Dishwasher and control method thereof

Abstract

A dishwasher and a control method thereof are disclosed. The dishwasher includes a tub forming a washing space, a door driving device driving a door opening and closing the washing space, a driving device including a heater heating washing water and supplying the tub, a dehumidifying and drying device including a regeneration heater and a fan motor absorbing humidity in air discharged from the tub and supplying the tub, and a control part enabling or disabling a drying operation using the dehumidifying and drying device according to a first option selection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher and a control method thereof capable of enabling or disabling the drying function utilizing a moisture-absorbing drying device. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that sprays water, such as water, onto dishes, cooking utensils, and other items stored inside it to clean them.

[0003] Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing operation to clean the object being cleaned, a rinsing operation to rinse the object being cleaned, and a drying operation to dry the object being cleaned and rinsed.

[0004] In recent years, a dishwasher equipped with a moisture-absorbing device has been introduced. This device absorbs water vapor contained in the air during the drying operation and then resupplyes it, thereby reducing the drying time of the cleaned items.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Existing document 1: European patent EP2323531 (May 25, 2011) Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a control method thereof that can enable and disable the drying function of the moisture-absorbing drying device.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and its control method that can meet the user's requirements by controlling the parameters of the washing and rinsing operations when the drying function of the moisture-absorbing drying device is disabled.

[0010] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a control method thereof capable of enabling and disabling the drying enhancement option.

[0011] Furthermore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a control method thereof that can improve drying performance by controlling at least one of the drive parameters and the drying mode when the drying enhancement option is enabled.

[0012] The problems solved by one embodiment of this specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher can enable and disable the drying function utilizing a moisture-absorbing drying device. Specifically, the dishwasher can enable or disable the drying operation utilizing the moisture-absorbing drying device based on an option selection signal.

[0014] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the dishwasher can meet user requirements by controlling the parameters of the washing and rinsing operations when the drying function is disabled.

[0015] Specifically, when the dishwasher stops the drying operation, it drives the regenerative heater to heat the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is activated to perform the washing operation, drives the heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is activated to perform the rinsing operation, and opens the door.

[0016] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention can enable and disable a drying enhancement option. Specifically, the dishwasher can enable or disable the drying enhancement option when the drying operation is enabled, based on an option selection signal.

[0017] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve drying performance by controlling at least one of the drive parameters and the drying mode when the drying enhancement option is enabled.

[0018] Specifically, the dishwasher performs the drying operation by increasing the drive time of the moisture absorption operation and the drive time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled.

[0019] Specifically, during the washing operation, the dishwasher drives the regenerator to heat the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled, and during the dehumidification operation, it drives the regenerator and fan motor to produce hot air at a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled.

[0020] Specifically, during the rinsing operation, the dishwasher drives the heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than when the enhanced drying option is disabled, and changes the drying mode by combining desiccation operation, partially opening the door, hot air and exhaust operation, and desiccation and exhaust operation.

[0021] As described above, the present invention can enable or disable the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device based on the option selection signal.

[0022] Furthermore, this invention allows the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is activated during the cleaning process, even when the drying operation is not in use. This shortens the operation time and saves energy. Therefore, it meets the requirements of users who prioritize time reduction and energy conservation over performance.

[0023] Furthermore, when the drying operation is stopped, this invention drives the heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is activated for rinsing, and then automatically opens the door, thereby shortening the natural drying time of the cleaned items. This satisfies the requirements of users who prefer natural drying.

[0024] In addition, the present invention can enable or disable the drying enhancement option when the drying operation is enabled, based on the option selection signal.

[0025] Furthermore, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the present invention increases the driving time of the moisture absorption operation and the driving time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0026] In addition, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the present invention drives the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform the cleaning operation, and drives the regeneration heater and fan motor to perform the moisture absorption operation with a hot air temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0027] In addition, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the present invention drives the heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled for rinsing operation, and drives the moisture-absorbing drying device in various drying modes by combining moisture-absorbing operation, partially opening the door, hot air and exhaust operation, and moisture-absorbing and exhaust operation, thereby improving drying performance.

[0028] The effects of this specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The image shows a frontal perspective view of the dishwasher with the door open.

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The image shows a top view and a close-up view of the dishwasher with the casing removed.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view showing the state in which the moisture-absorbing and drying device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is housed in a base.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view.

[0035] Figure 7 It shows from Figure 5 A frontal 3D view of the barrel after it has been removed.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a front perspective view of the moisture-absorbing and drying device.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorbing and drying device.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a front perspective view of a moisture-absorbing and drying device for a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An exploded perspective view of the moisture-absorbing and drying device shown.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorbing and drying device.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of enabling or disabling hybrid moisture absorption and drying in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 14 A diagram showing the operation of a dishwasher when its hybrid desiccant drying function is activated.

[0044] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 14 A diagram showing the operation of a dishwasher when the hybrid desiccant drying function is stopped.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the control flow of a dishwasher according to a first type of drying enhancement option in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 18 It is shown that Figure 17 The first option in the drying enhancement section is used to control the drying time of the dishwasher's operation.

[0047] Figure 19 It is shown that Figure 17 The second option in the drying enhancement section is used to control the operation of the dishwasher by adjusting the heating and hot air temperature.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the control flow of a dishwasher according to a second type of drying enhancement option in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 21 Therefore Figure 20 The third option for enhanced drying shows a diagram of the dishwasher's operation according to the first drying method.

[0050] Figure 22 Therefore Figure 20 The fourth option for enhanced drying shows a diagram of the dishwasher's operation according to the second drying method.

[0051] Figure 23 Therefore Figure 20 The fifth option for enhanced drying shows a diagram of the dishwasher's operation according to the third drying method.

[0052] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating a control method for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 1: Dishwasher 10: Housing

[0055] 20: Barrel body 30: Door

[0056] 35: Door drive device; 40: Drive unit

[0057] 50: Storage section; 80: Moisture-absorbing and drying device Detailed Implementation

[0058] The foregoing objectives, features, and advantages have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions might unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar constituent elements.

[0059] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various constituent elements, these constituent elements are clearly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first constituent element may also be a second constituent element.

[0060] This invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various ways and in different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to fully disclose the invention and to completely inform those skilled in the art of its scope. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and should be understood to include not only the substitution or addition of the configurations of one embodiment to the configurations of another, but also all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions made within the scope and technical concept of this invention.

[0061] The accompanying drawings are provided merely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings and should be understood as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions made within the technical concept and scope of this invention. In the drawings, for ease of understanding, the size or thickness of constituent elements may be exaggerated or reduced, but the scope of protection of this invention should not be construed as restrictive.

[0062] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising," "consisting of," etc., are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification. That is, terms such as "comprising," "consisting of," etc., in this specification should not be construed as pre-excluding the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0063] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., which include ordinal numbers, can be used to describe various constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0064] When it is mentioned that a constituent element is "connected" or "linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that the constituent element can be directly connected or linked to the other constituent element, but it can also be understood that there are other constituent elements between them. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements between them.

[0065] When it is mentioned that a component is located "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that the component can not only be located directly above the other component, but also that there can be other components between them.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessive form unless expressly defined in this application.

[0067] Below are dishwashers that can enable and disable hybrid desiccant drying.

[0068] In this specification, the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying method can be defined as follows: with the dishwasher door partially open or closed, moisture is absorbed by the desiccant of the moisture-absorbing and drying device, and the moisture is evaporated and the cleaned object is dried by driving at least one of the regenerator and fan motor of the moisture-absorbing and drying device.

[0069] In this specification, the moisture absorption operation of the hybrid moisture absorption and drying system can be defined as follows: with the dishwasher door closed, the fan motor is driven and the desiccant of the moisture absorption and drying device is used to absorb moisture.

[0070] In this specification, the moisture absorption and degassing operation of the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying system can be defined as follows: with the dishwasher door partially open, the object to be cleaned is dried by utilizing the moisture-absorbing agent of the moisture-absorbing and drying unit and driving the fan motor.

[0071] In this specification, the exhaust operation of the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying system can be defined as follows: with the dishwasher door partially open, the cleaned items are dried by driving the fan motor of the moisture-absorbing and drying unit.

[0072] In this specification, the hot air and exhaust operation of the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying process can be defined as follows: with the dishwasher door partially open, the object to be cleaned is dried by driving the regenerator and fan motor of the moisture-absorbing and drying unit.

[0073] In this specification, the drying enhancement option can be defined as follows: enhancing drying performance by changing the driving parameters of one of the drive unit and the moisture-absorbing drying unit or by changing the driving mode of the drying operation.

[0074] [Overall structure of the dishwasher]

[0075] Hereinafter, the overall structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a dishwasher according to the present invention. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The front perspective view of the dishwasher 1 with the door 30 open.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention includes: a housing 10, forming an external shape; a tub 20, disposed inside the housing 10, forming a cleaning space 21 for cleaning objects, and open on the front; a door 30, for opening and closing the open front of the tub 20; a drive unit 40, located at the lower part of the tub 20, for heating, supplying, collecting, circulating and draining cleaning water used for cleaning and rinsing objects; a storage section 50, detachably disposed inside the cleaning space 21 of the tub 20, for placing objects to be cleaned; and spray sections 61, 62, and 63, disposed adjacent to the storage section 50, for spraying cleaning water used for cleaning objects.

[0078] At this time, the items to be cleaned placed in the storage section 50 can be, for example, tableware such as bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise mentioned, the items to be cleaned will be referred to as tableware.

[0079] The barrel 20 can be formed into a box shape with the front 22 completely open and the rear 23, upper 24, lower 25, right side 27 and left side blocked, which is equivalent to the structure of a so-called cleaning tank.

[0080] A cleaning space 21 can be formed inside the barrel 20, and the open front can be opened and closed by a door 30.

[0081] The barrel body 20 can be formed by stamping a metal sheet that is resistant to high temperatures and moisture (e.g., a sheet of material with a stainless steel series).

[0082] In addition, a plurality of supports may be provided on the inner side of the barrel 20, the purpose of which is to support and install the functional structures such as the storage section 50 and the spray section described later inside the barrel 20.

[0083] The drive unit 40 may include: a water collection tank 41 for storing cleaning water for washing and rinsing; a water collection tank cover 42 for separating the water collection tank 41 from the tank body 20; a water supply unit 43 for supplying cleaning water to the water collection tank 41 from the outside; a drainage unit 44 for discharging the cleaning water from the water collection tank 41 to the outside; a cleaning pump 45 for supplying the cleaning water from the water collection tank 41 to the spray unit; a heater 47 for heating the cleaning water; and a supply flow path 46.

[0084] The water collection tank cover 42 can be disposed on the upper side of the water collection tank 41, serving to distinguish the bucket body 20 from the water collection tank 41. Additionally, the water collection tank cover 42 can be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the cleaning water sprayed into the cleaning space 21 by the spray nozzles back into the water collection tank 41. The cleaning water sprayed onto the tableware from the spray nozzles 61, 62, and 63 can fall downwards into the cleaning space 21 and be recovered back into the water collection tank 41 via the water collection tank cover 42.

[0085] A cleaning pump 45 is located on the side or bottom of the water collection tank 41, and serves to pressurize the cleaning water and supply it to the spray unit. One end of the cleaning pump 45 can be connected to the water collection tank 41, and the other end can be connected to the supply flow path 46. The cleaning pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453, etc. If the motor 453 is powered, the impeller 451 can rotate, and the cleaning water in the water collection tank 41 can be pressurized and supplied to the spray unit through the supply flow path 46.

[0086] A heater assembly, including heater 47, can be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing of the cleaning pump 45. Heater 47 can be used to heat the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning pump 45. Heater 47 can heat the cleaning water used for cleaning and rinsing to a target temperature based on a control signal from the control unit. For example, heater 47 can heat the cleaning water based on a control signal corresponding to a cleaning operation. Additionally, heater 47 can heat the cleaning water based on a control signal corresponding to a rinsing operation. Furthermore, heater 47 can heat the cleaning water based on a control signal corresponding to whether moisture absorption and drying are enabled or disabled.

[0087] Furthermore, heater 47 can respond to a control signal from the control unit to heat the cleaning water to different target temperatures depending on whether the cleaning operation or rinsing operation is enabled. Additionally, heater 47 can respond to a control signal from the control unit to heat the cleaning water supplied to the rinsing operation to different target temperatures depending on whether moisture absorption drying is enabled or not. For example, heater 47 can heat the cleaning water for the rinsing operation to a higher temperature than when moisture absorption drying is enabled, even when moisture absorption drying is disabled.

[0088] On the other hand, the supply flow path 46 can selectively supply cleaning water supplied from the cleaning pump 45 to the spray section.

[0089] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to the lower spray arm 61 and a second supply flow path 463 connected to the upper spray arm 62 and the top nozzle 63. A supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens and closes the supply flow paths 461 and 463 may be provided in the supply flow path 46.

[0090] At this time, the supply flow path switching valve 465 can control the opening of each supply flow path 461, 463 in sequence or simultaneously.

[0091] On the other hand, the spray unit is configured to spray cleaning water onto the tableware and other items stored in the storage unit 50.

[0092] More specifically, the spraying unit may include: a lower spraying arm 61, located at the lower part of the barrel 20, spraying cleaning water onto the lower frame 51; an upper spraying arm 62, located between the lower frame 51 and the upper frame 52, spraying cleaning water onto both the lower frame 51 and the upper frame 52; and a top nozzle 63, located at the upper part of the barrel 20, spraying cleaning water onto the top frame 53 or the upper frame 52.

[0093] In particular, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably disposed in the cleaning space 21 of the tub 20, and can rotate to spray cleaning water onto the tableware in the storage section 50.

[0094] The lower spray arm 61 can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the water collection tank cover 42 so that it can rotate on the lower part of the lower frame 51 and spray cleaning water toward the lower frame 51.

[0095] Additionally, the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder 467 so that it can rotate between the lower frame 51 and the upper frame 52 and spray cleaning water.

[0096] On the other hand, although not shown, a device for converting the cleaning water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 into the upward direction (U direction) can also be provided on the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20 to improve cleaning efficiency.

[0097] The washing space 21 may be provided with a storage section 50 for storing tableware. The storage section 50 is configured to be able to be extended from the inside of the container 20 through the open front of the container 20.

[0098] For example, Figure 2 An embodiment with storage compartments is shown, comprising: a lower shelf 51 located at the lower part of the tub 20, capable of storing larger tableware; an upper shelf 52 located above the lower shelf 51, capable of storing medium-sized tableware; and a top shelf 53 located at the upper part of the tub 20, capable of storing small tableware, etc. The description is based on an embodiment of a dishwasher with three storage compartments 50, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] These lower frames 51, upper frames 52, and top frames 53 can be configured to extend outwards through the open front of the barrel 20, respectively.

[0100] Therefore, guide rails 54 can be provided on both sides of the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 20. For example, the guide rails 54 may include an upper rail 542, a lower rail 541, and a top rail 543.

[0101] Wheels can be installed at the bottom of the lower rack 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53. The user can extend these lower racks 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 outwards through the front of the bucket body 20, so that tableware can be stored in them or easily removed from them after washing.

[0102] The guide rail 54 can be configured as a fixed guide rail in a simple track form for guiding the insertion and removal of the storage section 50, or as a telescopic guide rail for guiding the insertion and removal of the storage section 50 and increasing the insertion distance as the storage section 50 is inserted.

[0103] On the other hand, the door 30 serves as an open front for opening and closing the aforementioned barrel 20.

[0104] A hinge portion (not shown) for opening and closing the door 30 is provided at the lower part of this normally open front. The door 30 rotates around the hinge portion as a rotation axis and opens the door 30.

[0105] At this time, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a door drive device 35 that automatically releases the locked state of the door 30 and opens the door 30 at least partially.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, exemplarily, the door drive device 35 may include a door locking module 351 that maintains the door 30 in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0107] As shown in the figure, exemplarily, the door locking module 351 can be formed on the upper surface 24 of the barrel 20 and adjacent to the open front surface 22. Preferably, it can be configured on the upper surface 24 of the barrel 20 and adjacent to the front surface 22 of the barrel 20. An upper front bracket 241 for mounting the door locking module 351 can be provided on the upper surface 24 of the barrel 20.

[0108] The door locking module 351 may include a hook-shaped door latch (not shown) that engages with the door 30 and a latch drive unit (not shown) that uses electric driving force to release the locked state of the door latch.

[0109] A recessed area 39 can be formed on the upper surface 24 of the door 30 to engage with a hook-shaped door latch.

[0110] Additionally, as shown in the figure, a door position detection unit 36 ​​for detecting the position of the door 30 can be provided at a position adjacent to the door locking module 351.

[0111] For example, the door position detection unit 36 ​​may include main sensors 361 and 362 for detecting whether the door 30 has moved out of the closed position.

[0112] More specifically, the main sensor may include a microswitch that generates and outputs an ON signal when the door 30 is in the closed position, and generates and outputs an OFF signal when the door 30 is out of the closed position.

[0113] Therefore, a button can be provided in the microswitch, which remains pressed when the door 30 is in the closed position, and releases the press when the door 30 is out of the closed position. The microswitch can also contain a circuit that detects whether the button is pressed to generate an electrical output signal, including an ON or OFF signal.

[0114] On the other hand, based on the illustrated embodiment, an automatic door opening module 352 may be provided on the right side of the door locking module 351, which rotates the door 30 from a closed position that is in a closed position to an intermediate stop position that is in a partially open position, thereby opening at least a portion of the front 22 of the barrel 20.

[0115] For example, the intermediate stopping position can be defined as the position where the rotational force generated by the weight of the door 30 and the elastic force of the restoring force action part (not shown) that provides restoring force to the door 30 are balanced with each other.

[0116] The automatic door opening module 352 is configured such that if it receives an electrical control signal for opening the door 30 from the control unit 100 (described later), it is electrically driven to rotate the door 30 from the closed position to the intermediate stop position.

[0117] For this purpose, by way of example, the automatic door opening module 352 may include: a drive motor 3522 that generates an electric rotary driving force; a reduction gear 3523 that reduces the rotary driving force of the drive motor 3522 and converts the rotary driving force into a linear reciprocating driving force; and a push rod 3524 that moves linearly back and forth in the front-rear direction (FR direction) under the action of the linear reciprocating driving force.

[0118] These drive motors 3522, reduction gears 3523, and push rods 3524 can be mounted on the aforementioned upper front bracket 241 while being housed inside the cover 3521.

[0119] As will be described later, if the drive motor 3522, which receives power from the control unit 100, is running, the push rod 3524 will protrude from the initial storage position toward the door 30 and push the upper side of the back of the door 30 under the driving force of the drive motor 3522.

[0120] Thus, the door 30 can be disengaged from the closed position and rotated, allowing the front 22 of the barrel 20 to be opened.

[0121] Then, if the push rod 3524 protrudes to the maximum extent and pushes the door 30 to the maximum extent, the door 30 will reach the middle stop position, and the push rod 3524 can return to the initial storage position.

[0122] At this point, even if the door 30 returns to its initial storage position and the pressure applied by the push rod 3524 is released, the door 30 can remain stopped in the intermediate stop position.

[0123] On the other hand, a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the dishwasher 1 can be provided on the outer side of the door 30.

[0124] As shown in the figure, the control panel 32 may be equipped with a display 33 that visually displays information such as the current operating status of the dishwasher 1, and a button section 34 including selection buttons for inputting user selection operations and a power button for inputting user operations for turning the dishwasher on and off.

[0125] On the other hand, the inner side of the door 30 can form one side of the barrel 20 when the door 30 is closed, and form a mounting surface for the lower shelf 51 that can support the storage section 50 when the door 30 is fully open.

[0126] Therefore, preferably, when the door 30 is fully open, the inner side of the door 30 forms a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail 54 of the guide lower frame 51.

[0127] On the other hand, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent to the inside of the tub 20 can also be provided on the inner side of the door 30.

[0128] On the other hand, a moisture-absorbing drying device 80 can be provided at the lower part of the barrel 20. When the drying operation is performed, it absorbs the water vapor contained in the air discharged from the barrel 20 and then resupplyes the air to the barrel 20.

[0129] As shown in the figure, the desiccant drying device 80 may include: a suction pipe 81 for drawing in air discharged from the barrel 20; an air supply section 82 for generating an airflow; a heating section 83 for heating the air drawn in from the barrel 20; and a desiccant 85 for absorbing water vapor contained in the air.

[0130] As will be described later, an air supply hole 254 may be provided on the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20, which is capable of introducing air that has had water vapor removed by the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 into the interior of the barrel 20.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a grid cap 813 that is coupled to the inlet of the suction pipe 81 can be fixed on one side of the barrel 20 (exemplarily, the right side 27).

[0132] The detailed structure of the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80 will be described in the following reference. Figure 5 This will be discussed later.

[0133] [Detailed Composition of the Moisture Absorption and Drying Device]

[0134] The following is for reference Figures 5 to 12 The detailed configuration of the moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to the present invention will be described.

[0135] Figures 5 to 9 A moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 10 to 12 A moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0136] First, refer to Figures 5 to 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80 can be configured such that the remaining portion, except for the main pipe 811 of the suction pipe 81 and the discharge guide 89, is accommodated between the base 90 and the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20 and is supported by the bottom surface 91 of the base 90.

[0137] For example, the air supply section 82, heating section 83 and cover 84 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 can be configured in a position adjacent to the back surface 93 of the base 90 and arranged in a long parallel arrangement with the back surface 93 of the base 90.

[0138] The location of this moisture-absorbing drying device 80 can be selected taking into account the characteristics of the heating section 83 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80, which generates high temperatures of approximately 200°C or higher during the hot air supply process. That is, the location of electrical components that are relatively more affected by high heat can be avoided.

[0139] As described above, the air supply section 82, heating section 83, and cover 84 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 are adjacent to the back surface 93 of the base 90 and are arranged side by side with the back surface 93 of the base 90 for an extended period of time. Thus, when the door 30 is in the fully open state, it can also serve as a weight balance function to prevent the dishwasher 1 from tilting due to the load acting on the door 30.

[0140] In addition, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, this configuration position can be selected based on the location of the air supply hole 254 formed on the lower surface 25 of the tank body 20. Considering user safety and to distinguish it from the water softener connection hole 255 located near the front of the tank body 20, the air supply hole 254 for discharging dry air can be formed at the corner of the lower surface 25 of the tank body 20 adjacent to the rear surface 23 and the left side surface.

[0141] Air supplied through air supply port 254 can be evenly distributed into the cleaning space 21 of the barrel 20 by discharge guide 89 configured to be exposed to the cleaning space 21.

[0142] In particular, the cover 84 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 that contains the desiccant 85 can be arranged near the lower side of the air supply hole 254 so that the moisture-absorbing air can be effectively supplied using the air supply hole 254 formed at the above location.

[0143] However, the configuration of this moisture-absorbing and drying device 80 is merely exemplary and may be configured differently, adjacent to the left side 94, right side 95, or front side 92 of the base 90, rather than adjacent to the back side 93.

[0144] On the other hand, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in the case where the air supply section 82, heating section 83 and cover 84 of the desiccant 80 are arranged side by side with the back side 93 near the base 90, and the air supply hole 254 is formed at the corner of the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20 adjacent to the back side and the left side, the air intake hole 271 for discharging humid air from the barrel 20 can be formed at the edge where the right side of the right side 27 of the barrel 20 intersects with the back side, and is formed near the upper surface 24 of the barrel 20.

[0145] The location of this air intake hole 271 can be chosen as far away as possible from the location of the air supply hole 254 formed on the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20.

[0146] Thus, by positioning the air intake hole 271 as far away as possible from the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89, the possibility of air passing through the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89 flowing directly back into the air intake hole without passing through the object being cleaned can be significantly reduced.

[0147] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the air intake port 271 can be formed together with the main pipe 811 (described later) behind the water jacket 110, which stores cleaning water to be supplied to the water collection tank 41 for storing cleaning water.

[0148] At this time, as shown in the figure, a barrel hole 118 can be formed in the water jacket 110 to connect the internal space with the cleaning space 21 of the barrel body 20, and a water jacket connecting hole 272 can be provided on the right side 27 of the barrel body 20 corresponding to the barrel hole 118.

[0149] The air intake hole 271 can be configured at a position higher than the water jacket connecting hole 272 so as to avoid the water jacket 110.

[0150] As shown in the figure, a grille cap 118a with a similar shape to the grille cap 813 of the air intake hole 271 described above can be attached to the barrel hole 118 to minimize the inflow of cleaning water and prevent the inflow of foreign objects.

[0151] On the other hand, a grille cap 813 can be attached to the air intake port 271, which can minimize the entry of cleaning water and foreign objects scattered inside the barrel 20 into the intake pipe 81.

[0152] The grille cap 813 can pass through the air intake hole 271 and connect with the inlet of the main pipe 811 that constitutes the intake pipe 81.

[0153] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The detailed configuration of a moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0154] As shown in the figure, the desiccant drying device 80 may include: an air supply section 82 that generates an airflow that draws in air from the barrel 20 and is to be supplied to the interior of the barrel 20; a heating section 83 that has a regeneration heater 831 for heating the air to be supplied to the desiccant 85; a plurality of desiccant 85s that are disposed downstream of the air supply section 82 and the heating section 83 with reference to the airflow direction to absorb moisture contained in the air; a cover 84 that has a heater housing space for accommodating the heating section 83 and a desiccant housing space for accommodating the desiccant 85s formed inside; an intake pipe 81 that connects the air intake port of the barrel 20 and the air supply section 82; and an exhaust guide 89 that is exposed inside the barrel 20 to guide the direction of exhaust of the air that has passed through the desiccant 85.

[0155] The air supply section 82 is positioned upstream of the heating section 83 and the desiccant 85, based on the direction of airflow, and downstream of the suction pipe 81. It draws air from the barrel 20 and generates an airflow so that the drawn-in air can pass through the desiccant 85.

[0156] The air supply fan 842 and the fan motor 825 that generates the rotational driving force of the air supply fan 842 can be modularly assembled together and housed inside the fan housing 821.

[0157] The fan housing 821 can be fixed to the main housing 841 (described later) via the connecting bracket 822.

[0158] On the other hand, a sub-duct 812 constituting the suction duct 81 can be attached to and tightly fastened to the other side of the fan housing 821 where the suction port is formed.

[0159] There are no restrictions on the form of the blower fan 824 used in the desiccant drying device 80, but by way of example, considering the location and space limitations of setting the blower fan 824, a multi-blade centrifugal fan (Sirocco fan) is preferred.

[0160] Based on the illustrated embodiment, when a multi-blade centrifugal fan is used, air guided from the other side (i.e., the back) of the fan housing 821 through the sub-pipe 812 of the suction pipe 81 is introduced from the center of the multi-blade centrifugal fan in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the air can be discharged radially outward after acceleration.

[0161] The accelerated exhaust air can form an airflow, which is introduced into the interior of the heater housing 832 through the inlet (inlet 1) of the heater housing of the main housing 841.

[0162] As shown in the figure, the heater housing has a downward slope and extends from the front end to the rear end, with the height gradually decreasing in the vertical direction.

[0163] At this time, the air supply section 82 is fastened to the front end side of the heater housing section by the connecting bracket 822. Therefore, the outlet of the fan cover 821 and the inlet (inlet 1) of the heater housing section can be configured at a position higher than the bottom surface of the desiccant housing section formed at the lowest position in the internal space of the main cover 841 and at a position away from the desiccant 85 described later in the length direction.

[0164] As described above, the air supply section 82 is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the desiccant container, so the center of gravity of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 can be distributed in the vertical direction, thereby minimizing the generation of vibration and noise.

[0165] In addition, the desiccant 85, which is in granular form, can be positioned as close as possible to the bottom surface of the desiccant container and at a low position, thereby reducing the generation of vibration and noise.

[0166] The heating unit 83 is positioned between the air supply unit 82 and the desiccant 85 based on the airflow direction, and serves to heat the airflow during the hot air supply process described later, so as to dry and regenerate the desiccant 85.

[0167] When the desiccant drying device 80 generates a high-temperature airflow during the hot air supply process, it can supply power to the regeneration heater 831 to heat the airflow. When the desiccant drying device 80 generates a low-temperature airflow during the desiccant supply process, it can cut off the power supply to the regeneration heater 831 to interrupt the operation of the regeneration heater 831.

[0168] At this time, the fan motor 825 can be kept running even when a low-temperature airflow is generated during the moisture absorption and drying process.

[0169] The form of the regeneration heater 831 provided in the moisture-absorbing drying apparatus 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited, but by way of example, a tubular sheathed heater with a relatively simple structure, excellent heating efficiency and the ability to prevent leakage of electricity due to the washing water flowing in from the barrel 20 can be selected.

[0170] To improve heat exchange efficiency, the regenerative heater 831, which is a sheathed heater, can be configured such that the airflow is directly exposed to the airflow in the internal air passage of the heater housing 832, and has a three-dimensional shape with multiple bends to ensure the heat transfer area as much as possible.

[0171] The regenerative heater 831 can be configured to extend between an inlet (inlet 1) at one end (i.e., the front end) of the heater housing formed in the main housing 841 and an outlet (outlet 1) at the other end (i.e., the rear end) of the heater housing.

[0172] At this time, the regeneration heater 831 can be arranged in the heater housing in a state in which its length direction is parallel to the length direction of the heater housing space and the heater cover 832.

[0173] Therefore, compared with the case where the length direction of the regenerator 831 is arranged in a direction that intersects with the length direction of the heater housing space, the heat exchange performance and heat exchange efficiency of the regenerator 831 can be improved.

[0174] One end and the other end of the regeneration heater 831 can extend through the front of the heater housing 832 and the front of the heater housing of the main housing 841.

[0175] Additionally, a pair of terminals for receiving power can be formed at one end and the other end of the regenerative heater 831.

[0176] On the other hand, the heater housing 832 can be formed as a hollow shape with an empty interior to form an air passage for arranging the regeneration heater 831. The air passage inside the heater housing 832 can form a first flow channel together with the air inlet space formed in the lower part of the desiccant container.

[0177] As described above, the regenerative heater 831 can be configured inside the heater housing 832 such that its length direction is parallel to the flow direction of the airflow. Therefore, similarly to the regenerative heater 831, the heater housing 832 can be configured in the heater housing space of the heater housing portion of the main housing 841 such that its length direction is parallel to the flow direction of the airflow.

[0178] At this time, corresponding to the shape of the heater housing space, the heater cover 832 can extend linearly toward the air inlet space along the length direction of the heater housing.

[0179] At this time, based on the direction of airflow, the front end of the heater housing 832 corresponding to the upstream side and the rear end corresponding to the downstream side can be opened as a whole to allow airflow.

[0180] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, an overheat detection unit 871, which constitutes a temperature detection unit 87 and is used to detect whether the regenerator 831 is overheated, can be disposed on the upper side of the upper surface of the heater housing 832.

[0181] For example, the overheat detection unit 871 can be configured as a pair, and the pair of overheat detection units 871 can be arranged along the length direction of the regenerator 831 so as to effectively detect whether the regenerator 831 is locally overheated.

[0182] On the other hand, the temperature detection unit 87 may also include a humidity and temperature sensor 872 for detecting the humidity and temperature of the airflow. Unlike the overheat detection unit 871, the humidity and temperature sensor 872 detects the humidity and temperature of the airflow passing through the regeneration heater 831.

[0183] Therefore, such as Figure 8 As shown, exemplarily, the humidity and temperature sensor 872 can extend through the front portion of the desiccant container, downstream of the regeneration heater 831, into the interior of the air intake space to minimize the impact of radiant heat from the regeneration heater 831. As described above, the humidity and temperature sensor 872 can extend into the interior of the desiccant container, between the regeneration heater 831 and the desiccant 85, based on the airflow direction, to detect the humidity and temperature of the airflow passing through the regeneration heater 831. The humidity and temperature sensor 872 can confirm whether an airflow with appropriate humidity and temperature is supplied to the desiccant 85 during operation of the desiccant drying apparatus 80.

[0184] The output signal of the temperature detection unit 87 can be transmitted to the control unit 100 (described later). The control unit 100 can determine whether the regenerative heater 831 is overheating and the temperature of the airflow by receiving the output signal of the temperature detection unit 87. In the event of overheating, the control unit can cut off the power supply to the regenerative heater 831 to interrupt its operation.

[0185] The desiccant 85 serves the following functions: if the desiccant drying device 80 operates in a desiccant drying process, it absorbs the moisture contained in the airflow discharged from and drawn into the barrel 20; if the desiccant drying device 80 operates in a hot air supply process, it discharges the absorbed moisture into the airflow.

[0186] That is, the desiccant 85 can be formed of a reversibly dehydratable material, so as to absorb or release the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0187] Applicable reversible hygroscopic materials may include one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, aluminosilicate, and zeolite, or may be a composition having a combination of two or more of these.

[0188] Exemplarily, the moisture-absorbing drying apparatus 80 according to the present invention can use a desiccant 85 having a material comprising an aluminosilicate series containing aluminum oxide and silicon oxide. The present invention is described based on an embodiment using an aluminosilicate series desiccant 85, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] As described above, the desiccant 85, formed from aluminosilicate materials, can be configured with a particle morphology having a specified particle size to maximize the contact area with airflow. Furthermore, compared to desiccant made from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide materials, it can perform moisture absorption within a lower temperature range and can also regenerate within a lower temperature range.

[0190] However, the airflow comes into contact with the desiccant 85 while passing between the plurality of desiccants 85 configured as particles and is either absorbed by the desiccant 85 or absorbs the moisture discharged from the desiccant 85.

[0191] Therefore, the desiccant 85 inevitably acts as a flow resistance to airflow. The particle size of the desiccant 85 can be selected to effectively form voids that minimize the flow resistance as described above and ensure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0192] For this purpose, by way of example, a hygroscopic agent 85 having a particle size in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm can be selected and applied.

[0193] On the other hand, the desiccant 85 is disposed downstream of the air supply section 82 and the heating section 83 based on the airflow direction.

[0194] In detail, the desiccant 85 can be contained in the desiccant containment space of the main cover 841 formed downstream of the air supply section 82 and the heating section 83.

[0195] The desiccant holding space can be formed by a pair of desiccant retainers 86 disposed inside the desiccant holding section of the main cover 841 and arranged separately from each other in the vertical direction.

[0196] like Figure 9As shown, exemplarily, a pair of desiccant retainers 86 may include: a first desiccant retainer 861, defining a lower end face of a desiccant-containing space, dividing the interior of the desiccant-containing portion into the desiccant-containing space and an air-introducing space; and a second desiccant retainer 862, defining an upper end face of the desiccant-containing space.

[0197] The first desiccant retainer 861 and the second desiccant retainer 862 can be formed in plate shape to define the upper and lower surfaces of the desiccant containing space.

[0198] On the other hand, the cover 84 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 serves to accommodate the heating part 83 and the desiccant 85 and to form a first flow channel for the airflow through the regeneration heater 831 and a second flow channel for the airflow through the desiccant 85.

[0199] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cover 84 may include a main cover 841 provided with a heater housing space for accommodating the heating part 83 and a desiccant housing space for accommodating the desiccant 85.

[0200] First, the main cover 841 may include a heater receiving section that forms a heater receiving space inside and a desiccant receiving section that forms a desiccant receiving space inside.

[0201] As shown in the figure, based on the configuration on the base 90, the heater housing can have a hollow box shape with an open top surface and a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0202] The heater housing 832 and the regeneration heater 831 can be inserted through the open top surface of the heater housing.

[0203] The open portion of the front end face of the heater housing can form an inlet (inlet 1) for airflow to flow in, and the open portion of the rear end face can form an outlet (outlet 1) for discharging the airflow that has passed through the regeneration heater 831.

[0204] As described above, the outlet of the fan housing 821 can be inserted into and combined with the inlet (inlet 1) formed in the heater housing.

[0205] On the other hand, the outlet (outlet 1) of the heater housing can be connected to the inlet (inlet 2) of the desiccant housing. In the embodiment shown, when the heater housing and the desiccant housing are connected as one unit, the outlet (outlet 1) of the heater housing and the inlet (inlet 2) of the desiccant housing can be integrated, and the outlet (outlet 1) of the heater housing can also be used as the inlet (inlet 2) of the desiccant housing.

[0206] On the other hand, the heater housing may have a downwardly inclined and extended section that gradually decreases in height in the vertical direction as the heater housing space and the flow channel formed by the heater housing 832 move toward the desiccant housing.

[0207] That is, the center of the inlet (inlet 1) of the heater housing can be formed at a higher position than the center of the outlet (outlet 1), and the length or extension direction of the heater housing space and the heater cover 832 can be inclined to have a downward slope relative to the horizontal direction.

[0208] On the other hand, based on the state of being configured on the base 90, the desiccant container of the main cover 841 can be arranged in a row with the heater container so that the length direction of the desiccant container is parallel to the length direction of the heater container.

[0209] The desiccant container can be a hollow box shape with an entirely open top and a rectangular overall shape.

[0210] The open top surface of the desiccant container can be used as an outlet (outlet 2) for discharging the air that has passed through the desiccant 85.

[0211] The open top surface of the desiccant container can be fitted with a second cover 882 and closed after the desiccant retainer 86 and desiccant 85 are configured inside.

[0212] The desiccant holding space inside the desiccant holding section can be divided in the vertical direction by the first desiccant retainer 861.

[0213] The lower space in the space divided by the first desiccant holder 861 in the vertical direction can be an air inlet space for air to flow in through the heater housing, and the upper space can be a desiccant housing space for holding the desiccant 85.

[0214] On the other hand, the heater housing space of the heater housing, the air inlet space of the desiccant housing, and the desiccant housing space constitute a continuous flow channel for forming airflow. More specifically, the air inlet space forms the downstream of the first flow channel, and the desiccant housing space forms the second flow channel.

[0215] On the other hand, as described above, the open upper surface of the heater housing and the open top surface of the desiccant housing of the main cover 841 can be closed by the cover 88.

[0216] For example, as shown in the figure, considering the shape of the main cover 841, the cover 88 may include a first cover 881 coupled to the heater housing and a second cover 882 coupled to the desiccant housing.

[0217] The first cover 881, which is combined with the heater housing, can be configured as a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the heater housing 832.

[0218] On the other hand, unlike the first cover 881, the second cover 882, which is combined with the desiccant containment portion, can be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to that of an inverted funnel.

[0219] That is, the inner surface of the second cover 882 can be configured to have an upwardly convex inverted funnel shape so as to collect the air that has passed through the desiccant 85 and the second desiccant retainer 862.

[0220] Therefore, the second cover 882 is provided with an upwardly protruding gathering surface, so that a predetermined separation space can be formed between the second desiccant retainer 862 on the upper end face of the desiccant containing space and the gathering surface of the second cover 882. The separation space serves to minimize the resistance that may be locally generated due to the flow resistance formed by the desiccant 85 and the second desiccant retainer 862.

[0221] Because of the spaced space formed as described above, the pressure difference distribution between the top and bottom surfaces of the second desiccant retainer 862 can be uniformly distributed throughout the region, allowing the airflow through the second desiccant retainer 862 to diffuse evenly. Along with the space used for airflow, the spaced space forms a discharge path for the airflow through the desiccant 85.

[0222] An outlet can be provided at the top of the inner gathering surface of the second cover 882 to discharge air that has passed through the third flow channel, which serves as the discharge flow path.

[0223] As shown in the figure, the lower end of the connecting pipe 883 that guides airflow toward the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20 can be integrally connected to the outlet.

[0224] On the other hand, the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80 may also include: a connecting pipe section 883, which is connected to an outlet that passes through the upper surface of the second cover 882, and has an air passage inside.

[0225] As described above, the heating element 83, the air supply element 82, and the desiccant 85 are disposed below the lower surface 25 of the barrel body 20. The connecting pipe 883 serves to guide the airflow discharged from the spaced space formed below the second cover 882 toward the air supply hole 254 formed on the lower surface 25 of the barrel body 20.

[0226] As shown in the embodiment, the pipe body 8831 of the connecting pipe section 883 can be configured to have an outlet shape that can connect the air supply hole 254 of the barrel 20 and the heater cover 832, so as to guide airflow.

[0227] On the other hand, an exhaust guide 89 that converts the exhaust direction of the airflow supplied through the connecting pipe section 883 can be attached to the upper end of the pipe body 8831.

[0228] Through the ejection guide 89, a portion of the airflow can be directed toward the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20, and a portion of the airflow can be directed toward the upper surface 24 of the barrel 20.

[0229] On the other hand, the desiccant drying device 80 may also include a suction pipe 81, the front end of which is connected to the air intake hole of the barrel 20 and the rear end is connected to the air supply section 82, guiding the airflow of air discharged from the barrel 20 through the air supply hole 254 to the air supply section 82.

[0230] More specifically, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the suction pipe 81 may include: a main pipe 811 extending in the vertical direction and disposed on the outer side of the right side of the barrel 20; and a sub-pipe 812 disposed between the rear end of the main pipe 811 and the air supply section 82 and below the lower surface 25 of the barrel 20.

[0231] The main pipe 811 is located outside the right side of the barrel 20 and is closely attached to the right side. It serves to guide the airflow drawn in through the air intake hole formed on the right side of the barrel 20 to the lower part of the barrel 20, 25.

[0232] Therefore, as shown in the figure, the main pipe 811 can be configured to extend linearly as long as possible in the vertical direction from top to bottom. This allows for maximum condensation of moisture inside the main pipe 811.

[0233] like Figure 8 As shown, the interior of the main duct 811 can form an air passage that extends approximately vertically and allows airflow to move downwards. Airflow can be introduced into the air supply section 82 via the sub-duct 812. The airflow passing through the air supply section 82 can then be introduced into the heater housing space, which has a downwardly sloping heater housing section.

[0234] The sub-pipe 812 is located between the lower end of the main pipe 811 and the air supply section 82, and serves to change the flow direction of the airflow passing through the outlet 811b of the main pipe 811 and guide it towards the air supply section 82.

[0235] Similar to the main pipe 811, an air passage can be formed inside the sub-pipe 812 to allow airflow through the main pipe 811.

[0236] However, an air passage extending into an L-shape can be formed inside the sub-duct 812 to change the direction of airflow through the main duct 811 and guide it to the inlet of the fan shroud 821 of the air supply section 82.

[0237] Similarly, the shape of the sub-pipe 812 can be formed to have an L-shape corresponding to the shape of the internal air passage.

[0238] On the other hand, as described above, the dishwasher 1 of the present invention is configured such that, when performing a drying operation, the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 is operated to dry the tableware while the door 30 is at least partially open.

[0239] As will be described later, when the drying operation is performed with the door 30 at least partially open, the amount of moisture absorbed by the desiccant 85 constituting the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 can be reduced, which has the effect of saving the regeneration energy required when regenerating the desiccant 85.

[0240] Therefore, the desiccant drying device 80 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention can effectively perform the drying operation with only a small amount of desiccant, and the desiccant can be effectively dried and regenerated by the regeneration heater 831 with low heat generation.

[0241] Compared to the configuration of the moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above, a relatively small amount of desiccant 85 can be provided, and a regeneration heater 831 with a relatively small amount of heat generation can be provided.

[0242] Figures 10 to 12 The detailed configuration of a moisture-absorbing drying apparatus 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which uses a relatively small amount of desiccant 85 and is equipped with a regeneration heater 831 having a relatively small amount of heat generation, is disclosed.

[0243] Reference Figures 10 to 12 Similar to the embodiments described above, a moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: an air supply section 82 that generates an airflow that draws in air from the barrel 20 and is to be supplied to the interior of the barrel 20; a heating section 83 having a regeneration heater 831 for heating the air to be supplied to the desiccant 85; a plurality of desiccant 85s disposed downstream of the air supply section 82 and the heating section 83 with reference to the airflow direction, for absorbing moisture contained in the air; a cover 84 having an internally formed heater housing space for accommodating the heating section 83 and a desiccant housing space for accommodating the desiccant 85; an intake pipe 81 connecting the air intake port of the barrel 20 and the air supply section 82; and an exhaust guide 89 exposed inside the barrel 20 for guiding the direction of exhaust of the air that has passed through the desiccant 85.

[0244] As shown in the figure, the detailed configuration of the air supply section 82, heating section 83, desiccant 85, cover 84, suction pipe 81 and discharge guide 89 constituting the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80 can be configured to be substantially the same as or similar to the above-described embodiment.

[0245] Therefore, unless otherwise stated below, the content described in the above embodiments can be applied in a substantially similar manner, and descriptions of repeated content will be omitted.

[0246] As described above, the moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be provided with a relatively small amount of desiccant 85.

[0247] Therefore, compared to the above embodiments, the size of the desiccant-containing space of the main cover 841 that contains the desiccant 85 can be reduced more effectively.

[0248] More specifically, as shown in the figure, at least one of the vertical height, horizontal width, and front-back width of the desiccant-containing space of the main cover 841 can be made smaller than the embodiment described above.

[0249] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, unlike the embodiments described above, the bottom surface of the desiccant-containing space of the main cover 841 may have a rising inclined surface whose height gradually increases in the vertical direction as it moves away from the regeneration heater 831.

[0250] Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the moisture-absorbing and drying apparatus 80 may be configured to be equipped with a regenerative heater 831 having a relatively small amount of heat generation.

[0251] Therefore, a regenerative heater 831 with the same form as the regenerative heater 831 described above but with a smaller size can be applied, and the size of the heater housing space of the main housing 841 accommodating the regenerative heater 831 can be reduced more effectively than in the above embodiment.

[0252] More specifically, as shown in the figure, compared to the embodiment described above, the length of the regenerator 831 extension can be effectively made smaller.

[0253] Therefore, compared with the above embodiment, the left-right width of the heater accommodating space of the main cover 841 can be made smaller.

[0254] In addition, as the length dimension of the regenerator 831 decreases, the regenerator 831 can be arranged horizontally with its length direction parallel to the horizontal direction, unlike the above-described embodiment.

[0255] Therefore, compared with the above embodiment, the volume occupied by the heater housing of the main cover 841 in the left-right direction and the volume in the up-down direction can be effectively reduced.

[0256] As described above, unlike the embodiments described above, since the shape and size of the main cover 841 are miniaturized and compacted, interference with other components disposed on the base 90 and constituting the dishwasher 1 can be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, it is expected that the space utilization effect can be improved by further ensuring the installation space of other components, as well as the overall reduction in the production cost of the dishwasher 1.

[0257] [Dishwasher control device and method]

[0258] The following describes the control device and method for enabling and disabling the dishwasher 1 with hybrid moisture absorption and drying.

[0259] Before explanation, the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying process is as follows: with the dishwasher 1 door 30 partially open or closed, moisture is absorbed by the desiccant 85 of the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80, and the moisture is evaporated and the cleaned object is dried by driving at least one of the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80.

[0260] In addition, the moisture absorption operation of the hybrid moisture absorption and drying is as follows: with the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 closed, moisture is absorbed by the desiccant 85 of the moisture absorption and drying device 80 by driving the fan motor 825.

[0261] In addition, the moisture absorption and exhaust operation of the hybrid moisture absorption and drying is as follows: with the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 partially open, the cleaned object is dried by utilizing the moisture absorption of the desiccant 85 of the moisture absorption and driving the fan motor 825.

[0262] In addition, the exhaust operation of the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying is as follows: with the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 partially open, the cleaned items are dried by driving the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80.

[0263] In addition, the hot air and exhaust operation of the hybrid moisture-absorbing and drying is as follows: with the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 partially open, the cleaned items are dried by driving the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorbing and drying device 80.

[0264] Additionally, the drying enhancement option is as follows: the drying performance can be enhanced by changing the driving parameters of one of the drive unit 40 and the moisture-absorbing drying unit 80 used for washing and rinsing operations or by changing the driving method of the drying operation.

[0265] In this specification, the first option selection signal can be a signal that determines whether the drying operation is enabled or disabled based on the user's selection. The second option selection signal can be a signal that determines whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabled based on the user's selection. For example, the first option selection signal and / or the second option selection signal can be input through the control panel 32 of the dishwasher 1, or through an application on an external terminal pre-registered by the user.

[0266] like Figure 13 As shown, a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 100 for controlling the various functional components.

[0267] The control unit 100 may include a processor. The processor may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, and a communication processor. Furthermore, a module can refer to a functional and structural combination of hardware for executing the technical concept of the present invention and software for driving the hardware.

[0268] The control unit 100 can supply power to the drive motor 3522 of the door drive device 35 through the power supply unit 48, start the drive motor 3522 to rotate the door 30 to the middle stop position of the partially opened position, thereby opening at least part of the barrel 20.

[0269] The control unit 100 can be electrically connected to the control panel 32, which receives user operation commands. The control panel 32 can have a plurality of buttons. If the user inputs power switch operation, cleaning program selection operation, separate drying program selection operation, or option selection operation via the buttons, the control panel 32 can transmit the corresponding electrical signals to the control unit 100.

[0270] The control panel 32 may have a user interface for selecting at least one of enabling or disabling the drying operation and enabling or disabling the drying enhancement option of the drying operation. The control panel 32 may provide a first option selection signal to the control unit 100 to determine whether the drying operation is enabled or disabling based on the user's selection. In addition, the control panel 32 may provide a second option selection signal to the control unit 100 to determine whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabling based on the user's selection.

[0271] As described above, the user can select the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 as an option through the user interface provided on the control panel 32. Additionally, the user can select an enhancement option for the drying operation through the user interface provided on the control panel 32. For example, the control panel 32 may have a button for selecting whether the drying operation is enabled or disabled. Furthermore, the control panel 32 may have a button for selecting whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabled. This control panel 32 can provide at least one option selection signal corresponding to enabling or disabling the drying operation or the drying enhancement option to the control unit 100. For example, at least one option selection signal may include a first option selection signal and a second option selection signal. The first option selection signal can be used to turn the moisture-absorbing drying using the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 on and off. The second option selection signal can be used to turn the moisture-absorbing drying enhancement option on and off or select at least one of various drying enhancement options.

[0272] The control unit 100 can turn the power to the dishwasher 1 on or off when it receives an electrical signal from the control panel 32, or control the dishwasher 1 according to the selected cleaning program and the selected operating mode to perform individual operations on the dishwasher 1.

[0273] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can determine whether the drying operation is enabled or disabled based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32. Additionally, the control unit 100 can determine whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabled based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32.

[0274] Although not shown, the control panel 32 may also include a communication unit to input user operation commands via other input devices such as the user's wireless terminal.

[0275] Additionally, the control unit 100 can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the regeneration heater 831, which heats the airflow to be supplied to the desiccant 85. Furthermore, the power supply unit 48 can supply power to the control unit 100, the drive motor 3522, the regeneration heater 831, and the fan motor 825.

[0276] The drive unit 40 for cleaning and rinsing operations performs functions such as heating, supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining the cleaning water used for cleaning and rinsing the objects being cleaned. This drive unit 40 may include a heater 47 that heats the cleaning water in response to a control signal from the control unit 100.

[0277] The control unit 100 can enable or disable the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32.

[0278] When the control unit 100 confirms that the drying operation is disabled based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32, it can drive the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is enabled to perform a cleaning operation. Additionally, the control unit 100 can drive the heater 47 to heat the cleaning water to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is enabled to perform a rinsing operation. After the rinsing operation is completed, the door can be opened.

[0279] When the control unit 100 confirms that the drying operation is enabled by the option selection signal received from the control panel 32, it drives the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 to perform a moisture-absorbing operation with the door 30 closed. After the moisture-absorbing operation is completed, it drives the fan motor 825 to perform an exhaust operation with the door 30 partially open.

[0280] Additionally, the control unit 100 can enable or disable the drying enhancement option based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32. When the control unit 100 confirms that the drying enhancement option is enabled, it can change the drive parameters of either the drive unit 40 for washing and rinsing operations or the moisture-absorbing drying unit 80 for drying operations. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 confirms that the drying enhancement option is enabled, it can change the drying drive mode of the moisture-absorbing drying unit 80.

[0281] For example, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the control unit 100 can increase the drive time of the moisture absorption operation and the drive time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform the drying operation. Additionally, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the control unit 100 can drive the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air to a higher temperature during the cleaning operation than when the drying enhancement option is disabled. Furthermore, when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the control unit 100 can drive the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 to achieve a higher hot air temperature during the moisture absorption operation of the drying operation than when the drying enhancement option is disabled.

[0282] In addition, the control unit 100 can drive the heater 47 when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the rinsing operation. After the rinsing operation is completed, the dehumidification operation is performed with the door 30 closed. After the dehumidification operation is completed, the hot air and exhaust operation is performed with the door 30 partially open.

[0283] In addition, the control unit 100 can drive the heater 47 when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the rinsing operation, and after the rinsing operation is completed, the dehumidification and exhaust operation is performed with the door partially open, and after the dehumidification and exhaust operation is completed, the hot air and exhaust operation is performed.

[0284] In addition, the control unit 100 can drive the heater 47 when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the rinsing operation. After the rinsing operation is completed, hot air and exhaust operation is performed with the door partially open. After the hot air and exhaust operation is completed, moisture absorption and exhaust operation is performed.

[0285] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The following describes one control method for a dishwasher. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of enabling or disabling hybrid moisture absorption and drying in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the operation of a dishwasher when the hybrid desiccant drying mode is activated. Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the operation of a dishwasher when the hybrid desiccant drying function is disabled.

[0286] Dishwasher 1 confirms whether the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 is enabled (S11). When the drying operation is enabled, dishwasher 1 performs washing and rinsing operations based on the first action reference (S12).

[0287] Here, the first operating reference can be set with a first target temperature for air heating, a second target temperature for cleaning water heating, and a third target temperature for rinsing water heating. Here, rinsing water can refer to the cleaning water used in the rinsing operation. For example, such as... Figure 15 As shown, when the drying operation is enabled, the first target temperature can be set to 38 degrees, the second target temperature can be set to 45 degrees, and the third target temperature can be set to 32 degrees.

[0288] After the washing and rinsing operations are completed, the dishwasher 1 performs a moisture absorption operation based on a first moisture absorption reference (S13). Here, the first moisture absorption reference can be set with a heating temperature for the moisture absorption of the desiccant. For example, when the drying operation is activated, the heating temperature can be set to 65 degrees Celsius.

[0289] After the dehumidification operation is completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door drive device 35 to partially open the door 30 (S14). Next, the dishwasher 1 performs a venting operation based on a first venting reference (S15). Here, the first venting reference can be set with an evaporation temperature for moisture evaporation. For example, when the drying operation is activated, the evaporation temperature can be set to 80 degrees Celsius.

[0290] When the drying operation is stopped, dishwasher 1 performs washing and rinsing operations based on a second action reference (S16). For example, as Figure 16 As shown, in the second action reference, the first target temperature for air heating can be set to 35 degrees, the second target temperature for cleaning water heating can be set to 45 degrees, and the third target temperature for rinsing water heating can be set to 70 degrees.

[0291] Next, after the dishwasher 1 completes the washing and rinsing operations, it activates the door drive mechanism 35 to open the door 30 (S17). This shortens the operation time of the dishwasher 1, saves energy, and meets the requirements of users who want their washed items to air dry naturally.

[0292] On the other hand, as another example, when the drying operation is stopped, the dishwasher 1 can turn off the regeneration heater and only operate the heater 47 to perform the washing and rinsing operations. For example, in the second operation reference, the regeneration heater can be set to be off, the second target temperature for heating the washing water can be set to 45 degrees, and the third target temperature for heating the rinsing water can be set to 70 degrees.

[0293] Thus, dishwasher 1 can enable or disable the drying operation, thereby meeting the various requirements of each user.

[0294] Reference Figures 17 to 19 The following describes another control method for the dishwasher.

[0295] The dishwasher 1 can confirm the default setting for hybrid moisture absorption and drying (S21) and can confirm the drying enhancement option (S22). For example, a first option and a second option can be selected as drying enhancement options. The first option allows for changes to the drive parameters for the drying operation, while the second option allows for changes to the drive parameters for both the washing and rinsing operations, as well as the drying operation.

[0296] When the first option is selected as the drying enhancement option, the dishwasher 1 performs washing and rinsing operations based on the first operation reference (S23). For example, in the first operation reference, the first target temperature for heating the air can be set to 38 degrees, the second target temperature for heating the washing water can be set to 45 degrees, and the third target temperature for heating the rinsing water can be set to 32 degrees.

[0297] After the washing and rinsing operations are completed, dishwasher 1 performs a moisture absorption operation based on a first moisture absorption reference (S24). For example, in the first moisture absorption reference, the heat generation temperature for moisture absorption by the desiccant can be set to 65 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the drive time for the moisture absorption operation can be set in the first moisture absorption reference. For example, if the first option is selected as the drying enhancement option, the drive time for the moisture absorption operation can be set to be longer than the reference drive time for the moisture absorption operation. Here, the reference drive time for the moisture absorption operation may refer to the time set when the drying enhancement option is disabled.

[0298] After the dehumidification operation is completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door drive device 35 to partially open the door 30 (S25). After the door 30 is partially opened, the dishwasher 1 performs an exhaust operation based on a first exhaust reference (S26). For example, in the first exhaust reference, the evaporation temperature for moisture evaporation can be set to 80 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the drive time for the exhaust operation can be set in the first exhaust reference. For example, when the first option is selected as the drying enhancement option, the drive time for the exhaust operation can be set to be longer than the reference drive time for the exhaust operation. Here, the reference drive time for the exhaust operation may refer to the time set when the drying enhancement option is deactivated.

[0299] As described above, when the drying enhancement option is enabled (selecting the first option), the dishwasher 1 increases the driving time of the moisture absorption operation and the driving time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0300] In addition, when the second option is selected as the drying enhancement option, the dishwasher 1 performs washing and rinsing operations based on the third operation reference (S27). For example, in the third operation reference, the first target temperature for air heating can be set to 43 degrees, the second target temperature for washing water heating can be set to 45 degrees, and the third target temperature for rinsing water heating can be set to 32 degrees.

[0301] After the washing and rinsing operations are completed, the dishwasher 1 performs a moisture absorption operation based on a second moisture absorption reference (S28). For example, in the second moisture absorption reference, the heat generation temperature for moisture absorption by the desiccant can be set to 75 degrees.

[0302] After the dehumidification operation is completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door drive device 35 to partially open the door 30 (S 29). After the door 30 is partially opened, the dishwasher 1 performs an exhaust operation based on a second exhaust reference (S 30). For example, in the second exhaust reference, the evaporation temperature for moisture evaporation can be set to 80 degrees.

[0303] As described above, when the dishwasher activates the drying enhancement option (selecting the second option), it drives the regenerator 831 to heat the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is deactivated to perform the washing operation, and drives the regenerator 831 and the fan motor 825 to perform the desiccation operation with hot air at a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is deactivated, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0304] Reference Figures 20 to 23 The following describes another control method for dishwasher 1.

[0305] Dishwasher 1 can confirm the default setting for hybrid moisture absorption and drying (S31) and can confirm the drying enhancement option (S32). For example, the third, fourth, and fifth options can be selected as drying enhancement options. The drying drive mode can be set differently for the third, fourth, and fifth options.

[0306] When the third option (drying enhancement option) is selected in dishwasher 1, the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation (S33). For example, the heating temperature of the washing water used for rinsing can be set to 60 degrees Celsius. Next, after the rinsing operation is completed according to the third option, dishwasher 1 performs a moisture-absorbing operation (S34), and after the moisture-absorbing operation is completed, the door is partially opened (S35) to perform a hot air and exhaust operation (S36). Here, for example, the heating temperature for moisture absorption can be set to 80 degrees Celsius. The hot air temperature for moisture evaporation can be set to 90 degrees Celsius.

[0307] Additionally, when the fourth option is selected as the drying enhancement option, dishwasher 1 heats the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation (S37). Next, after the rinsing operation is completed according to the fourth option, dishwasher 1 partially opens the door (S38) to perform moisture absorption and exhaust operations (S39), and after the moisture absorption and exhaust operations are completed, it performs hot air and exhaust operations (S40).

[0308] Additionally, when the fifth option is selected as the drying enhancement option, dishwasher 1 heats the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation (S41). Next, after the rinsing operation is completed according to the fifth option, dishwasher 1 partially opens the door (S42) to perform hot air and exhaust operations (S43), and after the hot air and exhaust operations are completed, it performs moisture absorption and exhaust operations (S44).

[0309] As described above, the dishwasher 1 can drive the moisture-absorbing drying unit in various drying modes by combining moisture-absorbing operation, partial door opening, hot air and exhaust operation, and moisture-absorbing and exhaust operation according to the selected drying enhancement options, thereby improving drying performance.

[0310] Reference Figure 24 The following describes another control method for dishwasher 1.

[0311] The dishwasher 1 confirms whether the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device 80 is enabled (S101) and whether the drying enhancement option is enabled (S102).

[0312] When the drying operation is enabled and the drying enhancement option is disabled, dishwasher 1 performs the first series of operations (S12, S13, S14, S15, see reference). Figure 14(S103). Here, the first series of operations can be defined as the basic drying operations of the moisture-absorbing drying device 80.

[0313] In addition, dishwasher 1 performs a second series of operations (S16, S17, see reference) when the drying operation is stopped. Figure 14 (S104). Here, the second series of operations can be defined as performing only washing and rinsing operations without drying operations.

[0314] When the dishwasher 1 enables the drying operation and the drying enhancement option, it confirms the drying enhancement type selected by the user (S105).

[0315] When dishwasher 1 confirms that the first option of the first type (parameter control) has been selected as the drying enhancement option (S106), it performs the third series of operations (S23, S24, S25, S26, see reference). Figure 17 (S104). Here, the third series of operations can be defined as operations that improve drying performance by increasing the driving time of the drying operation compared to the reference time.

[0316] When dishwasher 1 confirms that the second option of the first type (parameter control) has been selected as the drying enhancement option (S106), it performs the fourth series of operations (S27, S28, S29, S30, see reference). Figure 17 (S108). Here, the fourth series of operations can be defined as follows: in the washing and rinsing operations, the target temperature for heating is set to be higher than the reference temperature, and in the drying operation, the heating temperature and hot air temperature for moisture absorption are set to be higher than the reference temperature.

[0317] When dishwasher 1 confirms that the third option of the second type (drying mode control) has been selected as the drying enhancement option (S109), it performs the fifth series of operations (S33, S34, S35, S36, see reference). Figure 20 (S110). Here, the fifth series of operations can be defined as the drying operation performed in the order of moisture absorption, automatic door opening, hot air and exhaust operations after the heating and rinsing operation is completed.

[0318] When dishwasher 1 confirms that the fourth option of the second type (drying mode control) has been selected as the drying enhancement option (S109), it performs the sixth series operation (S37, S38, S39, S40, see reference). Figure 20 (S111). Here, the sixth series of operations can be defined as the drying operation performed in the order of automatic door opening, moisture absorption and exhaust operation, and hot air and exhaust operation after the heating and rinsing operation is completed.

[0319] When dishwasher 1 confirms that the fifth option of the second type (drying mode control) has been selected as the drying enhancement option (S109), it performs the seventh series operation (S41, S42, S43, S44, see reference). Figure 20 (S112). Here, the seventh series of operations can be defined as the drying operation performed in the order of automatic door opening, hot air and exhaust operation, moisture absorption and exhaust operation after the heating and rinsing operation is completed.

[0320] As described above, dishwasher 1 can enable or disable the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device, and can also enable or disable the drying enhancement option. This allows it to meet various user requirements.

[0321] A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub body forming a cleaning space; a door drive device for driving the opening and closing of a door in the cleaning space; a drive device including a heater for heating cleaning water and supplying it to the tub body; a moisture-absorbing and drying device including a regenerating heater and a fan motor for absorbing moisture from the air discharged from the tub body and supplying it to the tub body; and a control unit for enabling or disabling the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing and drying device according to a first option selection signal.

[0322] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is activated to perform the cleaning operation when the drying operation is stopped.

[0323] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the drying operation is activated when the drying operation is stopped, and can open the door after the rinsing operation is completed.

[0324] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the fan motor to perform moisture absorption when the door is closed during the drying operation, and drive the fan motor to perform exhaust operation when the door is partially open after the moisture absorption operation is completed.

[0325] According to an embodiment, the control unit can enable or disable the drying enhancement option of at least one of the control drive device and the moisture-absorbing drying device based on a second option selection signal when the drying operation is enabled.

[0326] According to an embodiment, the control unit can change the driving parameters of one of the drive unit and the moisture-absorbing drying unit or change the driving mode of the drying operation when the drying enhancement option is enabled.

[0327] According to an embodiment, the control unit can increase the driving time of the moisture absorption operation and the driving time of the exhaust operation when the drying enhancement option is enabled compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled, in order to perform the drying operation.

[0328] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the regenerative heater when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so as to heat the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the cleaning operation.

[0329] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the regenerative heater and fan motor when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so that the hot air temperature is higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the moisture absorption operation of the drying operation.

[0330] According to an embodiment, the control unit can drive the heater when the drying enhancement option is enabled, so that the rinsing water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the rinsing operation.

[0331] According to the embodiment, the control unit can perform the dehumidification operation with the door closed after the rinsing operation is completed, and perform the hot air and exhaust operation with the door partially open after the dehumidification operation is completed.

[0332] According to the embodiment, the control unit can perform moisture absorption and exhaust operations with the door partially open after the rinsing operation is completed, and perform hot air and exhaust operations after the moisture absorption and exhaust operations are completed.

[0333] According to the embodiment, the control unit can perform hot air and exhaust operations with the door partially open after the rinsing operation is completed, and perform moisture absorption and exhaust operations after the hot air and exhaust operations are completed.

[0334] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher may further include a control panel having a user interface for selecting at least one of enabling or disabling a drying operation and enabling or disabling a drying enhancement option for the drying operation. The control panel may provide a first option selection signal to the control unit to determine whether the drying operation is enabled or disabling based on the user's selection. The control panel may also provide a second option selection signal to the control unit to determine whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabling based on the user's selection.

[0335] A dishwasher control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: confirming whether the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device is enabled or not, and whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or not; when the drying operation is enabled and the drying enhancement option is disabled, performing a washing and rinsing operation, and performing a moisture-absorbing operation as a drying operation, and performing an exhaust operation after partially opening the door; and when the drying operation is disabled, heating the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is enabled to perform a washing operation, heating the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is enabled to perform a rinsing operation, and then opening the door.

[0336] According to an embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher may further include the following steps: when the drying enhancement option is enabled, the driving time of the moisture absorption operation and the driving time of the exhaust operation are increased compared with when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform the drying operation.

[0337] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher control method may further include the following steps: heating the air to a temperature higher than that when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a washing operation when the drying enhancement option is enabled; and performing a dehumidification operation with a hot air temperature higher than that when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the drying operation, and performing an exhaust operation with the door partially open.

[0338] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher control method may further include the following steps: when the drying enhancement option is enabled, heating the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation; and after the rinsing operation is completed, performing a moisture absorption operation, and after the moisture absorption operation is completed, performing a hot air and exhaust operation with the door partially open.

[0339] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher control method may further include the following steps: when the drying enhancement option is enabled, heating the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation; and after the rinsing operation is completed, performing a moisture absorption and exhaust operation with the door open, and performing a hot air and exhaust operation after the moisture absorption and exhaust operation is completed.

[0340] According to an embodiment, the dishwasher control method may further include the following steps: when the drying enhancement option is enabled, heating the washing water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled to perform a rinsing operation; and after the rinsing operation is completed, performing a hot air and exhaust operation with the door partially open, and performing a moisture absorption and exhaust operation after the hot air and exhaust operation is completed.

[0341] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but these are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be achieved therein. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, wherein, include: The tub body forms a cleaning space; A door drive device that drives the door of the cleaning space to open and close; The drive unit includes a heater that heats the cleaning water and supplies it to the tank. A moisture-absorbing and drying device, including a regenerative heater and a fan motor, absorbs moisture from the air discharged from the barrel and supplies it to the barrel; as well as The control unit enables or disables the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device based on the first option selection signal.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, When the drying operation is stopped, the control unit executes at least one of the following processes: The regenerative heater is driven to heat the air to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is initiated to perform the cleaning operation; and The heater is driven to heat the cleaning water to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is initiated to perform a rinsing operation, and the door is opened after the rinsing operation is completed.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, When the drying operation is activated, the control unit drives the fan motor to perform a moisture absorption operation while the door is closed. After the moisture absorption operation is completed, the control unit drives the fan motor to perform an exhaust operation while the door is partially open.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, When the drying operation is enabled, the control unit enables or disables the drying enhancement option for at least one of the drive device and the moisture-absorbing drying device according to the second option selection signal.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein, When the drying enhancement option is enabled, the control unit executes at least one of the following processes: Change the driving parameters of one of the driving device and the moisture-absorbing drying device, or change the driving mode of the drying operation; The drying operation is performed by increasing the drive time of the moisture absorption operation and the drive time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled; Drive the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the cleaning operation; as well as The heater is driven to heat the cleaning water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled during the rinsing operation.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein, When the drying enhancement option is enabled, the control unit drives the regenerative heater and the fan motor to achieve a higher hot air temperature during the moisture absorption operation of the drying operation than when the drying enhancement option is disabled.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit performs at least one of the following processes after the rinsing operation is completed: The moisture absorption operation is performed with the door closed, and after the moisture absorption operation is completed, the hot air and exhaust operation is performed with the door partially open. With the door partially open, moisture absorption and exhaust operations are performed; after the moisture absorption and exhaust operations are completed, hot air and exhaust operations are performed; and Hot air and exhaust operations are performed with the door partially open, and moisture absorption and exhaust operations are performed after the hot air and exhaust operations are completed.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control panel having a user interface for selecting whether the drying operation is enabled or disabled and whether a drying enhancement option for the drying operation is enabled or disabled. The control panel provides the control unit with a first option selection signal to determine whether the drying operation is enabled or disabled based on the user's selection; The control panel provides the control unit with a second option selection signal to determine whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or disabled based on the user's selection.

9. A method for controlling a dishwasher, wherein, Includes the following steps: Confirm whether the drying operation using the moisture-absorbing drying device is enabled or not, and whether the drying enhancement option is enabled or not; When the drying operation is enabled and the drying enhancement option is disabled, a cleaning and rinsing operation is performed, and a moisture absorption operation is performed as part of the drying operation. An exhaust operation is performed after the door is partially opened. as well as When the drying operation is stopped, the air is heated to a temperature lower than when the drying operation is started to perform the cleaning operation, and the cleaning water is heated to a temperature higher than when the drying operation is started to perform the rinsing operation, and then the door is opened.

10. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein, When the drying enhancement option is enabled, at least one of the following steps is also included: The drying operation is performed by increasing the drive time of the moisture absorption operation and the drive time of the exhaust operation compared to when the drying enhancement option is disabled; The cleaning operation is performed by heating the air to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled. During the drying operation, the moisture absorption operation is performed with a hot air temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled, and the exhaust operation is performed with the door partially open. The rinsing operation is performed by heating the cleaning water to a temperature higher than when the drying enhancement option is disabled. After the rinsing operation is completed, the moisture absorption operation is performed. After the moisture absorption operation is completed, the hot air and exhaust operation is performed with the door partially open. After the rinsing operation is completed, with the door open, moisture absorption and exhaust operations are performed. After the moisture absorption and exhaust operations are completed, hot air and exhaust operations are performed. as well as After the rinsing operation is completed, with the door partially open, hot air and exhaust operations are performed. After the hot air and exhaust operations are completed, moisture absorption and exhaust operations are performed.

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