DISHWASHER

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dish washer, and more particularly, to a dish washer which, by configuring a handle part provided in a concavely recessed shape toward the inside of a door to be automatically opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing the door, by disposing a cover part as a means for opening and closing the handle part, is capable of preventing the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust in the handle part to maintain a clean state.

[Background Art]

[0002] A dish washer is a device which sprays washing water such as water to a wash target such as tableware, cooking utensils and the like accommodated therein to wash the wash target. At this time, the washing water used for washing the wash target may contain a detergent.

[0003] Ordinarily, the dish washer is constructed by including a washing bath forming a washing space therein, a storage part accommodating the wash target in the washing bath, a spray arm spraying the washing water to the storage part, and a sump storing an amount of water therein and supplying the washing water to the spray arm.

[0004] By using this dish washer, the time and effort required to wash tableware and other wash target after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0005] Typically, the dish washer is configured to perform a washing process of washing the wash target, a rinsing process of proceeding with the rinsing for the wash target, and a drying process of drying the wash target that has been washed and rinsed.

[0006] In order to store the tableware inside the dish washer before these processes start, and to take out the washed and dried tableware after these processes have been completed, a user needs to proceed with the process of opening and closing a door.

[0007] As a means of facilitating the opening and closing of this door, it is usually provided with a handle which the user can grip.

[0008] In this regard, U.S. Patent No. 9,161,675 (Related Document 001) discloses a dish washer having a recessed handle provided on the door to be gripped when opening and closing the door.

[0009] The handle of the dish washer disclosed in Related Document 001 is provided in the form of a grip groove configured to be recessed from the front surface of the door toward the rear side to a predetermined depth.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

[0010] Since the handle disclosed in Related Document 001 is provided, as described above, in a form in which a portion of the front surface of the door is recesses toward the inside of the door without a separate cover or the like provided thereat, it remains exposed to the outside at all times.

[0011] Therefore, the structure of the handle disclosed in Related Document 001 is susceptible to the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust in the recessed part for the gripping, and thus requires frequent cleaning, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0012] In addition, since the handle disclosed in Related Document 001 has a shape in which a portion of the front surface of the door is concavely recessed, and the light source is provided to irradiate visible light toward the recessed handle, there is a problem in that foreign substances accumulated in the handle may be more noticeable by the light source, which may act as a factor that harms the aesthetic feeling of the user.

[0013] The present invention has been devised to address these problems of the related art, and the first purpose of the present invention is to provide a dish washer which, by configuring a handle part provided in a concavely recessed shape toward the inside of a door to be automatically opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing the door, by disposing a cover part as a means for opening and closing the handle part, is capable of preventing the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust in the handle part to maintain a clean state and significantly improve user convenience.

[0014] In addition, the second purpose of the present invention is to provide a dish washer configured to cause the cover part to close the handle part in a situation where use of the handle part is unnecessary, and configured to create a sense of unity between the front end surface of the cover part and the front surface of the door, thereby improving the aesthetic feeling of the outer appearance of the dish washer.

[0015] In addition, the third purpose of the present invention is to provide a dish washer in which a light source module is disposed inside the handle part and the front surface of the cover part acts as a reflective surface of visible light irradiated from the light source module, thereby allowing the user to immediately and visually recognize the operational status of the cover part to improve convenience for the user and enhance the aesthetic feeling for the user.

[0016] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[Technical Solution]

[0017] A dish washer according to the present invention is characterized by including a tub configured to accommodate tableware and forming a washing space with an open front surface; a door configured to rotate to open and close the open front surface of the tub; a handle part provided with a gripping groove part formed concavely from an opening formed in the front surface of the door toward the inside of the door so that it can be gripped by a user when the user opens and closes the door; a cover part configured to rotate inside the gripping groove part to open and close the opening of the door; and a light source module disposed inside the gripping groove part and configured to irradiate visible light toward the internal space of the gripping groove part.

[0018] In addition, the gripping groove part may include a horizontal groove extending from the opening of the door rearwardly in a horizontal direction; and a vertical groove extending from the upper end of the horizontal groove upwardly in a vertical direction and disposed further rearward than the opening, and the light source module may be disposed further forward than the vertical groove.

[0019] In addition, the light source module may be disposed between the opening of the door and the vertical groove.

[0020] In addition, the light source module may be disposed at the upper end surface of the horizontal groove formed between the opening and the vertical groove.

[0021] In addition, the lower end of the light source module may be embedded in the upper end surface of the horizontal groove so that no part protrudes from the upper end surface of the horizontal groove.

[0022] In addition, there may be no step formed between the lower end of the light source module and the upper end surface of the horizontal groove.

[0023] In addition, the light source module may extend linearly along the extension direction of the opening of the door.

[0024] In addition, the left and right direction width of the light source module may be greater than the left and right direction width of the vertical groove.

[0025] In addition, the left and right direction width of the light source module may be smaller than the left and right direction width of the opening.

[0026] In addition, the left and right direction width of the light source module may be smaller than the left and right direction width of the cover part.

[0027] The dish washer may further include a cover drive part configured to rotate the cover part between a forwardmost position where the cover part is rotated toward the front up to the maximum, and a rearwardmost position where the cover part is rotated toward the rear up to the maximum.

[0028] In addition, the light source module may be turned on before the cover drive part moves the cover part from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

[0029] In addition, the light source module may be turned on at the same time when the cover drive part moves the cover part from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

[0030] In addition, in a state where the cover part is moved to the rearwardmost position by the cover drive part, a portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module may be reflected by the cover part toward the outside of the door.

[0031] In addition, the remaining portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module may be reflected toward the inside of the gripping groove part by the cover part.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0032] The dish washer according to the present invention has the effect of preventing the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust in the handle part to maintain a clean state and significantly improve user convenience, by configuring a handle part to be automatically opened only when necessary, such as when opening and closing the door.

[0033] In addition, the dish washer according to the present invention has the effect of improving the aesthetic feeling of the outer appearance of the dish washer by being configured to create a sense of unity between the front end surface of the cover part and the front surface of the door.

[0034] In addition, the dish washer according to the present invention is configured so that the cover part is moved rearward and retracted toward the inside of the door when the handle part is opened, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the cover part that would occur when the cover part protrudes toward the outside of the door.

[0035] In addition, the dish washer according to the present invention has the effect of improving convenience for the user and enhance the aesthetic feeling for the user by the front surface of the cover part acting as a reflective surface of visible light irradiated from the light source module, thereby allowing the user to immediately and visually recognize the operational status of the cover part.

[0036] Specific effects of the present invention, including the effects described above, will be described below together with specific matters for practicing the invention.

[Description of Drawings]

[0037] 

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dish washer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dish washer illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover part of a dish washer according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotated forward to the forwardmost position.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which the cover part illustrated in FIG. 3 is moved rearward to the rearmost position.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of a vertical cross-section of the door illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cover part and the cover drive part illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cover part and the cover drive part illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram explaining a configuration for distinguishing between and recognizing a user and a pet through a proximity sensor disposed on the upper end surface of the door to determine the user's intention to open the door.

FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of a vertical cross-section of the door illustrated in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the cover part begins to be moved from the forwardmost position to the rearmost position.

FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of a vertical cross-section of the door illustrated in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the cover part has been moved to the rearwardmost position.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the door shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 when viewed from below.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the light source module illustrated in FIG. 13.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the light source module is turned on while the door is moved to the rearwardmost position and visible light irradiated from the light source module is reflected by the cover part.

[Best Mode]

[0038] The above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to denote like or similar components.

[0039] Although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless otherwise specifically stated, it is to be understood that a first component may of course be a second component.

[0040] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0041] Hereinafter, the phrase "any element is disposed on (or below) a component" or "above (or under) a component" may mean not only that the element is disposed in contact with the top surface (or bottom surface) of the component, but also that another element may be interposed between the component and the element disposed on (or below) the component.

[0042] Additionally, if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to another component, the components may be directly connected or contacted to one another, but it is to be understood that another element may be "interposed" between the components, or that the components may be "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to each other through another element.

[0043] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0044] Additionally, singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0045] Throughout the specification, in the case of using the phrase "A and/or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated, and in the case of using the phrase "between C and D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Overall structure of dish washer]

[0047] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dish washer (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dish washer according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dish washer according to the present invention.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dish washer (1) according to the present invention includes a case (10) forming an outer appearance; a tub (20) installed inside the case (10), forming a washing space (21) in which a wash target is washed, and having an open front surface; a door (30) opening and closing the open front surface of the tub (20); a drive part (40) which is located at the bottom of the tub (20), supplies, collects, circulates, and drains washing water for washing the wash target; a storage part (50) which is detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) and in which the wash target is placed; and a spray part which is installed adjacent to the storage part (50) and sprays washing water for washing the wash target.

[0050] In this regard, the wash target placed in the storage part (50) may be, for example, tableware such as bowls, dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the like, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated below, the wash target will be referred to as tableware.

[0051] The tub (20) may be formed in a box shape with the front surface entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing bath.

[0052] The washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front surface can be opened and closed by the door (30).

[0053] The tub (20) may be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel series.

[0054] In addition, on the inner surface of the tub (20), there may be disposed a number of brackets for helping functional components such as the storage part (50), the spray part and the like to be described later to be supported and installed within the tub (20).

[0055] Meanwhile, the drive part (40) may be constructed by including a sump (41) for storing the washing water, a sump cover (42) separating the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply part (43) supplying the washing water from the outside to the sump (41), a drain part (44) discharging the washing water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply flow path (46) which supply the washing water from the sump (41) to the spray part. The sump cover (42) is disposed on the upper side of the sump (41), and can serve to separate the tub (20) from the sump (41).

[0056] In addition, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray part into the sump (41).

[0057] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray part toward the tableware may fall to the bottom of the washing space (21), and may be returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

[0058] The washing pump (45) is provided at one side of the sump (41), and serves to pressurize the washing water to supply it to the spray part.

[0059] The washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) at its one end, and may be connected to the supply flow path (46) at its other end. The washing pump (45) may include an impeller (451) and a motor (453). When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) can be pressurized and then supplied to the spray part through the supply flow path (46).

[0060] Although not shown, the washing pump (45) may be provided with a washing water heater for heating the washing water supplied during a washing cycle or a heating and rinsing cycle.

[0061] Meanwhile, the supply flow path (46) can play a role to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray part.

[0062] For example, the supply flow path (46) may include a first supply flow path (461) connected to the lower spray arm (61), a second supply flow path (463) connected to the upper spray arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply flow path (46) may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply flow paths (461, 463).

[0063] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve (465) may be controlled so that each of the supply flow paths (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0064] Meanwhile, the spray part is provided to spray washing water on tableware and the like stored in the storage part (50).

[0065] More specifically, the spray part may include a lower spray arm (61) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying the washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) located between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying the washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) located at the top of the tub (20) and spraying the washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0066] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so that they can spray the washing water toward the tableware in the storage part (50) while rotating.

[0067] The lower spray arm (61) may be rotatably supported at the upper side of the sump cover (42) so that it can spray the washing water toward the lower rack (51) from the lower side of the lower rack (51) while rotating.

[0068] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder (467) so that it can spray the washing water between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) while rotating.

[0069] Meanwhile, although not shown, a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) in an up direction (U-direction) may be further provided at the bottm surface (25) of the tub (20) to increase the washing efficiency.

[0070] Since the detailed configuration of the spray part can be embodied by applying a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the spray part is omitted below.

[0071] Meanwhile, the storage part (50) for storing the tableware may be provided in the washing space (21).

[0072] The storage part (50) is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front surface of the tub (20).

[0073] For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment which provides the storage part including the lower rack (51) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large tableware, the upper rack (52) located at the upper side of the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized tableware, and the top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small tableware and the like. The present invention will be described based on an embodiment of the dish washer (1) provided with three storage parts (50) as illustrated, but not limited thereto.

[0074] These lower rack (51), upper rack (52) and top rack (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front surface of the tub (20).

[0075] To this end, on opposite side walls forming the inner surface of the tub (20), there may be guide rails (not shown), and for example, the guide rails (54) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, a top rail, and the like.

[0076] Wheels may be provided on the bottom of each of these lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). By pulling these lower rack (51), upper rack (52) and top rack (53) out through the front surface of the tub (20), the user can easily store tableware in them, or take out washed tableware from them.

[0077] The guide rail (54) may be provided with a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part (50) or with a telescopic guide rail guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part (50) and being capable of increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage part (50).

[0078] Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front surface of the above-described tub (20).

[0079] A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing the door (30) is provided on the lower side of the front surface that is normally open, and the door (30) can be opened by rotating forward about the hinge part as a rotation shaft.

[0080] Here, the front panel (30a) forming the outer surface of the door (30) may be provided with a handle part (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the operation of the dish washer (1).

[0081] As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be provided with a display (33) visually displaying information about the current operating status of the dish washer (1) and the like, and a button part (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's course selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dish washer on and off.

[0082] Meanwhile, a rear panel (30b) forming the inner surface of the door (30) can form one surface of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed while, at the same time, forming a seating surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage part (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0083] To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable for the rear panel (30b) of the door (30) to form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail (54) along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0084] Meanwhile, the handle part (31) of the dish washer (1) according to the present invention may be a recessed handle formed concavely toward the inside of the door (30) similar to a conventional one.

[0085] In this regard, as described later, a cover part (35) may be further provided on the door (30) as a means for opening and closing an opening part (30e) of the front panel (30a) that defines the entrance of the recessed handle part (31).

[0086] The detailed configuration of the handle part (31) and the cover part (35) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0087] Although not shown, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the tub (20) may be disposed at the rear panel (30b) forming the rear surface of the door (30).

[0088] Meanwhile, at the bottom of the tub (20), there may be provided a drying air supply part (80) for generating and supplying high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space inside the tub (20).

[0089] As illustrated, the drying air supply part (80) may be constructed by including a filter member (883) that filters outside air, a wind blowing fan (825) that generates a drying airflow, a heater (84) that heats the drying airflow, and an airflow guide (83) that is disposed at the inside of the tub (20) and guides the drying air flow.

[0090] In the lower surface of the tub (20), there may be provided a drying air supply hole to introduce high-temperature drying air generated from the drying air supply part (80) into the tub (20).

[0091] By supplying the high temperature drying air or the low temperature drying air through the drying air supply part (80) into the interior of the tub (20) during the drying process (S5), the drying efficiency and sterilization effect on tableware can be significantly improved compared to the conventional ones.

[0092] Meanwhile, the dish washer may be configured to discharge, to the outside, the airflow that has been supplied to the inside of the tub (20) and humidified while drying the tableware, and the discharge of the airflow may be accomplished through partial opening of the door (30) or through a separate exhaust means not shown.

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

[0093] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 15, the configuration of the handle part (31), the cover part (35), and a cover drive part (36) provided on the door (30) of the dish washer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0094] As described above, the inside of the door (30) of the dish washer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with the handle part (31) configured to be held by the user when opening and closing the door (30).

[0095] Similarly to the conventional one, the handle part (31) may be a recessed handle formed concavely toward the inside of the door (30) from the front panel (30a) forming the front surface of the door (30).

[0096] In order to implement this recessed handle, a gripping groove part (311) having an L-shaped cross-section may be provided on the rear of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) to facilitate the user's grip.

[0097] For example, the gripping groove part (311) may be a hollow part having an L shape formed inside a handle frame (30d).

[0098] In this regard, as described later, considering the L shape, the gripping groove part (311) may be constructed by including a horizontal groove (3111) extending rearwardly from the opening (30e) of the door (30) in a horizontal direction, and a vertical groove (3112) extending upwardly in a vertical direction from the upper end of the horizontal groove (3111) and disposed further rearward than the opening (30e) of the door (30).

[0099] The front end surface of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311) is open so that the user's hand can easily enter the gripping groove part (311) constituting the handle part (31).

[0100] At a position in the front panel (30a), which corresponds to the open front end surface of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311), there may be formed an opening (30e) extending long along a left and right direction of the door (30).

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gripping groove part (311) and the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) may be disposed at a position close to the upper end surface of the door (30) where the display (33) and button part (34) are disposed so that they can be easily gripped by the user in a standing-up state.

[0102] In more detail, considering the opening and closing movement of the door (30) that rotates around the lower end and considering the aesthetic feeling of the user, it is preferable that the opening (30e) and the cover part (35) that opens and closes the opening (30e) be disposed as close as possible to the upper end surface of the door (30).

[0103] That is, as shown in Fig. 3, the opening (30e) may be disposed on the front panel (30a) to form a predetermined up and down direction distance (D1) from the upper end surface of the door (30).

[0104] Additionally, a predetermined left and right direction distance (D2) can be formed between the opening (30e) and the right side surface or the left side surface of the door (30).

[0105] In this regard, as shown in Fig. 3, it is preferable that the up and down direction distance (D1) between the opening (30e) and the upper end surface of the door (30) be formed greater than the left and right direction distance (D2) between the opening and the right side surface or the left side surface of the door (30).

[0106] By setting the up and down direction distance (D1) greater than the left and right direction distance (D2) in this way, a certain amount of free space can be secured between the opening (30e) and the upper end surface of the door (30), so that the user's accessibility and convenience of operation for the button part (34) disposed on the upper end surface of the door (30) can be improved somewhat.

[0107] In addition, the dish washer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the cover part (35) as a means for opening and closing the open front end surface of the gripping groove part (311) and the opening part (30e) of the front panel (30a).

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover part (35) plays a role to close the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) and the front end surface of the gripping groove part (311) in a situation where opening of the door (30) is not required, and to open the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) and the front end surface of the gripping groove part (311) in a situation where opening of the door (30) is required.

[0109] To this end, the cover part (35) may be disposed to automatically move back and forth between a position where it is moved most forward and a position where it is moved most rearward according to the operation of the cover drive part (36) to be described later.

[0110] For convenience, in the following description, the position where the cover part (35) is moved most forward is defined as the forwardmost position, and the position where the cover part (35) is moved most rearward is defined as the rearwardmost position.

[0111] Accordingly, the accumulation of external foreign substances such as dust inside the gripping groove part (311) constituting the handle part (31) of the dish washer (1) according to the present invention can be minimized, and the contamination of the gripping groove part (311) can be minimized.

[0112] In order for the user's grip to be easily implemented, the cover part (35) may be implemented as a retractable type in which it is disposed inside the gripping groove part (311), i.e., inside the horizontal groove (3111), to be rotatable around its lower end.

[0113] As the cover part (35) is provided in an internally retractable type in this way, the cover part (35) has no portion that protrudes forward from the door (30), and the possibility of injury to the user or damage to the cover part (35) that would occur if the cover part (35) is provided in a protruding type can be significantly reduced.

[0114] The cover part (35) may be rotatably supported by a rack gear part (361) connected to the rear surface of the cover part (35) so as not to interfere with the user's grip on the L-shaped gripping groove part (311) during the retracting process, while being disposed in the retractable type in which it is rotatably disposed only within the gripping groove part (311).

[0115] Accordingly, as described later, when the user's intention to open the door (30) is confirmed at a time when the door (30) needs to be opened and closed, and the cover drive part (36) is started to operate, similar to the door (30), the cover part (35) rotates backwards around the lower end from the forwardmost position shown in FIG. 6 to the rearwardmost position, thereby opening the gripping groove part (311).

[0116] At this time, the backward rotation of the cover part (35) can proceed to the front end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the front end of the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) that define the rotation range of the rack gear part (361).

[0117] Accordingly, the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) can become the front limit that defines the forwardmost position of the cover part (35), and the front end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the front end of the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) can become the rear limit that define the rearwardmost position of the cover part (35).

[0118] At this time, when the cover part (35) is moved to the rear limit as described later, the inclination angle of the cover part (35) with respect to the horizontal direction may be approximately 45 degrees. Accordingly, the rotation angle range of the cover part (35) can be defined as 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0119] FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate detailed configurations of the cover part (35) and the cover drive part (36).

[0120] First, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the cover part (35) may be, by way of example, constructed by including a first cover body (351) having an outer appearance corresponding to the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a), and a second cover body (352) attached to the rear surface of the first cover body (351).

[0121] The first cover body (351) serves to form the overall outer appearance of the cover part (35).

[0122] In accordance with the shape of the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a), the first cover body (351) may be provided in a plate shape whose left and right direction width is greater than the up and down direction width.

[0123] The second cover body (352) is attached to the rear surface of the first cover body (351) to reinforce the overall rigidity of the cover part (35), and serves to rotatably support the first cover body (351).

[0124] Meanwhile, one end of the rack gear part (361) constituting the cover drive part (36) to be described later may be connected to the rear surface of the second cover body (352).

[0125] Accordingly, the rack gear part (361) moves according to the forward rotation or backward rotation of the cover part (35) together with it as one piece.

[0126] Meanwhile, although not shown, the cover part (35) may further include a decorative panel attached to the front surface of the first cover body (351).

[0127] The decorative panel is attached to the front surface of the first cover body (351), and serves to form the front end surface of the cover part (35).

[0128] In this regard, the decorative panel may be formed with a material having the same texture as the front panel (30a) of the door (30).

[0129] Through this, a sense of unity can be formed between the decorative panel and the front panel (30a) of the door (30), the aesthetic sensibility to the outer appearance of the door (30) can be improved, and the aesthetic feeling of the user can be improved.

[0130] In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the forwardmost position, the decorative panel may be in a state parallel to the front panel (30a) so as to form a continuous surface with the front panel (30a) of the door (30).

[0131] That is, it may be configured so that no step is formed between the front panel (30a) of the door (30) and the front end surface of the cover part (35).

[0132] Through this, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the forwardmost position, the opening (30e) of the front panel (30a) is completely blocked, and since no step is formed between the front panel (30a) and the decorative panel, the phenomenon of foreign substances such as dust accumulating in the convex part of the door (30) or on the handle itself, as in the conventional one, can be fundamentally prevented.

[0133] However, in the case where the first cover body (351) forms the front end surface of the cover part (35) without adding a decorative panel as in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the first cover body (351) may be treated to have a material having the same texture as the front panel (30a) of the door (30), and the first cover body (351) may be disposed to be parallel to the front panel (30a) of the door (30) to form a continuous surface.

[0134] Meanwhile, the cover drive part (36) serves to reciprocate the cover part (35) between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 5, considering the shape of the cover part (35) that extends long in a left and right direction, a pair of cover drive parts (36) may be disposed in a separated state on the left end side and the right end side of the cover part (35), for example.

[0136] That is, a pair of cover drive parts (36) may be disposed in a spaced and separated state along a left and right direction so that a drive force for reciprocating the cover part (35) can be transmitted to the left and right ends of the cover part (35) which is disposed in a state of being accommodated inside the gripping groove part (311) of the handle frame (30d), respectively.

[0137] In this way, as a pair of cover drive parts (36) are disposed in a separated state from each other along a left and right direction, the drive force generated from each cover drive part (36) can be transmitted to the cover part (35).

[0138] Accordingly, the drive load applied to the individual cover drive part (36) is distributed, enabling miniaturization of the individual cover drive part (36), which can have the effect of reducing manufacturing costs.

[0139] However, this is only an example, and unlike this, it is also possible to configure the cover part (35) to be driven by only a single cover drive part. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an embodiment in which a pair of cover drive parts (36) are provided.

[0140] As shown, the cover drive part (36) on the left side and the cover drive part (36) on the right side have symmetrical shapes and can be installed and fixed to the handle frame (30d) through their housings (366) in a state where they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the cover part (35).

[0141] Therefore, the cover drive parts (36) can be configured identically to each other except that they have a symmetrical shape and are arranged symmetrically.

[0142] Therefore, the following description will be based on the cover drive part (36) disposed on the left side, and unless otherwise stated, the following contents may be equally applied to the cover drive part (36) disposed on the right.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover drive part (36) that generates a drive force to reciprocate the cover part (35) may be constructed by including a drive motor (363) that receives power and generates a rotational drive force, a drive gear (362) that is rotated by the rotational drive force of the drive motor (363), a rack gear part (361) which is connected to the cover part (35) at its one end to rotate together with the cover part (35), and has a rack gear (3612) meshed with the drive gear (362), a rack holder (365) that prevents the rack gear part (361) from deviating from its course and guides the rotation direction and rotation range of the rack gear part (361), and a housing (366) accommodating the drive motor (363) and rack holder (365).

[0144] The drive motor (363) serves to be supplied with power to generate rotational drive force.

[0145] As described above, the cover part (35) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to repeatedly move back and forth between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position.

[0146] To easily implement such reciprocating movement, the drive motor (363) constituting the cover drive part (36) may be configured to generate bidirectional rotational drive forces.

[0147] Accordingly, there is no limitation to the type of the drive motor (363) applied to the cover drive part (36) according to one embodiment of the present invention as long as it is a motor capable of generating bidirectional rotational drive forces.

[0148] Hereinafter, among the bidirectional rotational drive forces, the drive in the direction in which the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) rotates to move the cover part (35) backward toward the rearwardmost position is referred to as forward rotational drive or forward rotational drive force, and the drive in the direction in which the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) rotates to move the cover part (35) forward toward the forwardmost position is referred to as backward rotational drive or backward rotational drive force.

[0149] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the motor body (3631) of the drive motor (363) may be fixed to and supported by the first bracket (3641) of the motor bracket (364) installed in the housing (366), and the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) may pass through the second bracket (3642) of the motor bracket (364) to be connected to the drive gear (362).

[0150] As illustrated, in the first bracket (3641) of the motor bracket (364), there may be formed a plurality of bolt holes (3641b) penetrating through it for fastening it to the housing (366).

[0151] In addition, in the second bracket (3642) of the motor bracket (364), there may be formed a coupling hole (3642a) penetrating through it, through which the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) passes and into which the leading end of the drive motor (363) can be inserted and coupled, and there may be formed a plurality of bolt holes (3642b) penetrating it around the coupling hole (3642a) for fastening it to the drive motor (363).

[0152] In the leading end of the drive motor (363) where the output shaft (3632) is disposed, there may be provided bolt grooves (3631a) at corresponding positions to the bolt holes (3642b) of the second bracket (3642).

[0153] The output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) can be inserted into the shaft hole of the drive gear (362) and be forcibly coupled to the shaft hole.

[0154] Through this, the output shaft (3632) of the drive motor (363) can be rotated integrally with the drive gear (362).

[0155] Meanwhile, the rack gear part (361) serves to transmit the rotational drive force of the drive gear (362) to the cover part (35) to be described later while rotating together with the cover part (35).

[0156] In order to be able to rotate together with the cover part (35), one end of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear part (361) may be a fixed end integrally connected to the rear surface of the second cover body (352) of the cover part (35), and the other end thereof may be a free end.

[0157] In addition, in order to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the cover part (35) while minimizing the space occupied by the rack gear part (361), the rack body (3611) may be configured to have a cylindrical surface shape with a cross-section that is an arc shape.

[0158] In this regard, the rack body (3611) may be provided so that the center of curvature of the arc shape is formed at the lower end of the cover part (35). Through this, the entire rotation center of the cover part (35) can be formed at the lower end of the first cover body (351) or the lower end of the second cover body (352), and the formation of a gap between the lower end of the cover part (35) and the opening (30e) of the door (30) during the rotation of the cover part (35) can be minimized.

[0159] As shown, on the outer circumferential surface of the rack body (3611), there may be integrally provided a rack gear (3612).

[0160] As described above, the rack gear (3612) may be meshed with the drive gear (362).

[0161] Accordingly, a state can be formed in which the rack body (3611) rotates in conjunction with the drive gear (362) by the rack gear (3612) or is prevented from rotating in conjunction with the drive gear.

[0162] In this regard, as shown, the left and right direction width of the rack gear (3612) can be formed smaller than the left and right direction width of the rack body (3611). Accordingly, on the outer circumferential surface of the rack body (3611), a portion where the rack gear (3612) is not formed can be formed near each of the opposite side edges.

[0163] The outer circumferential surface portion of the rack body (3611) where the rack gear (3612) is not formed in this way can be inserted into the first guide groove (3651c) and the second guide groove (3652c) of the rack holder (365) to be described later, so that the rotation direction and rotation range of the rack gear part (361) can be guided.

[0164] Meanwhile, the rack holder (365) serves to prevent the rack gear part (361) from deviating from its course during the rotation process of the rack gear part (361) and to guide the rotation direction and rotation range of the rack gear part (361).

[0165] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rack holder (365) may be provided as a pair of split bodies formed by splitting along a front and rear direction with the rack gear part (361) as the center in order to increase the support effect for the relatively moving rack gear part (361) and to consider the convenience of assembly.

[0166] Hereinafter, among the pair of split bodies, the one positioned closer to the drive motor (363) will be referred to as the first holder (3651), and the one positioned further away from the drive motor (363) will be referred to as the second holder (3652).

[0167] As shown, the first holder (3651) may be constructed by including a first base (3651a) fixed to the housing (366) and disposed below the rack gear part (361), and a first guide part (3651b) extending upward from the first base (3651a) toward the rack gear part (361).

[0168] The first guide part (3651b) may be provided in a spire shape whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it advances in the upward direction, so that it can correspond to the cylindrical shape of the rack gear part (361) and prevent interference with the drive gear (362).

[0169] The second holder (3652) may be constructed by including a second base (3652a) fixed to the housing (366) and disposed below the rack gear part (361), and a second guide part (3652b) extending upward from the first base (3652a) toward the rack gear part (361).

[0170] The second guide part (3652b) may be provided in a spire shape whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it advances in the upward direction, so that it can correspond to the cylindrical shape of the rack gear part (361) and prevent interference with the drive gear (362).

[0171] In this regard, the first holder (3651) and the second holder (3652) can be coupled with each other so that the first guide part (3651b) and the second guide part (3652b) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to support the rack gear part (361) while sandwiching it between the first guide part (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide part (3652b) of the second holder (3652). The size of the predetermined interval may correspond to the left and right direction width of the rack gear (3612).

[0172] As described above, in the first guide part (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide part (3652b) of the second holder (3652), the first guide groove (3651c) and the second guide groove (3652c) may be concavely formed respectively, into which the outer circumferential surface portions of the rack body (3611) on which the rack gear (3612) is not formed are inserted to be coupled to them.

[0173] Accordingly, when the first holder (3651) and the second holder (3652) are coupled to the rack gear part (361), the outer circumferential surface portions of the rack body (3611) on which the rack gear (3612) is not formed are inserted into the first guide groove (3651c) of the first guide part (3651b) and the second guide groove (3652c) of the second guide part (3652b), so that the rack gear part (361) can be supported by the rack holder (365) with the rack gear (3612) exposed to the outside of the rack holder (365).

[0174] Through this, the rack gear part (361) can be supported in a state where it can move or rotate relative to the rack holder (365).

[0175] In order to support the rack gear part (361) while allowing it to be relatively movable in this way, the first guide groove (3651c) and the second guide groove (3652c) may be formed to have a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the rack body (3611) and may be formed to have a curvature equal to the curvature of the rack body (3611).

[0176] Meanwhile, the rack holder (365) may serve as a stopper which defines the rearwardmost position within the rotation range of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361).

[0177] In order to be able to define the rearwardmost position of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361), the lower end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the lower end of the second guide groove (3652c) may not be open but blocked.

[0178] Therefore, in order to open the gripping groove part (311), when the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) are moved to the rearwardmost position after the forward rotational movement of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) has been initiated, the free end of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear part (361) collides with the blocked lower end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the blocked lower end of the second guide groove (3652c), so that the forward rotational movement of the cover part (35) and the rack gear part (361) can be stopped.

[0179] Meanwhile, the upper end of the first guide groove (3651c) and the upper end of the second guide groove (3652c) may be opened so that the forward and backward rotational movements of the rack gear part (361) can proceed smoothly.

[0180] Meanwhile, a reinforcing rib (3652d) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the rack body (3611) may be integrally formed in at least one of the first guide part (3651b) of the first holder (3651) and the second guide part (3652b) of the second holder (3652).

[0181] The reinforcing rib (3652d) may be configured to make surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rack body (3611) so that it can serve to improve the coupling strength and support strength of the rack holder (365) for the rack gear part (361).

[0182] To this end, the reinforcing rib (3652d) may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a shape and a curvature which correspond to the inner circumferential surface of the rack body (3611) of the rack gear part (361).

[0183] FIG. 7 and below illustrate an embodiment in which the reinforcing rib (3652d) is provided on the front edge of the second guide part (3652b), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which a reinforcing rib (3652d) is provided on the front edge of the first guide part (3651b) is also considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[Means for sensing the intention to open the door]

[0184] Meanwhile, the dish washer (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further be provided with a means for sensing a user's intention to open the door (30).

[0185] For example, the dish washer (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a proximity sensor (S_p) as a means for sensing a user's intention to open the door (30).

[0186] The proximity sensor (S_p) may be a sensor that can sense whether a user is nearly within a specific sensing range from the door (30).

[0187] For example, the proximity sensor (S_p) may include any one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, or an infrared (IR) sensor.

[0188] However, the present invention is not limited to this, but can employ, without limitation, any means as long as it can confirm the proximity of a user. In the following, a description will be given based on an example in which a radar sensor is applied as a proximity sensor (S_p).

[0189] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in order to easily confirm whether a user is approaching the front region of the door (30) and to facilitate modularization with the existing display (33) or the like, a radar sensor as a proximity sensor (S_p) may be dispose at the control panel (32) in a position close to the display (33).

[0190] Further, in order to distinguish between users and non-users such as pets to recognize them, the radar sensor functioning as the proximity sensor (S_p) can be configured to be disposed on the control panel (32) at a position as close as possible to the center of the upper side surface of the door (30).

[0191] However, the dish washer (1) according to the present invention is not configured so that the cover part (35) moves immediately even when a user is recognized by the radar sensor to be within a predetermined sensing range from the door (30).

[0192] This is because there may be cases where a user simply passes by the dish washer (1) without the intention to open the door (30).

[0193] Therefore, a time condition may be additionally added to confirm the intention to open the door (30) through the proximity sensor (S_p) such as the radar sensor.

[0194] That is, if it is confirmed through the radar sensor that the user exists within a specific distance range from the door (30) and continues to stay within the specific distance range or sensing range for a specific time condition, it can be determined that the user has the intention to open the door (30).

[0195] Here, the specific distance range and the specific time condition may be set differently depending on the environment in which the dish washer (1) is placed, the physical condition of the user or the like.

[0196] In this way, when the specific distance range condition and the specific time condition are satisfied, the operation of the cover drive part (36) is initiated, so that the cover part (35) can be moved backward from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

[0197] FIG. 10 discloses a configuration for sensing a user's intention to open the door (30) using a single radar sensor as a proximity sensor (S_p).

[0198] As is known in the art, a radar sensor can perform the function of sensing the presence of a user or an object within a sensing region (as), the distance to the user or object, and the moving speed of the user or object by a sensing surface (S_p1) transmitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing reflected electromagnetic waves which have collided with the user or object.

[0199] As described above, the sensing region (as) of the radar sensor applied to the present invention may have an angular range of 100 degrees more or less in a front and rear direction and 100 degrees more or less in a left and right direction based on the sensing surface (S_p1).

[0200] In this regard, as described above, in order to easily confirm whether a user is approaching the front region of the door (30) and to distinguish between users and non-users such as pets to recognize them, the radar sensor functioning as the proximity sensor (S_p) may be configured to be disposed as close as possible to the center of the upper side surface of the front panel (30a) of the door (30) as the inside of the door (30).

[0201] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, since the radar sensor is disposed inside the door (30) close to the upper side surface of the front panel (30a) of the door (30), the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged to generally face the upper side of the door (30).

[0202] Furthermore, the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged in a tilted state at a predetermined angle toward the front of the door (30).

[0203] Therefore, the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor can be arranged to face the front upper side of the door (30).

[0204] As described above, by disposing the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor in a tilted state so as to face the front upper side of the door (30) rather than the front lower side of the door (30), the sensing region (as) of the radar sensor can be formed in a state where it is tilted toward the front upper side of the door (30).

[0205] By disposing the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor in a tilted state in a tilting holder (30f3) so that it faces the front upper side of the door (30), the radar sensor can be configured so that even when an object that cannot be expected to use the dish washer (1), such as a pet or a child with a stature smaller than that of the dish washer (1), approaches the front of the door (30), the radar sensor cannot sense it.

[0206] Accordingly, the cover part (35) is prevented from operating in vain by sensing pets or children, and thus power loss can be minimized.

[0207] Here, the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor with respect to the vertical direction may be, for example, 25 degrees or more and 35 degrees or less, and preferably 30 degrees or less.

[0208] However, the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor provided in the present invention with respect to the vertical direction can be adjusted according to the physical condition of the user who is expected to use the dish washer (1).

[0209] For example, when the tilting angle (at) of the sensing surface (S_p1) of the radar sensor with respect to the vertical direction is set to 30 degrees, the minimum vertical sensing height (H_min) of the radar sensor can be 100 cm or more and 110 cm or less, preferably 105 cm, and the maximum sensing distance (L_max) based on the horizontal direction can be 75 cm or more and 85 cm or less, preferably 80 cm.

[0210] That is, when the tilting angle (at) is set to 30 degrees, a user with a stature of 105 cm or more can be recognized as being in proximity if he or she comes within the sensing range of 80 cm from the radar sensor in the horizontal direction.

[0211] In contrast, for example, when the tilting angle (at) is set to 15 degrees, a user with a stature of 127 cm or more can be recognized as being in proximity if he or she comes within the range of 50 cm of the radar sensor in the horizontal direction.

[Detailed structure of light source module]

[0212] Meanwhile, the dish washer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a light source module (37) which functions as a lighting device that irradiates visible light toward the internal space of the gripping groove part (311).

[0213] To effectively illuminate the inside of the gripping groove part (311) and minimize the direct irradiation of the generated visible light to the outside of the door (30), the light source module (37) may be disposed at the handle frame (30d) forming the gripping groove part (311).

[0214] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) may be disposed on the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) formed between the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the vertical groove (3112) of the gripping groove part (311) in the horizontal direction.

[0215] Through this, the light source module (37) can be disposed between the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the vertical groove (3112) of the gripping groove part (311), and as shown in FIG. 12, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the rearwardmost position, the light source module (37) can be disposed between the upper end edge and the lower end edge of the cover part (35) in the horizontal direction.

[0216] Accordingly, as described later, some of the visible light generated from the light source module (37) is reflected by the front end surface of the cover part (35) to passe through the opening (30e) and illuminate the outside of the door (30), and the remaining portion thereof can be reflected toward the horizontal groove (3111) and the vertical groove (3112).

[0217] However, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) is disposed at the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311) which has a relatively narrow front and rear direction width compared to the front and rear direction width of the vertical groove (3112), so the light source module (37) may be provided in a rod shape in which the front and rear direction width and the up and down direction height are much smaller than the left and right direction width.

[0218] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the light source module (37) may be disposed so as to be embedded in the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311).

[0219] In this regard, the position where the light source module (37) is disposed may be in a place where it directly contacts the user's finger when the user grips.

[0220] In order to prevent injuries that may occur due to direct contact with the user's fingers and to improve the grip feeling when gripping, the lower end of the light source module (37) may be disposed in a completely buried state in the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311) so that no portion protrudes from the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111).

[0221] Through this, there can be formed a state where no step is formed between the lower end of the light source module (37) and the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311).

[0222] Meanwhile, the light source module (37) may be linearly extended long along the extension direction of the opening (30e) of the door (30).

[0223] However, in order to prevent interference with other parts and ensure assembly of the handle frame (30d) of the light source module (37), the left and right direction width of the light source module (37) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the left and right direction width of the opening (30e) of the door (30) and the left and right direction width of the cover (35).

[0224] However, in order to illuminate the entire inside of the gripping groove part (311), and especially to enhance the illumination effect for the vertical groove (3112), the left and right direction width of the light source module (37) may be made greater than the left and right direction width of the vertical groove (3112).

[0225] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary detailed structure of the light source module (37) described above.

[0226] Referring to Fig. 14, the light source module (37) may be constructed by further including at least one light source element (371) receiving power to generate visible light, a substrate (372) on which at least one light source element is mounted, and a light guide plate (373) disposed parallel to the substrate (372) and diffusing visible light generated from the light source element (371).

[0227] However, although not shown, the light source module (37) may further be provided with a module case for accommodating and protecting the substrate (372) and the light guide plate (373).

[0228] The light source element (371) generates light or visible light when the cover part (35) moves and before the movement is initiated, thereby visually informing the user that the cover part (35) and the cover drive part (36) are operating normally.

[0229] There is no limitation to applying means to the light source element (371) as long as it can receive power to generate a predetermined amount of visible light, and the means can include, for example, an LED element.

[0230] The present invention will be described below based on, but not limited to, an example in which an LED element is applied as the light source element (371).

[0231] In Fig. 14, a configuration is illustrated in which a total of 10 LED elements are mounted in a line on a substrate (372) considering the left and right direction width of the light source module (37), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of LED elements may be increased or decreased depending on the size and shape of the cover part (35) and the gripping groove part (311).

[0232] Meanwhile, the light guide plate (373) serves to diffuse visible light generated from the light source element (371).

[0233] More specifically, based on the disposed state, visible light generated from the light source element (371) can be introduced through the upper surface of the light guide plate (373) and then dispersed within the light guide plate (373) to be diffused toward the lower surface of the light guide plate (373).

[0234] In addition, as described above, since the light source module (37) is disposed in a state where it is completely embedded in the handle frame (30d) except for the lower surface of the light guide plate (373), the light generated from the light source element (371) can pass through, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the lower surface of the light guide plate (373) by way of the inside of the light guide plate (373) to be projected effectively toward the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311).

[0235] Through the visible light projected through the lower surface of the light guide plate (373) as described above, the user can effectively check the information that the cover part (35) and the cover drive part (36) will soon start operating or that they are operating normally.

[0236] In order for the user to effectively receive the information that the cover part (35) and the cover drive part (36) are operating normally or that their operation will be soon initiated, the light source module (37) can be turned on before the cover drive part (36) moves the cover part (35) from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position, or can be turned on at the same time when the cover drive part (36) moves the cover part (35) from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

[0237] FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the visible light is irradiated into the inside of the gripping groove part (311) through the light source module (37), with the cover part (35) rotated to the rearwardmost position.

[0238] As described above, when the cover part (35) is rotated to the rearwardmost position, the light source module (37) can be positioned between the upper end edge and the lower end edge of the cover part (35) in the horizontal direction.

[0239] Additionally, when the cover part (35) is moved to the rearwardmost position, the cover part (35) forms an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0240] Accordingly, as illustrated, a portion of the visible light irradiated through the light guide plate (373) of the light source module (37) is reflected by the front end surface of the cover part (35) and passes through the opening (30e) to be irradiated to the outside of the door (30), and the user can intuitively recognize that the cover part (35) has moved to the rearwardmost position, so that gripping through the gripping groove part (311) is possible.

[0241] Additionally, the remaining portion of the visible light irradiated through the light guide plate (373) of the light source module (37) is reflected toward the inside of the gripping groove part (311).

[0242] In particular, since the visible light can be reflected toward the upper end surface (3111a) of the horizontal groove (3111) of the gripping groove part (311) and the upper end surface (3112a) of the vertical groove (3112), the user can intuitively check the position of the vertical groove (3112) when gripping to open the door (30), so that the user's convenience can be significantly improved.

[0243] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as examples, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if the effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly written while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A dish washer comprising:

a tub configured to accommodate tableware and forming a washing space with an open front surface;

a door configured to rotate to open and close the open front surface of the tub;

a handle part provided with a gripping groove part formed concavely from an opening formed in the front surface of the door toward the inside of the door so that it can be gripped by a user when the user opens and closes the door;

a cover part configured to rotate inside the gripping groove part to open and close the opening of the door; and

a light source module disposed inside the gripping groove part and configured to irradiate visible light toward the internal space of the gripping groove part.

2. The dish washer of claim 1, wherein the gripping groove part includes:

a horizontal groove extending from the opening of the door rearwardly in a horizontal direction; and

a vertical groove extending from the upper end of the horizontal groove upwardly in a vertical direction and disposed further rearward than the opening, and

wherein the light source module is disposed further forward than the vertical groove.

3. The dish washer of claim 2, wherein the light source module is disposed between the opening of the door and the vertical groove.

4. The dish washer of claim 2, wherein the light source module is disposed at the upper end surface of the horizontal groove formed between the opening and the vertical groove.

5. The dish washer of claim 4, wherein the lower end of the light source module is embedded in the upper end surface of the horizontal groove so that no part protrudes from the upper end surface of the horizontal groove.

6. The dish washer of claim 5, wherein there is no step formed between the lower end of the light source module and the upper end surface of the horizontal groove.

7. The dish washer of claim 1, wherein the light source module extends linearly along the extension direction of the opening of the door.

8. The dish washer of claim 7, wherein the left and right direction width of the light source module is greater than the left and right direction width of the vertical groove.

9. The dish washer of claim 7, wherein the left and right direction width of the light source module is smaller than the left and right direction width of the opening.

10. The dish washer of claim 7, wherein the left and right direction width of the light source module is smaller than the left and right direction width of the cover part.

11. The dish washer of claim 1, further comprising a cover drive part configured to rotate the cover part between a forwardmost position where the cover part is rotated toward the front up to the maximum, and a rearwardmost position where the cover part is rotated toward the rear up to the maximum.

12. The dish washer of claim 11, wherein the light source module is turned on before the cover drive part moves the cover part from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

13. The dish washer of claim 11, wherein the light source module is turned on at the same time when the cover drive part moves the cover part from the forwardmost position to the rearwardmost position.

14. The dish washer of claim 11, wherein in a state where the cover part is moved to the rearwardmost position by the cover drive part, a portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module is reflected by the cover part toward the outside of the door.

15. The dish washer of claim 14, wherein the remaining portion of the visible light irradiated by the light source module is reflected toward the inside of the gripping groove part by the cover part.

Drawing