dishwasher

Abstract

Dishwasher which includes: a washing tub (110) provided on a bottom surface thereof with a sump (111) for collecting washing water within the washing tub (110) and provided therein with a receiving space for storing tableware; a water storage unit (120) configured to store rinse water to be supplied to the rinse tank (110); a heat pump system (130) comprising a compressor (134) configured to compress and circulate refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (131, 431) disposed in the sump (111), an expansion device (132), and a second heat exchanger (133, 4331) disposed in the water storage unit (120); a reversing valve (135, 435) configured to change a flow of refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger (131, 431) and the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) according to a heating mode for heating the purge water accumulated in the sump (111) and according to a heat recovery mode for recovering heat from heated purge water accumulated in the sump (111) to be discharged from the purge tank (110) to the outside; and a control unit configured to control the reversing valve (135, 435) to selectively change a flow direction of the refrigerant in such a way that the refrigerant is condensed in the heating mode in the first heat exchanger (131, 431) to thereby release heat to the flushing water to heat the flushing water, and is circulated from the first heat exchanger (131, 431) in this order to the expansion device (132), to the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) and to the compressor (134), and / or the refrigerant is evaporated in the recovery mode in the first heat exchanger (131, 431) to thereby absorb heat from the purge water to recover heat from the purge water, and is circulated from the first heat exchanger (131, 431) in this order to the compressor (134), to the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) and to the expansion device (132).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher that heats dishwater using a heat pump. 2. Description of the related field

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically washes and dries dishes using a detergent or the like.

[0003] The dishwasher may be configured to perform a process of washing, rinsing, and drying dishes arranged in a main body thereof.

[0004] The dishwasher can heat washing water using an electric heating device provided in the main body.

[0005] However, the electrical heating device used in the dishwasher has a problem in that it consumes a lot of power when washing and drying dishes.

[0006] In addition, high-temperature washing water, which is heated after the completion of washing, is discharged to the outside of the dishwasher, so there is a problem that energy loss occurs.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a dishwasher has been developed which is capable of reducing energy consumption by heating washing water using a heat pump.

[0008] Prior art document EP 2 682 037 B1 (published on January 8, 2014) discloses a dishwasher and an operating method thereof. The prior art dishwasher includes a heat pump system capable of passing outside air (hereinafter, ambient air) through an evaporator to absorb heat, and exchanging heat with wash water, to be supplied to a wash tub, from a condenser to heat the wash water.

[0009] However, the prior art dishwasher has a problem that the heated washing water of the washing tub is discharged to the outside, so that heat loss continues to be generated and that it has insufficient energy saving.

[0010] DE 10 2015 226 481 A1 discloses a household dishwasher for washing dishes in one or more water-based partial wash cycles and for subsequently drying the dishes in at least one subsequent drying cycle of a wash cycle to be performed. The dishwasher is equipped with a wash tub for receiving the dishes and with at least one filling reservoir attached to the outside of the wash tub, the inlet of which is connected to an inlet-side fresh water supply device for filling with fresh water from a fresh water network.

[0011] CH 699 692 A2 discloses a dishwasher with a bottom compartment for holding items to be washed, such as dishes and cutlery, and an outlet for supplying used process water. A water tank is provided for temporary storage of the water, from which a heat pump extracts heat. Another water tank temporarily stores the water or fresh water, and the heat pump supplies the heat to the process water in the latter tank. SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure has been made to solve the problems in the related field, and one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of recovering waste heat from heated wash water following dishwashing.

[0013] Furthermore, another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of preheating wash water in a water storage unit before supplying the wash water to a wash tub to reduce wash water heating time.

[0014] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments and refinements are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0015] A dishwasher of the present disclosure includes a washing tub provided with a sump on a bottom surface thereof and provided therein with a receiving space for storing tableware; a water storage unit that can be arranged inside or outside the washing tub and for storing washing water to be supplied to the washing tub; a heat pump system provided with a compressor that compresses and circulates refrigerant, a first heat exchanger arranged in the sump, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger arranged in the water storage unit for heating washing water for washing the tableware; and a reversing valve that changes a flow of refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to enablethat both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are switched between a heating mode for heating the rinse water and a heat recovery mode for recovering heat from rinse water discharged from the rinse tank to the outside. The refrigerant in the first heat exchanger condenses in the heating mode while the rinse water is heated to release heat to the rinse water, and is circulated by the first heat exchanger in sequence through the expansion device, the second heat exchanger, and the compressor. In the heat recovery mode, the refrigerant is evaporated by absorbing heat from the rinse water in the first heat exchanger while recovering heat from the rinse water, and is circulated by the first heat exchanger in sequence through the compressor, the second heat exchanger, and the expansion device.

[0016] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a suction port disposed on one side of the water storage unit; a suction fan mounted on the suction port to suck outside air into the water storage unit; and / or a discharge port disposed on the other side of the water storage unit.

[0017] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a control unit that controls the reversing valve to selectively change a flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0018] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a rinse water supply unit that supplies rinse water to the water storage unit; an inlet pipe that connects the rinse water supply unit and the water storage unit; a water inlet valve provided at the inlet pipe to open and close the inlet pipe; a rinse water connecting pipe that connects the water storage unit and the sump; and / or an open-close valve that opens and closes the rinse water connecting pipe.

[0019] According to an example of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger may be configured with a refrigerant tube defined in a circular tube shape, and the refrigerant tube may extend in a zigzag shape.

[0020] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a plurality of guide walls spaced apart from each other within the water storage unit for guiding a flow of sucked outside air into the water storage unit; and a communication hole disposed at one end portion or the other end portion of each of the plurality of guide walls for guiding a flow direction of the outside air in a zigzag shape.

[0021] According to an example of the present disclosure, the flow directions of the outside air and the refrigerant moving along the plurality of guide walls may be in opposite directions to each other.

[0022] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a plurality of dish baskets arranged within the washing tub for storing dishes; a plurality of injection arms spaced apart in a vertical direction within the washing tub and provided with a plurality of nozzles for injecting the washing water toward the dishes; a circulation pump that circulates the washing water discharged from the sump into the plurality of injection arms; and / or a drain pump that discharges the washing water discharged from the sump to the outside.

[0023] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include an electric heater that heats the wash water discharged from the sump to circulate it to the plurality of injection arms.

[0024] According to an example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a flow generator that generates a flow in wash water stored within the water storage unit, wherein the flow generator includes an impeller rotatably mounted within the water storage unit; and a drive motor that drives the impeller.

[0025] According to another example of the present disclosure, a dishwasher is provided, including a washing tub provided with a receiving space for storing dishes therein and provided on a bottom surface thereof with a sump that accumulates washing water for washing the dishes; a heat exchanger that heats the washing water accumulated in the sump or that recovers heat from the washing water heated in the sump using refrigerant flowing therein; an expansion device that expands the refrigerant received by the heat exchanger; an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant received by the expansion device; a compressor that compresses the refrigerant received by the evaporator; a condenser that exchanges heat between the refrigerant received by the compressor and the washing water to be supplied to the washing tub to heat the washing water;and a reversing valve that changes a flow of refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger to allow the heat exchanger to heat the purge water or recover heat from the purge water;

[0026] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a water storage unit that stores the rinse water to be supplied to the washing tub and accommodates the condenser to exchange heat with the rinse water; a rinse water supply unit that supplies rinse water to the water storage unit; and / or a heat exchange chamber that accommodates the evaporator to transfer heat to the evaporator using a heat transfer fluid.

[0027] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may include a water supply unit that supplies water to the heat exchange chamber for transferring heat to the evaporator; a water pipe that connects one side of the heat exchange chamber and the water supply unit to supply the water; a water inlet valve provided at the water pipe to open and close the water pipe; an outlet pipe connected to the other side of the heat exchange chamber to discharge the water; and a water outlet valve provided at the outlet pipe to open and close the outlet pipe.

[0028] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a first temperature sensor provided at the water pipe to detect a temperature of the water; a second temperature sensor provided at an inlet side of the evaporator to detect a refrigerant temperature of the evaporator; and / or a control unit that compares the water temperature with the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator to control the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve according to the temperature of the water.

[0029] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a first flow generator that generates a flow in wash water stored within the water storage unit; and / or a second flow generator that generates a flow in water stored within the heat exchange chamber.

[0030] According to another example of the present disclosure, each of the first flow generator and the second flow generator may include an impeller rotatably mounted within the heat exchange chamber; and a drive motor that drives the impeller.

[0031] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a three-way valve provided at a branching point of a refrigerant circulation pipe branched from the expansion device to the heat exchanger and to the evaporator to switch a direction of the refrigerant.

[0032] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a plurality of dish baskets arranged within the washing tub to store the dishes; a plurality of injection arms spaced apart in a vertical direction within the washing tub and provided with a plurality of nozzles for injecting the washing water toward the dishes; a circulation pump that circulates the washing water discharged from the sump into the plurality of injection arms; and / or a drain pump that discharges the washing water discharged from the sump to the outside.

[0033] According to another example of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may further include an electric heater that heats the wash water discharged from the sump to circulate it to the plurality of injection arms.

[0034] The effects of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0035] First, a reversing valve may change a flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to allow the first heat exchanger to heat rinse water in a heating mode of the heat pump, so that the first heat exchanger disposed in a sump and the second heat exchanger disposed in a water storage unit exchange the roles of a condenser and an evaporator in a heating mode and a heat recovery mode. Furthermore, in the heat recovery mode of the heat pump, the first heat exchanger may recover waste heat to be released from the heated rinse water to the outside to save energy, and the second heat exchanger may receive the heat recovered from the first heat exchanger to heat rinse water stored in the water storage unit, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0036] Second, an electric heater may be arranged on an outlet side of a circulating pump, so that the first heat exchanger arranged in a sump (heating mode) primarily heats rinse water accumulated in the sump, and the electric heater then secondarily heats rinse water circulated by the circulating pump, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0037] Third, a flow generator may be provided with an impeller rotatably mounted in the water storage unit to generate a flow in the rinse water of the water storage unit to more actively perform heat exchange between rinse water stored in the water storage unit and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby increasing the condensing temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger to reduce the rinse water heating time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 2 is a conceptual view showing a state in which air is drawn into the exhaust system by an intake fan in Fig. 1 Outside air is sucked into a water storage unit. Fig. 3 is a conceptual view showing a state in which Fig. 2 several guide walls are arranged. Fig. 4 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change of a heat pump according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 5 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 6 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 7 is a conceptual view showing a state in which a water storage unit in Fig. 6 a flow generator and a temperature sensor are applied. Fig. 8 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 9 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 10 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using operation mode change in a heat pump according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of a dishwasher for heat recovery after washing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a dishwasher for heat recovery following rinsing according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the numbers in the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. A suffix "-module" and "-unit" used for constituent elements disclosed in the following description are intended only for convenience in describing the specification, and the suffix itself does not impart any specific meaning or function. Furthermore, the detailed description will be omitted from the description of the embodiments disclosed herein when it is judged that a specific description for publicly known technologies to which the invention relates would obscure the gist of the present disclosure.In addition, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrated to easily explain the concept of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the technological concept disclosed herein by the accompanying drawings, and the concept of the present disclosure is to be construed as extending to all changes, equivalents, and substitutions included within the concept and technological scope of the invention.

[0039] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another.

[0040] Of course, when an element is described as "connected" to another element, the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may also be intervening elements. In contrast, if an element is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another element, there is obviously no other intervening element.

[0041] A singular representation may contain a plural representation, provided that the context clearly represents a different meaning.

[0042] The terms "including" or "comprising" as used herein are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, ingredient, component, or combination thereof disclosed in the patent specification, and it is understood that the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, ingredients, components, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 100 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change in a heat pump according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. Fig. 2 is a conceptual view showing a state in which outside air is drawn into the air conditioning system by an intake fan 124. Fig. 1 is sucked into a water storage unit 120, and Fig. 3 is a conceptual view showing a state in which Fig. 2 several guide walls 128 are arranged.

[0044] The dishwasher 100 includes a washing tub 110 and a heat pump system 130.

[0045] The washing tub 110 may include a receiving space for receiving dishes. A plurality of dish baskets 112 for storing dishes are provided in the washing tub 110. The plurality of dish baskets 112 may be arranged vertically spaced apart in a height direction of the washing tub 110. Each of the plurality of dish baskets 112 may be provided with a plurality of holders for placing tableware such as plates, bowls, or the like in an inclined manner.

[0046] The washing tub 110 may be provided within the cabinet. The cabinet may define an external appearance of the dishwasher 100.

[0047] A dish inlet is formed on a front side of the cabinet, and a door is rotatably mounted on the front side of the cabinet to open and close the dish inlet. A front side of the washing tub 110 can be opened to communicate with the dish inlet of the cabinet.

[0048] According to this configuration, dishes can be placed into the washing tub 110 through the dish inlet opening and stored in dish baskets 112.

[0049] A plurality of injection arms 113 are provided within the washing tub 110. The plurality of injection arms 113 can be arranged between the dish baskets 112. The plurality of injection arms 113 can be spaced apart from one another in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the receiving space of the washing tub 110.

[0050] A plurality of nozzles 1131 may be spaced apart in a longitudinal direction on each of the plurality of injection arms 113. To allow flushing water to flow into each of the plurality of injection arms 113, a passage may be arranged.

[0051] One side of the plurality of nozzles 1131 may be connected to communicate with the passage of the injection arm 113, and the other side thereof is opened toward the dish baskets 112.

[0052] According to this configuration, rinse water can move along the passage of the injection arm 113 and be distributed to the plurality of nozzles 1131 and injected onto tableware through the plurality of nozzles 1131.

[0053] A sump 111 is arranged in a downwardly recessed manner on a bottom surface of the washing tub 110, and washing water is injected onto the dishes and then accumulated in the sump 111.

[0054] A rinse water supply unit 101 may be configured to supply rinse water to the rinse tank 110. The rinse water supply unit 101 is implemented as a faucet arranged at an end portion of the water pipe to supply tap water.

[0055] A water storage unit 120 may be arranged inside or outside the washing tank 110 to store washing water in the water storage unit 120. The water storage unit 120 may be arranged as a single piece inside or outside the washing tank 110. Alternatively, the water storage unit 120 may be spaced apart from the washing tank 110 to convey the washing water to the washing tank 110.

[0056] In the water storage unit 120, a water inlet 121, a water outlet 122, a suction opening 123 and a discharge opening 125 may be provided.

[0057] The water inlet 121 is arranged in an upper portion of the water storage unit 120 to receive rinse water through the water inlet 121. The water outlet 122 is arranged in a lower portion of the water storage unit 120 to discharge rinse water through the water outlet 122.

[0058] One side of the inlet pipe 126 is connected to the rinse water supply unit 101 and the other side thereof is connected to the water inlet 121 to allow rinse water to flow into the water inlet 121 while moving along the inlet pipe 126.

[0059] One side of the rinse water connecting pipe 127 is connected to the water outlet 122 and the other side thereof is connected to the sump 111 of the rinse tank 110 to transfer rinse water from the water storage unit 120 to the rinse tank 110.

[0060] The intake port 123 may be located on a top surface of the water storage unit 120, and an intake fan 124 may be mounted at the intake port 123. The intake fan 124 may be driven by a fan drive motor to draw outside air (ambient air) into the water storage unit 120 through the intake port 123.

[0061] In an upper portion of the other side of the water supply storage unit 120, the discharge port 125 is arranged to discharge outside air from the water supply storage unit 120 to the outside through the discharge port 125.

[0062] The sump 111 is formed on a bottom surface of the rinse tank 110 to collect rinse water within the rinse tank 110 in the sump 111.

[0063] A circulation pump 115 may be provided within the cabinet to circulate rinse water along a circulation passage.

[0064] The circulation pump 115 may, for example, be provided at the circulation pipe 114 that defines the circulation passage.

[0065] One side of the circulation pipe 114 is connected to the sump 111 and the other side of the circulation pipe 114 is connected to a plurality of injection arms 113 to circulate rinse water along the circulation pipe 114 from the sump 111 to the plurality of injection arms 113 driven by the power of the circulation pump 115.

[0066] On the other side of the circulation pipe 114, a plurality of branch pipes may be arranged for discharging rinse water to the plurality of injection arms 113. The branch pipes may be arranged within the rinse tank 110. A directional switching valve may be provided at a branch portion where rinse water is branched into the branch pipe, thereby selectively discharging the rinse water.

[0067] A drain pump 116 may be provided inside the cabinet to discharge rinse water accumulated in the sump 111 to the outside. The drain pump 116 may be provided at the drain pipe 1161. One side of the drain pipe 1161 may be connected to the sump 111, and the other side of the drain pipe 1161 may be connected to communicate with the outside.

[0068] A first heat exchanger 131 may be housed in the sump 111 such that the first heat exchanger 131 may be configured to heat rinse water accumulated in the sump 111.

[0069] The first heat exchanger 131 may be implemented as a refrigerant tube defined in a circular tube shape. The refrigerant tube may be configured to extend in a coil shape to allow refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant tube.

[0070] The first heat exchanger 131 may be configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and purge water.

[0071] The first heat exchanger 131 may be configured to be switchable to a heating mode and a heat recovery mode.

[0072] The heating mode is an operation mode for heating rinse water and the heat recovery mode is an operation mode for recovering heat from rinse water.

[0073] The first heat exchanger 131 may be configured to heat the purge water by releasing heat from the refrigerant to the purge water in the heating mode or to cool the purge water by absorbing and recovering heat from the purge water to the refrigerant in the heat recovery mode.

[0074] A second heat exchanger 133 may be provided to be housed in the water storage unit 120. The second heat exchanger 133 may be configured as a refrigerant tube in a circular tube shape extending in a zigzag shape. Refrigerant flows into the refrigerant tube of the second heat exchanger 133 to exchange heat with the rinse water or outside air stored in the water storage unit 120.

[0075] The second heat exchanger 133 may be configured to be switchable into a heating mode for heating rinse water and a heat recovery mode for recovering heat from rinse water.

[0076] The second heat exchanger 133 may heat purge water by dissipating heat from refrigerant to the purge water in the heating mode, or may cool purge water by absorbing and recovering heat from the purge water to the refrigerant in the heat recovery mode.

[0077] A heat pump system 130 may be provided in the cabinet. The heat pump system 130 may include a compressor 134, a condenser, an expansion device 132, and an evaporator. A refrigerant circulation pipe 136 connects the compressor 134, the condenser, the expansion device 132, and the evaporator in a closed loop to allow refrigerant to move along the refrigerant circulation pipe 136 and be circulated through the compressor 134, the condenser, the expansion device 132, and the evaporator.

[0078] Compressor 134 may be configured to compress refrigerant. Compressor 134 may be driven by an inverter to adjust the speed and discharge rate of refrigerant. Compressor 134 may provide recirculation power for the refrigerant.

[0079] The condenser may be configured to condense the refrigerant. The condenser may heat the rinse water by exchanging heat with the rinse water.

[0080] The expansion device 132 may be configured to expand the refrigerant at low temperature and low pressure. The expansion device 132 may be implemented by a capillary tube or by an electronic expansion valve.

[0081] The evaporator may be configured to evaporate the refrigerant. The evaporator may absorb and recover heat from the rinse water through heat exchange with the rinse water to cool the rinse water.

[0082] Both the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 can be configured to be alternately switchable to the function of the condenser or the evaporator of the heat pump system 130.

[0083] For example, the second heat exchanger 133 may be configured to define an evaporator when the first heat exchanger 131 defines a condenser.

[0084] Conversely, the second heat exchanger 133 may be configured to define a condenser when the first heat exchanger 131 defines an evaporator.

[0085] For this purpose, a reversing valve 135 may be configured to change the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133.

[0086] The reversing valve 135 may be provided on one side of the refrigerant circulation pipe 136. Each of the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 is not directly connected to the compressor 134 through the refrigerant circulation pipe 136, but may be connected to the compressor 134 with the reversing valve 135 interposed therebetween.

[0087] The refrigerant circulation pipe 136 may include a first refrigerant circulation pipe 1361 connecting the first heat exchanger 131 and the reversing valve 135, a second refrigerant circulation pipe 1362 connecting the second heat exchanger 133 and the reversing valve 135, and a plurality of third refrigerant circulation pipes 1363 connecting the compressor 134 and the reversing valve 135.

[0088] A third refrigerant circulation pipe 1363 of the plurality of third refrigerant circulation pipes 1363 is configured to connect a refrigerant inlet port 1341 of the compressor 134 and the reversing valve 135, and the other third refrigerant circulation pipe 1363 may be configured to connect a refrigerant discharge port 1342 of the compressor 134 and the reversing valve 135.

[0089] The reversing valve 135 can be configured to connect the inlet port 1341 of the compressor 134 to the first heat exchanger 131 and the outlet port 1342 of the compressor 134 to the second heat exchanger 133.

[0090] Accordingly, the first heat exchanger 131 is connected to the inlet port 1341 of the compressor 134 to move refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 131 to the compressor 134 by a suction pressure of the compressor 134 to serve as an evaporator. The first heat exchanger 131 can perform a heat recovery mode.

[0091] In addition, the second heat exchanger 133 is connected to the outlet port 1342 of the compressor 134 to move refrigerant from the compressor 134 by a discharge pressure of the compressor 134 to the second heat exchanger 133 to serve as a condenser.

[0092] Based on Fig. 3, several guide walls 128 can be provided within the water storage unit 120.

[0093] Each of the plurality of guide walls 128 may extend in a vertical direction. The plurality of guide walls 128 may be spaced apart in a transverse direction of the water storage unit 120. A communication hole 129 may be formed in each of the plurality of guide walls 128 so that they are alternately spaced apart in a vertical direction.

[0094] For example, one communication hole 129 of the plurality of communication holes 129 is arranged in a lower end portion of the first guide wall 128 toward the discharge port 125 in the suction port 123, and then another communication hole 129 may be arranged in an upper end portion of the second guide wall 128 and then arranged in a lower end portion of another guide wall 128.

[0095] Outside air sucked through the suction port 123 moves inside the water storage unit 120 in a zigzag shape in a vertical direction along the guide wall 128, and the outside air can transfer heat to the second heat exchanger 133 while exchanging heat with the refrigerant of the second heat exchanger 133.

[0096] The intake port 123 and a refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 133 may be arranged opposite each other. The discharge port 125 and a refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger 133 may be arranged opposite each other.

[0097] The suction port 123 and the water inlet 121 of the water storage unit 120 may be arranged opposite to each other, and the discharge port 125 and the water outlet 122 of the water storage unit 120 may be arranged opposite to each other.

[0098] According to this configuration, the plurality of communication holes 129 in the plurality of guide walls 128 are spaced in a zigzag shape in a vertical direction to move outside air along the guide walls 128 in a zigzag shape through the communication holes 129 and thereby improve a heat exchange efficiency between the outside air and the refrigerant of the second heat exchanger 133.

[0099] Thus, according to the present disclosure, the reversing valve 135 can change a flow direction of refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 to allow the first heat exchanger 131 to heat purge water in the heating mode of the heat pump, so that the first heat exchanger 131 disposed in the sump 111 and the second heat exchanger 133 disposed in the water storage unit 120 exchange the roles of the condenser and the evaporator in the heating mode and the heat recovery mode.

[0100] Furthermore, in the heat recovery mode of the heat pump, the first heat exchanger 131 can recover the waste heat to be released from the heated rinse water to save energy, and the second heat exchanger 133 can receive the heat recovered from the first heat exchanger 131 to heat rinse water stored in a water storage unit 120, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0101] Fig. 4 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 200 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change of a heat pump according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0102] The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an electric heater 240 is additionally applied thereto.

[0103] An open-close valve 2271 may optionally be applied to the flushing water connection pipe 127. In the present embodiment, the open-close valve 2271 is provided in the flushing water connection pipe 127 to open and close the flushing water connection pipe 127.

[0104] The electric heater 240 has a heating coil therein, and when electric power is applied to the heating coil, the electric heater 240 generates heat energy to heat rinse water passing through the electric heater 240.

[0105] The electric heater 240 may be provided in the circulation pipe 114. The electric heater 240 may be arranged on an outlet side of the circulation pump 115, and rinse water discharged from the circulation pump 115 and before being distributed to the injection arm 113 may be heated by the electric heater 240.

[0106] According to this configuration, the first heat exchanger 131 can mainly heat rinse water accumulated in the sump 111, and then the electric heater 240 can secondarily heat the primarily heated rinse water, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0107] Since other components are the same or similar to those in the first embodiment, their duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0108] Fig. 5 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 300 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a heat pump mode change according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0109] The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an electric heater 340 and a flow generator 350 are further included. However, since the electric heater 340 is the same as or similar to that in the second embodiment, the description of the electric heater 340 is replaced with that of the second embodiment.

[0110] The flow generator 350 may be configured to generate a flow in the rinse water of the water storage unit 120. The flow generator 350 may include an impeller 351 and a drive motor 352. The impeller 351 may be rotatably mounted within the water storage unit 120.

[0111] The drive motor 352 may be connected to the impeller 351 via a rotary shaft to drive the impeller 351.

[0112] According to this configuration, the heat exchange between the rinse water stored in the water storage unit 120 and the refrigerant of the second heat exchanger 133 is carried out more actively to increase the condensation temperature of the refrigerant of the second heat exchanger 133 and thereby reduce the heating time of the rinse water.

[0113] Fig. 6 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 400 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change in a heat pump according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. 7 is a conceptual view showing a state in which the water storage unit 120 in Fig. 6 a flow generator 450 and a temperature sensor are applied.

[0114] The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a condenser 4331 is disposed within the water storage unit 120 instead of the second heat exchanger 133 of the first embodiment, and an evaporator 4332 is disposed within the heat exchange chamber 438. However, the heat exchanger 431 in the present embodiment may replace the first heat exchanger 131 according to the first embodiment. In the water storage unit 120 of the present embodiment, the suction port 123, the discharge port 125, and the suction fan 124 of the first embodiment may be removed.

[0115] Since other components are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment, their duplicated descriptions are omitted and descriptions are given based on differences.

[0116] Within the cabinet, the heat exchange chamber 438 may be provided separately from the water storage unit 120. The heat exchange chamber 438 may accommodate the evaporator 4332. The heat exchange chamber 438 may accommodate a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid may be water or outside air. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is water.

[0117] A circulation pipe 436 may be configured with a first circulation pipe 4361 to a fourth circulation pipe 4344.

[0118] A plurality of circulation pipes may be provided such that the first circulation pipe 4361 connects the heat exchanger 431 to the reversing valve 435, the second circulation pipe 4362 connects the evaporator 4332 to the reversing valve 435, the third circulation pipe 4363 connects the condenser 4331 to the reversing valve 435, and the fourth circulation pipe 4364 connects the compressor 134 to the reversing valve 435.

[0119] A fourth circulation pipe 4264 of the plurality of fourth circulation pipes 4344 may be connected to the refrigerant inlet port 1341 of the compressor 134, and another fourth circulation pipe 4344 may be connected to the refrigerant outlet port 1342 of the compressor 134.

[0120] According to this configuration, the reversing valve 435 can block the refrigerant flow of the second circulation pipe 4362 in the heating mode to allow refrigerant to be circulated through the compressor 134, the heat exchanger 431, the expansion device 132, and the evaporator 4332, and the heat exchanger 431 can heat purge water accumulated in the sump 111.

[0121] In the heat recovery mode, the reversing valve 435 may block the refrigerant flow of the third circulation pipe 4363 to allow refrigerant to circulate through the compressor 134, the condenser 4331, the expansion device 132, and the heat exchanger 431, and the heat exchanger 431 may recover heat following completion of purging of purge water to be discharged from the sump 111.

[0122] According to this configuration, the heat exchanger 431 disposed in the sump 111 can switch the roles of the condenser 4331 and the evaporator 4332 according to the heating mode and the heat recovery mode, and the heat exchanger 431 can heat rinse water in the heat pump heating mode to selectively operate the condenser 4331 disposed in the water storage unit 120 and the evaporator 4332 disposed in the heat exchange chamber 438, and the evaporator can receive heat from the water stored in the heat exchange chamber 438. In the heating mode, the evaporator 4331 disposed in the water storage unit 120 does not exchange heat with the rinse water of the water storage unit 120.

[0123] Furthermore, in the heat recovery mode of the heat pump, the heat exchanger 431 can recover the waste heat to be discharged from the heated rinse water to save energy, and the condenser 4331 can receive the heat recovered from the heat exchanger 431 to heat rinse water stored in a water storage unit 120, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0124] Based on Fig. 7, water can be supplied to the heat exchange chamber 438 from the water supply unit 437. The water supply unit 437 can be provided separately from the rinse water supply unit 101, or the rinse water supply unit 101 and the heat exchange chamber 438 can be connected to provide water from the rinse water supply unit 101 to the heat exchange chamber 438.

[0125] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the water supply unit 437 is provided separately from the flushing water supply unit 101.

[0126] An inlet pipe 4381 may be connected between the water supply unit 437 and the heat exchange chamber 438 to provide water for heat transfer from the water supply unit 437 to the heat exchange chamber 438. An outlet pipe 4383 is connected to a water outlet of the heat exchange chamber 438 to discharge water through the outlet pipe 4383.

[0127] The flow generator 450 may be provided in the heat exchange chamber 438. The flow generator 450 may include an impeller 351 and a drive motor 352. The impeller 351 may be rotatably provided in the heat exchange chamber 438 to increase heat exchange efficiency by generating a flow in the water.

[0128] A water inlet valve 4382 may be provided in the inlet pipe 4381 to open and close the inlet pipe 4381.

[0129] A water outlet valve 4384 may be provided in the outlet pipe 4383 to open and close the outlet pipe 4383.

[0130] A first temperature sensor 4385 may be provided in the inlet pipe 4381, and a second temperature sensor 4386 may be provided on a refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 4332. The first temperature sensor 4385 may detect a temperature of water flowing in through the water inlet pipe 4451.

[0131] The second temperature sensor 4386 may detect a refrigerant inlet temperature of the evaporator 4332 on an inlet side of the evaporator 4332.

[0132] A third temperature sensor 4387 may be provided within the heat exchange chamber 438 to detect a temperature of water stored in the heat exchange chamber 438.

[0133] A control unit may receive a detection signal from the first temperature sensor 4385 and the second temperature sensor 4386 to compare a temperature of the water to be introduced into the heat exchange chamber 438 with a refrigerant inlet temperature of the evaporator 4332 to control the water inlet valve 4382 and the water outlet valve 4384.

[0134] When the temperature of the water is higher than the refrigerant inlet temperature of the evaporator 4332, the control unit may open the water inlet valve 4382 to supply water to the heat exchange chamber 438 to transfer heat from the water to the evaporator 4332.

[0135] When the water temperature is less than or equal to the refrigerant inlet temperature of the evaporator 4332, the control unit can close the water inlet valve 4382.

[0136] When the temperature of the water stored in the heat exchange chamber 438 is less than or equal to the refrigerant inlet temperature of the evaporator 4332, the control unit may replace the water of the heat exchange chamber 438 with new water.

[0137] Fig. 8 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 500 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change of a heat pump according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0138] The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that a three-way valve 560 is provided at a branch portion branched from the expansion device 132 to the condenser 4331 and the evaporator 4332. Since other components are the same as or similar to those in the fourth embodiment, their duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0139] An open-close valve 5271 may optionally be applied to the flushing water connection pipe 127. In the present embodiment, an open-close valve 5271 is provided in the flushing water connection pipe 127 to open and close the flushing water connection pipe 127.

[0140] The three-way valve 560 may be configured to switch the flow of refrigerant at the branch section. The three-way valve 560 may be controlled by the control unit.

[0141] For example, in the heating mode in which the heat exchanger 431 heats purge water accumulated in the sump 111, the three-way valve 560 may be configured to open the communication path between the expansion device 132 and the evaporator 4332. The refrigerant expanded at the expansion device 132 may be configured to move to the evaporator 4332 without moving from the branch portion to the condenser 4331.

[0142] In the heat recovery mode in which the heat exchanger 431 recovers heat from the purge water discharged from the sump 111 to the outside, the three-way valve 560 opens a connecting pipe between the expansion device 132 and the condenser 4331 to move refrigerant condensed in the condenser 4331 to the heat exchanger 431 via the expansion device 132 without moving it from the branch portion to the evaporator 4332.

[0143] Fig. 9 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 600 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change of a heat pump according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0144] The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that an electric heater 640 is additionally applied thereto.

[0145] The electric heater 640 has a heating coil therein, wherein the electric heater 640 generates heat energy to heat rinse water passing through the electric heater 240 when power is applied to the heating coil.

[0146] The electric heater 640 may be provided in the circulation pipe 114. The electric heater 640 may be arranged on an outlet side of the circulation pump 115, and rinse water discharged from the circulation pump 115 before being distributed to the injection arm 113 may be heated by the electric heater 640.

[0147] According to this configuration, the heat exchanger 431 can primarily heat rinse water accumulated in the sump 111, and the electric heater 640 can then secondarily heat the primarily heated rinse water, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0148] Since other components are the same or similar to those in the first embodiment, their duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0149] Fig. 10 is a conceptual view showing a dishwasher 100 to which a washing water heating and heat recovery system using a mode change of a heat pump according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0150] The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that an electric heater 740 and a flow generator 750, 753 are further included. However, the description of the electric heater 740 is replaced by the sixth embodiment because the electric heater 740 is the same as or similar to that of the sixth embodiment.

[0151] The flow generator 350 may include a first flow generator 750 disposed in the water storage unit 120 and a second flow generator 753 disposed in the heat exchange chamber 438.

[0152] The first flow generator 750 may be configured to generate a flow in the flushing water of the water storage unit 120.

[0153] The second flow generator 753 may be configured to generate a flow in the rinse water of the heat exchange chamber 438.

[0154] Both the first and second flow generators 750, 753 may include an impeller 751, 754 and a drive motor 752, 755. The impeller 751, 754 may be rotatably mounted within both the water storage unit 120 and the heat exchange chamber 438.

[0155] The drive motor 752, 755 may be connected to the impeller 751, 754 via a rotary shaft to drive the impeller 751, 754.

[0156] According to this configuration, the heat exchange between purge water stored in the water storage unit 120 and the refrigerant of the condenser 4331 is carried out more actively to increase the condensation temperature of the refrigerant of the condenser 4331 and thereby reduce the heating time of the purge water.

[0157] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of a dishwasher for heat recovery after washing according to the present disclosure, and Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a dishwasher for heat recovery following rinsing according to the present disclosure.

[0158] The basic cycle of the dishwasher 100 according to the present disclosure can be executed in the order of pre-wash, main wash, final rinse, heating, final rinse and drying cycle.

[0159] Pre-washing refers to the injection of rinse water without detergent to remove large contaminants from dishes, such as food residue or the like, and main washing refers to the injection of rinse water containing detergent to completely remove contaminants.

[0160] Rinsing is used to inject rinse water to remove detergents or the like from dishes, and heating rinsing refers to removing germs or the like that can be sterilized at high temperatures according to the temperature of the rinse water.

[0161] Drying refers to the injection of warm air to dry dishwater or similar dishes.

[0162] After washing dishes, the following process is provided to recover heat from dishwater.

[0163] First, rinse water is supplied to the water storage unit 120 from the rinse water supply unit 101. The rinse water is transferred from the water storage unit 120 to the rinse tank 110.

[0164] Subsequently, the purge water accumulated in the sump 111 is heated by the first heat exchanger 131 (heating mode). The first heat exchanger 131 can receive high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 134 to heat the purge water by exchanging heat between the purge water accumulated in the sump 111 and the refrigerant.

[0165] In the heating mode, the first heat exchanger 131 arranged in the sump 111 may serve as a condenser and the second heat exchanger 133 arranged in the water tank 120 may serve as an evaporator.

[0166] A rinse water temperature sensor is provided in the sump 111 to detect a temperature (Tdww) of the rinse water.

[0167] When the rinse water temperature is lower than an ambient temperature (Ttarget), the rinse water is further heated, and when the rinse water temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature (Tdww > Ttarget), the rinse water is supplied to the water storage unit 120.

[0168] The washing water heated to the predetermined temperature can be circulated to the injection arm by the circulation pump 115, and washing water (containing detergent) can be injected onto dishes through the nozzle 1131 of the injection arm to wash the dishes.

[0169] The flush water injection time can be set by the user. A UI panel can be provided on a cabinet door, and a time can be set using a user control unit on the UI panel.

[0170] Rinse water can be injected onto dishes until the rinse water injection time reaches a preset time.

[0171] Subsequently, when purging is completed, heat can be recovered from the purge water before the purge water is discharged from the sump 111 to the outside (heat recovery mode). The first heat exchanger 131 can receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant expanded by the expansion device 132 to exchange heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the heated purge water, to absorb heat from the purge water and recover it to the refrigerant.

[0172] The first heat exchanger 131 can cool rinse water.

[0173] In the heat recovery mode, the control unit may control the reversing valve 135 to change the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 to the opposite direction so that the first heat exchanger 131 can serve as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 133 can serve as a condenser.

[0174] The rinse water can be cooled by the first heat exchanger 131 and then discharged outside the cabinet.

[0175] Heat recovered from the rinse water can be transferred to the second heat exchanger 133 via refrigerant circulated along the refrigerant circulation pipe 136.

[0176] The second heat exchanger 133 can receive high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 134 to exchange heat between the high-temperature refrigerant and rinse water stored in the water supply tank 120, thereby heating the rinse water in the water storage unit 120. The heated rinse water from the water storage unit 120 can be used as final rinse water.

[0177] The rinse water can be transferred from the water storage unit 120 to the wash tub 110. The rinse water collected in the sump 111 of the wash tub 110 can be circulated to the injection arm by the circulation pump 115 and injected onto dishes through the nozzle 1131 of the injection arm to rinse the dishes.

[0178] After rinsing the dishes, the following process is carried out to recover heat from the rinse water: A dishwashing cycle and a dishwashing rinse cycle can be performed independently. For example, dishwashing is generally performed after dishwashing, but the user can wash dishes directly, and the dishwasher can then perform only a rinse cycle.

[0179] Rinse water can be supplied to the water storage unit 120. The rinse water can be transferred from the water storage unit 120 to the rinse tank 110.

[0180] Subsequently, the first heat exchanger 131 disposed in the sump 111 can serve as a condenser to heat the rinse water accumulated in the sump 111 (heating mode). The heated rinse water can be circulated to the injection arm by the circulation pump 115 and injected onto dishes through the nozzle 1131 of the injection arm to rinse the dishes.

[0181] In the heating mode, the first heat exchanger 131 may serve as a condenser and the second heat exchanger 133 may serve as an evaporator.

[0182] The rinse water injection time can be set by the user or can be set to a default value according to a program or stored in the control unit.

[0183] The rinse water can be circulated and injected onto dishes until the rinse water injection time (Tinj) reaches a predefined time period (Ttarget).

[0184] When the rinse water injection time is complete (Tinj > Ttarget), the first heat exchanger 131 begins heat recovery from the heated rinse water. The first heat exchanger 131 can serve as an evaporator to recover heat from the rinse water accumulated in the sump 111 before discharging it.

[0185] Since the refrigerant flow directions of the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 are changed from each other by the changeover valve 135 in the heat recovery mode, the first heat exchanger 131 can serve as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 133 can serve as a condenser.

[0186] The first heat exchanger 131 can cool rinse water by absorbing heat from the rinse water.

[0187] The first heat exchanger 131 can transfer the heat recovered from the rinse water to the second heat exchanger 133 through refrigerant circulated along the refrigerant circulation pipe 136.

[0188] The second heat exchanger 133 can exchange heat between high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 134 and rinse water stored in the water storage unit 120 to heat the rinse water.

[0189] The control unit can control the drain pump to empty the cooled rinse water to the outside.

[0190] The heated rinse water can be transferred from the water storage unit 120 to the rinse tank 110.

[0191] Subsequently, the heated rinse water can be collected in the sump 111 and circulated into the injection arm by the circulation pump 115 and injected onto dishes through the nozzle 1131 of the injection arm to rinse the dishes during the heating rinse.

[0192] According to a method of controlling the above dishwasher, a method of heating wash water or rinse water using a mode change in the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 133 and then recovering heat from wash water or the like has been described according to the first embodiment, but according to the fourth embodiment, wash water or the like may be recovered following heating wash water or rinse water using a mode change in the heat exchanger (heating mode) and the evaporator, or heat may be recovered in the heat exchanger (heat recovery mode) and the condenser.

[0193] Thus, according to the present disclosure, following washing dishes using washing water heated by the first heat exchanger 131 (heating mode), before discharging the heated washing water, the first heat exchanger 131 (heat recovery mode) may change the operation mode from the heating mode to the heat recovery mode to recover heat from the washing water through the first heat exchanger 131 and thereby minimize energy loss caused by discharging the existing heated washing water to save energy.

[0194] In addition, in the heat recovery mode, the heat recovered from the rinse water by the first heat exchanger 131 may be transferred to the second heat exchanger 133 to enable the second heat exchanger 133 to preheat the rinse water stored in the water storage unit 120, thereby reducing the rinse water heating time.

[0195] In addition, rinse water heated by the second heat exchanger 133 (heat recovery mode) can be transferred to the rinse tank 110 following the emptying of the rinse water and used as rinse water during the final rinse or heating rinse cycle.

Claims

[1] Dishwasher comprising: a washing tub (110) provided on a bottom surface thereof with a sump (111) for collecting washing water within the washing tub (110) and provided therein with a receiving space for storing tableware; a water storage unit (120) configured to store rinse water to be supplied to the rinse tank (110); a heat pump system (130) comprising a compressor (134) configured to compress and circulate refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (131, 431) disposed in the sump (111), an expansion device (132), and a second heat exchanger (133, 4331) disposed in the water storage unit (120); a reversing valve (135, 435) configured to change a flow of refrigerant flowing through both the first heat exchanger (131, 431) and the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) according to a heating mode for heating the purge water accumulated in the sump (111) and according to a heat recovery mode for recovering heat from heated purge water accumulated in the sump (111) to be discharged from the purge tank (110) to the outside; and a control unit configured to control the reversing valve (135, 435) to selectively change a flow direction of the refrigerant in such a way that the refrigerant is condensed in the heating mode in the first heat exchanger (131, 431) to thereby release heat to the flushing water to heat the flushing water, and is circulated from the first heat exchanger (131, 431) in this order to the expansion device (132), to the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) and to the compressor (134), and / or the refrigerant is evaporated in the recovery mode in the first heat exchanger (131, 431) to thereby absorb heat from the purge water to recover heat from the purge water, and is circulated from the first heat exchanger (131, 431) in this order to the compressor (134), to the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) and to the expansion device (132). [2] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a rinse water supply unit (101) configured to supply rinse water to the water storage unit (120); an inlet pipe (126) connecting the flushing water supply unit (101) and the water storage unit (120); and a water inlet valve (1261) configured to open and close the inlet pipe (126); and / or which also includes: a flushing water connection pipe (127) connecting the water storage unit (120) and the sump (111); and an open-close valve (2271, 5271, 7271) configured to open and close the flushing water connection pipe (127). [3] A dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second heat exchanger (133, 4331) is configured with a refrigerant tube defined in a circular tube shape and extending in a zigzag shape. [4] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a suction opening (123) arranged on one side of the water storage unit (120); an intake fan (124) mounted at the intake opening (123) for sucking air into the water storage unit (120); and a discharge opening (125) arranged on another side of the water storage unit (120). [5] Dishwasher according to claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of guide walls (128) spaced apart within the water storage unit (120) for guiding a flow of outside air drawn into the water storage unit (120); and a communication hole (129) formed at one end portion or another end portion of each of the plurality of guide walls (128) for guiding a flow direction of the outside air in a zigzag shape. [6] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a plurality of dish baskets (112) disposed within the washing tub (110) and configured to store dishes; a plurality of injection arms (113) spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction within the washing tub (110) and provided with a plurality of nozzles (1131) for injecting the washing water toward the dishes; a circulation pump (115) configured to circulate the rinse water accumulated in the sump (111) into the plurality of injection arms (113); and / or a drain pump (116) configured to discharge the flushing water accumulated in the sump (111) to the outside. [7] Dishwasher according to claim 6, further comprising: an electric heater (240, 340, 640, 740) configured to heat rinse water discharged by the circulation pump (115). [8] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a heat exchange chamber (438) housing an evaporator (4332) and a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat to the evaporator (4332). [9] Dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the reversing valve (435) in such a way that the reversing valve (435) in the heating mode allows the refrigerant to be circulated through the compressor (134), the first heat exchanger (431), the expansion device (132) and the evaporator (4332) in this order, and / or the reversing valve (435) in the heat recovery mode allows the refrigerant to be circulated through the compressor (134), the second heat exchanger (4331), the expansion device (132) and the first heat exchanger (431) in this order. [10] Dishwasher according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: another water supply unit (437) configured to supply water as the heat transfer fluid to the heat exchange chamber (438); a water pipe (4381) connecting the heat exchange chamber (438) and the water supply unit (437) to supply the water; and a water inlet valve (4382) configured to open and close the water pipe (4381); and / or which further includes: an outlet pipe (4383) connected to the heat exchange chamber (438) for discharging the water from the heat exchange chamber (438); and a water outlet valve (4384) configured to open and close the outlet pipe (4383). [11] Dishwasher according to claim 10, further comprising: a first temperature sensor (4385) provided at the water pipe (4381) for detecting a temperature of the water to be supplied to the heat exchange chamber (438); a second temperature sensor (4386) provided on an inlet side of the evaporator (4332) for detecting an inlet temperature of the refrigerant; wherein the control unit is configured to compare the temperature of the water to be supplied to the heat exchange chamber (438) with the inlet temperature of the refrigerant to control the water inlet valve (4382) and the water outlet valve (4384). [12] Dishwasher according to one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising: a first flow generator (350, 750) configured to generate a flow in rinse water stored within the water storage unit (120), and / or a second flow generator (753) configured to generate a flow in water stored within the heat exchange chamber (438). [13] Dishwasher according to claim 12, wherein the first flow generator (350, 450, 750) and / or the second flow generator (753) comprise: an impeller rotatably mounted within the heat exchange chamber; and a drive motor (352, 452, 752, 755) which drives the impeller (351, 451, 751, 754). [14] Dishwasher according to one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising: a three-way valve (560) provided at a branching point of a refrigerant circulation pipe branched from the expansion device (132) to the second heat exchanger (133) and to the evaporator (4332) for switching a direction of the refrigerant according to the heating mode and the heat recovery mode. [15] Dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to control the three-way valve (560) in such a way that the three-way valve (560) opens a communication path between the expansion device (132) and the evaporator (4332) in the heating mode so that the refrigerant expanded at the expansion device (132) moves to the evaporator (4332) without moving from the branch portion to the second heat exchanger (133), and / or the three-way valve (560) opens a communication path between the expansion device (132) and the second heat exchanger (133) in the heat recovery mode so that the refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchanger (133) moves to the heat exchanger (431) via the expansion device (132) without moving from the branch portion to the evaporator (4332).

Images