Dishwasher with heat pump

The dishwasher's integrated heat pump system with an evaporator in the sump and condenser in the washing water storage unit addresses inefficiencies by directly heating washing water, reducing part count and energy loss, and shortening heating times.

DE102019131954B4Active Publication Date: 2025-07-10LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102019131954
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-11-28
Filing Date
2019-11-26
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Estimated Expiration
2039-11-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing dishwashers with heat pumps face issues such as increased part count, complex configurations, energy loss, and prolonged heating times due to separate heat exchange devices and insufficient heat exchange between the condenser and washing water, leading to inefficient operation.

Method used

A dishwasher design incorporating a heat pump with an evaporator within the sump, a condenser within the washing water storage unit, and a control unit to manage the heating process, allowing for direct heating of washing water before use, reducing the need for additional heat exchange devices and minimizing heat loss.

Benefits of technology

This configuration shortens heating times, reduces energy loss, and simplifies the dishwasher's design by eliminating the need for additional heat exchange devices, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the overall washing time.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Dishwasher which includes: a dishwasher body (100) provided with a tub (140) configured therein with a washing chamber (142), a cabinet (120) disposed outside the tub (140), and a sump (210) provided for receiving washing water at a bottom of the tub (140); a rinse water storage unit (510) provided in the dishwasher body (100) for storing rinse water therein; a heat pump (600a, 600b) having a compressor (610), an evaporator (640a, 640b), an expansion device (630), and a condenser (620) provided for exchanging heat with the rinse water within the rinse water storage unit (510); and a control unit (700) configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to increase the temperature of the rinse water within the rinse water storage unit (510) the rinse water storage unit (510) is provided within a water jacket (500) provided on a side wall of the dishwasher body (100), wherein the water jacket (500) has a thickness corresponding to a space between the cabinet (120) and the tub (140), and is implemented in a plate shape having a long length in a vertical direction, and wherein the evaporator (640a, 640b) is arranged within the sump (210).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a heat pump.BACKGROUNDAs is known, a dishwasher is a type of appliance that cleaners dishes and / or cooking appliances using a detergent and washing water. Such a dishwasher includes a dishwasher body that is typically configured with a washroom therein and a door that opens and closes the washroom.The dishwasher body includes a dish rack for receiving and supporting dishes, a spray arm for spraying washing water on the dish rack, a supply pump for supplying washing water to the spray arm, and a drain pump for draining the washing water of the sump to the outside of the dishwasher body.The dishwasher includes various wash cycles including some or all of a prewash, rinse, rinse aid, warm-up rinse and drying process.On the other hand, the dishwasher body is provided with a heating unit for heating the washing water. The heating unit is composed of, for example, an electric heater for generating heat when power is applied to heat rinsing water.However, in a dishwasher in the related art, washing water is heated using an electric heater, so there is a problem that a relatively large amount of power is consumed when washing water is heated. Moreover, washing water heated for washing dishes is discharged outside the dishwasher in a state of high temperature (energy), so there is a problem that energy loss occurs.In view of this problem, some of the dishwashers are configured to have waste heat recovery means for recovering the waste heat of the dishwasher using a heat pump for heating the water supply, and some of the other dishwashers are configured such that a condenser of the heat pump is disposed on a bottom surface of a cleaning tank to heat washing water inside the cleaning tank.However, in a waste heat recovery device of a dishwasher using such a heat pump to recover heat from washing water discharged from a dishwasher, a plurality of heat exchange devices and a long passage for moving the washing water from the dishwasher are configured separately, so that there is a problem that the number of parts for heating washing water and for waste heat recovery and the size thereof are increased, and the configuration and control thereof are complicated.In addition, washing water to be supplied is heated using the heat of the washing water discharged after a rinsing process or after a final rinsing process, so that there is a problem that the washing water to be supplied cannot be preheated before the rinsing process. As a result, there is a problem that it takes a relatively long time to heat rinsing water.Moreover, in a dishwasher disposed under a cleaning tub having a condenser to heat washing water inside the cleaning tub, the cleaning tub should be configured to be pulled out to the outside of the dishwasher body and thus to create a space for pulling out the cleaning tub between the condenser and the cleaning tub, as a result of which there is a problem that the heat exchange between the condenser and the washing water of the cleaning tub is insufficient and that the operation efficiency of the heat pump is deteriorated.In addition, the cleaning tub is accommodated inside the dishwasher body, and a tub inside the cleaning tub is heated by the condenser after water is supplied to an inside of the cleaning tub, so that there is a problem that a relatively long time is required to heat the rinsing water inside the cleaning tub.[Prior Art Documents][Patent Documents](Patent Document 1) KR10-1037921 B1(Patent Document 2) KR10-07707171 B1Swiss Patent Application CH 699 692 A2 describes a dishwasher with two water tanks outside a tub with a heat pump each with condensers and with evaporators in the first and second water tanks.The German laid-open specification DE 10 2017 215 584 A1 describes a dishwasher with at least one heat pump with a condenser arrangement in a pump pot there.The German laid-open specification DE 10 2007 019 286 A1 describes a dishwasher with a sump in the bottom surface of the tub there.SUMMARYAn aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump capable of shortening the heating time of the washing water to prevent the washing time from being prolonged.Moreover, another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump capable of suppressing heat loss from being generated during heating of washing water.In addition, still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump capable of eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for heating wash water.Moreover, still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump capable of eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for recovering the waste heat of washing water.It is therefore the object according to the invention to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump and a wash water storage unit with a particularly compact design, which simultaneously enables efficient temperature control with reduced heating times.These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. In the respective dependent claims further advantageous embodiments and refinements are described.The present disclosure provides a dishwasher including a heat pump including a dishwasher body provided with a tub configured therein with a washing space and a sump provided for temporarily storing washing water at a bottom of the tub; a washing water storage unit provided in the dishwasher body for storing washing water therein; a heat pump including a compressor, an evaporator, an expander, and a condenser provided for exchanging heat with the washing water of the washing water storage unit; and a control unit that controls the heat pump to increase the temperature of the washing water of the washing water storage unit.The control unit may control the heat pump to be operated to increase the temperature of the washing water of the washing water storage unit before washing water is supplied into the washing space.According to an embodiment, the control unit may control the heat pump to exchange heat between the evaporator and the washing water within the sump before the washing water within the sump is drained.According to the invention, the evaporator is provided within the sump.The evaporator can have a spiral shape here and be arranged within the sump along a vertical direction.According to an embodiment, the washing water storage unit may be provided with a water pipe through which washing water flows into the washing water storage unit, and a water valve that opens and closes the water pipe. The control unit may control the water valve to store wash water in the wash water storage unit before draining the wash water inside the sump.According to an embodiment, the dishwasher may further include a connection pipe connecting the washing water storage unit to the sump and an opening-closing valve opening and closing the connection pipe, wherein the control unit controls the opening-closing valve to supply the washing water of the washing water storage unit to the sump subsequent to heating the washing water of the washing water storage unit.The water tank may be provided with a water pipe that supplies washing water into the water tank.The water pipe may be provided with a water pipe valve that opens and closes a passage of the water pipe.A water level detection unit that detects a water level may be provided inside the water tank.The water pipe valve may be controlled to be opened and closed based on a detection result of the water level detection unit of the water tank.According to an embodiment, the dishwasher may further include a cabinet provided outside the tub. The flushing water storage unit can be arranged between the cabinet and the tub. The condenser may be provided inside the washing water storage unit.The capacitor may include a plurality of straight portions arranged in parallel with each other and a plurality of curved portions connecting the straight portions to communicate with each other. As a result, water inside the water tank can be heated while exchanging heat with the compressor as it moves along an internal passage of the heat transfer member.Within the rinsing water storage unit, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of rinsing water may be provided.The control unit may control the operation of the compressor to be stopped when the temperature of the washing water within the washing water storage unit exceeds a predetermined temperature based on a temperature detection result of the temperature detection unit within the washing water storage unit.According to an embodiment, the dishwasher may further include a heating unit that heats washing water inside the tub and a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of washing water inside the tub. The control unit may control the heating unit to heat the rinsing water when the temperature of the rinsing water detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a predetermined temperature.Further, the dishwasher may include a circulation pump that circulates the washing water of the sump.The heating unit may include an electric heater that generates heat when power is applied.The electric heater and the temperature detection unit may be provided inside the circulation pump.Further, the present disclosure provides a control method for controlling the dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the method may include at least one of the following steps:controlling the heat pump to operate to increase the temperature of the wash water of the wash water storage unit before wash water is supplied into the wash space;controlling the heat pump to exchange heat between the evaporator and wash water within the sump before draining the wash water within the sump;controlling the water valve to store wash water in the wash water storage unit prior to draining the wash water within the sump; and / orcontrolling the open-close valve to supply the wash water of the wash water storage unit to the sump subsequent to heating the wash water of the wash water storage unit.As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the heating time of washing water can be shortened by heating washing water supplied in advance during a washing process to prevent the washing time from being prolonged due to the heating of the washing water.Moreover, rinsing water of the rinsing water storage unit and the condenser can be heated in direct contact with each other, thereby suppressing heat loss from being generated during heating of the rinsing water.In addition, the condenser may be provided inside the rinsing water storage unit, thereby eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for heating rinsing water. In addition, this makes it possible to save space for installing the capacitor.Moreover, the condenser may be provided inside the rinsing water storage unit, thereby eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for heating rinsing water. As a result, space for installing the capacitor can be saved.In addition, the evaporator may be disposed in the same space as the compressor to facilitate the conversion heat absorption of the evaporator, thereby efficiently performing the evaporation of the refrigerant.Moreover, the evaporator may be disposed in the same space as the compressor to promote the cooling of the compressor, thereby reducing a load on the compressor.In addition, rinsing water may be stored (supplied) in advance in the water storage unit before waste heat recovery of the evaporator, whereby heat energy recovered by the evaporator is used for heating the rinsing water of the rinsing water storage unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGThe accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more implementations of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wash water storage unit area of the dishwasher in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the heat pump in FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 to 7 are modified examples of an evaporator in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in FIG. 9.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONHereinafter, preferred embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the same or similar reference numerals are given for the same or similar configurations, and the description thereof is replaced with the earlier description. A singular form used in the present disclosure may include a plural form as long as it represents a definitely different meaning from the context. Moreover, in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description is omitted when it is judged that the specific description for publicly known technologies to which the invention relates covers the gist of the present invention. In addition, it is noted that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrated to easily explain the concept of the invention, and thus should not be taken as limiting the technological concept disclosed herein by the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher with a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dishwasher body 100 configured therein with a washing space 142 and a door 110 that opens and closes the washing space 142.The dishwasher body 100 includes a tub 140 configured therein with a washing space 142, and a sump 210 provided at a bottom portion of the tub 140 to temporarily receive washing water.The dishwasher body 100 includes a cabinet 120 disposed outside the tub 140. The cabinet 120 forms an outer appearance of the dishwasher body 100. The cabinet 120 is implemented substantially in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A front surface of the tub 140 is opened, and the door 110 opens and closes a front opening of the tub 140. The door 110 is rotatably coupled to a front side of the dishwasher body 100. The door 110 is configured to open and close the front opening of the tub 140 while rotating about a hinge 112 provided in a lower portion thereof in a vertical direction of the dishwasher body 100, for example. The door 110 is configured to hermetically block (close) the washing space 142 of the tub 140 when being closed. In a mutual contact area between the door 110 and the dishwasher body 100, a gasket 114 (a sealing member) for air density is provided.The interior of the tub 140 is provided with a dish rack 160 for receiving dishes. A plurality of dish baskets 160 may be provided therein. For example, the dish rack 160 may include an upper dish rack 162 provided in an upper portion of the washing space 142, and a lower dish rack 164 provided in a lower portion of the washing space 142. On the top side of the upper dish rack 162, for example, an uppermost dish rack 166 may be provided.An interior of the washing space 142 is provided with a spray arm 180 for spraying washing water. For example, the spray arm 180 may be configured to spray wash water toward the dish rack 160. For example, the spray arm 180 may include an upper spray arm 182 for spraying wash water toward the upper dish rack 162 and a lower spray arm 184 for spraying wash water toward the lower dish rack 164. The spray arm 180 may include an uppermost spray arm 186 provided above the upper spray arm 182. More specifically, the upper spray arm 182 may be provided below the upper dish rack 162. The lower spray arm 184 may be provided below the lower dish rack 164. The top spray arm 186 may be provided over the upper dish rack 162. For example, the uppermost spray arm 186 may be disposed over the uppermost dish rack 166.A sump 210 is provided in a lower region of the wash chamber 142. The sump 210 is implemented in an upwardly opened cylindrical shape. A bottom surface of the tub 140 is inclinedly disposed. An upper opening of the sump 210 is disposed in a lower region of the bottom surface of the tub 140. As a result, washing water inside the tub 140 is temporarily accumulated in the sump 210. A filter 220 is provided within the sump 210. As a result, foreign matter in the washing water may be accumulated by the filter 220.One side of the sump 210 is provided with a circulation pump 310 for pumping and circulating rinsing water. The circulation pump 310 is connected in communication with the sump 210. The circulation pump 310 is provided with a housing 312 forming a housing space therein and an impeller 314 rotatably provided inside the housing 312. A heating unit for heating rinsing water may be provided, for example, inside the circulation pump 310. The heating unit may be implemented by, for example, an electric heater 330 for generating heat when power is applied to heat rinsing water. The inside of the circulation pump 310 is provided with a temperature detection unit 335 for detecting the temperature of washing water.On a discharge side of the circulation pump 310, a passage switching valve 350 for switching the passage is provided. The passage switching valve 350 is provided with flushing water guides 360 (a flushing water pipe) connected to the spray arms 180, respectively. As a result, flushing water discharged from the circulation pump 310 is supplied through the passage switching valve 350 to each of the upper spray arm 182, the lower spray arm 184 and the uppermost spray arm 186.Another side of the sump 210 is provided with a drain unit 410 for draining the wash water of the sump 210 to the outside of the dishwasher body 100. The drain unit 410 includes, for example, a drain passage 415 for discharging wash water, and a drain pump 420 provided in the drain passage 415 for pumping wash water. The drain passage 415 may be implemented by, for example, a pipe or a corrugated pipe having flexibility. The drain pump 420 is configured to include, for example, a housing 422 and an impeller 424 rotatably provided inside the housing 422.Still another side of the sump 210 is connected to one end of a connection pipe 440, the other end of which is connected to the washing water storage unit 510 provided in the dishwasher body 100. The connection pipe 440 is provided with an opening-closing valve 450 that opens and closes a passage inside the connection pipe 440. For example, the washing water storage unit 510 may be provided inside a water jacket 500 provided on a side wall of the dishwasher body 100. In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the washing water storage unit 510 is provided on a left side wall of the dishwasher body 100, but this is merely an example, and the washing water storage unit 510 may be provided on a right side wall of the dishwasher body 100 or provided in another area, as a matter of course. More specifically, the flushing water storage unit 510 may be naturally provided between the left wall of the cabinet 120 and the left wall of the tub 140 in the drawing.FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wash water storage unit area of the dishwasher in FIG. 1 As illustrated in FIG. 3, the water jacket 500 has a thickness corresponding to a space between the cabinet 120 and the tub 140, and is implemented in a plate shape having a long length in a vertical direction. An inside of the water jacket 500 is provided with a wash water storage unit 510 for storing wash water. One side (the lower one in the drawing) of the water jacket 500 is provided with a water pipe 520 for supplying wash water into the wash water storage unit 510. The water pipe 520 is provided with a water valve 530 for opening and closing the passage of the water pipe 520. The water pipe 520 is connected to an inflow passage 540 that is extended upward to allow wash water to flow into the wash water storage unit 510. The inflow passage 540 is implemented to extend upward along a vertical direction to divide the interior of the water jacket 500. In other words, the interior of the water jacket 500 is divided into the wash water storage unit 510 and a condensation space 515 by the inflow passage 540. The inflow passage 540 is provided with a flowmeter 550 for measuring a water supply amount of the washing water flowing into the washing water storage unit 510.One side of the water jacket 500 may be provided with a discharge passage 560 of wash water discharged from the drain pump 420. The drain passage 415 may include, for example, the discharge passage 560. The discharge passage 560 is located in, for example, the condensation space 515. The discharge passage 560 may include, for example, a drain connection portion 565 having an inverted "U" shape. The drain pipe 570 may be connected to the drain connection portion 565. The drain pipe 570 may include, for example, a first drain pipe 572 having one end connected to the drain pump 420 and a second drain pipe 574 having one end extended outward.The condensation space 515 is provided with a ventilation portion 517. The ventilation portion 517 is implemented to communicate with the outside. As a result, the condensation space 515 may be communicated with the outside. Above the ventilation portion 517, a communication hole 519 is provided. The communication hole 519 communicates with an inner space (the scavenging space 142) of the tub 140. Air introduced into the condensation space 515 through the ventilation portion 517 can flow into the tub 140 through the connection pipe 519. In contrast, air inside the tub 140 can be introduced into the condensation space 515 through the communication hole 519 and discharged outside the dishwasher body 100 through the ventilation portion 517. When the temperature and the humidity are high, air introduced from the tub 140 into the condensation space 515 through the communication hole 519 may be cooled and condensed by the washing water storage unit 510.One side of the drain connection portion 565 is configured with a condensate discharge passage 580 for discharging condensate. The condensate discharge passage 580 is connected to the discharge passage 560. As a result, condensate can be discharged to the outside through the discharge passage 560. The condensate discharge passage 580 is provided with a drain valve 582. The drain valve 582 may be implemented as, for example, a check valve that operates in a direction to prevent fluid (flushing water) from moving upward and to allow it to move downward. More specifically, the drain valve 582 may be configured to prevent wash water of the drain connection portion 565 from moving upward and to allow condensate to move downward.On the other hand, a dishwasher provided with a heat pump of the present embodiment is configured with a heat pump 600 aprovided so as to be capable of exchanging heat with the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510.FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, a heat pump 600 aincludes a compressor 610 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 620 for condensing the compressed refrigerant by heat radiation, an expansion device 630 for depressurizing and expanding refrigerant, and an evaporator 640 afor receiving ambient conversion heat to evaporate.The compressor 610 is provided inside the dishwasher body 100, for example. More specifically, the compressor 610 is provided in an engine room 125 provided below the tub 140 inside the cabinet 120.As seen from FIG. 3, the condenser 620 is provided inside the rinse water storage unit 510. The condenser 620 is provided inside the rinsing water storage unit 510 to directly exchange heat with rinsing water inside the rinsing water storage unit 510. In order to increase the heat exchange area, the condenser 620 is implemented in a shape that is bent multiple times. The capacitor 620 includes, for example, straight portions 622 arranged in parallel with each other and curved portions 624 connecting the straight portions 622. One side of the condenser 620 is provided with a temperature detection unit 650 to detect the temperature of the rinsing water.The expansion device 630 may be implemented by, for example, an electronic expansion valve. In the present embodiment, the expansion device 630 is implemented as an electronic expansion valve, but this is merely an example, and the expansion device 630 may be implemented as a capillary tube. The expansion device 630 is provided between the condenser 620 and the evaporator 640 a.The evaporator 640 ais provided inside the dishwasher body 100, for example. The evaporator 640 amay be disposed in the same space as the compressor 610. The compressor 610 is provided inside the engine room 125. As a result, the evaporation of refrigerant inside the evaporator 640 acan be promoted. In addition, cooling of the compressor 610 may be promoted. Although not shown in detail in the drawing, the evaporator 640 amay be disposed in a shape that is bent a plurality of times at a bottom surface of the machine room 125.On the other hand, FIGS. 5 to 7 are modified examples of an evaporator in FIG. 2, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the evaporator 640 amay be configured to exchange heat with water. A water container 690 may be provided within the machine room 125. The water reservoir 690 may be provided under the sump 210, for example.The water container 690 may be implemented in, for example, an upwardly opened cylinder shape. Water 692 is provided within the water container 690. The evaporator 640 ais accommodated in the water tank 690 to exchange heat with the water 692. According to such a configuration, conversion heat absorption of the evaporator 640 acan be facilitated during operation of the heat pump 600 a.As illustrated in FIG. 6, the water container 690 may be provided with a water level detection unit 693 for detecting a level of the water 692. The water level detection unit 693 may include, for example, a lower detection unit 694 aand an upper detection unit 694 bwhich are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction of the water tank 690. The water tank 690 may be provided with a water pipe 695 for supplying water into the water tank 690. For example, the water pipe 695 may be branched from the connection pipe 440. The water pipe 695 may be provided with a water pipe valve 697 that opens and closes an internal passage. According to such a configuration, the water supply inside the water tank 690 can be controlled based on the water level detection result of the water level detection unit 693. More specifically, the water pipe valve 697 may be opened to supply water to the water tank 690 when a low water level is detected by the lower detection unit 694 a. When a high water level is detected by the upper detection unit 694 b, the water pipe valve 697 may be shut off to stop the water supply to the water reservoir 690.As shown in FIG. 7, the water reservoir 690 may be configured to exchange heat with the compressor 610. For example, the water reservoir 690 may be disposed above the compressor 610. As a result, the temperature of the water container 690 (water) can be increased by the heat energy released from the compressor 610. The water tank 690 may be provided with a heat transfer member 698 for transferring the heat energy of the compressor 610. The heat transfer member 698 may be configured to exchange heat with the compressor 610 on one side thereof and to exchange heat with the water reservoir 690 on the other side thereof.The heat transfer member 698 may be implemented, for example, by a heat transfer tube through which water is circulated. The heat transfer member 698 may be formed of a metal member (e.g. copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al)). One end of the heat transfer member 698 is connected to communicate with one side of the water tank 690, and the other end thereof is arranged to exchange heat with an outer surface of the compressor 610, and then connected to communicate with the other side of the water tank 690. The heat transfer member 698 may include a heat exchange unit 699 configured to exchange heat at a circumferential surface of the compressor 610. Here, both ends of the heat transfer member 698 may be connected to communicate with a height difference along a vertical direction of the water container 690. According to this configuration, during operation of the compressor 610, the water 692 inside the heat exchange unit 699 exchanges heat with the compressor 610 to increase the temperature and to move upward by the convection phenomenon and flow into the water tank 690, thereby circulating and heating the water inside the water tank 690.On the other hand, although not specifically shown in the drawing, the heat transfer member 698 may have, for example, a rod shape of a metal member, and one end thereof may be brought into contact with the compressor 610 to exchange heat, and the other end thereof may be configured to exchange heat with the water tank 690 (with the water). Accordingly, during operation of the compressor 610, thermal energy on a surface of the compressor 610 may be transferred to the heat reservoir 690 via the heat transfer member 698 at a relatively high temperature.FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a dishwasher according to the present embodiment is configured to include a control unit 700 implemented as a microprocessor provided with a control program. Temperature detection units 335, 650 for detecting the temperature of the flushing water are respectively provided for the control unit 700 in a communicable manner. The compressor 610 may be controllably connected to the control unit 700 to control the operation of the compressor 610 based on a result of detecting the temperature of the purge water. In addition, the control unit 700 may be controllably connected to the electric heater 330 to control the temperature of the rinsing water based on a result of the detection of the temperature of the rinsing water. The control unit 700 is controllably connected to the water valve 530 and the open-close valve 450 to control the washing water supplied to the sump 210.By such a configuration, the control unit 700 opens the open-close valve 450 to supply the wash water to the wash water storage unit 510 into the sump 210 when a washing process is performed. When washing water is supplied to the sump 210, the circulation pump 310 is driven, and the washing water pumped by the circulation pump 310 is supplied to the relevant spray arms 180, respectively, via the passage switching valve 350. The spray arm 180 to which washing water is supplied sprays the washing water onto the relevant dish rack 160 to wash dishes in the dish rack 160.On the other hand, the control unit 700 closes the open-close valve 450, and opens the water valve 530 to supply a predetermined amount of washing water to an inside of the washing water storage unit 510 when a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the sump 210. When the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510 is to be heated, the control unit 700 controls the compressor 610 to drive the compressor 610. Refrigerant compressed and discharged from the compressor 610 is moved to the condenser 620 to exchange heat with wash water inside the wash water storage unit 510 while passing through the condenser 620. As a result, the rinsing water of the rinsing water storage unit 510 may be heated to raise the temperature. A dishwasher with a heat pump according to the present embodiment is provided inside the wash water storage unit 510 with a condenser 620 to directly heat wash water, thereby causing no heat loss when the wash water is heated. A dishwasher with a heat pump according to the present embodiment heats the washing water of the washing water storage unit 510 during a washing process, so that the dishwashing time is not prolonged due to the heating of the washing water.The refrigerant moved to the condenser 620 is condensed while exchanging heat with the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510, and depressurized and expanded while passing through the expansion device 630. Refrigerant passing through the expansion device 630 flows into the evaporator 640 ato evaporate by absorbing ambient conversion heat. At the same time, the evaporator 640 amay be provided in the same space as the compressor 610 to receive the high-temperature heat dissipation energy of the compressor 610 to promote the evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, the heat dissipation of the compressor can be promoted by the conversion heat absorption (power absorption) of the evaporator 640 ato promote the cooling, thereby reducing the load. Refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 640 aexecutes a function of heating the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510 while repeating the processes of being sucked and compressed by the compressor 610 and being condensed while exchanging heat with the wash water in the condenser 620.When the temperature of the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510 exceeds a predetermined temperature as a result of the detection of the temperature of the temperature detection unit 650 of the flushing water storage unit 510, the control unit 700 may control the compressor 610 to stop the operation of the compressor 610.On the other hand, the control unit 700 may control the drain pump 420 to discharge washing water that has executed the washing process to the outside when the washing process is executed. When the drain of the contaminated washing water of the sump 210 is completed, the control unit 700 may control the opening-closing valve 450 to be opened to supply the washing water heated by the condenser 620 to the sump 210. When the temperature of the rinsing water detected by the temperature detection unit 335 provided in the circulation pump 310 is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 700 may allow power to be applied to the electric heater 330 to heat the rinsing water. When the temperature of the rinsing water detected by the temperature detection unit 335 provided in the circulation pump 310 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit 700 may stop the power supply of the electric heater 330 to stop the heating of the electric heater 330.Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7. a dishwasher with a heat pump according to the present embodiment includes a dishwasher body 100 having a tub 140 configured therein with a washing space 142 and a sump 210 provided at a bottom of the tub 140 to temporarily store washing water; a washing water storage unit 510 provided in the dishwasher body 100 to store washing water therein (see FIG. 3 ); a heat pump 600 bwith a compressor 610, with an evaporator 640 b, with an expansion device 630, and with a condenser 620 provided to exchange heat with the washing water of the washing water storage 510; and a control unit 700 for controlling the heat pump 600 bto increase the temperature of the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510.As described above, the dishwasher body 100 includes a tub 140 configured therein with a washing space 142. The cabinet 120 is arranged outside the tray 140. Within the tub 140, the dish rack 160 for receiving dishes is installed. An interior of the tub 140 is provided with a spray arm 180 for spraying rinsing water.At the bottom of the tub 140, the sump 210 for temporarily storing washing water is disposed. One side of the sump 210 is provided with the circulation pump 310 for circulating washing water. To a discharge side of the circulation pump 310, a passage switching valve 350 for switching the passage is connected. The other side of the sump 210 is connected to the drain pump 420 for draining the wash water of the sump 210 to the outside.As described above, the dishwasher body 100 includes the washing water storage unit 510 for storing washing water. The wash water storage unit 510 is provided inside the water jacket 500.On the other hand, the dishwasher body 100 is provided with the heat pump 600 bfor heating washing water. The heat pump 600 bincludes a compressor 610 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 620 for heating rinsing water by exchanging heat with rinsing water, an expansion device 630, and an evaporator 640 bfor exchanging heat with rinsing water.As described above, the condenser 620 is disposed inside the rinse water storage unit 510. As a result, wash water inside the wash water storage unit 510 can be heated by exchanging heat with refrigerant inside the condenser 620.The evaporator 640 bis disposed inside the sump 210 for exchanging heat with washing water. For example, the evaporator 640 bmay be disposed within the sump 210. As a result, wash water inside the sump 210 and the evaporator 640 bmay exchange heat. The evaporator 640 bmay be implemented in a spiral form, for example. As a result, a heat exchange area between refrigerant inside the evaporator 640 band wash water inside the sump 210 may be increased. The evaporator 640 bmay be configured to be disposed along a vertical direction to be brought into contact with an inner surface of the sump 210. A refrigerant inlet portion of the evaporator 640 bmay be connected to the expansion device 630, and a refrigerant outlet portion of the evaporator 640 bmay be connected to the compressor 610.FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in FIG. 9. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a dishwasher including the heat pump 600 bin accordance with the present embodiment is configured to include a control unit 700 implemented as a microprocessor provided with a control program. Connected to the control unit 700 in a communicable manner are temperature detection units 335 and 650, respectively, for detecting the temperature of the flushing water. As a result, the control unit 700 acquires the temperature of the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510 and the temperature of the flushing water of the sump 210, respectively. To the control unit 700, the water valve 530 is controllably connected to control washing water supplied to the dishwasher body 100. To the control unit 700, an open-close valve 450 is controllably connected to control washing water supplied to the sump 210. The control unit 700 is controllably connected to the compressor 610 to heat the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510. The electric heater 330 is controllably connected to the controller 700 to heat the wash water of the sump 210.On the other hand, the control unit 700 is provided with a timer 715 to count the time to allow the wash water of the sump 210 and the evaporator 640 bto exchange heat for a predetermined time.In the present embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the heat exchange between the wash water of the sump 210 and the evaporator 640 bis performed for a predetermined time, but this is merely an example, and the heat exchange between the wash water of the sump 210 and the evaporator 640 bmay be performed until the temperature of the wash water is lowered to a predetermined temperature.By such a configuration, the control unit 700 opens the open-close valve 450 to supply the wash water to the wash water storage unit 510 into the sump 210 when a washing process is performed. The wash water is supplied to the sump 210, and when the circulation pump 310 is driven, the wash water of the sump 210 is supplied to the relevant spray arms 180 via the passage switching valve 350, respectively. Each spray arm 180 sprays washing water onto the dish rack 160 to wash dishes in the relevant dish rack 160.On the other hand, the control unit 700 closes the open-close valve 450, and opens the water valve 530 to supply a predetermined amount of washing water to an inside of the washing water storage unit 510 when a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the sump 210. When the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510 is to be heated, the control unit 700 controls the compressor 610 to drive the compressor 610. Refrigerant compressed and discharged from the compressor 610 is moved to the condenser 620 to exchange heat with wash water inside the wash water storage unit 510 while passing through the condenser 620. As a result, the rinsing water of the rinsing water storage unit 510 may be heated to raise the temperature. A dishwasher with the heat pump 600 baccording to the present embodiment may be provided within the wash water storage unit 510 with a condenser 620 to heat wash water in direct contact therewith, thereby suppressing heat loss from being generated during heating of the wash water. A dishwasher with the heat pump 600 bin accordance with the present embodiment heats the washing water of the washing water storage unit 510 during the washing process, so that the dishwashing time is not prolonged due to the heating of the washing water.The refrigerant moved to the condenser 620 is condensed while exchanging heat with the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510, and depressurized and expanded while passing through the expansion device 630. Refrigerant passing through the expander 630 flows into the evaporator 640 bto evaporate by absorbing ambient conversion heat. At this time, the evaporator 640 bacquires conversion heat from the washing water inside the sump 210 to evaporate. Here, when the temperature of the rinsing water is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 700 may allow power to be applied to the electric heater 330 to maintain the temperature of the rinsing water above a predetermined temperature. Refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 640 bexecutes a function of heating the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510, while the process of being sucked and compressed by the compressor 610 and moved to the condenser 620 to exchange heat is repeated.While the temperature of the flushing water of the flushing water storage unit 510 exceeds a predetermined temperature as a result of the detection of the temperature of the temperature detection unit 650 of the flushing water storage unit 510, the control unit 700 may control the compressor 610 to stop the operation of the compressor 610.When the rinsing process is executed, the control unit 700 may control the drain pump 420 to drain outside rinsing water that has executed the rinsing process. When the drain of the contaminated washing water of the sump 210 is completed, the control unit 700 may control the opening-closing valve 450 to be opened to supply the washing water heated by the condenser 620 to the sump 210. When the temperature of the rinsing water detected by the temperature detection unit 335 provided in the circulation pump 310 is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 700 may allow power to be applied to the electric heater 330 to heat the rinsing water. When the temperature of the rinsing water detected by the temperature detection unit 335 provided in the circulation pump 310 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit 700 may stop the power supply of the electric heater 330 to stop the heating of the electric heater 330.The control unit 700 may control the circulation pump 310 to circulate the heated rinsing water to the rinsing arm 180 to perform a warm rinsing process and / or a warm rinsing process.On the other hand, the control unit 700 may execute a warm rinsing process and / or a warm rinsing process using the heated rinsing water to recover waste heat from the high temperature rinsing water using the evaporator 640 bbefore discharging contaminated rinsing water to the outside of the dishwasher body 100.The control unit 700 may control the water valve 530 to be opened before recovering the waste heat of the rinsing water using the evaporator 640 bto supply rinsing water to an inside of the rinsing water storage unit 510.When a predetermined amount of wash water is supplied into the wash water storage unit 510, the control unit 700 may shut off the water valve 530 and control the compressor 610 to operate the compressor 610. At this time, the control unit 700 allows the timer 715 to calculate the operation time of the compressor 610. When the compressor 610 operates, refrigerant discharged from the compressor 610 is moved to the condenser 620, and the refrigerant moved to the condenser 620 is condensed by exchanging heat with the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510, and introduced into the evaporator 640 bvia the expansion device 630. The refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 640 bis evaporated by receiving conversion heat from the high-temperature washing water inside the sump 210. The refrigerant evaporated by receiving the conversion heat from the evaporator 640 breceeds the processes of being drawn and compressed by the compressor 610 and introduced into the evaporator 640 bto evaporate through the condenser 620 and the expander 630. As a result, thermal energy recovered from the wash water of the sump 210 is heat radiated from the condenser 620 and through the expansion device to heat the wash water of the wash water storage unit 510. When the operation time of the compressor 610 calculated by the timer 715 reaches a predetermined time, the control unit 700 controls the operation of the compressor 610 to be stopped. When the operation of the compressor 610 is stopped, the control unit 700 controls the drain pump 420 to drain the cooled washing water inside the sump 210 to the outside of the dishwasher.

Claims

A dishwasher comprising: a dishwasher body (100) provided with a tub (140) configured therein with a washing space (142), a cabinet (120) disposed outside the tub (140), and a sump (210) provided for storing washing water at a bottom of the tub (140); a washing water storage unit (510) provided in the dishwasher body (100) for storing washing water therein; a heat pump (600a, 600b) having a compressor (610), an evaporator (640a, 640b), an expansion device (630), and a condenser (620) provided for exchanging heat with the washing water within the washing water storage unit (510); and a control unit (700) configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to increase the temperature of the wash water inside the wash water storage unit (510), the wash water storage unit (510) is provided inside a water jacket (500) provided on a side wall of the dishwasher body (100), wherein the water jacket (500) has a thickness corresponding to a space between the cabinet (120) and the tub (140) and is implemented in a plate shape having a long length in a vertical direction, and wherein the evaporator (640a, 640b) is disposed inside the sump (210).The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the control unit (700) is configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to be operated to increase the temperature of the wash water within the wash water storage unit (510) before wash water is supplied into the wash space (142).The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the evaporator (640b) is provided for exchanging heat with the washing water inside the sump (210).The dishwasher of any preceding claim, wherein the control unit (700) is configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to exchange heat between the evaporator (640a, 640b) and wash water within the sump (210) before draining the wash water within the sump (210).The dishwasher of any preceding claim, wherein the evaporator (640b) has a spiral shape and is disposed along a vertical direction inside the sump (210).The dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing water storage unit (510) is provided with a water pipe (520) configured to supply washing water into the washing water storage unit (510) and a water valve (530) configured to open and close the water pipe (520), and the control unit (700) is configured to control the water valve (530) to store washing water in the washing water storage unit (510) before emptying the washing water inside the sump (210).The dishwasher according to claim 6, further comprising: a connection pipe (440) connecting the wash water storage unit (510) to the sump (210); and an open-close valve (450) configured to open and close the connection pipe (440), wherein the control unit (700) is configured to control the open-close valve (450) to supply wash water to the sump (210) after the wash water of the wash water storage unit (510) has been heated inside the wash water storage unit (510).The dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a heating unit (330) configured to heat washing water inside the tub (140); and a temperature detecting unit (335) configured to detect a temperature of the washing water inside the tub (140), wherein the control unit (700) is configured to control the heating unit (330) to heat the washing water when a temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature detecting unit (335) is less than a predetermined temperature.The dishwasher according to claim 8, further comprising: a circulation pump (310) configured to circulate washing water of the sump (210), wherein the heating unit (330) and the temperature sensing unit (335) are provided inside the circulation pump (310).

Citation Information

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