Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which a cover part as a means for opening or closing a handle part provided in a shape of concavely recessed toward the inside of a door is disposed so that the handle part is configured to be automatically opened only when necessary such when opening or closing the door, thereby preventing external foreign substances such as dust from being accumulated on the handle part to maintain a clean state thereof.

Description

dishwasher

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher in which a cover is arranged as a means for opening and closing a handle portion provided in a concave shape toward the inside of a door, so that the handle portion is automatically opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing a door, thereby preventing external foreign substances such as dust from accumulating on the handle portion, thereby maintaining a clean state.

[0002]

[0003] A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying a cleaning solution, such as water. The cleaning solution may contain detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tank forming a washing space, a storage section for receiving objects to be washed inside the washing tank, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage section, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

[0005] By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other items after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0006] Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing cycle to wash the object to be washed, a rinsing cycle to rinse the object to be washed, and a drying cycle to dry the object to be washed after washing and rinsing are completed.

[0007] Before the process, the user must open and close the door to store the dishes inside the dishwasher and to take out the washed and dried dishes after the process is completed.

[0008] As a means to facilitate the opening and closing of such doors, the doors are usually equipped with handles that the user can grasp.

[0009] In this regard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,161,675 (Prior Document 001) discloses a dishwasher having a recessed handle provided on the door for gripping when opening and closing the door.

[0010] The handle of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 is provided in the form of a grip groove configured to be sunken to a predetermined depth from the front surface of the door toward the rear side.

[0011]

[0012] The handle disclosed in the aforementioned prior art document 001 is provided in a form in which a portion of the front surface of the door is sunken toward the inside of the door, and is not provided with a separate cover or the like, so it is always exposed to the outside.

[0013] Therefore, the handle disclosed in prior document 001 has a structure in which external foreign substances such as dust cannot help but accumulate in the sunken part for gripping, so it requires frequent cleaning, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0014] In addition, the handle disclosed in prior art document 001 has a problem in that a portion of the front of the door is concavely sunken, and a light source is provided to irradiate visible light toward the sunken handle, so that foreign substances accumulated on the handle portion may be more noticeable by the light source portion, which may act as a factor that may harm the aesthetic sense of the user.

[0015] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and the first object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a cover is provided as a means for opening and closing a handle portion provided in a concave shape toward the inside of the door, so that the handle portion is opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing the door, thereby preventing the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust on the handle portion, thereby maintaining a clean state and greatly improving user convenience.

[0016] In addition, the present invention has a second object to provide a dishwasher in which the cover closes the handle in situations where the use of the handle is unnecessary, and the front end surface of the cover and the front surface of the door are configured to have a sense of unity with each other, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the appearance of the dishwasher.

[0017] In addition, the present invention has a third object of providing a dishwasher in which a light source module is placed inside a handle portion and the front surface of the cover portion acts as a reflective surface of visible light irradiated from the light source module, thereby allowing the user to immediately and visually recognize the operating status of the cover portion, thereby improving user convenience and enhancing aesthetics for the user.

[0018] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0019]

[0020] A dishwasher according to the present invention is characterized by including: a tub that accommodates dishes and forms a washing space with an open front; a door that opens and closes the open front of the tub while rotating; a handle portion having a gripping groove that is concavely formed toward the inside of the door from an opening formed on the front surface of the door so that a user can grip it when opening and closing the door; a cover portion that opens and closes the opening of the door while rotating within the gripping groove; and a light source module that is arranged within the gripping groove and is configured to irradiate visible light toward the interior space of the gripping groove.

[0021] In addition, the phage groove portion includes a horizontal groove extending rearward in a horizontal direction from the opening of the door; and a vertical groove extending upward in a vertical direction from the top of the horizontal groove and positioned further rearward than the opening; and the light source module may be positioned further forward than the vertical groove.

[0022] Additionally, the light source module may be placed between the opening of the door and the vertical groove.

[0023] Additionally, the light source module may be placed on the upper surface of the horizontal groove formed between the opening and the vertical groove.

[0024] Additionally, the lower part of the light source module can be embedded in the upper surface of the horizontal groove so that no portion protrudes from the upper surface of the horizontal groove.

[0025] Additionally, a step may not be formed between the lower end of the light source module and the upper end of the horizontal groove.

[0026] Additionally, the light source module can be extended linearly along the extension direction of the opening of the door.

[0027] Additionally, the left-right width of the light source module may be larger than the left-right width of the vertical groove.

[0028] Additionally, the left-right width of the light source module may be smaller than the left-right width of the opening.

[0029] Additionally, the left-right width of the light source module may be smaller than the left-right width of the cover portion.

[0030] In addition, the cover driving unit may further include a cover driving unit that rotates the cover unit between a forwardmost position, which is a position that is rotated the most toward the front, and a rearmost position, which is a position that is rotated the most toward the rear.

[0031] Additionally, the light source module may be turned on before the cover driving unit moves the cover unit from the forwardmost position toward the rearmost position.

[0032] Additionally, the light source module can be turned on at the same time as the cover driving unit moves the cover unit from the forwardmost position toward the rearmost position.

[0033] In addition, when the cover part is moved to the rearmost position by the cover driving part, a portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module can be reflected toward the outside of the door by the cover part.

[0034] Additionally, the remaining portion of visible light irradiated by the light source module may be reflected toward the inside of the phage groove by the cover portion.

[0035]

[0036] The dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of maintaining cleanliness and greatly improving user convenience by preventing external foreign substances such as dust from accumulating on the handle by configuring the handle to be opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing the door.

[0037] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of improving the aesthetics of the appearance of the dishwasher by configuring the front end surface of the cover portion and the front surface of the door to have a sense of unity with each other.

[0038] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of significantly reducing the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the cover that may occur when the cover protrudes toward the outside of the door by configuring the cover to retract and retract toward the inside of the door when the handle is opened.

[0039] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of improving user convenience and enhancing aesthetic appeal by allowing the front surface of the cover to act as a reflective surface of visible light irradiated from a light source module, thereby allowing the user to immediately visually recognize the operating status of the cover.

[0040] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which the cover portion of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotated forward to the forwardmost position.

[0045] Figure 4 is a front side view showing the cover portion illustrated in Figure 3 moved backward to the rearmost position.

[0046] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the door illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0047] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged view of a vertically cut cross-section of the door illustrated in Figure 5.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cover portion and cover driving portion illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0049] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cover portion and cover driving portion illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0050] Figure 9 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 8.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration that distinguishes and recognizes a user and a pet through a proximity sensor placed on the upper surface of a door to determine the user's intention to open the door.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a partial enlarged view of a vertically cut cross-section of the door illustrated in Fig. 5, showing a state in which the cover part begins to move from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position.

[0053] Fig. 12 is a partial enlarged view of a vertically cut cross-section of the door illustrated in Fig. 5, showing the cover portion having been moved to the rearmost position.

[0054] Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of the door shown in Figs. 3 and 4 as viewed from below.

[0055] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the light source module illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0056] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the light source module is turned on while the door is moved to the rearmost position and visible light emitted from the light source module is reflected by the cover.

[0057]

[0058] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0059] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0060] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0061] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0062] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0063] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0064] Additionally, the singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consist of" or "comprises" should not be construed to necessarily include all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0065] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0066] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] [Overall structure of a dishwasher]

[0068] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which an object to be washed is washed and having an open front surface, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front surface of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing an object to be washed, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing an object to be washed, and a spray unit installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0071] At this time, the objects to be washed placed in the storage unit (50) may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated, the objects to be washed will be referred to as dishes.

[0072] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front surface entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0073] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front surface can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0074] The tub (20) can be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel.

[0075] In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the storage section (50) and the injection section described later inside the tub (20).

[0076] Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing washing water, a sump cover (42) for dividing the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying washing water from the outside to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) for discharging the washing water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying the washing water of the sump (41) to the injection unit. The sump cover (42) is arranged on the upper side of the sump (41) and may serve to divide the tub (20) and the sump (41).

[0077] Additionally, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray unit into the sump (41).

[0078] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray unit toward the dishes falls to the lower part of the washing space (21) and can be returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

[0079] The washing pump (45) is provided on one side of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize washing water and supply it to the spray unit.

[0080] One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453). When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) is pressurized and then supplied to the injection unit through the supply path (46).

[0081] Although not shown, the washing pump (45) may be equipped with a washing water heater to heat the washing water supplied during the washing cycle or the heated rinsing cycle.

[0082] Meanwhile, the supply path (46) can play a role in selectively supplying the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray unit.

[0083] For example, the supply path (46) may include a first supply path (461) connected to the lower injection arm (61), a second supply path (463) connected to the upper injection arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply path (46) may be provided with a supply path switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply paths (461, 463).

[0084] At this time, the supply path switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each of the supply paths (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0085] Meanwhile, the spray unit is provided to spray washing water onto dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

[0086] More specifically, the spray unit may include a lower spray arm (61) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) located between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) located at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0087] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so that they can spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes in the storage section (50).

[0088] The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to be able to spray washing water toward the lower rack (51) while rotating at the lower side of the lower rack (51).

[0089] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder (467) so as to be able to spray the washing water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0090] Meanwhile, although not shown, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may be further provided with a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) in an upward direction (U-direction) to increase the washing efficiency.

[0091] Since the detailed configuration of the injection unit is applicable to a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit is omitted below.

[0092] Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

[0093] The storage section (50) is provided so that it can be withdrawn from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

[0094] By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage compartment is provided, including a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of a tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes, etc. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher (1) provided with three storage compartments (50) as illustrated.

[0095] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front of the tub (20).

[0096] For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails (54) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

[0097] Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). Users can store dishes in these lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) by pulling them out through the front of the tub (20), or can easily take out washed dishes from them.

[0098] The guide rail (54) may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) or as an elastic guide rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) and increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage unit (50).

[0099] Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front surface of the above-described tub (20).

[0100] A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing the door (30) is provided on the lower side of the front surface that is normally open, and the door (30) can be opened by rotating forward about the hinge part as a rotation axis.

[0101] Here, the front panel (30a) forming the outer surface of the door (30) may be provided with a handle portion (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0102] As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher (1), a button section (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's course selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher on and off.

[0103] Meanwhile, the rear panel (30b) forming the inner side of the door (30) can form one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed and at the same time form a seating surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage section (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0104] For this purpose, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable that the rear panel (30b) of the door (30) form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the direction in which the guide rail (54) along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0105] Meanwhile, the handle portion (31) of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention may be a recessed handle formed concavely toward the inside of the door (30) similar to a conventional handle.

[0106] At this time, as described later, a cover part (35) may be further provided on the door (30) as a means for opening and closing the opening part (30e) of the front panel (30a) that defines the entrance of the sunken handle part (31).

[0107] The detailed configuration of the handle part (31) and the cover part (35) is described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0108] Although not shown, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the interior of the tub (20) may be placed on the rear panel (30b) forming the rear surface of the door (30).

[0109] Meanwhile, a drying air supply unit (80) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20) to generate and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space inside the tub (20).

[0110] As shown, the drying air supply unit (80) may be configured to include a filter member (883) that filters outside air, a blower fan (825) that generates a drying air stream, a heater (84) that heats the drying air stream, and an air flow guide (83) that is placed inside the tub (20) and guides the drying air stream.

[0111] A drying air supply hole may be provided on the lower surface of the tub (20) so that high-temperature drying air generated from the drying air supply unit (80) can be introduced into the interior of the tub (20).

[0112] By supplying high-temperature drying air or low-temperature drying air through a drying air supply unit (80) like this into the interior of the tub (20) during the drying cycle (S5), the drying efficiency and sterilization effect on dishes can be significantly improved compared to the past.

[0113] Meanwhile, the air current supplied to the inside of the tub (20) and humidified while drying dishes can be configured to be discharged to the outside, and the discharge of the air current can be done through partial opening of the door (30) or through a separate exhaust means not shown.

[0114] [Detailed configuration of handle, cover, and cover drive]

[0115] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 15, the configuration of the handle portion (31), the cover portion (35), and the cover driving portion (36) provided on the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0116] As described above, a handle portion (31) configured to be gripped by a user when opening and closing the door (30) may be provided inside the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Similar to the conventional one, the handle portion (31) may be a recessed handle formed concavely toward the inside of the door (30) from the front panel (30a) forming the front surface of the door (30).

[0118] In order to implement a recessed handle like this, a grip groove (311) having an L-shaped cross-section may be provided on the rear of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) to facilitate the user's grip.

[0119] For example, the phage home portion (311) may be a hollow portion having an L shape formed inside the handle frame (30d).

[0120] At this time, considering the L-shape as described later, the gripping groove (311) may be configured to include a horizontal groove (3111) extending rearward in a horizontal direction from the opening (30e) of the door (30), and a vertical groove (3112) extending upward in a vertical direction from the top of the horizontal groove (3111) and positioned further rearward than the opening (30e) of the door (30).

[0121] The front end surface of the horizontal groove (3111) of the grip groove (311) is open so that the user's hand can easily enter the grip groove (311) that constitutes the handle portion (31).

[0122] An opening (30e) extending along the left and right directions of the door (30) can be formed in the front panel (30a) at a position corresponding to the open front end surface of the horizontal groove (3111) of the phage groove (311).

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gripping groove (311) and the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) can be positioned close to the upper surface of the door (30) where the display (33) and the button portion (34) are positioned so that the user can easily grip the grip while standing.

[0124] In more detail, considering the opening and closing movement of the door (30) that rotates around the bottom and considering the aesthetic sense of the user, it is preferable that the opening (30e) and the cover (35) that opens and closes the opening (30e) be positioned as close as possible to the upper surface of the door (30).

[0125] That is, as shown in Fig. 3, the opening (30e) can be placed on the front panel (30a) in a state where a predetermined vertical distance (D1) is formed from the upper surface of the door (30).

[0126] Additionally, a predetermined left-right gap (D2) can be formed between the opening (30e) and the right and left sides of the door (30).

[0127] At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the vertical gap (D1) between the opening (30e) and the upper surface of the door (30) be formed to be larger than the left-right gap (D2) between the opening and the right / left side of the door (30).

[0128] By setting the vertical distance (D1) to be larger than the left-right distance (D2), a certain amount of free space can be secured between the opening (30e) and the upper surface of the door (30), so that the user's accessibility and convenience of operation for the button portion (34) arranged on the upper surface of the door (30) can be somewhat improved.

[0129] In addition, the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover (35) as a means for opening and closing the front end surface of the open phage groove (311) and the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a).

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover portion (35) serves to close the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) and the front end surface of the grip groove (311) in a situation where opening of the door (30) is not required, and to open the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) and the front end surface of the grip groove (311) in a situation where opening of the door (30) is required.

[0131] To this end, the cover part (35) can be arranged to automatically move back and forth between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position according to the operation of the cover driving part (36) described later.

[0132] For convenience, in the following description, the position where the cover part (35) is moved to the frontmost position is defined as the frontmost position, and the position where the cover part (35) is moved to the rearmost position is defined as the rearmost position.

[0133] Accordingly, the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust inside the gripping groove (311) constituting the handle portion (31) of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention can be minimized, and contamination of the gripping groove (311) can be minimized.

[0134] In order for the user's grip to be easily implemented, the cover part (35) can be implemented as a retractable type that is rotatably positioned inside the grip groove part (311), i.e., inside the horizontal groove (3111), with the bottom as the center.

[0135] As the cover part (35) is provided in an internally inserted form in this way, the cover part (35) does not have a portion that protrudes forward from the door (30), and the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the cover part (35) that may occur due to the cover part (35) being provided in a protruding form can be significantly reduced.

[0136] The cover part (35) may be rotatably supported by a rack gear part (361) connected to the rear of the cover part (35) so as not to interfere with the user's gripping of the L-shaped grip part (311) during the insertion process, while being arranged in an insertion type so as to be rotatably arranged only within the grip home part (311).

[0137] Accordingly, as described later, when the user's intention to open the door (30) is confirmed at a time when the door (30) needs to be opened and closed, and the cover driving unit (36) is started to operate, similar to the door (30), the cover unit (35) rotates backwards around the bottom from the forwardmost position shown in FIG. 6 to the rearmost position, thereby opening the gripping groove unit (311).

[0138] At this time, the backward rotation of the cover part (35) can proceed to the front end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the front end of the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) that define the rotation range of the rack gear part (361).

[0139] Accordingly, the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) can be the front limit that defines the forwardmost position of the cover portion (35), and the front end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the front end of the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) can be the rear limit that defines the rearmost position of the cover portion (35).

[0140] At this time, when the cover part (35) is moved to the rear limit as described later, the inclination angle of the cover part (35) with respect to the horizontal direction can be approximately 45 degrees. Accordingly, the rotation angle range of the cover part (35) can be defined as 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0141] Figures 6 to 9 illustrate detailed configurations of the cover portion (35) and the cover driving portion (36).

[0142] First, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the cover part (35) can be configured to include a first cover body (351) having an outer shape corresponding to the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a), and a second cover body (352) attached to the rear surface of the first cover body (351).

[0143] The first cover body (351) serves to form the overall appearance of the cover portion (35).

[0144] In accordance with the shape of the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a), the first cover body (351) may be provided in a plate shape whose left-right width is longer than its up-down width.

[0145] The second cover body (352) is attached to the rear of the first cover body (351) to reinforce the overall rigidity of the cover portion (35) and serves to rotatably support the first cover body (351).

[0146] Meanwhile, one end of a rack gear part (361) constituting a cover driving part (36) described later can be connected to the rear of the second cover body (352).

[0147] Accordingly, the rack gear part (361) moves together as a unit according to the forward or backward rotation of the cover part (35).

[0148] Meanwhile, although not shown, the cover portion (35) may further include a decorative panel attached to the front of the first cover body (351).

[0149] The decorative panel is attached to the front of the first cover body (351) and serves to form the front end surface of the cover portion (35).

[0150] At this time, the decorative panel can be formed to have a material having the same texture as the front panel (30a) of the door (30).

[0151] Through this, a sense of unity can be formed between the decorative panel and the front panel (30a) of the door (30), the aesthetic sensibility of the exterior of the door (30) can be improved, and the aesthetic appeal of the user can be improved.

[0152] In addition, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the forwardmost position as shown in Fig. 6, the decorative panel can be in a state parallel to the front panel (30a) so as to form a continuous surface with the front panel (30a) of the door (30).

[0153] That is, it can be configured so that no step is formed between the front panel (30a) of the door (30) and the front end surface of the cover portion (35).

[0154] Through this, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the forwardmost position, the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) is completely blocked, and since no step is formed between the front panel (30a) and the decorative panel, the phenomenon of foreign substances such as dust accumulating in the convex part of the door (30) or accumulating on the handle itself as in the past can be fundamentally prevented.

[0155] However, in the case where the first cover body (351) forms the front end surface of the cover portion (35) without adding a decorative panel as in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the first cover body (351) may be treated to have a material having the same texture as the front panel (30a) of the door (30), and the first cover body (351) may be arranged to be parallel to the front panel (30a) of the door (30) to form a continuous surface.

[0156] Meanwhile, the cover driving unit (36) functions to reciprocate the cover unit (35) between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position.

[0157] Referring to Fig. 5, considering the shape of the cover portion (35) extending in the left-right direction, a pair of cover driving portions (36) can be arranged in a separated state on the left end side and the right end side of the cover portion (35), for example.

[0158] That is, a pair of cover driving parts (36) can be arranged in a spaced and separated state along the left and right directions so that a driving force for reciprocating the cover part (35) can be transmitted to the left and right ends of the cover part (35) which are arranged in a state of being accommodated inside the grip groove (311) of the handle frame (30d), respectively.

[0159] In this way, as a pair of cover driving units (36) are arranged in a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction, the driving force generated from each cover driving unit (36) can be transmitted to each cover unit (35).

[0160] Accordingly, the driving load applied to the individual cover driving unit (36) is distributed, enabling miniaturization of the individual cover driving unit (36), which can have the effect of reducing manufacturing costs.

[0161] However, this is merely an example, and it is also possible to configure the cover part (35) to be driven by only a single cover driving part. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be made based on an embodiment in which a pair of cover driving parts (36) are provided.

[0162] As shown, the cover driving part (36) on the left and the cover driving part (36) on the right have symmetrical shapes and can be installed and fixed to the handle frame (30d) through the housing (366) in a state in which they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the cover part (35).

[0163] Therefore, each cover driving unit (36) can be configured identically to each other except that they have a symmetrical shape and are arranged symmetrically.

[0164] Therefore, the following description will be based on the cover driving unit (36) positioned on the left, and unless otherwise stated, the following contents can be equally applied to the cover driving unit (36) positioned on the right.

[0165] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover driving unit (36) that generates a driving force for reciprocating the cover unit (35) may be configured to include a driving motor (363) that receives power to generate a rotational driving force, a driving gear (362) that rotates by the rotational driving force of the driving motor (363), a rack gear unit (361) that has a rack gear (3612) that is connected at one end to the cover unit (35) and rotates together with the cover unit (35) and meshes with the driving gear (362), a rack holder (365) that prevents the rack gear unit (361) from coming off and guides the rotational direction and rotational range of the rack gear unit (361), and a housing (366) that accommodates the driving motor (363) and the rack holder (365).

[0166] The drive motor (363) receives power and serves to generate rotational driving force.

[0167] As described above, the cover part (35) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to repeatedly move back and forth between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position.

[0168] In order to easily implement such reciprocating movement, the drive motor (363) constituting the cover drive unit (36) can be configured to generate a bidirectional rotational driving force.

[0169] Accordingly, the driving motor (363) applied to the cover driving unit (36) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied without limitation in its type as long as it is a motor capable of generating a bidirectional rotational driving force.

[0170] Hereinafter, among the bidirectional rotational driving forces, the driving in the direction in which the output shaft (3632) of the driving motor (363) rotates to move the cover part (35) backward toward the rearmost position is referred to as forward rotational driving or forward rotational driving force, and the driving in the direction in which the output shaft (3632) of the driving motor (363) rotates to move the cover part (35) forward toward the frontmost position is referred to as reverse rotational driving or reverse rotational driving force.

[0171] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the motor body (3631) of the driving motor (363) can be fixed and supported on the first bracket (3641) of the motor bracket (364) installed in the housing (366), and the output shaft (3632) of the driving motor (363) can be connected to the driving gear (362) by passing through the second bracket (3642) of the motor bracket (364).

[0172] As shown, a plurality of bolt holes (3641b) may be formed through the first bracket (3641) of the motor bracket (364) for fastening to the housing (366).

[0173] In addition, a coupling hole (3642a) through which the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) passes and into which the front end of the drive motor (363) can be inserted and coupled can be formed through the second bracket (3642) of the motor bracket (364), and a plurality of bolt holes (3642b) for fastening to the drive motor (363) can be formed through around the coupling hole (3642a).

[0174] A bolt hole (3631a) may be provided at a corresponding position to the bolt hole (3642b) of the second bracket (3642) at the tip of the drive motor (3633) where the output shaft (3632) is arranged.

[0175] The output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) is inserted into the shaft hole of the drive gear (362) and can be forcibly coupled to the shaft hole.

[0176] Through this, the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) can be rotated integrally with the drive gear (362).

[0177] Meanwhile, the rack gear part (361) rotates together with the cover part (35) and serves to transmit the rotational driving force of the drive gear (362) to the cover part (35) described later.

[0178] In order to be able to rotate together with the cover part (35), one end of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear part (361) is a fixed end integrally connected to the rear of the second cover body (352) of the cover part (35), and the other end can be a free end.

[0179] In addition, in order to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the cover portion (35) while minimizing the space occupied by the rack gear portion (361), the rack body (3611) may be configured to have a cylindrical surface shape with a cross-section that is an arc shape.

[0180] At this time, the rack body (3611) may be provided so that an arc-shaped center of curvature is formed at the bottom of the cover portion (35). Through this, the entire center of rotation of the cover portion (35) may be formed at the bottom of the first cover body (351) or the bottom of the second cover body (352), and the formation of a gap between the bottom of the cover portion (35) and the opening (30e) of the door (30) during the rotation of the cover portion (35) may be minimized.

[0181] As shown, a rack gear (3612) may be integrally provided on the outer surface of the rack body (3611).

[0182] As described above, the rack gear (3612) can be meshed with the drive gear (362).

[0183] Accordingly, the rack body (3611) can be rotated together with the drive gear (362) by the rack gear (3612) or a state in which rotation is blocked together can be formed.

[0184] At this time, as shown, the left-right width of the rack gear (3612) may be formed smaller than the left-right width of the rack body (3611). Accordingly, on the outer surface of the rack body (3611), a portion where the rack gear (3612) is not formed may be formed near the edges on both sides.

[0185] In this way, the outer peripheral surface portion of the rack body (3611) where the rack gear (3612) is not formed is inserted into the first guide groove (3651c) and the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) described later, so that the rotation direction and rotation range of the rack gear portion (361) can be guided.

[0186] Meanwhile, the rack holder (365) prevents the rack gear part (361) from coming off during the rotation process of the rack gear part (361) and serves to guide the rotation direction and rotation range of the rack gear part (361).

[0187] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rack holder (365) may be provided as a pair of split bodies formed by splitting along the front-back direction with the rack gear portion (361) as the center in order to increase the support effect for the relatively moving rack gear portion (361) and to take into account the convenience of assembly.

[0188] Hereinafter, among the pair of split bodies, the one positioned closer to the driving motor (363) is referred to as the first holder (3651), and the one positioned further away from the driving motor (363) is referred to as the second holder (3652).

[0189] As illustrated, the first holder (3651) may be configured to include a first base (3651a) that is fixed to the housing (366) and positioned below the rack gear portion (361), and a first guide portion (3651b) that extends upward from the first base (3651a) toward the rack gear portion (361).

[0190] In response to the cylindrical shape of the rack gear portion (361) and to prevent interference with the drive gear (362), the first guide portion (3651b) may be provided in a spire shape with a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases as it progresses in the upward direction.

[0191] The second holder (3652) may be configured to include a second base (3652a) that is fixed to the housing (366) and positioned below the rack gear portion (361), and a second guide portion (3652b) that extends upward from the second base (3652a) toward the rack gear portion (361).

[0192] In order to correspond to the cylindrical shape of the rack gear portion (361) and to prevent interference with the drive gear (362), the second guide portion (3652b) may be provided in the form of a spire whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it advances in the upward direction, similar to the first guide portion (3651b).

[0193] At this time, the rack gear portion (361) can be supported while being sandwiched between the first guide portion (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide portion (3652b) of the second holder (3652), so that the first guide portion (3651b) and the second guide portion (3652b) can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the first holder (3651) and the second holder (3652) can be coupled. The predetermined distance can be a size corresponding to the left-right width of the rack gear (3612).

[0194] As described above, a first guide groove (3651c) and a second guide groove (3652c) may be formed concavely in the first guide portion (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide portion (3652b) of the second holder (3652), respectively, into which the outer peripheral surface portion of the rack body (3611) in which the rack gear (3612) is not formed is inserted and coupled.

[0195] Accordingly, when the first holder (3651) and the second holder (3652) are coupled to the rack gear portion (361), the outer peripheral surface portion of the rack body (3611) where the rack gear (3612) is not formed is inserted into the first guide groove (3651c) of the first guide portion (3651b) and the second guide groove (3652c) of the second guide portion (3652b), but the rack gear (3612) is exposed to the outside of the rack holder (365) so that the rack gear portion (361) can be supported by the rack holder (365).

[0196] Through this, the rack gear part (361) can be supported in a state in which it can move or rotate relative to the rack holder (365).

[0197] In this way, the first guide groove (3651c) and the second guide groove (3652c) can be formed to have a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the rack body (3611) so that the rack gear portion (361) can be supported to be relatively movable, and can be formed to have a curvature equal to the curvature of the rack body (3611).

[0198] Meanwhile, the rack holder (365) can serve as a stopper that determines the rearmost position within the rotation range of the cover portion (35) and the rack gear portion (361).

[0199] In order to be able to specify the rearmost position of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361), the lower part of the first guide groove (3651c) and the lower part of the second guide groove (3652c) may be in a closed state rather than open.

[0200] Therefore, in order to open the phage groove (311), when the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) are moved to the rearmost position after the forward rotational movement of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) is initiated, the free end of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear part (361) collides with the closed lower end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the closed lower end of the second guide groove (3652c), and the forward rotational movement of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) may be stopped.

[0201] Meanwhile, the upper part of the first guide home (3651c) and the upper part of the second guide home (3652c) can be opened so that the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the rack gear part (361) can proceed smoothly.

[0202] Meanwhile, a reinforcing rib (3652d) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the rack body (3611) may be integrally formed in at least one of the first guide portion (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide portion (3652b) of the second holder (3652).

[0203] The reinforcing rib (3652d) may be configured to be in surface contact with the inner surface of the rack body (3611) to improve the bonding strength and support strength of the rack gear portion (361) of the rack holder (365).

[0204] To this end, the reinforcing rib (3652d) may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a shape and curvature corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear portion (361).

[0205] FIG. 7 and below illustrate an embodiment in which a reinforcing rib (3652d) is provided on the front edge of the second guide portion (3652b), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which a reinforcing rib (3652d) is provided on the front edge of the first guide portion (3651b) is also considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0206] [Means for detecting the intention to open the door]

[0207] Meanwhile, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further be provided with a means for detecting a user's intention to open the door (30).

[0208] For example, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a proximity sensor (S_p) as a means for detecting a user's intention to open the door (30).

[0209] The proximity sensor (S_p) can be a sensor that can detect whether a user is within a specific detection range from the door (30).

[0210] For example, the proximity sensor (S_p) may include any one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, or an infrared sensor (IR sensor).

[0211] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied without limitation to any means capable of detecting the proximity of a user. The following description will be based on an example in which a radar sensor is applied as the proximity sensor (S_p).

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in order to easily check whether a user is approaching the front area of ​​the door (30), and to facilitate modularization with an existing display (33), etc., a radar sensor as a proximity sensor (S_p) can be placed on the control panel (32) in a position close to the display (33).

[0213] In addition, a radar sensor functioning as a proximity sensor (S_p) can be configured to be placed on the control panel (32) at a position as close as possible to the center of the upper side of the door (30) so as to be able to distinguish between users and non-user pets.

[0214] However, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention is not configured so that the cover (35) moves immediately even if a user is recognized within a predetermined detection range from the door (30) through a radar sensor.

[0215] This is because there may be cases where a user simply passes by the dishwasher (1) without the intention of opening the door (30).

[0216] Therefore, a time condition may be added to confirm the intention to open the door (30) through a proximity sensor (S_p) such as a radar sensor.

[0217] That is, if it is confirmed through the radar sensor that the user is within a certain distance range from the door (30) and continues to stay within the certain distance range or detection range for a certain time condition, it can be determined that the user has the intention to open the door (30).

[0218] Here, the specific distance range and specific time conditions may be set differently depending on the environment in which the dishwasher (1) is placed and the physical condition of the user.

[0219] In this way, when specific distance range conditions and specific time conditions are satisfied, the operation of the cover driving unit (36) is initiated to move the cover unit (35) backward from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position.

[0220] FIG. 10 discloses a configuration that detects a user's intention to open a door (30) using a single radar sensor as a proximity sensor (S_p).

[0221] As is known in the art, a radar sensor can perform the function of detecting the presence of a user or an object within a detection area (as), the distance to the user or object, and the moving speed of the user or object by transmitting electromagnetic waves through a sensing surface (S_p1) and analyzing the electromagnetic waves reflected when they collide with a user or an object.

[0222] As illustrated, the detection area (as) of the radar sensor applied to the present invention may have an angular range of about 100 degrees in the forward / backward direction and about 100 degrees in the left / right direction based on the sensing surface (S_p1).

[0223] At this time, as described above, in order to easily confirm whether a user is approaching the front area of ​​the door (30) and to distinguish between the user and a pet other than the user, the radar sensor functioning as a proximity sensor (S_p) may be configured to be placed as close as possible to the center of the upper side of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) as possible inside the door (30).

[0224] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, since the radar sensor is placed inside the door (30) close to the upper side of the front panel (30a) of the door (30), the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged to generally face the upper side of the door (30).

[0225] Furthermore, the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged in a tilted state at a predetermined angle toward the front of the door (30).

[0226] Therefore, the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged to face the upper front side of the door (30).

[0227] In this way, by tilting the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor so that it faces the upper front side of the door (30) rather than the lower front side of the door (30), the detection area (as) of the radar sensor can be formed in a state of being tilted toward the upper front side of the door (30).

[0228] By placing the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor in a tilted state in the tilting holder (30f3) so that it faces the upper front side of the door (30), the radar sensor can be configured so that even if an object that cannot be expected to use the dishwasher (1), such as a pet or an infant with a height smaller than that of the dishwasher (1), approaches the front side of the door (30), the radar sensor cannot detect it.

[0229] Accordingly, the cover part (35) is prevented from operating in vain by detecting pets or infants, and thus power loss can be minimized.

[0230] Here, the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor with respect to the vertical direction may be, for example, 25 degrees or more and 35 degrees or less, and preferably 30 degrees.

[0231] However, the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor provided in the present invention with respect to the vertical direction can be adjusted according to the physical condition of the user who is expected to use the dishwasher (1).

[0232] For example, when the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor with respect to the vertical direction is set to 30 degrees, the minimum vertical detection height (H_min) of the radar sensor can be 100 cm or more and 110 cm or less, preferably 105 cm, and the maximum detection distance (L_max) based on the horizontal direction can be 75 cm or more and 85 cm or less, preferably 80 cm.

[0233] That is, when the tilting angle (at) is set to 30 degrees, a user with a height of 105 cm or more can be recognized as being close if he or she enters the detection range within 80 cm from the radar sensor in the horizontal direction.

[0234] In contrast, for example, if the tilt angle (at) is set to 15 degrees, a user with a height of 127 cm or more may be recognized as being close if he or she comes within 50 cm of the radar sensor in the horizontal direction.

[0235] [Detailed structure of the light source module]

[0236] Meanwhile, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a light source module (37) that serves as a light source for irradiating visible light toward the internal space of the phage home portion (311).

[0237] The light source module (37) can be placed on the handle frame (30d) forming the grip home (311) so as to effectively illuminate the interior of the grip home (311) and minimize the direct irradiation of the generated visible light to the outside of the door (30).

[0238] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) may be placed on the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) formed between the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the vertical groove (3112) of the gripping groove (311) in the horizontal direction.

[0239] Through this, the light source module (37) can be placed between the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the vertical groove (3112) of the grip groove (311), and as shown in FIG. 12, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the rearmost position, the light source module (37) can be positioned between the upper edge and the lower edge of the cover part (35) in the horizontal direction.

[0240] Accordingly, as described later, some of the visible light generated from the light source module (37) is reflected by the front end surface of the cover portion (35), passes through the opening (30e), and is irradiated to the outside of the door (30), and the remaining portion can be reflected toward the horizontal groove (3111) and the vertical groove (3112).

[0241] However, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) is arranged on the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove (311) which has a relatively narrow front-back width compared to the front-back width of the vertical groove (3112), so the light source module (37) can be provided in a rod shape in which the front-back width and the vertical height are much smaller than the left-right width.

[0242] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) can be positioned so as to be embedded in the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the phage groove (311).

[0243] At this time, the position where the light source module (37) is placed can be a position that directly contacts the user's finger when the user grips it.

[0244] In order to prevent injuries that may occur due to direct contact with the user's fingers and to improve the grip when gripping, the lower part of the light source module (37) may be placed in a state in which it is entirely embedded in the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the grip groove (311) so that no portion protrudes from the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111).

[0245] Through this, a state in which no step is formed between the lower end of the light source module (37) and the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the phage groove (311) can be formed.

[0246] Meanwhile, the light source module (37) can be extended linearly along the extension direction of the opening (30e) of the door (30).

[0247] However, in order to prevent interference with other parts and to ensure assembly of the handle frame (30d) of the light source module (37), the left-right width of the light source module (37) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the left-right width of the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the left-right width of the cover (35).

[0248] However, in order to illuminate the entire interior of the phage groove (311), and especially to enhance the lighting effect for the vertical groove (3112), the left-right width of the light source module (37) may be made larger than the left-right width of the vertical groove (3112).

[0249] Fig. 14 illustrates an exemplary detailed structure of the light source module (37) described above.

[0250] Referring to FIG. 14, the light source module (37) may further include at least one light source element (371) that receives power and generates visible light, a substrate (372) on which at least one light source element is mounted, and a light guide plate (373) that is arranged parallel to the substrate (372) and diffuses visible light generated from the light source element (371).

[0251] However, although not shown, the light source module (37) may further be provided with a module case to accommodate and protect the substrate (372) and the light guide plate (373).

[0252] The light source element (371) generates visible light or light when the cover part (35) moves and before the movement begins, thereby visually informing the user that the cover part (35) and the cover driving part (36) are operating normally.

[0253] The light source element (371) can be applied without limitation as long as it is a means that can receive power and generate a predetermined amount of visible light, and can be an LED element as an example.

[0254] The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an embodiment in which an LED element is applied as a light source element (371).

[0255] In Fig. 14, a configuration is illustrated in which a total of 10 LED elements are mounted in a row on a substrate (372) considering the left-right width of the light source module (37), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of LED elements may be added or reduced depending on the size and shape of the cover portion (35) and the gripping groove portion (311).

[0256] Meanwhile, the light guide plate (373) serves to diffuse visible light generated from the light source element (371).

[0257] More specifically, based on the deployed state, visible light generated from the light source element (371) is introduced through the upper surface of the light guide plate (373) and then dispersed within the light guide plate (373) and can be spread toward the lower surface of the light guide plate (373).

[0258] In addition, as described above, since the light source module (37) is disposed in a state in which it is entirely embedded in the handle frame (30d) except for the lower surface of the light guide plate (373), as illustrated in FIG. 15, light generated from the light source element (371) can effectively pass through the lower surface of the light guide plate (373) through the interior of the light guide plate (373) and be projected toward the horizontal groove (3111) of the grip groove (311).

[0259] In this way, the user can effectively check the information that the operation of the cover part (35) and the cover driving part (36) will soon begin or that they are operating normally through the light beam projected through the lower surface of the light guide plate (373).

[0260] In this way, so that information that the cover part (35) and the cover driving part (36) are operating normally or that operation will soon begin can be effectively conveyed to the user, the light source module (37) can be turned on before the cover driving part (36) moves the cover part (35) from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position, or can be turned on simultaneously with the cover driving part (36) moving the cover part (35) from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position.

[0261] Figure 15 illustrates a state in which visible light is irradiated into the interior of the grip groove (311) through the light source module (37) while the cover part (35) is rotated to the rearmost position.

[0262] As described above, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the rearmost position, the light source module (37) can be positioned between the upper edge and the lower edge of the cover part (35) in the horizontal direction.

[0263] Additionally, when the cover part (35) is moved to the rearmost position, the cover part (35) forms an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0264] Accordingly, as shown, some of the visible light irradiated through the light guide plate (373) of the light source module (37) is reflected by the front end surface of the cover part (35) and passes through the opening (30e) to be irradiated to the outside of the door (30), and the user can intuitively recognize that the cover part (35) has moved to the rearmost position and is in a state where gripping is possible through the gripping groove (311).

[0265] Additionally, some of the visible light that passes through the light guide plate (373) of the light source module (37) is reflected toward the inside of the phage groove (311).

[0266] In particular, since visible light can be reflected toward the upper surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove (311) and the upper surface (3112a) of the vertical groove (3112), the user can intuitively check the position of the vertical groove (3112) when gripping to open the door (30), so that the user's convenience can be significantly improved.

[0267] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A tub that accommodates dishes and forms a washing space with an open front; A door that opens and closes the open front surface of the above tub while rotating; A handle portion having a grip groove formed concavely toward the inside of the door from an opening formed on the front surface of the door so that the user can grip it when opening and closing the door; A cover part that opens and closes the opening of the door while rotating inside the above-mentioned phage home part; and A light source module arranged inside the above-mentioned phage home portion and configured to irradiate visible light toward the internal space of the above-mentioned phage home portion; Dishwasher including.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned phage home part is, A horizontal groove extending rearward from the opening of the door; and A vertical groove extending upward in a vertical direction from the top of the horizontal groove and positioned further rearward than the opening; Including, A dishwasher wherein the light source module is positioned further forward than the vertical groove.

3. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which the light source module is placed between the opening of the door and the vertical groove.

4. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which the light source module is arranged on the upper surface of the horizontal groove formed between the opening and the vertical groove.

5. In paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which the lower part of the light source module is embedded in the upper surface of the horizontal groove so that no portion protrudes from the upper surface of the horizontal groove.

6. In paragraph 5, A dishwasher in which no step is formed between the lower surface of the light source module and the upper surface of the horizontal groove.

7. In paragraph 1, The above light source module is a dishwasher that extends linearly along the extension direction of the opening of the door.

8. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the left-right width of the light source module is greater than the left-right width of the vertical groove.

9. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the left-right width of the light source module is smaller than the left-right width of the opening.

10. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the left-right width of the light source module is smaller than the left-right width of the cover.

11. In paragraph 1, A cover driving unit that rotates the cover unit between a forwardmost position, which is the position where the cover unit is rotated the most toward the front, and a rearmost position, which is the position where the cover unit is rotated the most toward the rear; Dishwasher including:

12. In paragraph 11, A dishwasher in which the light source module is turned on before the cover driving unit moves the cover unit from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position.

13. In paragraph 11, A dishwasher in which the light source module is turned on at the same time as the cover driving part moves the cover part from the frontmost position to the rearmost position.

14. In paragraph 11, In a state where the above cover part is moved to the rearmost position by the cover driving part, A dishwasher in which a portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module is reflected toward the outside of the door by the cover.

15. In paragraph 14, A dishwasher in which the remaining portion of visible light irradiated by the light source module is reflected toward the inside of the phage groove by the cover.

Images