Dishwasher with heat pump

Abstract

Dishwasher which includes: a dishwasher body (100) provided with a tub (140) configured therein with a washing chamber (142) and with a sump (210) provided at a bottom of the tub (140) for receiving washing water; a heat pump (600a, 600b) having a compressor (610), an evaporator (640), an expansion device (630), and a sump condenser (620, 620a) provided within the sump (210) for exchanging heat with rinse water within the sump (210); and a control unit (700) configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to be driven to increase the temperature of the rinse water within the sump (210), wherein the sump (210) has a conical cross-section whose inner diameter is gradually reduced toward a bottom side, and the sump condenser (620, 620a) has a shape corresponding to an inner shape of the sump (210).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher with a heat pump. BACKGROUND

[0002] A dishwasher is known as a type of appliance that cleans dishes and / or cooking utensils using a detergent and rinse water. Such a dishwasher includes a dishwasher body, typically configured with a wash chamber within it and a door that opens and closes the wash chamber.

[0003] The dishwasher body includes a dish basket for holding and supporting dishes, a spray arm for spraying rinse water to the dish basket, a supply pump for supplying rinse water to the spray arm, and a drain pump for draining the rinse water of the sump to the outside of the dishwasher body.

[0004] The dishwasher contains various wash cycles including some or all of a pre-wash, rinse, rinse, heat-up, and drying process.

[0005] On the other hand, the dishwasher body is equipped with a heating unit for heating the wash water. The heating unit consists, for example, of an electric heater that generates heat when power is applied to heat the wash water.

[0006] However, in a dishwasher in the related field, washing water is heated using an electric heater, so there is a problem that a relatively large amount of power is consumed when heating washing water. Furthermore, the heated washing water for washing dishes is discharged outside the dishwasher in a high-temperature state (energy), so there is a problem that energy loss occurs.

[0007] In view of this problem, some of the dishwashers are designed to have a waste heat recovery device for recovering the waste heat of the dishwasher by using a heat pump to heat the water supply, and some of the other dishwashers are designed to have a condenser of the heat pump arranged on a bottom surface of a washing tub to heat washing water within the washing tub.

[0008] However, in a waste heat recovery device of a dishwasher using such a heat pump to recover heat from wash water discharged from a dishwasher, a plurality of heat exchange devices and a long passage for moving wash water from the dishwasher are configured separately, so there is a problem that the number of parts for heating wash water and for waste heat recovery and their size are increased, and that the configuration and control thereof are complicated.

[0009] In addition, the rinse water to be supplied is heated using the heat of the rinse water discharged after a rinsing process or after a final rinse process, so there is a problem that the rinse 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 the rinse water.

[0010] Furthermore, in a dishwasher configured with a condenser under a cleaning tank to heat wash water inside the cleaning tank, the cleaning tank should be configured to be able to be pulled out of the dishwasher body to the outside, so that a space for pulling out the cleaning tank is generated between the condenser and the cleaning tank, as a result of which there is a problem that the heat exchange between the condenser and the wash water of the cleaning tank is insufficient and that the operation efficiency of the heat pump is deteriorated.

[0011] Besides, the cleaning tank is accommodated inside the dishwasher body, and then a washing tank inside the cleaning tank is heated by the condenser after water is supplied to an inside of the cleaning tank, so that there is a problem that a relatively long time is required for heating the washing water inside the cleaning tank.

[0012] DE 10 2015 226 481 A1 shows a household dishwasher (GS) 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.

[0013] DE 10 2011 084 119 A1 discloses a flat sieve for a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher. The flat sieve can be arranged in a bottom region of a washing container of the dishwasher to filter washing liquid circulated by a circulation pump of the dishwasher before it enters the circulation pump. The flat sieve has a sieve mesh. [Prior art documents][Patent documents] (Patent Document 1) KR10-1037921 B1 (Patent Document 2) KR10-0770071 B1 SUMMARY

[0014] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher with a heat pump capable of shortening the heating time of wash water to prevent a wash time from being prolonged.

[0015] Furthermore, 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 wash water.

[0016] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher having a heat pump capable of eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for heating wash water.

[0017] Moreover, yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher having a heat pump capable of selectively heating wash water required for a current process in a previous process and in the current process to shorten the wash time.

[0018] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments and refinements are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a dishwasher with a heat pump, including a dishwasher body provided with a tub configured therein with a washing chamber and a sump provided at a bottom of the tub to temporarily contain washing water; a heat pump having a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion device, and a sump condenser provided within the sump to exchange heat with washing water within the sump; and a control unit that controls the heat pump to be driven to increase the temperature of the washing water within the sump.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sump may have a cylindrical shape open at the top. The sump condenser may have a serpentine shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sump has a conical cross-section whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward a bottom side. The sump capacitor has a shape that corresponds to an inner shape of the sump.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the sump may include a first filter arranged to block an opening of the sump; and a second filter provided on an inside of the sump condenser below the first filter to suppress the access of contaminants from the inside of the sump condenser.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the second filter may be upwardly open and the sump may further include a third filter coupled to block an upper opening of the second filter.

[0024] The first filter may have a plurality of through holes, and the second filter may have a plurality of meshes. A size of each of the meshes of the second filter may be defined smaller than that of each of the through holes of the first filter.

[0025] Furthermore, the third filter may have a plurality of through-passages. A size of each of the plurality of through-passages of the third filter may be defined smaller than that of each of the through-holes of the first filter.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher body may further include a water jacket that stores wash water therein. The heat pump may further include a water jacket condenser provided within the water jacket to heat wash water within the water jacket.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the heat pump may further include a refrigerant passage switching valve, one end of which is connected to the compressor and the other end of which is connected to the sump condenser or the water jacket condenser, for switching a passage of refrigerant. The control unit may control the refrigerant passage switching valve to heat the purge water before the sump purge water is heated and supply the refrigerant to the water jacket condenser.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the water jacket may be provided with a water pipe that supplies flushing water and a water valve that opens and closes the water pipe. The control unit may control the water valve to open the water pipe to supply a predetermined amount of flushing water to the water jacket before refrigerant is supplied to the water jacket condenser.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the water jacket may be provided with a water jacket temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the water jacket's purge water. The control unit may control the heat pump to stop the supply of refrigerant to the water jacket condenser when the temperature of the water jacket's purge water reaches a predetermined temperature as a detection result of the water jacket temperature detection unit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher may further include an electric heater that heats the rinse water of the sump. Furthermore, the dishwasher may include a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the rinse water of the sump. The control unit may compare a temperature of the rinse water of the sump detected by the temperature detection unit with a predetermined temperature when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and control the electric heater to generate heat when the temperature of the rinse water of the sump is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0031] The sump may be connected to a circulation pump that circulates the rinse water within the sump. The electric heater and temperature sensing unit may be provided within the circulation pump.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the compressor and the evaporator may be arranged to exchange heat in the same space within the dishwasher body.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the evaporator can be designed to exchange heat with water within a water tank. The water tank can be provided within the dishwasher body.

[0034] The water tank can be provided with a water pipe that supplies water into the water tank.

[0035] The water pipe may be provided with a water pipe open-close valve that opens and closes an internal passage of the water pipe. The water tank may be provided with a water level detection unit that detects a water level. The control unit may control the water pipe open-close valve based on a detection result of the water level detection unit of the water tank.

[0036] The water tank can be provided on top of the compressor.

[0037] A heat transfer element can be provided between the water tank and the compressor, which transfers the heat energy of the compressor to the water tank.

[0038] The heat transfer element may be designed to circulate water therein.

[0039] The heat transfer member may be provided with a heat exchange unit configured to exchange heat at a peripheral surface of the compressor.

[0040] The two end portions of the heat transfer member are connected on a side surface of the water tank with a height difference from each other vertically spaced from each other.

[0041] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control method for controlling a dishwasher according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the control method may comprise at least one of the following steps: Controlling the refrigerant passage switching valve to heat the water jacket purge water for the first time before heating the sump purge water and supplying the refrigerant to the water jacket condenser; and / or Controlling the water valve to open the water pipe to supply a predetermined amount of flushing water to the water jacket before supplying refrigerant to the water jacket condenser.

[0042] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sump condenser may be provided within a sump to directly heat rinse water within the sump to reduce the heating time of the rinse water and thereby suppress the rinse time from being prolonged.

[0043] In addition, the sump condenser can heat rinse water in direct contact with the rinse water within the sump, thereby suppressing heat loss during the heating of the rinse water.

[0044] In addition, the sump condenser may be provided within the sump, eliminating the use of an additional heat exchange device for heating rinse water.

[0045] In addition, a water jacket condenser for heating rinse water may be provided within the water jacket, which is capable of storing rinse water for heating rinse water required for a subsequent process in advance in a current process and thereby shortening the heating time of the rinse water.

[0046] In addition, the sump condenser may be provided within the sump, and the water jacket condenser may be provided within the water jacket to selectively heat rinse water required for a current process in a previous process and in the current process, thereby significantly shortening the rinse time.

[0047] Furthermore, an electric heater capable of heating the washing water of the sump may be provided, and the washing water of the sump may be heated by the electric heater when the heating time of the washing water is excessively increased due to the efficiency of the heat pump, thereby suppressing the washing time of tableware from being excessively prolonged due to deterioration of the efficiency of the heat pump.

[0048] Furthermore, the sump condenser may be arranged within the sump between a first filter and a second filter, thereby suppressing impurities from entering the sump condenser to suppress impurity generation of the sump condenser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0049] The 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 cycle diagram of the heat pump in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 to 6 are modified examples of an evaporator in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of a first filter in Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a second filter in Fig. 2. Fig. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a third filter in Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 1. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a water jacket region of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a cycle diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even in different embodiments according to the present disclosure, the same or similar reference numerals are indicated for the same or similar configurations, and the description thereof is replaced by the previous description. A singular representation used in the present disclosure may include a plural representation as long as it represents a definitely different meaning from the context. Furthermore, in describing 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 obscures the gist of the present invention.Furthermore, it is noted that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrated to readily explain the concept of the invention and are therefore not to be construed as limiting the technological concept disclosed herein by the accompanying drawings.

[0051] 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 and Fig. 3 is a cycle diagram of the heat pump in Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dishwasher body 100 provided with a washing chamber 142 and a door 110 that opens and closes the washing chamber 142. The dishwasher body 100 includes a cabinet 120 that forms an external appearance. The cabinet 120 is implemented in a substantially cuboid shape. A tub 140 is provided within the cabinet 120. A washing chamber 142 is arranged within the tub 140. The tub 140 has a front opening. The door 110 rotates vertically about a hinge 112 provided at the lower end. The door 110 hermetically seals the front opening 140 of the tub. A gasket 114 is provided between the dishwasher body 100 and the door 110.

[0052] Within the wash chamber 142, the dish basket 160 is provided for holding dishes. A plurality of dish baskets 160 are provided therein. The plurality of dish baskets 160 includes an upper dish basket 162 provided above the wash chamber 142. The plurality of dish baskets 160 includes a lower dish basket 164 provided below the wash chamber 142. The plurality of dish baskets 160 includes a top dish basket 166 provided on a top surface of the upper dish basket 162.

[0053] An interior of the washing chamber 142 is provided with a spray arm 180 for spraying washing water. A plurality of spray arms 180 are implemented, arranged along a vertical direction of the washing chamber 142. The spray arm 180 has an upper spray arm 182 arranged above the washing chamber 142. The upper spray arm 182 is installed below the upper dish basket 162. The upper spray arm 182 is configured to spray washing water toward the upper dish basket 162. The spray arm has a lower spray arm 184 provided below the washing chamber 142. The lower spray arm 184 is configured to spray washing water toward the lower dish basket 164. The spray arm has an uppermost spray arm 186 for spraying washing water toward the uppermost dish basket 166. The top spray arm 186 can be arranged above the top dish basket 166.

[0054] The bottom of the tub 140 is provided with a sump 210 for collecting rinse water. A bottom surface of the tub 140 is configured to be inclined. The sump 210 is configured to open upward. The sump 210 is configured, for example, with a conical cross-section whose inner diameter decreases toward the bottom. The sump 210 is arranged so that the upper opening corresponds to a lower region of the bottom surface of the tub 140. As a result, rinse water within the tub 140 can be collected in the sump 210 through the upper opening of the sump 210. One side of the sump 210 is connected to a connecting pipe 440 for supplying rinse water. The connecting pipe 440 is provided with an open-close valve 450 that opens and closes the passage therein. Another side of the sump 210 is connected to a circulation pump 310 to circulate the rinse water of the sump 210.

[0055] The circulation pump 310 includes a housing 312 and an impeller 314 rotatably disposed within the housing 312. A suction pipe 322 is connected to one side of the housing 312. An electric heater 330 for heating rinse water is disposed within the housing 312. The interior of the housing 312 is provided with a temperature sensor 335 for detecting the temperature of rinse water. In the present embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the electric heater 330 is disposed within the circulation pump 310, but the electric heater 330 may be disposed in the sump 210. Furthermore, the electric heater 330 may not be incorporated into the circulation pump 310 and may not be incorporated into the sump 210. The following describes a case in which the electric heater 330 is incorporated within the circulation pump 310 as an example.A discharge pipe 324 is connected to the other side of the housing 312. A flow control valve 350 is connected to the discharge pipe 324.

[0056] The passage switching valve 350 is connected to a rinse water guide 360 ​​for guiding rinse water. The rinse water guide 360 ​​includes an upper guide 370 connected to the upper spray arm 182, a lower guide 380 connected to the lower spray arm 184, and an uppermost guide 390 connected to the uppermost dish basket 166. The other side of the sump 210 is configured with a drain unit 410. The drain unit 410 has a drain passage 415 through which the rinse water of the sump 210 is drained, and a drain pump 420 is provided in the drain passage 415. The drain pump 420 has a housing 422 and an impeller 424 rotatably mounted within the housing 422.

[0057] The dishwasher body 100 contains a heat pump 600a for heating wash water. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the heat pump 600a includes a compressor 610 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 620 for condensing refrigerant by heat radiation, an expansion device 630 for depressurizing and expanding refrigerant, and an evaporator 640 for allowing refrigerant to absorb ambient heat to evaporate. The compressor 610, the condenser 620, the expansion device 630, and the evaporator 640 are connected by a refrigerant pipe to circulate (flow) refrigerant. The compressor 610 is provided in a machine room 125 located within the cabinet 120 under the tub 140. The evaporator 640 is provided within the machine room 125. Since the compressor 610 and the evaporator 640 are arranged in the same space, the evaporator 640 can absorb heat energy released by the compressor 610 to promote the evaporation of refrigerant therein.In addition, the compressor 610 can promote cooling due to the absorption of conversion heat of the evaporator 640 and thereby reduce the heat load.

[0058] On the other hand, Fig. 4 to 6 modified examples of an evaporator in Fig. 2. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the evaporator 640 may be configured to exchange heat with water. A water reservoir 690 may be provided within the engine room 125. The water reservoir 690 may be provided, for example, below the sump 210.

[0059] The water tank 690 can be implemented, for example, in a cylindrical shape with an upward opening. Water 692 is provided within the water tank 690. The evaporator 640 is housed in the water tank 690 to exchange heat with the water 692. According to such a configuration, the absorption of heat from the evaporator 640 can be facilitated when the heat pump 600a is driven.

[0060] The water tank 690 may be provided with a water level detection unit for detecting a level of the water 692. The water level detection unit may include, for example, a lower detection unit and an upper detection unit spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction of the water tank 690. As shown in Fig. 5, the water tank 690 may be provided with a water supply pipe 695 for supplying water into the water tank 690. The water supply pipe 695 may be branched, for example, from the connecting 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 within 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 supply 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 694a. The water supply pipe valve 697 may be blocked to stop the water supply to the water tank 690 when a high water level is detected by the upper detection unit 694b.

[0061] As in Fig. 6, the water tank 690 may be configured to exchange heat with the compressor 610. The water tank 690 may, for example, be disposed above the compressor 610. As a result, the temperature of the water tank 690 (the water) may be increased by heat energy released by 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 on one side thereof to exchange heat with the compressor 610 and on the other side thereof to exchange heat with the water tank 690.

[0062] The heat transfer member 698 may be implemented, for example, as a heat transfer tube through which water is circulated. The heat transfer member 698 may be made of a metal member (e.g., copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al)). One end of the heat transfer member 698 is connected in communication 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 in communication 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 with a peripheral surface of the compressor 610. Here, both ends of the heat transfer member 698 may be connected in communication along a vertical direction of the water tank 690 with a height difference.In this configuration, the water 692 within the heat exchange part 699 exchanges heat with the compressor 610 to increase its temperature and move upward due to convection when the compressor 610 is driven. As the water 692 flows into the interior of the water tank 690, it can be circulated and heated.

[0063] On the other hand, although not specifically shown in the drawing, the heat transfer member 698 may, for example, have a rod-shaped metal member, one end of which may be brought into contact with the compressor 610 to exchange heat, and the other end of which may be configured to exchange heat with the water tank 690 (water). Accordingly, during operation of the compressor 610, the heat energy at a surface of the compressor 610 at a relatively high temperature may be transferred to the water tank 690 through the heat transfer member 698.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of a first filter in Fig. 2 and Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a second filter in Fig. 2 and Fig. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a third filter in Fig. 2.

[0065] As in Fig. 7, the condenser 620 is provided within the sump 210. Since the condenser 620 is provided within the sump 210, the condenser 620 may be referred to herein as a sump condenser. The condenser 620 is configured to be in direct contact with rinse water within the sump 210. As a result, it may be possible to suppress energy loss during heating of the rinse water. Furthermore, the heating time of the rinse water may be shortened. The condenser 620 is implemented in a spiral shape. The condenser 620 is configured such that the coil diameter increases toward the top according to an inner surface shape of the sump 210 (see Fig. 2). The sump 210 is provided with a filter 220 to suppress the movement of impurities in the rinse water. The filter 220 includes a first filter 221 installed to block the upper opening of the sump 210. A second filter 231 is provided below the first filter 221. The second filter 231 has a cylindrical shape. The second filter 231 is configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the sump 210. A third filter 241 is provided within the second filter 231. The third filter 241 has a cylindrical shape.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first filter 221 includes, for example, a through-hole 225 with a predetermined size (W1) to suppress the passage of contaminants and allow flushing water to pass through. The first filter 221 is configured, for example, with a disc-shaped first filter body 223 with a size capable of blocking an upper opening of the sump 210 and a plurality of through-holes 225 arranged through the first filter body 223.

[0067] The second filter 231 includes a second filter body 233 formed in a cylindrical shape with a mesh member having a mesh structure 235. The second filter 231 has a smaller outer diameter (Lfo) than a minimum inner diameter (Lsimin) of the sump 210. The second filter 231 has a smaller outer diameter (Lfo) than a minimum inner diameter (Lcimin) of the condenser 620. A lower end of the second filter 231 is disposed below the bottom of the condenser 620. A lower end of the second filter 231 is arranged to be brought into contact with a bottom surface of the sump 210.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the second filter 231 includes a mesh 235 with a predetermined size (W2). The size (W2) of the mesh 235 of the second filter 231 is smaller than the size (W1) of the through-hole 225 of the first filter 221. As a result, impurities larger than the size of the mesh 235 of the second filter 231 among the impurities that have passed through the first filter 221 are accumulated in the second filter 231.

[0069] The third filter 241 is implemented by, for example, having a substantially cylindrical third filter body 243 and a plurality of passage portions 245 arranged in a lattice shape through the third filter body 243. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the plurality of passage portions 245 have a predetermined size (W3). The size (W3) of the plurality of passage portions 245 is defined to be larger than the size (W1) of the through hole 225 of the first filter 221. As a result, among the contaminants contained in the rinse water, the largest contaminants are accumulated in the third filter 241. Contaminants of the next size that have passed through the plurality of passage portions 245 are accumulated in the second filter 231. Contaminants with a size smaller than that of the mesh 235 of the second filter 231 are circulated by the circulation pump 310 and discharged to the outside when the drain pump 420 is drained.

[0070] Fig. 11 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a dishwasher with a heat pump according to the present embodiment is configured to include a control unit 700 implemented as a microprocessor provided with a control program. A temperature detection unit 335 for detecting the temperature of wash water is communicatively connected to the control unit 700. The open-close valve 450 is controllably connected to the control unit 700 to control the supply of wash water in the sump 210. The heat pump 600a (the compressor 610) is controllably connected to the control unit 700 to control the temperature of the wash water. The control unit 700 is controllably connected to the electric heater 330 for heating wash water to control the temperature of the wash water. The control unit 700 is configured to control the compressor 610 to drive it when the rinse water of the sump 210 is to be heated.On the other hand, the control unit 700 may, for example, be configured to control that power is applied to the electric heater 330 when the temperature of the rinse water of the sump 210 is less than a predetermined temperature after heating the rinse water of the sump 210 by driving the compressor 610 for a predetermined period of time. The control unit 700 includes a timer 715 for calculating an operating time of the compressor 610.

[0071] With this configuration, the control unit 700 controls the open-close valve 450 for supplying rinse water to the sump 210 to open the passage of the connecting pipe 440. When a predetermined amount of water has been supplied to the sump 210, the control unit 700 controls the open-close valve 450 to block the connecting pipe 440. The control unit 700 can control the circulation pump 310 to allow the rinse water of the sump 210 to be circulated. The control unit 700 can control the passage switching valve 350 according to a predetermined rinse cycle to distribute rinse water to the respective spray arms.

[0072] On the other hand, the control unit 700 controls the compressor 610 of the heat pump 600a to drive it when the rinse water within the tub 140 is to be heated. The refrigerant compressed by driving the compressor 610 is moved to the condenser 620. The refrigerant moved to the condenser 620 exchanges heat with the rinse water within the sump 210 to release heat and is then condensed. The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 620 is depressurized and expanded while passing through the expansion device 630. The depressurized and expanded refrigerant is moved to the evaporator 640. The refrigerant moved to the evaporator 640 is evaporated by absorbing ambient heat. At this time, the evaporator 640 absorbs heat energy released by the compressor 610 to slightly evaporate the refrigerant therein.In addition, the compressor 610 promotes cooling to reduce the heat load because the ambient temperature is relatively low due to the absorption of heat from the evaporator 640. As a result, the operating efficiency of the heat pump 600a is improved.

[0073] When a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the compressor 610 is driven, the control unit 700 detects the temperature of the rinse water through the temperature detection unit 335. If the temperature of the rinse water detected by the temperature detection unit 335 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the power can be controlled to be applied to the electric heater 330. The control unit 700 can control the operation of the electric heater 330 and the compressor 610 to stop when the temperature of the rinse water reaches the target temperature.

[0074] The following will be based on Fig. 12 to 14 describe another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a water jacket region of a dishwasher with a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 13 is a cycle diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 12 and Fig. 14 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher in Fig. 12. As described above, a dishwasher according to the present embodiment includes a dishwasher body 100 having a tub 140 configured with a washing chamber 142 therein, and a sump 210 provided at a bottom of the tub 140 to temporarily hold washing water; a heat pump 600b having a compressor 610, an evaporator 640, an expansion device 630, and a condenser 620 installed in direct contact with washing water to directly heat the washing water; and a control unit 700 configured to control the heat pump 600b to increase the temperature of washing water within the sump 210.

[0076] Here, the condenser 620 includes a sump condenser 620a provided within the sump 210 to directly heat rinse water within the sump 210, and a water jacket condenser 620 provided within a water jacket 500 to directly heat rinse water within the water jacket 500, which will be described later.

[0077] As described above, the cabinet 120 is provided outside the tub 140. The dish basket 160 for holding dishes is installed inside the tub 140. The dish basket 160 includes an upper dish basket 162, a lower dish basket 164, and an uppermost dish basket 166. An interior of the tub 140 is provided with a spray arm 180 for spraying dishwater. The spray arm 180 includes an upper spray arm 182, a lower spray arm 184, and an uppermost spray arm 186. A sump 210 is provided at the bottom of the tub 140.

[0078] One side of the sump 210 is connected to a circulation pump 310. The other side of the sump 210 is connected to a drain unit 410. The drain unit 410 includes a drain passage 415 and a drain pump 420. The other side of the sump 210 is connected to a connecting pipe 440 for supplying rinse water. The connecting pipe 440 is provided with an open-close valve 450 that opens and closes the passage. A sump condenser 620a is provided within the sump 210 for heating rinse water within the sump 210.

[0079] On the other hand, the dishwasher body 100 is provided with a water jacket 500 for storing washing water. The water jacket 500 is provided, for example, on a side wall of the dishwasher body 100. The water jacket 500 is provided on the left side wall of the dishwasher body 100. More specifically, the water jacket 500 is inserted into a space between the left side wall of the cabinet 120 and the left side wall of the tub 140.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 12, the water jacket 500 is provided on an inner side with a rinse water storage unit 510 for storing rinse water. A lower side of the water jacket 500 is provided with a water pipe 520 into which rinse water flows. The water pipe 520 is provided with a water valve 530 that opens and closes a water passage. One side of the water pipe 520 is provided with a connecting pipe 440 connected to move the rinse water of the rinse water storage unit 510 to the sump 210. An inflow passage 540 is connected to the water pipe 520 to allow rinse water to flow into the rinse water storage unit 510. The inflow passage 540 is extended upward to horizontally divide an interior space of the water jacket 500. The interior of the water jacket 500 is divided by the inflow passage 540 into the rinse water storage unit 510 and a condensation space 515.The inflow passage 540 is provided with a flow meter 550 to detect a flow of the flushing water.

[0081] One side of the water jacket 500 is provided with a discharge passage 560 for discharging rinse water. The discharge passage 415 contains the discharge passage 560. The discharge passage 560 is arranged in the condensation space 515. The discharge passage 560 includes, for example, a discharge connection portion 565 having an inverted "U" shape and a discharge pipe 570 connected to the discharge connection portion 565. The discharge pipe 570 includes a first discharge pipe 572, one end of which is connected to the discharge pump 420, and a second discharge pipe 574, one end of which is extended outward.

[0082] The condensation space 515 is provided with a vent portion 517. The vent portion 517 is implemented to communicate with the outside. As a result, the condensation space 515 communicates with the outside of the condensation space 515. A communication hole 519 is provided above the vent portion 517. The communication hole 519 communicates with an interior of the tub 140. One side of the drain connection portion 565 is provided with a condensate discharge passage 580 for discharging condensate. The condensate discharge passage 580 is connected to the discharge passage 560. The condensate discharge passage 580 is provided with a drain valve 582. The drain valve 582 can be implemented, for example, as a check valve that operates in one direction to block fluid from moving upward and to allow fluid to move downward.

[0083] On the other hand, the water jacket 500 is provided with a water jacket condenser 620b for heating the rinse water of the water jacket 500 (the rinse water storage unit 510). The water jacket condenser 620b is provided in direct contact with the rinse water within the rinse water storage unit 510. The rinse water storage unit 510 is provided with a water jacket temperature detection unit 650 for detecting the temperature of the rinse water.

[0084] The dishwasher of the present embodiment includes a heat pump 600b for heating washing water. As shown in Fig. 13, the heat pump 600b includes a compressor 610 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 620 for condensing refrigerant by thermal radiation, an expansion device 630 for depressurizing and expanding refrigerant, and an evaporator 640 for allowing refrigerant to absorb ambient heat of conversion to evaporate.

[0085] The condenser 620 includes a sump condenser 620a for heating the rinse water of the sump 210 and a water jacket condenser 620b for heating the rinse water of the water jacket 500.

[0086] The heat pump 600b includes a refrigerant passage switching valve 660 for switching a passage of refrigerant. One side of the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 is connected to the compressor 610. Another side of the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 is connected to the sump condenser 620a. Yet another side of the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 is connected to the water jacket condenser 620b. Yet another side of the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 is connected to the evaporator 640.

[0087] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 14, the dishwasher of the present embodiment includes a control unit 700. A temperature detection unit 335 for detecting the temperature of the wash water is communicatively connected to the control unit 700. The control unit 700 is communicatively connected to the water jacket temperature detection unit 650 for detecting the temperature of the wash water of the water jacket 500. The control unit 700 is provided with a timer 715 for calculating the wash water heating time. A water valve 530 is controllably connected to the control unit 700 for controlling an amount of wash water introduced into the wash water storage unit 510. The open-close valve 450 is controllably connected to the control unit 700 for controlling an amount of wash water supplied to the sump 210. The control unit 700 is controllably connected to the compressor 610 for heating the rinsing water.The electrical heating device 330 for heating the rinsing water is controllably connected to the control unit 700.

[0088] On the other hand, the control unit 700 is controllably connected to the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to switch a passage of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 610. The control unit 700 is configured to control the passage switching valve 350 to allow refrigerant to flow to the water jacket condenser 620b to heat purge water stored in the purge water storage unit 510. The control unit 700 is configured to control the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to allow refrigerant to flow to the sump condenser 620a to heat purge water within the sump 210.

[0089] The control unit 700 is configured to control the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 according to a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes include, for example, a first heating mode in which the purge water of the water jacket 500 is heated by the water jacket condenser 620b. The plurality of operating modes include, for example, a second heating mode in which the condensate within the sump 210 is heated by the sump condenser 620a. The plurality of operating modes include, for example, a third heating mode in which the purge water of the water jacket 500 is heated by the water jacket condenser 620b and the purge water of the sump 210 is heated by the sump condenser 620a. The plurality of operating modes include, for example,a fourth heating mode in which the rinse water of the water jacket 500 is heated by the water jacket condenser 620b and the rinse water of the sump 210 is heated by the sump condenser 620a, and the rinse water of the sump 210 is heated by the electric heater 330.

[0090] The first to fourth heating modes can optionally be included in a preset rinse cycle for heating the rinse water.

[0091] Some rinse cycles require that rinse water heating be configured to include a first heating mode when heated rinse water is required in the subsequent process. As a result, the rinse water heating time can be shortened by preheating rinse water to be used for a subsequent process while performing a rinse process.

[0092] With this configuration, while a rinse cycle including the first heating mode is being performed, the control unit 700 controls the water valve 530 to supply rinse water to the rinse water storage unit 510 when heated rinse water is required in a subsequent process. When rinse water is supplied to the rinse water storage unit 510, the control unit 700 controls the compressor 610 to drive it to heat rinse water through the water jacket condenser 620b and controls the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to switch a passage of the refrigerant. As a result, refrigerant compressed by the compressor 610 is moved to the water jacket condenser 620b via the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to heat rinse water within the rinse water storage unit 510.The control unit 700 detects the temperature of the rinse water through the water jacket temperature detecting unit 650 and controls the operation of the compressor 610 to stop when a predetermined temperature is reached.

[0093] When a purge cycle including the second heating mode is performed, the control unit 700 controls the open-close valve 450 to open to supply purge water to the sump 210. When purge water is supplied to the sump 210, the control unit 700 controls the compressor 610 to drive it to heat the purge water through the sump condenser 620a, and controls the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to switch a passage of the refrigerant. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 610 is moved to the sump condenser 620a via the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to heat the purge water within the sump 210. The control unit 700 controls the circulation pump 310 to enable the heated rinse water of the sump 210 to be supplied to the respective spray arms 180, sprayed and circulated.

[0094] On the other hand, the control unit 700 controls the water valve 530 to supply rinse water to the rinse water storage unit 510 when a rinse cycle including the third heating mode is performed before the warm-up rinse or a process is performed before the warm-up rinse. When water supply is started (completed), the compressor 610 controls the compressor 610 to drive it to heat the rinse water of the rinse water storage unit 510 through the water jacket condenser 620b and controls the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to switch a passage of the refrigerant. As a result, the rinse water of the rinse water storage unit 510 of the water jacket 500 can be heated. When a warm-up rinse process is performed, the control unit 700 controls the open-close valve 450 to supply the rinse water of the rinse water storage unit 510 to the sump.When purge water is supplied to the sump 210, the control unit 700 controls the refrigerant passage switching valve 660 to move the refrigerant to the sump condenser 620a. The refrigerant moved to the sump condenser 620a can further heat the purge water within the sump 210 while exchanging heat with the purge water within the sump 210.

[0095] The control unit 700 executes the process described above in the rinse cycle including the third heating mode when executing a rinse cycle including the fourth heating mode. Furthermore, the control unit 700 controls the refrigerant compressed by the sump condenser 620a to move and controls the power supply to the heater 330 when executing a rinse cycle including the fourth heating mode. Accordingly, the heating time of the rinse water can be significantly shortened, thereby shortening the overall operating time.

Claims

[1] Dishwasher, which includes: a dishwasher body (100) provided with a tub (140) configured therein with a washing chamber (142) and with a sump (210) provided at a bottom of the tub (140) for receiving washing water; a heat pump (600a, 600b) having a compressor (610), an evaporator (640), an expansion device (630), and a sump condenser (620, 620a) provided within the sump (210) for exchanging heat with rinse water within the sump (210); and a control unit (700) configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to be driven to increase the temperature of the rinse water within the sump (210), wherein the sump (210) has a conical cross-section whose inner diameter is gradually reduced toward a bottom side, and the sump condenser (620, 620a) has a shape corresponding to an inner shape of the sump (210). [2] The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the sump (210) comprises a first filter (221) arranged to block an opening of the sump (210); and a second filter (231) provided on an inside of the sump condenser (620, 620a) below the first filter (221) to suppress the access of contaminants from the inside of the sump condenser (620, 620a). [3] The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the second filter (231) is upwardly open, and wherein the sump (210) further comprises a third filter (241) configured to block an upper opening of the second filter (231). [4] Dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the first filter (221) has a plurality of through holes, and the second filter (231) has a plurality of mesh networks, and a size of each of the meshes of the second filter (231) is defined smaller than that of each of the through holes of the first filter (221). [5] The dishwasher according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the third filter (241) has a plurality of through-portions, and a size of each of the plurality of through-portions of the third filter (241) is defined smaller than that of each of the through-holes of the first filter (221). [6] Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a water jacket (500) configured to store rinse water therein, wherein the heat pump (600a, 600b) further comprises a water jacket condenser (620b) provided within the water jacket (500) for heating rinse water within the water jacket (500). [7] The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein the heat pump (600a, 600b) further comprises a refrigerant passage switching valve (660) having one end connected to the compressor (610) and the other end connected to the sump condenser (620, 620a) and the water jacket condenser (620b) to switch a passage of refrigerant, and the control unit (700) is configured to control the refrigerant passage switching valve (660) to supply refrigerant to the water jacket condenser (620b) to heat the rinse water of the water jacket (500) before heating the rinse water within the sump (210). [8] The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein the water jacket (500) is provided with a water pipe (520) configured to supply rinse water 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 open the water pipe (520) to supply a predetermined amount of rinse water to the water jacket (500) before supplying refrigerant to the water jacket condenser (620b). [9] The dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein the water jacket (500) is provided with a water jacket temperature detection unit (650) configured to detect the temperature of wash water within the water jacket (500), and the control unit (700) is configured to control the heat pump (600a, 600b) to stop the supply of the refrigerant to the water jacket condenser (620b) when the temperature of the wash water of the water jacket (500) reaches a predetermined temperature based on a detection result of the water jacket temperature detection unit (650). [10] Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: an electric heater (330) configured to heat the rinse water within the sump (210); and a further temperature detection unit (335) configured to detect a temperature of the rinse water within the sump (210), wherein the control unit (700) is configured to compare a temperature of the rinse water within the sump (210) detected by the further temperature detection unit (335) with a predetermined temperature when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and to control the electric heater (330) to generate heat when the temperature of the rinse water within the sump (210) is lower than the predetermined temperature. [11] Dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein the sump (210) is connected to a circulation pump (310) configured to circulate the wash water within the sump (210), and the electric heater (330) and the temperature sensing unit (335) are provided within the circulation pump (310). [12] Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the compressor (610) and the evaporator (640) are arranged to exchange heat in the same space within the dishwasher body (100). [13] Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the evaporator (640) is designed to exchange heat with water within a water tank (690) within the dishwasher body (100) and / or outside the tub (140).

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