WO2022154335A1

WO2022154335A1 - Dishwasher

Info

Publication number: WO2022154335A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/020317
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김석현; 이재철; 김진태; 황주광
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2021-01-13
Filing date: 2021-12-30
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Also published as: KR20220102426A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher. A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet which forms the outer appearance; a washing tank disposed inside the cabinet and having an opening through which an object to be washed is introduced; a door which opens and closes the opening and is movably connected to the cabinet; a plurality of sensors which are disposed on the door so as to be spaced apart from each other, each of which detecting a motion of an object at a position spaced apart from the door; a controller which determines whether to open or close the door on the basis of the sequence of signals detected by each of the plurality of sensors; and a driving unit which is electrically connected to the controller and opens and closes the door. By recognizing a motion at a position spaced apart from the door by means of the plurality of sensors, the dishwasher has the advantage of being able to open and close the door according to a non-contact method.

Description

dish washer

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a door for opening and closing a washing tank.

A dishwasher is a device for removing foreign substances attached to the washing target by spraying washing water and steam to the washing target accommodated in the washing tank.

While the washing cycle is in progress, the washing tank is kept closed by the door, and when the washing cycle is finished, the user can open the door to take out the washing object accommodated in the washing tank.

However, as the user manually opens and closes the door in the conventional dishwasher, there is a problem in that the door is stained and the user feels a foreign body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher having a door that is opened and closed in a non-contact manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a door opening and closing method is simplified.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher with enhanced identification for door opening/closing pattern recognition.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which an arrangement position of a door opening/closing module is optimized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a door is kept clean.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet forming an external shape; a washing tank disposed inside the cabinet and having an opening into which a washing object is inserted; and a door that opens and closes the opening and is movably connected to the cabinet.

The dishwasher may include: a plurality of sensors disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the door and configured to detect a motion of an object at a position spaced apart from the door; a controller for determining whether to open or close the door based on the sequence of signals detected by each of the plurality of sensors; and a driving unit electrically connected to the controller and configured to open and close the door, thereby automatically opening and closing the door through motion recognition by a sensor.

The door may include a main body corresponding to the opening; an upper body disposed on the upper side of the main body; and a lower body disposed below the main body.

The plurality of sensors may be disposed on the upper body.

The plurality of sensors may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction at the same height.

The plurality of sensors may include: a first sensor disposed adjacent to an edge of the door; a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor; and a third sensor disposed farther from the first sensor than the second sensor.

The door may include a first pattern in which signals are sequentially detected by the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and signals are sequentially detected by the third sensor, the second sensor, and the first sensor When the second pattern to be sequentially recognized can be opened.

The door may maintain a closed state if the first pattern and the second pattern are not recognized within the recognition time.

The door may maintain a closed state when a time interval between the signal detected by the first sensor, the signal detected by the second sensor, and the signal detected by the third sensor is out of an allowable range. .

The dishwasher may include: a first lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the first sensor; a second lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the second sensor; and a third lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the third sensor.

The door may be opened when the first pattern and the second pattern are recognized in order, and closed when the second pattern and the first pattern are recognized in order.

In the door, after the first pattern and the second pattern are sequentially recognized, when a third pattern in which signals are sequentially detected by the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor is recognized, the It can be switched to a locking mode that maintains the closed state of the door.

The door may be switched to the locking mode when the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern are sequentially recognized within a time limit.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the dishwasher of the present invention, there are one or more of the following effects.

First, there is an advantage of being able to open and close the door through a non-contact method by recognizing motion at a position spaced apart from the door through a plurality of sensors.

Second, there is an advantage in that the door opening and closing method is simplified by recognizing the sequence of signals detected by a plurality of sensors to determine whether to open or close the door.

Third, by arranging a plurality of lamps corresponding to the plurality of sensors, there is also an advantage in that the user's discrimination power for pattern recognition is strengthened.

Fourth, by arranging a plurality of sensors and lamps on the upper part of the door, there is an advantage in that the arrangement position of the door opening/closing module is optimized.

Fifth, there is an advantage in that the cleanliness of the door can be maintained by automatically opening and closing the door without contacting the door.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a view for explaining an opening/closing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view for explaining the opening and closing of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating pattern recognition of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a view for explaining a door opening pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a view for explaining a locking mode setting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a view for explaining a locking mode setting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a structural block diagram of an opening/closing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining the dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the overall appearance of the dishwasher 1 will be described first. 1 shows the overall appearance of the dishwasher 1 .

The dishwasher 1 includes a cabinet 10 in which a washing tub 100 (refer to FIG. 2 ) for accommodating a washing object is disposed therein; It is disposed in front of the cabinet 10 and includes a door 20 for opening and closing the washing tub 100 .

The cabinet 10 may form the external shape of the dishwasher 1 and may have a quadrangular prism shape. An opening 11 (refer to FIG. 5 ) into which a washing object is inserted may be formed in the front of the cabinet 10 , and the opening 11 may be formed to correspond to the front of the washing tub 100 .

The door 20 may open or close the opening 11 of the cabinet 10 . The door 20 may close the opening 11 to seal the washing tub 100 , and may open the opening 11 to communicate the washing tub 100 with the outside of the cabinet 10 .

The door 20 may be connected to the cabinet 10 so as to be vertically movable. The door 20 includes a main body 21 forming an outer shape of the door 20 , an upper body 30 disposed above the main body 21 , and a lower body disposed below the main body 21 . It may include a body 23 .

The main body 21 may be manufactured in a shape corresponding to the opening 11 and may cover the washing tank 100 .

The main body 21 may be disposed to be movable up and down with respect to the cabinet 10 , and a guide member (not shown) for vertical movement of the main body 21 may be disposed inside the door 20 .

The lower body 23 may include a lower door 22 forming the lowermost end of the door 20 .

The lower end 20b of the lower door 22 may be the lowermost end of the door 20, and the lower door 22 is vertically moved from the main body 21 to protrude downward from the lower surface of the cabinet 10. can

The dishwasher 1 may include a control panel 30 connected to the door 20 to be vertically movable. The control panel 30 may be disposed on the upper side of the main body 21 , and may be the same as the upper body 30 . The control panel 30 may be a display that displays driving information of the dish washing machine 1 and can select an administrative course of the dish washing machine 1 . The control panel 30 may be connected to the door 20 so as to be vertically movable, and may constitute the front surface of the door 20 . The upper end 20a of the control panel 30 may be the uppermost end of the door 20 , and the control panel 30 is moved vertically from the main body 21 to protrude upward from the upper surface of the cabinet 10 . can

The dishwasher 1 includes an opening/closing module 300 that opens and closes the door 20 by recognizing a predetermined pattern.

The opening/closing module 300 may be disposed on the control panel 30 , and may be disposed adjacent to one side 20c of the door 20 . The opening/closing module 300 may be mounted on the control panel 30 .

The opening/closing module 300 includes a sensor assembly 310 including a first sensor 311 , a second sensor 312 , and a third sensor 313 to be described later, and a first corresponding to the first sensor 311 . The lamp assembly 320 may include a lamp 321 , a second lamp 322 corresponding to the second sensor 312 , and a third lamp 323 corresponding to the third sensor 313 .

Hereinafter, an internal structure of the washing tank 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a view showing the form in which the dishwasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 is cut in the vertical direction and viewed from the side.

In the washing tank 100, the washing object is accommodated, and washing water is sprayed. The washing tank 100 is disposed inside the cabinet 10 and forms a washing space 100S in which a washing object is accommodated.

A driving unit 200 for circulating the washing water is disposed under the washing tank 100 . The driving unit 200 may be disposed inside the cabinet 10 . The driving unit 200 forms a driving space 200S in which structures for circulation of washing water, which will be described later, are disposed.

In the washing tub 100, the upper rack 110 on which the object to be washed is seated, and the lower rack 120 on which the object to be washed is seated, which is disposed below the upper rack 110, may be arranged.

A plurality of

spray tubes

150 , 160 , 170 for spraying washing water toward the washing object seated on the upper rack 110 and the lower rack 120 may be disposed inside the washing tank 100 . The

injection tubes

150 , 160 , 170 may have a rod shape extending in the width direction of the

racks

110 and 120 , and may have a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the

racks

110 and 120 . The injection tube (150, 160, 170), the rack (110, 120) and two types of frames arranged in parallel may be cross-shaped formed by crossing, may have a rotation shaft extending in the vertical direction.

The

injection tubes

150 , 160 , 170 may have a tube shape and be disposed on the lower side of the upper rack 110 or the lower side of the lower rack 120 .

In the washing tank 100 , a driving assembly 162 for rotating the

spray tubes

150 , 160 , and 170 may be disposed. The driving assembly 162 may be connected to the

racks

110 and 120 and the

injection tubes

150 , 160 and 170 .

A plurality of injection tubes (150, 160, 170), and the lower injection tube 150 disposed on the lower side of the lower rack (120); An upper injection tube 160 disposed between the upper rack 110 and the lower rack 120 and; It may include a top spray tube 170 disposed on the upper side of the upper rack (110).

Each of the plurality of

injection tubes

150 , 160 , and 170 may receive washing water from a washing pump 220 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later. The injection pipe 130 extending from the driving unit 200 may be disposed inside the washing tank 100 .

The injection pipe 130 may extend from the washing pump 220 , and branch and extend toward the upper injection tube 160 and the top injection tube 170 , respectively.

The upper injection tube 160 may be connected to the injection pipe 130 to receive washing water through the injection pipe 130 . The top spray tube 170 may be connected to the spray pipe 130 to receive washing water through the spray pipe 130 .

The lower spray tube 150 may be connected to a distribution chamber 240 (see FIG. 3 ) to be described later and receive washing water through the distribution chamber 240 .

Spray

nozzles

151 , 161 , and 171 for supplying washing water into the washing tank 100 are formed in each of the plurality of

injection tubes

150 , 160 , and 170 .

A lower injection nozzle 151 protruding toward the lower rack 120 may be formed in the lower injection tube 150 , and the lower injection nozzles 151 are a plurality of spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lower injection tube 150 . can be formed. The lower spray tube 150 may be rotatably disposed in the washing tub 100 , and may be rotated using an upper and lower shaft as a rotation axis to spray the washing water toward the lower portion of the lower rack 120 .

An upper injection nozzle 161 protruding toward the upper rack 110 may be formed in the upper injection tube 160 , and the upper injection nozzles 161 are a plurality of spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the upper injection tube 160 . can be formed. The upper spray tube 160 may be rotatably connected to the washing tub 100 , and may be rotated in the front and rear directions as a rotation axis to spray the washing water into the lower part of the upper rack 110 .

A top spray nozzle 171 protruding toward the inside of the washing tank 100 may be formed in the top spray tube 170 . The top spray tube 170 may be rotatably disposed on the upper side of the washing tub 100 , and may evenly spray the washing water toward the inside of the washing tub 100 .

Inside the washing tub 100 , a steam spray nozzle 180 for supplying steam into the washing tub 100 is disposed. The steam spray nozzle 180 may be disposed in front of the washing tank 100 adjacent to the door 20 . The steam injection nozzle 180 may be disposed to face the lower rack 120 .

The steam spray nozzle 180 may be connected to a heater 230 of a driving unit 200 to be described later, and receive steam generated from the heater 230 .

The washing space 100S may be defined as a space in which a washing object, a plurality of

spray tubes

150 , 160 , 170 and the steam nozzle 180 are disposed, and the driving space 200S is the washing space 100S. It may be defined as a space for circulation of washing water formed on the lower side.

The washing space 100S may mean an internal space of the washing tub 100 and may occupy a space equal to the first height H1.

The driving space 200S may mean an internal space of the driving unit 200 and may occupy a space equal to the second height H2.

The height of the cabinet 10 may be the sum of the first height H1 and the second height H2 , and may be the sum of the heights occupied by the washing space 100S and the driving space 200S.

The height H1 of the washing space 100S may be greater than the height H2 of the driving space 200S.

In order to reduce the height of the cabinet 10 while maintaining the height H1 of the washing space 100S, the height H2 of the driving space 200S may be lowered.

Hereinafter, an internal structure of the driving unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . 3 is a view showing the internal structure of the driving space 200S viewed from the upper side to the downward direction.

The driving unit 200 includes a sump 210 disposed below the washing tub 100 and accommodating washing water; a washing pump 220 connected to the sump 210 and extruding the washing water accommodated in the sump 210 toward the washing tub 100 ; It may include a heater 230 connected to the washing pump 220 and the

spray nozzles

151 , 161 , and 171 , respectively, and having a space 230s in which the washing water is heated.

The driving unit 200 includes a distribution chamber 240 connected to the

injection nozzles

151 , 161 , 171 and the heater 230 , and disposed to be spaced apart from the washing pump 220 ; a drain pump 250 spaced apart from the sump 210; and a water softener 260 connected to the sump 210 may be further included.

The sump 210 may provide a space in which the washing water sprayed to the washing object through the

jet nozzles

151 , 161 , and 171 is accommodated. In the sump 210 , a sump hole 210s communicating with the washing tub 100 may be formed, and the sump hole 210s may be opened in the vertical direction.

The sump 210 includes a filter 211 that filters out foreign substances contained in the washing water. The filter 211 may be disposed to surround the sump hole 210s. Washing water flowing into the sump 210 from the washing tank 100 may flow toward the washing pump 220 in a state in which foreign substances are removed through the filter 211 .

The drain pump 250 may be connected to the sump 210 to discharge the washing water contained in the sump 210 to the outside of the cabinet 10 . The sump 210 may be connected to the drain pump 250 through the drain pipe 253 , and washing water and foreign substances accommodated in the sump 210 may be moved toward the drain pump 250 through the drain pipe 253 .

The drain pump 250 may be connected to the washing water discharge pipe 254 . The washing water discharge pipe 254 may communicate with the outside of the cabinet 10 . The drain pump 250 may suck the washing water and foreign substances in the sump 210 through the drain pipe 253 and extrude them out of the cabinet 10 through the washing water discharge pipe 254 .

The water softener 260 may be connected to an external water source (not shown) and the sump 210 , respectively, and may supply washing water supplied from an external water source (not shown) to the sump 210 . The water softener 260 may remove inorganic substances contained in the washing water supplied from an external water source (not shown) and supply it to the sump 210 .

The sump 210 may be connected to the water softener 260 through the sump inlet pipe 213 . The sump 210 may receive the washing water in a state in which inorganic substances are removed through the sump inlet pipe 213 .

The washing pump 220 may be connected to the sump 210 through the pump inlet pipe 223 . The washing pump 220 may be connected to the heater 230 through the heater inlet pipe 233 .

The washing pump 220 may suck the washing water accommodated in the sump 210 through the pump inlet pipe 223 and extrude it to the heater 230 through the heater inlet pipe 233 .

The heater 230 may be connected to the washing pump 220 through the heater inlet pipe 233 , and may be connected to the distribution chamber 240 through the heater discharge pipe 234 .

The heater 230 may heat the washing water flowing in from the washing pump 220 to make it a hot water state. The washing water in the hot water state may be introduced into the distribution chamber 240 through the heater discharge pipe 234 .

The heater 230 may heat the washing water flowing in from the washing pump 220 to a steam state. The washing water in the steam state may be introduced into the steam nozzle 180 through the steam nozzle inlet pipe 183 . The washing water in the steam state introduced into the steam nozzle 180 may be sprayed toward the washing object accommodated in the washing tub 100 .

The distribution chamber 240 may be connected to the heater 230 through the heater discharge pipe 234 . The distribution chamber 240 may receive liquid washing water heated by the heater 230 .

The distribution chamber 240 may have a plurality of distribution holes 241 opened vertically. The distribution chamber 240 may supply the washing water to the

spray tubes

150 , 160 , and 170 through the plurality of distribution holes 241 . Any one of the plurality of distribution holes 241 may be in communication with the lower injection tube 150 . The other one of the plurality of distribution holes 241 may communicate with the upper injection tube 160 or the top injection tube 170 through the injection pipe 130 . The washing water introduced into the distribution chamber 240 may flow to the lower injection tube 150 through one of the distribution holes 241, and through the other distribution hole 241, the upper injection tube 160 or It may flow to the top spray tube 170 .

The lower injection tube 150 may be directly inserted into the distribution hole 241 to be connected to the distribution chamber 240 , or may be connected to the distribution chamber 240 through a separate tube inserted into the distribution hole 241 .

The upper injection tube 160 and the top injection tube 170 may be connected to the distribution chamber 240 through the injection tube 130 inserted into the distribution hole 241 .

The distribution chamber 240 may selectively supply the introduced washing water to the lower injection tube 150 , the upper injection tube 160 , and the top injection tube 170 . The distribution chamber 240 may supply washing water only through any one of the plurality of distribution holes 241 , or may supply the washing water through a plurality of the plurality of distribution holes 241 .

The sump 210 , the washing pump 220 , the heater 230 , the distribution chamber 240 , the drain pump 250 , and the water softener 260 may be disposed to be horizontally spaced apart from each other. . The sump 210 , the washing pump 220 , the heater 230 , the distribution chamber 240 , the drain pump 250 , and the water softener 260 may be arranged such that at least some of them are located at the same height. can

A direction for describing the positional relationship of each structure within the driving unit 200 is defined. The direction in which the door 20 is disposed is the front, the direction opposite to the door 20 is the rear, the left side when the door 20 is viewed from the front is the left side, and the right side when the door 20 is viewed from the front defined as right Front and rear or left and right as defined herein may be equally applied throughout the specification.

The water softener 260 may be disposed on the left side of the driving unit 200 . The sump inlet pipe 213 may extend in the left and right directions to connect the water softener 260 and the sump 210 . The sump 210 may be disposed on the right side of the water softener 260 .

The drain pump 250 may be disposed on the left side of the sump 210 . The drain pump 250 may be disposed behind the sump 210 . The drain pipe 253 may extend left and rearward from the sump 210 , and may connect the sump 210 and the drain pump 250 .

The washing water discharge pipe 254 may extend from the drain pump 250 to the rear left and may be connected to the cabinet 10 .

The pump inlet pipe 223 may extend in the left and right directions to connect the sump 210 and the washing pump 220 . The pump inlet pipe 223 may extend in a direction crossing the drain pipe 213 . The pump inlet pipe 223 may extend in a direction parallel to the sump inlet pipe 213 .

The heater inlet pipe 233 may extend in the front-rear direction to connect the washing pump 220 and the heater 230 . The heater inlet pipe 233 may extend in a direction crossing the pump inlet pipe 223 .

The heater discharge pipe 234 may extend in the left and right directions to connect the heater 230 and the distribution chamber 240 . The heater discharge pipe 234 may extend in a direction crossing the heater inlet pipe 233 . The heater discharge pipe 234 may extend in a direction parallel to the pump inlet pipe 223 . The heater discharge pipe 234 and the pump inlet pipe 223 may be disposed to face each other in the front and rear directions.

The sump 210 may be disposed to face the washing pump 220 in the left and right directions. The sump 210 may be disposed to face the distribution chamber 240 in the front-rear direction. The washing pump 220 may be disposed on the right side of the sump 210 . The distribution chamber 240 may be disposed behind the sump 210 .

The washing pump 220 may be disposed to face the heater 230 in the front-rear direction. The heater 230 may be disposed behind the washing pump 220 . The distribution chamber 240 may be disposed to face the heater 230 in the left and right directions. The distribution chamber 240 may be disposed to face the drain pump 250 in the left and right directions. The heater 230 may be disposed on the right side of the distribution chamber 240 . The drain pump 250 may be disposed on the left side of the distribution chamber 240 .

Due to the above structure, the flow path structure connecting the drain pipe 253 , the pump inlet pipe 223 , the heater inlet pipe 233 , and the heater discharge pipe 234 may be configured in a 'U' shape. Accordingly, the drain pump 250 , the sump 210 , the washing pump 220 , the heater 230 , and the distribution chamber 240 can all be disposed in a dense space within the driving unit 200 , thereby increasing spatial utilization.

Hereinafter, the opening/closing module 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the door 20 on which the opening/closing module 300 is disposed, and FIG. 5 is a view showing the form in which the door 20 is opened.

The control panel 30 may be disposed above the main body 21 , and may be moved from the cabinet 10 together with the main body 21 to open and close the opening 11 .

The door 20 may be rotated away from the cabinet top 12 to open the opening 11 . The door 20 can close the opening 11 by rotating it to approach the cabinet top 12 .

The opening 11 may be formed to correspond to the main body 21 and the control panel 30 . The driving unit 200 may be formed to correspond to the lower body 23 .

The opening/closing module 300 may be disposed on the control panel 30 (upper body). Since the opening/closing module 300 is disposed above the door 20, the identification power of pattern recognition may be increased.

The opening/closing module 300 includes a sensor assembly 310 that detects motion of an object at a position spaced apart from the door 20, and a lamp assembly 320 that is turned on when a signal is detected in the sensor assembly 310. can

The sensor assembly 310 may include a plurality of

sensors

311 , 312 , and 313 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The number of the plurality of

sensors

311 , 312 , and 313 may be three, but the number of the

sensors

311 , 312 , and 313 is not limited thereto.

The sensor assembly 310 includes a first sensor 311 disposed adjacent to one side 20c of the door 20 , a second sensor 312 spaced apart from the first sensor 311 , and a second sensor A third sensor 313 disposed farther from the first sensor 311 than the 312 may be included.

The first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 may be disposed at the same height and may have the same horizontal spacing.

The first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 may be mounted on the control panel 30 .

The first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 may recognize the position of an object at a position spaced apart from the door 20 , and detect the presence of the object by a non-contact method. can do. The first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 may use sensors that identify the position and motion of an object by a non-contact method such as a position sensor, a proximity sensor, an IR sensor, and an infrared sensor. have.

The lamp assembly 320 may include a plurality of

lamps

321 , 322 , and 323 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The number of the plurality of

lamps

321 , 322 , and 323 may be three, but the number of the

lamps

321 , 322 , and 323 is not limited thereto. In addition, the lamp assembly 320 may be of a single bar type extending in the lateral direction, and by changing the lighting portion along the extending direction of the lamp assembly 320 , the signal detected in the sensor assembly 310 is transmitted. It can also be displayed outside.

The lamp assembly 320 may include a plurality of

lamps

321 , 322 , and 323 may be three, but the number of the

lamps

321 , 322 , and 323 is not limited thereto.

The lamp assembly 320 includes a first lamp 321 that is turned on when a signal is detected by the first sensor 311, a second lamp 322 that is turned on when a signal is detected by the second sensor 312, and a second lamp It may include a third lamp 323 that is turned on when a signal is detected by the three sensors 313 .

The first lamp 321 , the second lamp 322 , and the third lamp 323 may be disposed at the same height and may have the same horizontal spacing.

The first lamp 321 may be disposed above the first sensor 311 , the second lamp 322 may be disposed above the second sensor 312 , and the third lamp 323 may be disposed above the second sensor 312 . 3 It may be disposed on the upper side of the sensor (313).

Hereinafter, an opening pattern of the door 20 of the opening/closing module 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating pattern recognition of the opening/closing module 300 , and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an opening pattern of the door 20 of the opening/closing module 300 . However, the signal detection sequence of the

sensors

311 , 312 , 313 in the door 20 opening pattern to be described below is an example, and the signal detection sequence of the

sensors

311 , 312 , 313 for opening the door 20 . may be modified in various forms according to the user's selection.

The first sensor 311 may detect a motion of an object at a first position H ′ corresponding to the front of the first sensor 311 . The first sensor 311 may recognize the presence of the user's hand located at the first position H'.

The first sensor 311 may generate a first signal P1 when a motion of an object is detected at the first position H'. The first signal P1 may be transmitted to a controller 330 to be described later.

The second sensor 312 may detect the motion of the object at the second position H'' corresponding to the front of the second sensor 312 . The second sensor 312 may recognize the presence of the user's hand located at the second position H''.

The second sensor 312 may generate a second signal P2 when a motion of an object is detected at the second position H''. The second signal P2 may be transmitted to a controller 330 to be described later.

The third sensor 313 may detect the motion of the object at the third position H''' corresponding to the front of the third sensor 313 . The third sensor 313 may recognize the presence of the user's hand located at the third position H'''.

The third sensor 313 may generate a third signal P3 when a motion of an object is detected at the third position H'''. The third signal P3 may be transmitted to a controller 330 to be described later.

The controller 330 may determine whether to open the door 20 based on the signal information received from the sensor assembly 310 . Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 6, when signal information is received as in the first case (C1), when signal information is received as in the second case (C2), and when signal information is received as in the third case (C3), Whether or not the door 20 is opened will be described by dividing the received case.

In the case of the first case C1, the signal generated by the sensor assembly 310 may be received in the order of the first signal P1, the second signal P2, and the third signal P3. After the first signal P1 is received, the first time interval G1 may be formed until the second signal P2 is received, and after the second signal P2 is received, the third signal P3 A second time interval (G2) may be formed until is received.

In the case of the second case C2, the signal generated by the sensor assembly 310 may be received in the order of the first signal P1', the second signal P2', and the third signal P3'. . A first time interval G1' may be formed until the second signal P2' is received after the first signal P1' is received, and after the second signal P2' is received, the third A second time interval G2' may be formed until the signal P3' is received.

In the case of the third case C3, the signal generated by the sensor assembly 310 may be received in the order of the first signal P1'' and the second signal P2''. In the case of the third case C3, the third sensor 313 may not detect the presence of an object, and unlike the first case C1, the third signal P3 may not be generated.

The controller 330 can open the door 20 only when recognizing the first pattern A received in the order of the first signal P1, the second signal P2, and the third signal P3. have. For example, in the case of the first case C1 and the second case C2, the first signal P1, the second signal P2, and the third signal P3 are received in the order mentioned, and the first pattern Since (A) is formed, the door 20 may be opened. However, in the case of the third case C3, the third signal P3 is not received, so that the first pattern A cannot be formed and the door 20 may remain closed.

The controller 330, if the first pattern (A) received in the order of the first signal (P1), the second signal (P2), and the third signal (P3) is not recognized within the first recognition time (T1), The door 20 may remain closed. For example, in the case of the first case (C1), the first signal (P1), the second signal (P2), and the third signal (P3) in the order mentioned in the first recognition time (T1) in the first pattern Although the door 20 may be opened by forming (A), in the case of the second case (C2), the elapsed time for the formation of the first pattern (A) exceeds the first recognition time (T1) and the door ( 20) can remain closed.

The first recognition time T1 may mean a time taken from the start point L1 just before the first signal P1 is received to the end point L2 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The controller 330, the first signal (P1), the second signal (P2), the third signal (P3) between each other time interval (G1, G2, G1', G2') is out of a predetermined allowable range, The door 20 may remain closed. For example, in the case of the first case C1, both the first time interval G1 and the second time interval G2 are formed within the set allowable range to open the door 20, but in the second case In the case of (C2), the door 20 may be maintained in a closed state because the second time interval G2' is out of the set allowable range.

The controller 330 includes a first pattern A in which signals are sequentially detected from the first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 , the third sensor 313 , and the second When the sensor 312 and the first sensor 311 sequentially recognize the second pattern B in which signals are detected in sequence, the door 20 may be opened.

The first pattern A may be formed when signals are detected in the order mentioned by the first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 . The second pattern B may be formed when signals are detected in the order mentioned by the third sensor 313 , the second sensor 312 , and the first sensor 311 .

The door 20 is opened when signals are detected in the order mentioned by the first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , the third sensor 313 , the second sensor 312 , and the first sensor 311 . can be opened At this time, the position of the object detected by the sensor assembly 310 is moved from the first sensor 311 toward the third sensor 313 to form a first pattern A, and from the third sensor 313 The second pattern B may be formed by moving toward the first sensor 311 .

The first pattern A can be formed when the first signal P1 is recognized, the second signal P2 is recognized next, and the third signal P3 is then recognized. After the first signal P1 is recognized until the second signal P2 is recognized, the first elapsed time G1 may take, and after the second signal P2 is recognized, the third signal P3 is It may take a second elapsed time G2 until it is recognized. The first pattern (A) may take as much time as the first recognition time (T1).

The second pattern B can be formed when the first pattern A is recognized, the second signal P2 is recognized next, and the first signal P1 is then recognized. After the first pattern A is recognized until the second signal P2 is recognized, a third elapsed time G3 may take, and after the second signal P2 is recognized, the first signal P1 is It may take a fourth elapsed time G4 until it is recognized. The second pattern (B) may take as much time as the second recognition time (T2).

The first pattern A and the second pattern B may be sequentially recognized by the controller 330 to form an open pattern. When the opening pattern is recognized by the controller 330 , the controller 330 may open the door 20 . The controller 330 may open the door 20 only when the first pattern A and the second pattern B are recognized within the recognition time LT1 . When the first pattern A and the second pattern B are recognized beyond the recognition time LT1 , the controller 330 may maintain the door 20 in a closed state. The recognition time LT1 may be the sum of the first recognition time T1 and the second recognition time T2.

The controller 330, when at least one of the first elapsed time (G1), the second elapsed time (G2), the third elapsed time (G3), and the fourth elapsed time (G4) is out of a predetermined allowable range, The door 20 may remain closed.

The first lamp 321 may be turned on when the first signal P1 is recognized by the controller 330 , and the second lamp 322 may be turned on when the second signal P2 is recognized by the controller 330 . and the third lamp 323 may be turned on when the third signal P3 is recognized by the controller 330 . Accordingly, the user can recognize whether the first pattern (A) and the second pattern (B) are recognized by the controller 330 through the lamp assembly 320 .

The controller 330 opens the door 20 when the second pattern B is recognized after the first pattern A is recognized, and the first pattern A after the second pattern B is recognized When recognized, the door 20 may be closed.

Hereinafter, a locking mode according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 . FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually explaining the locking mode pattern recognition of the opening/closing module 300 , and FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining the pattern of the locking mode of the door 20 of the opening/closing module 300 . However, the signal detection sequence of the

sensors

311 , 312 , 313 in the door 20 locking mode described below is an example, and the signal detection sequence of the

sensors

311 , 312 , 313 for locking the door 20 . may be modified in various forms according to the user's selection.

After the first pattern (A) and the second pattern (B) are sequentially recognized, the controller 330 further recognizes the second signal (P2) and the third signal (P3) in sequence, the door 20 can be switched to locking mode. The controller 330 may switch the door 20 to the locking mode when the first pattern (A), the second pattern (B), and the third pattern (C) are sequentially recognized in the mentioned order.

The third pattern C may be formed when signals are detected in the order mentioned by the first sensor 311 , the second sensor 312 , and the third sensor 313 .

The locking mode may mean a state in which the door 20 is maintained in a closed state. When the door 20 is switched to the locking mode, the door 20 may not be opened even if the opening pattern is recognized by sequentially inputting the first pattern (A) and the second pattern (B).

After the door 20 is switched to the locking mode, the controller 330, when the third pattern (C), the second pattern (B), and the first pattern (A) are sequentially recognized in the order mentioned, the locking mode can be turned off. After the locking mode is released, the door 20 may be opened by recognizing the opening pattern by sequentially inputting the first pattern (A) and the second pattern (B).

As for the third pattern (C), the first pattern (A) and the second pattern (B) are recognized in sequence, the second signal (P2) is recognized next, and the third signal (P3) is recognized next can be formed. After the second pattern B is recognized, a fifth elapsed time G5 may take until the second signal P2 is recognized, and after the second signal P2 is recognized, the third signal P3 is It may take a sixth elapsed time G6 until it is recognized. The third pattern (C) may take as much time as the third recognition time (T3).

The first pattern A, the second pattern B, and the third pattern C may be sequentially recognized by the controller 330 to form a locking mode pattern. When the locking mode pattern is recognized by the controller 330 , the controller 330 may switch the door 20 to the locking mode. The controller 330 may switch the door 20 to the locking mode only when the first pattern A, the second pattern B, and the third pattern C are recognized within the time limit LT2. . When the first pattern (A), the second pattern (B), and the third pattern (C) are recognized exceeding the time limit LT2, the controller 330 may not switch the door 20 to the locking mode. have. The time limit LT2 may be the sum of the first recognition time T1, the second recognition time T2, and the third recognition time T3.

The controller 330, the first elapsed time (G1), the second elapsed time (G2), the third elapsed time (G3), the fourth elapsed time (G4), the fifth elapsed time (G5), and the sixth elapsed time When at least one of (G6) is out of a predetermined allowable range, the door 20 may not be switched to the locking mode.

The first lamp 321 may be turned on when the first signal P1 is recognized by the controller 330 , and the second lamp 322 may be turned on when the second signal P2 is recognized by the controller 330 . and the third lamp 323 may be turned on when the third signal P3 is recognized by the controller 330 . Accordingly, the user can recognize through the lamp assembly 320 whether the first pattern (A), the second pattern (B), and the third pattern (C) are recognized by the controller 330 .

Hereinafter, an operation of opening and closing the door 20 by the opening/closing module 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . 10 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a mechanism for opening the door 20 by the opening/closing module 300 .

The controller 330 may recognize a motion of an object at a position spaced apart from the door 20 through the sensor assembly 310 .

The controller 330 may send an electrical signal to the driving unit 340 when the first pattern A and the second pattern B are sequentially recognized and an open pattern is formed.

The driving unit 340 may be electrically connected to the controller 330 and may open and close the door 20 .

The driving unit 340 may include a motor 341 providing a driving force to the door 20 , and a driving arm 342 connecting the motor 341 and the door 20 .

When the opening pattern is formed, the controller 330 may transmit an electrical signal to the motor 341 , and the motor 341 pushes the driving arm 342 connected to the door 20 forward to open the door 20 . can be opened

The motor 341 and the driving arm 342 may be disposed inside the door 20 and may be mechanically connected to the door 20 . The driving arm 342 may push the door 20 away from the cabinet 10 by driving the motor 341 .

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Claims

cabinets that form an outline;

a washing tank disposed inside the cabinet and having an opening into which a washing object is inserted;

a door that opens and closes the opening and is movably connected to the cabinet;

a plurality of sensors disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the door and configured to detect a motion of an object at a position spaced apart from the door;

a controller for determining whether to open or close the door based on the sequence of signals detected by each of the plurality of sensors; and

and a driving unit electrically connected to the controller and configured to open and close the door.
The method of claim 1,

The door is

a main body corresponding to the opening;

an upper body disposed on the upper side of the main body; and

Including a lower body disposed below the main body,

The plurality of sensors,

A dishwasher disposed on the upper body.
The method of claim 1,

The plurality of sensors,

Dishwasher disposed to be spaced apart from each other laterally at the same height.
The method of claim 1,

The plurality of sensors,

a first sensor disposed adjacent to an edge of the door;

a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor; and

and a third sensor disposed farther from the first sensor than the second sensor,

The door is

a first pattern in which signals are sequentially detected by the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor;

A dishwasher that is opened when a second pattern in which signals are detected in sequence is sequentially recognized by the third sensor, the second sensor, and the first sensor.
5. The method of claim 4,

The door is

If the first pattern and the second pattern are not recognized within the recognition time, the dishwasher maintains a closed state.
5. The method of claim 4,

The door is

When a time interval between the signal detected by the first sensor, the signal detected by the second sensor, and the signal detected by the third sensor is out of an allowable range, the dishwasher maintains a closed state.
5. The method of claim 4,

a first lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the first sensor;

a second lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the second sensor; and

and a third lamp that is turned on when a signal is detected by the third sensor.
5. The method of claim 4,

The door is

When the first pattern and the second pattern are recognized in order, it is opened,

The dishwasher is closed when the second pattern and the first pattern are recognized in order.
5. The method of claim 4,

The door is

After the first pattern and the second pattern are sequentially recognized, when a third pattern in which signals are sequentially detected by the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor is recognized, the door is closed A dishwasher that switches to a locking mode that maintains the state.
10. The method of claim 9,

The door is

When the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern are sequentially recognized within a time limit, the dishwasher is switched to the locking mode.