DISHWASHER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method therefor, the dishwasher driving both a regeneration heater and a washing water heater such that a regeneration heater driving interval for dryness of the moisture absorbent and a washing water heater driving interval overlap, when a resistance characteristic varying according to changes in an object to be heated is used so that the washing water heater arranged to be exposed to a washing space of a tub is exposed to air, and thus washing water can be heated and a moisture absorbent can be regenerated effectively and within a short time even for a washing course having a short washing cycle time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method therefor, and more particularly, to a dishwasher and a control method therefor, which are capable of heating washing water and regenerating a moisture absorbent, effectively and in a short period of time, even during a washing course having a short washing process time, by simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying the moisture absorbent and the driving section of the washing water heater when the washing water heater disposed to be exposed to the washing space of the tub is exposed to air, while utilizing the fact that the washing water heater has resistance characteristics which vary according to the change of the target to be heated.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher 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.

Ordinarily, the dishwasher 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.

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

Typically, the dishwasher 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.

Recently released models of dishwashers are provided with a moisture absorption device which, during the drying process, can absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub and then resupply the air to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the wash target.

The moisture absorbent provided in the moisture absorption device may be configured to undergo an absorption process in which it absorbs moisture in the airflow during the drying process, and to undergo a regeneration process in which it is dried by being exposed to a high-temperature airflow after the drying process has been completed.

This regeneration process of the absorbent is usually performed during the washing process.

The high-temperature airflow used for drying the moisture absorbent can be supplied to the tub, and be used to heat the washing water.

In this regard, European Patent Registration No. 1830690 (Prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which a high-temperature airflow is formed using a regeneration heater to regenerate a moisture absorbent during a washing process, and even after the regeneration of the moisture absorbent has been completed, the high-temperature airflow is continuously supplied to a tub to heat the washing water to a target temperature.

Additionally, European Patent Registration No. 2352410 (Prior document 002) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which washing water is heated to a first temperature using a high-temperature airflow for regeneration of a moisture absorbent during a washing process, and then is heated to a second temperature using a separate washing water heater when regeneration of the moisture absorbent is complete.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The regeneration heaters provided in the dishwashers disclosed in Prior documents 001 and 002 are used for the purpose of heating the airflow, and therefore, they employ a heater element having a lower output of 30 to 60% and a lower heating efficiency of 75% compared to a washing water heater for heating washing water.

Therefore, in the case of heating the washing water to be used in the washing process using only the regeneration heater as in Prior document 001, there may be problems in that it takes much more time and energy efficiency is decreased much more compared to the case of heating the washing water using a washing water heater.

Rather, it is more efficient to alternately use the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to heat the washing water during the washing process as in Prior document 002, but if a washing course having a relatively short washing process operation time is selected, there may be a problem in that if the regeneration time of the moisture absorbent is secured to perform perfect regeneration, the operation time of the washing water heater cannot be secured, while if the operation time of the washing water heater is secured, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent may be incomplete.

The present invention has been conceived to address the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and its first object is to provide a dishwasher and a control method therefor, which are capable of heating washing water and regenerating a moisture absorbent, effectively and in a short period of time, even during a washing course having a short washing process time, by simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying a moisture absorbent and the driving section of the washing water heater when the washing water heater disposed to be exposed to the washing space of the tub is exposed to air, while utilizing the fact that the washing water heater has resistance characteristics which vary according to the change of the target to be heated.

Also, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a control method therefor, which are capable of improving the safety and reliability of the product through the beforehand prevention of the overload occurrence in the power supply part by configuring the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to be driven simultaneously only when the washing water heater is in a state of being exposed to the air.

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

A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; a washing water heater disposed inside the tub to be exposed to the washing space, and heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space; a washing pump supplying the washing water to the washing space while pressurizing the washing water; a power supply part generating power to be supplied to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump; and a controller determining whether to supply power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump, wherein the controller performs a step of proceeding with an individual driving process in which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of comparing a water supply amount of washing water supplied to the tub with a preset target water supply amount to determine whether the water supply amount exceeds the target water supply amount.

Additionally, the target water supply amount may be 1.5 liters or more.

Additionally, when the water supply amount is greater than or equal to the target water supply amount, the washing water heater may be in a state of being entirely immersed in the washing water.

Additionally, the dishwasher may further include a water supply flow path through which washing water is supplied from an external water supply source to the washing space; and a flowmeter provided in the water supply flow path to sense a flow rate of the washing water supplied from the external water supply source, wherein the controller may receive an output signal of the flowmeter, and may calculate the water supply amount through the received output signal.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be less than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially to tum on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the washing water heater; and a step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the supply of power to the washing water heater and then initiating supply of power to the regeneration heater through the power supply part to turn on the regeneration heater.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the regeneration heater; and a step of turning off the regeneration heater by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater and then initiating supply of power to the washing water heater through the power supply part to turn on the washing water heater.

Additionally, the dishwasher may further include an element for sensing whether there is a short circuit in a circuit, the element being disposed between the washing water heater and the power supply part.

Additionally, the element for sensing whether there is a short circuit in a circuit may include a semiconductor element, and the semiconductor element may include SCR (silicon controlled rectifier thyristor), TRIAC (triode for alternating current), DIAC (diode alternating current switch), SIDAC (silicon diode for alternating current), MCT (MOS controlled thyristor), and IGCT (integrated gate-commutated thyristor) switching elements.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a dishwasher including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; a washing water heater disposed inside the tub to be exposed to the washing space, and heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space; a washing pump supplying the washing water to the washing space while pressurizing the washing water; and a power supply part generating power to be supplied to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump, may include a step of proceeding with an individual driving process in which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of comparing a water supply amount of washing water supplied to the tub with a preset target water supply amount to determine whether the water supply amount exceeds the target water supply amount.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be less than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously to tum on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater sequentially to turn on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater sequentially.

Additionally, the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process may include a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the washing water heater; and a step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the supply of power to the washing water heater and then initiating supply of power to the regeneration heater through the power supply part to turn on the regeneration heater.

Additionally, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the regeneration heater; and a step of turning off the regeneration heater by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater and then initiating supply of power to the washing water heater through the power supply part to turn on the washing water heater.

Advantageous Effects

The dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of being able to heat washing water and regenerate a moisture absorbent, effectively and in a short period of time, even in a washing course having a short washing process time, by simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying the moisture absorbent and the driving section of the washing water heater when the washing water heater disposed to be exposed to the washing space of the tub is exposed to air, while utilizing the fact that the washing water heater has resistance characteristics which vary according to the change of the target to be heated.

Also, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of being able to improve the safety and reliability of the product through the beforehand prevention of the overload occurrence in the power supply part by configuring the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to be driven simultaneously only when the washing water heater is in a state of being exposed to the air.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the configuration of the moisture absorption drying device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a controller provided in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the progress sequence of processes performed in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 to 10 are functional block diagrams schematically illustrating the electrical connection structure of a washing water heater and a regeneration heater to a power supply part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating a control method for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODEL

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.

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.

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

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 lower surface) of the component, but also that another element may be interposed between the component and the element disposed on (or below) the component.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Dishwasher]

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

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

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher 1 according to the present invention includes a case 10 forming an outer shape, a tub 20 having an open front side and installed inside the case 10 to form a washing space 21 in which wash targets are washed, the door 30 for opening or closing the open front side of the tub 20, a driving part 40 located in the lower side of the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge washing water for washing the wash targets, a storage part 50 detachably provided in the washing space 21 inside the tub 20, and on which the wash targets are placed, and a spray part installed adjacent to the storage part 50 to spray washing water for washing the wash targets.

In this regard, examples of the wash targets placed in the storage part 50 may include tableware such as bowls, dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the like, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated below, the wash targets will be referred to as tableware.

The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with the entire front side open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing bath.

The washing space 21 can be formed inside the tub 20 whose open front side can be opened or closed by the door 30.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, the driving part 40 may be constructed by including a sump 41 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 to the sump 41 from an external water supply source, a drain part 44 discharging the washing water from 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. 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.

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.

The water supply part 43 serves to supply washing water from an external water supply source not shown to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 by way of the sump 41.

As such, a water supply flow path may be connected to the water supply part 43 so that washing water can be smoothly supplied to the washing space 21 from the external water supply source.

Herein, to provide the water supply flow path so that it can supply washing water from an external water supply source to the washing space 21 means that the internal components of the dishwasher 1, such as the washing pump 45, the sump 41, a water jacket (not shown), the tub 20, a water softener (not shown), and a water purifier (not shown), are sequentially communicated with each other through the water supply flow path, so that the washing water can ultimately be used for washing and rinsing in the washing space 21 of the tub 20. Thus, the supply path 46 to be described later constitutes a part of the water supply flow path.

The washing pump 45 is provided in one side or lower side of the sump 41, and serves to pressurize the washing water to supply it to the spray part.

The washing pump 45 may be connected at one end to the sump 41, and at the other end to the supply flow path 46. 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.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the upper side of the sump cover 42 a washing water heater 47 may be provided exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 to heat the washing water supplied when the washing process or the heating and rinsing process is in progress. Although the washing water heater 47 is originally used for heating the washing water supplied to the tub 20, it can also be used for heating air in the present invention as described below. Details regarding the washing water heater 47 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 and the following drawings.

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.

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

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.

Meanwhile, the spray part is provided to spray washing water on tableware and the like stored in the storage part 50.

More specifically, the spray part may include the lower spray arm 61 positioned in the lower side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spray arm 62 positioned between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 positioned in the upper side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

Particularly, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 may be 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.

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.

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.

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 lower surface 25 of the tub 20 to increase the washing efficiency.

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.

Meanwhile, the storage part 50 for storing the tableware may be provided in the washing space 21.

The storage part 50 is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub 20 through the open front side of the tub 20.

For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment which provides the storage part including the lower rack 51 located in the lower side of the tub 20 and capable of storing relatively large tableware, the upper rack 52 located in the upper side of the lower rack 51 and capable of storing medium-sized tableware, and the top rack 53 located in the upper side 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 dishwasher provided with three storage parts 50 as illustrated, but not limited thereto.

These lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front side of the tub 20.

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.

On the bottom of each of these lower rack 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 wheels may be provided. By pulling these lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 out through the front side of the tub 20 to the outside, the user can easily store tableware in them, or take out washed tableware from them.

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.

Meanwhile, the door 30 has the purpose of opening or closing the open front side of the above-described tub 20.

In the lower side of the front side that is normally open, there is provided a hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing the door 30, and the door 30 is opened by rotating about the hinge part as a rotation shaft.

Here, on the outer surface of the door 30, there may be provided a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the dishwasher 1.

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

Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door 30 may 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.

To this end, it is preferable that when the door 30 is fully opened, the inner surface of the door 30 forms a horizontal plane in the same direction as the extension of the guide rail 54 by which the lower rack 51 is guided.

Meanwhile, on the inner surface of the door 30, there may be further provided a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the inside of the tub 20.

Meanwhile, in the lower side of the tub 20 a moisture absorption drying device 80 may be provided, which, in progress of the drying process, absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub 20 and then resupplies the air back to the tub 20.

As described later, in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, there may be formed an air supply hole 254 for allowing air from which water vapor has been removed through the moisture absorption drying device 80 to be introduced into the inside of the tub 20.

The detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[Detailed Configuration of Moisture Absorption Drying Device]

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention may be constructed, including the blowing part 82 generating airflow of air to be sucked in from the tub 20 and supplied to the inside of the tub 20, the heater part 83 provided with a regeneration heater 831 heating the air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85 or the tub 20, a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83 based on the flow direction of the airflow and absorbing moisture contained in the air, a housing 84 accommodating the heater part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 therein, the suction duct 81 connecting between the air suction hole 20h of the tub 20 and the blowing part 82, and a supply duct 88 guiding the airflow passing through the moisture absorbent 85 to the air supply hole 254 of the tub 20.

The blowing part 82 is disposed upstream of the heater part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow, and is disposed downstream of the suction duct 81, so that it serves to suck air from the tub 20 and generate the airflow, causing the sucked air to pass through the moisture absorbent 85.

A blowing fan 821 and a blowing motor 822 generating the rotational driving force of the blowing fan may be modularized together and accommodated inside a fan housing to form an assembly.

Although there is no limitation on the type of blowing fan 821 applied to the moisture absorption drying device 80, a sirocco fan, for example, is preferable considering the locational and spatial constraints regarding the installation of the blowing part.

The heater part 83 is disposed between the above-described blowing part 82 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and serves to heat the airflow of the air to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 when the moisture absorbent regeneration process is in progress.

When the moisture absorption drying device 80 generates a high-temperature airflow F during the regeneration process of the moisture absorbent 85, power may be supplied to the regeneration heater 831 to heat the airflow, while when the moisture absorption drying device 80 generates a low-temperature airflow F during the moisture absorption process, power supplied to the regeneration heater 831 may be cut off, causing the regeneration heater 831 to turn off.

In this regard, when generating the low-temperature airflow F or the high-temperature airflow F, the operation of the blowing fan 821 may be maintained.

There is no restriction on the type of regeneration heater 831 provided in the moisture absorption drying device 80, and, however, as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater may be selected which has a relatively simple structure, an excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing electric leakage caused by the washing water flowing in from the tub 20.

In this regard, since the regeneration heater 831 has the purpose of heating the airflow, it may have a lower output capacity, as described later, than the washing water heater 47 heating the washing water and provided as a separate functional module from the regeneration heater 831.

Preferably, the regeneration heater 831 may be a sheath heater having an output capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W. As described later, the washing water heater 47 may be a heater having an output capacity greater than that of the regeneration heater 831.

At one end and the other end of the regeneration heater 831 a pair of terminals 832 may be formed for receiving the power supply. The pair of terminals 832 may extend to the outside, penetrating through the housing 84.

Meanwhile, although not shown, in a location adjacent to the regeneration heater 831, there may be further provided a thermostat for sensing whether the regeneration heater 831 is overheated and a thermistor functioning as a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the airflow F. The moisture absorbent 85 serves to absorb moisture contained in the airflow discharged from the tub 20 when the moisture absorption drying process of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress, and to discharge the absorbed moisture into the airflow when the regeneration process of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress.

That is, the moisture absorbent 85 may be formed with a reversibly dehydratable material, so that it can absorb moisture or release the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

The reversibly dehydratable material applicable to this may include one selected from a group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or be a composition having a combination of two or more thereof.

To the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention, the moisture absorbent 85 having an alumina silica series material including, for example, aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied. The present invention will be described below based on, but not limited to, an example in which the alumina silica series moisture absorbent 85 is applied.

In this way, the moisture absorbent 85 formed with an alumina silica series material may be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that it is possible to maximize the contact area with the airflow F. Additionally, the moisture absorption function can occur at a lower temperature range than that of a moisture absorbent made of pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration function can occur at a lower temperature range.

However, the airflow may pass between a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 provided in the form of particles, and come into contact with the moisture absorbents 85, thereby allowing the moisture absorption, or absorbing moisture released from the moisture absorbent 85.

Thus, the moisture absorbent 85 cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the airflow. To minimize such flow resistance, the pore space may be effectively formed, and the particle size of the moisture absorbent 85 may be selected to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

For this purpose, as an example, the moisture absorbent 85 having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm may be selected and applied.

Meanwhile, the moisture absorbent 85 is disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83 based on the flow direction of the airflow.

Specifically, the moisture absorbent 85 may be accommodated through a moisture absorbent holder 86 inside the housing 84 formed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83.

The moisture absorbent holder 86 may be provided with a mesh portion through which the airflow can pass.

Meanwhile, the housing 84 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 may accommodate the above-described heater part 83 and moisture absorbent 85, and may also serve to form an internal flow path guiding the flow of airflow passing through the regeneration heater 831.

In order to form the internal flow path, the housing 84 may be manufactured to have a hollow shape.

Meanwhile, the supply duct 88 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 serves to communicate between the housing 84 and the air supply hole 254 formed on the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

The supply duct 88 may be connected to the housing 84 at the front end based on the flow direction of the airflow, and extend into the inside of the washing space 21 at the rear end, passing through the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

Inside the supply duct 88 a supply flow path may be formed through which the air having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 flows.

In order that the airflow having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 can be introduced, the front end of the supply duct 88 may be communicated with the outlet side of the moisture absorbent 85.

At the rear end of the supply duct 88, a discharge port 881 may be formed for diverting the flow direction of the airflow having passed through the supply flow path.

As shown, the discharge port 881 may be formed at a lower position, based on the up and down direction, than the lower rack 51.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, when the moisture absorption drying process and the regeneration process are in progress, the airflow having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 can be discharged to the washing space 21 at a lower position than the lower rack 51 through the discharge port 881.

Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device 80 may further include the suction duct 81 whose front end is connected to the air suction hole 20h of the tub 20 based on the flow direction of the airflow, whose rear end is connected to the housing 84, and which serves to guide the airflow discharged from the tub 20 through the air suction hole 20h to the housing 84.

As shown, the suction duct 81 may be manufactured in a hollow shape so that an air passage through which the airflow can flow can be formed in the inside thereof.

The suction duct 81 may extend long along the up and down direction so as to connect between the air suction hole 20h formed adjacent to the upper surface of the tub 20 and the housing 84 disposed below the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[Configuration of Controller and Functional Modules]

Hereinafter, the configuration of a controller 100 and functional modules constituting the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include the controller 100 for controlling the respective functional components.

The controller 100 may be provided in various forms, such as a microcontroller, microcomputer, or microprocessor, as is known in the art, and may be mounted on a main circuit board 100a.

First, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the motor 453 of the washing pump 45 among several functional modules to pressurize and supply washing water stored in the sump 41 to the spray part. The controller 100 may initiate or stop the operation of the washing pump 45 by allowing or stopping the power supply to the motor 453 from a power supply part 48 to be described later.

When the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, and the heating and rinsing process S4 are initiated, the controller 100 may supply power to the motor 453 of the washing pump 45 through the power supply part 48 to initiate the operation of the washing pump 45.

As described below, when the operation of the washing pump 45 is initiated, the water supply amount supplied through the washing pump 45 can be sensed by a measuring means such as a flowmeter 117, and the controller 100 may determine whether to proceed with a simultaneous driving process of the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 based on the water supply amount.

Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the button part 34 into which the user's operation command is input. When the user's power on/off operation input and washing course selection operation are input through the button part 34, the button part 34 may transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the controller 100.

The controller 100 may control the dishwasher 1 to turn the power of the dishwasher 1 on and off or to perform the individual process of the dishwasher 1 according to the selected washing course when receiving the electrical signal from the button part 34.

Although not shown, it may be configured so that the user's operation command may be input through another input means, such as a user's wireless terminal, other than the button part 34.

Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the regeneration heater 831 among various functional modules, which heats the airflow F to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85 to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the regeneration heater 831 is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 102a, and, however, unlike this, the regeneration heater 831 may be electrically connected directly to the power supply part 48, and the controller 100 may be configured to control whether or not the power supply part 48 supplies power. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which the regeneration heater 831 receives power from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 100a, as illustrated. The allowing or stopping of power supply to the regeneration heater 831 may be realized by turning on or off any one of a plurality of relay elements 101, 102 as described later.

In this regard, there is no restriction on the individual relay elements 101, 102 as long as they are means capable of allowing or stopping electrical connection according to a control signal from the controller 100. However, the present invention may employ a relay element capable of allowing or stopping an electrical connection to a component to which high voltage and high current are applied.

The relay element is known as a switch which is provided with an electromagnet (coil) inside, so that it can be controlled to be on/off because magnetism is created when current flows therein, while magnetism disappears when no current flows therein.

The relay element may include an electromagnetic relay, a semiconductor relay, and more specifically, may include a mechanical relay, a solid-state relay, a contactless relay, and a photoMOS relay.

Based on the internal structure of the relay element, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a SPST (Single pole single Throw) relay, but it is also possible to form a power circuit employing a SPDT (Single pole double throw) or DPDT (Double pole double throw) relay.

Additionally, based on the contact form, it is possible to employ a relay element which is a form A relay with a default sate of normally OFF, a form B relay with default state of normally ON, or a form C relay with the common contact normally connected to either one of contacts.

The dishwasher 1 may inherently use functional modules and heaters of various purposes such as washing, drying, moisture absorbent regeneration, steam generation, sterilization, and the like. Therefore, if a switch having a relatively large size is applied to control each heater, not only will the structure of the power circuit become complicated, but there may also be a problem in that the accommodation space formed inside the base 90 becomes insufficient. The present invention may be configured to use such circuit elements to enable individual control of each heater as well as immediate confirmation of whether the power circuit is shorted or open. By employing such circuit elements, there may be advantages in simplifying the configuration of the power circuit, while securing the mechanical compactness and reliability.

The controller 100 may turn on or off the regeneration heater 831 by allowing or stopping the supply of power to the regeneration heater 831 from the power supply part 48 through any one of the plurality of relay elements 101, 102 to be described later.

More specifically, in order to regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 before the drying process S5 is performed, the controller 100 may supply power to the regeneration heater 831 to operate the regeneration heater 831 during the washing process S2 or during the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4.

After driving the regeneration heater 831 to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 during the washing process S2, if the controller 100 determines that the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 is incomplete, it may control the regeneration heater 831 to be additionally driven by supplying power to the regeneration heater 831 during the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4.

Meanwhile, since the regeneration heater 831 has the purpose of heating the airflow F, it may employ a heater having a lower output capacity than that of the washing water heater 47 for heating the washing water. As described above, in order to effectively regenerate the moisture absorbent 85, the regeneration heater 831 may have a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W.

Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the washing water heater 47 among various functional modules, which heats the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20 during the washing process S2 and the heating and rinsing process S4. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the washing water heater 47 is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply part 48 by way of the controller 100, and, however, unlike this, but similar to the regeneration heater 831, the washing water heater 47 may be electrically connected directly to the power supply part 48, and the controller 100 may be configured to control whether or not the power supply part 48 supplies power. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which the washing water heater 47 receives power from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 100a, as illustrated. The allowing or stopping of the supply of power to the washing water heater 47 may be realized by turning on or off any one of the relay elements 101, 102.

Unlike the regeneration heater 831, the washing water heater 47 serves to heat the washing water circulating in the tub 20. Therefore, it may be configured to have a greater output capacity than the regeneration heater 831.

In the case where the output capacity of the regeneration beater 831 has a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 may have a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W.

Meanwhile, as described above, the washing water heater 47 is disposed to be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

In this regard, the washing water heater 47 is driven while being immersed in the washing water because it is originally used for the purpose of heating the washing water, and, however, in the present invention, the washing water heater 47 may be used for the purpose of heating air.

That is, as described later, when the washing water heater 47 is driven while being exposed to air, the resistance characteristics of the washing water heater 47 may change compared to when it is driven while being immersed water.

More specifically, when it is driven while being exposed to air, the heating load of the washing water heater 47 increases, and thus, the resistance component of the washing water heater 47 significantly increases and the current component also increases. Thereby, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 is reduced compared to when it is driven while being immersed in water.

Specifically, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 in a state of being immersed in water has a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W as described above, but the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 in a state of being partially exposed to air has a rated capacity in the range of 600 W to 1000 W. That is, the output capacity is reduced by about 30%.

By utilizing this resistance characteristic of the washing water heater 47, the present invention can be configured to simultaneously drive the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 to regenerate the moisture absorbent and heat the washing water when the washing water heater 47 is exposed to the air after the washing process S2 or the heating and rinsing process S4 has been initiated, that is, when the water supply amount is smaller than the target water supply amount.

Consequently, even if the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are driven simultaneously, the possibility of an overload occurring in the power supply part 48 can be significantly reduced because an output generated through the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater is much lower than the acceptable power rating.

That is, in countries such as Europe where the acceptable power rating is as low as 2300 W (the rating in the US and Korea is approximately 3000 W), even when the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are driven simultaneously, the overload in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented and safety can be improved. The specific configuration regarding the simultaneous driving process or individual driving process of the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 according to the water supply amount will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and the following drawings.

Meanwhile, the controller 100 may control the operations of the functional modules of the dishwasher 1 such as the motor 453 of the washing pump 45, the regeneration heater 831, and the washing water heater 47 by allowing or stopping the power supplied to them in response to the process progress of the washing course selected by the user.

The operation parameters of each functional module of the dishwasher 1 are set in the memory according to the washing course which the user can select, for example, by pressing a button on the control panel 32, a wireless terminal, or the like.

The operation parameters such as the operating time, power supply level, power intensity, and on/off conditions of the functional modules such as the washing water heater 47, the regeneration heater 831, the washing pump 45, the drain 44, and the water supply part 43 of the dishwasher 1 may be set, and a set of operation parameters that are performed according to each washing course may be defined as a mode.

The washing course may refer to the name of the operation mode of the dishwasher 1 displayed on the display 33 of the dishwasher 1 or the screen of the wireless terminal. That is, the user can select a washing course, and the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 can control individual components of the dishwasher 1 to sequentially proceed with the modes corresponding to that washing course. That is, although the terms washing course and mode are used separately for specific explanation in the present invention, they may refer to similar meanings.

The washing course may be set in various ways such as a normal course, a standard course, a strong course, a delicate course, a half course, an automatic course (half-load course, focusing on washing only some racks among a plurality of racks), a short course, and a 1-hour course.

The names of washing courses may vary slightly depending on the product. In particular, the 1-hour course operates for 1 hour or less, but in some cases it may operate for 2 hours or less.

That is, when a user selects a washing course, the controller 100 determines the operation modes of the dishwasher 1 corresponding to each washing course, and each operation mode can proceed with that washing course according to preset parameters.

Meanwhile, additional options may be set for each washing course. The options may include setting the drying process operation time, enabling or disabling storage mode after the entire process operation, and turning notifications on or off.

These washing courses may be broadly classified into a first course and a second course.

When the first course is selected, the controller 100 may control the operations of the components of the dishwasher 1 in the first mode corresponding to the first course, and when the second course is selected, the controller 100 may control the operation of the components of the dishwasher 1 in the second mode corresponding to the second course.

Here, the second course may be a course with a shorter operating time than that of the first course.

The first washing course may include washing courses that require a relatively long operating time, such as a normal course, a strong course, or a delicate course, and the second washing course may include any course that requires a relatively short operating time compared to the first washing course, such as a short course, a 1-hour course, a half course, or a half-load course.

For example, the second washing course performed according to the second mode may be a washing course that requires an operating time of less than 1 hour, and the first washing course performed according to the first mode may be a washing course that requires an operating time of 1 hour or more.

When the dishwasher 1 is operated in the second mode, it may perform a simultaneous driving process in which the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are driven simultaneously, and when it is operated in the first mode, it may perform an individual driving process in which the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are not operated simultaneously but are driven individually.

Meanwhile, when the user selects an automatic course, the amount of contamination on the tableware may be measured during the pre-washing process at the start of the washing course, and the washing process conditions may be set according to the amount of contamination.

When the amount of contamination on the tableware is determined to be small, so that the mode of less than 2 hours is operated, the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may be operated simultaneously. That is, when the automatic course is selected, the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may be operated simultaneously or the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may not be operated simultaneously.

As described above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide the dishwasher 1 capable of efficiently heating the washing water and regenerating the moisture absorbent 85 even when the second washing course having a short operation time is selected.

For example, in the case where the minimum regeneration time for regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 is 30 minutes and the short second washing course with a total operating time of about 1 hour is selected, the elapsed time of the washing process S2 cannot but become shorter than the summed time of the regeneration time of the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating time of the washing water.

To this end, the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may control the power supply part 48 so that, when the second washing course with a short total elapsed time of about 1 hour is selected in this way and the current water supply amount is less than the target water supply amount, there is a simultaneous driving section or simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 during the washing process S2. As the simultaneous driving process progresses in this way, the time required to reach the target regeneration temperature for regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 and the time required to reach the target washing temperature for the washing process can be shortened significantly compared to the conventional one.

Hereinafter, a case in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater in progress of the process is referred to as a simultaneous driving process, and a case in which power is not supplied simultaneously but individually to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater is referred to as an individual driving process.

Meanwhile, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the blowing motor 822 of the blowing part 82 constituting the moisture absorption drying device 80.

The controller 100 may generate an airflow F of air by supplying power to the blowing motor 822 through the power supply part 48 when the regeneration heater 831 for regeneration and drying of the moisture absorbent 85 is driven or when the drying process S5 is in progress.

Meanwhile, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the flowmeter 117 for indirectly determining the water supply amount of washing water supplied to the tub 20 through the washing pump 45.

The flowmeter 117 may be installed in a water jacket or in a water supply flow path having an air break function, which are all not shown. Although the water jacket can store washing water, neither the water jacket nor other additional tank for storing washing water may be provided, and in this case, the water may be supplied directly to the sump 41 simply through the water supply flow path, and a function of preventing backflow or an air break function may be added on the water supply flow path.

In this way, the flowmeter 117 may be a flow sensor attached to a water jacket or a water supply flow path to serve to sense the flow rate of the washing water supplied to the sump 41. The flowmeter 117 does not directly sense the water supply amount supplied by the washing pump 45, but since there is no significant difference between the flow rate supplied through the water supply flow path and the flow rate supplied through the washing pump 45, the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 117 can be used as a reference based on which the flow rate supplied to the tub 20 through the washing pump 45 is indirectly determined.

Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to a circuit element for sensing whether there is a short circuit in a power circuit.

This circuit element may be a semiconductor element, and may be any one of SCR (silicon controlled rectifier thyristor), TRIAC (triode for alternating current), DIAC (diode alternating current switch), SIDAC (silicon diode for alternating current), MCT (MOS controlled thyristor), and IGCT (integrated gate-commutated thyristor) switching elements.

FIG. 5 and the following drawings illustrate a configuration in which an SCR element 105 is connected to the controller 100. The present invention will be described below based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which, for example, the SCR element 105 is provided as a circuit element for sensing there is a short circuit in a power circuit.

As is known in the art, the SCR element 105 is a power semiconductor element which can be installed on a power circuit to check whether there is a short circuit and whether there is an open circuit, in the power circuit.

As described below, the SCR element 105 may be provided on a power circuit formed between the power supply part 48 and the washing water heater 47, and the controller 100 may check, through a signal received from the SCR element 105, whether there is an abnormality in the washing water heater 47.

That is, since the washing water heater 47 of the present invention is driven while being immersed in washing water, there is a possibility that a short circuit may occur due to the washing water, and the controller 100 can effectively identify, through the output signal of the SCR element 105, whether there is an abnormality in the washing water heater 47.

Additionally, as known in the art, the SCR element 105 can function to rectify electric current and pass it.

By utilizing the function of the SCR element 105 in this way, the controller 100 can provide the washing water heater 47 with the electric current rectified through the SCR element 105.

That is, the controller 100 can have the effect of further reducing the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 by lowering the current value supplied in an unrectified state to a predetermined level or less with the use of the SCR element 105 and supplying the same.

For example, by supplying a current rectified at a level of 70% to the washing water heater 47 which is generating an output in the range of 600 W to 1000 W while being exposed to air, the output of the washing water heater 47 can be adjusted to a range of 420 W to 700 W, thereby further reducing the possibility of overload occurrence in the power supply part 48.

Meanwhile, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 100 may call the operation conditions and time conditions for each course stored in advance in the memory for each washing course, and may use them to generate control signals for controlling the progress and end of the processes according to the washing course.

Additionally, the controller 100 may calculate the elapsed time for each process using the timer, and compare it with the pre-stored time condition for each process to determine whether each process has been completed.

Here, each process may include the pre-washing process S1, the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, the heating and rinsing process S4, and the drying process S5, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the controller 100 controls the overall process progress of the dishwasher 1 that proceeds in the following order: the pre-washing process S1, the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, the heating and rinsing process S4, and the drying process S5.

The pre-washing process S1 is a process in which the washing pump 45 is driven to circulate the washing water without injecting detergent through the detergent supply device and the amount of contamination is measured through a turbidity sensor (not shown) provided in the sump 41, and the washing process S2 is a process in which the washing water is circulated while injecting detergent through the detergent supply device to wash the tableware.

The rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 are processes in which rinse agent is injected from the detergent supply device and the washing water is circulated to remove any detergent remaining on the tableware.

When the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 are in progress, heated washing water is supplied so that the tableware can be heated to a predetermined temperature. Through this, the drying efficiency of tableware can be improved and the drying time can be shortened in the drying process SS that is performed after the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 have been completed.

These respective specific processes may be combined and adjusted so that it may be omitted or performed repeatedly depending on the selected washing course setting and option.

In this regard, between the respective processes, a drain process of the washing water used in each process and a water supply process for supplying new washing water may be included.

Prior to the pre-washing process S1, a water supply process may be included.

Between the pre-washing process S1 and the washing process S2, between the washing process S2 and the rinsing process S3, and between the heating and rinsing process S4 and the rinsing process S3, a drain process and a water supply process may be performed, and between the heating and rinsing process S4 and the drying process S5, a drain process may be performed.

The water supply process may be performed by controlling an aqua stop (not shown) provided in the water supply part 43 to supply washing water to the sump 41 through a water supply flow path, and the drain process can be performed by controlling the drain part 44 connected to the sump 41 to drain the washing water to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through a drain flow path.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, a brief description will be given of a power circuit structure for supplying power to the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 constituting the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, as described above, the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 may be configured to receive power through the power supply part 48, and the allowing or stopping of supply of power to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 may be realized through the plurality of relay elements 101, 102.

As illustrated, the washing water heater 47 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power to it may be allowed or stopped through the first relay element 101 of the plurality of relay elements 101, 102.

Meanwhile, like the washing water heater 47, the regeneration heater 831 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power to it may be allowed or stopped through the second relay element 102.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed by driving only the washing water heater 47 alone when the washing water heater 47 is immersed in the washing water, the controller 100 tums on the first relay element 101 to turn on only the washing water heater 47.

Consequently, the washing water heater 47 can heat the washing water while generating 100% output.

At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the regeneration heater 831 to proceed with the individual driving process.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed by driving only the regeneration heater 831 alone, the controller 100 turns on the third relay element 102 to turn on the regeneration heater 831.

At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the first relay element 101 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the washing water heater 47 to proceed with the individual driving process.

However, as shown in FIG. 10, when it is possible to proceed with the simultaneous driving process with the washing water heater 47 being exposed to air, the controller 100 may control the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 to be turned on together by turning on the first relay element 101 and the second relay clement 102. At this time, the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102 may be turned on simultaneously or sequentially to form a simultaneous driving state.

Consequently, since the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, the simultaneous driving process can be performed to perform the heating of the washing water and the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 simultaneously, and, however, the output generated by the washing water heater 47 is reduced because the washing water heater 47 is exposed to the air.

Accordingly, even if the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 is performed, the sum of the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 and the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 can be surely maintained below the acceptable power rating, and thus, through this, the overload occurrence in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented.

Meanwhile, when additional output adjustment for the washing water heater 47 is required during the simultaneous driving process or during the individual driving process, the controller 100 may control the SCR element 105 by transmitting a control signal to it so that the SCR element can supply an electric current rectified to a predetermined level to the washing water heater 47.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 7 to 10, the SCR element 105 is illustrated as being electrically connected between the first relay element 101 and the washing water heater 47, and, however, unlike this, it may be configured to be electrically connected between the power supply part 48 and the first relay element 101.

Hereinafter, a control method of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control method of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step S10 of starting the washing process or the heating and rinsing process according to a selected washing course; a step S20 of performing an individual driving process in which power is not supplied to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 simultaneously, but is supplied to each separately, or performing a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 simultaneously, based on a water supply amount supplied through the washing pump 45, when the washing process or the heating and rinsing process is started at step S10; and a step S30 of ending the washing process or the heating and rinsing process when the simultaneous driving process or the individual driving process has been completed at step S20.

FIG. 12 illustrates detailed steps of step S20 performed during the washing process. However, it should be noted that although steps to described below are with regard to steps performed after the washing process has begun, if the regeneration of the moisture absorbent is not completed during the washing process, the same steps may be performed repeatedly during the heating and rinsing process.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the controller 100 receives a user's washing course selection operation signal through an input means such as the button part 34 or the user's wireless terminal which are described above, it may drive the washing pump 45 to start the washing process according to the selected washing course. S101

When the operation of the washing pump 45 is started at step S101, the controller 100 determines whether the water supply amount of washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 after the start of the washing pump 45 exceeds the target water supply amount. S201

Information about the target water supply amount may be stored in the memory, and the controller 100 may call the information about the target water supply amount to compare the target water supply amount with the water supply amount of washing water supplied until now and then make the determination.

Specifically, the target water supply amount may be set to 1.5 L or more, or 2 L or more.

These values are set based on the assumption that in the case where the appropriate water supply amount is 2 L, when the water supply amount of 1.5 L is confirmed, the washing water heater 47 can be considered to be immersed in the washing water, and in the case where the appropriate water supply amount is 2.5 L, when the water supply amount of 2 L is confirmed, the washing water heater 47 can be considered to be immersed in the washing water, and thus, they may be set differently depending on the washing capacity of the dishwasher 1.

Meanwhile, the determination on the current water supply amount may be made from the output signal of the flowmeter 117 provided in the water jacket or the water supply flow path as described above. The controller 100 may indirectly calculate the supply amount of washing water supplied until now through the washing pump 45 by receiving the output signal from the flowmeter 117.

However, measurement and calculation of the water supply amount may be done through other means. Although not shown, the water supply amount may also be measured directly in a manner of adding a separate water level sensor inside the tub 20.

Alternatively, the water supply amount may be calculated by measuring the electric current value passing through the motor 453 of the washing pump 45. That is, since the load of the motor 453 of the washing pump 45 changes depending on the water supply amount, the water supply amount can be calculated in a manner of detecting the change in the current value corresponding to the load of the motor 453.

The present invention will be described below based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which the water supply amount is calculated based on the output signal of a flowmeter 117.

Meanwhile, if it is determined at step S201 that the current water supply amount is greater than or equal to the target water supply amount, the controller 100 determines that the washing water heater 47 is currently immersed in the washing water, and drives the washing water heater 47 to heat the washing water using the washing water heater 47. S202

In order to drive the washing water heater 47, the controller 100 may turn on the first relay element 101, and thereby, the washing water heater 47 can be turned on.

However, since the washing water heater 47 is immersed in the washing water as described above, the controller 100 determines that the progress of the simultaneous driving process of the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 is not appropriate, and thus the second relay element 102 is maintained in a turned-off state, so that the regeneration heater 831 can be in a turned-off state.

That is, by turning on only the washing water heater 47, the individual driving process can be performed.

Meanwhile, when the driving of the washing water heater 47 is started at step S202, the controller 100 receives an output signal from a temperature sensing part 87, and determines whether the current washing water temperature has reached the target washing water temperature. S203

The target washing water temperature is set as a temperature suitable to perform the washing process on tableware, and information about the target washing water temperature is stored in the memory.

For example, the target washing water temperature may be around 50° C.

The controller may call information about the target washing water temperature from memory, and compare it with the current washing water temperature.

When determining that the current washing water temperature is greater than or equal to the target washing water temperature at step S203, the controller 100 considers the current washing water temperature to have reached the temperature suitable to perform the washing process, and stops the operation of the washing water heater 47. S204

As described above, the operation of the washing water heater 47 is stopped by turning off the first relay element 101, so that the washing water heater 47 can be turned off and the individual driving process for the washing water heater 47 can be completed.

When the washing water heater 47 is turned off at step S204, so that the heating of the washing water has been completed, the controller 100 may control the functional modules of the dishwasher 1 so that the remaining washing process can proceed.

Meanwhile, during the remaining washing process of step S205, the controller 100 initiates the operation of the moisture absorption drying device 80 to regenerate the moisture absorbent. S206

In order to proceed with the moisture absorbent regeneration process, the controller 100 may turn on the second relay element 102 to tum on the regeneration heater 831, and may supply power to the blowing motor 822 to turn on the blowing motor 822.

Thereby, an individual driving process for the regeneration heater 831 can be initiated.

When the regeneration heater 831 is turned on at step S206, so that its individual driving process is initiated, the controller 100 checks whether the regeneration for the moisture absorbent 85 has been completed. S207

Whether or not the moisture absorbent 85 has been regenerated may be determined through the calculation of the temperature of the airflow passing through the moisture absorbent 85 or of the time which has been elapsed since the turning on of the regeneration heater 831.

If it is determined at step S207 that the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 has been completed, the controller 100 turns off the regeneration heater 831 and the blowing motor 822 by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater 831 and the blowing motor 822, in order to stop the moisture absorbent regeneration process. S208

When the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 has been completed, so that the operations of the regeneration heater 831 and the blowing motor 822 are stopped at step S208, the controller 100 proceeds with the remaining washing process, and ends the washing process by stopping the operation of the washing pump 45 and draining the washing water in order to complete the remaining washing process. S301

Meanwhile, if it is determined that the current water supply amount is less than the target water supply amount in the aforementioned step S201, the controller 100 may determine that the washing water heater 47 is currently exposed to the air, so that the simultaneous driving process of the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 can proceed.

In order to proceed with the simultaneous driving process of the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831, the controller 100 may initiate the supply of power to the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47, respectively, to turn on the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47. S209, S210

In order to tum on the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47, the controller 100 may turn on the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102, respectively, thereby initiating the supply of power from the power supply part 48. At this time, as described above, when the regeneration heater 831 is turned on, the blowing motor 822 may also be turned on.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the regeneration heater 831 is turned on first and then the washing water heater 47 is turned on, but unlike this, it is also possible that the washing water heater 47 is turned on first and then the regeneration heater 831 is turned on.

Additionally, it is also possible that the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are configured to be turned on simultaneously.

The turn-on order of the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 may be set differently depending on the embodiment, and the controller 100 may set the turn-on time point of the first relay element 101 and the first relay element 101 according to the time order set differently depending on the embodiment.

In this way, by initiating the progress of the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 at steps S209 and S210, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent and the heating of the washing water can proceed simultaneously.

That is, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention can use the high-temperature airflow and high-temperature steam generated during the regeneration process of the moisture absorbent to heat the washing water by supplying them to the inside of the tub 20. Through this, it is possible to reduce the time which it takes for the washing water to reach the target washing water temperature, and significantly improve energy efficiency compared to the conventional ones.

Meanwhile, after the progress of the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 in steps S209 and S210, the controller 100 checks whether the regeneration of the moisture absorbent has been completed. S211

As described above, whether or not the moisture absorbent 85 has been regenerated may be determined through the calculation of the temperature of the airflow passing through the moisture absorbent 85 or of the time which has been elapsed since the turning on of the regeneration heater 831.

If it is determined at step S211 that the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 has been completed, the controller 100 turns off the regeneration heater 831 and the blowing motor 822 by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater 831 and the blowing motor 822, in order to stop the moisture absorbent regeneration process. S212

As described above, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent may be in a complete state, but the heating of the washing water may be in an incomplete state since the washing water heater 47 is not in a state of directly heating the washing water.

Therefore, the controller 100 maintains the supply of power to the washing water heater 47 after turning off the regeneration heater 831. S213

Since the driving of the washing pump 45 continues while the supply of power to the washing water heater 47 is maintained in this way, the washing water heater 47 can undergo the transition from a state of being exposed to air to a state of being immersed in washing water.

In this way, by completing the transition to the state of being immersed in washing water, the washing water heater 47 can undergo the transition from a state of heating air to a state of heating washing water.

Meanwhile, while the washing water continues to be heated, through step S213, with the washing water heater 47 being turned on, the controller 100 receives an output signal from the temperature sensing part 87, and determines whether the current washing water temperature has reached the target washing water temperature. S214

As described above, the target washing water temperature is set as a temperature suitable to perform the washing process on tableware, and information about the target washing water temperature is stored in the memory.

The controller may call information about the target washing water temperature from memory, and compare it with the current washing water temperature.

When determining that the current washing water temperature is greater than or equal to the target washing water temperature at step S214, the controller 100 considers the current washing water temperature to have reached the temperature suitable to perform the washing process, and stops the operation of the washing water heater 47. S215

As described above, the operation of the washing water heater 47 is stopped by turning off the first relay element 101, so that the washing water heater 47 can be turned off.

When the washing water heater 47 is turned off at step S215, so that the heating of the washing water has been completed, the controller 100 may control the functional modules of the dishwasher 1 so that the remaining washing process can proceed. S216

When the progress of the remaining washing process has been completed at step S216, the controller 100 stops the operation of the washing pump 45 and drains the washing water to end the washing process. S301

As described above, the present invention is configured to selectively proceed with the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 or the individual driving processes for the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 while utilizing the fact that the washing water heater 47 disposed to be exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 has resistance characteristics which vary according to the change of the target to be heated, so that, even during a washing course with a washing process time, it is possible to heat the washing water and regenerate the moisture absorbent, effectively and in a short period of time, and effectively prevent the overload occurrence in the power supply part.

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 dishwasher comprising:

a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated;

a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent;

a washing water heater disposed inside the tub to be exposed to the washing space, and heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space;

a washing pump supplying the washing water to the washing space while pressurizing the washing water;

a power supply part generating power to be supplied to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump; and

a controller determining whether to supply power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump,

wherein the controller performs a step of proceeding with an individual driving process in which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of comparing a water supply amount of washing water supplied to the tub with a preset target water supply amount to determine whether the water supply amount exceeds the target water supply amount.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the target water supply amount is 1.5 liters or more.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein when the water supply amount is greater than or equal to the target water supply amount, the washing water heater is in a state of being entirely immersed in the washing water.

5. The dishwasher of claim 2,

a water supply flow path through which washing water is supplied from an external water supply source to the washing space;

a flowmeter provided in the water supply flow path to sense a flow rate of the washing water supplied from the external water supply source,

wherein the controller receives an output signal of the flowmeter, and calculates the water supply amount through the received output signal.

6. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be less than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

7. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process includes a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially to turn on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially.

8. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the step of driving according to the individual driving process includes:

a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the washing water heater; and

a step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the supply of power to the washing water heater and then initiating supply of power to the regeneration heater through the power supply part to turn on the regeneration heater.

10. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the step of driving according to the individual driving process includes:

a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the regeneration heater; and

a step of turning off the regeneration heater by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater and then initiating supply of power to the washing water heater through the power supply part to turn on the washing water heater.

11. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising:

an element for sensing whether there is a short circuit in a circuit, the element being disposed between the washing water heater and the power supply part.

12. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the element for sensing whether there is a short circuit in a circuit includes a semiconductor element, and

wherein the semiconductor element includes SCR (silicon controlled rectifier thyristor), TRIAC (triode for alternating current), DIAC (diode alternating current switch), SIDAC (silicon diode for alternating current), MCT (MOS controlled thyristor), and IGCT (integrated gate-commutated thyristor) switching elements.

13. A control method for a dishwasher comprising a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated, a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent, a washing water heater disposed inside the tub to be exposed to the washing space, and heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space, a washing pump supplying the washing water to the washing space while pressurizing the washing water, and a power supply part generating power to be supplied to the regeneration heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump, the control method comprising:

a step of proceeding with an individual driving process in which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

14. The control method of claim 13, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of comparing a water supply amount of washing water supplied to the tub with a preset target water supply amount to determine whether the water supply amount exceeds the target water supply amount.

15. The control method of claim 14, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be less than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

16. The control method of claim 15, wherein the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process includes a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously to turn on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

17. The control method of claim 15, wherein the step of driving according to the simultaneous driving process includes a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part to the regeneration heater and the washing water heater sequentially to turn on the regeneration heater and the washing water heater sequentially.

18. The control method of claim 14, wherein the step of proceeding with the individual driving process or the simultaneous driving process includes a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

19. The control method of claim 18, wherein the step of driving according to the individual driving process includes:

a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the washing water heater; and

a step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the supply of power to the washing water heater and then initiating supply of power to the regeneration heater through the power supply part to turn on the regeneration heater.

20. The control method of claim 18, wherein the step of driving according to the individual driving process includes:

a step of initiating supply of power through the power supply part only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to turn on the regeneration heater; and

a step of turning off the regeneration heater by cutting off the supply of power to the regeneration heater and then initiating supply of power to the washing water heater through the power supply part to turn on the washing water heater.