KR102475340B1 - Door close mechanism in dish washer - Google Patents

Abstract

A door closing mechanism of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, a transport unit capable of moving forward and backward with respect to the casing, a left and right latch capable of rotating left and right on the transport unit, and a latch guide unit for guiding rotation of the latch. A door opening and closing device is a mechanism for closing the door of a dishwasher to the main body. When the door approaches the main body, the control unit controls a driving source to slide the latch guide unit to the rear of the transfer unit, and as the latch guide unit moves backward, The ends of the left latch and the right latch rotate close to each other to wrap the coupling boss inside the tip, and the control unit controls the drive source to slide the transfer unit to the rear of the casing, and the left and right latches restrain the coupling boss. It is characterized in that the door is pulled backward and closed to the main body as the position is moved rearward together with the transfer unit.

Description

Door closing mechanism of dishwasher {DOOR CLOSE MECHANISM IN DISH WASHER}

The present invention relates to a door closing mechanism of a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a mechanism for realizing door closing and door half-opening/half-closing functions by a door opening and closing device of the dishwasher.

In general, a dishwasher is intended to make washing dishes easier, more hygienic, and more efficient. Dissolve a dedicated detergent in the washing water contained in the washing tank at the bottom of the washing machine, and use methods such as water spray or brush cleaning to remove food debris. Allows you to wash tableware or cutlery that has foreign substances on it. Such a dishwasher includes a main body having an opening on one surface and a door that opens or closes the opening, and generally, a door opening/closing device having a latch unit is installed in the main body, and the latch unit of the door opening/closing device is provided on the door. The door is opened and closed by restraining the boss (BOSS) to close the door and releasing the restraint to open the door.

In the case of a conventional dishwasher, since it is designed to stop operation with the door closed after a course of washing and drying, there is a problem in that water and odor occur inside the dishwasher. In order to improve this, some dishwashers adopt an automatic door opener designed to automatically open the door of the dishwasher after the cycle is completed to dry dishes and solve problems of residual moisture and odor inside.

However, in spite of the advantages described above, such an automatic door opening device has a disadvantage in that the door cannot be closed again after the drying process is finished. For this reason, when the dishwasher door is open, the dishes in the dishwasher can be re-contaminated by surrounding dust or foreign substances, and the opened door protrudes compared to the surrounding items, making it unattractive in appearance and obstructing passage. There may be problems with crashing into a door and causing an accident.

The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a door opening and closing device for a dishwasher capable of automatically opening and closing a door.

A door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is a door opening and closing device for a dishwasher provided on one side of a main body of the dishwasher to open and close a door with respect to the main body, and is fixed to the main body. casing; a transfer unit disposed inside the casing to be slidably movable in the forward and backward directions with respect to the casing; a latch unit including a left latch rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft of the inner left side of the transfer unit and a right latch rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft of the inner right side of the transfer unit; and a latch guide unit disposed on the transfer unit to be slidably movable by a predetermined distance in the forward and backward directions with respect to the transfer unit, and as the latch guide unit slides, the left latch and the right latch rotate symmetrically with each other. The latch part is guided so as to do so.

In addition, the fastening groove provided between the front and rear ends of the left latch is coupled to the left fixed shaft, and the fastening groove provided between the front and rear ends of the right latch is coupled to the right fixed shaft, A latch and the right latch may be rotatably disposed on the transfer unit about respective fixing shafts.

In addition, in the latch guide unit, a left fixed shaft accommodating groove and a right fixed shaft accommodating groove extending in the front-back direction are formed at positions corresponding to the left fixed shaft and the right fixed shaft, respectively, and the left and right fixed shafts are formed. The left and right fixing shafts are inserted into the receiving groove, respectively, and the latch guide unit has a frontmost position where the left and right fixing shafts of the transfer unit are in contact with the rear ends of the left and right fixing shaft receiving grooves, respectively, and the left and right fixed shafts of the transfer unit. It can slide forward and backward with respect to the transfer unit between rearmost positions contacting the front ends of the left and right fixing shaft accommodating grooves, respectively.

In addition, in the latch guide unit, a left latch guide groove and a right latch guide groove extending in an oblique direction with respect to the front-back direction are formed behind each of the fixing shaft receiving grooves, and the left latch guide groove is formed in the left latch guide groove. A coupling protrusion formed at the rear of the fastening groove is inserted, and a coupling protrusion formed at the rear of the fastening groove of the right latch is inserted into the right latch guide groove, and the left latch guide groove and the right latch guide groove are at their front ends. It may be inclined in a direction approaching the inner side of the latch guide unit toward the rear end from.

In addition, when the latch guide unit moves forward, as the coupling protrusions of the left and right latches are guided by the left and right latch guide grooves and move toward the center of the latch guide unit, the rear ends of the left and right latches are close to each other and the front ends are close to each other. As the latch guide unit rotates in a direction away from each other and moves toward the left and right of the latch guide unit by being guided by the left and right latch guide grooves when the latch guide unit moves backward, the left and right latches have rear ends. They can be configured to rotate in directions that are away from each other and the tips are closer to each other.

In addition, the rear end of the left latch is coupled to a first elastic body disposed on the left arm of the transport unit, and the rear end of the right latch is coupled to a second elastic body disposed on the right arm of the transport unit, and the first and As the second elastic body pulls the rear ends of the left and right latches by a restoring force, the front ends of the left and right latches maintain a close arrangement state, and a gap between the two front ends may be smaller than the size of the coupling boss of the door. .

In addition, it may further include a coupling boss detection sensor for recognizing the coupling boss.

In addition, the push bar further includes a push bar disposed to be slidably movable in a forward and backward direction with respect to the latch guide unit along a profile shape on the latch guide unit, and the push bar is pushed backward through a spring member between the push bar and the latch guide unit. It may be configured to receive a forward-facing repelling force during movement.

The push bar sensor may further include a push bar sensor configured to detect a position change of the push bar and generate a push bar forward movement signal or a push bar rear movement signal.

In addition, when the coupling boss enters and is disposed between the front ends of the left latch and the right latch, the coupling boss detection sensor generates a door proximity signal and transmits it to the control unit, and the control unit drives the latch guide unit to move rearward As the latch guide unit moves backward, the front ends of the left and right latches approach each other to wrap the coupling bosses inside them, and the rear ends of the left and right latches apply force to the outside by the first and second elastic bodies, respectively. The coupling boss is constrained by tightening the front end of the latch unit, and in this state, as the entire transfer unit is slid forward or backward, the opening and closing device can realize a half-open or half-closed state of the door with the coupling boss restrained. have.

In addition, when the coupling boss presses the push bar backward, the push bar sensor generates a push bar rear movement signal and transmits it to the control unit, and the control unit transmits a motor driving signal to pull the rack gear rearward to the drive train, In a state in which the coupling boss is constrained to the left and right latches, the door may be driven to move closer to the main body so that the door is locked to the main body.

In addition, when the coupling boss of the door presses the front end of the push bar, the spring member contracts, thereby mitigating an impact between the coupling boss and the front end of the push bar.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the automatic door opening function as well as the automatic door closing function can be selected and implemented after all cycles of the dishwasher are completed, the automatic door opening function is used after the drying cycle is finished to enter the washing machine. By removing residual moisture and odor from the washing machine and using the automatic door closing function, it is effective in preventing dust or foreign substances from entering the washing machine and recontamination of dishes.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-section of a dishwasher in which a door opening and closing device according to the present invention is installed.
2A is a perspective view of a door opening and closing device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the interior of FIG. 2A.
Figure 2c is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2a.
Figure 2d is a partially enlarged view of the door opening and closing device of the present invention.
2E is a partial side view of the door opening and closing device.
3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a door opening and closing device in a state in which a coupling boss of a door is released.
4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a door opening and closing device in a process in which a coupling boss of a door is restrained.
4B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a door opening and closing device in a process in which a coupling boss of a door is restrained.
5 is a conceptual view illustrating a door opening and closing device in a state in which a coupling boss of a door is restrained.
6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the internal structure of the door opening and closing device when the door is fully closed.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples may be modified in many different forms, and the scope of the present invention is as follows It is not limited to the examples. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In addition, in the following drawings, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in the drawings. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. In addition, the meaning of "connected" in the present specification means not only when member A and member B are directly connected, but also when member A and member B are indirectly connected by interposing member C between member A and member B. do. Terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, when used herein, “comprise, include” and/or “comprising, including” refers to a referenced form, number, step, operation, member, element, and/or group thereof. presence, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, elements, elements and/or groups.

In this specification, terms such as first and second are used to describe various members, components, regions, layers and/or portions, but these members, components, regions, layers and/or portions are limited by these terms. It is self-evident that These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer or section described in detail below may refer to a second member, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Space-related terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are associated with an element or feature shown in a drawing. It can be used for easy understanding of other elements or features. Terminology related to this space is for easy understanding of the present invention according to various process conditions or use conditions of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, if an element or feature in a figure is turned over, an element or feature described as "lower" or "below" becomes "above" or "above." Accordingly, "below" is a concept encompassing "upper" or "below".

1 is a conceptual view showing a cross-section of a dishwasher in which a door opening and closing device according to the present invention is installed, FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the door opening and closing device of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an internal perspective view of FIG. 2A 2c is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2a, FIG. 2d is a partially enlarged view of the door opening and closing device of the present invention, and FIG. 2e is a partial side view of the door opening and closing device. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the door opening and closing device in a state in which the coupling boss of the door is released, FIG. 4a is a conceptual diagram showing the door opening and closing device in a process in which the coupling boss of the door is restrained, and FIG. 4b is a conceptual diagram showing the door coupling boss Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the door opening and closing device in a state where the coupling boss of the door is restrained. Fig. 6 shows the internal structure of the door opening and closing device when the door is completely closed. It is a concept diagram.

Hereinafter, a door opening and closing device 100 for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the door opening and closing device 100 of the dishwasher of the present invention is provided on one side of the main body 10 of the dishwasher, specifically, at the upper end of the opening side of the main body 10, and at the top of the door 11. The door opening and closing device 100 of the dishwasher opens and closes the door with respect to the main body 10 by restraining or releasing the provided coupling boss 12 (BOSS) toward the main body 10. The door opening and closing device 100 includes a casing 110, a transfer unit 120, a latch unit, a latch guide unit 140, and a push bar 150.

As shown, the door opening and closing device 100 may be composed of one module in which components are assembled inside the casing 110, and the casing 110 is fixed to a predetermined position of the main body 10 to form a modular door. The opening and closing device 100 may be installed in a dishwasher.

A transfer unit 120 is provided inside the casing 110 . The transfer unit 120 is disposed to slide along the profile shape of the casing 110 in the forward and backward directions with respect to the casing 110 . As shown in FIG. 2B , at least one barrier rib is provided inside the casing 110 to define an arrangement position of the transfer unit 120 . Specifically, the transfer unit 120 is fixed in position by left and right partition walls, so that movement in the left and right directions is restricted, and partition walls are formed at intervals in the front and rear directions so that they can move in parallel in the front and rear directions in the space between the partition walls. . When the transfer unit 120 is disposed rearmost in the front-back direction on the inside of the casing 110, the front end of the transfer unit 120 is recessed inside the front end of the casing 110 (see FIG. 2B) and slides forward. As it moves, the front end of the transfer unit 120 is configured to protrude outward from the front end of the casing 110 .

Meanwhile, the transfer unit 120 operates forward and backward by a driving source (motor). More specifically, the latch guide unit 140 is moved forward and backward by the motor, the forward movement force of the latch guide unit 140 pulls the transfer unit 120 forward, and conversely, the latch guide unit 140 The backward movement force of the tows the transfer unit 120 backward, so that the transfer unit 120 moves forward and backward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, a drive train is installed inside the casing 110, and the drive train includes a motor and at least one gear. On the other hand, a rack gear is installed at the rear end of the latch guide unit 140 sliding inside the transport unit 120 . A driving force generated by rotation of the motor rotates at least one gear, and the rotational force of the gear is transmitted to a rack gear formed on one side of the latch guide unit 140 (eg, a rear end of the latch guide unit 140). As the rack gear linearly moves forward, the latch guide unit 140 connected to the rack gear moves forward, and the forward movement force of the latch guide unit 140 pulls the transfer unit 120 forward. Conversely, as the rack gear linearly moves backward, the latch guide unit 140 connected to the rack gear moves backward, and the backward movement force of the latch guide unit 140 pulls the transfer unit 120 backward.

At this time, the transfer unit 120 can move forward and backward in the limited space inside the casing 110, and a stopper is installed in the casing 110 to limit forward and backward transfer of the transfer unit 120. First, when the motor is driven in a state where the latch guide unit 140 is disposed at the rear of the transfer unit 120, the rack gear moves forward by the rotation of the gear, and the latch guide unit 140 moves within the transfer unit 120. It moves forward, and after reaching the frontmost position, the transfer unit 120 is moved forward. Thereafter, forward movement of the transfer unit 120 is suppressed by the stopper. Conversely, when the motor is driven in a state in which the latch guide unit 140 is disposed in front of the transfer unit 120, the rack gear moves backward due to the opposite rotation of the gear, and the latch guide unit 140 moves to the rear of the transfer unit 120. It moves backward, and after reaching the rearmost position, the transfer unit 120 moves backward. Another stopper for limiting backward transfer of the transfer unit 120 may be installed in the casing 110, and the transfer unit 120 is inhibited from moving backward by this stopper.

On the other hand, the present invention may further include a transfer unit 120 position confirmation sensor (S1) for checking the position state of the transfer unit 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , a positioning sensor S1 may be disposed outside the left arm 122L of the transfer unit 120 . As the position confirmation sensor, for example, the shape of the outer surface of the left arm 122L is deformed as shown in FIG. A method of detecting the amount of movement of (120) may be employed.

Meanwhile, the latch unit includes a left latch 131 and a right latch 133 . In the transfer unit 120, fixed shafts 121 are formed on the inner left side and the inner right side based on the left and right center lines, respectively. The left latch 131 is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 121 on the left side, and the right latch ( 133) is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 121 on the right side. Specifically, the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 each have a fastening groove 135 at a point between their front and rear ends. In this case, the fastening groove 135 may be formed through the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 . The left latch 131 is coupled to the fixed shaft 121 on the left through the fastening groove 135, and the right latch 133 is coupled to the fixed shaft 121 on the right through the fastening groove 135. The fixed shaft 121 is loosely inserted into the fastening groove 135, so that the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 are rotatably fixed on the transfer unit 120 around each fixed shaft 121. can And, as a result, these latches are integrated with the transfer unit 120 and slide forward and backward with the transfer unit 120 on the transfer unit 120 .

Meanwhile, the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 are coupled to the transfer unit 120 at their rear ends. Specifically, as shown, a left arm part 122L and a right arm part 122R are formed on the left and right sides of the transfer unit 120, respectively, and the first elastic body 123a is disposed on the left arm part 122L, and the right arm part 123a is disposed. A second elastic body 123b is disposed on the arm portion 122R. The rear end of the left latch 131 is coupled to the first elastic body 123a disposed on the left arm portion 122L, and the rear end of the right latch 133 is coupled to the second elastic body 123b disposed on the right arm portion 122R. do. The first elastic body 123a and the second elastic body 123b may be composed of springs. The first elastic body 123a pulls the rear end of the left latch 131 to the left by an elastic restoring force, and similarly, the second elastic body 123b pulls the rear end of the right latch 133 to the right by an elastic restoring force. The left and right latches rotate around the fastening groove 135 coupled to the fixed shaft 121, respectively, and the front end of the latch is located on the opposite side of the rear end of the latch based on the fastening groove 135. As the second elastic body pulls the rear ends of the left and right latches by its own restoring force, the rear ends of the left and right latches try to maintain a distance from each other, and naturally the front ends of the left and right latches are close to each other, that is, with a certain gap. We try to maintain a proximity arrangement that is only as far apart as possible. And, the gap between both ends of the latch is smaller than the size of the coupling boss 12 of the door 11.

On the other hand, the latch guide unit 140 is a configuration for guiding the latch portion so that the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 rotate symmetrically with each other, and is disposed on the transfer unit 120 with respect to the transfer unit 120 It is configured to be slidable along the profile shape of the transfer unit 120 by a predetermined distance in the forward and backward directions. As shown in FIG. 4A, the latch guide unit 140 is fixed in position by the left and right walls of the transfer unit 120, so that movement in the left and right directions is limited and parallel movement is possible only in the front and rear directions. . Alternatively, since at least one partition wall is provided on the left and right sides of the latch guide unit 140 inside the transfer unit 120 , it is also possible to limit the movement range of the latch guide unit 140 . Specifically, when explaining how the latch guide unit 140 is coupled to the transfer unit 120, when the latch guide unit 140 is disposed on the transfer unit 120, the left side of the transfer unit 120 A left fixed shaft accommodating groove 141L and a right fixed shaft accommodating groove 141R are formed at positions corresponding to the fixed shaft 121 and the right fixed shaft 121, respectively. In addition, the latch guide unit 140 is coupled to the transfer unit 120 by inserting the left fixed shaft 121 and the right fixed shaft 121 into the left and right fixed shaft receiving grooves, respectively. At this time, these fixed shaft accommodating grooves (141R, 141L) are extended in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the position of the fixed shaft 121 may be changed within the elongated fixed shaft receiving groove, and accordingly, the latch guide unit 140 may move forward and backward on the transfer unit 120 by the length of the fixed shaft receiving groove. That is, the latch guide unit 140 has the left and right fixing shafts 121 of the transfer unit 120 at the foremost position in contact with the rear ends of the left and right fixing shaft receiving grooves, respectively, and the left and right fixing shafts 121 of the transfer unit 120 on the left and right sides. It is possible to slide forward and backward with respect to the transfer unit 120 between rearmost positions respectively in contact with the tip of the fixed shaft receiving groove.

Meanwhile, as described above, the latch guide unit 140 is configured to guide the latch unit so that the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 rotate symmetrically with each other. To this end, the left and right latches and the latch guide unit 140 form a coupling relationship with each other. Describing the coupling relationship in detail, the latch guide unit 140 includes a left latch guide groove 143L and a right latch guide groove 143R at the rear of each fixing shaft receiving groove. And, when the latch unit is disposed on the transfer unit 120, the coupling protrusion 137 formed at the rear of the fastening groove 135 of the left latch 131 is inserted into the left latch guide groove 143L, and the right latch 133 ) The coupling protrusion 137 formed at the rear of the fastening groove 135 is inserted into the right latch guide groove 143R. At this time, the left latch guide groove 143L and the right latch guide groove 143R are characterized in that they are formed to extend in an inclined direction with respect to the front and rear directions. That is, the left latch guide groove 143L and the right latch guide groove 143R are characterized in that they are inclined in a direction approaching the inside of the latch guide unit 140 from the front end to the rear end thereof. By providing these latch guide grooves to have an inclination along the front and rear directions, the coupling protrusions inserted into the latch guide grooves move along the orientation of the guide grooves, so that the left latch 131 and the right latch 133 are respectively fixed shafts ( 121) so as to rotate around the fastening groove 135 coupled to the center.

First, when the latch guide unit 140 is located at the rear on the transport unit 120 (see FIG. 4B), the left and right latch engagement protrusions 137 are present at the front ends of the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R, respectively. . The front ends of the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R are located far from the center of the left and right sides of the latch guide unit 140 to the left and right, and in this state, the rear ends of the left and right latches are maximally spaced apart from each other. That is, in the process of moving the latch guide unit 140 backward, the coupling protrusions 137 of the left and right latches are guided by the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R and move toward the left and right of the latch guide unit 140, respectively. As a result, the left and right latches rotate in a direction in which the rear ends move away from each other and the front ends approach each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4B, since the gap between the both ends of the left and right latches is narrower than the size of the coupling boss 12 of the door 11, it is a position to restrain the coupling boss 12 of the door 11. .

Thereafter, when the latch guide unit 140 moves forward on the transfer unit 120, the coupling protrusions 137 of the left and right latches are guided by the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R, and move to the center of the latch guide unit 140. As it moves toward, the left and right latches rotate in a direction in which the rear ends approach each other and the front ends move away from each other. When the latch guide unit 140 is located at the front on the transport unit 120 (see FIG. 4A), the left and right latch engagement protrusions 137 are located at the rear end of the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R, respectively. The rear ends of the left and right latch guide grooves 143L and 143R are located closest to the center of the left and right sides of the latch guide unit 140. In this state, the rear ends of the left and right latches are maximally close to each other, and the front ends of the left and right latches are maximally separated from each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4A, since the gap between both ends of the left and right latches is wider than the size of the coupling boss 12 of the door 11, the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 is released. It is a location.

Meanwhile, the push bar 150 is disposed on the latch guide unit 140 and is configured to slide along with the latch guide unit 140 with respect to the transport unit 120 in the front right direction. As will be described later, when the door 11 is closed, the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 enters the inside of the front end of the latch portion through the gap of the latch portion of the door opening and closing device 100, as will be described later. It contacts the boss 12 and plays a role of stably guiding it inward. Conversely, when the door 11 is opened, the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 goes out of the front end of the latch portion through the gap of the latch portion of the door opening and closing device 100. 100) It plays the role of pushing outward elastically.

Specifically, the push bar 150 is disposed to be slidably movable in the forward and backward directions with respect to the latch guide unit 140 along the profile shape on the latch guide unit 140 . It is preferable to install a rail member along the center of the left and right sides of the latch guide unit 140 so that the push bar 150 is disposed between the left latch 131 and the right latch. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2b or 2c, the push bar 150 and the latch guide unit 140 are coupled through the spring member 151. As the spring member 151 at the rear end of the push bar 150 presses the push bar 150 forward, the push bar 150 is configured to receive a forward-facing repelling force when the push bar 150 moves backward. Through this, when the door 11 is closed and the coupling boss 12 presses the front end of the push bar 150, the spring member 151 contracts, thereby reducing the impact between the coupling boss 12 and the front end of the push bar 150. can be alleviated Conversely, when the coupling boss 12 escapes from the front end of the latch as the latch is opened, the spring member 151 expands, so that the coupling boss 12 can be resiliently pushed out of the door opening and closing device 100 . At this time, the present invention may further include a push bar sensor S2 for checking the position movement and movement amount of the push bar. As the push bar sensor S2, a photosensor may be typically employed. For example, the shape of the lower surface of the push bar is deformed as shown in FIG. 2E, and a light emitting signal is applied from the other side of the push bar, and as the push bar moves in the forward and backward direction, the light emitting signal of the other side of the push bar is transmitted to the push bar sensor. A method of detecting the forward or backward movement state and movement amount of the push bar through the detection pattern of the light reception signal through whether or not it is received in (S2) may be employed.

The operating mechanism of the door opener

1. Standby mechanism

When the door 11 is open, the door opening and closing device 100 maintains a standby state. That is, as shown in FIG. 2D , the transfer unit 120 protrudes forward from the front end of the door opening and closing device 100 .

Specifically, as the controller drives the motor in the forward direction and the rack gear moves forward, the entire transfer unit 120 slides forward until it comes into contact with the stopper installed on the casing 110. This state is a state in which the latch guide unit 140 is moved closer to the front on the transport unit 120, or is located at the foremost position within the transport unit 120. In this position, as the rear ends of the left and right latches are guided to the center of the latch guide unit 140, the gap between the front ends of the latch part widens, and in particular, the size of the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 widens. The door opening and closing device 100 maintains a standby state in which the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 can be accommodated inside the front end of the latch by setting the positions of the transfer unit 120 and the latch guide unit 140 as above. .

2. Door Restraint Mechanism

When the door 11 is closer to the main body 10 and the coupling boss 12 of the door 11 comes within a preset distance of the door opening and closing device 100, the coupling boss installed in the door opening and closing device 100 ( 12) The detection sensor recognizes the coupling boss 12 and generates a door proximity signal. The door proximity signal is applied to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit controls the drive train to move the latch guide unit backward. In this state, as the control unit drives the motor in reverse and the rack gear moves backward, the transfer unit 120 is in a temporarily stopped state and the latch guide unit 140 on the transfer unit 120 moves inside the transfer unit 120. slide to the rear. As the latch guide unit 140 moves backward, the left and right latches are rotated so that the front ends of the latches rotate in a direction close to each other, wrapping the coupling boss 12 inside them. When the latch guide unit 140 moves to the rear of the transfer unit 120 or is located in the rearmost position, the gap at the tip of the latch becomes smaller than the size of the coupling boss 12 to restrain the coupling boss 12. be able to Further, in this state, since the rear ends of the left and right latches receive outward force by the first and second elastic bodies, respectively, it is possible to assist in binding the coupling boss by tightening the front ends of the latch unit. In this state, the latch guide unit 140 is fixed at a position of the transport unit 120, and furthermore, the rear ends of the left and right latches receive force outward by the first and second elastic bodies, respectively, and the front end of the latch unit Since it is tightened, the coupling boss 12 does not escape from the front end of the latch unit unless the latch guide unit 140 is moved forward by driving the motor or the door 11 is forcibly opened with a force greater than the elastic force. , it is possible to maintain the restraint state of the coupling boss 12 (see FIG. 4B).

3. Door half-open/half-closed mechanism

As described above, in a state in which the front end of the latch unit is maintained in a state in which the coupling boss 12 is restrained, the entire transfer unit 120 is slid forward or backward by driving the motor, so that the opening and closing device opens and closes the door 11. A half-open or half-closed state of the door 11 may be implemented while being restrained. Alternatively, even when the user lightly pulls or pushes the door from the outside, the door is not completely opened or completely closed, and half-open and half-closed states may be implemented.

4-1. door closing mechanism

In the state where the coupling boss 12 is restrained as in No. 2 above, if the rack gear is further moved backward by continuously driving the motor in reverse, the transfer unit 120 and the latch guide unit 140 slide further backward. do. As the transfer unit 120 moves backward, the latch portion that restrains the coupling boss 12 together with the transfer unit 120 moves backward, and eventually, the door 11 comes into close contact with the open surface of the main body 10. and become completely closed.

4-2. door opening mechanism

In the state in which the coupling boss 12 is restrained as in No. 2 above, when the rack gear is moved forward again by driving the motor in the forward direction, the latch guide unit on the transfer unit 120 while the transfer unit 120 is stopped. (140) slides forward. As the latch guide unit 140 moves forward, the left and right latches rotate oppositely and the ends of the latch part rotate in the direction away from each other, so that a gap between the ends widens and at some point the gap between the ends of the coupling boss 12 ) Opens larger than the size of the coupling boss 12 to release the restraint. Since the coupling boss 12 presses the push bar 150 in the restrained state, at the moment the restraint is released, the coupling boss 12 is elastically moved forward by the repulsive force of the push bar 150 so that the latch unit can escape. do. When the door opening is finished, the door standby state is maintained again.

5. Door automatic closing mechanism

* On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the user forcibly pushes the door toward the main body in the fully open or half-open state of the door, it recognizes it as a door closing command and the controller drives the motor to automatically close the door. can do what it says. Specifically, when the user pushes the door, the coupling boss 12 of the door presses the push bar 150 backward. When the push bar 150 is forcibly moved to the rear, the push bar sensor S2 detects a change in position of the push bar 150 and generates a push bar rear movement signal. The generated signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit moves the latch guide unit 140 and thus the transfer unit 120 backward by transmitting a motor driving signal to the drive train to pull the rack gear backward. In a state where the coupling boss 12 is restrained by the left and right latches, as the transfer unit 120 slides backward, the door moves close to the main body and then the door is locked to the main body. According to this configuration, the door opening and closing device recognizes a user pushing the door as a door closing signal and automatically drives the motor of the drive train to lock the door to the main body.

According to the configuration as described above, since the automatic door opening function as well as the automatic door closing function can be implemented after all cycles of the dishwasher are completed, the automatic door opening function is used after the drying process is finished to prevent residual moisture and moisture inside the washing machine. By removing odors and using the automatic door closing function, there is an effect of preventing the inflow of dust or foreign substances into the washing machine and re-contamination of dishes. It has the advantage of being able to manage tableware in the mode desired by the user through the automatic door open/close function.

In addition, when opening the door in the closed state or the standby state, the user can completely open the door without applying a separate force, thereby improving the convenience of use.

In addition, since it is possible for the user to open the door with an external force in addition to the automatic door opening and closing function, there is an advantage in that the door can be manipulated in various ways.

On the other hand, it is possible to prevent malfunction by clearly detecting the movement amount of parts through double sensing such as a push bar sensor and a transfer unit position confirmation sensor. In addition, it is possible to clearly control the amount of opening and closing of the door in the end, so that the drying performance of the washing machine can be improved.

What has been described above is only one embodiment for implementing the door opening and closing device for a dishwasher according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the present invention as claimed in the following claims Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention will be said to have the technical spirit of the present invention to the extent that various changes can be made.

100: door opener 110: casing
120: transfer unit 131: left latch
133: right latch 137: coupling protrusion
140: latch guide unit 141L: left fixed axis receiving groove
141R: right fixed axis receiving groove 143L: left latch guide groove
143R: right latch guide groove 150: push bar

Claims (8)

A door opening and closing device including a casing, a transfer unit capable of moving forward and backward with respect to the casing, a left and right latch capable of rotating left and right on the transfer unit, and a latch guide unit for guiding rotation of the latch is a dishwasher device that closes the door of the dishwasher to the main body. As a door closing mechanism,
A door closing step in which the door is closed to the body by positioning the latch guide unit and the transfer unit rearward in the casing while the left latch and the right latch restrain the coupling boss of the door;
A door half-opening/half-closing step in which the door is separated from the main body within a certain range by moving the transfer unit forward by driving the motor; and
A door closing step in which the door is closed to the main body by moving the transfer unit backward by driving the motor in reverse,
In the door half-opening / half-closing step, the latch maintains a state in which the coupling boss is restrained, the door closing mechanism of the dishwasher. According to claim 1,
In the door closing step, the latch maintains a state in which the coupling boss is restrained, the door closing mechanism of the dishwasher. According to claim 1,
When the door approaches the main body, the control unit controls the motor to slide the latch guide unit to the rear of the transfer unit, and as the latch guide unit moves backward, the front ends of the left latch and the right latch rotate so as to come close to each other, To constrain the coupling boss by wrapping the coupling boss inwardly,
The door closing mechanism of the dishwasher. According to claim 3,
The latch guide unit has a left fixed shaft accommodating groove and a right fixed shaft accommodating groove extending in the forward and backward directions, into which the left fixed shaft and the right fixed shaft of the transfer unit are inserted, respectively, and the rear of each fixed shaft accommodating groove in the forward and backward directions. A left latch guide groove and a right latch guide groove extending in an inclined direction with respect to are formed, into which coupling protrusions of the left latch and the right latch are inserted, respectively.
When the latch guide unit slides backward on the transport unit, the engagement protrusions of the left and right latches are guided by the left and right latch guide grooves and move toward the left and right of the latch guide unit, so that the rear ends of the left and right latches move away from each other and the front ends A door closing mechanism of a dishwasher that rotates in a direction close to each other. According to claim 1,
The rear end of the left latch is coupled to a first elastic body disposed on the left arm of the transfer unit, and the rear end of the right latch is coupled to a second elastic body disposed on the right arm of the transfer unit, and the first and second As the elastic body pulls the rear ends of the left and right latches by a restoring force, the front ends of the left and right latches maintain a close arrangement to restrain the coupling boss. According to claim 5,
In the door half-opening / half-closing step, the door of the dishwasher is spaced apart from the main body until the first and second elastic members can maintain the ends of the left and right latches in a close arrangement state by elastic force. closing mechanism. According to claim 1,
The door opening/closing device may detect the amount of forward and backward movement of the transfer unit through a transfer unit position detection sensor, and the control unit drives and controls a motor so that the transfer unit slides by a preset distance to move the door in the half-open/half-closed state of the door. A door closing mechanism of a dishwasher that controls the closing amount. According to claim 1,
The door closing mechanism of the dishwasher, wherein the door opening and closing device further includes a coupling boss detection sensor, wherein the coupling boss detection sensor detects whether the coupling boss enters between the ends of the left latch and the right latch.

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