Home appliance comprising automatic door opening and closing device

Abstract

A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a main body, a door rotatably connected to the main body by a hinge, and an automatic door opening and closing device for automatic opening and closing of the door. The automatic door opening and closing device may include an opening member capable of moving forward, a closing member positioned below the opening member and rotatably connected to the door, and a driving unit selectively connected to the opening member and the closing member and configured to selectively provide power to the opening member or the closing member.

Description

Home appliances including automatic door opening and closing devices

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a home appliance including an up-down swing door, and to an automatic door opening and closing device for the automatic opening and closing of the up-down swing door.

[0002] Household appliances such as dishwashers and ovens include a main body with a front open for inserting dishes, and a door rotatably connected to open and close the front of the open main body.

[0003] Generally, the doors of home appliances such as dishwashers and ovens are designed so that the hinge axis of the door is parallel to the horizontal direction of the main body to ensure user convenience and structural stability when opening and closing the door. In addition, the doors of the home appliances maintain a closed state through a latch and a hinge to prevent internal heat from leaking to the outside or water leakage caused by unintended opening of the door.

[0004] In this case, the user must apply an external force to the door greater than the closing force of the latch or hinge to open the door, and there is the inconvenience of having to close the door by themselves even after opening it.

[0005] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body, a door rotatably connected to the main body by a hinge, and an automatic door opening and closing device for automatically opening and closing the door. The automatic door opening and closing device may include an opening member movable forward, a closing member located below the opening member and rotatably connected to the door, and a driving unit selectively connected to the opening member and the closing member and selectively providing power to the opening member or the closing member.

[0007] A control method for a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of acquiring a signal regarding the opening and closing of a door, and an operation of controlling a driving unit to transmit power to an opening member or a closing member based on the acquired signal.

[0008] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the opening operation of a dishwasher door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the closing operation of a door of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0022] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical features of this document. For example, a component expressed in the singular form should be understood as a concept including singular or plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular form.

[0023] In this document, each of the following phrases may include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase, or any combination thereof: "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C." The term "and / or" as used in this document should be understood to encompass any possible combination of one or more of the multiple items listed with the corresponding term. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" as used in this document may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] Where it is stated that any (e.g., 1st) component is “coupled,” “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” “supported,” “connected,” or “contacted” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it includes not only cases where the component is directly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted with the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0025] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this Document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is said to be located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0026] As used in this document, the expression "configured to..." may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with "suitable for...", "capable of...", "designed to...", "modified to...", "made to...", or "capable of...". The term "configured to..." does not necessarily mean only that it is "specially designed" in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "device configured to..." may mean that the device is "capable of..." in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or it may refer to a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations, including the said operation.

[0027] Terms such as "upper side," "lower side," and "front-rear direction" used in this document are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0028] The description in this document is centered on specific embodiments, but this document is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the various embodiments described in this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] The present disclosure may provide an automatic door opening and closing device (e.g., automatic door opening and closing device of FIG. 1 (100)) for automatically opening and closing a door having an up-down swing structure (e.g., door (11) of FIG. 1) (hereinafter referred to as an up-down swing door). Here, the up-down swing door (11) refers to a door having a rotating structure in which the hinge axis of the door (11) (e.g., hinge axis (P) of FIG. 3) is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction) of the main body (10) of a home appliance (e.g., dishwasher (1)), as shown in FIG. 1, so that the door (11) rotates forward and downward from the main body (10) to open and the door (11) rotates backward and upward toward the main body (10) to close.

[0030] Generally, up-down swing doors can be applied to home appliances (1), such as ovens and dishwashers, for the convenience of the user.

[0031] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the automatic door opening and closing device (100) is described based on a dishwasher (1) having an up-down swing door among various home appliances, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the present disclosure can be applied substantially identically to other home appliances (1) having an up-down swing door. For example, of the present disclosure

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher (1) may include a main body (10) forming the exterior. The dishwasher (1) may further include a tub (12) provided inside the main body (10). The tub (12) may be provided in a roughly box shape. One side of the tub (12) may be open. For example, the front of the tub (12) may be formed to be open. The open side of the tub (12) may be referred to as an opening (12a).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a door (11) positioned to open and close an opening (12a) of a tub (12). The door (11) may be coupled to a main body (10) to open and close the opening (12a) of the tub (12). The door (11) may be coupled to one side of the main body (10) and positioned to be rotatable relative to the coupled side. For example, the door (11) may be coupled to one end (e.g., the lower side) of the main body (10) by a hinge (17).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a storage container placed inside a tub (12) to store dishes. The storage container may include, for example, a plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53).

[0037] According to one embodiment, a plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53) may include a second basket (52) located approximately in the middle of the height direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the dishwasher (1), and a first basket (51) located at the bottom of the dishwasher (1) relative to the second basket (52). The second basket (52) may be positioned to be supported by a second guide rack (13b), and the first basket (51) may be positioned to be supported by a first guide rack (13a).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first guide rack (13a) and the second guide rack (13b) may be positioned to be slidable toward the opening (12a) of the tub (12). For example, each of the first guide rack (13a) and the second guide rack (13b) may be positioned to be slidable on each side of the tub (12).

[0039] According to one embodiment, a plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53) may include a third basket (53) located at the top in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). The third basket (53) may be formed, for example, in the form of a rack assembly.

[0040] According to one embodiment, relatively large-sized tableware or cooking utensils may be stored in the first and second baskets (51, 52), and relatively small-sized tableware or cooking utensils may be stored in the third basket (53). However, the types of tableware that can be stored in the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53) are not limited.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may be used with some of the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53) removed. For example, the dishwasher (1) may be used with the second basket (52) removed and relatively large (e.g., tall) dishes or cooking utensils stored in the first basket (51).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a sump assembly (70) that stores wash water. The dishwasher (1) may include a wash chamber (C), which is a space formed by the interior of the tub (12). The wash chamber (C) may be defined as the inner space of the tub (12) formed by the side, front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the tub (12) and the sump assembly (70) that communicates with the bottom surface.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may further include a spray device (41, 42, 43) provided to spray washing water. For example, the spray device (41, 42, 43) may include a first spray nozzle (41) positioned at the bottom of a lower basket (51) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), a second spray nozzle (42) positioned at the bottom of a second basket (52) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), and a third spray nozzle (43) positioned at the top of a third basket (53) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). The first spray nozzle (41) may be rotatably positioned around a first rotation axis (41a), the second spray nozzle (42) may be rotatably positioned around a second rotation axis (41b), and the third spray nozzle (43) may be rotatably positioned around a third rotation axis (41c).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the direction of the washing water sprayed horizontally from the first spray nozzle (41) can be changed by a switching device (not shown) disposed inside the washing chamber (C). The third spray nozzle (43) can spray washing water toward the dishes stored in the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53). The second spray nozzle (42) can spray washing water toward the dishes stored in the second and third baskets (52, 53).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first injection nozzle (41) may be positioned on the lower surface of the tub (12). For example, the first injection nozzle (41) may be positioned to be fixed to the sump assembly (70).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a circulation pump (30) that pumps water stored in a sump assembly (70) to first to third spray nozzles (41, 42, 43). The circulation pump (30) may be connected to an alternating device (80), and the circulation pump (30) may supply washing water to the first spray nozzle (41) through the alternating device (80), or move it upward by a duct (90) to supply it to the second spray nozzle (42) and / or the third spray nozzle (43).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the circulation pump (30) may be driven by a circulation pump motor (not shown) disposed inside the circulation pump (30). The circulation pump motor may be implemented, for example, as a brushless motor (brushless DC motor, BLDC motor). As the circulation pump motor is implemented as a brushless motor, the circulation pump (30) may be driven at a speed corresponding to the driving rotational speed (driving rpm) of the circulation pump motor.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the alternating device (80) may be connected to the first spray nozzle (41) through a connector (81). The alternating device (80) may provide cleaning water to at least one of the connector (81) and the duct (90).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a machine room (L) positioned at the bottom of the tub (12). The machine room (L) may be formed by a lower frame (15). A circulation pump (30), an alternating device (80), and a sump assembly (70) may be positioned inside the machine room (L).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a drain hose (not shown) for draining wash water remaining inside the tub (12). The drain hose may be connected to a sump assembly (70). The drain hose may provide a passage for wash water stored inside the sump assembly (70) to be drained to the outside of the dishwasher (1).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the tub (12) may include a drainage pump (40) that pumps the washing water collected inside the tub (12) to be drained to the outside through a drainage hose. For example, when a drainage process is initiated, the drainage pump (40) is driven, and the drainage pump (40) can drain the washing water collected in the tub (12) through a drainage hose.

[0052] According to one embodiment, at least some of the wash water collected in the sump assembly (70) can be purified by a filter inside the sump assembly (70) and then circulated back into the wash chamber (C) by a circulation pump (30).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include an input / output unit (user interface) (19). The input / output unit (19) may include an input unit (user input) for selecting the operation of the dishwasher (1) (e.g., input device (19a) of FIG. 11) and an output unit (user output) for outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1) (e.g., output unit (19b) of FIG. 11). The input / output unit (19) may be implemented as an integral unit or as an independent configuration in which the input unit (19a) and the output unit (19b) are implemented.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the input unit (19a) may be implemented as a button that receives user input by physical pressing or touch. In one embodiment, the input unit (19a) may be implemented as a microphone for receiving a user's voice command. The input unit (19a) may receive user input (or user command) regarding, for example, course information for the dishwasher (1) to perform washing, or the time for performing washing. The input unit (19a) may receive user input for, for example, opening or closing the door (11) of the dishwasher (1).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the output unit (19b) can output operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1). The output unit (19b) may be implemented as a display for visually outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1), or as a speaker for audibly outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the output unit (19b) can output information about the remaining time for the washing cycle in real time, for example, when the dishwasher (1) starts a washing cycle. The output unit (19b) can output information about the washing course currently being performed, for example, when the dishwasher (1) performs a washing process. The output unit (19b) can output information indicating that the filter (not shown) of the dishwasher (1) is clogged, for example.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (19) may be integrally composed of an input unit (19a) and an output unit (19b). For example, the input / output unit (19) may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) to receive input by a user's touch and to visually display operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0058] According to one embodiment, when the input / output unit (19) is implemented as a display panel, the input / output unit (19) may be located on one side of the main body (10) or the door (11). For example, the input / output unit (19) may be located at either the front top of the main body (10) or the front top of the door (11).

[0059] FIG. 3 is a side view of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a side view of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, FIG. 2, FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0063] FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic drawings showing an automatic door opening and closing device (100) provided in a dishwasher (1).

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment may include a main body (10), a door (11), a hinge (17), and an automatic door opening and closing device (100).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the door (11) may have an up-down swing structure as described above. The door (11) may be hinged to the lower part of the main body (10) around a hinge axis (P) provided at the lower part of the door (11). The door (11) may rotate forward and downward around the hinge axis (P) to open. For example, when viewed from the side of the dishwasher (1), the door (11) may open by rotating clockwise (e.g., first direction). The door (11) may rotate rearward and upward around the hinge axis (P) to close. For example, when viewed from the side of the dishwasher (1), it may close by rotating counterclockwise (e.g., second direction).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) may be placed inside the main body (10). The automatic door opening / closing device (100) may be placed at the bottom of the main body (10). For example, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) may be located at the bottom of the main body (10), below half the height of the main body (10).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening and closing device (100) may be provided at each of the two ends of the main body (10). For example, the automatic door opening and closing device (100a, 100b) may be provided at each of the left end and the right end of the main body (10), as shown in FIG. 4.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) may be connected to the door (11). The automatic door opening / closing device (100) may be configured to open or close the door (11). For example, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) may open or close the opening (12a) of the tub (e.g., the tub (12) of FIG. 2) by rotating the door (11).

[0069] In one embodiment, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) can open and close the door (11) in response to a user command received from an input device (e.g., input unit (19a) of FIG. 11). A method for controlling the automatic door opening / closing device (100) in response to a user command will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening and closing device (100) may include a housing (110), an opening member (120), a closing member (130), and a driving unit (e.g., the driving unit (140) of FIGS. 5 to 7).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may form the exterior of the automatic door opening and closing device (100). The housing (110) may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body (10). The housing (110) may be configured to support other components of the automatic door opening and closing device (100) (e.g., opening member (120), closing member (130), and / or driving member (140)) inside the main body (10). For example, the opening member (120), closing member (130), and / or driving member (140) may be fixed to the housing (110). The housing (110) may have a plate or box shape.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the opening member (120) may be configured to open the door (11). The opening member (120) may correspond to a linear actuator capable of moving forward and backward. For example, the opening member (120) may have a rack and pinion gear structure. The opening member (120) moves forward by the driving member (140) and can open the door (11) by pushing the door (11).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the closing member (130) may be configured to close the door (11). The closing member (120) may be connected to the lower part of the door (11). The closing member (120) may be configured to provide rotational force to the door (11), different from the hinge (17). The closing member (120) may be located above the hinge (17). For example, the closing member (120) may have a link gear structure. The closing member (130) is rotated by a driving unit (140) and can close the door (11) by pulling the door (11).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (140) may be configured to transmit power to an opening member (120) or a closing member (130). For example, the driving unit (140) may selectively transmit power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) to move the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) and open or close the door (11). The selective power switching structure of the driving unit (140) and the operation of the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) by said structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and below.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening / closing device (100) may further include a cover (150). The cover (150) may be configured to seal the automatic door opening / closing device (100) from the outside. The cover (150) may be provided to surround, for example, the housing (110) of the automatic door opening / closing device (100). The cover (150) may seal the gaps of the housing (110). The cover (150) may protect a component (e.g., a drive unit (140)) provided inside the automatic door opening / closing device (100) from moisture and / or heat. The cover (150) may be made of a rubber material, such as silicone, which has high heat resistance, for example.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the power switching structure of an automatic door opening and closing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a driving unit (140) and an opening member (120) for automatic opening of a door (e.g., door (11) of FIG. 1). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a driving unit (140) and a closing member (130) for automatic closing of a door (11). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the driving unit (140), the opening member (120), and the closing member (130) after manual opening and / or closing of the door (11) and / or after the door (11) is closed.

[0080] The embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, an automatic door opening and closing device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110), an opening member (120), a closing member (130), and a driving unit (140).

[0082] The configuration of the automatic door opening and closing device (100) of FIGS. 6 to 8 may be identical in whole or in part to the configuration of the automatic door opening and closing device (100) of FIGS. 3 to 5. For convenience of explanation, the description of substantially identical configurations may be applied as described above.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the opening member (120) may be configured to be movable forward by receiving power from the driving unit (140). According to one embodiment, the opening member (120) may include a push member (121) and one or more gears (122). The push member (121) may have a rod shape overall. For example, the push member (121) may be implemented as a rack gear with teeth provided on the lower part. The gear (122) of the opening member (120) may be implemented as a pinion gear that meshes with the teeth of the push member (121) and can be optionally connected to the driving unit (140). The gear (122) of the opening member (120) may be named the opening gear (122). The push member (121) may be movable forward by receiving power from the driving unit (140) optionally through the gear (122). The door (11) can be opened by contacting and pushing the opening member (120) by the forward movement of the push member (121).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the closing member (130) may be configured to be capable of rotational movement by receiving power from the driving unit (140). According to one embodiment, the closing member (130) may include a link member (131) and one or more gears (132). One end of the link member (131) is connected to the gear (132), and although not specified in the drawing, the other end may be hinge-connected to the door (11). The gear (132) of the closing member (130) may be optionally connected to the driving unit (140). The gear (132) of the closing member (130) may be named the closing gear (132). The link member (131) may rotate counterclockwise by receiving power from the driving unit (140) optionally through the gear (132). The door (11) may be closed by being pulled backward by the rotational movement of the link member (131).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (140) may selectively provide power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) as described above. According to one embodiment, the driving unit (140) may include a motor unit (141) and a clutch unit (142). According to one embodiment, the motor unit (141) may include a motor (141a) for generating power and a plurality of gears (141b) for transmitting the power generated from the motor (141a) to the clutch unit (142).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the clutch portion (142) may include a first gear (142a) and a second gear (142b). The first gear (142a) is a fixed gear that can receive power from the motor portion (141). The second gear (142b) is connected to the first gear (142a) and may change position according to the rotational direction of the first gear (142a). For example, if the second gear (142b) rotates counterclockwise with respect to the first gear (142a), its position may change to a direction that engages with the gear (122) of the opening member (120). For example, if the first gear (142a) rotates clockwise, the position of the second gear (142b) may change to a direction that engages with the gear (132) of the closing member (130). The first gear (142a) can be named the sun gear, and the second gear (142b) can be named the planetary gear.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the opening operation of the door (11) of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the closing operation of the door (11) of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] The embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8, FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 9, when the door (11) is closed, if the first gear (142a) of the clutch unit (142) rotates counterclockwise, the second gear (142b) engages with the gear (122) of the opening member (120) after a predetermined interval (see FIG. 6). Subsequently, when power is transmitted to the push member (121) of the opening member (120) by the rotation of the second gear (142b), the push member (121) moves forward and pushes the closed door (11), thereby opening the door (11). As the push member (121) advances, the door (11) gradually opens at a different angle. Afterward, when the door (11) is fully opened, the first gear (142a) of the clutch part (142) rotates clockwise for a predetermined distance, and the second gear (142b) of the clutch part (142) is positioned at an intermediate point that is not connected to the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) (see FIG. 8).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, when the door (11) is open, if the first gear (142b) of the clutch part (142) rotates clockwise, the second gear (142b) engages with the gear (132) of the closing member (120) after a predetermined interval (see FIG. 7). Subsequently, when power is transmitted to the link member (131) of the closing member (130) by the rotation of the second gear (142b), the link member (131) rotates counterclockwise and pulls the open door (11), thereby closing the door (11). The door (11) is gradually closed at a different angle as the link member (131) rotates. When the closing of the door (11) is completed, the first gear (142a) of the clutch part (142) rotates counterclockwise for a predetermined distance, and the second gear (142b) of the clutch part (142) is positioned at an intermediate point that is not connected to the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) (see FIG. 8).

[0092] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 10 and FIG. 12.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 11, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment may include an input / output unit (19), a current sensor (143), a control unit (60), and a driving unit (140).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the input unit (19a) can receive user input. The input unit (19a) can receive user input by physical pressing or touching. The input unit (19a) can receive user input by recognizing user voice. For example, the input unit (19a) can receive user input regarding course information or the time for performing washing on the dishwasher (1). The input unit (19a) can receive user input for opening the door of the dishwasher (1) (e.g., the door (11) in FIG. 1).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the output unit (19b) can output operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1). The output unit (19b) may be implemented as a display for visually outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1), or as a speaker for audibly outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the input unit (19a) and the output unit (19b) may be implemented independently or as a single unit. When the input unit (19a) and the output unit (19b) are implemented in the form of an input / output unit (19), the input / output unit (19) may be implemented as a touch screen panel.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (143) can measure the current value of the motor (141a) of the driving unit (140). The current sensor (143) can measure the current value of the different motor (141a) corresponding to the external force applied to the door (11).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control unit (60) may be configured to process user input and control components included in the dishwasher (1) based on data processing. For example, the operation of the drive unit (140) can be controlled by transmitting a control signal to drive the automatic door opening and closing device (100).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (60) may include a memory (62) for storing / remembering a program and / or data, and a processor (61) for processing user input according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (62).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the memory (62) may store / remember programs and / or data. A program may include a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function, and data may be processed and / or manipulated by a plurality of instructions included in the program. Additionally, the programs and / or data may include system programs and / or system data directly related to the operation of the dishwasher (1), and application programs and / or application data that provide convenience to the user.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the memory (62) may include a non-transitory memory that stores a program and / or data for controlling components included in the dishwasher (1) and a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated while controlling components included in the dishwasher (1).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the non-volatile memory may store, for example, programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory for storing data for a long period. Additionally, the non-volatile memory may include a solid disk drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical disk drive (ODD).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the volatile memory can load programs and / or data from, for example, non-volatile memory and electrically store programs and / or data. The volatile memory may include, for example, S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory), D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., for temporarily storing data.

[0105] This memory (62) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data to the processor (61) in response to a request from the processor (61).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (61) can control the operation of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) based on a signal (or command) regarding the opening / closing of the door (11). For example, the processor (61) can control the operation of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) based on a user command regarding the opening / closing of the door (11) received from the input unit (19a). The user command may correspond to a signal based on touch recognition or a signal based on voice recognition as described above. In addition, the processor (61) can control the operation of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) based on a signal regarding the movement of a user obtainable through various sensors (e.g., IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, ToF sensor, mmWave sensor, camera, etc.). For example, the processor (61) can control the operation of the automatic door opening and closing device (100) by detecting the distance between the dishwasher (1) and the user by the sensor, so that the door (11) is opened when the user approaches the dishwasher (1) and the door (11) is closed when the user moves away from the dishwasher (1). For example, the processor (61) can control the operation of the automatic door opening and closing device (100) by obtaining an image (or video) of the user's motion from the sensor, so that the door (11) is opened when the user approaches the dishwasher (1) and the door (11) is closed when the user moves away from the dishwasher (1).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (61) can determine whether an external force is applied to the door (11) based on the current value of the motor (141a) measured by the current sensor (143). For example, the processor (61) can determine whether an obstacle, such as tableware, is caught between the main body (10) and the door (11) while the door (11) is closed, or whether a part of a user's body (e.g., hand) is caught between the main body (10) and the door (11) while the door (11) is closed, based on the current value of the motor (141a) measured by the current sensor (143), and can control the operation of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) according to the determination value. In this regard, a method for controlling the automatic door opening / closing device (100) is described in FIG. 12.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The embodiment of FIG. 12 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, according to one embodiment, in operation 1101, the dishwasher (1) can receive a user command regarding door opening and closing through the input unit (19a). For example, the dishwasher (1) can receive a user command regarding door opening through the input unit (19a) via touch recognition or user voice recognition.

[0111] According to one embodiment, in operation 1102, the dishwasher (1) can perform a door opening operation in response to a user command regarding a received door opening. For example, the dishwasher (1) can control the drive unit (140) of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) to connect the second gear (142b) of the clutch unit (142) with the gear (122) of the opening member (120), thereby moving the push member (121) forward to push the closed door (11).

[0112] According to one embodiment, in operation 1103, the dishwasher (1) can complete the opening of the door (11) by controlling the door opening / closing device (100). For example, the dishwasher (1) can complete the opening of the door (11) by continuing the door opening operation until the door (11) reaches a preset opening angle.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in operation 1104, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether a user command regarding door closing is received by the input unit (19a) while the door is open.

[0114] According to one embodiment, in operation 1105, the dishwasher (1) can perform a door closing operation when a user command regarding door closing is received by the input unit (19a). For example, the dishwasher (1) can control the drive unit (140) of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) to connect the second gear (142b) of the clutch unit (142) and the gear (132) of the closing member (130), thereby rotating the link member (131) to pull the open door (11).

[0115] According to one embodiment, in operation 1106, the dishwasher (1) can perform a door closing operation after a certain period of time has elapsed if a user command regarding door closing is not received by the input unit (19a) while the door is open. For example, the dishwasher (1) can adjust the drive unit (140) of the automatic door opening / closing device (100) after a preset time has elapsed since the door opening is completed, to connect the second gear (142b) of the clutch unit (142) with the gear (132) of the closing member (130), and thereby rotate the link member (131) to pull the open door (11).

[0116] According to one embodiment, in operation 1107, the dishwasher (1) can sense the current of the motor (141a) of the drive unit (140) through the current sensor (143) during the door closing operation.

[0117] According to one embodiment, in operation 1108, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether an obstacle is stuck in the door (11) based on the driving current of the motor (141a) measured by the current sensor (143) during the door closing operation. For example, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether an obstacle is stuck in the door (11) by comparing the driving current value of the motor (141a) measured by the current sensor (143) during the door closing operation with a preset overcurrent value (abnormal value).

[0118] According to one embodiment, in operation 1109, if an obstacle gets stuck in the door (11) during the door closing operation, the dishwasher (1) can control the driving unit (140) of the door opening / closing device (100) to stop the closing operation of the door (11). For example, if the driving current value of the motor (141a) measured by the door closing operation current sensor (143) exceeds a preset overcurrent value, the dishwasher (1) determines that an obstacle gets stuck in the door (11) and controls the driving unit (140) of the door opening / closing device (100) to stop the closing operation of the door (11).

[0119] According to one embodiment, in operation 1110, the dishwasher (1) can complete the closing of the door (11) by controlling the door opening / closing device (100) if no obstacle is caught in the door (11) during the door closing operation. For example, if the driving current value of the motor (141a) measured by the door closing operation current sensor (143) is less than or equal to a preset overcurrent value, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the closing operation of the door (11) is normal and complete the closing of the door (11) by continuing to perform the door closing operation.

[0120] A home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a door (11) rotatably connected to the main body (10) by a hinge (17), and a door automatic opening / closing device (100) for automatically opening / closing the door (11). The door automatic opening / closing device (100) may include an opening member (120) movable forward, a closing member (130) located below the opening member (120) and rotatably connected to the door (11), and a driving unit (140) selectively connected to the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) and selectively providing power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening and closing device (100) is positioned at the bottom of the main body (10), and may be located below half the height of the main body.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (140) may include a motor unit (141) including a motor (141a) and a clutch unit (142) connected to the motor unit (141) and selectively connected to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) depending on the rotational direction.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the clutch portion (142) may include a first gear (142a) connected to the motor portion (141) and a second gear (142b) connected to the first gear (142a), which changes position according to the rotational direction of the first gear (142a) and is connected to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the diameter of the first gear (142a) may be larger than that of the second gear (142b).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the automatic door opening and closing device (100) may be positioned on at least one of the two ends of the door (11).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1) may include a processor (61) for controlling the home appliance. The processor (61) may be configured to control the automatic door opening / closing device (100) so that, upon receiving a signal regarding the opening of the door (11), the clutch portion (142) of the driving portion (140) and the opening member (120) are connected, and the opening member (120) moves forward.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1) may include a processor (61) for controlling the home appliance. The processor (61) may be configured to control the automatic door opening / closing device (100) so that when a signal regarding the closing of the door (11) is received while the door (11) is in an open state, the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the closing member (130) are connected, and the closing member (130) rotates.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the processor (61) may be configured to control the automatic door opening / closing device (100) so that when a preset predetermined time elapses in the open state of the door (11) and the door (11) is opened, the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the closing member (130) are connected and the closing member (130) rotates.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1) may include a processor (61) configured to control the automatic door opening and closing device (100) and to determine whether an obstacle is caught between the main body (10) and the door (11) during the closing operation of the door (11).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1) may include a current sensor (143) for detecting the current of the drive motor (141a). The processor (61) may be configured to detect the current of the drive motor (141a) during the closing operation of the door (11), and to control the automatic door opening / closing device (100) so that the closing operation of the door (11) is stopped if the detected current is greater than or equal to a preset current.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1) may include a dishwasher or an oven.

[0132] A control method for a home appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining a signal regarding the opening and closing of the door (11) and an operation of controlling the driving unit (140) so as to transmit power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) based on the obtained signal.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the operation of controlling the drive unit (140) may include, upon receiving a signal regarding the opening of the door (11), connecting the clutch unit (142) of the drive unit (140) with the opening member (120) and controlling the door automatic opening / closing device (100) so that the opening member (120) moves forward.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the operation of controlling the drive unit (140) may include the operation of the processor (61) controlling the automatic door opening and closing device (100) such that when a signal regarding the closing of the door (11) is received while the door (11) is in an open state, the clutch unit (142) of the drive unit (140) and the closing member (130) are connected, and the closing member (130) rotates.

Claims

1. In the home appliance (1), Main body (10); A door (11) rotatably connected to the main body (10) by a hinge (17); and It includes a door automatic opening and closing device (100) for automatically opening and closing the above door (11), and The above automatic door opening and closing device (100) is, An open member (120) that can move forward; A closing member (130) located below the opening member (120) and rotatably connected to the door (11); and A home appliance comprising a driving unit (140) that is selectively connected to the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) and selectively provides power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above automatic door opening and closing device (100) is, A home appliance positioned at the lower part of the main body (10), located below half the height of the main body.

3. In either Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, The above driving unit (140) is, Motor part (141) including a motor (141a); and A home appliance comprising a clutch portion (142) connected to the motor portion (141) and selectively connected to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) depending on the direction of rotation.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above clutch part (142) is, A first gear (142a) connected to the motor part (141); and A home appliance comprising a second gear (142b) connected to the first gear (142a), whose position changes according to the rotational direction of the first gear (142a), and which is connected to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130).

5. In Paragraph 4, A home appliance in which the diameter of the first gear (142a) is larger than that of the second gear (142b).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above door automatic opening and closing device (100) is a home appliance that is positioned at least one of the two ends of the door (11).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, It includes a processor (61) for controlling the above-mentioned home appliance, and The above processor (61) is configured to control the door automatic opening / closing device (100) so that, upon receiving a signal regarding the opening of the door (11), the clutch part (142) of the drive part (140) and the opening member (120) are connected, and the opening member (120) moves forward.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, It includes a processor (61) for controlling the above-mentioned home appliance, and The above processor (61) is configured to control the door automatic opening and closing device (100) such that, when a signal regarding the closing of the door (11) is received while the door (11) is in an open state, the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the closing member (130) are connected, and the closing member (130) rotates.

9. In Paragraph 7 or 8, The above processor (61) is configured to control the door automatic opening and closing device (100) such that when a predetermined time elapses in the open state of the door (11) and the door (11) is opened, the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the closing member (130) are connected, and the closing member (130) rotates.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, A home appliance comprising a processor (61) configured to control the above-mentioned automatic door opening and closing device (100) and to determine whether an obstacle is caught between the main body (10) and the door (11) during the closing operation of the door (11).

11. In Paragraph 10, It includes a current sensor (143) for detecting the current of the motor (141a) of the above-mentioned drive unit (140), and The above processor (61) is configured to detect the current of the motor (141a) during the closing operation of the door (11), and to control the door automatic opening and closing device (100) so that the closing operation of the door (11) is stopped if the detected current is greater than or equal to a preset current.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above-mentioned home appliance is a home appliance including a dishwasher or an oven.

13. In a method for controlling a home appliance (1), The above-mentioned home appliance (1) is, Main body (10); A door (11) rotatably connected to the main body (10) by a hinge (17); It includes a door automatic opening and closing device (100) for automatically opening and closing the above door (11), and The above automatic door opening and closing device (100) is, An open member (120) that can move forward; A closing member (130) located below the opening member (120) and rotatably connected to the door (11); and It includes a driving unit (140) that is selectively connected to the opening member (120) and the closing member (130) and selectively provides power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130). The control method of the above-mentioned home appliance (1) is, Operation of obtaining a signal regarding the opening and closing of the above door (11); and A method for controlling a home appliance, comprising controlling the driving unit (140) to transmit power to the opening member (120) or the closing member (130) based on the signal obtained above.

14. In Paragraph 13, The operation of controlling the above-mentioned drive unit (140) is, A method for controlling a home appliance, comprising, upon receiving a signal regarding the opening of the door (11), connecting the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the opening member (120), and controlling the door automatic opening / closing device (100) so that the opening member (120) moves forward.

15. In Paragraph 13 or 14, The operation of controlling the above-mentioned drive unit (140) is, A method for controlling a home appliance, comprising the operation of controlling the door automatic opening and closing device (100) so that, when a signal regarding the closing of the door (11) is received while the door (11) is in an open state, the clutch part (142) of the driving part (140) and the closing member (130) are connected, and the closing member (130) rotates.

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