DISHWASHER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher that is configured to allow changing of the flow path of a refrigerant by using one refrigerant flow path switching valve that is a four-way valve or a three-way valve, thus simplifying the piping connection structure of the refrigerant and improving the space utilization of the dishwasher.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and, more specifically, to a dishwasher which is configured to switch a flow path of refrigerant using one refrigerant flow path switching valve which is embodied as a four-way valve or a three-way valve, thereby simplifying a pipe connection structure of the refrigerant and preventing deterioration in space utilization of the dishwasher.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is an apparatus that washes dishes and cooking utensils as washing targets stored therein by spraying washing water thereto. In this regard, the washing water may contain washing detergent.

A dishwasher generally includes a tub having a washing space defined therein, a dish rack that accommodates therein a washing target inside the tub, a spraying arm that sprays the washing water into the dish rack, and a sump that stores therein water and supplies the washing water to the spraying arm.

Using this dishwasher may allow a time and effort required to wash the dishes and other washing targets after a meal to be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

In the washing process using the dishwasher, the washing water and air may be heated and used to increase the washing effect. An electric heater may be used as a device for heating the washing water and air. In one example, the washing water may be heated using a heat pump apparatus instead of the electric heater.

The heat pump apparatus has higher energy efficiency than the electric heater. Thus, when the washing water is heated by the heat pump apparatus, the consumption of electricity may be reduced.

In this regard, European Patent No. 3082554 (Prior Document 001) discloses a dishwasher including a heat pump apparatus for heating washing water and heating air, the heat pump apparatus including two switching valves for switching refrigerant flow paths between three heat-exchangers from each other and two switching dampers for switching air flow paths from each other.

However, the structure disclosed in the prior document 001 is configured to change the flow direction of the refrigerant using a plurality of pipes and the two switching valves connecting the three heat-exchangers to each other, and thus the pipe connection structure of the refrigerant is very complicated and the plurality of pipes and the two switching valves are provided, thereby deteriorating the space utilization of the dishwasher and rapidly increasing a manufacturing cost thereof.

In addition, the structure disclosed in the prior document 001 has a problem in that the installation structure of the dishwasher is complicated and space utilization may be deteriorated because a separate structure and installation space for installing and accommodating the heat-exchanger acting as the evaporator and the heat-exchanger acting as the condenser when a drying mode is progressed are required.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure has been devised to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. Thus, a first purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured to switch a flow path of the refrigerant using one refrigerant flow path switching valve embodied as a four-way valve or a three-way valve, thereby simplifying a pipe connection structure of the refrigerant and preventing deterioration of the space utilization of the dishwasher

In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher in which a heat-exchanger acting as an evaporator and a heat-exchanger acting as a condenser during a drying mode are simultaneously accommodated and supported in and by a heat-exchanger duct, thereby simplifying an installation structure of the dishwasher and improving space utilization thereof.

Purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized using means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

Technical Solution

A dishwasher according to the present disclosure includes: a tub having a washing space defined therein, wherein a washing target is received in the washing space; a base disposed under the tub; and a heat pump apparatus for heating washing water to be introduced into the tub, wherein the heat pump apparatus includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a first heat-exchanger configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub in a washing mode of the dishwasher; a second heat-exchanger configured to condense water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub in a drying mode of the dishwasher; a third heat-exchanger configured to heat the air having flowed through the second heat-exchanger in the drying mode; a heat-exchanger duct constructed to accommodate therein the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger, wherein the heat-exchanger duct has an inlet through which the air is introduced, and an outlet through which the air having flowed through the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger is discharged; a first duct having a first inlet communicating with the tub and a first outlet communicating with the heat-exchanger duct; a second duct having a second inlet communicating with the heat-exchanger duct and a second outlet communicating with the tub; a first damper configured to open or close the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct and the first outlet of the first duct; and a second damper configured to open or close the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct and the second inlet of the second duct.

Furthermore, in the washing mode, the first damper may be configured to close the first outlet of the first duct and to open the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct; and the second damper may be configured to close the second inlet of the second duct and to open the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct.

Furthermore, each of the inlet and the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct may be opened toward the base.

Furthermore, the heat pump apparatus may further include a blower fan configured to generate flow of the air flowing inside the heat-exchanger duct, wherein when the blower fan operates, the air may be introduced into the heat-exchanger duct through the inlet thereof and the air may be discharged out of the heat-exchanger duct through the outlet thereof.

Furthermore, in the washing mode, the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger may be distributed to and introduced into the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger, respectively.

Furthermore, the refrigerant introduced into each of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger may be evaporated while flowing through each of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, in the washing mode, the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger may be introduced only into one of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger may be introduced only into the second heat-exchanger and may not be introduced into the third heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, the refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchanger may be evaporated while flowing through the second heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, in the drying mode, the first damper may be configured to open the first outlet of the first duct and to close the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct, and the second damper may be configured to open the second inlet of the second duct and to close the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct.

Furthermore, the air having flowed through the first outlet of the first duct may be introduced into the heat-exchanger duct, wherein the air discharged from the heat-exchanger duct may be introduced into the second inlet of the second duct.

Furthermore, the heat pump apparatus may further include a blower fan configured to generate flow of air flowing inside the heat-exchanger duct, wherein in the drying mode, the air flow generated by the blower fan may circulate along an air flow path composed of the tub, the first duct, the heat-exchanger duct, and the second duct.

Furthermore, in the drying mode, the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor may be introduced into the third heat-exchanger; and the refrigerant having flowed through the third heat-exchanger may be introduced into the second heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, the refrigerant introduced into the third heat-exchanger may be condensed while flowing through the third heat-exchanger, wherein the refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchanger may be evaporated while flowing through the second heat-exchanger.

Furthermore, the refrigerant may not be supplied to the first heat-exchanger in the drying mode.

Advantageous Effects

The dishwasher according to the present disclosure is configured to switch a flow path of the refrigerant using one refrigerant flow path switching valve embodied as the four-way valve or the three-way valve, thereby simplifying a pipe connection structure of the refrigerant and preventing deterioration of the space utilization of the dishwasher

In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure is configured such that a heat-exchanger acting as an evaporator and a heat-exchanger acting as a condenser during a drying mode are simultaneously accommodated and supported in and by the heat-exchanger duct, thereby simplifying an installation structure of the dishwasher and improving space utilization thereof.

In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the specific effects of the present disclosure as not mentioned will be described below along with the descriptions of the specific details for carrying out the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 3 is a schematic view for illustrating a heat pump apparatus provided in the dishwasher of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a dishwasher having a heat pump apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an operation of the heat pump apparatus when the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a washing mode.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for illustrating an operation of the heat pump apparatus when the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a drying mode.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a dishwasher having a heat pump apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an operation of a heat pump apparatus when the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 7 operates in a washing mode.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view for illustrating an operation of the heat pump apparatus when the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 7 operates in a drying mode.

BEST MODE

The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, a first component may also be a second component.

Throughout the present document, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

Hereinafter, a first component being disposed “on top of (or under)” a second component may mean that the first component may be disposed in contact with a top surface (or a bottom surface) of the second component, as well as a third component may be interposed between the second component and the first component disposed “on top of (or under)” the second component.

Furthermore, when a first component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, the components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, but a third component may be “interposed” between the components or the components may be “connected” or “coupled” to each other via the third components.

As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

As used herein, the singular constitutes “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “include” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or operations described herein, but should be construed that some components or operations among those may not be included or additional components or operations may be further included.

Throughout the present document, “A and/or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and “C to D” means equal to or greater than C and equal to or smaller than D unless otherwise specified.

[Overall Structure of Dishwasher]

Hereinafter, an overall structure of a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing an internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a casing 9 that constitutes an exterior appearance, a tub 2 installed in an inner space of the casing 9 and having a washing space 21 defined therein where the washing target is washed, wherein a front surface of the tub is open, a door 3 that opens/closes the open front surface of the tub 2, a sump 4 disposed under the tub 2 for storing therein the washing water for washing the washing target, a dish rack 5 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 2 to receive therein the washing target, and a water sprayer 20 installed adjacent to the dish rack 5 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack 5 may be, for example, dishes such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the washing target will be referred to as a dish.

The tub 2 may be formed in a box shape with an entirely open front surface, and have a configuration of a so-called washing tub.

The washing space 21 may be defined inside the tub 2. The open front surface of the tub 2 may be opened/closing by the door 3.

The tub 2 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

Moreover, on an inner surface of the tub 2, a plurality of brackets may be disposed for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the dish rack 5 and the water sprayer 20 which will be described later thereon within the tub 2.

In one example, the sump 4 may include storage 41 that stores therein washing water, a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the storage 41 from the tub 2, a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the storage 41, a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the storage 41 to an outside, and a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the storage 41 to the water sprayer 20.

The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 4 and may serve to distinguish the tub 2 and the sump 4 from each other. Moreover, the sump cover 42 may have a plurality of collecting holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the water sprayer 20 into the sump 4.

That is, the washing water sprayed from the water sprayer 20 toward the dish may fall down to a bottom of the washing space 21, and may be collected again through the sump cover 42 and into the storage 41.

The water supply 43 may be configured to include a water tank (not shown) connected to an external water supply source, and a water softener (not shown) that softens water supplied from the water tank and supplies the softened water to the storage 41 of the sump 4.

The washing pump 45 may be disposed at a side or a bottom of the sump 4 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer 20.

One end of the washing pump 45 may be connected to the storage 41 of the sump 4 and the other end thereof may be connected to the supply flow path 46. The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 may rotate, and thus the washing water in the storage 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 20 through the supply flow path 46.

In one example, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 to the water sprayer 20.

For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spraying arm 26, and a second supply flow path 463 and 467 connected to an upper spraying arm 27 and a top nozzle 29. The supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens/closes the supply flow paths 461, 463 and 467.

In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that the supply flow paths 461, 463 and 467 are opened sequentially or simultaneously.

In one example, the water sprayer 20 may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack 5.

More specifically, the water sprayer 20 may include the lower spraying arm 26 located under the tub 2 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spraying arm 27 located between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 53 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 53, and the top nozzle 29 located on top of the tub 2 to spray the washing water to a top rack or the upper rack 53.

In particular, the lower spraying arm 26 and the upper spraying arm 27 may be rotatably disposed in the washing space 21 of the tub 2 and may spray the washing water toward the washing target of the dish rack 5 while being rotating.

The lower spraying arm 26 may be rotatably supported on a top of the sump cover 42 so as to spray the washing water toward the lower rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower rack 51.

Moreover, the upper spraying arm 27 may be rotatably supported so as to spray the washing water on the dish while being rotating and being disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 53.

In one example, in order to increase washing efficiency, additional means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spraying arm 26 into an upward direction (diverting in a U-direction) may be provided at a lower surface 25 of the tub 2.

In one example, the dish rack 5 for storing the washing target therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

The dish rack 5 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 2 through the open front surface of the tub 2.

For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 5 includes the lower rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 2 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, the upper rack 5 located on top of the lower rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and the top rack located at a top level of the tub 2 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, an example in which the dishwasher includes the three dish racks 5 as shown is described.

Each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 53, and the top rack may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 2 through the open front surface of the tub 2.

For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) may be respectively disposed on both opposing walls constituting an inner surface of the tub 2. By way of example, the guide rails (not shown) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

Wheels may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 53, and the top rack. The user may extend the lower rack 51, the upper rack 53, and the top rack from the inner space of the tub 2 through the open front surface of the tub 2 and may place the washing target thereon, or easily withdraw the washing target that have been washed out thereof.

The guide rail (not shown) may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the rack 5, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the rack 5 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the rack 5 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

In one example, the door 3 is configured for opening/closing the open front surface of the tub 2 as described above.

A hinge (not shown) around which the door 3 is closed or opened may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. Thus, the door 3 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis.

In this regard, a handle 3a for opening the door 3 and a control panel 3b for controlling the dishwasher 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 3.

As shown, the control panel 3b may include a display 3c that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dishwasher, etc., and a button unit 3d including a selection button through which a user's selection manipulation is input and a power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dishwasher on and off is input.

In one example, a rear panel constituting an inner side surface of the door 3 may constitute one side surface of the tub 2 when the door 3 has been closed, and may constitute a seat surface on which the lower rack 51 of the dish rack 5 is supported when the door 3 is fully opened.

For this purpose, when the door 3 is fully opened downwardly, the rear panel of the door 3 may constitute a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as a direction in which the guide rail (not shown) guiding the displacement of the lower rack 51 extends.

In one example, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a base 8.

The base 8 may be disposed under the tub 2 and may serve to support the tub 2.

Alternatively, the base 8 may provide a space in which the sump 4 is accommodated, and may provide an accommodation space in which various devices provided in the dishwasher 1 are accommodated.

Therefore, the base 8 may be manufactured to have an outer wall to support an entirety of the dishwasher, and to have an outer wall defining an accommodation space in which various devices are accommodated.

In one example, in the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing water to be supplied to the tub 2 is heated and thus, the high-temperature washing water is sprayed to the washing target accommodated in the tub 2, thereby improving washing efficiency of the washing target and performance of the dishwasher 1.

To this end, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat pump apparatus 10 for heating the washing water introduced into the tub 2. The heat pump apparatus 10 may heat the washing water so that the dishes are washed with high-temperature washing water, thereby improving the performance of the dishwasher.

The device for heating the washing water may be generally embodied as an electric heater that heats the washing water by converting electrical energy into thermal energy.

A coefficient of performance (COP) is a measure indicating the energy efficiency of each of the electric heater and the heat pump apparatus 10. As the coefficient of performance (COP) increases, the energy efficiency of the device increases.

The electric heater has a maximum COP of merely 1. However, when the washing water is heated using the heat pump apparatus 10 instead of the electric heater, the heat pump apparatus 10 may heat the washing water by transferring the heat from a low temperature thermal reservoir to a high temperature thermal reservoir.

Due to this structure, the COP of the heat pump apparatus 10 may exceed 1.

The COP of most of the heat pump apparatuses 10 actually used exceeds 1. Therefore, in the dishwasher that heats the washing water using the heat pump apparatus 10, energy efficiency may be improved compared to that when heating the washing water using the electric heater.

[Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Apparatus]

Hereinafter, the heat pump apparatus 10 provided in the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump apparatus 10.

In the drawings of FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings, a refrigerant flow path Fr is indicated by a solid line, a washing water flow path F_W is indicated by a dashed line, and an air flow path Fa is indicated by a dotted line.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heat pump apparatus 10 may include a compressor 100, a condenser 201, an expansion valve 300, and an evaporator 202.

The compressor 100, the condenser 201, the expansion valve 300, and the evaporator 202 are connected to each other via a pipe, and the pipe provides the refrigerant flow path Fr through which the refrigerant may flow.

The refrigerant may function as a working fluid that absorbs heat or releases the heat while sequentially circulating through the compressor 100, the condenser 201, the expansion valve 300, and the evaporator 202 while a phase thereof is changing from liquid to gas, or from gas to liquid.

The compressor 100 may compress the refrigerant to discharge the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may be introduced into the condenser 201.

The refrigerant may radiate heat of QH while flowing through the condenser 201. The heat emitted from the condenser 201 may be used to heat the washing water or air introduced into the tub 2. Accordingly, respective flow paths through which the refrigerant, the washing water, and the air pass, respectively may be provided in the condenser 201. The refrigerant may dissipate the heat and thus may be phase-changed from gas to a liquid state while flowing through the condenser 201.

In this regard, the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser 201 may be a mixed gas of a liquid and a gas having a very small gas content, or may be a subcooled liquid.

The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 201 may be expanded while flowing through the expansion valve 300. As a result of the expansion of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered such that the refrigerator becomes a mixed gas in which gas and liquid are mixed with each other.

The refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve 300 absorbs heat QL from the air of the tub 2 and evaporates while flowing through the evaporator 202, and accordingly, the content of the gas in the refrigerant increases.

In a state in which the refrigerant has exited the evaporator 202, the refrigerant may be a mixed gas having a very small proportion of liquid or a superheated gas.

The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 202 may be introduced into the compressor 100 again and compressed by the compressor to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

In the above-described order, the refrigerant circulates through the heat pump apparatus 1. In this circulation process, the phase of the refrigerant changes, and accordingly, the refrigerant may absorb heat in the evaporator 202 and discharge heat in the condenser 201.

In order to allow active heat transfer in the evaporator 202, it is desirable to allow a large amount of air to flow toward the evaporator 202. To this end, the heat pump apparatus 10 may further include a blower fan 620 for blowing the air toward the evaporator 202.

In one example, the dishwasher 1 may operate in a washing mode in which the heated washing water is sprayed to the dishes as the washing target accommodated in the tub 2, and a drying mode in which the heated air is sprayed to the dishes accommodated in the tub 2 to remove moisture from a surface of the washing target after the washing mode is terminated.

In an embodiment as described below, a plurality of heat-exchangers are provided. When the washing mode or the drying mode is performed, each heat-exchanger may be used or not used, and may act as the condenser 201 or the evaporator 202.

Pipe Connection Structure of Heat Pump Apparatus and Tub According First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a connection structure between the heat pump apparatus 10 and the tub 2 via a pipe and a duct according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

First, referring to FIG. 4, the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment may include the compressor 100, a first heat-exchanger 210, a first expansion valve 310, a second heat-exchanger 220, a second expansion valve 320, a third heat-exchanger 230, and a four-way valve 400a.

The first heat-exchanger 210 may act as the condenser 201 of transferring the heat from the refrigerant to the washing water so that the washing water is heated and the refrigerant is condensed during the washing mode.

In addition, as will be described later, the refrigerant flow path Fr is switched via the four-way valve 400a, so that the supply of the refrigerant to the first heat-exchanger 210 may be cut off during the drying mode.

The first expansion valve 310 may serve to receive the refrigerant from the first heat-exchanger 210 and expand the received refrigerant.

The refrigerant may be introduced through the first expansion valve 310 into the second heat-exchanger 220. In the first embodiment, the second heat-exchanger 220 may act as the evaporator 202 both in the washing mode and in the drying mode.

The second expansion valve 320 and the first expansion valve 310 may be connected to each other in a parallel manner to each other. The second expansion valve 320 may receive the refrigerant from the first heat-exchanger 210 and expand the received refrigerant. When the dishwasher 1 operates in the washing mode, the second expansion valve 320 may operate to be opened. When the dishwasher 1 operates in the drying mode, the second expansion valve 320 may operate to be closed.

The third heat-exchanger 230 and the second heat-exchanger 220 may be connected to each other in a parallel manner to each other. The third heat-exchanger 230 may receive the refrigerant having flowed through the second expansion valve 320. In the first embodiment, the third heat-exchanger 230 may act as the evaporator 202 when the washing mode is performed, and may act as the condenser 201 when the drying mode is performed.

The four-way valve 400a is connected to each of the compressor 100, the first heat-exchanger 210, the second heat-exchanger 220, and the third heat-exchanger 230 via each of corresponding pipes, and performs a function of changing the refrigerant flow path Fr.

The four-way valve 400a may allow the refrigerant flow path Fr in the washing mode and the refrigerant flow path Fr in the drying mode to be different from each other. Thus, the four-way valve 400a may allow each of the first heat-exchanger 210 to the third heat-exchanger 230 to be used or non-used, or may allow each of the first heat-exchanger 210 to the third heat-exchanger 230 to act as the condenser 201 or as the evaporator 202.

In one example, the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment may further include a first pipe 410 connecting the four-way valve 400a and the compressor 100 to each other, a second pipe 420 connecting the four-way valve 400a and the first heat-exchanger 210 to each other, a third pipe 430 connecting the four-way valve 400a and the second heat-exchanger 220 to each other, a fourth pipe 440 connecting the four-way valve 400a and the third heat-exchanger 230 to each other, and a fifth pipe 450 connecting the second heat-exchanger 220 and the compressor 100 to each other. Each of the pipes may provide the refrigerant flow path Fr through which the refrigerant flows and circulates.

In this regard, the third pipe 430 may be constructed to be connected to the fifth pipe 450. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the third pipe 430 may be introduced into the compressor 100 through the fifth pipe 450.

The third pipe 430 may be provided with a first check valve 510 that prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the fifth pipe 450 toward the four-way valve 400a. As is generally known, the check valve serves to cause the refrigerant to flow in one of both opposite directions along the pipe and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing in the other thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first check valve 510 allows the refrigerant to flow in a direction from the four-way valve 400a toward the compressor 100, but may prevent the refrigerant from flowing in a direction from the second heat-exchanger 220 toward the four-way valve 400a.

In one example, the heat pump apparatus 10 may include a blower fan 620 disposed to face the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 and configured to generate an airflow of air flowing through the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230.

The blower fan 620 may blow the air so that the air flows through the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230, and thus a large amount of air may flow through the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230. Accordingly, the amount of heat transfer between the refrigerant flowing inside the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 and the air flowing outside the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 may be improved.

For example, the blower fan 620, the second heat-exchanger 220, and the third heat-exchanger 230 may be accommodated together in a heat-exchanger duct 650.

As illustrated, the blower fan 620 may be disposed at a position facing the second heat-exchanger 220, while the second heat-exchanger 220 may be disposed between the blower fan 620 and the third heat-exchanger 230.

Alternatively, the blower fan 620 may be disposed at a position facing the third heat-exchanger 230, while the third heat-exchanger 230 may be disposed between the blower fan 620 and the second heat-exchanger 220.

Due to this structure, the airflow of the air forced to flow under the operation of the blower fan 620 may flow through the second heat-exchanger 220 and then, flow through the third heat-exchanger 230.

In one example, the heat pump apparatus 10 may further include a bypass pipe 470 and a second check valve 520. Both opposing ends of the bypass pipe 470 may be connected to both opposing sides of the second expansion valve 320, respectively. Therefore, when the second expansion valve 320 is closed, the refrigerant may flow through the bypass pipe 470 while bypassing the second expansion valve 320.

The second check valve 520 may be disposed in the bypass pipe 470 and may prevent the refrigerant from flowing from an inlet to an outlet of the second expansion valve 320 through the bypass pipe 470.

When the washing mode is performed, the second expansion valve 320 may be opened. In this regard, the second check valve 520 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the second expansion valve 320 through the bypass pipe 470.

In addition, when the drying mode is in progress, the second expansion valve 320 may be closed. In this regard, the second check valve 520 may allow the refrigerant to flow from the outlet to the inlet of the second expansion valve 320 through the bypass pipe 470, and may prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the second expansion valve 320 through the bypass pipe 470.

In addition, the heat pump apparatus 10 may further include a sixth pipe 460 and a third check valve 530. The sixth pipe 460 may have one end connected to the first heat-exchanger 210 and the other end connected to each of the first expansion valve 310, the second expansion valve 320, and the bypass pipe 470.

The third check valve 530 may be disposed between one end and the other end of the sixth pipe 460 and may prevent the refrigerant from flowing from at least one of the first expansion valve 310, the second expansion valve 320, and the bypass pipe 470 toward the first heat-exchanger 210.

The first heat-exchanger 210 may not be used during the drying mode. Accordingly, the third check valve 530 may be disposed in the sixth pipe 460 connected to the outlet of the first heat-exchanger 210 so that the refrigerant does not flow in the first heat-exchanger 210. Accordingly, the third check valve 530 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing backward into the first heat-exchanger 210 through the outlet of the first heat-exchanger 210.

In one example, the dishwasher 1 may include the sump 4 disposed under the tub 2 and constructed to store therein the washing water, and the sprayer 20 disposed inside the tub 2, connected to the sump 4, and configured to spray the washing water.

The first heat-exchanger 210 and the sump 4 may be connected to each other via a pipe constituting the washing water flow path F_W through which the washing water circulates. To this end, the dishwasher 1 may include a first water supply flow path 31 and a washing pump 45. The first water supply flow path 31 may be disposed in the above-described supply flow path 46.

The first water supply flow path 31 may connect the first heat-exchanger 210 and the sprayer 20 to each other, and the washing water may flow in the first water supply flow path 31. The washing pump 45 may be disposed in a circulation flow path 50 connecting the sump 4 and the first heat-exchanger 210 to each other, or may be disposed in the first water supply flow path 31. An embodiment in which the washing pump 45 is disposed in the circulation flow path 50 is described below with reference to FIG. 4. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the present disclosure will be described based on the illustrated embodiment.

The circulation flow path 50 may be connected to the first heat-exchanger 210. Thus, the washing water may be heated by absorbing the heat from the refrigerant flowing through the first heat-exchanger 210 while flowing through the first heat-exchanger 210 through the circulation flow path 50. The refrigerant may be condensed while the heat therefrom is taken away from the washing water in the first heat-exchanger 210 acting as the condenser 201.

The heated washing water discharged from the first heat-exchanger 210 may be introduced into the sprayer 20 through the first water supply flow path 31 and may be sprayed to the tub 2 through the sprayer 20.

The washing water may drop downwardly from the tub 2 and re-enter the sump 4. The sump 4 may be disposed under the tub 2. Therefore, the washing water may drop downwardly of the tub 2 under the gravity and be introduced into the sump 4.

In one example, the heat pump apparatus 10 of the dishwasher 1 according to the first embodiment may further include an air flow channel 600 that provides an air flow path Fa along which the air to be supplied to the tub 2 and the air discharged from the tub 2 flow during the drying mode.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the air flow channel 600 may include a first duct 610 constituting a discharge flow path of the air discharged from the tub 2.

The first duct 610 may have a first inlet 611 formed at one end thereof, and a first outlet 612 formed at the other end thereof. An air discharge flow path communicating with the inner space of the tub 2 may be formed between the first inlet 611 and the first outlet 612.

The first inlet 611 of the first duct 610 may communicate with the inner space of the tub 2. By way of example, the first inlet 611 may be formed in one of a left side surface or a right side surface of the tub 2 and at a position close to an upper surface of the tube so that the water vapor produced while drying the washing target may be effectively discharged.

The first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 may communicate with the heat-exchanger duct 650. More specifically, the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 may be close to and spaced from the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and may communicate with the inlet 651.

Accordingly, the air discharged from the tub 2 and containing the water vapor may be introduced into the first inlet 611 of the first duct 610 when the drying mode is performed. The introduced air may flow along the air flow path Fa formed in the first duct 610 and then may flow through the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 and then be introduced into the heat-exchanger duct 650.

However, as will be described later, when the washing mode is performed, the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 may be blocked with the damper 630, such that the air flow path Fa of the first duct 610 may be closed.

In one example, the air flow channel 600 may include the heat-exchanger duct 650 in which the second heat-exchanger 220, the third heat-exchanger 230, and the blower fan 620 are accommodated.

In this regard, each of the second heat-exchanger 220, the third heat-exchanger 230, and the blower fan 620 may be entirely accommodated in the heat-exchanger duct 650 so that heat exchange performance and heat exchange efficiency of the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 may be secured to the maximum level.

As described above, both the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 are entirely accommodated in the heat-exchanger duct 650, such that the installation and fixing structure of the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 may be a single structure and thus may be simplified. Since a duct structure for the second heat-exchanger 220 and a duct structure for the third heat-exchanger 230 may be a single duct, the duct structure constituting the air flow path Fa may be simplified.

A portion of the air flow path Fa may be formed inside the heat-exchanger duct 650. More specifically, the air flow path Fa through which the air introduced from the first duct 610 is introduced and discharged or through which the air introduced from the base 8 is discharged may be formed inside the heat-exchanger duct 650.

The air flow path Fa inside the heat-exchanger duct 650 may become a closed circulation path through which the air is introduced from the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 and then is discharged to the second duct 640 when the drying mode is performed. The air flow path Fa inside the heat-exchanger duct 650 may become an open path through which the air is introduced from the base 8 through the inlet 651 and then discharged again toward the base 8 through the outlet 652 when the washing mode is performed.

In this regard, in order to secure heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange performance, the inlet 651 and the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 may be positioned at positions spaced apart from each other while the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 are disposed therebetween along the flow direction of air.

That is, the air flow path Fa formed inside the heat-exchanger duct 650 may be switched to the closed or open path based on whether the operation mode is the drying mode or the washing mode.

The air flow channel 600 may include a damper 630 as a means for switching the air flow path Fa of the heat-exchanger duct 650 to the closed or open path.

More specifically, the damper 630 may include a first damper 631 configured to selectively open or close the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610, and a second damper 632 configured to selectively open or close the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and the second inlet 641 of the second duct 640.

In this regard, the selective opening or closing the two openings may mean that one of the two openings is opened and the other thereof is closed.

Therefore, the first damper 631 selectively opening or closing the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 may be interpreted as that the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 is closed when the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 is opened, or the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 is opened when the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 is closed. This meaning may be equally applied to the second damper 632.

In this regard, the first damper 631 and the second damper 632 may be controlled to operate at the same time and in the same manner.

That is, when the opening path is formed in the washing mode, the first damper 631 may be controlled to close the outlet of the first duct 610 and the second damper 632 may be controlled to close the second inlet 641 of the second duct 640 at the same time.

In addition, when a closed circulation path is formed in the drying mode, the first damper 631 may be controlled to close the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and the second damper 632 may be controlled to close the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 at the same time.

In order to easily perform such selective opening or closing, each of the first damper 631 and the second damper 632 may be embodied as, for example, a flap-type damper configured to be pivotable about one end thereof as illustrated in FIG. 4.

However, this is merely an example, and any means capable of implementing selective opening or closing may be applied without limitations. The present disclosure is not limited to the flap-type damper. However, hereinafter, an example in which each of the first damper 631 and the second damper 632 is embodied as the flap-type damper will be described.

In addition, the air flow channel 600 may include a second duct 640 constituting an introduction flow path for guiding the air exhausted from the heat-exchanger duct 650 toward the tub 2.

The second duct 640 may have a second inlet 641 formed at one end thereof, and a second outlet 642 formed at the other end thereof. An air introduction flow path may be formed between the second inlet 641 and the second outlet 642 based on the tub 2.

The second inlet 641 of the second duct 640 may communicate with the heat-exchanger duct 650. More specifically, the second inlet 641 of the second duct 640 may communicate with and may be spaced from the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 while being disposed close to the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650.

Accordingly, when the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 is closed by the second damper 632 in the drying mode, the air discharged from the heat-exchanger duct 650 may be introduced into the second inlet 641 of the second duct 640, may flow along the air flow path Fa formed in the second duct 640, and then may flow through the second outlet 642 of the second duct 640 and then may be introduced into the tub 2.

However, as will be described later, when the washing mode is performed, the second inlet 641 of the second duct 640 may be blocked with the second damper 632, such that the air flow path Fa of the second duct 640 may be closed.

The second outlet 642 of the second duct 640 may communicate with the tub 2. By way of example, the second outlet 642 may be formed in the lower surface of the tub 2 so that the air may be effectively sprayed on the washing target and the drying efficiency for drying the washing target may be secured.

The position of the second outlet 642 of the second duct 640 may be selected as a position spaced as far as possible from the first inlet 611 of the first duct 610.

Refrigerant and Air Flow Paths in Washing Mode in Accordance with First Embodiment

Hereinafter, the operation of the heat pump apparatus 10 when the washing water is heated during the washing mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

When the dishwasher 1 operates in the washing mode, the four-way valve 400a may connect the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 to each other and may also connect the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440 to each other.

At this time, the first pipe 410 is not connected to the third pipe 430 or the fourth pipe 440, and the second pipe 420 is not connected to the third pipe 430 or the fourth pipe 440.

Accordingly, the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 may be separated from the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440, and similarly, the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440 may be separated from the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flow path Fr along which the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 100 flows through the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 to flow into the first heat-exchanger 210, the refrigerant flowing out from the second heat-exchanger 220 flows through the fifth pipe 450 to flow into the compressor 100, and the refrigerant flowing out from the third heat-exchanger 230 sequentially flows through the fourth pipe 440, the third pipe 430, and the fifth pipe 450 to into the compressor 100 may be established.

In this regard, since the refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchanger 210 is in a high-temperature/high-pressure state, the heat therefrom may be taken away by the washing water flowing through the first heat-exchanger 210 and thus the refrigerant may be condensed. Accordingly, the first heat-exchanger 210 may act as the condenser that heats the washing water.

The refrigerant discharged from the first heat-exchanger 210 may be distributed to the first expansion valve 310 and the second expansion valve 320 connected to each other in parallel with each other, and may flow along each of the first expansion valve 310 and the second expansion valve 320 and thus may be expanded while flowing through each of the first expansion valve 310 and the second expansion valve 320 such that the temperature thereof may be lowered. When the washing mode is performed, the second expansion valve 320 may be opened to allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough, while the second check valve 520 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the bypass pipe 470.

The refrigerant discharged from the first expansion valve 310 may sequentially flow through the second heat-exchanger 220 and the fifth pipe 450 and be introduced into the compressor 100. At this time, the refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchanger 220 absorbs the heat from the air and evaporates while flowing through the second heat-exchanger 220. Thus, the second heat-exchanger 220 may act as the evaporator.

Since the third pipe 430 has the first check valve 510, the first check valve 510 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the four-way valve 400a through the third pipe 430.

The refrigerant discharged from the second expansion valve 320 may sequentially flow through the third heat-exchanger 230, the fourth pipe 440, the four-way valve 400a, the third pipe 430, and the fifth pipe 450 and may be introduced into the compressor 100.

In this regard, the refrigerant introduced into the third heat-exchanger 230 absorbs the heat from air and evaporates while flowing through the third heat-exchanger 230. Thus, the third heat-exchanger 230 acts as an evaporator as the second heat-exchanger 220 acts as.

Meanwhile, when the washing mode is performed, the first damper 631 pivots to a position at which the first damper closes the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610, and the second damper 632 pivots to a position at which the second damper closes the second inlet 641 as described above.

Accordingly, the air flow path Fa inside each of the first duct 610 and the second duct 640 may be closed, and the inflow and outflow of air to and from the tub 2 may be blocked.

In this regard, each of the inlet 651 and the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 are opened toward the base 8. Accordingly, the air flow path Fa inside the heat-exchanger duct 650 becomes the open path communicating with the base 8.

Accordingly, when the blower fan 620 operates, the air is introduced from the base 8 into the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650, the introduced air therein first heat-exchanges with the refrigerant while flowing through the second heat-exchanger 220, and then, the air having flowed through the second heat-exchanger 220 heat-exchanges with the refrigerant while flowing through the third heat-exchanger 230.

Accordingly, the air cooled via the heat exchange with the refrigerant in each of the second heat-exchanger 220 and the third heat-exchanger 230 may be discharged from the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 and may be discharged toward the base 8.

Refrigerant and Air Flow Paths in Drying Mode in Accordance with First Embodiment

Next, the operation of the heat pump apparatus 10 when the dishwasher 1 condenses water vapor included in the air and heats the air during the drying mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

After the washing mode has been terminated, the dishwasher 1 may proceed to a drying mode in which the object to be washed accommodated in the tub 2 is dried using heated air.

The flow of the washing water in the heat pump apparatus 10 may be stopped during the drying mode. Accordingly, in the drying mode, the washing water is not injected into the tub 2, but instead, the heated air may be injected into the tub 2 through the air flow channel 600.

When the dishwasher 1 operates in the drying mode, the four-way valve 400a may connect the first pipe 410 and the fourth pipe 440 to each other, and fluidically isolate the second pipe 420 and the third pipe 430 from the first pipe 410 and the fourth pipe 440.

In this regard, the first pipe 410 is not connected to the second pipe 420 or the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440 is not connected to the second pipe 420 or the third pipe 430. Instead, the second pipe 420 and the third pipe 430 may be connected to each other.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flow path Fr along which the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 100 flows through the first pipe 410 and the fourth pipe 440 and flows into the third heat-exchanger 230, the refrigerant flowing out from the second heat-exchanger 220 flows through the fifth pipe 450 and flows into the compressor 100, and the inflow of the refrigerant into the first heat-exchanger 210 is blocked by the first check valve 510 and the third check valve 530 may be established.

More specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may sequentially flow through the first pipe 410, the four-way valve 400a, and the fourth pipe 440 and may be introduced into the third heat-exchanger 230.

The high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the third heat-exchanger 230 may be condensed while the heat therefrom is taken away by the air. Accordingly, the third heat-exchanger 230 may act as the condenser 201 during the drying mode.

When the drying mode is in progress, the second expansion valve 320 may be closed.

The refrigerant may bypass the closed second expansion valve 320, and may flow through the bypass pipe 470, the second check valve 520, and the sixth pipe 460, and may flow into the first expansion valve 310. The sixth pipe 460 is connected to the first heat-exchanger 210. However, the third check valve 530 is disposed in the sixth pipe 460, such that the third check valve 530 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the first heat-exchanger 210.

The refrigerant may be expanded while flowing through the first expansion valve 310 such that the temperature thereof is lowered. The low-temperature refrigerant may be introduced into the second heat-exchanger 220, and may evaporate via taking the heat from the flowing air having a relatively high temperature in the second heat-exchanger 220. Accordingly, in the drying mode, the second heat-exchanger 220 may act as the evaporator 202.

The refrigerant discharged from the second heat-exchanger 220 may flow through the fifth pipe 450 and be introduced into the compressor 100. The fifth pipe 450 is connected to the third pipe 430, and the third pipe 430 is connected to the four-way valve 400a. However, since the first check valve 510 is disposed in the third pipe 430, the first check valve 510 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the first heat-exchanger 210 through the four-way valve 400a.

Accordingly, in the drying mode, the first heat-exchanger 210 may not be used as the evaporator 202 or other types of heat-exchangers because the flow of the refrigerant into the first heat-exchanger 210 is blocked by the first check valve 510 and the third check valve 530 and the washing water does not flow into the first heat-exchanger 210.

Meanwhile, in the drying mode, as described above, the first damper 631 pivots to a position at which the first damper closes the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650, and the second damper 632 pivots to a position at which the second damper closes the outlet 652 of the heat-exchanger duct 650.

Accordingly, the air flow path Fa inside the first duct 610 and the second duct 640 is connected to the air flow path Fa inside the heat-exchanger duct 650. Therefore, the air flow path Fa may form a closed circulation path.

Accordingly, when the blower fan 620 operates, the air discharged from the tub 2 is introduced into the first inlet 611 of the first duct 610.

The air introduced into the first duct 610 of the first duct 610 may be guided along the first duct 610, flow through the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610, and be introduced into the heat-exchanger duct 650.

In this regard, since the inlet 651 of the heat-exchanger duct 650 is closed by the first damper 631, the air having flowed through the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610 may not be discharged to the outside but may be entirely introduced into the heat-exchanger duct 650.

The air introduced into the heat-exchanger duct 650 first heat-exchanges with the refrigerant while flowing through the second heat-exchanger 220. Since the second heat-exchanger 220 acts as the evaporator in the drying mode, the water vapor in the air may be at least partially condensed while the air flows through the second heat-exchanger 220. Thus, the content of the water vapor contained in the air is reduced and the temperature of the air is lowered.

Although not shown, a means for collecting the condensate condensed by the second heat-exchanger 220 may be further included in the heat-exchanger duct 650.

The air that has passed through the second heat-exchanger 220 heat-exchanges with the refrigerant while flowing through the third heat-exchanger 230. Since the third heat-exchanger 230 acts as the condenser during the drying mode, the air is heated while flowing through the third heat-exchanger 230 such that the temperature of the air is increased.

The air heated by the third heat-exchanger 230 may be introduced into the second inlet of the second duct 640, and then may be guided by the second duct 640, and may be introduced into the tub 2 through the second outlet 642 of the second duct 640.

The air introduced into the tub 2 may be used to dry the washing target, and may be discharged again through the first outlet 612 of the first duct 610. Thereafter, the air circulation process along the closed air circulation path may be repeated in the same manner as described above during the drying mode.

Configuration of Heat Pump Apparatus According to Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a connection structure of a pipe and a duct between the heat pump apparatus 10 and the tub 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

First, referring to FIG. 7, in the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, each of a connection structure of a washing water pipe constituting the washing water flow path and a connection structure of a duct constituting the air flow path may be formed in the same manner as the above described manner.

Therefore, the description of the first embodiment may be equally applied to a pipe connection structure between the first heat-exchanger 210 and the sump 4 for washing water circulation and a pipe connection structure between the sump 4 and the sprayer 20.

In addition, the description of the first embodiment may be equally applied to a duct connection structure constituting the air flow path Fa between the heat-exchanger duct 650 and the tub 2 and a switching structure of the damper 630 for switching the air flow path Fa.

Hereinafter, descriptions of the contents duplicate with the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, a connection structure of the refrigerant pipe constituting the refrigerant flow path may be constructed to be different from that in the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment may include the first heat-exchanger 210, the first expansion valve 310, the second heat-exchanger 220, the second expansion valve 320, the third heat-exchanger 230, and a three-way valve 400b.

In a similar manner to the first embodiment, during the washing mode, the first heat-exchanger 210 may act as the condenser 201 of transferring the heat from the refrigerant to the washing water such that the washing water is heated and the refrigerant is condensed. The refrigerant flow path Fr may be switched to block the supply of the refrigerant to the first heat-exchanger 210 during the drying mode.

The first expansion valve 310 may serve to receive the refrigerant from the first heat-exchanger 210 and expand the refrigerant. The refrigerant may be introduced into the second heat-exchanger 220 through the first expansion valve 310. In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the second heat-exchanger 220 may act as the evaporator 202 both during the washing mode and during the drying mode.

The second expansion valve 320 and the first expansion valve 310 may be connected in parallel with each other. The refrigerant from the first heat-exchanger 210 may be introduced into the second expansion valve 320 which may expand the refrigerant. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, unlike the first embodiment, the second expansion valve 320 may operate to be opened when the dishwasher 1 operates in the washing mode and operate to be opened when the dishwasher 1 operates in the drying mode.

Like the first embodiment, the third heat-exchanger 230 and the second heat-exchanger 220 may be connected in parallel with each other.

However, unlike the first embodiment, the third heat-exchanger 230 is in an unused state because the refrigerant is not supplied thereto during the washing mode. The third heat-exchanger 230 may act as the condenser 201 during the drying mode.

In addition, the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment may include the three-way valve 400b as the means for changing the refrigerant flow path Fr.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the three-way valve 400b may be connected to the compressor 100 via the first pipe 410, may be connected to the first heat-exchanger 210 via the second pipe 420, and may be connected to the third heat-exchanger 230 via the fourth pipe 440.

That is, unlike the first embodiment, the third pipe 430 connecting the three-way valve 400b and the second heat-exchanger 220 to each other may be omitted.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the washing mode is performed, the three-way valve 400b may connect the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 to each other to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 to the first heat-exchanger 210, and may switch the refrigerant flow path Fr so that the fourth pipe 440 is not connected thereto.

The refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger 210 may flow through the sixth pipe 460, the third check valve 530, and the first expansion valve 310 and be introduced into the second heat-exchanger 220.

Accordingly, the first heat-exchanger 210 may function as the condenser for heating the washing water, and the second heat-exchanger 220 may function as the evaporator in which the refrigerant is evaporated.

In this regard, the second check valve 520 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the third heat-exchanger 230.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the drying mode is performed, the three-way valve 400b may connect the first pipe 410 and the fourth pipe 440 to each other to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 to the third heat-exchanger 230, and may switch the refrigerant flow path Fr so that the second pipe 420 is not connected thereto.

The refrigerant having flowed through the third heat-exchanger 230 may flow through the sixth pipe 460, the second expansion valve 320, the second check valve 520, and the first expansion valve 310 and be introduced into the second heat-exchanger 220.

Accordingly, the third heat-exchanger 230 may function as the condenser for heating the air, and the second heat-exchanger 220 may function as the evaporator in which the refrigerant is evaporated.

In this regard, the third check valve 530 may prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the first heat-exchanger 210.

In addition, unlike the first embodiment, the bypass pipe 470 constructed to allow the refrigerant to bypass the second expansion valve 320 may be omitted.

In this regard, the second check valve 520 may be disposed in the sixth pipe 460. Accordingly, when the washing mode is performed, the second check valve 520 may prevent the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger 210 from flowing into the third heat-exchanger 230 through the sixth pipe. Thus, the third heat-exchanger 230 may be in an unused or unavailable stat.

As described above, in the heat pump apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment, the third pipe 430 and the bypass pipe 470 may be omitted, such that the pipe structure may be simplified and a manufacturing cost thereof may be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in a various manner within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments as disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. In addition, even though an effect of a configuration of the present disclosure is not explicitly described in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure above, it is obvious that the predictable effect from the configuration should be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:

a tub having a washing space defined therein, wherein a washing target is received in the washing space;

a base disposed under the tub; and

a heat pump apparatus for heating washing water to be introduced into the tub,

wherein the heat pump apparatus includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a first heat-exchanger configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub in a washing mode of the dishwasher; a second heat-exchanger configured to condense water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub in a drying mode of the dishwasher; a third heat-exchanger configured to heat the air having flowed through the second heat-exchanger in the drying mode; a heat-exchanger duct constructed to accommodate therein the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger, wherein the heat-exchanger duct has an inlet through which the air is introduced, and an outlet through which the air having flowed through the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger is discharged; a first duct having a first inlet communicating with the tub and a first outlet communicating with the heat-exchanger duct; a second duct having a second inlet communicating with the heat-exchanger duct and a second outlet communicating with the tub; a first damper configured to open or close the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct and the first outlet of the first duct; and a second damper configured to open or close the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct and the second inlet of the second duct.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein in the washing mode,

the first damper is configured to close the first outlet of the first duct and to open the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct; and

the second damper is configured to close the second inlet of the second duct and to open the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein each of the inlet and the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct is opened toward the base.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the heat pump apparatus further includes a blower fan configured to generate flow of the air flowing inside the heat-exchanger duct,

wherein when the blower fan operates, the air is introduced into the heat-exchanger duct through the inlet thereof and the air is discharged out of the heat-exchanger duct through the outlet thereof.

5. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein in the washing mode,

the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger is distributed to and introduced into the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger, respectively.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the refrigerant introduced into each of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger is evaporated while flowing through each of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger.

7. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein in the washing mode,

the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger is introduced only into one of the second heat-exchanger and the third heat-exchanger.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the refrigerant having flowed through the first heat-exchanger is introduced only into the second heat-exchanger and is not introduced into the third heat-exchanger.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchanger is evaporated while flowing through the second heat-exchanger.

10. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein in the drying mode,

the first damper is configured to open the first outlet of the first duct and to close the inlet of the heat-exchanger duct,

the second damper is configured to open the second inlet of the second duct and to close the outlet of the heat-exchanger duct.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the air having flowed through the first outlet of the first duct is introduced into the heat-exchanger duct,

wherein the air discharged from the heat-exchanger duct is introduced into the second inlet of the second duct.

12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the heat pump apparatus further includes a blower fan configured to generate flow of air flowing inside the heat-exchanger duct,

wherein in the drying mode, the air flow generated by the blower fan circulates along an air flow path composed of the tub, the first duct, the heat-exchanger duct, and the second duct.

13. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein in the drying mode,

the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor is introduced into the third heat-exchanger; and

the refrigerant having flowed through the third heat-exchanger is introduced into the second heat-exchanger.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the refrigerant introduced into the third heat-exchanger is condensed while flowing through the third heat-exchanger,

wherein the refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchanger is evaporated while flowing through the second heat-exchanger.

15. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the refrigerant is not supplied to the first heat-exchanger in the drying mode.