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, wherein the dishwasher is configured to supply detergent to a tub when a pump motor operates in a forward rotation through a single tube and to supply air to a detergent container when the pump motor operates in a reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving assemblability thereof, and reducing a manufacturing cost thereof.

[0013] In addition, a second technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher which is configured so that air can be supplied back to a detergent container based on an actually supplied amount of the detergent, thereby effectively recovering the internal pressure of the detergent container, and a method for controlling the dishwasher.

[0014] Purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized using means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.Technical Solution

[0015] A dishwasher according to the present disclosure includes a tub having a washing space defined therein; a detergent supply device including: a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; and a detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; and a controller configured to drive the detergent pump, wherein the container includes: a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; and a membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space, wherein the detergent pump includes a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the controller is configured to: drive the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; and in response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, drive the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0016] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may include: in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.

[0017] Furthermore, the calculating of the number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor may include: receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor; determining whether a change of the received output signal from the first output signal to the second output signal, or a change of the received output signal from the second output signal to the first output signal has occurred for the first time; upon determination that the change of the output signal has occurred for the first time, determining a first-occurring change of the output signal; determining whether a change in an output signal identical to the first-occurring change occurs after the first-occurring change is determined; and upon determination that the change in the output signal identical to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of forward signal changes by one and updating the number of forward signal changes and storing the updated number of forward signal changes.

[0018] Furthermore, the number of forward signal changes may correspond to the number of forward revolutions of the roller.

[0019] Furthermore, the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may further include: upon determination that the calculated number of forward revolutions has reached a predetermined numerical value, determining that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed.

[0020] Furthermore, upon determination that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, the controller may be further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

[0021] Furthermore, the first output signal may include a signal including information indicating that the roller is present within a sensing range of the roller sensor, wherein the second output signal may include a signal including information indicating that the roller is located outside the sensing range of the roller sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, the first-occurring change may include one of a first change in which the first output signal is changed to the second output signal or a second change in which the second output signal is changed to the first output signal.

[0023] Furthermore, after determining the first-occurring change of the output signal, the controller may be further configured to re-receive the output signal from the roller sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may include: in response to that the reverse driving of the pump motor has been started, calculating a number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of reverse revolutions with a preset numerical value.

[0025] Furthermore, the calculating of the number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor may include: receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor; determining whether a change in the received output signal opposite to a first-occurring change of the output signal occurs; upon determination that the change in the output signal opposite to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of reverse signal changes by one and updating the number of reverse signal changes and storing the updated number of reverse signal changes; and comparing the updated number of reverse signal changes with the preset numerical value.

[0026] Furthermore, the number of reverse signal changes may correspond to the number of reverse revolutions of the roller.

[0027] Furthermore, the restoring the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may further include, before receiving the output signal, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction so that the roller revolves in the reverse direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may include: upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes has reached the preset numerical value, determining that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered.

[0029] Furthermore, upon determination that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered, the controller may be further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

[0030] A method for controlling a dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be provided. The dishwasher may include: a tub having a washing space defined therein; and a detergent supply device including: a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; and a detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; and wherein the container may include: a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; and a membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space, wherein the detergent pump may include a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the method may include: driving the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; and in response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0031] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may include: in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.Advantageous Effects

[0032] In the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be configured to supply the detergent to the tub through the single tube when the pump motor operates in the forward rotation and to supply the air to the detergent container when the pump motor operates in the reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving the assemblability thereof, and reducing the manufacturing cost thereof.

[0033] In addition, in the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be configured so that the air can be supplied back to the detergent container based on the actually supplied amount of the detergent, thereby effectively recovering the internal pressure of the detergent container.

[0034] In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the specific effects of the present disclosure as not mentioned will be described below along with the descriptions of the specific details for carrying out the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dish washer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dish washer as shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view illustrating a state in which a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a rear panel of a door, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are exploded perspective views of FIG. 3A.

[0038] FIGS. 4 and 5 are rear and front perspective views illustrating the detergent supply device in a state in which the door illustrated in FIG. 3 is closed.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a detergent pump shown in FIG. 6.

[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a rear exploded perspective view and a front exploded perspective view of FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a housing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIGS. 11B and 11C are partially enlarged views of the housing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 11A taken along a line 12-12.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 11A taken along a line 13-13.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which a case is removed from the detergent pump illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0046] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating a relationship between a carrier and a plurality of rollers in a configuration shown in FIG. 14.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first roller illustrated in FIG. 15 cut along a longitudinal direction thereof.

[0048] FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views taken along a transverse direction of a plurality of rollers in a state in which the carrier and the plurality of rollers shown in FIG. 12 are coupled to each other.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the first roller is present within a sensing range of the roller sensor.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the first roller revolves from the state of FIG. 19 and is out of the sensing range of the roller sensor. FIG. 21 is a rear view of the detergent container shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent container shown in FIG. 21 taken along a line 3-3.

[0052] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an internal pressure of the detergent container is lowered as the detergent supply is performed through the detergent pump from the state shown in FIG. 22.

[0053] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which air is introduced through the detergent pump from the state shown in FIG. 23 to recover the pressure inside the detergent container.

[0054] FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGS. 26 to 28 are flowcharts for illustrating a control operation performed by the controller illustrated in FIG. 25.BEST MODE

[0056] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0057] Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, a first component may also be a second component.

[0058] Throughout the present document, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0059] Hereinafter, a first component being disposed “on top of (or under)” a second component may mean that the first component may be disposed in contact with a top surface (or a bottom surface) of the second component, as well as a third component may be interposed between the second component and the first component disposed “on top of (or under)” the second component.

[0060] Furthermore, when a first component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, the components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, but a third component may be “interposed” between the components or the components may be “connected” or “coupled” to each other via the third components.

[0061] As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

[0062] As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

[0063] Throughout the present document, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and “C to D” means equal to or greater than C and equal to or smaller than D unless otherwise specified.Overall Structure of Dish Washer

[0064] Hereinafter, an overall structure of a dish washer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the dish washer according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing an internal structure of the dish washer according to the present disclosure.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dish washer 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a casing 10 that constitutes an exterior appearance, a tub 20 installed in an inner space of the casing 10 and having a washing space 21 defined therein where the washing target is washed, wherein a front surface of the tub is open, a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20, a driver 40 located under the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge the washing water for washing the washing target, a dish rack 50 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive therein the washing target, and a water sprayer 60 installed adjacent to the dish rack 50 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

[0067] In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack 50 may be, for example, dishes such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the washing target will be referred to as a dish.

[0068] The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with an entirely open front surface, and have a configuration of a so-referred to as washing tub.

[0069] The washing space 21 may be defined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 may be opened / closing by the door 30.

[0070] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0071] Moreover, on an inner surface of the tub 20, a plurality of brackets may be disposed for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the dish rack 50 and the water sprayer 60 which will be described later thereon within the tub 20.

[0072] In one example, the driver 40 may include a sump 41 that stores therein washing water, a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the sump 41 from the tub 20, a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the sump 41, a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the sump 41 to an outside, and a water supply pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the sump 41 to the water sprayer 60.

[0073] The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 41 and may serve to distinguish the tub 20 and the sump 41 from each other. Moreover, the sump cover 42 may have a plurality of collecting holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the water sprayer 60 into the sump 41.

[0074] That is, the washing water sprayed from the water sprayer 60 toward the dish may fall down to a bottom of the washing space 21, and may be collected again through the sump cover 42 and into the sump 41.

[0075] The water supply pump 45 may be disposed at a side or a bottom of the sump 41 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer 60.

[0076] One end of the water supply pump 45 may be connected to the sump 41 and the other end thereof may be connected to the supply flow path 46. The water supply pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 may rotate, and thus the washing water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0077] In one example, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the water supply pump 45 to the water sprayer 60.

[0078] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spraying arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spraying arm 62 and a 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.

[0079] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that the supply flow paths 461 and 463 are opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0080] In one example, the water sprayer 60 may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0081] More specifically, the water sprayer 60 may include the lower spraying arm 61 located under the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spraying arm 62 located between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0082] In particular, the lower spraying arm 61 and the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably disposed in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and may spray the washing water toward the dish of the dish rack 50 while being rotating.

[0083] The lower spraying arm 61 may be rotatably supported on a top of the sump cover 42 so as to spray the washing water toward the lower rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower rack 51.

[0084] Moreover, the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spraying arm holder 467 so as to spray the washing water on the dish while being rotating and being disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0085] In one example, in order to increase washing efficiency, additional means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spraying arm 61 into an upward direction (diverting in a U-direction) may be provided at a lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0086] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0087] The dish rack 50 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0088] For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 50 includes the lower rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 20 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, the upper rack 5 located on top of the lower rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and the top rack 53 located at a top level of the tub 20 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, an example in which the dish washer includes the three dish racks 50 as shown is described.

[0089] Each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0090] For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) may be respectively disposed on both opposing walls constituting an inner surface of the tub 20. By way of example, the guide rails (not shown) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

[0091] Wheels may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53. The user may extend the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53 from the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and may place the dishes thereon, or easily withdraw the dishes that have been washed out thereof.

[0092] The guide rail (not shown) may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the rack 50, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the rack 50 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the rack 50 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

[0093] In one example, the door 30 is configured for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0094] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 is closed or opened may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. Thus, the door 30 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis.

[0095] In this regard, a handle for opening the door 30 and a control panel for controlling the dish washer 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 30.

[0096] As shown, the control panel disposed on the outer side surface of the door 30 may include a display that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dish washer, etc., and a button unit including a selection button through which a user's selection manipulation is input and a power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dish washer on and off is input.

[0097] In one example, an inner side surface of the door 30 may constitute a front surface as one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 has been closed, and may constitute a seat surface on which the lower rack 51 of the dish rack 50 is supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0098] For this purpose, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, the rear panel of the door 30 may constitute a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as a direction in which the guide rail (not shown) guiding the displacement of the lower rack 51 extends.

[0099] In addition, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a detergent supply device for storing therein a detergent for washing the washing target object may be disposed in the rear panel of the door 30. The detergent supply device may be configured to automatically supply an appropriate amount of detergent during the washing process may be disposed.

[0100] The appropriate amount of detergent may be determined based on a washing load, that is, a total amount of the washing target object.

[0101] A detailed configuration of the detergent supply body will be described later with reference to FIG. 3A or subsequent drawings.

[0102] In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, an automatic door opening module 352 for automatically opening the door may be disposed on an outside surface of a top of the tub 20.

[0103] By way of example, the door automatic opening module 352 may include a push rod 3524 that allows an upper end of a rear surface of the door 30 to pivot to an open position.

[0104] In one example, a drying air supply unit 80 for generating and supplying high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to a washing space inside the tub 20 may be disposed under the tub 20.

[0105] As illustrated, the drying air supply unit 80 may include a filter member 883 for filtering external air, a blower fan 825 for generating dry air flow, a heater 84 for heating the dry air flow, and an air flow guide 83 disposed inside the tub to guide the dry air flow.

[0106] A drying air supply hole 254 may be defined in the lower surface of the tub 20 so that high-temperature drying air generated from the drying air supply unit may be introduced into the tub 20.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Supply Device

[0107] As described above, the detergent supply device 200 provided in the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed and attached to the door 30.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the door 30 may include a front panel 30a constituting a front surface of the dishwasher 1, and a rear panel 30b coupled to the front panel 30a, disposed to face the inside of the tub 20, and constituting a rear surface of the door 30.

[0109] In this case, the detergent supply device 200 may be coupled to the rear panel 30b constituting the rear surface of the door 30.

[0110] As shown in the drawing, a concave portion formed to be concavely recessed toward the front panel 30a may be formed in a lower portion of the rear panel 30b, and a concave portion may not be formed in an upper portion of the rear panel 30b. Accordingly, the upper portion of the rear panel 30b may constitute a rear protruding surface 30b1 that protrudes rearwardly beyond the lower portion.

[0111] As will be described later, a predetermined detergent storage capacity should be secured inside the detergent supply device 200. For this reason, a width in the front-rear direction of the detergent supply device 200 needs to be significantly large.

[0112] In consideration of the width in the front-rear direction of the detergent supply device 200, the detergent supply device 200 may be coupled to the rear protruding surface 30b1 of the upper portion of the rear panel 30b in which the concave portion is not formed.

[0113] In this case, the detergent supply device 200 may partially extend through the rear panel 30b and extend into the door 30. To this end, a through-hole 30b2 through which the detergent supply device 200 partially passes may be formed in the rear protruding surface 30b1 of the rear panel 30b. The shape of the through-hole 30b2 may be provided in a substantially rectangular hole shape corresponding to an outer shape of the detergent supply device 200.

[0114] Accordingly, based on a state in which the door 30 is closed, the rear portion of the detergent supply device 200 may be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and the front portion of the detergent supply device 200 may pass through the rear panel 30b and be partially disposed inside the door 30.

[0115] In this case, as will be described later, an electric component such as a detergent pump 230, a roller sensor 2391, and the like, which electrically operate, may be disposed at a front portion of the detergent supply device 200 disposed inside the door 30. Accordingly, the electric components constituting the detergent supply device 200 may be configured not to be affected by the washing water.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, a plurality of electrically operating components other than the electrical component of the detergent supply device 200 may be accommodated inside the door 30. A water leakage prevention means may be provided between the detergent supply device 200 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 so that the electrical components are not affected by the washing water.

[0117] As described above, the door 30 may be pivotally supported by the hinge bracket 37 disposed at the lower end of the door 30, and may pivot about the hinge bracket 37.

[0118] When the door 30 is closed, the detergent supply device 200 may be oriented to face the inside of the washing space 21 and may extend in a vertical direction. As described above, when the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented, the detergent stored inside the detergent container 280, which will be described later, may flow downwardly under gravity.

[0119] In addition, when the door 30 is opened, the detergent supply device 200 may pivot in a direction away from the tub 20, and may extend in a horizontal direction when the door is in a full-open state.

[0120] The user may open the door 30 such that the detergent supply device 200 extends or is oriented in the horizontal direction, and then open a cover 220 to be described later to mount a detergent container 280 inside an housing 210 or easily remove the detergent container 280 from the housing 210.

[0121] Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the detergent supply device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0122] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented in a state in which the above-described door 30 is closed. Hereinafter, unless otherwise described, the detergent supply device 200 will be described based on a state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented.

[0123] First, the detergent supply device 200 may include the housing 210 having a predetermined accommodation space defined therein and the cover 220 for opening and closing the accommodation space of the housing 210.

[0124] The housing 210 constitutes an outer appearance of the detergent supply device 200 and serves to accommodate therein or support other components constituting the detergent supply device 200.

[0125] The housing 210 may be formed to have a box shape in which a rear surface 210a thereof is entirely open and the predetermined accommodation space is defined therein.

[0126] The detergent container 280 to be described later may be mounted or removed onto the housing or from the housing while passing through the open rear surface 210a. The cover 220 to be described later may be coupled to the open rear surface 210a, and the rear surface 210a may be closed by the cover 220.

[0127] By way of example, in consideration of the shape of the detergent container 280 and the detergent storage capacity of the detergent container 280, a width in the front-rear direction of the upper portion of the housing 210 may be much larger than the width in the front-rear direction of the lower portion of the housing 210.

[0128] In this case, a space and a support structure to which the detergent pump 230, the detergent vertical level sensor 240, and the detachment detection sensor 260, which are electrically operated as described below, may be attached and supported may be formed outside the rear surface 210a of the housing 210 as a lower portion of the housing 210 having a width in the front-rear direction smaller than that of the upper portion.

[0129] In order to install and support the detergent pump 230, a detergent vertical level sensor 240, and a detachment detection sensor 260, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of support ribs 214 having a predetermined shape may be integrally formed with the housing 210 at a lower portion of a rear surface 210a of the housing 210. In this case, the support rib 214 passes through the through-hole 30b2 of the rear panel 30b and is buried in the inside of the door 30. Therefore, the support rib 214 may be formed not to extend outwardly beyond both opposing side surfaces 210e and 210f and a lower surface 210d of the housing 210 in consideration of the assemblability.

[0130] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply a single type detergent or a heterogeneous type detergent.

[0131] As shown, the housing 210 may be formed to have an approximately left-right symmetrical shape such that the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 is commonly used for the single type detergent supply and the heterogeneous type detergent supply.

[0132] When the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 is applied for the supply of the heterogeneous type detergent, the housing 210 having the horizontally symmetrical shape is divided into left and right portions (arranged in a Le-Ri direction), and the right portion of the housing 210 may be used for the supply of the first type detergent, and the left portion of the housing 210 may be used for the supply of the second type detergent.

[0133] However, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings, other components except for the housing 210 are applied for a single type detergent supply. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, as illustrated, the housing 210 will be described based on an embodiment applied to the detergent supply device 200 for supplying the single type detergent.

[0134] In one example, as described above, the detergent supply device 200 may be installed in the rear panel 30b of the door 30 such that in the state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented, a portion of the housing 210 may be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and the remaining portion of the housing 210 may be buried in the inside of the door 30.

[0135] Accordingly, the housing 210 may have a shape divided into front and rear portions arranged along a front-rear direction (F-R direction) and disposed around a virtual reference line L as illustrated in FIG. 5. The rear portion of the housing 21 around the virtual reference line L may be referred to as an exposed portion 211 because the rear portion is exposed to the washing space 21. The front portion of the housing 21 around the virtual reference line L may be referred to as a buried portion 212 because the front portion is buried in the inside of the door 30.

[0136] In this case, when the housing 210 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (F-R direction), a cross-sectional area of the exposed portion 211 may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the buried portion 212.

[0137] Accordingly, a predetermined stepped surface 213 may be formed at a rear end of the buried portion 212 and a front end of the exposed portion 211 defining a boundary between the exposed portion 211 and the buried portion 212.

[0138] The stepped surface 213 serves to increase a contact area or a coupling area of the housing 210 to the rear panel 30b when the housing 210 is fastened to the rear panel 30b of the door 30. To this end, the stepped surface 213 may be constructed to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the rear surface of the rear panel 30b.

[0139] In addition, fastening holes through which fastening means such as a screw bolt or the like may pass may be formed in four edges of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the stepped surface 213, respectively.

[0140] In one example, as described above, the leakage prevention means may be provided between the detergent supply device 200 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 so that the plurality of electrical components of the detergent supply device 200 and the electrical components disposed inside the door 30 are not affected by the washing water.

[0141] The water leakage prevention means may be embodied as a gasket 270 interposed between the stepped surface 213 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 and made of a material having predetermined elasticity.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gasket 270 may be coupled to the stepped surface 213 and may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the stepped surface 213.

[0143] More specifically, the gasket 270 is constructed to have a width corresponding to a width of the stepped surface 213, and may have a thickness sufficient so that the gasket can provide a predetermined elastic force.

[0144] In one example, the cover 220 is detachably connected to the housing 210 and serves to open and close the open rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0145] For example, in a similar manner to the door 30 as described above, the cover 220 may be configured to be pivotable to open and close the inner accommodation space of the housing 210. To this end, a cover body 221 may be sized to entirely cover the rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0146] In addition, a lower end of the cover body 221 may be pivotably connected to the housing 210.

[0147] In one example, a fastening portion 222 may be provided at an upper end of the cover body 221 and may act as a means for providing a detachable coupling of the cover 221 to the housing 210.

[0148] By way of example, the fastening portion 222 may include a lever extending upwardly from the upper end of the cover body 221, and a fastening tab integrally connected to the lever and extending in the horizontal direction.

[0149] Although not shown, a locking protrusion to which the fastening tab is elastically coupled may be disposed on the upper surface 210c at a position close to the rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0150] Thus, the user may easily release the locking state between the fastening protrusion and the locking protrusion by pulling the lever in a direction away from the housing 210.

[0151] In one example, a through-hole 223 extending along the vertical direction U-D and having a width in the left-right direction substantially constant may be formed in the cover body 221.

[0152] In a state in which the cover 220 is fastened to the housing 210, the through-hole 223 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position of a transparent window 2813 of the detergent container 280 to be described later.

[0153] Accordingly, the user may easily check a vertical level and a remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent container 280 with the naked eye through the through-hole 223 of the cover 220 and the transparent window 2813 of the detergent container 280.

[0154] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 may further include the detergent container 280 in which detergent to be supplied to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 is stored.

[0155] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a container body 281 of the detergent container 280 may have a container shape in which a predetermined detergent storage space is formed.

[0156] In addition, as described above, the detergent container 280 is entirely accommodated in the inner accommodation space of the housing 210. Thus, the detergent container 280 may have an outer shape corresponding to a shape of the inner accommodation space of the housing 210 of the container body 281.

[0157] A detergent inlet 2811 for replenishing the detergent may be formed in a center of a rear surface of the container main body 281.

[0158] A sealing cap 283 may be detachably coupled to the detergent inlet 2811. Accordingly, the user may open the detergent inlet 2811 by removing the sealing cap 283 from the detergent inlet 2811, and may supplement the detergent through the detergent inlet 2811 into the inner space of the detergent container.

[0159] As illustrated, a sealing ring 284 made of a material having predetermined elasticity may be inserted into between the detergent inlet 2811 and the sealing cap 283 to prevent the leakage of the detergent.

[0160] In one example, a ventilation hole 2812 extending through a rear surface of the container body 281 may be defined in an upper end of the rear surface of the container body 281.

[0161] In a state in which the inner storage space of the container body 281 is closed with the sealing cap 283, the ventilation hole 2812 may be used to prevent the pressure of the inner storage space from being lower than the atmospheric pressure as the supply of detergent proceeds.

[0162] However, since there is a possibility that the detergent may be leaked through the ventilation hole 2812, a detergent outflow prevention means such as an air valve or a membrane may be added to the ventilation hole 2812.

[0163] As described above, the transparent window 2813 corresponding to and horizontally overlapping the through-hole 223 of the cover 220 may be formed on the rear surface of the container body 281. The transparent window 2813 may be made of a transparent or translucent material capable of transmitting visible light therethrough so that the vertical level and the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 may be visually checked by the user with the naked eye.

[0164] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a detergent outlet 2814 may be formed at a lower end of a front surface of the container body 281.

[0165] The detergent outlet 2814 may be disposed at the lowermost end of the container body 281 so that the detergent may be easily moved under the gravity.

[0166] FIG. 7 illustrates that a pair of detergent outlets 2814 are provided at left and right sides of the front surface of the container body 281, respectively. Thus, the detergent container 280 may be used as the detergent container 280 for the heterogeneous type detergent supply. In another example, when the detergent container 280 is used for the single type detergent supply as in the present embodiment, the detergent outlet 2814 at the left side may be in a closed state.

[0167] A container valve 282 may be coupled to the detergent outlet 2814. The container valve 282 serves to close the detergent outlet 2814 in a state in which the container body 281 is removed from the housing 210 and to open the detergent outlet 2814 in a state in which the container valve 282 is mounted on the housing 210.

[0168] A valve coupling portion 215 to which the container valve 282 is coupled when the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 may be formed inside the housing 210. When the container valve 282 is coupled to the valve coupling portion 215 of the housing 210, the container valve 282 may be opened at the same time as the coupling of the container valve 282 to the valve coupling portion 215, such that the detergent outlet 2814 may be opened.

[0169] As illustrated in partially enlarged views of FIGS. 6 and 7, the container valve 282 may include a valve body 2821 in which a front end 2821a and a rear end 2821b are at least partially opened, a plug 2822 received in the valve body 2821 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction so as to open or close an opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821, and a spring (not shown) configured to provide a restoring force to the plug 2822.

[0170] As illustrated, the valve body 2821 may have a cylindrical outer appearance, and an internal channel through which detergent may flow may be formed therein.

[0171] The inner channel of the valve body 2821 communicates with the opening formed in the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 and an opening formed in the rear end 2821b.

[0172] The rear end 2821b of the valve body 2821 may be firmly coupled to the detergent outlet 2814 of the container main body 281. Accordingly, the detergent supplied from the container body 281 may be introduced through the opening of the rear end 2821b of the valve body 2821 and then may flow along the inner channel of the valve body 2821.

[0173] The front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be coupled to the valve coupling portion 215 (see FIG. 12) of the housing 210.

[0174] Accordingly, the detergent flowing along the inner channel of the valve body 2821 may be discharged through the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 and then may be supplied to the valve coupling portion 215 of the housing 210.

[0175] The plug 2822 is disposed inside the valve body 2821 and serves to open and close the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0176] Accordingly, the plug 2822 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0177] The plug 2822 is pressed so as to close the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 under an elastic force of the spring (not shown).

[0178] In one example, at least one contact protrusion 2822a protruding in a direction away from the valve body 2821 may be integrally formed with the plug 2822 and may be disposed on a front end surface of the plug 2822.

[0179] The contact protrusion 2822a may protrude so as to be farther away from the container body 281 than the front end surface of the plug 2822 and the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be.

[0180] Accordingly, when the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210, the contact protrusion 2822a of the plug 2822 first contacts an end surface of the valve coupling portion 215.

[0181] Further movement of the plug 2822 may be blocked under the contact between the contact protrusion 2822a and the valve coupling portion 215.

[0182] Accordingly, as a process in which the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210 continuously proceeds, relative movement of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 with respect to the plug 2822 may continue in a state in which the movement of the plug 2822 is blocked.

[0183] As the relative movement of the valve body 2821 with respect to the plug 2822 progresses, a clearance may be generated between the plug 2822 and the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821, and the clearance may gradually expand. Due to this clearance expansion, the container valve 282 may be switched from the closed state to the open state.

[0184] Through the clearance, the detergent may flow from the container valve 282 to the valve coupling portion 215, and the detergent may be supplied from the container body 281.

[0185] In one example, when the container body 281 is detached from the housing 210, the contact protrusion 2822a of the plug 2822 may be removed from the end surface of the valve coupling portion 215. In this case, the clearance between the plug 2822 and the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be immediately removed under the restoring force of the above-described spring, and the valve body 2821 may be switched from the open state to the closed state again.

[0186] In one example, as illustrated, at least one stopper 2821c for determining an insertion depth and an insertion position of the container main body 281 into the detergent outlet 2814 may be integrally formed with the valve body 2821 and may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 2821.

[0187] In addition, as illustrated, a sealing ring for preventing the leakage of the detergent through a clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the valve coupling portion 215 and the valve body 2821 may be additionally provided on a side surface of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0188] However, the configuration of the container valve 282 is only an example. Any means may be applied as the container valve 282 without limitation thereto as long as the means is capable of being brought into the closed state when it is detached from the housing 210 and of being switched to an open state when it is mounted onto the housing 210.

[0189] In one example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be attached to the housing 210 and may act as a means for detecting whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on or detached from the housing 210.

[0190] As described above, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so as not to be affected by the washing water. In an illustrated example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be attached to a position on a lower portion of the front surface 210b of the housing 210 and adjacent to a left side surface thereof.

[0191] By way of example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may have a Hall sensor type that detects a magnetic force.

[0192] Correspondingly, the container body 281 may have a magnetic body (not shown) emitting a predetermined magnetic force at a position corresponding to the position of the detachment detection sensor 260 in a state in which the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210.

[0193] The detachment detection sensor 260 may be electrically connected to a controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 or is detached from the housing 210 based on the received output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260.

[0194] In addition, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be attached to the housing 210 and may act as a means for checking the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281.

[0195] Like the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so as not to be affected by the washing water. In an illustrated example, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be attached to a center of the lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210.

[0196] In a similar manner to the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be provided in a form of a Hall sensor that detects a magnetic force.

[0197] Correspondingly, a floater (not shown) may be disposed inside the container body 281 and may be movable in the vertical direction U-D based on the vertical level of the detergent.

[0198] A magnetic body emitting a predetermined magnetic force may be attached to the floater, and the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may generate an output signal corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic force emitted from the magnetic body of the floater.

[0199] Like the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be electrically connected to the controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 based on the received output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240.

[0200] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 may further include the detergent pump 230 for providing the detergent stored in the detergent container 280 to the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

[0201] In the present embodiment, the detergent pump 230 may be provided in the form of a tube pump driven using an electric motor to facilitate control of an amount of detergent to be supplied.

[0202] As known in the art, the tube pump may be configured to press a flexible tube having a detergent movement path defined therein using at least one roller to push and move the detergent.

[0203] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrates a configuration in which a single type detergent pump 230 for supplying a single type detergent is provided. In another example, when the detergent pump 230 is applied for supplying the heterogeneous type detergent, a further detergent pump 230 having the same specification may be additionally provided.

[0204] Like the detachment detection sensor 260 and the detergent vertical level sensor 240 as above-described, the detergent pump 230 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so that the detergent pump 230 that electrically operates is not affected by the washing water. By way of example, the detergent pump 230 may fixedly installed on the support rib 214 formed at the lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210.

[0205] A roller sensor 2391 may be attached to the detergent pump 230 and may be configured to sense a position of a roller 233 that presses the tube 232 to move the detergent and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller 233.

[0206] The roller sensor 2391 may be electrically connected to the controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the roller sensor 2391 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may calculate the number of revolutions of the roller 233 based on the received output signal of the roller sensor 2391. Thus, the amount of the detergent supplied to the washing space may be easily determined by the controller based on the calculated number of the revolutions.

[0207] The configuration of the method for determining the amount of the supplied detergent using the roller sensor 2391 will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Pump

[0208] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the detergent pump 230 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 20.

[0209] First, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the detergent pump 230 may include a pump casing 231 for accommodating therein the roller 233 and the tube 232, the tube 232 having the detergent channel formed therein, the roller 233 for pressing the tube 232 to move the detergent by, a carrier 234 for supporting the roller 233 so as to revolve and spin, a cover plate 235 coupled to the pump casing 23, a base plate 236 having one side surface to which the cover plate 235 is coupled, and a pump motor 238 that provides a driving force for revolving and spinning the roller 233.

[0210] The pump casing 231 serves to accommodate therein and protect the roller 233 and the tube 232, which will be described later.

[0211] To this end, the pump casing 231 has a first end surface 2311 and a second end surface 2312 opposite to each other in a rotation axis Xc of the roller 233. The first end surface 2311 may be entirely open, and the second end surface 2312 may be entirely closed.

[0212] A circumferential portion 2313 may be formed between the first end surface 2311 and the second end surface 2312, and a pair of slots 2313a may extend through the circumferential portion 2313 so that the tube may pass therethrough.

[0213] As will be described later, the tube 232 is maintained in a state of being bent in a C-shape while being disposed inside the pump casing 231.

[0214] To this end, a portion of an inner surface of the circumferential portion 2313 of the pump casing 231 may be constructed to have a semi-cylindrical shape. That is, the inner surface of the circumferential portion 2313 may act as a support surface for maintaining a state in which the tube 232 is bent in the C-shape while the tube 232 is pressed by the roller 233.

[0215] The tube 232 functions as a detergent channel through which the detergent supplied from the above-described detergent container 280 flows.

[0216] In addition, the detergent filling the inner channel of the tube 232 may be made of a flexible material so that the detergent may be pumped out of the tube by the roller 233 pressing the tube.

[0217] Accordingly, when the tube 232 is pressed while being caught between the outer circumferential surface of the roller 233 and an outer surface of the circumferential portion 2313 of the pump casing 231, the tube may be easily deformed such that the inner channel thereof may be closed by the pressing force. When the pressing force of the roller 233 is released, the tube 232 may be effectively restored to its original shape.

[0218] In this regard, the roller 233 moves while revolving such that the position of the tube 232 pressed by the roller 233 changes according to the revolution of the roller 233.

[0219] Thus, the detergent filling the inner channel of the tube 232 flows together with the revolution of the roller 233.

[0220] The tube 232 may be constructed to be partially accommodated in the pump casing 231. A first end 2321 of the tube 232 may serve as an inlet through which the detergent is introduced. The detergent is pumped and discharged out of a second end 2322 of the tube 232. The first end 2321 and the second end 2322 may pass through a pair of slots 2313a of the pump casing 231, respectively, and extend out of the pump casing 231.

[0221] A pair of portions of the tube 232 which respectively pass through the pair of slots 2313a may be firmly fixed to the pair of slots 2313a by a pair of tube clips 237, respectively.

[0222] In one example, a first end 2321 of the tube 232 acting as an inlet may be connected to and communicate with the detergent outlet 2814 of the detergent container 280, while a second end 2322 of the tube 232 acting as an outlet may be connected to and communicate with a detergent discharge hole 218 that finally discharges the pumped detergent toward the tub 20.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 11B, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed in the exposed portion 211 of the housing 210, and preferably may be formed at a position as close as possible to the open rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0224] Accordingly, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed at a position spaced as far as possible from the reference line L and may communicate with the inside of the tub 20. Thus, the detergent discharged from the detergent discharge hole 218 may be freely dropped toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 under the gravity.

[0225] In addition, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed in a stepped surface disposed under the open rear surface 210b of the housing and disposed at a higher vertical level in the vertical direction than a vertical level of the lower surface 210d of the housing 210.

[0226] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11C, in a rear view of a state in which the cover 220 is coupled to the housing 210, the detergent discharge hole 218 is in a state of being screened with the cover 220.

[0227] Accordingly, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed at a higher position in the vertical direction than a vertical position of the lower surface 210d of the housing 210, and may be maintained in a state screened with the cover 220. Accordingly, this may effectively prevent the washing water scattered while a cycle of the dishwasher 1 is performed from directly reaching the detergent discharge hole 218 or from flowing through the detergent discharge hole 218 into the tube.

[0228] In one example, a notch-shaped groove 2212 may be formed in a lower end 2211 of the cover 220 as illustrated in FIG. 11C so as not to prevent the detergent discharged from the detergent discharge hole 218 from flowing under the gravity though the detergent discharge hole 218 is screened with the cover 220.

[0229] In this regard, in order that the detergent effectively flows, an area size of the groove 2212 formed in the lower end of the cover 220 may be larger than a cross-sectional area size of the detergent discharge hole 218.

[0230] In one example, a hinge hole 2213 into which a hinge shaft 219 of the housing 210 is inserted may extend through a lower end of the cover 220 and may be disposed on each of left and right sides of the groove 2212. The cover 220 may be supported so as to be pivotable with respect to the housing 210 in a state in which the hinge shaft 219 is inserted into the hinge hole 2213.

[0231] As shown in FIGS. 11A to 13, the housing 210 may be provided with a first nipple 216 as an intermediate connection medium connecting the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and the valve coupling portion 215 to each other, and a second nipple 217 as an intermediate connection medium connecting the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and the detergent discharge hole 218 to each other.

[0232] As illustrated, each of the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 may be integrally formed with the housing 210 and may be disposed at a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210 in which the support rib 214 is disposed.

[0233] As described above, a pair of first nipples 216 may be formed at approximately symmetrical positions on the housing 210 and a pair of second nipples 217 may be formed at approximately symmetrical positions on the housing 210 so that the detergent supply device 200 may be commonly used for the single type detergent supply and the heterogeneous type detergent supply.

[0234] The detergent may flow only through the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 disposed at the left side of the housing 210 as shown when the detergent supply device 200 is applied for a single type detergent supply. Hereinafter, the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 disposed at the left side of the housing 210 will be mainly described by way of example.

[0235] A channel through which the detergent may flow may be formed inside each of the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 12, the first nipple 216 may be inserted into the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and connected to the first end 2321.

[0237] In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the second nipple 217 may be inserted into the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and connected to the second end 2322.

[0238] In this way, the connection between the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and the first nipple 216 and the connection between the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and the second nipple 217 have been completed, such that a continuous detergent flow path Fd may be formed inside the first nipple 216, the tube 232, and the second nipple 217.

[0239] By way of example, the first nipple 216 may have a shape extending linearly along a horizontal direction, and the second nipple 217 may have a L-shape to change the detergent flow path Fd from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction toward the detergent discharge hole 218.

[0240] The roller 233 presses the tube 232 and revolves around the rotation axis Xc serving as a revolving axis to move the detergent along the inner channel of the tube 232 to pump the detergent.

[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, a configuration in which a total of three rollers 233 are provided inside the pump casing 231 is illustrated.

[0242] The present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the present disclosure will be described below based on an example in which the three rollers 233 are provided.

[0243] For convenience, in order to distinguish the three rollers 233 from each other, the three rollers 233 will be referred to as a first roller 2331, a second roller 2332, and a third roller 2333

[0244] In this regard, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may have the same shape and size as described below, and may be compatible with each other.

[0245] Detailed configurations of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0246] A carrier 234 serves to support the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 such that each of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 can spin and revolve.

[0247] More specifically, the carrier 234 may be configured to include a disk-shaped plate 2341 and a plurality of roller support shafts 2342 extending from the disk-shaped plate 2341 toward the roller 233.

[0248] The disk-shaped plate 2341 may be supported by a cover plate 235 to be described later in a state in which one side surface thereof is in surface contact with the cover plate 235.

[0249] In addition, the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be supported on the cover plate 235 such that the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be rotatable, preferably, can spin.

[0250] As will be described later, a ring-shaped guide rib 2353 extending so as to surround the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be integrally formed with the cover plate 235 and may be disposed on one surface of the cover plate 235 with which the disk-shaped plate 2341 is in contact.

[0251] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may effectively prevent the disk-shaped plate 2341 from being removed radially outwardly.

[0252] The plurality of roller support shafts 2342 protruding toward the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively, may be integrally formed with the disk-shaped plate 2341 and may be disposed on the other surface of the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0253] More specifically, the plurality of roller support shafts 2342 may include a first shaft 2342a supporting the first roller 2331 so as to be rotatable, a second shaft 2342b supporting the second roller 2332 so as to be rotatable, and a third shaft 2342c supporting the third roller 2333 so as to be rotatable.

[0254] The first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b and the third shaft 2342c serve as spinning axes of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively.

[0255] As will be described later, the first shaft 2342a to which the first roller 2331 is coupled may have a smaller protruding length than that of each of the second shaft 2342a and the third shaft 2342c. A detailed configuration thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0256] In one example, a circular through-hole 2341a may be formed in a center of the disk-shaped plate 2341 so as to extend through one surface and the other surface thereof. An output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 to be described later may pass through the through-hole 2341a.

[0257] The output shaft 2381 simultaneously contacts respective outer circumferential surfaces 2331a, 2332a, and 2333a of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and transmits a driving force for rotating the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 thereto as described below.

[0258] In this case, the output shaft 2381 may be constructed to pass through the through-hole 2341a of the disk-shaped plate 2341 while being not to be in contact with the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0259] That is, the carrier 234 may be supported by the cover plate 235 and accommodated in the pump casing 231 in an idle state in which the rotational driving force from the output shaft 2381 is not transmitted to the carrier 234.

[0260] The cover plate 235 is coupled to the open first end surface 2311 of the pump casing 231 and serves to close the inner space of the pump casing 231.

[0261] As the cover plate 235 is fastened to the pump casing 231, movement of the roller 233, the tube 232, and the carrier 234 along the rotation axis Xc may be restricted by the pump casing 231 and the cover plate 235 in a state in which the roller 233, the tube 232, and the carrier 234 are accommodated in the pump casing 231.

[0262] In a similar manner to the carrier 234, a through-hole 2351 may be formed in a center of the cover plate 235. The output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may extend though the through-hole 2351.

[0263] As described above, the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be integrally formed with the disk-shaped plate 2341 and may be disposed on one surface of the cover plate 235 with which the disk-shaped plate 2341 comes into contact.

[0264] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 and the through-hole 2351 may be concentric with each other. A protruding height of the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be maintained to be substantially constant along a circumferential direction thereof.

[0265] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may prevent the disk-shaped plate 2341 from being removed radially outwardly.

[0266] However, an inner diameter of the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be larger than an outer diameter of the disk-shaped plate 2341 such that the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may not contact and thus interfere with the rotational motion of the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0267] A means for fastening the pump casing 231 to the cover plate 235 may be provided at each of edges of the cover plate 235.

[0268] By way of example, the fastening means may be spaced apart from each other, and may be formed at four positions.

[0269] In this case, each of these fastening means may be constructed to act as a fastening means for fastening the pump casing 231 to the cover plate 235 and at the same time, may act as a fastening means for fastening the base plate 236 to be described later to the cover plate 235.

[0270] That is, each fastening means may constitute a common fastening portion 2352 having one side that may be fastened to the pump casing 231 and the other side that may be fastened to the base plate 236.

[0271] Using the fastening means in the common manner to the pump casing and the base plate may allow the structure of the detergent pump to be simplified and allow the manufacturing cost thereof to be reduced.

[0272] The base plate 236 is constructed such that the pump motor 238 is coupled to one surface of the base plate and the cover plate 235 described above is coupled to the other surface thereof, and serves to fixedly connect the pump motor and the cover plate to the housing 210.

[0273] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the base plate 236 may be provided with four engaged portions 2362. In this regard, each of the common fastening portions 2352 of the cover plate 235 may be engaged with each of the engaged portions 2362 such that the base plate and the cover plate are fastened to each other.

[0274] In addition, in a similar manner to the through-hole 2351 of the cover plate 235, a through-hole 2361 may be formed in a center of the base plate 236. In this regard, the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may pass through the through-hole 2361.

[0275] In addition, in order that the base plate 236 is fastened to the support rib 214 of the housing 210, a pair of connection tabs 2363 extending in a direction away from the central through-hole 2361 of the bate plate may be disposed on the base plate 236, and a bolt hole through which a fixing means such as a screw bolt may pass may be formed in each of the connection tabs 2363.

[0276] The pump motor 238 serves to generate a rotational driving force that spins and revolves the first roller 2331 to the third roller 2333.

[0277] Although there is no limit to the type of the motor applicable to the pump motor of the present disclosure, it is preferable that a small electric motor is employed in consideration of a limitation of a space in which the detergent pump 230 is disposed.

[0278] In one example, the detergent pump 230 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a roller position sensing unit 239 for sensing a change in a position of the roller 233.

[0279] As described above, the present disclosure provides the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same in which a change in the position of the roller 233 is sensed while the detergent pump 230 operates, and the number of revolutions of the roller 233 is calculated based on the detected change, and the supply amount of the detergent is determined based on the number of revolutions.

[0280] Thus, in order to achieve this purpose, the detergent pump 230 may further include the roller position sensing unit 239 as the means for sensing the position of the roller 233.

[0281] By way of example, the roller position sensing unit 239 may be configured to include a roller sensor 2391.

[0282] The roller sensor 2391 may operate in a Hall sensor manner as the same manner as the operation manner each of the above-described detachment detection sensor 260 and the detergent vertical level sensor 240

[0283] In order to detect the change in the position of the roller 233, a magnetic body emitting a predetermined magnetic force may be provided in at least one of the first roller 2331 to the third roller 2333.

[0284] In this case, in order to maintain the sensing performance to the maximum level, a sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the magnetic body along the rotation axis Xc.

[0285] A correlation between the roller sensor 2391 and the roller 233 provided with the magnetic body will be described later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0286] In one example, in order to minimize a volume of the magnetic body disposed in the roller 233 and to minimize the influence of the magnetic force generated from the pump motor 238 thereon, the roller sensor 2391 is preferably disposed at a position closest to the roller 233 and farthest from the pump motor 238.

[0287] This position may be the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231.

[0288] Therefore, the pump motor 238 and the roller sensor 2391 may be spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis Xc while the roller 233 is interposed therebetween.

[0289] A sensor holder 2392 capable of detachably supporting the roller sensor 2391 may be integrally formed with the pump casing 231 and may be disposed on the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231.

[0290] The sensor holder 2392 is preferably disposed at a position in which the sensor holder 2392 does not interfere with the roller 233 that spins and revolves while being received inside the pump casing 231.

[0291] To this end, the pump casing 231 may be formed on an outer edge of the second end surface 2312 so as to protrude from the second end surface 2312 in a direction away from the roller 233 along a direction parallel to the rotation axis Xc.

[0292] The configuration of the detergent pump 230 applied for the single type detergent supply has been described above. However, when the detergent supply device 200 according to the present disclosure is applied for the heterogeneous type detergent supply, the detergent pump 230 having the same configuration as described above may be additionally provided. However, the additional detergent pump 230 may be installed at a position symmetrical to a position of the existing detergent pump 230 on the housing 210.Detailed Structure of Roller and Arrangement Structure of Magnetic Body

[0293] Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the roller 233 provided in the detergent pump 230 and an arrangement structure of the magnetic body will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18.

[0294] As described above, in the present embodiment, the roller 233 may include the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 that have the same outer appearance and size and may be compatible with each other.

[0295] In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may be supported by the carrier 234 in a state in which the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 can spin and revolve in a separated and spaced state from each other.

[0296] The carrier 234 may include the first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c as the means for supporting the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively so as to spin.

[0297] The first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c may be arranged so as to be spaced from each other by an equal spacings around the through-hole 2341a so as to support the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 in the separated and spaced state from each other, respectively.

[0298] The first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may have respectively first hollow spaces 2331b, 2332b, and 2333b having circular cross-sections into which the first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c may be inserted, respectively.

[0299] The first hollow spaces 2331b, 2332b, and 2333b may respectively extend through the first end surfaces 2331d, 2332d, and 2333d of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and extend toward the second end surfaces 2331e, 2332e, and 2333e thereof along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0300] In one example, as described above, the driving force for spinning and revolving the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 is directly transmitted from the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 to the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 while the driving force is not transmitted to the carrier 234.

[0301] To this end, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may receive the rotational driving force from the output shaft 2381 in a state in which the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 are in contact with the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 simultaneously.

[0302] That is, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may be driven under the frictional force between an outer circumferential surface 2331a of the first roller 2331, an outer circumferential surface 2332a of the second roller 2332, an outer circumferential surface 2333a of the third roller 2333, and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238.

[0303] Accordingly, a means for increasing the coefficient of friction between each of the outer circumferential surface 2331a of the first roller 2331, the outer circumferential surface 2332a of the second roller 2332, the outer circumferential surface 2333a of the third roller 2333 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may be provided on the output shaft 2381. By way of example, the means for increasing the coefficient of friction may be implemented based on a method of roughening the surface of the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238, a method of coating a coating agent having a predetermined material on the surface of the output shaft 2381, or a method of covering the surface of the output shaft 2381 using a tube.

[0304] However, even though the means for increasing such a coefficient of friction is added, a considerable difference between a target detergent supply amount pursued via an operation time control or RPM control of the pump motor 238 and an actual detergent supply amount pumped and supplied using the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may occur, for example, when a high viscous detergent is applied, when the tube 232 is cured and worn over time, or when a slip occurs between the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238, etc.

[0305] Accordingly, as described above, the dishwasher and the method for control the same according to the present disclosure may be configured to identify the number of revolutions of the roller 233 that determines the actual detergent supply amount, based on the number of position changes of the roller 233 and to supply the detergent such that the difference between the target detergent supply amount and the actual detergent supply amount is minimized.

[0306] To this end, the means for detecting the change in the position of the roller 233 may be configured to include the roller sensor 2391 and the magnetic body 2393 disposed in the roller 233 as described above.

[0307] In one example, The magnetic body 2393 may be provided in each of all of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333. In another example, the magnetic body 2393 may be provided in only one thereon, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost.

[0308] Hereinafter, as illustrated, the description will be made based on an embodiment in which the magnetic body 2393 is provided only in the first roller 2331.

[0309] As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the magnetic body 2393 may have an outer shape having a quadrangular pillar shape.

[0310] Correspondingly, a second hollow space 2331c into which the magnetic body may be inserted may be formed inside the first roller 2331.

[0311] The second hollow space 2331c may be formed such that a cross-sectional shape thereof is quadrangular corresponding to the outer shape of the magnetic body 2393.

[0312] In this case, the second hollow space 2331c may extend through the second end surface 2331e and extend to the first hollow space 2331b along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0313] Each of the second hollow spaces 2332c and 2333c having the same shape as that of the second hollow space 2331c defined in the first roller 2331 may be defined in each of the second roller 2332 and the third roller 2333.

[0314] In addition, the magnetic body 2393 may be received in the second hollow space 2331c so as to be entirely buried in the first roller. To this end, a length of the second hollow space 2331c in the direction of the rotation axis Xc may be greater than or equal to a length of the magnetic body 2393 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0315] Accordingly, the magnetic body 2393 may be constructed not to protrude out of the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331, and an increase in a size of the detergent pump 230 due to the addition of the magnetic body 2393 may be prevented.

[0316] In one example, as illustrated, the magnetic body 2393 may be positioned closer to the second end surface 2331e among the first end surface 2331d and the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331.

[0317] As described above, the roller sensor 2391 is disposed on the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231 at a position spaced apart from the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331 along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0318] This position of the roller sensor is selected as a position at which the influence of the magnetic force emitted from the pump motor 238 on the roller sensor 2391 can be minimized.

[0319] However, in order for the roller sensor 2391 to effectively sense the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331, the magnetic body 2393 needs to be positioned in the first roller 2331 as close as possible to the roller sensor 2391.

[0320] To this end, it is preferable that the magnetic body 2393 is positioned to be off-centered toward the first end surface 2331d of the first roller 2331 positioned closest to the roller sensor 2391 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.Detection of Position Change of First Tube Using Roller Sensor

[0321] Hereinafter, an arrangement relationship between the first roller 2331 and the roller sensor 2391 and a sensing structure of the magnetic body 2393 using the roller sensor 2391 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0322] As described above, the roller sensor 2391 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0323] Furthermore, the roller sensor 2391 has a sensing surface 2391a, and the sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 may overlap a revolution area of the magnetic body 2393 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0324] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 19, when the sensing surface 2391a is moved in a parallel manner to the direction of the rotation axis Xc toward the magnetic body 2393, an overlapping between the magnetic body 2393 and the sensing surface 2391a in the direction of the rotation axis Xc may occur as the magnetic body 2393 revolves.

[0325] Thus, a linear distance between the sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 and the magnetic body 2393 may be minimized, such that the small magnetic body and the small roller sensor 2391 may be applied, and thus the detergent pump 230 may be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost of the detergent pump 230 may be reduced.

[0326] Hereinafter, a method for detecting a position change of the first roller 2331 using the roller sensor 2391 will be described.

[0327] The roller sensor 2391 may be constructed to have a predetermined sensing area.

[0328] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, an area in which a distance D from the sensing surface 2391a to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 along the rotation axis Xc is smaller than the distance from the rotation axis Xc to the sensing surface as a reference distance range Dth may be a sensing area of the roller sensor 2391, that is, may be sensed by the roller sensor 2390. while an area in which the distance D from the sensing surface 2391a to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is larger than the reference distance range may be an non-sensing area of the roller sensor, that is, may be unsensed by the roller sensor.

[0329] As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may detect the presence of the magnetic body 2393 and generate a first output signal including information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area.

[0330] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, when the first roller 2331 revolves along the revolution direction R so as to be present in the non-sensing area out of the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may sense this situation and generate a second output signal including information that the first roller 2331 is out of the sensing range of the roller sensor 2391 and is in the non-sensing area.

[0331] Each of the first output signal and the second output signal may be transmitted as an electrical signal to the controller 100 to be described later. The controller 100 may easily identify that the position of the first roller 2331 is changed due to the revolution of the first roller 2331, in response to that a signal received from the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or from the second output signal to the first output signal.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Container

[0332] Hereinafter, a configuration of the detergent container 280 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.

[0333] As described above, the predetermined detergent storage space may be formed inside the container body 281 of the detergent container 280.

[0334] A liquid detergent to be supplied to the tub 20 through the detergent pump 230 may be stored in the detergent storage space.

[0335] However, in a state in which the sealing cap 283 is coupled to the detergent inlet 2811 of the container body 281 and the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210, the detergent storage space of the container body 281 is sealed.

[0336] Therefore, when the supply of the detergent is in progress through the detergent pump 230, an internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be gradually lowered in response to the remaining amount of the detergent that is reduced while the supply is in progress.

[0337] When the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space is reduced, an operating load of the detergent pump 230 may be increased in response to the decrease amount of the internal pressure Pi.

[0338] A means for preventing the reduction of the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be embodied as a ventilation hole 2812 defined in the rear surface 281a of the container body 281 as shown in FIG. 21

[0339] The ventilation hole 2812 may extend through the rear surface 281a of the container body 281 so as to allow the inner detergent storage space of the container body 281 and an external space to communicate with each other. By way of example, the ventilation hole 2812 may be provided as a circular hole.

[0340] In this case, in order to minimize the leakage of the detergent through the ventilation hole 2812, the ventilation hole 2812 may be formed at a position higher than a maximum storage vertical level max and a minimum storage vertical level min of the detergent based on the state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented.

[0341] However, even when the ventilation port 2812 is formed at the higher vertical position than the maximum storage vertical level max of the detergent, the possibility of the liquid detergent leaking through the ventilation hole 2812 during the removal and mounting process of the detergent container 280 cannot be excluded.

[0342] A means for preventing the leakage of the detergent through the ventilation hole 2812 and preventing the reduction of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may be embodied as a membrane 2812a constructed to block the ventilation hole 2812 and to be deformable in response to the change in the internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0343] As shown in FIG. 22, the membrane 2812a may be attached to an inner surface of the container body 281 and may be disposed to entirely cover the ventilation hole 2812.

[0344] For example, the membrane 2812a may be made of a material which is easily processed into a thin film form, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber and which allows a shape of the membrane to be easily changed in response to a difference between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po.

[0345] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 23, when the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent storage space of the container body 281 is gradually reduced as a forward driving of the pump motor 238 is started and a forward revolution of the roller 233 is performed, the membrane 2812a deforms so as to protrude toward the inside of the detergent storage space in response to the decrease in the internal pressure Pi.

[0346] Due to the deformation of the membrane 2812a, a pressure equilibrium between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po of the detergent storage space may be maintained.

[0347] In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, after supply of a predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, a reverse driving of the pump motor 238 is started, and a reverse revolution of the roller 233 may be started.

[0348] As the reverse revolution of the roller 233 is initiated, air may be supplied from the tub 20 through the tube 232 to the detergent storage space of the container body 281.

[0349] When, as described above, the air is introduced into the detergent storage space under the reverse operation of the roller 233, the internal pressure Pi may be gradually recovered, and the membrane 2812a may be easily restored to its original shape while the equilibrium between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po of the detergent storage space is maintained.

[0350] Details of the forward driving and the reverse driving of the roller 233 will be described later with reference to FIG. 26.Configuration of Controller and Control Method of Dishwasher

[0351] Hereinafter, the configuration of the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

[0352] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the controller 100 for controlling each of functional components.

[0353] The controller 100 may be provided in various forms such as a microcontroller, a microcomputer, or a microprocessor, as known in the art.

[0354] First, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the pump motor 238 of the detergent pump 230. After a washing cycle is started, the controller 100 supplies power to the pump motor 238 to drive the detergent pump 230 in the forward direction to supply the detergent to the tub 20 or drive the detergent pump 230 in the reverse direction to supply the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280.

[0355] In addition, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the roller sensor 2391 for detecting the change in the position of the first roller 2331 in real time during the washing cycle.

[0356] As described above, when the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may generate the first output signal and transmit the same to the controller 100. When the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 deviates from the sensing area and is present in the non-sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may generate the second output signal and transmit the same to the controller 100.

[0357] The first output signal may include information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area of the roller sensor 2391, and the second output signal may include information indicating that the first roller 2331 is out of the sensing area of the roller sensor 2391 and is present in the non-sensing area.

[0358] In response to that the signal received from the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or from the second output signal to the first output signal, the controller 100 may identify that the first roller 2331 revolves and the position of the first roller 2331 has been changed.

[0359] In one example, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the detergent vertical level sensor 240 for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent container 280.

[0360] The output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be transmitted to the controller 100. Thus, the controller 100 may easily determine the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 based on the received output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240. In this case, when the remaining amount of the detergent detected through the detergent vertical level sensor 240 is smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, the controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 or an audio output unit 38 to generate a visual alarm or an acoustic alarm including information indicating that the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient.

[0361] In one example, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the detachment detection sensor 260 for detecting the detachment of the detergent container 280.

[0362] The output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 or detached from the housing 210 based on the received output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260.

[0363] In response to that it is determined that the detergent container 280 is in the detached state from the housing, the controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 or the audio output unit 38 to generate a visual alarm or an acoustic alarm including information indicating that the detergent container 280 is not mounted on the housing.

[0364] In one example, the controller 100 is electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 100 invokes an operation condition and a timing condition for each cycle as pre-stored in the memory, and generates a control signal for controlling activation and termination of the cycle based on the invoked operation condition and timing condition. Furthermore, the memory may further store therein information on an amount of the detergent (a preset amount) to be supplied during the washing cycle.

[0365] In addition, the controller 100 may calculate an elapsed time duration for each cycle using the timer, and determine whether each cycle has been completed based on a comparing result between the calculated elapsed time duration and a pre-stored time duration condition for each cycle.

[0366] In addition, the controller 100 is electrically connected to the display 33 and the sound output unit 38.

[0367] The controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 to visually display information on the operation state and the operation time of the dishwasher 1 and whether the cycle thereof has been completed. Further, the controller 100 may be configured to control the sound output unit 38 such as a buzzer or a speaker as above-described to output an alarm on the operation state and the operation time of the dishwasher 1 and whether the cycle thereof has been completed in a voice or sound manner.

[0368] Hereinafter, a control method S1 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.

[0369] As described above, when the pump motor 238 operates in the forward rotation, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply the detergent to the tub 20 through the single tube 232. When the pump motor 238 operates in the reverse rotation, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280. To this end, as shown in FIG. 26, a control method S1 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to include operation S10 in which the pump motor 238 rotates in the forward direction so that the roller 233 revolves in the forward direction, and then, the roller 233 revolves in the forward direction by a predetermined number of revolutions to supply a predetermined amount of detergent, operation S20 in which upon determination that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, the operation of the pump motor 238 is stopped, operation S30 in which the pump motor 238 rotates in the reverse direction and the roller 233 revolves in the reverse direction by a predetermined number of revolutions to restore the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space, and operation S40 in which upon determination that the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space has been recovered, the operation of the pump motor 238 is stopped.

[0370] FIG. 27 illustrates detailed operations of the operation S10 of supplying a preset amount of detergent.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 27, the controller 100 may supply power to the pump motor 238 to drive the pump motor 238 in the forward direction in order to start the detergent supply in S11.

[0372] Next, the controller 100 receives an output signal including one of the first output signal and the second output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S12.

[0373] As described above, the first output signal may be a signal including information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present within the detection range of the roller sensor 2391, and the second output signal may be information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present outside the detection range of the roller sensor 2391.

[0374] Next, based on the output signal received from the roller sensor 2391, the controller 100 determines whether change the received output signal from the first output signal to the second output signal, or the change thereof from the second output signal to the first output signal occurs for the first time in S13.

[0375] Next, upon determination in the operation S13 that the change in the output signal has occurred for the first time, the controller 100 determines a first-occurring change of the output signal in S14.

[0376] In this regard, the first-occurring change may be one of a first change in which the output signal of the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or a second change in which the output signal of the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the second output signal to the first output signal.

[0377] Next, in response to that the first-occurring change of the output signal has been determined in the operation S14, the controller 100 re-receives the output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S15.

[0378] Subsequently, the controller 100 determines whether a change in the output signal identical to the determined first-occurring change occurs based on the output signal re-received in the operation S15 in S16.

[0379] That is, upon determination in the operation S14 that the first-occurring change is the first change, the controller 100 determines whether the change in the output signal re-received in the operation S15 identical to the first change hac occurred. Alternatively, upon determination in the operation S14 that the first-occurring change is the second change, the controller 100 determines whether the change in the output signal re-received in the operation S15 identical to the second change has occurred.

[0380] Next, upon determination in the operation S16 that the change in the re-received output signal identical to the first-occurring change has occurred, the controller 100 increases the number of forward signal changes N1 by one to update the number, and stores the updated number of forward signal changes N1 in the memory in S17.

[0381] In this regard, the updated and stored number of forward signal changes N1 may be the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 calculated after the start of operation of the pump motor 238.

[0382] Next, the controller 100 compares the number of forward signal changes N1 updated in the operation S17 with a preset numerical value N_th in S18.

[0383] In this regard, the preset numerical value N_th may be, for example, 100.

[0384] The preset numerical value N_th may be set to 100 in consideration of the necessary capacity of the detergent based on the capacity of the washing water circulating inside the tub 20, the inner diameter of the applied tube 232, and the spacing between and number of applied rollers 233. Thus, the preset numerical value N_th may be set to vary based on the capacity of the washing water, the capacity of the necessary detergent, the inner diameter of the applied tube 232, and the spacing between and number of applied rollers 233.

[0385] On the other hand, upon determination that the updated number of forward signal changes N1 has reached the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S18, the controller 100 may determine that the supplied detergent supply amount has reached the predetermined detergent supply amount after the operation of the pump motor 238 is started, and thus determine that the supply of the detergent has been completed in S19.

[0386] That is, the controller 100 calculates the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 based on the number of position changes of the first roller 2331, and determines that the actually supplied detergent amount has reached the predetermined detergent supply amount in response to that the calculated number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 reaches the predetermined numerical value N_th.

[0387] Otherwise, upon determination that the updated number of forward signal changes N1 does not reach the preset numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S18, the controller 100 may return to the operation S15 and repeat the subsequent operation.

[0388] FIG. 28 illustrates detailed operations of the operation S30 of recovering the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space as described above.

[0389] Referring to FIG. 28, in order to start supplying the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280, the controller 100 may supply power to the pump motor 238 to drive the pump motor 238 in the reverse direction in S31.

[0390] In the operation S31, the reverse driving of the pump motor 238 may be started, such that the reverse revolution of the first roller 2331 may be started.

[0391] Next, the controller 100 receives an output signal including one of the first output signal and the second output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S32.

[0392] Next, the controller 100 determines whether a change in the received output signal opposite to the first-occurring change occurs based on the output signal received in the operation S32 in S33,

[0393] That is, upon determination that the first-occurring change determined in the operation S14 is the first change, the controller 100 determines whether the second change opposite thereto has occurred. Alternatively, upon determination that the first-occurring change determined in the operation S14 is the second change, the controller 100 determines whether the first change opposite thereto has occurred.

[0394] That is, since the roller 233 is revolving in the reverse direction, the controller 100 may be configured to detect the change opposite to the first-occurring change.

[0395] Next, upon determination that the change of the output signal opposite to the above-described first-occurring change has occurred based on the output signal received in the operation S32, the controller 100 increases the number of reverse signal changes N2 by one to update the number N2, and stores the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 in the memory in S34.

[0396] In this regard, the updated and stored number of reverse signal changes N2 may be the number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 calculated after the start of operation of the pump motor 238.

[0397] Next, the controller 100 compares the number of reverse signal changes N2 updated in the operation S34 with a preset numerical value N_th in S35.

[0398] In this regard, the preset numerical value N_th may be 100 which is equal to the preset numerical value N_th of the operation S18 as described above.

[0399] In one example, upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 has reached the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S35, the controller 100 may determine that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered after the reverse driving of the pump motor 238 is started in S36.

[0400] That is, the controller 100 may calculate the number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 based on the number of reverse position changes of the first roller 2331. In response to that the calculated number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 reaches the preset numerical value N_th, the controller 100 may determine that the air amount corresponding to the detergent supply amount supplied during the operation S10 has been supplied to the detergent container 280, and thus, the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space has been recovered.

[0401] Otherwise, upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 does not reach the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S35, the controller 100 may return to the operation S32 and repeat the subsequent operations.

[0402] As described above, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure calculates the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331, and determines whether the actually supplied detergent amount has reacted the target detergent supply amount, based on the calculated number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331. Upon determination that the actually supplied detergent amount has reacted the target detergent supply amount, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure revolves the first roller 2331 in the reverse direction by the number of times equal to the number of forward revolutions so that the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be recovered. Thus, as described above, the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space can be effectively recovered in a corresponding manner to the actual detergent supply amount despite the hardened state or the wear of the tube, or the occurrence of the slip due to the reduction of the frictional force between the roller 233 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238.

[0403] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in a various manner within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments as disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. In addition, even though an effect of a configuration of the present disclosure is not explicitly described in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure above, it is obvious that the predictable effect from the configuration should be recognized.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0057]Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another co...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, wherein detergent is supplied to a tub through a single tube when a pump motor operates in a forward rotation, and air is supplied to a detergent container when the pump motor operates in a reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving assemblability thereof, and reducing a manufacturing cost thereof.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A dish washer is an apparatus that washes dishes and cooking utensils as washing targets stored therein by spraying washing water thereto. In this regard, the washing water may contain washing detergent.

[0003] A dish washer generally includes a washing tub having a washing space defined therein, a dish rack that accommodates therein a washing target inside the washing tub, a spraying arm that sprays the washing water into the dish rack, and a sump that stores therein water and supplies the washing water to the spraying arm.

[0004] Using this dish washer may allow a time and effort required to wash the dishes and other washing targets after a meal to be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0005] The detergent used for washing may be supplied into the tub through a detergent supply device. The detergent supplied to the inside of the tub may be mixed with water to generate washing water.

[0006] In general, the detergent supply device may be configured to include a container for storing therein detergent and a detergent pump for pumping the detergent stored in the container into the tub.

[0007] In this regard, European Patent No. 3286369 (Prior Document 001) discloses a configuration of a clothing management apparatus configured to supply a detergent through a detergent pump in a tube pump scheme.

[0008] The detergent pump of the prior art document 001 is configured to supply a first detergent stored in a first container busing a first tube, and supply a second detergent stored in a second container using a second tube, wherein a plurality of rollers are configured to revolve while simultaneously pressing the first tube and the second tube.

[0009] The detergent pump of the prior art document 001 is configured to recover a pressure inside the second container by supplying air to the second container through the second tube when the first detergent is supplied through the first tube, and to recover a pressure inside the first container by supplying air to the first detergent container through the first tube when the second detergent is supplied through the second tube.

[0010] However, the structure disclosed in prior document 001 has a problem in that the assemblability of the detergent supply device is deteriorated, the structure is somewhat complicated, and the manufacturing cost is significantly increased in that a plurality of tubes should be provided in the detergent supply device, separately.

[0011] In addition, the structure disclosed in prior document 001 has a problem in that because there is a high possibility that a variation in an amount of each of the actually supplied detergent and the actually supplied air may occur due to slip or wear between the roller and the first tube or between the roller and the second tube, the internal pressure of each of the first container and the second container is not effectively recovered, and thus a load applied to the pump motor is likely to gradually increase.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0012] A first technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, wherein the dishwasher is configured to supply detergent to a tub when a pump motor operates in a forward rotation through a single tube and to supply air to a detergent container when the pump motor operates in a reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving assemblability thereof, and reducing a manufacturing cost thereof.

[0013] In addition, a second technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher which is configured so that air can be supplied back to a detergent container based on an actually supplied amount of the detergent, thereby effectively recovering the internal pressure of the detergent container, and a method for controlling the dishwasher.

[0014] Purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized using means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.Technical Solution

[0015] A dishwasher according to the present disclosure includes a tub having a washing space defined therein; a detergent supply device including: a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; and a detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; and a controller configured to drive the detergent pump, wherein the container includes: a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; and a membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space, wherein the detergent pump includes a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the controller is configured to: drive the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; and in response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, drive the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0016] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may include: in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.

[0017] Furthermore, the calculating of the number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor may include: receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor; determining whether a change of the received output signal from the first output signal to the second output signal, or a change of the received output signal from the second output signal to the first output signal has occurred for the first time; upon determination that the change of the output signal has occurred for the first time, determining a first-occurring change of the output signal; determining whether a change in an output signal identical to the first-occurring change occurs after the first-occurring change is determined; and upon determination that the change in the output signal identical to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of forward signal changes by one and updating the number of forward signal changes and storing the updated number of forward signal changes.

[0018] Furthermore, the number of forward signal changes may correspond to the number of forward revolutions of the roller.

[0019] Furthermore, the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may further include: upon determination that the calculated number of forward revolutions has reached a predetermined numerical value, determining that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed.

[0020] Furthermore, upon determination that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, the controller may be further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

[0021] Furthermore, the first output signal may include a signal including information indicating that the roller is present within a sensing range of the roller sensor, wherein the second output signal may include a signal including information indicating that the roller is located outside the sensing range of the roller sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, the first-occurring change may include one of a first change in which the first output signal is changed to the second output signal or a second change in which the second output signal is changed to the first output signal.

[0023] Furthermore, after determining the first-occurring change of the output signal, the controller may be further configured to re-receive the output signal from the roller sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may include: in response to that the reverse driving of the pump motor has been started, calculating a number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of reverse revolutions with a preset numerical value.

[0025] Furthermore, the calculating of the number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor may include: receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor; determining whether a change in the received output signal opposite to a first-occurring change of the output signal occurs; upon determination that the change in the output signal opposite to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of reverse signal changes by one and updating the number of reverse signal changes and storing the updated number of reverse signal changes; and comparing the updated number of reverse signal changes with the preset numerical value.

[0026] Furthermore, the number of reverse signal changes may correspond to the number of reverse revolutions of the roller.

[0027] Furthermore, the restoring the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may further include, before receiving the output signal, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction so that the roller revolves in the reverse direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may include: upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes has reached the preset numerical value, determining that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered.

[0029] Furthermore, upon determination that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered, the controller may be further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

[0030] A method for controlling a dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be provided. The dishwasher may include: a tub having a washing space defined therein; and a detergent supply device including: a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; and a detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; and wherein the container may include: a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; and a membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space, wherein the detergent pump may include a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the method may include: driving the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; and in response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0031] Furthermore, the detergent pump may further include: a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space; the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; and a roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller, wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent may include: in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; and comparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.Advantageous Effects

[0032] In the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be configured to supply the detergent to the tub through the single tube when the pump motor operates in the forward rotation and to supply the air to the detergent container when the pump motor operates in the reverse rotation, thereby simplifying a structure of the dishwasher, improving the assemblability thereof, and reducing the manufacturing cost thereof.

[0033] In addition, in the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be configured so that the air can be supplied back to the detergent container based on the actually supplied amount of the detergent, thereby effectively recovering the internal pressure of the detergent container.

[0034] In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the specific effects of the present disclosure as not mentioned will be described below along with the descriptions of the specific details for carrying out the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dish washer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dish washer as shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view illustrating a state in which a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a rear panel of a door, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are exploded perspective views of FIG. 3A.

[0038] FIGS. 4 and 5 are rear and front perspective views illustrating the detergent supply device in a state in which the door illustrated in FIG. 3 is closed.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a detergent pump shown in FIG. 6.

[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a rear exploded perspective view and a front exploded perspective view of FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a housing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIGS. 11B and 11C are partially enlarged views of the housing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 11A taken along a line 12-12.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 11A taken along a line 13-13.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which a case is removed from the detergent pump illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0046] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating a relationship between a carrier and a plurality of rollers in a configuration shown in FIG. 14.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first roller illustrated in FIG. 15 cut along a longitudinal direction thereof.

[0048] FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views taken along a transverse direction of a plurality of rollers in a state in which the carrier and the plurality of rollers shown in FIG. 12 are coupled to each other.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the first roller is present within a sensing range of the roller sensor.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the first roller revolves from the state of FIG. 19 and is out of the sensing range of the roller sensor. FIG. 21 is a rear view of the detergent container shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent container shown in FIG. 21 taken along a line 3-3.

[0052] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an internal pressure of the detergent container is lowered as the detergent supply is performed through the detergent pump from the state shown in FIG. 22.

[0053] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which air is introduced through the detergent pump from the state shown in FIG. 23 to recover the pressure inside the detergent container.

[0054] FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGS. 26 to 28 are flowcharts for illustrating a control operation performed by the controller illustrated in FIG. 25.BEST MODE

[0056] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0057] Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, a first component may also be a second component.

[0058] Throughout the present document, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0059] Hereinafter, a first component being disposed “on top of (or under)” a second component may mean that the first component may be disposed in contact with a top surface (or a bottom surface) of the second component, as well as a third component may be interposed between the second component and the first component disposed “on top of (or under)” the second component.

[0060] Furthermore, when a first component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, the components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, but a third component may be “interposed” between the components or the components may be “connected” or “coupled” to each other via the third components.

[0061] As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

[0062] As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

[0063] Throughout the present document, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and “C to D” means equal to or greater than C and equal to or smaller than D unless otherwise specified.Overall Structure of Dish Washer

[0064] Hereinafter, an overall structure of a dish washer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the dish washer according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing an internal structure of the dish washer according to the present disclosure.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dish washer 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a casing 10 that constitutes an exterior appearance, a tub 20 installed in an inner space of the casing 10 and having a washing space 21 defined therein where the washing target is washed, wherein a front surface of the tub is open, a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20, a driver 40 located under the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge the washing water for washing the washing target, a dish rack 50 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive therein the washing target, and a water sprayer 60 installed adjacent to the dish rack 50 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

[0067] In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack 50 may be, for example, dishes such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the washing target will be referred to as a dish.

[0068] The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with an entirely open front surface, and have a configuration of a so-referred to as washing tub.

[0069] The washing space 21 may be defined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 may be opened / closing by the door 30.

[0070] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0071] Moreover, on an inner surface of the tub 20, a plurality of brackets may be disposed for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the dish rack 50 and the water sprayer 60 which will be described later thereon within the tub 20.

[0072] In one example, the driver 40 may include a sump 41 that stores therein washing water, a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the sump 41 from the tub 20, a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the sump 41, a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the sump 41 to an outside, and a water supply pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the sump 41 to the water sprayer 60.

[0073] The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 41 and may serve to distinguish the tub 20 and the sump 41 from each other. Moreover, the sump cover 42 may have a plurality of collecting holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the water sprayer 60 into the sump 41.

[0074] That is, the washing water sprayed from the water sprayer 60 toward the dish may fall down to a bottom of the washing space 21, and may be collected again through the sump cover 42 and into the sump 41.

[0075] The water supply pump 45 may be disposed at a side or a bottom of the sump 41 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer 60.

[0076] One end of the water supply pump 45 may be connected to the sump 41 and the other end thereof may be connected to the supply flow path 46. The water supply pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 may rotate, and thus the washing water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0077] In one example, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the water supply pump 45 to the water sprayer 60.

[0078] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spraying arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spraying arm 62 and a 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.

[0079] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that the supply flow paths 461 and 463 are opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0080] In one example, the water sprayer 60 may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0081] More specifically, the water sprayer 60 may include the lower spraying arm 61 located under the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spraying arm 62 located between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0082] In particular, the lower spraying arm 61 and the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably disposed in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and may spray the washing water toward the dish of the dish rack 50 while being rotating.

[0083] The lower spraying arm 61 may be rotatably supported on a top of the sump cover 42 so as to spray the washing water toward the lower rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower rack 51.

[0084] Moreover, the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spraying arm holder 467 so as to spray the washing water on the dish while being rotating and being disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0085] In one example, in order to increase washing efficiency, additional means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spraying arm 61 into an upward direction (diverting in a U-direction) may be provided at a lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0086] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0087] The dish rack 50 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0088] For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 50 includes the lower rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 20 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, the upper rack 5 located on top of the lower rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and the top rack 53 located at a top level of the tub 20 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, an example in which the dish washer includes the three dish racks 50 as shown is described.

[0089] Each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0090] For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) may be respectively disposed on both opposing walls constituting an inner surface of the tub 20. By way of example, the guide rails (not shown) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

[0091] Wheels may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53. The user may extend the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53 from the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and may place the dishes thereon, or easily withdraw the dishes that have been washed out thereof.

[0092] The guide rail (not shown) may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the rack 50, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the rack 50 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the rack 50 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

[0093] In one example, the door 30 is configured for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0094] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 is closed or opened may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. Thus, the door 30 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis.

[0095] In this regard, a handle for opening the door 30 and a control panel for controlling the dish washer 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 30.

[0096] As shown, the control panel disposed on the outer side surface of the door 30 may include a display that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dish washer, etc., and a button unit including a selection button through which a user's selection manipulation is input and a power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dish washer on and off is input.

[0097] In one example, an inner side surface of the door 30 may constitute a front surface as one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 has been closed, and may constitute a seat surface on which the lower rack 51 of the dish rack 50 is supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0098] For this purpose, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, the rear panel of the door 30 may constitute a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as a direction in which the guide rail (not shown) guiding the displacement of the lower rack 51 extends.

[0099] In addition, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a detergent supply device for storing therein a detergent for washing the washing target object may be disposed in the rear panel of the door 30. The detergent supply device may be configured to automatically supply an appropriate amount of detergent during the washing process may be disposed.

[0100] The appropriate amount of detergent may be determined based on a washing load, that is, a total amount of the washing target object.

[0101] A detailed configuration of the detergent supply body will be described later with reference to FIG. 3A or subsequent drawings.

[0102] In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, an automatic door opening module 352 for automatically opening the door may be disposed on an outside surface of a top of the tub 20.

[0103] By way of example, the door automatic opening module 352 may include a push rod 3524 that allows an upper end of a rear surface of the door 30 to pivot to an open position.

[0104] In one example, a drying air supply unit 80 for generating and supplying high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to a washing space inside the tub 20 may be disposed under the tub 20.

[0105] As illustrated, the drying air supply unit 80 may include a filter member 883 for filtering external air, a blower fan 825 for generating dry air flow, a heater 84 for heating the dry air flow, and an air flow guide 83 disposed inside the tub to guide the dry air flow.

[0106] A drying air supply hole 254 may be defined in the lower surface of the tub 20 so that high-temperature drying air generated from the drying air supply unit may be introduced into the tub 20.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Supply Device

[0107] As described above, the detergent supply device 200 provided in the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed and attached to the door 30.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the door 30 may include a front panel 30a constituting a front surface of the dishwasher 1, and a rear panel 30b coupled to the front panel 30a, disposed to face the inside of the tub 20, and constituting a rear surface of the door 30.

[0109] In this case, the detergent supply device 200 may be coupled to the rear panel 30b constituting the rear surface of the door 30.

[0110] As shown in the drawing, a concave portion formed to be concavely recessed toward the front panel 30a may be formed in a lower portion of the rear panel 30b, and a concave portion may not be formed in an upper portion of the rear panel 30b. Accordingly, the upper portion of the rear panel 30b may constitute a rear protruding surface 30b1 that protrudes rearwardly beyond the lower portion.

[0111] As will be described later, a predetermined detergent storage capacity should be secured inside the detergent supply device 200. For this reason, a width in the front-rear direction of the detergent supply device 200 needs to be significantly large.

[0112] In consideration of the width in the front-rear direction of the detergent supply device 200, the detergent supply device 200 may be coupled to the rear protruding surface 30b1 of the upper portion of the rear panel 30b in which the concave portion is not formed.

[0113] In this case, the detergent supply device 200 may partially extend through the rear panel 30b and extend into the door 30. To this end, a through-hole 30b2 through which the detergent supply device 200 partially passes may be formed in the rear protruding surface 30b1 of the rear panel 30b. The shape of the through-hole 30b2 may be provided in a substantially rectangular hole shape corresponding to an outer shape of the detergent supply device 200.

[0114] Accordingly, based on a state in which the door 30 is closed, the rear portion of the detergent supply device 200 may be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and the front portion of the detergent supply device 200 may pass through the rear panel 30b and be partially disposed inside the door 30.

[0115] In this case, as will be described later, an electric component such as a detergent pump 230, a roller sensor 2391, and the like, which electrically operate, may be disposed at a front portion of the detergent supply device 200 disposed inside the door 30. Accordingly, the electric components constituting the detergent supply device 200 may be configured not to be affected by the washing water.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, a plurality of electrically operating components other than the electrical component of the detergent supply device 200 may be accommodated inside the door 30. A water leakage prevention means may be provided between the detergent supply device 200 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 so that the electrical components are not affected by the washing water.

[0117] As described above, the door 30 may be pivotally supported by the hinge bracket 37 disposed at the lower end of the door 30, and may pivot about the hinge bracket 37.

[0118] When the door 30 is closed, the detergent supply device 200 may be oriented to face the inside of the washing space 21 and may extend in a vertical direction. As described above, when the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented, the detergent stored inside the detergent container 280, which will be described later, may flow downwardly under gravity.

[0119] In addition, when the door 30 is opened, the detergent supply device 200 may pivot in a direction away from the tub 20, and may extend in a horizontal direction when the door is in a full-open state.

[0120] The user may open the door 30 such that the detergent supply device 200 extends or is oriented in the horizontal direction, and then open a cover 220 to be described later to mount a detergent container 280 inside an housing 210 or easily remove the detergent container 280 from the housing 210.

[0121] Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the detergent supply device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0122] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented in a state in which the above-described door 30 is closed. Hereinafter, unless otherwise described, the detergent supply device 200 will be described based on a state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented.

[0123] First, the detergent supply device 200 may include the housing 210 having a predetermined accommodation space defined therein and the cover 220 for opening and closing the accommodation space of the housing 210.

[0124] The housing 210 constitutes an outer appearance of the detergent supply device 200 and serves to accommodate therein or support other components constituting the detergent supply device 200.

[0125] The housing 210 may be formed to have a box shape in which a rear surface 210a thereof is entirely open and the predetermined accommodation space is defined therein.

[0126] The detergent container 280 to be described later may be mounted or removed onto the housing or from the housing while passing through the open rear surface 210a. The cover 220 to be described later may be coupled to the open rear surface 210a, and the rear surface 210a may be closed by the cover 220.

[0127] By way of example, in consideration of the shape of the detergent container 280 and the detergent storage capacity of the detergent container 280, a width in the front-rear direction of the upper portion of the housing 210 may be much larger than the width in the front-rear direction of the lower portion of the housing 210.

[0128] In this case, a space and a support structure to which the detergent pump 230, the detergent vertical level sensor 240, and the detachment detection sensor 260, which are electrically operated as described below, may be attached and supported may be formed outside the rear surface 210a of the housing 210 as a lower portion of the housing 210 having a width in the front-rear direction smaller than that of the upper portion.

[0129] In order to install and support the detergent pump 230, a detergent vertical level sensor 240, and a detachment detection sensor 260, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of support ribs 214 having a predetermined shape may be integrally formed with the housing 210 at a lower portion of a rear surface 210a of the housing 210. In this case, the support rib 214 passes through the through-hole 30b2 of the rear panel 30b and is buried in the inside of the door 30. Therefore, the support rib 214 may be formed not to extend outwardly beyond both opposing side surfaces 210e and 210f and a lower surface 210d of the housing 210 in consideration of the assemblability.

[0130] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply a single type detergent or a heterogeneous type detergent.

[0131] As shown, the housing 210 may be formed to have an approximately left-right symmetrical shape such that the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 is commonly used for the single type detergent supply and the heterogeneous type detergent supply.

[0132] When the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 is applied for the supply of the heterogeneous type detergent, the housing 210 having the horizontally symmetrical shape is divided into left and right portions (arranged in a Le-Ri direction), and the right portion of the housing 210 may be used for the supply of the first type detergent, and the left portion of the housing 210 may be used for the supply of the second type detergent.

[0133] However, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings, other components except for the housing 210 are applied for a single type detergent supply. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, as illustrated, the housing 210 will be described based on an embodiment applied to the detergent supply device 200 for supplying the single type detergent.

[0134] In one example, as described above, the detergent supply device 200 may be installed in the rear panel 30b of the door 30 such that in the state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented, a portion of the housing 210 may be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and the remaining portion of the housing 210 may be buried in the inside of the door 30.

[0135] Accordingly, the housing 210 may have a shape divided into front and rear portions arranged along a front-rear direction (F-R direction) and disposed around a virtual reference line L as illustrated in FIG. 5. The rear portion of the housing 21 around the virtual reference line L may be referred to as an exposed portion 211 because the rear portion is exposed to the washing space 21. The front portion of the housing 21 around the virtual reference line L may be referred to as a buried portion 212 because the front portion is buried in the inside of the door 30.

[0136] In this case, when the housing 210 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (F-R direction), a cross-sectional area of the exposed portion 211 may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the buried portion 212.

[0137] Accordingly, a predetermined stepped surface 213 may be formed at a rear end of the buried portion 212 and a front end of the exposed portion 211 defining a boundary between the exposed portion 211 and the buried portion 212.

[0138] The stepped surface 213 serves to increase a contact area or a coupling area of the housing 210 to the rear panel 30b when the housing 210 is fastened to the rear panel 30b of the door 30. To this end, the stepped surface 213 may be constructed to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the rear surface of the rear panel 30b.

[0139] In addition, fastening holes through which fastening means such as a screw bolt or the like may pass may be formed in four edges of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the stepped surface 213, respectively.

[0140] In one example, as described above, the leakage prevention means may be provided between the detergent supply device 200 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 so that the plurality of electrical components of the detergent supply device 200 and the electrical components disposed inside the door 30 are not affected by the washing water.

[0141] The water leakage prevention means may be embodied as a gasket 270 interposed between the stepped surface 213 and the rear panel 30b of the door 30 and made of a material having predetermined elasticity.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gasket 270 may be coupled to the stepped surface 213 and may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the stepped surface 213.

[0143] More specifically, the gasket 270 is constructed to have a width corresponding to a width of the stepped surface 213, and may have a thickness sufficient so that the gasket can provide a predetermined elastic force.

[0144] In one example, the cover 220 is detachably connected to the housing 210 and serves to open and close the open rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0145] For example, in a similar manner to the door 30 as described above, the cover 220 may be configured to be pivotable to open and close the inner accommodation space of the housing 210. To this end, a cover body 221 may be sized to entirely cover the rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0146] In addition, a lower end of the cover body 221 may be pivotably connected to the housing 210.

[0147] In one example, a fastening portion 222 may be provided at an upper end of the cover body 221 and may act as a means for providing a detachable coupling of the cover 221 to the housing 210.

[0148] By way of example, the fastening portion 222 may include a lever extending upwardly from the upper end of the cover body 221, and a fastening tab integrally connected to the lever and extending in the horizontal direction.

[0149] Although not shown, a locking protrusion to which the fastening tab is elastically coupled may be disposed on the upper surface 210c at a position close to the rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0150] Thus, the user may easily release the locking state between the fastening protrusion and the locking protrusion by pulling the lever in a direction away from the housing 210.

[0151] In one example, a through-hole 223 extending along the vertical direction U-D and having a width in the left-right direction substantially constant may be formed in the cover body 221.

[0152] In a state in which the cover 220 is fastened to the housing 210, the through-hole 223 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position of a transparent window 2813 of the detergent container 280 to be described later.

[0153] Accordingly, the user may easily check a vertical level and a remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent container 280 with the naked eye through the through-hole 223 of the cover 220 and the transparent window 2813 of the detergent container 280.

[0154] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 may further include the detergent container 280 in which detergent to be supplied to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 is stored.

[0155] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a container body 281 of the detergent container 280 may have a container shape in which a predetermined detergent storage space is formed.

[0156] In addition, as described above, the detergent container 280 is entirely accommodated in the inner accommodation space of the housing 210. Thus, the detergent container 280 may have an outer shape corresponding to a shape of the inner accommodation space of the housing 210 of the container body 281.

[0157] A detergent inlet 2811 for replenishing the detergent may be formed in a center of a rear surface of the container main body 281.

[0158] A sealing cap 283 may be detachably coupled to the detergent inlet 2811. Accordingly, the user may open the detergent inlet 2811 by removing the sealing cap 283 from the detergent inlet 2811, and may supplement the detergent through the detergent inlet 2811 into the inner space of the detergent container.

[0159] As illustrated, a sealing ring 284 made of a material having predetermined elasticity may be inserted into between the detergent inlet 2811 and the sealing cap 283 to prevent the leakage of the detergent.

[0160] In one example, a ventilation hole 2812 extending through a rear surface of the container body 281 may be defined in an upper end of the rear surface of the container body 281.

[0161] In a state in which the inner storage space of the container body 281 is closed with the sealing cap 283, the ventilation hole 2812 may be used to prevent the pressure of the inner storage space from being lower than the atmospheric pressure as the supply of detergent proceeds.

[0162] However, since there is a possibility that the detergent may be leaked through the ventilation hole 2812, a detergent outflow prevention means such as an air valve or a membrane may be added to the ventilation hole 2812.

[0163] As described above, the transparent window 2813 corresponding to and horizontally overlapping the through-hole 223 of the cover 220 may be formed on the rear surface of the container body 281. The transparent window 2813 may be made of a transparent or translucent material capable of transmitting visible light therethrough so that the vertical level and the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 may be visually checked by the user with the naked eye.

[0164] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a detergent outlet 2814 may be formed at a lower end of a front surface of the container body 281.

[0165] The detergent outlet 2814 may be disposed at the lowermost end of the container body 281 so that the detergent may be easily moved under the gravity.

[0166] FIG. 7 illustrates that a pair of detergent outlets 2814 are provided at left and right sides of the front surface of the container body 281, respectively. Thus, the detergent container 280 may be used as the detergent container 280 for the heterogeneous type detergent supply. In another example, when the detergent container 280 is used for the single type detergent supply as in the present embodiment, the detergent outlet 2814 at the left side may be in a closed state.

[0167] A container valve 282 may be coupled to the detergent outlet 2814. The container valve 282 serves to close the detergent outlet 2814 in a state in which the container body 281 is removed from the housing 210 and to open the detergent outlet 2814 in a state in which the container valve 282 is mounted on the housing 210.

[0168] A valve coupling portion 215 to which the container valve 282 is coupled when the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 may be formed inside the housing 210. When the container valve 282 is coupled to the valve coupling portion 215 of the housing 210, the container valve 282 may be opened at the same time as the coupling of the container valve 282 to the valve coupling portion 215, such that the detergent outlet 2814 may be opened.

[0169] As illustrated in partially enlarged views of FIGS. 6 and 7, the container valve 282 may include a valve body 2821 in which a front end 2821a and a rear end 2821b are at least partially opened, a plug 2822 received in the valve body 2821 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction so as to open or close an opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821, and a spring (not shown) configured to provide a restoring force to the plug 2822.

[0170] As illustrated, the valve body 2821 may have a cylindrical outer appearance, and an internal channel through which detergent may flow may be formed therein.

[0171] The inner channel of the valve body 2821 communicates with the opening formed in the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 and an opening formed in the rear end 2821b.

[0172] The rear end 2821b of the valve body 2821 may be firmly coupled to the detergent outlet 2814 of the container main body 281. Accordingly, the detergent supplied from the container body 281 may be introduced through the opening of the rear end 2821b of the valve body 2821 and then may flow along the inner channel of the valve body 2821.

[0173] The front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be coupled to the valve coupling portion 215 (see FIG. 12) of the housing 210.

[0174] Accordingly, the detergent flowing along the inner channel of the valve body 2821 may be discharged through the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 and then may be supplied to the valve coupling portion 215 of the housing 210.

[0175] The plug 2822 is disposed inside the valve body 2821 and serves to open and close the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0176] Accordingly, the plug 2822 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0177] The plug 2822 is pressed so as to close the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 under an elastic force of the spring (not shown).

[0178] In one example, at least one contact protrusion 2822a protruding in a direction away from the valve body 2821 may be integrally formed with the plug 2822 and may be disposed on a front end surface of the plug 2822.

[0179] The contact protrusion 2822a may protrude so as to be farther away from the container body 281 than the front end surface of the plug 2822 and the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be.

[0180] Accordingly, when the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210, the contact protrusion 2822a of the plug 2822 first contacts an end surface of the valve coupling portion 215.

[0181] Further movement of the plug 2822 may be blocked under the contact between the contact protrusion 2822a and the valve coupling portion 215.

[0182] Accordingly, as a process in which the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210 continuously proceeds, relative movement of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 with respect to the plug 2822 may continue in a state in which the movement of the plug 2822 is blocked.

[0183] As the relative movement of the valve body 2821 with respect to the plug 2822 progresses, a clearance may be generated between the plug 2822 and the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821, and the clearance may gradually expand. Due to this clearance expansion, the container valve 282 may be switched from the closed state to the open state.

[0184] Through the clearance, the detergent may flow from the container valve 282 to the valve coupling portion 215, and the detergent may be supplied from the container body 281.

[0185] In one example, when the container body 281 is detached from the housing 210, the contact protrusion 2822a of the plug 2822 may be removed from the end surface of the valve coupling portion 215. In this case, the clearance between the plug 2822 and the opening of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821 may be immediately removed under the restoring force of the above-described spring, and the valve body 2821 may be switched from the open state to the closed state again.

[0186] In one example, as illustrated, at least one stopper 2821c for determining an insertion depth and an insertion position of the container main body 281 into the detergent outlet 2814 may be integrally formed with the valve body 2821 and may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 2821.

[0187] In addition, as illustrated, a sealing ring for preventing the leakage of the detergent through a clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the valve coupling portion 215 and the valve body 2821 may be additionally provided on a side surface of the front end 2821a of the valve body 2821.

[0188] However, the configuration of the container valve 282 is only an example. Any means may be applied as the container valve 282 without limitation thereto as long as the means is capable of being brought into the closed state when it is detached from the housing 210 and of being switched to an open state when it is mounted onto the housing 210.

[0189] In one example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be attached to the housing 210 and may act as a means for detecting whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on or detached from the housing 210.

[0190] As described above, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so as not to be affected by the washing water. In an illustrated example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may be attached to a position on a lower portion of the front surface 210b of the housing 210 and adjacent to a left side surface thereof.

[0191] By way of example, the detachment detection sensor 260 may have a Hall sensor type that detects a magnetic force.

[0192] Correspondingly, the container body 281 may have a magnetic body (not shown) emitting a predetermined magnetic force at a position corresponding to the position of the detachment detection sensor 260 in a state in which the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210.

[0193] The detachment detection sensor 260 may be electrically connected to a controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 or is detached from the housing 210 based on the received output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260.

[0194] In addition, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be attached to the housing 210 and may act as a means for checking the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281.

[0195] Like the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so as not to be affected by the washing water. In an illustrated example, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be attached to a center of the lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210.

[0196] In a similar manner to the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be provided in a form of a Hall sensor that detects a magnetic force.

[0197] Correspondingly, a floater (not shown) may be disposed inside the container body 281 and may be movable in the vertical direction U-D based on the vertical level of the detergent.

[0198] A magnetic body emitting a predetermined magnetic force may be attached to the floater, and the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may generate an output signal corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic force emitted from the magnetic body of the floater.

[0199] Like the detachment detection sensor 260, the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be electrically connected to the controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 based on the received output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240.

[0200] In one example, the detergent supply device 200 may further include the detergent pump 230 for providing the detergent stored in the detergent container 280 to the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

[0201] In the present embodiment, the detergent pump 230 may be provided in the form of a tube pump driven using an electric motor to facilitate control of an amount of detergent to be supplied.

[0202] As known in the art, the tube pump may be configured to press a flexible tube having a detergent movement path defined therein using at least one roller to push and move the detergent.

[0203] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrates a configuration in which a single type detergent pump 230 for supplying a single type detergent is provided. In another example, when the detergent pump 230 is applied for supplying the heterogeneous type detergent, a further detergent pump 230 having the same specification may be additionally provided.

[0204] Like the detachment detection sensor 260 and the detergent vertical level sensor 240 as above-described, the detergent pump 230 may be disposed in the buried portion 212 of the housing 210 so that the detergent pump 230 that electrically operates is not affected by the washing water. By way of example, the detergent pump 230 may fixedly installed on the support rib 214 formed at the lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210.

[0205] A roller sensor 2391 may be attached to the detergent pump 230 and may be configured to sense a position of a roller 233 that presses the tube 232 to move the detergent and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller 233.

[0206] The roller sensor 2391 may be electrically connected to the controller 100 to be described later, and an output signal of the roller sensor 2391 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may calculate the number of revolutions of the roller 233 based on the received output signal of the roller sensor 2391. Thus, the amount of the detergent supplied to the washing space may be easily determined by the controller based on the calculated number of the revolutions.

[0207] The configuration of the method for determining the amount of the supplied detergent using the roller sensor 2391 will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Pump

[0208] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the detergent pump 230 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 20.

[0209] First, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the detergent pump 230 may include a pump casing 231 for accommodating therein the roller 233 and the tube 232, the tube 232 having the detergent channel formed therein, the roller 233 for pressing the tube 232 to move the detergent by, a carrier 234 for supporting the roller 233 so as to revolve and spin, a cover plate 235 coupled to the pump casing 23, a base plate 236 having one side surface to which the cover plate 235 is coupled, and a pump motor 238 that provides a driving force for revolving and spinning the roller 233.

[0210] The pump casing 231 serves to accommodate therein and protect the roller 233 and the tube 232, which will be described later.

[0211] To this end, the pump casing 231 has a first end surface 2311 and a second end surface 2312 opposite to each other in a rotation axis Xc of the roller 233. The first end surface 2311 may be entirely open, and the second end surface 2312 may be entirely closed.

[0212] A circumferential portion 2313 may be formed between the first end surface 2311 and the second end surface 2312, and a pair of slots 2313a may extend through the circumferential portion 2313 so that the tube may pass therethrough.

[0213] As will be described later, the tube 232 is maintained in a state of being bent in a C-shape while being disposed inside the pump casing 231.

[0214] To this end, a portion of an inner surface of the circumferential portion 2313 of the pump casing 231 may be constructed to have a semi-cylindrical shape. That is, the inner surface of the circumferential portion 2313 may act as a support surface for maintaining a state in which the tube 232 is bent in the C-shape while the tube 232 is pressed by the roller 233.

[0215] The tube 232 functions as a detergent channel through which the detergent supplied from the above-described detergent container 280 flows.

[0216] In addition, the detergent filling the inner channel of the tube 232 may be made of a flexible material so that the detergent may be pumped out of the tube by the roller 233 pressing the tube.

[0217] Accordingly, when the tube 232 is pressed while being caught between the outer circumferential surface of the roller 233 and an outer surface of the circumferential portion 2313 of the pump casing 231, the tube may be easily deformed such that the inner channel thereof may be closed by the pressing force. When the pressing force of the roller 233 is released, the tube 232 may be effectively restored to its original shape.

[0218] In this regard, the roller 233 moves while revolving such that the position of the tube 232 pressed by the roller 233 changes according to the revolution of the roller 233.

[0219] Thus, the detergent filling the inner channel of the tube 232 flows together with the revolution of the roller 233.

[0220] The tube 232 may be constructed to be partially accommodated in the pump casing 231. A first end 2321 of the tube 232 may serve as an inlet through which the detergent is introduced. The detergent is pumped and discharged out of a second end 2322 of the tube 232. The first end 2321 and the second end 2322 may pass through a pair of slots 2313a of the pump casing 231, respectively, and extend out of the pump casing 231.

[0221] A pair of portions of the tube 232 which respectively pass through the pair of slots 2313a may be firmly fixed to the pair of slots 2313a by a pair of tube clips 237, respectively.

[0222] In one example, a first end 2321 of the tube 232 acting as an inlet may be connected to and communicate with the detergent outlet 2814 of the detergent container 280, while a second end 2322 of the tube 232 acting as an outlet may be connected to and communicate with a detergent discharge hole 218 that finally discharges the pumped detergent toward the tub 20.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 11B, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed in the exposed portion 211 of the housing 210, and preferably may be formed at a position as close as possible to the open rear surface 210a of the housing 210.

[0224] Accordingly, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed at a position spaced as far as possible from the reference line L and may communicate with the inside of the tub 20. Thus, the detergent discharged from the detergent discharge hole 218 may be freely dropped toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 under the gravity.

[0225] In addition, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed in a stepped surface disposed under the open rear surface 210b of the housing and disposed at a higher vertical level in the vertical direction than a vertical level of the lower surface 210d of the housing 210.

[0226] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11C, in a rear view of a state in which the cover 220 is coupled to the housing 210, the detergent discharge hole 218 is in a state of being screened with the cover 220.

[0227] Accordingly, the detergent discharge hole 218 may be formed at a higher position in the vertical direction than a vertical position of the lower surface 210d of the housing 210, and may be maintained in a state screened with the cover 220. Accordingly, this may effectively prevent the washing water scattered while a cycle of the dishwasher 1 is performed from directly reaching the detergent discharge hole 218 or from flowing through the detergent discharge hole 218 into the tube.

[0228] In one example, a notch-shaped groove 2212 may be formed in a lower end 2211 of the cover 220 as illustrated in FIG. 11C so as not to prevent the detergent discharged from the detergent discharge hole 218 from flowing under the gravity though the detergent discharge hole 218 is screened with the cover 220.

[0229] In this regard, in order that the detergent effectively flows, an area size of the groove 2212 formed in the lower end of the cover 220 may be larger than a cross-sectional area size of the detergent discharge hole 218.

[0230] In one example, a hinge hole 2213 into which a hinge shaft 219 of the housing 210 is inserted may extend through a lower end of the cover 220 and may be disposed on each of left and right sides of the groove 2212. The cover 220 may be supported so as to be pivotable with respect to the housing 210 in a state in which the hinge shaft 219 is inserted into the hinge hole 2213.

[0231] As shown in FIGS. 11A to 13, the housing 210 may be provided with a first nipple 216 as an intermediate connection medium connecting the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and the valve coupling portion 215 to each other, and a second nipple 217 as an intermediate connection medium connecting the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and the detergent discharge hole 218 to each other.

[0232] As illustrated, each of the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 may be integrally formed with the housing 210 and may be disposed at a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 210 in which the support rib 214 is disposed.

[0233] As described above, a pair of first nipples 216 may be formed at approximately symmetrical positions on the housing 210 and a pair of second nipples 217 may be formed at approximately symmetrical positions on the housing 210 so that the detergent supply device 200 may be commonly used for the single type detergent supply and the heterogeneous type detergent supply.

[0234] The detergent may flow only through the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 disposed at the left side of the housing 210 as shown when the detergent supply device 200 is applied for a single type detergent supply. Hereinafter, the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217 disposed at the left side of the housing 210 will be mainly described by way of example.

[0235] A channel through which the detergent may flow may be formed inside each of the first nipple 216 and the second nipple 217.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 12, the first nipple 216 may be inserted into the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and connected to the first end 2321.

[0237] In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the second nipple 217 may be inserted into the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and connected to the second end 2322.

[0238] In this way, the connection between the first end 2321 of the tube 232 and the first nipple 216 and the connection between the second end 2322 of the tube 232 and the second nipple 217 have been completed, such that a continuous detergent flow path Fd may be formed inside the first nipple 216, the tube 232, and the second nipple 217.

[0239] By way of example, the first nipple 216 may have a shape extending linearly along a horizontal direction, and the second nipple 217 may have a L-shape to change the detergent flow path Fd from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction toward the detergent discharge hole 218.

[0240] The roller 233 presses the tube 232 and revolves around the rotation axis Xc serving as a revolving axis to move the detergent along the inner channel of the tube 232 to pump the detergent.

[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, a configuration in which a total of three rollers 233 are provided inside the pump casing 231 is illustrated.

[0242] The present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the present disclosure will be described below based on an example in which the three rollers 233 are provided.

[0243] For convenience, in order to distinguish the three rollers 233 from each other, the three rollers 233 will be referred to as a first roller 2331, a second roller 2332, and a third roller 2333

[0244] In this regard, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may have the same shape and size as described below, and may be compatible with each other.

[0245] Detailed configurations of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0246] A carrier 234 serves to support the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 such that each of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 can spin and revolve.

[0247] More specifically, the carrier 234 may be configured to include a disk-shaped plate 2341 and a plurality of roller support shafts 2342 extending from the disk-shaped plate 2341 toward the roller 233.

[0248] The disk-shaped plate 2341 may be supported by a cover plate 235 to be described later in a state in which one side surface thereof is in surface contact with the cover plate 235.

[0249] In addition, the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be supported on the cover plate 235 such that the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be rotatable, preferably, can spin.

[0250] As will be described later, a ring-shaped guide rib 2353 extending so as to surround the disk-shaped plate 2341 may be integrally formed with the cover plate 235 and may be disposed on one surface of the cover plate 235 with which the disk-shaped plate 2341 is in contact.

[0251] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may effectively prevent the disk-shaped plate 2341 from being removed radially outwardly.

[0252] The plurality of roller support shafts 2342 protruding toward the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively, may be integrally formed with the disk-shaped plate 2341 and may be disposed on the other surface of the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0253] More specifically, the plurality of roller support shafts 2342 may include a first shaft 2342a supporting the first roller 2331 so as to be rotatable, a second shaft 2342b supporting the second roller 2332 so as to be rotatable, and a third shaft 2342c supporting the third roller 2333 so as to be rotatable.

[0254] The first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b and the third shaft 2342c serve as spinning axes of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively.

[0255] As will be described later, the first shaft 2342a to which the first roller 2331 is coupled may have a smaller protruding length than that of each of the second shaft 2342a and the third shaft 2342c. A detailed configuration thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0256] In one example, a circular through-hole 2341a may be formed in a center of the disk-shaped plate 2341 so as to extend through one surface and the other surface thereof. An output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 to be described later may pass through the through-hole 2341a.

[0257] The output shaft 2381 simultaneously contacts respective outer circumferential surfaces 2331a, 2332a, and 2333a of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and transmits a driving force for rotating the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 thereto as described below.

[0258] In this case, the output shaft 2381 may be constructed to pass through the through-hole 2341a of the disk-shaped plate 2341 while being not to be in contact with the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0259] That is, the carrier 234 may be supported by the cover plate 235 and accommodated in the pump casing 231 in an idle state in which the rotational driving force from the output shaft 2381 is not transmitted to the carrier 234.

[0260] The cover plate 235 is coupled to the open first end surface 2311 of the pump casing 231 and serves to close the inner space of the pump casing 231.

[0261] As the cover plate 235 is fastened to the pump casing 231, movement of the roller 233, the tube 232, and the carrier 234 along the rotation axis Xc may be restricted by the pump casing 231 and the cover plate 235 in a state in which the roller 233, the tube 232, and the carrier 234 are accommodated in the pump casing 231.

[0262] In a similar manner to the carrier 234, a through-hole 2351 may be formed in a center of the cover plate 235. The output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may extend though the through-hole 2351.

[0263] As described above, the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be integrally formed with the disk-shaped plate 2341 and may be disposed on one surface of the cover plate 235 with which the disk-shaped plate 2341 comes into contact.

[0264] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 and the through-hole 2351 may be concentric with each other. A protruding height of the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be maintained to be substantially constant along a circumferential direction thereof.

[0265] The ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may prevent the disk-shaped plate 2341 from being removed radially outwardly.

[0266] However, an inner diameter of the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may be larger than an outer diameter of the disk-shaped plate 2341 such that the ring-shaped guide rib 2353 may not contact and thus interfere with the rotational motion of the disk-shaped plate 2341.

[0267] A means for fastening the pump casing 231 to the cover plate 235 may be provided at each of edges of the cover plate 235.

[0268] By way of example, the fastening means may be spaced apart from each other, and may be formed at four positions.

[0269] In this case, each of these fastening means may be constructed to act as a fastening means for fastening the pump casing 231 to the cover plate 235 and at the same time, may act as a fastening means for fastening the base plate 236 to be described later to the cover plate 235.

[0270] That is, each fastening means may constitute a common fastening portion 2352 having one side that may be fastened to the pump casing 231 and the other side that may be fastened to the base plate 236.

[0271] Using the fastening means in the common manner to the pump casing and the base plate may allow the structure of the detergent pump to be simplified and allow the manufacturing cost thereof to be reduced.

[0272] The base plate 236 is constructed such that the pump motor 238 is coupled to one surface of the base plate and the cover plate 235 described above is coupled to the other surface thereof, and serves to fixedly connect the pump motor and the cover plate to the housing 210.

[0273] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the base plate 236 may be provided with four engaged portions 2362. In this regard, each of the common fastening portions 2352 of the cover plate 235 may be engaged with each of the engaged portions 2362 such that the base plate and the cover plate are fastened to each other.

[0274] In addition, in a similar manner to the through-hole 2351 of the cover plate 235, a through-hole 2361 may be formed in a center of the base plate 236. In this regard, the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may pass through the through-hole 2361.

[0275] In addition, in order that the base plate 236 is fastened to the support rib 214 of the housing 210, a pair of connection tabs 2363 extending in a direction away from the central through-hole 2361 of the bate plate may be disposed on the base plate 236, and a bolt hole through which a fixing means such as a screw bolt may pass may be formed in each of the connection tabs 2363.

[0276] The pump motor 238 serves to generate a rotational driving force that spins and revolves the first roller 2331 to the third roller 2333.

[0277] Although there is no limit to the type of the motor applicable to the pump motor of the present disclosure, it is preferable that a small electric motor is employed in consideration of a limitation of a space in which the detergent pump 230 is disposed.

[0278] In one example, the detergent pump 230 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a roller position sensing unit 239 for sensing a change in a position of the roller 233.

[0279] As described above, the present disclosure provides the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same in which a change in the position of the roller 233 is sensed while the detergent pump 230 operates, and the number of revolutions of the roller 233 is calculated based on the detected change, and the supply amount of the detergent is determined based on the number of revolutions.

[0280] Thus, in order to achieve this purpose, the detergent pump 230 may further include the roller position sensing unit 239 as the means for sensing the position of the roller 233.

[0281] By way of example, the roller position sensing unit 239 may be configured to include a roller sensor 2391.

[0282] The roller sensor 2391 may operate in a Hall sensor manner as the same manner as the operation manner each of the above-described detachment detection sensor 260 and the detergent vertical level sensor 240

[0283] In order to detect the change in the position of the roller 233, a magnetic body emitting a predetermined magnetic force may be provided in at least one of the first roller 2331 to the third roller 2333.

[0284] In this case, in order to maintain the sensing performance to the maximum level, a sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the magnetic body along the rotation axis Xc.

[0285] A correlation between the roller sensor 2391 and the roller 233 provided with the magnetic body will be described later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0286] In one example, in order to minimize a volume of the magnetic body disposed in the roller 233 and to minimize the influence of the magnetic force generated from the pump motor 238 thereon, the roller sensor 2391 is preferably disposed at a position closest to the roller 233 and farthest from the pump motor 238.

[0287] This position may be the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231.

[0288] Therefore, the pump motor 238 and the roller sensor 2391 may be spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis Xc while the roller 233 is interposed therebetween.

[0289] A sensor holder 2392 capable of detachably supporting the roller sensor 2391 may be integrally formed with the pump casing 231 and may be disposed on the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231.

[0290] The sensor holder 2392 is preferably disposed at a position in which the sensor holder 2392 does not interfere with the roller 233 that spins and revolves while being received inside the pump casing 231.

[0291] To this end, the pump casing 231 may be formed on an outer edge of the second end surface 2312 so as to protrude from the second end surface 2312 in a direction away from the roller 233 along a direction parallel to the rotation axis Xc.

[0292] The configuration of the detergent pump 230 applied for the single type detergent supply has been described above. However, when the detergent supply device 200 according to the present disclosure is applied for the heterogeneous type detergent supply, the detergent pump 230 having the same configuration as described above may be additionally provided. However, the additional detergent pump 230 may be installed at a position symmetrical to a position of the existing detergent pump 230 on the housing 210.Detailed Structure of Roller and Arrangement Structure of Magnetic Body

[0293] Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the roller 233 provided in the detergent pump 230 and an arrangement structure of the magnetic body will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18.

[0294] As described above, in the present embodiment, the roller 233 may include the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 that have the same outer appearance and size and may be compatible with each other.

[0295] In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may be supported by the carrier 234 in a state in which the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 can spin and revolve in a separated and spaced state from each other.

[0296] The carrier 234 may include the first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c as the means for supporting the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333, respectively so as to spin.

[0297] The first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c may be arranged so as to be spaced from each other by an equal spacings around the through-hole 2341a so as to support the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 in the separated and spaced state from each other, respectively.

[0298] The first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may have respectively first hollow spaces 2331b, 2332b, and 2333b having circular cross-sections into which the first shaft 2342a, the second shaft 2342b, and the third shaft 2342c may be inserted, respectively.

[0299] The first hollow spaces 2331b, 2332b, and 2333b may respectively extend through the first end surfaces 2331d, 2332d, and 2333d of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and extend toward the second end surfaces 2331e, 2332e, and 2333e thereof along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0300] In one example, as described above, the driving force for spinning and revolving the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 is directly transmitted from the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 to the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 while the driving force is not transmitted to the carrier 234.

[0301] To this end, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may receive the rotational driving force from the output shaft 2381 in a state in which the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 are in contact with the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 simultaneously.

[0302] That is, the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may be driven under the frictional force between an outer circumferential surface 2331a of the first roller 2331, an outer circumferential surface 2332a of the second roller 2332, an outer circumferential surface 2333a of the third roller 2333, and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238.

[0303] Accordingly, a means for increasing the coefficient of friction between each of the outer circumferential surface 2331a of the first roller 2331, the outer circumferential surface 2332a of the second roller 2332, the outer circumferential surface 2333a of the third roller 2333 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238 may be provided on the output shaft 2381. By way of example, the means for increasing the coefficient of friction may be implemented based on a method of roughening the surface of the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238, a method of coating a coating agent having a predetermined material on the surface of the output shaft 2381, or a method of covering the surface of the output shaft 2381 using a tube.

[0304] However, even though the means for increasing such a coefficient of friction is added, a considerable difference between a target detergent supply amount pursued via an operation time control or RPM control of the pump motor 238 and an actual detergent supply amount pumped and supplied using the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 may occur, for example, when a high viscous detergent is applied, when the tube 232 is cured and worn over time, or when a slip occurs between the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238, etc.

[0305] Accordingly, as described above, the dishwasher and the method for control the same according to the present disclosure may be configured to identify the number of revolutions of the roller 233 that determines the actual detergent supply amount, based on the number of position changes of the roller 233 and to supply the detergent such that the difference between the target detergent supply amount and the actual detergent supply amount is minimized.

[0306] To this end, the means for detecting the change in the position of the roller 233 may be configured to include the roller sensor 2391 and the magnetic body 2393 disposed in the roller 233 as described above.

[0307] In one example, The magnetic body 2393 may be provided in each of all of the first roller 2331, the second roller 2332, and the third roller 2333. In another example, the magnetic body 2393 may be provided in only one thereon, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost.

[0308] Hereinafter, as illustrated, the description will be made based on an embodiment in which the magnetic body 2393 is provided only in the first roller 2331.

[0309] As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the magnetic body 2393 may have an outer shape having a quadrangular pillar shape.

[0310] Correspondingly, a second hollow space 2331c into which the magnetic body may be inserted may be formed inside the first roller 2331.

[0311] The second hollow space 2331c may be formed such that a cross-sectional shape thereof is quadrangular corresponding to the outer shape of the magnetic body 2393.

[0312] In this case, the second hollow space 2331c may extend through the second end surface 2331e and extend to the first hollow space 2331b along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0313] Each of the second hollow spaces 2332c and 2333c having the same shape as that of the second hollow space 2331c defined in the first roller 2331 may be defined in each of the second roller 2332 and the third roller 2333.

[0314] In addition, the magnetic body 2393 may be received in the second hollow space 2331c so as to be entirely buried in the first roller. To this end, a length of the second hollow space 2331c in the direction of the rotation axis Xc may be greater than or equal to a length of the magnetic body 2393 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0315] Accordingly, the magnetic body 2393 may be constructed not to protrude out of the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331, and an increase in a size of the detergent pump 230 due to the addition of the magnetic body 2393 may be prevented.

[0316] In one example, as illustrated, the magnetic body 2393 may be positioned closer to the second end surface 2331e among the first end surface 2331d and the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331.

[0317] As described above, the roller sensor 2391 is disposed on the second end surface 2312 of the pump casing 231 at a position spaced apart from the second end surface 2331e of the first roller 2331 along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0318] This position of the roller sensor is selected as a position at which the influence of the magnetic force emitted from the pump motor 238 on the roller sensor 2391 can be minimized.

[0319] However, in order for the roller sensor 2391 to effectively sense the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331, the magnetic body 2393 needs to be positioned in the first roller 2331 as close as possible to the roller sensor 2391.

[0320] To this end, it is preferable that the magnetic body 2393 is positioned to be off-centered toward the first end surface 2331d of the first roller 2331 positioned closest to the roller sensor 2391 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.Detection of Position Change of First Tube Using Roller Sensor

[0321] Hereinafter, an arrangement relationship between the first roller 2331 and the roller sensor 2391 and a sensing structure of the magnetic body 2393 using the roller sensor 2391 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0322] As described above, the roller sensor 2391 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 along the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0323] Furthermore, the roller sensor 2391 has a sensing surface 2391a, and the sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 may overlap a revolution area of the magnetic body 2393 in the direction of the rotation axis Xc.

[0324] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 19, when the sensing surface 2391a is moved in a parallel manner to the direction of the rotation axis Xc toward the magnetic body 2393, an overlapping between the magnetic body 2393 and the sensing surface 2391a in the direction of the rotation axis Xc may occur as the magnetic body 2393 revolves.

[0325] Thus, a linear distance between the sensing surface 2391a of the roller sensor 2391 and the magnetic body 2393 may be minimized, such that the small magnetic body and the small roller sensor 2391 may be applied, and thus the detergent pump 230 may be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost of the detergent pump 230 may be reduced.

[0326] Hereinafter, a method for detecting a position change of the first roller 2331 using the roller sensor 2391 will be described.

[0327] The roller sensor 2391 may be constructed to have a predetermined sensing area.

[0328] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, an area in which a distance D from the sensing surface 2391a to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 along the rotation axis Xc is smaller than the distance from the rotation axis Xc to the sensing surface as a reference distance range Dth may be a sensing area of the roller sensor 2391, that is, may be sensed by the roller sensor 2390. while an area in which the distance D from the sensing surface 2391a to the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is larger than the reference distance range may be an non-sensing area of the roller sensor, that is, may be unsensed by the roller sensor.

[0329] As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may detect the presence of the magnetic body 2393 and generate a first output signal including information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area.

[0330] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, when the first roller 2331 revolves along the revolution direction R so as to be present in the non-sensing area out of the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may sense this situation and generate a second output signal including information that the first roller 2331 is out of the sensing range of the roller sensor 2391 and is in the non-sensing area.

[0331] Each of the first output signal and the second output signal may be transmitted as an electrical signal to the controller 100 to be described later. The controller 100 may easily identify that the position of the first roller 2331 is changed due to the revolution of the first roller 2331, in response to that a signal received from the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or from the second output signal to the first output signal.Detailed Configuration of Detergent Container

[0332] Hereinafter, a configuration of the detergent container 280 provided in the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.

[0333] As described above, the predetermined detergent storage space may be formed inside the container body 281 of the detergent container 280.

[0334] A liquid detergent to be supplied to the tub 20 through the detergent pump 230 may be stored in the detergent storage space.

[0335] However, in a state in which the sealing cap 283 is coupled to the detergent inlet 2811 of the container body 281 and the container body 281 is mounted on the housing 210, the detergent storage space of the container body 281 is sealed.

[0336] Therefore, when the supply of the detergent is in progress through the detergent pump 230, an internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be gradually lowered in response to the remaining amount of the detergent that is reduced while the supply is in progress.

[0337] When the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space is reduced, an operating load of the detergent pump 230 may be increased in response to the decrease amount of the internal pressure Pi.

[0338] A means for preventing the reduction of the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be embodied as a ventilation hole 2812 defined in the rear surface 281a of the container body 281 as shown in FIG. 21

[0339] The ventilation hole 2812 may extend through the rear surface 281a of the container body 281 so as to allow the inner detergent storage space of the container body 281 and an external space to communicate with each other. By way of example, the ventilation hole 2812 may be provided as a circular hole.

[0340] In this case, in order to minimize the leakage of the detergent through the ventilation hole 2812, the ventilation hole 2812 may be formed at a position higher than a maximum storage vertical level max and a minimum storage vertical level min of the detergent based on the state in which the detergent supply device 200 is vertically oriented.

[0341] However, even when the ventilation port 2812 is formed at the higher vertical position than the maximum storage vertical level max of the detergent, the possibility of the liquid detergent leaking through the ventilation hole 2812 during the removal and mounting process of the detergent container 280 cannot be excluded.

[0342] A means for preventing the leakage of the detergent through the ventilation hole 2812 and preventing the reduction of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space may be embodied as a membrane 2812a constructed to block the ventilation hole 2812 and to be deformable in response to the change in the internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

[0343] As shown in FIG. 22, the membrane 2812a may be attached to an inner surface of the container body 281 and may be disposed to entirely cover the ventilation hole 2812.

[0344] For example, the membrane 2812a may be made of a material which is easily processed into a thin film form, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber and which allows a shape of the membrane to be easily changed in response to a difference between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po.

[0345] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 23, when the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent storage space of the container body 281 is gradually reduced as a forward driving of the pump motor 238 is started and a forward revolution of the roller 233 is performed, the membrane 2812a deforms so as to protrude toward the inside of the detergent storage space in response to the decrease in the internal pressure Pi.

[0346] Due to the deformation of the membrane 2812a, a pressure equilibrium between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po of the detergent storage space may be maintained.

[0347] In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, after supply of a predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, a reverse driving of the pump motor 238 is started, and a reverse revolution of the roller 233 may be started.

[0348] As the reverse revolution of the roller 233 is initiated, air may be supplied from the tub 20 through the tube 232 to the detergent storage space of the container body 281.

[0349] When, as described above, the air is introduced into the detergent storage space under the reverse operation of the roller 233, the internal pressure Pi may be gradually recovered, and the membrane 2812a may be easily restored to its original shape while the equilibrium between the internal pressure Pi and the external pressure Po of the detergent storage space is maintained.

[0350] Details of the forward driving and the reverse driving of the roller 233 will be described later with reference to FIG. 26.Configuration of Controller and Control Method of Dishwasher

[0351] Hereinafter, the configuration of the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

[0352] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the controller 100 for controlling each of functional components.

[0353] The controller 100 may be provided in various forms such as a microcontroller, a microcomputer, or a microprocessor, as known in the art.

[0354] First, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the pump motor 238 of the detergent pump 230. After a washing cycle is started, the controller 100 supplies power to the pump motor 238 to drive the detergent pump 230 in the forward direction to supply the detergent to the tub 20 or drive the detergent pump 230 in the reverse direction to supply the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280.

[0355] In addition, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the roller sensor 2391 for detecting the change in the position of the first roller 2331 in real time during the washing cycle.

[0356] As described above, when the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may generate the first output signal and transmit the same to the controller 100. When the magnetic body 2393 of the first roller 2331 deviates from the sensing area and is present in the non-sensing area, the roller sensor 2391 may generate the second output signal and transmit the same to the controller 100.

[0357] The first output signal may include information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present in the sensing area of the roller sensor 2391, and the second output signal may include information indicating that the first roller 2331 is out of the sensing area of the roller sensor 2391 and is present in the non-sensing area.

[0358] In response to that the signal received from the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or from the second output signal to the first output signal, the controller 100 may identify that the first roller 2331 revolves and the position of the first roller 2331 has been changed.

[0359] In one example, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the detergent vertical level sensor 240 for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the detergent container 280.

[0360] The output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240 may be transmitted to the controller 100. Thus, the controller 100 may easily determine the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the container body 281 based on the received output signal of the detergent vertical level sensor 240. In this case, when the remaining amount of the detergent detected through the detergent vertical level sensor 240 is smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, the controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 or an audio output unit 38 to generate a visual alarm or an acoustic alarm including information indicating that the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient.

[0361] In one example, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the detachment detection sensor 260 for detecting the detachment of the detergent container 280.

[0362] The output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may easily determine whether the detergent container 280 is mounted on the housing 210 or detached from the housing 210 based on the received output signal of the detachment detection sensor 260.

[0363] In response to that it is determined that the detergent container 280 is in the detached state from the housing, the controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 or the audio output unit 38 to generate a visual alarm or an acoustic alarm including information indicating that the detergent container 280 is not mounted on the housing.

[0364] In one example, the controller 100 is electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 100 invokes an operation condition and a timing condition for each cycle as pre-stored in the memory, and generates a control signal for controlling activation and termination of the cycle based on the invoked operation condition and timing condition. Furthermore, the memory may further store therein information on an amount of the detergent (a preset amount) to be supplied during the washing cycle.

[0365] In addition, the controller 100 may calculate an elapsed time duration for each cycle using the timer, and determine whether each cycle has been completed based on a comparing result between the calculated elapsed time duration and a pre-stored time duration condition for each cycle.

[0366] In addition, the controller 100 is electrically connected to the display 33 and the sound output unit 38.

[0367] The controller 100 may be configured to control the display 33 to visually display information on the operation state and the operation time of the dishwasher 1 and whether the cycle thereof has been completed. Further, the controller 100 may be configured to control the sound output unit 38 such as a buzzer or a speaker as above-described to output an alarm on the operation state and the operation time of the dishwasher 1 and whether the cycle thereof has been completed in a voice or sound manner.

[0368] Hereinafter, a control method S1 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.

[0369] As described above, when the pump motor 238 operates in the forward rotation, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply the detergent to the tub 20 through the single tube 232. When the pump motor 238 operates in the reverse rotation, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to supply the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280. To this end, as shown in FIG. 26, a control method S1 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to include operation S10 in which the pump motor 238 rotates in the forward direction so that the roller 233 revolves in the forward direction, and then, the roller 233 revolves in the forward direction by a predetermined number of revolutions to supply a predetermined amount of detergent, operation S20 in which upon determination that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, the operation of the pump motor 238 is stopped, operation S30 in which the pump motor 238 rotates in the reverse direction and the roller 233 revolves in the reverse direction by a predetermined number of revolutions to restore the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space, and operation S40 in which upon determination that the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space has been recovered, the operation of the pump motor 238 is stopped.

[0370] FIG. 27 illustrates detailed operations of the operation S10 of supplying a preset amount of detergent.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 27, the controller 100 may supply power to the pump motor 238 to drive the pump motor 238 in the forward direction in order to start the detergent supply in S11.

[0372] Next, the controller 100 receives an output signal including one of the first output signal and the second output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S12.

[0373] As described above, the first output signal may be a signal including information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present within the detection range of the roller sensor 2391, and the second output signal may be information indicating that the first roller 2331 is present outside the detection range of the roller sensor 2391.

[0374] Next, based on the output signal received from the roller sensor 2391, the controller 100 determines whether change the received output signal from the first output signal to the second output signal, or the change thereof from the second output signal to the first output signal occurs for the first time in S13.

[0375] Next, upon determination in the operation S13 that the change in the output signal has occurred for the first time, the controller 100 determines a first-occurring change of the output signal in S14.

[0376] In this regard, the first-occurring change may be one of a first change in which the output signal of the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the first output signal to the second output signal or a second change in which the output signal of the roller sensor 2391 is changed from the second output signal to the first output signal.

[0377] Next, in response to that the first-occurring change of the output signal has been determined in the operation S14, the controller 100 re-receives the output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S15.

[0378] Subsequently, the controller 100 determines whether a change in the output signal identical to the determined first-occurring change occurs based on the output signal re-received in the operation S15 in S16.

[0379] That is, upon determination in the operation S14 that the first-occurring change is the first change, the controller 100 determines whether the change in the output signal re-received in the operation S15 identical to the first change hac occurred. Alternatively, upon determination in the operation S14 that the first-occurring change is the second change, the controller 100 determines whether the change in the output signal re-received in the operation S15 identical to the second change has occurred.

[0380] Next, upon determination in the operation S16 that the change in the re-received output signal identical to the first-occurring change has occurred, the controller 100 increases the number of forward signal changes N1 by one to update the number, and stores the updated number of forward signal changes N1 in the memory in S17.

[0381] In this regard, the updated and stored number of forward signal changes N1 may be the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 calculated after the start of operation of the pump motor 238.

[0382] Next, the controller 100 compares the number of forward signal changes N1 updated in the operation S17 with a preset numerical value N_th in S18.

[0383] In this regard, the preset numerical value N_th may be, for example, 100.

[0384] The preset numerical value N_th may be set to 100 in consideration of the necessary capacity of the detergent based on the capacity of the washing water circulating inside the tub 20, the inner diameter of the applied tube 232, and the spacing between and number of applied rollers 233. Thus, the preset numerical value N_th may be set to vary based on the capacity of the washing water, the capacity of the necessary detergent, the inner diameter of the applied tube 232, and the spacing between and number of applied rollers 233.

[0385] On the other hand, upon determination that the updated number of forward signal changes N1 has reached the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S18, the controller 100 may determine that the supplied detergent supply amount has reached the predetermined detergent supply amount after the operation of the pump motor 238 is started, and thus determine that the supply of the detergent has been completed in S19.

[0386] That is, the controller 100 calculates the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 based on the number of position changes of the first roller 2331, and determines that the actually supplied detergent amount has reached the predetermined detergent supply amount in response to that the calculated number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331 reaches the predetermined numerical value N_th.

[0387] Otherwise, upon determination that the updated number of forward signal changes N1 does not reach the preset numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S18, the controller 100 may return to the operation S15 and repeat the subsequent operation.

[0388] FIG. 28 illustrates detailed operations of the operation S30 of recovering the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space as described above.

[0389] Referring to FIG. 28, in order to start supplying the air to the detergent storage space of the detergent container 280, the controller 100 may supply power to the pump motor 238 to drive the pump motor 238 in the reverse direction in S31.

[0390] In the operation S31, the reverse driving of the pump motor 238 may be started, such that the reverse revolution of the first roller 2331 may be started.

[0391] Next, the controller 100 receives an output signal including one of the first output signal and the second output signal from the roller sensor 2391 in S32.

[0392] Next, the controller 100 determines whether a change in the received output signal opposite to the first-occurring change occurs based on the output signal received in the operation S32 in S33,

[0393] That is, upon determination that the first-occurring change determined in the operation S14 is the first change, the controller 100 determines whether the second change opposite thereto has occurred. Alternatively, upon determination that the first-occurring change determined in the operation S14 is the second change, the controller 100 determines whether the first change opposite thereto has occurred.

[0394] That is, since the roller 233 is revolving in the reverse direction, the controller 100 may be configured to detect the change opposite to the first-occurring change.

[0395] Next, upon determination that the change of the output signal opposite to the above-described first-occurring change has occurred based on the output signal received in the operation S32, the controller 100 increases the number of reverse signal changes N2 by one to update the number N2, and stores the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 in the memory in S34.

[0396] In this regard, the updated and stored number of reverse signal changes N2 may be the number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 calculated after the start of operation of the pump motor 238.

[0397] Next, the controller 100 compares the number of reverse signal changes N2 updated in the operation S34 with a preset numerical value N_th in S35.

[0398] In this regard, the preset numerical value N_th may be 100 which is equal to the preset numerical value N_th of the operation S18 as described above.

[0399] In one example, upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 has reached the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S35, the controller 100 may determine that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered after the reverse driving of the pump motor 238 is started in S36.

[0400] That is, the controller 100 may calculate the number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 based on the number of reverse position changes of the first roller 2331. In response to that the calculated number of reverse revolutions of the first roller 2331 reaches the preset numerical value N_th, the controller 100 may determine that the air amount corresponding to the detergent supply amount supplied during the operation S10 has been supplied to the detergent container 280, and thus, the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space has been recovered.

[0401] Otherwise, upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes N2 does not reach the predetermined numerical value N_th based on a result of the comparison in the operation S35, the controller 100 may return to the operation S32 and repeat the subsequent operations.

[0402] As described above, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure calculates the number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331, and determines whether the actually supplied detergent amount has reacted the target detergent supply amount, based on the calculated number of forward revolutions of the first roller 2331. Upon determination that the actually supplied detergent amount has reacted the target detergent supply amount, the detergent supply device 200 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure revolves the first roller 2331 in the reverse direction by the number of times equal to the number of forward revolutions so that the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space may be recovered. Thus, as described above, the internal pressure Pi of the detergent storage space can be effectively recovered in a corresponding manner to the actual detergent supply amount despite the hardened state or the wear of the tube, or the occurrence of the slip due to the reduction of the frictional force between the roller 233 and the output shaft 2381 of the pump motor 238.

[0403] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in a various manner within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments as disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. In addition, even though an effect of a configuration of the present disclosure is not explicitly described in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure above, it is obvious that the predictable effect from the configuration should be recognized.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0057]Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another co...

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:a tub having a washing space defined therein;a detergent supply device including:a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; anda detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; anda controller configured to drive the detergent pump,wherein the container includes:a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; anda membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space,wherein the detergent pump includes a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction,wherein the controller is configured to:drive the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; andin response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, drive the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the detergent pump further includes:a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space;the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; anda roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller,wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent includes:in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; andcomparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the calculating of the number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor includes:receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor;determining whether a change of the received output signal from the first output signal to the second output signal, or a change of the received output signal from the second output signal to the first output signal has occurred for the first time;upon determination that the change of the output signal has occurred for the first time, determining a first-occurring change of the output signal;determining whether a change in an output signal identical to the first-occurring change occurs after the first-occurring change is determined; andupon determination that the change in the output signal identical to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of forward signal changes by one and updating the number of forward signal changes and storing the updated number of forward signal changes,wherein the number of forward signal changes corresponds to the number of forward revolutions of the roller.

4. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent further includes:upon determination that the calculated number of forward revolutions has reached a predetermined numerical value, determining that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein upon determination that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, the controller is further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

6. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the first output signal includes a signal including information indicating that the roller is present within a sensing range of the roller sensor,wherein the second output signal includes a signal including information indicating that the roller is located outside the sensing range of the roller sensor.

7. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the first-occurring change includes one of a first change in which the first output signal is changed to the second output signal or a second change in which the second output signal is changed to the first output signal.

8. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein after determining the first-occurring change of the output signal, the controller is further configured to re-receive the output signal from the roller sensor.

9. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the detergent pump further includes:a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space;the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; anda roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller,wherein the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space includes:in response to that the reverse driving of the pump motor has been started, calculating a number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; andcomparing the calculated number of reverse revolutions with a preset numerical value.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the calculating of the number of reverse revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor includes:receiving an output signal including one of a first output signal and a second output signal from the roller sensor;determining whether a change in the received output signal opposite to a first-occurring change of the output signal occurs;upon determination that the change in the output signal opposite to the first-occurring change has occurred, increasing a number of reverse signal changes by one and updating the number of reverse signal changes and storing the updated number of reverse signal changes; andcomparing the updated number of reverse signal changes with the preset numerical value,wherein the number of reverse signal changes corresponds to the number of reverse revolutions of the roller.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the restoring the internal pressure of the detergent storage space further includes, before receiving the output signal, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction so that the roller revolves in the reverse direction.

12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the restoring of the internal pressure of the detergent storage space includes:upon determination that the updated number of reverse signal changes has reached the preset numerical value, determining that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein upon determination that the internal pressure of the detergent storage space has been recovered, the controller is further configured to stop the operation of the pump motor.

14. A method for controlling a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher includes:a tub having a washing space defined therein; anda detergent supply device including:a container having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing therein a detergent to be supplied to the washing space; anda detergent pump configured to supply the detergent stored in the container to the washing space; andwherein the container includes:a ventilation hole for communicating the detergent storage space with an external space; anda membrane constructed to block the ventilation hole and to be deformable in response to change in an internal pressure of the detergent storage space,wherein the detergent pump includes a pump motor for generating a driving force to revolve a roller in a forward direction or a reverse direction,wherein the method comprises:driving the pump motor in the forward direction to supply a predetermined amount of detergent; andin response to that the supply of the predetermined amount of the detergent has been completed, driving the pump motor in the reverse direction to restore an internal pressure of the detergent storage space.

15. The method for controlling dishwasher of claim 14, wherein the detergent pump further includes:a tube for guiding the detergent discharged from the container to the washing space;the roller configured to press the tube to move the detergent inside the tube while revolving around a rotation axis; anda roller sensor configured to detect a position of the roller and to generate an output signal corresponding to the position of the roller,wherein the supplying of the predetermined amount of the detergent includes:in response to that the forward driving of the pump motor is started, calculating a number of forward revolutions of the roller using the roller sensor; andcomparing the calculated number of forward revolutions with a preset numerical value.

Images