WO2024219750A1 - Dishwasher and control method therefor - Google Patents

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

Dishwasher and its control method

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a dishwasher and a control method thereof, which can effectively heat wash water and regenerate a desiccant in a short period of time even in a wash course having a short wash cycle time, by simultaneously driving a regeneration heater and a wash water heater so that an overlap occurs between the driving section of a regeneration heater for drying a desiccant and the driving section of the wash water heater when the wash water heater is exposed to the air by utilizing the resistance characteristics that change according to the change in the object to be heated.

A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying water such as water onto them. At this time, the water used for washing may contain detergent.

A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tank forming a washing space, a storage section for accommodating objects to be washed inside the washing tank, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage section, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other washable items after meals can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing cycle for washing an object to be washed, a rinsing cycle for rinsing the object to be washed, and a drying cycle for drying the object to be washed after washing and rinsing are completed.

Recently, dishwashers equipped with an absorption device that absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process and then resupplies it to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the items to be washed have been released.

The desiccant provided in the desiccant device may be configured to undergo an absorption process in which it absorbs moisture in the air stream during the drying process, and to undergo a regeneration process in which it is dried by exposure to a high-temperature air stream after the drying process is completed.

This process of regeneration of the absorbent usually takes place during the washing process.

The high temperature air stream used for drying the desiccant can be supplied to the tub and used to heat the wash water.

In this regard, European Patent Publication No. 1830690 (prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which a high-temperature air stream is formed using a regeneration heater to regenerate a desiccant during a washing cycle, and even after the regeneration of the desiccant is completed, the high-temperature air stream is continuously supplied to a tub to heat the wash water to a target temperature.

In addition, European Patent Publication No. 2352410 (Prior Document 002) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which wash water is heated to a first temperature using a high-temperature air stream for regeneration of a desiccant during a washing cycle, and then heated to a second temperature using a separate wash water heater when regeneration of the desiccant is complete.

The regenerative heaters provided in the dishwashers disclosed in prior documents 001 and 002 are used for the purpose of heating the air flow, and therefore, a heating element is applied that has 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 wash water to be used in the wash cycle using only a regenerative heater as in the prior art document 001, it takes much more time and has the problem of much lower energy efficiency compared to the case of heating the wash water using a wash water heater.

Instead, as in prior art document 002, it is more efficient to alternately use a regeneration heater and a wash water heater to heat the wash water during the wash cycle, but if a wash course with a relatively short wash cycle operation time is selected, there is a problem in that if the regeneration time of the desiccant is secured to perform perfect regeneration, the operation time of the wash water heater cannot be secured, and if the operation time of the wash water heater is secured, the regeneration of the desiccant may be incomplete.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the first object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a control method thereof which can effectively heat the wash water and regenerate the desiccant in a short time even in a wash course with a short wash cycle time by simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the wash water heater so that there occurs overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying the desiccant and the driving section of the wash water heater when the wash water heater is exposed to the air by utilizing the resistance characteristics that change according to the change in the object to be heated.

In addition, the present invention has a second purpose of providing a dishwasher and a control method thereof, which can improve the safety and reliability of the product by preventing an overload in the power supply unit in advance by simultaneously operating the regeneration heater and the dishwasher heater only when the dishwasher heater is exposed to the air.

The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dishwasher comprises: a tub forming a washing space for accommodating dishes; an absorption and drying device having a desiccant for absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub and a regenerative heater for heating air to be supplied to the desiccant and drying the desiccant; a washing water heater for heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space and disposed inside the tub and exposed to the washing space; a washing pump for pressurizing and supplying the washing water to the washing space; a power supply unit for generating power to be supplied to the regenerative heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump; and a control unit for determining whether to supply power to the regenerative heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump from the power supply unit; wherein the control unit is characterized in that it performs a step of performing an individual driving process in which power is not supplied to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater at the same time but is supplied to each of them, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater at the same time.

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

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 entirely immersed in the washing water.

In addition, the dishwasher further includes a water supply path for supplying washing water from an external water source to the washing space; a flow meter provided in the water supply path for detecting the flow rate of washing water supplied from the external water source; and the control unit receives an output signal of the flow meter and calculates the water supply amount through the received output signal.

In addition, the step of performing 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 smaller than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

In addition, the step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process may include a step of starting to supply power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater simultaneously or sequentially.

In addition, the step of performing 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.

In addition, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of starting to supply power only to the washing water heater among the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater; and a step of turning off the washing water heater by blocking the power supply to the washing water heater and then starting to supply power to the regenerative heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater.

In addition, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of starting to supply power only to the regenerative heater among the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater; and a step of turning off the regenerative heater by cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater and then starting to supply power to the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater.

In addition, the device may further include a device for detecting a short circuit in the circuit, the device being placed between the washing water heater and the power supply unit.

In addition, the element for detecting whether the circuit is short-circuited includes a semiconductor element, and the semiconductor element may include an SCR (silicon controlled rectifier), TRIAC, DIAC, SIDAC, MCT, or IGCT switching element.

Meanwhile, a control method for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tub forming a washing space for accommodating dishes; an absorption and drying device having a desiccant for absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub and a regenerative heater for heating air to be supplied to the desiccant and drying the desiccant; a washing water heater for heating washing water to be supplied to the washing space and disposed inside the tub and exposed to the washing space; a washing pump for pressurizing and supplying the washing water to the washing space; and a power supply unit for generating power to be supplied to the regenerative heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump; The control method for a dishwasher may include a step of performing individual driving processes in which power is not supplied to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater simultaneously but rather is supplied to each, or a step of performing simultaneous driving processes in which power is supplied to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater simultaneously.

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

In addition, the step of performing 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 smaller than the target water supply amount in the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded.

In addition, the step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process may include a step of simultaneously supplying power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to simultaneously turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater.

In addition, the step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process may include a step of sequentially supplying power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to sequentially turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater.

In addition, the step of performing 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.

In addition, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of starting to supply power only to the washing water heater among the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater; and a step of turning off the washing water heater by blocking the power supply to the washing water heater and then starting to supply power to the regenerative heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater.

In addition, the step of driving according to the individual driving process may include a step of starting to supply power only to the regenerative heater among the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater; and a step of turning off the regenerative heater by cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater and then starting to supply power to the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater.

The dishwasher according to the present invention uses the resistance characteristics of the wash water heater, which is arranged to be exposed to the washing space of the tub, to change according to the change in the object to be heated, so that when the wash water heater is exposed to the air, the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying the desiccant and the driving section of the wash water heater overlap, thereby simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the wash water heater, thereby having the effect of effectively heating the wash water and regenerating the desiccant in a short time even in a wash course with a short wash cycle time.

In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of improving the safety and reliability of the product by preventing an overload in the power supply unit in advance by allowing the regeneration heater and the wash water heater to operate simultaneously only when the wash water heater is exposed to the air.

In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below together with specific matters for carrying out the invention.

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

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

Figures 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the configuration of the moisture absorption drying device illustrated in Figure 1.

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

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the administrative processing sequence performed in a dishwasher according to one 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 unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is judged that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

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

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

Hereinafter, the phrase “any configuration is disposed on (or below)” a component or “on (or below)” a component may mean not only that any configuration is disposed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration disposed on (or below) said component.

Additionally, when a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through other components.

As used herein, the singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

In addition, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

Throughout the specification, when reference is made to "A and/or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when reference is made to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise 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 the 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 attached 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 the dishwasher according to the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which objects to be washed are washed and having an open front, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing objects, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing objects to be washed, and a spray unit installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing objects.

At this time, the objects to be washed placed in the storage unit (50) may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated, the objects to be washed are referred to as dishes.

The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

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

In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) to support and install functional components such as the storage section (50) and the injection section described below within the tub (20).

Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) that stores washing water, a sump cover (42) that separates the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) that supplies washing water from an external water source to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) that discharges washing water from the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying washing water from the sump (41) to the spray unit.

The sump cover (42) is placed on the upper side of the sump (41) and can serve to separate the tub (20) and the sump (41). In addition, the sump cover (42) can be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray unit into the sump (41).

That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray unit toward the dishes falls to the bottom of the washing space (21) and can be returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

The water supply unit (43) supplies wash water from an external water source (not shown) to the wash space (21) of the tub (20) through the sump (41).

In this way, a water supply path can be connected to the water supply unit (43) so that washing water can be smoothly supplied to the washing space (21) from an external water source.

Here, the provision to supply washing water from an external water source to the washing space (21) means that the internal components of the dishwasher (1), such as the washing pump (45), sump (41), water jacket (not shown), tub (20), water softener (not shown), and water purifier (not shown), are sequentially connected through the water supply path so that the washing water can ultimately be used for washing and rinsing in the washing space (21) of the tub (20). Accordingly, the supply path (46) described below constitutes a part of the water supply path.

The washing pump (45) is installed on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize the washing water and supply it to the spray unit.

One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453). When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) may be pressurized and then supplied to the spray unit through the supply path (46).

As shown in Fig. 2, a washing water heater (47) for heating the washing water supplied during the washing cycle or the heating rinsing cycle may be provided on the upper side of the sump cover (42) in a state exposed to the washing space (21) of the tub (20). The washing water heater (47) is originally used for the purpose of heating the washing water supplied to the tub (20), but in the present invention, as described later, it may also be used for the purpose of heating air. The washing water heater (47) will be described later with reference to Fig. 7 and below.

Meanwhile, the supply path (46) can play a role in selectively supplying the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray unit.

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

At this time, the supply path switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each of the supply paths (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the spray unit is provided to spray washing water on dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

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

In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so as to spray washing water while rotating toward dishes in the storage section (50).

The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to be able to spray washing water toward the lower rack (51) while rotating at the lower side of the lower rack (51).

Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder (467) so as to be able to spray washing water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

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

Since the detailed configuration of the injection unit is applicable to a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit is omitted below.

Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

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

By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage compartment is provided, including a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of a tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher provided with three storage compartments (50) as illustrated.

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

To this end, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails (54) may include an upper rail, a lower rail, a top rail, and the like.

Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). The user can store dishes in them or easily take out washed dishes from them by pulling the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) outward through the front of the tub (20).

The guide rail (54) may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) or as an elastic guide rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) and increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage unit (50).

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

A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing a door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating around the hinge part as a rotation axis.

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

As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher (1), a button section (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's course selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher (1) on and off.

Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) can form one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, can form a resting surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage section (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is desirable for the inner surface of the door (30) to form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail (54) along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

Meanwhile, a detergent supply device may be further provided on the inner side of the door (30) to automatically supply detergent into the interior of the tub (20).

Meanwhile, a moisture absorption drying device (80) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20) to absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then resupply the air back to the tub (20).

As described later, an air supply hole (254) may be provided on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) to allow air from which water vapor has been removed through a desiccant drying device (80) to be introduced into the interior 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 the 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-absorbing drying device (80) according to the present invention may be configured to include a blower (82) that generates an airflow of air to be sucked from a tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), a heater (83) equipped with a desiccant (85) or a regenerative heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to the tub (20), a plurality of desiccants (85) that are arranged downstream of the blower (82) and the heater (83) based on the direction of the airflow and that absorb moisture contained in the air, a housing (84) that accommodates the heater (83) and the desiccant (85) inside, an intake duct (81) that connects the air intake hole (20h) of the tub (20) and the blower (82), and a supply duct (88) that guides the airflow that has passed through the desiccant (85) to the air supply hole (254) of the tub (20). there is.

The blower (82) is positioned upstream of the heater (83) and the desiccant (85) with respect to the direction of airflow, and is positioned downstream of the suction duct (81). It sucks air from the tub (20) and creates an airflow so that the sucked air can pass through the desiccant (85).

The blower fan (821) and the blower motor (822) that generates the rotational driving force of the blower fan can be modularized together to form an assembly accommodated inside the fan housing or inside the suction duct (81).

There is no limitation on the type of blower fan (821) applied to the desiccant drying device (80), but, for example, a sirocco fan is preferable in consideration of locational and spatial constraints where the blower fan is installed.

The heater section (83) is positioned between the blower section (82) and the desiccant (85) based on the direction of air flow, and serves to heat the air flow to dry and regenerate the desiccant (85) during the regeneration process of the desiccant (85).

When the desiccant drying device (80) generates a high temperature air stream (F) during the regeneration process of the desiccant (85), power is supplied to the regeneration heater (831) to heat the air stream, and when the desiccant drying device (80) generates a low temperature air stream (F) during the absorption process, power supplied to the regeneration heater (831) may be cut off to turn off the regeneration heater (831).

At this time, when generating low-temperature airflow (F) and high-temperature airflow (F), the operation of the blower fan (821) can be maintained.

There is no limitation on the type of regenerative heater (831) provided in the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), but as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater that has a relatively simple structure, excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing leakage due to washing water flowing in from the tub (20) may be selected.

At this time, since the regeneration heater (831) has the purpose of heating the airflow, it is provided as a separate functional module from the regeneration heater (831) as described later and may have a lower output capacity than the washing water heater (47) that heats the washing water.

Preferably, the regenerative heater (831) may be a sheath heater having an output capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W. As described below, the washing water heater (47) may be a heater having a larger output capacity than the regenerative heater (831).

A pair of terminals (832) for supplying power may be formed at one end and the other end of the regenerative heater (831). The pair of terminals (832) may extend toward the outside through the housing (84).

Meanwhile, although not shown, a thermostat for detecting overheating of the regeneration heater (831) and a thermistor functioning as a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air stream (F) may be further provided at a location adjacent to the regeneration heater (831). The desiccant (85) absorbs moisture contained in the air stream discharged from the tub (20) during the desiccant drying process of the desiccant drying device (80) and discharges the absorbed moisture into the air stream during the regeneration process of the desiccant drying device (80).

That is, the desiccant (85) can be formed as a reversibly dehydratable material capable of absorbing moisture or releasing the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

The applicable reversible hygroscopic material may be a composition comprising one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or a combination of two or more selected from these.

In the desiccant drying device (80) according to the present invention, an absorbent (85) having an alumina silica series material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an example in which an alumina silica series absorbent (85) is applied.

In this way, the absorbent (85) formed of an alumina silica series material can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the air flow (F) can be secured to the maximum extent. In addition, the absorbent can have a moisture absorption effect at a lower temperature range than the absorbent manufactured from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration effect can have a lower temperature range.

However, the air flow is configured to pass through a plurality of absorbents (85) provided in the form of particles, come into contact with the absorbents (85), and absorb moisture, or absorb moisture discharged from the absorbents (85).

Therefore, the absorbent (85) cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the air flow. To minimize such flow resistance, a gap can be effectively formed, and the particle size of the absorbent (85) can be selected so as to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

For this purpose, an absorbent (85) having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm can be selected and applied, for example.

Meanwhile, the desiccant (85) is placed downstream of the blower (82) and heater (83) based on the direction of air flow.

In detail, the desiccant (85) can be accommodated through the desiccant holder (86) inside the housing (84) formed downstream of the blower (82) and the heater (83).

The desiccant holder (86) may be provided with a mesh portion through which air flow can pass.

Meanwhile, the housing (84) of the desiccant drying device (80) accommodates the aforementioned heater unit (83) and desiccant (85), and may also serve to form an internal passage that guides the flow of air passing through the regeneration heater (831).

To form an internal flow path, the housing (84) can be manufactured to have a hollow shape.

Meanwhile, the supply duct (88) of the moisture absorbing dryer (80) serves to connect the housing (84) and the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

The supply duct (88) can be extended into the interior of the washing space (21) by passing through the air supply hole (254) formed in the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and having the front end connected to the housing (84) based on the direction of air flow.

A supply path through which air passing through the desiccant (85) flows can be formed inside the supply duct (88).

The front end of the supply duct (88) can be connected to the outlet side of the desiccant (85) so that airflow passing through the desiccant (85) can be introduced.

At the rear end of the supply duct (88), an outlet (881) can be formed to change the flow direction of the airflow passing through the supply path.

As shown, the discharge port (881) can be formed at a lower position in the vertical direction than the lower rack (51).

Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 4, when the moisture absorption and drying process and the regeneration process are in progress, the air flow passing through the desiccant (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-absorbing drying device (80) may further include a suction duct (81) whose front end is connected to the air suction hole (20h) of the tub (20) and whose rear end is connected to the housing (84) based on the direction of air flow, and which serves to guide the air flow discharged from the tub (20) through the air suction hole (20h) to the housing (84).

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

The suction duct (81) can be extended in the vertical direction so as to connect the air suction hole (20h) formed adjacent to the upper surface of the tub (20) and the housing (84) positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[Composition of control unit and function modules]

Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit (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 a control unit (100) for controlling each functional configuration.

The control unit (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 the main circuit board (100a).

First, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to the motor (453) of the washing pump (45) for pressurizing and supplying washing water stored in the sump (41) to the spray unit among various functional modules. The control unit (100) can start or stop the operation of the washing pump (45) by controlling the power supplied to the motor (453) from the power supply unit (48) described below.

When the washing cycle (S2), rinsing cycle (S3), and heating rinsing cycle (S4) are initiated, the control unit (100) can supply power to the motor (453) of the washing pump (45) through the power supply unit (48) to initiate operation of the washing pump (45).

As described below, when the operation of the washing pump (45) is initiated, the amount of water supplied through the washing pump (45) can be detected by a measuring means such as a flow meter (117), and the control unit (100) can determine whether to proceed with the simultaneous operation process of the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) based on the amount of water supplied.

In addition, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to the button unit (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 unit (34), the button unit (34) can transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit (100).

The control unit (100) can control the dishwasher (1) to turn the power of the dishwasher (1) on and off or to perform individual operations of the dishwasher (1) according to the selected washing course when an electrical signal from the button unit (34) is received.

Although not shown, the user's operating command may be configured to be input through another input means, such as a user's wireless terminal, other than the button section (34).

In addition, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to a regeneration heater (831) that heats the air flow (F) to be supplied to the desiccant (85) to dry and regenerate the desiccant (85) among various functional modules.

In FIG. 5, an embodiment is illustrated in which the regenerative heater (831) is configured to indirectly receive power from the power supply unit (48) via the main circuit board (102a). However, alternatively, the regenerative heater (831) may be configured to be directly electrically connected to the power supply unit (48) and the control unit (100) may control whether or not the power supply unit (48) supplies power. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment in which the regenerative heater (831) receives power from the power supply unit (48) via the main circuit board (100a) as illustrated. The power supply to the regenerative heater (831) may be interrupted by turning on or off any one of a plurality of relay elements (101, 102), as described below.

Here, the individual relay elements (101, 102) can be applied without limitation as long as they are a means capable of controlling an electrical connection according to a control signal of the control unit (100). However, the present invention can be applied to a relay element capable of controlling an electrical connection to a configuration to which high voltage and high current are applied.

A relay element is known as a switch that can be controlled on/off by having an electromagnet (coil) inside, which becomes magnetic when current flows and disappears when current stops flowing.

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

According to the internal configuration of the relay element, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a SPST (Single pole single Throw) relay, but a configuration of a power circuit applying a SPDT (Single pole double throw) or DPDT (Double pole double throw) relay is also possible.

In addition, depending on the contact shape, it is possible to apply relay elements that are normally OFF type A, normally ON type B, and normally connected one contact type C.

The dishwasher (1) may use functional modules and heaters for various purposes such as washing, drying, desiccant regeneration, steam generation, and sterilization due to its characteristics. Therefore, if a switch having a relatively large size is applied to control each heater, not only will the configuration of the power circuit become complicated, but there may also be a problem that the accommodation space formed inside the base (90) is insufficient. The present invention can be configured to use such circuit elements so that not only individual control for each heater but also immediate confirmation of whether the power circuit is short-circuited or open can be performed. By applying such circuit elements, the configuration of the power circuit becomes simple, and it can have the advantage of being advantageous in terms of both mechanical compactness and securing reliability.

The control unit (100) can turn on or off the regenerative heater (831) by controlling the power supplied to the regenerative heater (831) from the power supply unit (48) through any one of the plurality of relay elements (101, 102) described below.

More specifically, in order to regenerate the desiccant (85) before the drying cycle (S5) is performed, the control unit (100) can supply power to the regeneration heater (831) to operate the regeneration heater (831) during the washing cycle (S2) or during the rinsing cycle (S3) and the heating rinsing cycle (S4).

The control unit (100) drives the regeneration heater (831) to dry and regenerate the desiccant (85) during the washing cycle (S2), but if it is determined that the regeneration of the desiccant (85) is incomplete, the control unit (100) can control the regeneration heater (831) to be additionally driven by supplying power to the regeneration heater (831) during the rinsing cycle (S3) and the heating rinsing cycle (S4).

Meanwhile, since the regeneration heater (831) has the purpose of heating the air flow (F), a heater having a lower output capacity than the washing water heater (47) for heating the washing water may be applied. As described above, in order to effectively regenerate the desiccant (85), the regeneration heater (831) may have a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W.

In addition, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected to the wash water heater (47) that heats the wash water to be supplied to the tub (20) during the wash cycle (S2) and the heated rinse cycle (S4) among various functional modules. In FIG. 5, an embodiment is illustrated in which the wash water heater (47) is configured to indirectly receive power from the power supply unit (48) via the control unit (100), but unlike this, the wash water heater (47) may be electrically connected directly to the power supply unit (48) like the regeneration heater (831), and the control unit (100) may be configured to control whether or not the power supply unit (48) supplies power. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment in which the wash water heater (47) receives power from the power supply unit (48) via the main circuit board (100a) as illustrated. Interruption of power supply to the washing water heater (47) can be implemented by turning on or off one of the relay elements (101, 102) as described later.

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

When the output capacity of the regeneration heater (831) has a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W, the output capacity of the washing water heater (47) can have a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W.

Meanwhile, as described above, the washing water heater (47) is placed exposed in the washing space (21) of the tub (20).

At this time, the washing water heater (47) is operated while immersed in the washing water because it is originally used for the purpose of heating the washing water, but the present invention can use the washing water heater (47) for the purpose of heating air.

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

More specifically, when operated in a state exposed to air, the heat load of the washing water heater (47) increases, and accordingly, the resistance component of the washing water heater (47) increases significantly and the current component also increases. Accordingly, the output capacity of the washing water heater (47) decreases compared to when operated in a state immersed in water.

Specifically, the output capacity of the washing water heater (47) when immersed in water has a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W as described above, but when at least partially exposed to air, the output capacity of the washing water heater (47) has a rated capacity in the range of 600 W to 1000 W. In other words, the output capacity is reduced by about 30%.

By utilizing the resistance characteristics of the washing water heater (47) as described above, the present invention can be configured to simultaneously operate the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) to regenerate the desiccant and heat the washing water when the washing water heater (47) is exposed to the air after the washing cycle (S2) or the heated rinsing cycle (S4) is initiated, i.e., when the water supply amount is smaller than the target water supply amount.

Accordingly, even if the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) are operated simultaneously, the possibility of an overload occurring in the power supply unit (48) can be significantly reduced because an output much lower than the allowable power specification is generated through the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater.

That is, even in countries such as Europe where the allowable power standard (US and Korean standards are approximately 3000 W) is low at 2300 W, overload on the power supply unit (48) can be effectively prevented and safety can be improved when the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) are operated simultaneously. The specific configuration regarding the simultaneous operation or individual operation of the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) according to the water supply amount will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and below.

Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can control the operation of the dishwasher (1) by controlling the power supplied to the functional modules, such as the motor (453) of the washing pump (45), the regeneration heater (831), and the washing water heater (47), in response to the administrative 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 that the user can select, such as by pressing a button on the control panel (32) or a wireless terminal.

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), regeneration heater (831), washing pump (45), drain (44), and water supply (43) of the dishwasher (1) can be set, and a set of operation parameters that are performed according to each washing course can 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 may select a washing course, and the control unit (100) of the dishwasher (1) may control individual components of the dishwasher (1) to sequentially perform the mode corresponding to the washing course. That is, although the washing course and mode are used separately in the present invention for specific explanation, they may have similar meanings.

Washing courses can be set in various ways, including regular course, standard course, strong course, delicate course, half course, automatic course (half-load course, focusing on washing only some of the racks among multiple racks), short course, and 1-hour course.

The notation of the name of the washing course may differ slightly depending on the product. In particular, the 1-hour course operates for less than 1 hour, but in some cases, it may operate for less than 2 hours.

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

Meanwhile, additional options can be set for each washing course. Options can include setting the drying cycle operation time, whether to operate the storage mode after the entire cycle, and turning the notification on or off.

These washing courses can be broadly divided into the first and second courses.

When the first course is selected, the control unit (100) can control the operation of the components of the dishwasher (1) in the first mode corresponding to the first course, and when the second course is selected, the control unit (100) can control the operation of the components of the dishwasher (1) in the second mode corresponding to the second course.

Here, the second course can be a course with a shorter operating time than the first course.

The first washing course can be a washing course that requires a relatively long operating time, such as a normal course, a strong course, or a delicate course, and the second washing course can be 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, a 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 a first washing course performed according to the first mode may be a washing course that requires an operating time of more than 1 hour.

When the dishwasher (1) is operated in the second mode, it can perform a simultaneous operation process in which the regeneration heater (831) and the wash water heater (47) are operated simultaneously, and when it is operated in the first mode, it can perform an individual operation process in which the regeneration heater (831) and the wash water heater (47) are not operated simultaneously but are operated individually.

Meanwhile, when the user selects an automatic course, the amount of contamination on the dishes can be measured during the pre-wash cycle at the start of the washing cycle, and the washing cycle conditions can be set according to the amount of contamination.

When the amount of contamination on the dishes is judged to be small and the mode is operated for less than 2 hours, 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 a dishwasher (1) capable of efficiently heating wash water and regenerating a desiccant (85) even when a second wash course having a short operation time is selected.

For example, if the minimum regeneration time for regeneration of the desiccant (85) is 30 minutes and a short second washing course with a total operating time of about 1 hour is selected, the elapsed time of the washing cycle (S2) cannot but be shorter than the combined time of the regeneration time of the desiccant (85) and the heating time of the washing water.

To this end, the control unit (100) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the power supply unit (48) so that there exists a simultaneous driving section or simultaneous driving process in which the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) are each supplied with power simultaneously during the progress of the washing cycle (S2) when the current water supply amount is smaller than the target water supply amount when the second washing course with a short total elapsed time of about 1 hour is selected. As the simultaneous driving process progresses in this way, the time to reach the target regeneration temperature for regenerating the desiccant (85) and the time to reach the target washing temperature for progressing the washing cycle can be shortened much more than in the past.

Hereinafter, a case in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) during the administrative process is referred to as a simultaneous driving process, and a case in which power is not supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) and power is supplied individually to each is referred to as an individual driving process.

Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to the blower motor (822) of the blower unit (82) constituting the moisture absorption drying device (80).

The control unit (100) can generate an air flow (F) by supplying power to the blower motor (822) through the power supply unit (48) when the regeneration heater (831) for regeneration and drying of the desiccant (85) is driven or when the drying process (S5) is in progress.

Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to a flow meter (117) for indirectly determining the amount of washing water supplied to the tub (20) through the washing pump (45).

A flow meter (117) may be installed in a water jacket that is not shown, or in a water supply line having an air brake function. The water jacket may store wash water, but in cases where an additional tank or water jacket for storing wash water is not provided, the wash water may be configured to be supplied directly to the sump (41) simply through the water supply line, and a function for preventing backflow or an air brake function may be added to the water supply line.

In this way, the flow meter (117) can be a flow sensor that is attached to a water jacket or a water supply path and detects the flow rate of the washing water supplied to the sump (41). The flow meter (117) does not directly detect the amount of water supplied by the washing pump (45), but since there is not a large difference between the flow rate supplied through the water supply path and the flow rate supplied through the washing pump (45), the flow rate measured by the flow meter (117) can be a standard for indirectly determining the amount of water supplied to the tub (20) through the washing pump (45).

Additionally, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected to a circuit element for detecting a short circuit in the power circuit.

These circuit elements can be semiconductor elements, and can be any one of SCR (Silicon controlled rectifier thyristor) elements, TRIAC, 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 below illustrate a configuration in which an SCR element (105) is connected to a control unit (100) as an example. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an example in which an SCR element (105) is provided as a circuit element for detecting a short circuit in a power circuit.

As is known in the art, the SCR element (105) is a power semiconductor element installed on a power circuit that can check whether the power circuit is shorted or open.

As described below, the SCR element (105) can be installed on a power circuit formed between the power supply unit (48) and the washing water heater (47), and the control unit (100) can check whether the washing water heater (47) is abnormal through a signal received from the SCR element (105).

That is, since the washing water heater (47) of the present invention is operated while immersed in washing water, there is a possibility that a short circuit may occur due to the washing water, and the control unit (100) can effectively determine whether there is an abnormality in the washing water heater (47) through the output signal of the SCR element (105).

Additionally, as is known in the art, the SCR element (105) can have the function of rectifying and passing current.

By utilizing the function of the SCR element (105) as described above, the control unit (100) can rectify and provide the current supplied to the washing water heater (47) through the SCR element (105).

That is, the control unit (100) can have the effect of further reducing the output capacity of the washing water heater (47) by lowering the current value supplied in a non-stationary state to a predetermined level or lower using the SCR element (105).

For example, by supplying a current rectified at a level of 70% to a washing water heater (47) that generates an output in the range of 600 W to 1000 W when 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 of the power supply unit (48).

Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to the memory and the timer. The control unit (100) can call the operation conditions and time conditions for each course stored in advance in the memory for each washing course and use them to generate a control signal for controlling the progress and end of the course according to the washing course.

In addition, the control unit (100) can calculate the elapsed time for each administration using a timer and compare it with the pre-stored time conditions for each administration to determine whether each administration is completed.

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

As illustrated in Fig. 6, the control unit (100) controls the overall operation of the dishwasher (1) that proceeds in the following order: pre-wash operation (S1), washing operation (S2), rinsing operation (S3), heating rinsing operation (S4), and drying operation (S5).

The pre-wash cycle (S1) is a cycle 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 cycle (S2) is a cycle in which the washing water is circulated while injecting detergent through the detergent supply device to wash the dishes.

The rinsing cycle (S3) and the heating rinsing cycle (S4) are cycles in which rinse water is injected from the detergent supply unit and the washing water is circulated to remove any detergent remaining on the dishes.

When the rinsing cycle (S3) and the heating rinsing cycle (S4) are performed, heated wash water is supplied so that the dishes can be heated to a predetermined temperature. Through this, the drying efficiency of the dishes can be improved and the drying time can be shortened in the drying cycle (S5) that is performed after the rinsing cycle (S3) and the heating rinsing cycle (S4) are completed.

Each of these detailed procedures can be combined and adjusted to be omitted or performed repeatedly depending on the selected washing course settings and options.

At this time, between each administration, a draining administration for the wash water used in each administration and a water supply administration for supplying new wash water may be included.

A water supply operation may be included prior to the pre-wash operation (S1).

A drainage process and a water supply process can be performed 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 rinsing process (S4) and the rinsing process (S3), and a drainage process can be performed between the heating rinsing process (S4) and the drying process (S5).

The water supply process can be carried out by controlling the aqua stop (not shown) provided in the water supply unit (43) to supply washing water to the sump (41) through the water supply path, and the drainage process can be carried out by controlling the drain unit (44) connected to the sump (41) to drain the washing water to the outside of the dishwasher (1) through the drain path.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10 below, the 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 will be briefly described.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, as described above, the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) are configured to receive power through the power supply unit (48), and the power supply to the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) can be interrupted through a plurality of relay elements (101, 102).

As illustrated, the washing water heater (47) receives power through a power supply unit (48), but the power supply can be interrupted through the first relay element (101) among the plurality of relay elements (101, 102).

Meanwhile, like the washing water heater (47), the regenerative heater (831) receives power through the power supply unit (48), but the power supply can be interrupted through the second relay element (102).

Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 8, when the washing water heater (47) is immersed in the washing water and the individual driving process is performed while only the washing water heater (47) is driven alone, the control unit (100) turns on the first relay element (101) to turn on only the washing water heater (47).

Accordingly, the washing water heater (47) can heat the washing water in a state where 100% output is generated.

At this time, as shown, the control unit (100) can control the second relay element (102) to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the regenerative heater (831) to proceed with the individual driving process.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 9, when only the regenerative heater (831) is driven alone and an individual driving process is performed, the control unit (100) turns on the third relay element (102) to turn on the regenerative heater (831).

At this time, as shown, the control unit (100) can 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, if a situation is created where the simultaneous driving process can proceed while the washing water heater (47) is exposed to the air, the control unit (100) can 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 element (102). At this time, the first relay element (101) and the second relay element (102) can be turned on simultaneously or sequentially to form a simultaneous driving state.

Accordingly, since the washing water heater (47) and the regeneration heater (831) are turned on together, a simultaneous operation process is performed so that the washing water heating and the regeneration of the desiccant (85) can be performed simultaneously. However, since the washing water heater (47) is exposed to the air, a reduced output is generated in the washing water heater (47).

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 reliably maintained below the allowable power specification, so that overload of the power supply unit (48) can be effectively prevented.

Meanwhile, the control unit (100) may control the SCR element (105) to transmit a control signal so that a current rectified to a predetermined level from the SCR element is supplied to the washing water heater (47) when additional output adjustment for the washing water heater (47) is required during the simultaneous driving process or during the individual driving process.

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), but alternatively, it may be configured to be electrically connected between the power supply unit (48) and the first relay element (101).

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

Referring to FIG. 11, a control method of a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S10) of starting a washing process or a heated rinsing process according to a selected washing course, a step (S20) of not supplying power simultaneously to a regenerative heater (831) and a washing water heater (47) based on the amount of water supplied through a washing pump (45) when the washing process or the heated rinsing process is started in step S10, and performing an individual driving process in which power is supplied to each of the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47), or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47), and a step (S30) of terminating the washing process or the heated rinsing process when the simultaneous driving process or the individual driving process is completed in step S20.

Fig. 12 illustrates detailed steps of step S20 performed during the washing process. However, the steps described below describe steps after the washing process has started, but if the regeneration of the desiccant is not completed during the washing process, the same steps may be performed repeatedly during the heating rinsing process.

Referring to Fig. 12, first, when the control unit (100) receives a user's washing course selection operation signal through an input means such as the button unit (34) described above or the user's wireless terminal, it can 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 control unit (100) determines whether the amount of washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) after the start of the washing pump (45) exceeds the target amount of water. (S201)

Information about the target water supply amount is stored in the memory, and the control unit (100) can call the information about the target water supply amount to compare and determine the target water supply amount with the amount of washing water supplied so far.

The target water supply amount can be specifically set to 1.5L or more or 2L or more.

Such figures can be set differently depending on the washing capacity of the dishwasher (1) because when the appropriate water supply amount is 2L, the washing water heater (47) can be considered to be immersed in the washing water if the water supply amount of 1.5L is confirmed, and when the appropriate water supply amount is 2.5L, the washing water heater (47) can be considered to be immersed in the washing water if the water supply amount of 2L is confirmed.

Meanwhile, the judgment on the current water supply amount can be made from the output signal of the flow meter (117) provided in the water jacket or water supply path as described above. The control unit (100) can receive the output signal from the flow meter (117) and indirectly calculate the supply amount of washing water supplied through the washing pump (45) up to the present.

However, the water supply amount can be measured and calculated through other means. Although not shown, the water supply amount can be directly measured by adding a separate water level sensor to the inside of the tub (20).

Alternatively, the water supply amount can be calculated by measuring the 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 by detecting the change in the current value corresponding to the load of the motor (453).

The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an example of calculating the water supply amount based on the output signal of a flow meter (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 control unit (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)

The control unit (100) turns on the first relay element (101) to drive the washing water heater (47), and accordingly, the washing water heater (47) can be turned on.

However, since the washing water heater (47) is immersed in the washing water in this way, the control unit (100) determines that the simultaneous operation 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 turned off.

That is, individual driving processes can be carried out by turning on only the washing water heater (47).

Meanwhile, when the operation of the washing water heater (47) is initiated at step S202, the control unit (100) receives an output signal from the temperature sensing unit (87) and determines whether the current washing water temperature has reached the target washing water temperature. (S203)

The target wash water temperature is set as a temperature suitable for performing the washing process on dishes, and information about the target wash water temperature is stored in the memory.

For example, the target wash water temperature can be around 50℃.

The control unit can retrieve information about the target wash water temperature from memory and compare it with the current wash water temperature.

If the current washing water temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the target washing water temperature at step S203, the control unit (100) determines that the temperature suitable for performing the washing process has been reached and stops the operation of the washing water heater (47). (S204)

As described above, the washing water heater (47) is stopped from operating by turning off the first relay element (101), the washing water heater (47) is 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 and heating of the washing water is completed, the control unit (100) can control the functional modules of the dishwasher (1) so that the remaining washing cycle can proceed.

Meanwhile, during the remaining washing process in step S205, the control unit (100) starts the operation of the desiccant drying device (80) to regenerate the desiccant. (S206)

The control unit (100) can turn on the second relay element (102) to turn on the regeneration heater (831) in order to proceed with the desiccant regeneration process, and supply power to the blower motor (822) to turn on the blower motor (822).

Accordingly, an individual driving process for the regenerative heater (831) can be initiated.

At step S206, when the regeneration heater (831) is turned on and the individual driving process is initiated, the control unit (100) checks whether the regeneration of the desiccant (85) is completed. (S207)

Whether or not the desiccant (85) is regenerated can be determined by calculating the temperature of the airflow passing through the desiccant (85) or the time elapsed from the time the regeneration heater (831) is turned on.

At step S207, if it is determined that the regeneration of the desiccant (85) is completed, the control unit (100) turns off the regeneration heater (831) and the blower motor (822) to stop the desiccant regeneration process, thereby turning off the regeneration heater (831) and the blower motor (822). (S208)

When the regeneration of the desiccant (85) is completed at step S208 and the operation of the regeneration heater (831) and the blower motor (822) is stopped, the control unit (100) performs the remaining washing process, stops the operation of the washing pump (45) to complete the remaining washing process, and drains the washing water to end the 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 control unit (100) can determine that the current washing water heater (47) is exposed to the air and that the simultaneous operation of the washing water heater (47) and the regeneration heater (831) can proceed.

In order to proceed with the simultaneous operation process of the washing water heater (47) and the regeneration heater (831), the control unit (100) can start supplying 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)

The control unit (100) can turn on the first relay element (101) and the second relay element (102) to turn on the regenerative heater (831) and the washing water heater (47), respectively, through which the power supply from the power supply unit (48) can be initiated. At this time, when the regenerative heater (831) is turned on as described above, the blower motor (822) can also be turned on.

In Fig. 12, the regeneration heater (831) is shown to be turned on first and then the wash water heater (47) is turned on, but it is also possible for the wash water heater (47) to be turned on first and then the regeneration heater (831) to be turned on.

Additionally, it is also possible to configure the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) 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 control unit (100) may set the turn-on time 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, when the simultaneous operation process for the regeneration heater (831) and the wash water heater (47) is initiated at steps S209 and S210, regeneration of the desiccant and heating of the wash 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 desiccant to heat the wash water by supplying them to the inside of the tub (20). Through this, the time taken for the wash water to reach the target wash water temperature can be reduced, and energy efficiency can be significantly improved compared to the conventional method.

Meanwhile, after the simultaneous operation process for the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) in steps S209 and S210 is performed, the control unit (100) checks whether the regeneration of the desiccant is completed. (S211)

As described above, whether or not the desiccant (85) is regenerated can be determined by calculating the temperature of the airflow passing through the desiccant (85) or the time elapsed from the time the regeneration heater (831) is turned on.

At step S211, if it is determined that the regeneration of the desiccant (85) is completed, the control unit (100) turns off the regeneration heater (831) and the blower motor (822) to stop the desiccant regeneration process, thereby turning off the regeneration heater (831) and the blower motor (822). (S212)

In this way, regeneration of the desiccant may be completed, but since the wash water heater (47) is not in a state of directly heating the wash water, heating of the wash water may be in an incomplete state.

Therefore, the control unit (100) maintains power supply to the washing water heater (47) after turning off the regeneration heater (831). (S213)

Since the operation of the washing pump (45) continues while the power supply to the washing water heater (47) is maintained in this way, the washing water heater (47) can be switched from a state exposed to air to a state immersed in washing water.

When switched to a state immersed in wash water in this way, the wash water heater (47) can be switched to a state of washing water heating rather than air heating.

Meanwhile, while the washing water heater (47) is turned on through step S213 and heating of the washing water continues, the control unit (100) receives an output signal from the temperature sensing unit (87) and determines whether the current washing water temperature has reached the target washing water temperature. (S214)

As described above, the target wash water temperature is set as a temperature suitable for performing a washing process on dishes, and information about the target wash water temperature is stored in the memory.

The control unit can retrieve information about the target wash water temperature from memory and compare it with the current wash water temperature.

If the current washing water temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to the target washing water temperature at step S214, the control unit (100) determines that the temperature suitable for performing the washing process has been reached and stops the operation of the washing water heater (47). (S215)

As described above, the washing water heater (47) can be turned off and the operation can be stopped by turning off the first relay element (101).

When the washing water heater (47) is turned off at step S215 and the heating of the washing water is completed, the control unit (100) can control the functional modules of the dishwasher (1) so that the remaining washing process can proceed. (S216)

When the remaining washing process is completed at step S216, the control unit (100) stops the operation of the washing pump (45) and drains the washing water to end the washing process. (S301)

In this way, the present invention is configured to selectively perform simultaneous driving processes for the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) or individual driving processes for the regeneration heater (831) and the washing water heater (47) by utilizing the resistance characteristics that change according to the change in the object to be heated, so that even in a washing course having a washing cycle time, the washing water can be heated effectively and the desiccant can be regenerated in a short period of time, and the overload in the power supply unit can be effectively prevented.

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 within 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 described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.

Claims (20)

A tub forming a washing space for accommodating dishes; An absorption drying device comprising a desiccant that absorbs water vapor contained in air discharged from the above tub, and a regeneration heater that heats air to be supplied to the desiccant to dry the desiccant; A washing water heater that heats the washing water to be supplied to the washing space and is placed inside the tub and exposed to the washing space; A washing pump that pressurizes and supplies the washing water to the washing space; A power supply unit that generates power to be supplied to the above regeneration heater, the above washing water heater, and the above washing pump; and A control unit that determines whether to supply power to the regenerative heater, the washing water heater, and the washing pump from the power supply unit; Including, A dishwasher in which the control unit performs a step of performing an individual driving process in which power is not supplied to the regenerative heater and the wash water heater simultaneously, but rather each of the individual driving processes in which power is supplied, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regenerative heater and the wash water heater simultaneously. In paragraph 1, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: A step of comparing the amount of washing water supplied to the tub with the preset target amount of water to determine whether the amount of water supplied exceeds the target amount of water; Dishwasher including. In paragraph 2, The above target water supply volume is for a dishwasher with a water capacity of 1.5 liters or more. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which the washing water heater is entirely immersed in the washing water when the above-mentioned water supply amount is greater than or equal to the above-mentioned target water supply amount. In paragraph 2, A water supply line that supplies washing water to the washing space from an external water source; A flow meter installed in the above water supply path to detect the flow rate of washing water supplied from the external water source; A dishwasher in which the above control unit receives an output signal of the flow meter and calculates the water supply amount through the received output signal. In paragraph 2, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: In the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded, if the water supply amount is determined to be smaller than the target water supply amount, a step of operating the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous operating process; Dishwasher including. In paragraph 4, The step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process is: A step of simultaneously or sequentially supplying power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to simultaneously or sequentially turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater; Dishwasher including. In paragraph 2, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: In the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount, a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process; Dishwasher including. In Article 8, The driving step according to the above individual driving process is: A step of turning on the washing water heater by starting to supply power only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit; and A step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater and then starting to supply power to the regenerative heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater; Dishwasher including. In Article 8, The driving step according to the above individual driving process is: A step of turning on the regeneration heater by starting to supply power only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit; and A step of turning off the regenerative heater by cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater and then starting to supply power to the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater; Dishwasher including. In paragraph 1, An element positioned between the washing water heater and the power supply unit and configured to detect a short circuit in the circuit; Dishwasher including: In Article 11. The device for detecting whether the above circuit is short-circuited includes a semiconductor device, The above semiconductor devices are dishwashers including SCR (silicon controlled rectifier), TRIAC, DIAC, SIDAC, MCT, and IGCT switching devices. A tub forming a washing space for accommodating dishes; An absorption drying device comprising a desiccant that absorbs water vapor contained in air discharged from the above tub, and a regeneration heater that heats air to be supplied to the desiccant to dry the desiccant; A washing water heater that heats the washing water to be supplied to the washing space and is placed inside the tub and exposed to the washing space; A washing pump that pressurizes and supplies the washing water to the washing space; and A power supply unit that generates power to be supplied to the above-mentioned regeneration heater, the above-mentioned washing water heater, and the above-mentioned washing pump; A control method for a dishwasher including: A control method for a dishwasher, comprising a step of performing individual driving processes in which power is not supplied simultaneously to the regenerative heater and the wash water heater, but rather each is supplied with power, or a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regenerative heater and the wash water heater. In Article 13, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: A step of comparing the amount of washing water supplied to the tub with the preset target amount of water to determine whether the amount of water supplied exceeds the target amount of water; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 14, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: In the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded, if the water supply amount is determined to be smaller than the target water supply amount, a step of operating the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the simultaneous operating process; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 15, The step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process is: A step of simultaneously supplying power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to simultaneously turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 15, The step of driving according to the above simultaneous driving process is: A step of sequentially supplying power to the regenerative heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit to sequentially turn on the regenerative heater and the washing water heater; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 14, The step of performing the above individual driving process or the above simultaneous driving process is: In the step of determining whether the target water supply amount is exceeded, if the water supply amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the target water supply amount, a step of driving the regeneration heater and the washing water heater according to the individual driving process; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 18, The driving step according to the above individual driving process is: A step of turning on the washing water heater by starting to supply power only to the washing water heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit; and A step of turning off the washing water heater by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater and then starting to supply power to the regenerative heater through the power supply unit to turn on the regenerative heater; A method for controlling a dishwasher including: In Article 18, The driving step according to the above individual driving process is: A step of turning on the regeneration heater by starting to supply power only to the regeneration heater among the regeneration heater and the washing water heater through the power supply unit; and A step of turning off the regenerative heater by cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater and then starting to supply power to the washing water heater through the power supply unit to turn on the washing water heater; A method for controlling a dishwasher including:

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