Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher which simultaneously drives a regeneration heater and an additional heater unit so that a driving section of the regeneration heater for drying a moisture absorbent and a driving section of the additional heater unit such as a washing water heater or a steam generator overlap, and thus washing water can be effectively heated and a moisture absorbent can be regenerated in a short time even in a washing course having a short washing cycle time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher capable of effectively heating washing water and regenerating a moisture absorbent in a short period of time even in a washing course having a short washing process time by simultaneously driving a regeneration heater and an additional heater part so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying a moisture absorbent and the driving section of the additional heater part, such as a washing water heater and a steam generator.[Background Art]

[0002] A dishwasher is a device which sprays washing water such as water to a wash target such as tableware, cooking utensils and the like accommodated therein to wash the wash target. At this time, the washing water used for washing the wash target may contain a detergent.

[0003] Ordinarily, the dishwasher is constructed by including a washing bath forming a washing space therein, a storage part accommodating the wash target in the washing bath, a spray arm spraying the washing water to the storage part, and a sump storing an amount of water therein and supplying the washing water to the spray arm.

[0004] By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash tableware and other wash target after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0005] Typically, the dishwasher is configured to perform a washing process of washing the wash target, a rinsing process of proceeding with the rinsing for the wash target, and a drying process of drying the wash target that has been washed and rinsed.

[0006] Recently released models of dishwashers are provided with a moisture absorption device which, during the drying process, can absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub and then resupply the air to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the wash target.

[0007] The moisture absorbent provided in the moisture absorption device may be configured to undergo an absorption process in which it absorbs moisture in the airflow during the drying process, and to undergo a regeneration process in which it is dried by being exposed to a high-temperature airflow after the drying process has been completed.

[0008] This regeneration process of the absorbent is usually performed during the washing process.

[0009] The high-temperature airflow used for drying the moisture absorbent can be supplied to the tub, and be used to heat the washing water.

[0010] In this regard, European Patent Registration No. 1830690 (Prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which a high-temperature airflow is formed using a regeneration heater to regenerate a moisture absorbent during a washing process, and even after the regeneration of the moisture absorbent has been completed, the high-temperature airflow is continuously supplied to a tub to heat the washing water to a target temperature.

[0011] Additionally, European Patent Registration No. 2352410 (Prior document 002) discloses a dishwasher including a configuration in which washing water is heated to a first temperature using a high-temperature airflow for regeneration of a moisture absorbent during a washing process, and then is heated to a second temperature using a separate washing water heater when regeneration of the moisture absorbent is complete.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0012] The regeneration heaters provided in the dishwashers disclosed in Prior documents 001 and 002 are used for the purpose of heating the airflow, and therefore, they employ a heater element having a lower output of 30 to 60% and a lower heating efficiency of 75% compared to a washing water heater for heating washing water.

[0013] Therefore, in the case of heating the washing water to be used in the wash process using only the regeneration heater as in Prior document 001, there may be problems in that it takes much more time and energy efficiency is decreased much more compared to the case of heating the washing water using a washing water heater.

[0014] Rather, it is more efficient to alternately use the regeneration heater and the washing water heater to heat the washing water during the wash process as in Prior document 002, but if a wash course having a relatively short wash process operation time is selected, there may be a problem in that if the regeneration time of the moisture absorbent is secured to perform perfect regeneration, the operation time of the washing water heater cannot be secured, while if the operation time of the washing water heater is secured, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent may be incomplete.

[0015] The present invention has been conceived to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its first object is to provide a dishwasher capable of effectively heating washing water and regenerating a moisture absorbent in a short period of time even in a washing course having a short washing process time by simultaneously driving a regeneration heater and an additional heater part so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying a moisture absorbent and the driving section of the additional heater part, such as a washing water heater and a steam generator.

[0016] Additionally, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher in which the safety and reliability of the product can be improved by controlling an additional heater part to generate a lower output when the regeneration heater and the additional heater part are driven simultaneously so that the allowable output of the power supply part is not exceeded during the simultaneous driving operation, thereby preventing in advance an overload occrrence in the power supply part.

[0017] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.[Technical Solution]

[0018] A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; and a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent, and an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein the additional heater part includes a plurality of heaters, and wherein the regeneration heater and any one heater of the plurality of heaters are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously.

[0019] Additionally, the plurality of heaters may be all driven to heat washing water.

[0020] Additionally, the plurality of heaters may be combined with each other to be provided in a single functional module.

[0021] Additionally, said any one heater of the plurality of heaters may generate an output having a range of 700 W to 900 W; another one heater of the plurality of heaters may generate an output having a range of 300 W to 500 W; and the regeneration heater may generate an output having a range of 500 W to 600 W.

[0022] Additionally, among the plurality of heaters, any one heater may be a heater driven to heat washing water, and another heater may be a heater driven to generate steam.

[0023] Additionally, the plurality of heaters may be provided in different functional modules, respectively.

[0024] Additionally, the heater driven to heat washing water may generate an output having a range of 1100 W to 1300 W; the heater driven to generate steam may generate an output having a range of 900 W to 1000 W; and the regeneration heater may generate an output having a range of 500 W to 600 W.

[0025] Additionally, the dishwaher may further include a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the plurality of heaters; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the plurality of heater parts, respectively.

[0026] Additionally, the plurality switches may include a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to said any one heater of the plurality of heaters; a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a third switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, wherein when the first switch and the third switch may be turned on to simultaneously turn on the regeneration heater and said any one heater of the plurality of heaters, the second switch may be turned off.

[0027] A dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub; a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein the additional heater part is a variable capacity heater whose output varies depending on intensity of power supplied thereto, wherein the regeneration heater and the variable capacity heater are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously, and wherein the output of the variable capacity heater is adjusted when the variable capacity heater is turned on simultaneously with the regeneration heater.

[0028] Additionally, the dishwasher may further include a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the plurality of heaters; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the variable capacity heater, respectively.

[0029] Additionally, the variable capacity heater may include a plurality of heaters; the plurality of switches may includes: a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to any one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters; and the variable capacity heater may have an output adjusted by turning on any one of the first switch and the second switch and turning off another one thereof.

[0030] Additionally, the variable capacity heater may be configured with a single heater; the plurality of switches may include a first switch and a second switch, each allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the single heater; and between the second switch and the single heater, a power transforming device may be provided to adjust power supplied to the single heater.

[0031] Additionally, when adjusting the output of the variable capacity heater, the first switch may be turned off and the second switch may be turned on.

[0032] Additionally, the power transforming device may include any one selected from among a transformer and a variable resistor.

[0033] A dishwasher according to still another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated, and in which any one of a plurality of courses formed by combining various detailed processes is selected and performed; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater; a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the additional heater part; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the additional heater part, wherein according to the selected course, the plurality of switches are turned on so that the regeneration heater and the additional heater part are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously.

[0034] Additionally, the additional heater part may include a plurality of heaters, and the plurality of switches may include a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to said any one heater of the plurality of heaters; a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a third switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater,

[0035] A dishwasher according to still another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated, and in which any one of a plurality of courses formed by combining various detailed processes is selected and performed; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; and an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein when a first course is selected from the plurality of courses, the first course may be performed in a first mode including individual driving processes in each of which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the additional heater part in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or when the second course is selected from the plurality of courses, the second course may be performed in a second mode including a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the additional heater part simultaneously.

[0036] Additionally, a total progress time of the second course may be in a range of 60% to 70% of a total progress time of the first course.

[0037] Additionally, the total progress time of the second course may be less than 1 hour.[Advantageous Effects]

[0038] The dishwasher according to the present invention has an effect of effectively heating washing water and regenerating a moisture absorbent in a short period of time even in a washing course having a short washing process time by simultaneously driving the regeneration heater and the additional heater part so that there can be an overlap between the driving section of the regeneration heater for drying a moisture absorbent and the driving section of the additional heater part, such as the washing water heater and the steam generator.

[0039] Additionally, the dishwasher according to the present invention has an effect of improving the safety and reliability of the product by controlling the additional heater part to generate a lower output when the regeneration heater and the additional heater part are driven simultaneously so that the allowable output of the power supply part is not exceeded during the simultaneous driving operation, thereby preventing in advance an overload occrrence in the power supply part.

[0040] Specific effects of the present invention, including the effects described above, will be described below together with specific matters for practicing the invention.[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the configuration of the moisture absorption drying device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a controller provided in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the progress sequence of processes performed in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 to 10 are functional block diagrams illustrating a configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which an additional heater part includes a washing water heater having a plurality of heaters. FIGS. 11 to 14 are functional block diagrams illustrating a configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which an additional heater part includes a washing water heater having a single heater, and a transformer is provided as an output adjustment means of the washing water heater during simultaneous driving process. FIGS. 15 to 18 are functional block diagrams illustrating a configuration according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which an additional heater part includes a washing water heater having a single heater, and a variable resistor is provided as an output adjustment means of the washing water heater during simultaneous driving process. FIGS. 19 to 22 are functional block diagrams illustrating a configuration in which an additional heater part includes a washing water heater and a steam generator. FIG. 23 is a time-temperature graph for explaining while comparing the time for reaching the target temperature according to the simultaneous driving process of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater in the washing process in progress of the 1-hour course according to the first embodiment of the present invention, or the time for reaching the target temperature according to the individual driving processes of the regeneration heater and the washing water heater. [Best Mode]

[0042] The above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to denote like or similar components.

[0043] Although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless otherwise specifically stated, it is to be understood that a first component may of course be a second component.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0045] Hereinafter, the phrase "any element is disposed on (or below) a component" or "above (or under) a component" may mean not only that the element is disposed in contact with the top surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that another element may be interposed between the component and the element disposed on (or below) the component.

[0046] Additionally, if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to another component, the components may be directly connected or contacted to one another, but it is to be understood that another element may be "interposed" between the components, or that the components may be "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to each other through another element.

[0047] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0048] Additionally, singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0049] Throughout the specification, in the case of using the phrase "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated, and in the case of using the phrase "between C and D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.[Overall structure of dishwasher]

[0051] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher 1 according to the present invention includes a case 10 forming an outer shape, a tub 20 having an open front side and installed inside the case 10 to form a washing space 21 in which wash targets are washed, the door 30 for opening or closing the open front side of the tub 20, a driving part 40 located in the lower side of the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge washing water for washing the wash targets, a storage part 50 detachably provided in the washing space 21 inside the tub 20, and on which the wash targets are placed, and a spray part installed adjacent to the storage part 50 to spray washing water for washing the wash targets.

[0054] In this regard, examples of the wash targets placed in the storage part 50 may include tableware such as bowls, dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the like, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated below, the wash targets will be referred to as tableware.

[0055] The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with the entire front side open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing bath.

[0056] The washing space 21 can be formed inside the tub 20 whose open front side can be opened or closed by the door 30.

[0057] The tub 20 may be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel series.

[0058] In addition, on the inner surface of the tub 20, there may be disposed a number of brackets for helping functional components such as the storage part 50, the spray part and the like to be described later to be supported and installed within the tub 20.

[0059] Meanwhile, the driving part 40 may be constructed by including a sump 41 storing the washing water, a sump cover 42 separating the sump 41 from the tub 20, a water supply part 43 supplying the washing water to the sump 41 from the outside, a drain part 44 discharging the washing water from the sump 41 to the outside, and a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 which supply the washing water from the sump 41 to the spray part. The sump cover 42 is disposed on the upper side of the sump 41, and can serve to separate the tub 20 from the sump 41. In addition, the sump cover 42 may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the spray part into the sump 41.

[0060] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray part toward the tableware may fall to the bottom of the washing space 21, and may be returned to the sump 41 through the sump cover 42.

[0061] The washing pump 45 is provided in one side or lower side of the sump 41, and serves to pressurize the washing water to supply it to the spray part.

[0062] The washing pump 45 may be connected at one end to the sump 41, and at the other end to the supply flow path 46. The washing pump 45 may include an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 rotates, and the washing water in the sump 41 can be pressurized and then supplied to the spray part through the supply flow path 46.

[0063] In one side of the washing pump 45, for example, in the lower side of the washing pump 45 a washing water heater 47 may be provided which heats the washing water supplied when a washing process or a heating and rinsing process is in progress. Details regarding the washing water heater 47 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 and the following drawings.

[0064] Meanwhile, the supply flow path 46 can play a role to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 to the spray part.

[0065] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spray arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spray arm 62 and a top nozzle 63, and the supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens or closes the supply flow paths 461, 463.

[0066] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that each of the supply flow paths 461, 463 is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0067] Meanwhile, the spray part is provided to spray washing water on tableware and the like stored in the storage part 50.

[0068] More specifically, the spray part may include the lower spray arm 61 positioned in the lower side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spray arm 62 positioned between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 positioned in the upper side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0069] Particularly, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 may be rotatably provided in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 so that they can spray the washing water toward the tableware in the storage part 50 while rotating.

[0070] The lower spray arm 61 may be rotatably supported at the upper side of the sump cover 42 so that it can spray the washing water toward the lower rack 51 from the lower side of the lower rack 51 while rotating.

[0071] Additionally, the upper spray arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder 467 so that it can spray the washing water between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 while rotating.

[0072] Meanwhile, although not shown, a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 in an up direction U-direction may be further provided at the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 to increase the washing efficiency.

[0073] Since the detailed configuration of the spray part can be embodied by applying a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the spray part is omitted below.

[0074] Meanwhile, the storage part 50 for storing the tableware may be provided in the washing space 21.

[0075] The storage part 50 is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub 20 through the open front side of the tub 20.

[0076] For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment which provides the storage part including the lower rack 51 located in the lower side of the tub 20 and capable of storing relatively large tableware, the upper rack 52 located in the upper side of the lower rack 51 and capable of storing medium-sized tableware, and the top rack 53 located in the upper side of the tub 20 and capable of storing small tableware and the like. The present invention will be described based on an embodiment of the dishwasher provided with three storage parts 50 as illustrated, but not limited thereto.

[0077] These lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front side of the tub 20.

[0078] To this end, on opposite side walls forming the inner surface of the tub 20, there may be guide rails (not shown), and for example, the guide rails 54 may include an upper rail, a lower rail, a top rail, and the like.

[0079] On the bottom of each of these lower rack 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 wheels may be provided. By pulling these lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 out through the front side of the tub 20 to the outside, the user can easily store tableware in them, or take out washed tableware from them.

[0080] The guide rail 54 may be provided with a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part 50 or with a telescopic guide rail guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part 50 and being capable of increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage part 50.

[0081] Meanwhile, the door 30 has the purpose of opening or closing the open front side of the above-described tub 20.

[0082] In the lower side of the front side that is normally open, there is provided a hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing the door 30, and the door 30 is opened by rotating about the hinge part as a rotation shaft.

[0083] Here, on the outer surface of the door 30, there may be provided a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the dishwasher 1.

[0084] As illustrated, the control panel 32 may be provided with a display 33 visually displaying information about the current operating status of the dishwasher 1 and the like, and a button part 34 including a selection button for inputting a user's course selection operation, a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher 1 on and off, and the like.

[0085] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door 30 may form one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 is closed while, at the same time, forming a seating surface on which the lower rack 51 of the storage part 50 can be supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0086] To this end, it is preferable that when the door 30 is fully opened, the inner surface of the door 30 forms a horizontal plane in the same direction as the extension of the guide rail 54 by which the lower rack 51 is guided.

[0087] Meanwhile, on the inner surface of the door 30, there may be further provided a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the inside of the tub 20.

[0088] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, on the outer side of the upper surface of the tub 20 an automatic door opening module 352 may be provided to automatically open the door 30. For example, the automatic door opening module 352 may be provided with a push rod 3524 rotating the upper end of the rear surface of the door 30 to the open position.

[0089] For example, the automatic door opening module 352 may be provided with a push rod 3524 rotating the upper end of the rear surface of the door 30 to the open position.

[0090] Meanwhile, the base 90 may further be provided with a steam module 107 disposed as a separate functional module from the above-described washing water heater 47.

[0091] As described below, the steam module 107 serves to generate high-temperature steam during the washing process and supply it to the washing space 21 to heat the washing water, or to generate high-temperature steam during the drying process and supply it to the washing space 21 to sterilize the tableware and prevent water stains from being formed on the tableware by allowing the steam to be placed on the surface of the tableware.

[0092] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the steam module 107 may be constructed, including a steam water supply flow path 108 through which washing water is supplied, a steam water supply valve 109 allowing or stopping the inflow of washing water and preventing the backflow of washing water, a steam generator 110 heating the washing water to generate high-temperature steam, a steam housing 111 accommodating washing water and the steam generator 110 therein, and a steam discharge flow path 112 providing the generated steam to the tub 20.

[0093] The steam water supply flow path 108 has a front end communicated with the sump 41, the water supply part 43, an air brake (not shown), and a water jacket (not shown), and a rear end connected to the steam water supply valve 109, and serves to supply the washing water to the steam housing 111.

[0094] FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example but not in a restrictive manner, a configuration in which the front end is communicated with the sump 41.

[0095] The steam water supply valve 109 is disposed between the steam water supply flow path 108 and the steam housing 111, and serves to allow or stop the supply of washing water to the steam housing 111 and prevent the backflow of washing water and steam.

[0096] For example, a means capable of opening and closing the steam supply flow path 108 when necessary, such as a solenoid valve or check valve, may be applied as the steam water supply valve 109.

[0097] The steam generator 110 is provided inside the steam housing 111, and serves to heat the washing water supplied to the steam housing 111 to generate steam. Like the washing water heater 47, it may be provided with a heater generating heat when being supplied with electricity, and thus may also be referred to as a steam heater.

[0098] The steam discharge flow path 112 has a front end communicated with the steam housing 111 and a rear end communicatively connected with one side surface of the tub 20 or the inner side surface of the door 30, and serves to guide the generated steam to the washing space 21.

[0099] FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example but not in a restrictive manner, a configuration in which the steam discharge flow path 112 is communicatively connected with one side surface of the tub 20, and, however, it may be configured to be communicatively connected with the inner side surface of the door 30.

[0100] Thereby, high-temperature steam generated through the steam generator 110 can be provided to the washing space 21 by way of the steam discharge flow path 112 through the one side surface of the tub 20 or the inner side surface of the door 30.

[0101] Unless otherwise explained below, the steam generated by the steam generator 110 may be defined to refer to the concept that it includes not only liquid water droplets suspended in the air generated when water is heated, but also gaseous water vapor generated by the vaporization of water.

[0102] Additionally, in the lower side of the tub 20 a moisture absorption drying device 80 may be provided, which, in progress of a drying process, absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub 20 and then resupplies the air back to the tub 20.

[0103] As described later, in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, there may be formed an air supply hole 254 for allowing air from which water vapor has been removed through the moisture absorption drying device 80 to be introduced into the inside of the tub 20.

[0104] The detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.[Detailed configuration of moisture absorption drying device]

[0105] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention may be constructed, including the blowing part 82 generating airflow of air to be sucked in from the tub 20 and supplied to the inside of the tub 20, the heater part 83 provided with a regeneration heater 831 heating the air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85 or the tub 20, a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83 based on the flow direction of the airflow and absorbing moisture contained in the air, a housing 84 accommodating the heater part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 therein, the suction duct 81 connecting between the air suction hole 20h of the tub 20 and the blowing part 82, and a supply duct 88 guiding the airflow passing through the moisture absorbent 85 to the air supply hole 254 of the tub 20.

[0107] The blowing part 82 is disposed upstream of the heater part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow, and is disposed downstream of the suction duct 81, so that it serves to suck air from the tub 20 and generate the airflow, causing the sucked air to pass through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0108] A blowing fan 821 and a blowing motor 822 generating the rotational driving force of the blowing fan may be modularized together and accommodated inside a fan housing to form an assembly.

[0109] Although there is no limitation on the type of blowing fan 821 applied to the moisture absorption drying device 80, a sirocco fan, for example, is preferable considering the locational and spatial constraints regarding the installation of the blowing part.

[0110] The heater part 83 is disposed between the above-described blowing part 82 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and serves to heat the airflow of the air to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 when the moisture absorbent regeneration process is in progress.

[0111] When the moisture absorption drying device 80 generates a high-temperature airflow F during the regeneration process of the moisture absorbent 85, power may be supplied to the regeneration heater 831 to heat the airflow, while when the moisture absorption drying device 80 generates a low-temperature airflow F during the moisture absorption process, power supplied to the regeneration heater 831 may be cut off, causing the regeneration heater 831 to turn off.

[0112] In this regard, when generating the low-temperature airflow F or the high-temperature airflow F, the operation of the blowing fan 821 may be maintained.

[0113] There is no restriction on the type of regeneration heater 831 provided in the moisture absorption drying device 80, and, however, as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater may be selected which has a relatively simple structure, an excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing electric leakage caused by the washing water flowing in from the tub 20.

[0114] In this regard, since the regeneration heater 831 has the purpose of heating the airflow, it may have a lower output capacity, as described later, than the washing water heater 47 heating the washing water, and the steam generator 110 generating steam, which are provided as separate functional modules from the regeneration heater 831.

[0115] Hereinafter, a functional module may be defined as a grouped body of parts that can form an individual component of the dishwasher 1, and can be treated as a single module assembled to perform a specific function. For example, the moisture absorption drying device 80 that performs the function of removing moisture contained in the air and resupplying the dried air to the tub 20 may be treated as a single functional module formed by assembling a grouped body of various parts such as the suction duct 81, the blowing part 82, the heater part 83, the housing 84, the supply duct 88, and the like so that this function can be implemented.

[0116] Preferably, the regeneration heater 831 may be a sheath heater having an output capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W. As described later, the washing water heater 47 and the steam generator 110 may be heaters having output capacities greater than that of the regeneration heater 831.

[0117] At one end and the other end of the regeneration heater 831 a pair of terminals 832 may be formed for receiving the power supply. The pair of terminals 832 may extend to the outside, penetrating through the housing 84.

[0118] Meanwhile, although not shown, in a location adjacent to the regeneration heater 831, there may be further provided a thermostat for sensing whether the regeneration heater 831 is overheated and a thermistor functioning as a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the airflow F. The moisture absorbent 85 serves to absorb moisture contained in the airflow discharged from the tub 20 when the moisture absorption drying process of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress, and to discharge the absorbed moisture into the airflow when the regeneration process of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress.

[0119] That is, the moisture absorbent 85 may be formed with a reversibly dehydratable material, so that it can absorb moisture or release the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0120] The reversibly dehydratable material applicable to this may include one selected from a group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or be a composition having a combination of two or more thereof.

[0121] To the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention, the moisture absorbent 85 having an alumina silica series material including, for example, aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied. The present invention will be described below based on, but not limited to, an example in which the alumina silica series moisture absorbent 85 is applied.

[0122] In this way, the moisture absorbent 85 formed with an alumina silica series material may be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that it is possible to maximize the contact area with the airflow F. Additionally, the moisture absorption function can occur at a lower temperature range than that of a moisture absorbent made of pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration function can occur at a lower temperature range.

[0123] However, the airflow may pass between a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 provided in the form of particles, and come into contact with the moisture absorbents 85, thereby allowing the moisture absorption, or absorbing moisture released from the moisture absorbent 85.

[0124] Thus, the moisture absorbent 85 cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the airflow. To minimize such flow resistance, the pore space may be effectively formed, and the particle size of the moisture absorbent 85 may be selected to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0125] For this purpose, as an example, the moisture absorbent 85 having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm may be selected and applied.

[0126] Meanwhile, the moisture absorbent 85 is disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83 based on the flow direction of the airflow.

[0127] Specifically, the moisture absorbent 85 may be accommodated through a moisture absorbent holder 86 inside the housing 84 formed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heater part 83.

[0128] The moisture absorbent holder 86 may be provided with a mesh portion through which the airflow can pass.

[0129] Meanwhile, the housing 84 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 may accommodate the above-described heater part 83 and moisture absorbent 85, and may also serve to form an internal flow path guiding the flow of airflow passing through the regeneration heater 831.

[0130] In order to form the internal flow path, the housing 84 may be manufactured to have a hollow shape.

[0131] Meanwhile, the supply duct 88 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 serves to communicate between the housing 84 and the air supply hole 254 formed on the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0132] The supply duct 88 may be connected to the housing 84 at the front end based on the flow direction of the airflow, and extend into the inside of the washing space 21 at the rear end, passing through the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0133] Inside the supply duct 88 a supply flow path may be formed through which the air having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 flows.

[0134] In order that the airflow having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 can be introduced, the front end of the supply duct 88 may be communicated with the outlet side of the moisture absorbent 85.

[0135] At the rear end of the supply duct 88, a discharge port 881 may be formed for diverting the flow direction of the airflow having passed through the supply flow path.

[0136] As shown, the discharge port 881 may be formed at a lower position, based on the up and down direction, than the lower rack 51.

[0137] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, when the moisture absorption drying process and the regeneration process are in progress, the airflow having passed through the moisture absorbent 85 can be discharged to the washing space 21 at a lower position than the lower rack 51 through the discharge port 881.

[0138] Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device 80 may further include the suction duct 81 whose front end is connected to the air suction hole 20h of the tub 20 based on the flow direction of the airflow, whose rear end is connected to the housing 84, and which serves to guide the airflow discharged from the tub 20 through the air suction hole 20h to the housing 84.

[0139] As shown, the suction duct 81 may be manufactured in a hollow shape so that an air passage through which the airflow can flow can be formed in the inside thereof.

[0140] The suction duct 81 may extend long along the up and down direction so as to connect between the air suction hole 20h formed adjacent to the upper surface of the tub 20 and the housing 84 disposed below the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.[Configuration of controller and functional modules]

[0141] Hereinafter, the configuration of a controller 100 and functional components constituting the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 5, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include the controller 100 for controlling the respective functional components.

[0143] The controller 100 may be provided in various forms, such as a microcontroller, microcomputer, or microprocessor, as is known in the art, and may be mounted on a main circuit board 100a.

[0144] First, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the motor 453 of the washing pump 45 among several functional modules to pressurize and supply washing water stored in the sump 41 to the spray part. The controller 100 may initiate or stop the operation of the washing pump 45 by allowing or stopping the power supply to the motor 453 from a power supply part 48 to be described later.

[0145] When the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, and the heating and rinsing process S4 are initiated, the controller 100 may supply power to the motor 453 of the washing pump 45 through the power supply part 48 to initiate the operation of the washing pump 45.

[0146] Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the button part 34 into which the user's operation command is input. When the user's power on / off operation input and washing course selection operation are input through the button part 34, the button part 34 may transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the controller 100.

[0147] The controller 100 may control the dishwasher 1 to turn the power of the dishwasher 1 on and off or to perform the individual process of the dishwasher 1 according to the selected washing course when receiving the electrical signal from the button part 34.

[0148] Although not shown, it may be configured so that the user's operation command may be input through another input means, such as a user's wireless terminal, other than the button part 34.

[0149] Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the regeneration heater 831 among various functional modules, which heats the airflow F to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85 to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85.

[0150] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the regeneration heater 831 is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 102a, and, however, unlike this, the regeneration heater 831 may be electrically connected directly to the power supply part 48, and the controller 100 may be configured to control whether or not the power supply part 48 supplies power. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which the regeneration heater 831 receives power from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 100a, as illustrated. The allowing or stopping of power supply to the regeneration heater 831 may be realized by turning on or off any one of a plurality of switches 101, 102, 103.

[0151] In this regard, there is no restriction on the individual switches 101, 102, 103 as long as they are means capable of allowing or stopping electrical connection according to a control signal from the controller 100. However, the present invention may employ a relay element capable of allowing or stopping an electrical connection to a component to which high voltage and high current are applied.

[0152] The relay element is known as a switch which is provided with an electromagnet (coil) inside, so that it can be controlled to be on / off because magnetism is created when current flows therein, while magnetism disappears when no current flows therein.

[0153] The relay element may include an electromagnetic relay, a semiconductor relay, and more specifically, may include a mechanical relay, a solid-state relay, a contactless relay, and a photoMOS relay.

[0154] Based on the internal structure of the relay element, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a SPST (Single pole single Throw) relay, but it is also possible to form a power circuit employing a SPDT (Single pole double throw) or DPDT (Double pole double throw) relay.

[0155] Additionally, based on the contact form, it is possible to employ a relay element which is a form A relay with a dfault sate of normally OFF, a form B relay with default state of normally ON, or a form C relay with the common contact normally connected to either one of contacts.

[0156] The dishwasher 1 may inherently use functional modules and heaters of various purposes such as washing, drying, moisture absorbent regeneration, steam generation, sterilization, and the like. Therefore, if a switch having a relatively large size is applied to control each heater, not only will the structure of the power circuit become complicated, but there may also be a problem in that the accommodation space formed inside the base 90 becomes insufficient. The present invention may be configured to use such circuit elements to enable individual control of each heater as well as immediate confirmation of whether the power circuit is shorted or open. By employing such circuit elements, there may be advatages in simplifying the configuration of the power circuit, while securing the mechanical compactness and reliability.

[0157] The present invention will be described below based on, but is not limited to, embodiments in which individual switches 101, 102, 103 are realized with relay elements.

[0158] The controller 100 may turn on or off the regeneration heater 831 by allowing or stopping the power supplied to the regeneration heater 831 from the power supply part 48 through any one of the plurality of relay elements 101, 102, 103 to be described later.

[0159] More specifically, in order to regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 before the drying process S5 is performed, the controller 100 may supply power to the regeneration heater 831 to operate the regeneration heater 831 during the washing process S2 or during the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4.

[0160] After driving the regeneration heater 831 to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 during the washing process S2, if the controller 100 determines that the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 is incomplete, it may control the regeneration heater 831 to be additionally driven by supplying power to the regeneration heater 831 during the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4.

[0161] Meanwhile, since the regeneration heater 831 has the purpose of heating the airflow F, it may employ a heater having a lower output capacity than the washing water heater 47 for heating the washing water and the steam generator 110 for generating steam. As described above, in order to effectively regenerate the moisture absorbent 85, the regeneration heater 831 may have a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W.

[0162] Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the washing water heater 47 among various functional modules, which heats the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20 during the washing process S2 and the heating and rinsing process S4. Since the washing water heater 47 is operated separately and independently from the regeneration heater 831 and is provided as a separate functional module from the regeneration heater 831, it can become one belonging to the additional heater part.

[0163] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the washing water heater 47 is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply part 48 by way of the controller 100, and, however, unlike this, but similar to the regeneration heater 831, the washing water heater 47 may be electrically connected directly to the power supply part 48, and the controller 100 may be configured to control whether or not the power supply part 48 supplies power. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which the washing water heater 47 receives power from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 100a, as illustrated. The allowing or stopping of power supply to the washing water heater 47 may be realized by turning on or off any one of the relay elements 101, 102, 103.

[0164] Unlike the regeneration heater 831, the washing water heater 47 serves to heat the washing water circulating in the tub 20. Therefore, it may be configured to have a greater output capacity than the regeneration heater 831.

[0165] As described below, depending on the embodiment, the washing water heater 47 may be configured with a plurality of heaters including a first heater 471 and a second heater 472, or may be configured with only a single heater.

[0166] In the case where the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 has a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W and the washing water heater 47 is configured with only a single heater, the output capacity of the single heater may have a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W. Meanwhile, in the case where the washing water heater 47 is configured with the plurality of heaters, the output capacity of the first heater 471 may have a rated capacity in the range of 700 W to 900 W, and the output capacity of the second heater 472 may have a rated capacity in the range of 300 W to 500 W.

[0167] Meanwhile, in the case where the washing water heater 47 is configured with only the single heater, the washing water heater 47 may be provided as a variable capacity heater whose output varies depending on the intensity of the power supplied from the power supply part 48.

[0168] Thereby, as described later, when the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are operated simultaneously, if it is expected that the acceptable power rating will be reached and an overload will occur in the power supply part 48, the voltage supplied from the power supply part 48 can be adjusted so that a lower output is generated. For example, when used alone, a first voltage in the range of 110 V to 130 V is supplied to the washing water heater 47 having a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W, and, however, when it is determined that an overload will occur in the power supply part 48, a second voltage in the range of 90 V to 100 V, which is lower than the rated voltage, is supplied through a power transforming device 104, 105, so that the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 is adjusted to generate an output in the range of 700 W to 900 W.

[0169] As described below, the power transforming device may be any one selected from among a transformer 105 and a variable resistor 104.

[0170] Additionally, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the steam generator 110 among various functional modules, which generates and supplies steam to the tub 20 during the drying process S5. Since the steam generator 110 is operated separately and independently from the regeneration heater 831 and is provided as a separate functional module from the regeneration heater 831, it can become one belonging to the additional heater part.

[0171] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the steam generator 110 is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply part 48 by way of the controller 100, and, however, unlike this, but similar to the regeneration heater 831, the steam generator 110 may be electrically connected directly to the power supply part 48, and the controller 100 may be configured to control whether or not the power supply part 48 supplies power. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, an embodiment in which, like the above-described washing water heater 47, the steam generator 110 receives power from the power supply part 48 by way of the main circuit board 100a, as illustrated. The allowing or stopping of power supply to the washing water heater 47 may be realized by turning on or off any one of the relay elements 101, 102, 103.

[0172] Like the washing water heater 47, the steam generator 110 serves to heat the washing water to generate steam and supply it to the tub 20. Therefore, it may be configured to have a greater output capacity than the regeneration heater 831.

[0173] Therefore, the output capacity of the steam generator 110 may have a rated capacity in the range of 900 W to 1000 W.

[0174] The original purpose of the steam generator 110 is to generate steam and provide it to the tub 20 to sterilize the tableware during the drying process S5 as described above, but according to the present invention, it can also be operated for the purpose of heating the washing water in place of the washing water heater 47 in progress of a simultaneous driving process during the washing process.

[0175] That is, as described below, in the case where the steam generator 110 is provided as a separate functional module from the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47, the steam generator 110 can be driven instead of the washing water heater 47 during the simultaneous driving process so as not to exceed the accpetable power rating.

[0176] Since the steam generator 110 has a lower rated capacity than that of the washing water heater 47, even if the simultaneous driving process is carried out, the possibility of an overload occurring in the power supply part 48 is reduced, whereas rather the washing water can be heated effectively.

[0177] In this way, by operating the washing water heater 47 together with the regeneration heater 831 while adjusting the output capacity of the washing water heater, or by operating the steam generator 110 together with the regeneration heater 831 instead of the washing water heater 47, even when the simultaneous driving process is carried out in countries such as Europe where the acceptable power rating is lower than 2300 W (the ratings in the US and Korea are approximately 3000 W), the overload on the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented and safety can be improved. Meanwhile, the controller 100 may control the operations of the functional modules of the dishwasher 1 such as the motor 453 of the washing pump 45, the regeneration heater 831, and the washing water heater 47 by allowing or stopping the power supplied to them in response to the process progress of the washing course selected by the user.

[0178] The operation parameters of each functional module of the dishwasher 1 are set in the memory to be described below according to the washing course which the user can select by pressing a button on the control panel 32, a wireless terminal, or the like.

[0179] The operation parameters such as the operating time, power supply level, power intensity, and on / off conditions of the functional modules such as the washing water heater 47, the regeneration heater 831, the washing pump 45, the drain 44, and the water supply part 43 of the dishwasher 1 may be set, and a set of operation parameters that are performed according to each washing course may be defined as a mode.

[0180] The washing course may refer to the name of the operation mode of the dishwasher 1 displayed on the display 33 of the dishwasher 1 or the screen of the wireless terminal. That is, the user can select a washing course, and the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 can control individual components of the dishwasher 1 to sequentially proceed with the modes corresponding to that washing course. That is, although the terms washing course and mode are used separately for specific explanation in the present invention, they may refer to similar meanings.

[0181] The washing course may be set in various ways such as a normal course, a standard course, a strong course, a delicate course, a half course, an automatic course (half-load course, focusing on washing only some racks among a plurality of racks), a short course, and a 1-hour course.

[0182] The names of washing courses may vary slightly depending on the product. In particular, the 1-hour course operates for 1 hour or less, but in some cases it may operate for 2 hours or less.

[0183] That is, when a user selects a washing course, the controller 100 determines the operation modes of the dishwasher 1 corresponding to each washing course, and each operation mode can proceed with that washing course according to preset parameters.

[0184] Meanwhile, additional options may be set for each washing course. The options may include setting the drying process operation time, enabling or disabling storage mode after the entire process operation, and turning notifications on or off.

[0185] These washing courses may be broadly classified into a first course and a second course.

[0186] When the first course is selected, the controller 100 may control the operations of the components of the dishwasher 1 in the first mode corresponding to the first course, and when the second course is selected, the controller 100 may control the operation of the components of the dishwasher 1 in the second mode corresponding to the second course.

[0187] Here, the second course may be a course with a shorter operating time than that of the first course.

[0188] The first washing course may include washing courses that require a relatively long operating time, such as a normal course, a strong course, or a delicate course, and the second washing course may include any course that requires a relatively short operating time compared to the first washing course, such as a short course, a 1-hour course, a half course, or a half-load course.

[0189] For example, the second washing course performed according to the second mode may be a washing course that requires an operating time of less than 1 hour, and the first washing course performed according to the first mode may be a washing course that requires an operating time of 1 hour or more.

[0190] As described below, when the dishwasher 1 is operated in the second mode, it may perform a simultaneous driving process in which the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are operated simultaneously, and when it is operated in the first mode, it may perform an individual driving process in which the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are not operated simultaneously but are operated individually.

[0191] Meanwhile, when the user selects an automatic course, the amount of contamination on the tableware may be measured during the pre-washing process at the start of the washing course, and the washing process conditions may be set according to the amount of contamination.

[0192] When the amount of contamination on the tableware is determined to be small, so that the mode of less than 2 hours is operated, the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may be operated simultaneously. That is, when the automatic course is selected, the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may be operated simultaneously or the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 may not be operated simultaneously.

[0193] As described above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide the dishwasher 1 capable of efficiently heating the washing water and regenerating the moisture absorbent 85 even when the second wash course having a short operation time is selected.

[0194] For example, in the case where the minimum regeneration time for regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 is 30 minutes and the short second washing course with a total operating time of about 1 hour is selected, the elapsed time of the washing process S2 cannot but become shorter than the summed time of the regeneration time of the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating time of the washing water.

[0195] To this end, the controller 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may control the power supply part 48 so that, when the second washing course with a short total elapsed time of about 1 hour is selected in this way, there is a simultaneous driving section or simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater 831 and other additional heater part during the progress of the washing process S2. As the simultaneous driving process progresses in this way, the time required to reach the target regeneration temperature for regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 and the time required to reach the target washing temperature for the washing process can be shortened significantly compared to the conventional one.

[0196] As described above, the other additional heater part may be the washing water heater 47 or the steam generator 110.

[0197] Hereinafter, a case in which power is supplied simultaneously to the regeneration heater 831 and other additional heater part in progress of the process is referred to as a simultaneous driving process, and a case in which power is not supplied simultaneously but individually to the regeneration heater 831 and other additional heater part is referred to as an individual driving process.

[0198] However, since there is a possibility that the acceptable power rating may be reached when the regeneration heater 831 and other additional heater part are driven simultaneously, the present invention provides a means capable of preventing overload from occurring in progress of the simultaneous driving process in which the regeneration heater 831 and other additional heater part are driven simultaneously.

[0199] Embodiments of a means for preventing overload in progress of the simultaneous driving process will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 and the following drawings.

[0200] Meanwhile, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to the blowing motor 822 of the blowing part 82 constituting the moisture absorption drying device 80.

[0201] The controller 100 may generate an airflow F of air by supplying power to the blowing motor 822 through the power supply part 48 when the regeneration heater 831 for regeneration and drying of the moisture absorbent 85 is driven or when the drying process S5 is in progress.

[0202] Meanwhile, the controller 100 may be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 100 may call the operation conditions and time conditions for each course stored in advance in the memory for each washing course, and may use them to generate control signals for controlling the progress and end of the processes according to the washing course.

[0203] Additionally, the controller 100 may calculate the elapsed time for each process using the timer, and compare it with the pre-stored time condition for each process to determine whether each process is completed.

[0204] Here, each process may include the pre-washing process S1, the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, the heating and rinsing process S4, and the drying process S5, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0205] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the controller 100 controls the overall process progress of the dishwasher 1 that proceeds in the following order: the pre-washing process S1, the washing process S2, the rinsing process S3, the heating and rinsing process S4, and the drying process S5.

[0206] The pre-washing process S1 is a process in which the washing pump 45 is driven to circulate the washing water without injecting detergent through the detergent supply device and the amount of contamination is measured through a turbidity sensor (not shown) provided in the sump 41, and the washing process S2 is a process in which the washing water is circulated while injecting detergent through the detergent supply device to wash the tableware.

[0207] The rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 are processes in which rinse agent is injected from the detergent supply device and the washing water is circulated to remove any detergent remaining on the tableware.

[0208] When the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 are in progress, heated washing water is supplied so that the tableware can be heated to a predetermined temperature. Through this, the drying efficiency of tableware can be improved and the drying time can be shortened in the drying process S5 that is performed after the rinsing process S3 and the heating and rinsing process S4 have been completed.

[0209] These respective specific processes may be combined and adjusted so that it may be omitted or performed repeatedly depending on the selected washing course setting and option.

[0210] In this regard, between the respective processes, a drain process of the washing water used in each process and a water supply process for supplying new washing water may be included.

[0211] Prior to the pre-washing process S1, a water supply process may be included.

[0212] Between the pre-washing process S1 and the washing process S2, between the washing process S2 and the rinsing process S3, and between the heating and rinsing process S4 and the rinsing process S3, a drain process and a water supply process may be performed, and between the heating and rinsing process S4 and the drying process S5, a drain process may be performed.

[0213] The water supply process may be performed by controlling an aqua stop (not shown) provided in the water supply part 43 to supply washing water to the sump 41 through a water supply flow path, and the drain process can be performed by controlling the drain part 44 connected to the sump 41 to drain the washing water to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through a drain flow path.[Means for preventing overload in progress of simultaneous driving process]

[0214] Hereinafter, a means for preventing overload of the power supply part 48 when the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention is in progress of the simultaneous driving process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 22.

[0215] First, FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the first embodiment of the present invention may be constructed, including the washing water heater 47 configured with the first heater 471 and the second heater 472 as the additional heater part in addition to the regeneration heater 831.

[0217] As described above, the first heater 471 and the second heater 472 may be heaters that generate different output capacities from each other.

[0218] More specifically, the output capacity of the first heater 471 may have a rated capacity in the range of 700 W to 900 W, and the output capacity of the second heater 472 may have a rated capacity in the range of 300 W to 500 W.

[0219] As illustrated, the first heater 471 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the first relay element 101.

[0220] Additionally, the second heater 472 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the second relay element 102.

[0221] Meanwhile, like the first heater 471 and the second heater 472, the regeneration heater 831 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the third relay element 103.

[0222] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the washing water heater 47 alone, the controller 100 turns on the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102 together to turn on the first heater 471 and the second heater 472 together.

[0223] Consequently, the washing water heater 47 can heat the washing water while generating 100% output.

[0224] At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the third relay element 103 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the regeneration heater 831 to proceed with the individual driving process.

[0225] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the regeneration heater 831 alone, the controller 100 turns on the third relay element 103 to turn on the regeneration heater 831.

[0226] At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the first heater 471 and the second heater 472 to proceed with the individual driving process.

[0227] However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in the case where a simultaneous driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the second mode, the controller 100 may control the first relay element 101 and the third relay element 103 to be turned on so that the first heater 471 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, and may control the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the second heater 472.

[0228] Consequently, since the first heater 471 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, a simultaneous driving process can be performed to perfom the heating of the washing water and the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 simultaneously, and, nevertheless, the output of the washing water heater 47 can be reduced by driving only the first heater 471.

[0229] That is, since only the first heater 471 is driven, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 can be adjusted from the range of 1100 W to 1300 W to the range of 700 W to 900 W.

[0230] Accordingly, even if the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the first heater 471 is performed, the sum of the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 and the output capacity of the first heater 471 can be surely maintained below the acceptable power rating, and through this, the overload occurrence in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented.

[0231] Next, FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the second embodiment of the present invention may be constructed, including the washing water heater 47 configured with a single heater as the additional heater part in addition to the regeneration heater 831.

[0233] In this regard, the washing water heater 47 may be a variable capacity heater whose output varies depending on the intensity of the power supplied from the power supply part 48.

[0234] As illustrated, the first heater 471 which is a variable capacity heater may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102.

[0235] However, between the second relay element 102 and the washing water heater 47, a transformer 105 may be provided as a power transforming device, while between the first relay element 101 and the washing water heater 47, there is provided no power transforming device.

[0236] Meanwhile, the regeneration heater 831 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the third relay element 103.

[0237] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the washing water heater 47 alone, the controller 100 turns on the first relay element 101 to turn on the washing water heater 47.

[0238] Consequently, since no power transforming device is provided between the first relay element 101 and the washing water heater 47, the washing water heater 47 can heat the washing water while generating 100% output.

[0239] At this time, as illustrated, the controller 100 may control the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the transformer 105, and may control the third relay element 103 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the regeneration heater 831.

[0240] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the regeneration heater 831 alone, the controller 100 turns on the third relay element 103 to turn on the regeneration heater 831.

[0241] At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the washing water heater 47 to proceed with the individual driving process.

[0242] However, as illustrated in FIG. 14, in the case where a simultaneous driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the second mode, the controller 100 may control the second relay element 102 and the third relay element 103 to be turned on so that the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, and may control the first relay element 102 to be turned off.

[0243] Consequently, since the washing water heater 47 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, a simultaneous driving process can be performed to perfom the heating of the washing water and the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 simultaneously, and, nevertheless, the output of the washing water heater 47 can be reduced as the voltage adjusted through the transformer 105 is supplied to the washing water heater 47.

[0244] That is, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 can be adjusted so that an output in the range of 700 W to 900 W can be generated by supplying the second voltage in the range of 90 V to 100 V through the transformer 105, although the first voltage in the range of 110 V to 130 V is supplied through the power supply part 48 when the individual driving process is in progress.

[0245] Accordingly, even if the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washin water heater 47 is performed, the sum of the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 and the output capacity of the first heater 471 can be surely maintained below the acceptable power rating, and through this, the overload occurrence in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented.

[0246] Next, FIGS. 15 to 18 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the second embodiment described above only in that a variable resistor 104 is provided as the power transforming device, but other configurations may be applied in the same manner. Detailed descriptions of matters identical to those of the second embodiment described above will be omitted below.

[0248] Consequently, since the variable resistor 104 is provided as the power transforming device, a simultaneous driving process can be performed to perfom the heating of the washing water and the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 simultaneously, and, nevertheless, the output of the washing water heater 47 can be reduced as the voltage adjusted through the variable resistor 104 is supplied to the washing water heater 47.

[0249] That is, the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 can be adjusted so that an output in the range of 700 W to 900 W can be generated by supplying the second voltage, which has been lowered to a range of 90 V to 100 V through the variable resistor 104, although the first voltage in the range of 110 V to 130 V is supplied through the power supply part 48 when the individual driving process is in progress.

[0250] Accordingly, even if the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the washin water heater 47 is performed, the sum of the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 and the output capacity of the first heater 471 can be surely maintained below the acceptable power rating, and through this, the overload occurrence in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented.

[0251] Next, FIGS. 19 to 22 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0252] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be constructed, including the washing water heater 47 configured with a single heater, and the steam generator 110 as the additional heater part in addition to the regeneration heater 831.

[0253] As described above, the steam generator 110 may be a heater that generates an output capacity that is greater than the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 but smaller than the output capacity of the washing water heater 47.

[0254] More specifically, when the output capacity of the washing water heater 47 is a rated capacity in the range of 1100 W to 1300 W and the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 is a rated capacity in the range of 500 W to 600 W, the steam generator 110 may have a rated capacity in the range of 900 W to 1000 W.

[0255] As illustrated, the washing water heater 47 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the first relay element 101.

[0256] Additionally, the steam generator 110 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the second relay element 102.

[0257] Meanwhile, the regeneration heater 831 may be supplied with power through the power supply part 48, and the supply of power may be allowed or stopped through the third relay element 103.

[0258] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 20, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the washing water heater 47 alone, the controller 100 turns on the first relay element to turn on the washing water heater 47.

[0259] Consequently, the washing water heater 47 can heat the washing water while generating 100% output.

[0260] At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the second relay element 102 and the third relay element 103 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the steam generator 110 and the regneration heater 831 to proceed with the individual driving process.

[0261] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 21, in the case where an individual driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the first mode by driving only the regeneration heater 831 alone, the controller 100 turns on the third relay element 103 to turn on the regeneration heater 831.

[0262] At this time, as shown, the controller 100 may control the first relay element 101 and the second relay element 102 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the washing water heater 47 and the steam generator 110 to proceed with the individual driving process.

[0263] However, as illustrated in FIG. 22, in the case where a simultaneous driving process is to be performed for course progress according to the second mode, the controller 100 may control the second relay element 102 and the third relay element 103 to be turned on so that the steam generator 110 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, and may control the first relay element 101 to be turned off so that power is not supplied to the washing water heater 47.

[0264] Consequently, since the steam generator 110 and the regeneration heater 831 are turned on together, a simultaneous driving process can be performed to perfom the heating of the washing water and the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 simultaneously, and, nevertheless, the driving of the washing water heater 47 can be stopped.

[0265] That is, when the simultaneous driving process is in progress, the steam generator 110 is driven instead of the washing water heater 47, so that the output capacity of the additional heater part can be adjusted from the range of 1100 W to 1300 W to the range of 900 W to 1000 W.

[0266] Accordingly, even if the simultaneous driving process for the regeneration heater 831 and the first heater 471 is performed, the sum of the output capacity of the regeneration heater 831 and the output capacity of the steam generator 110 can be surely maintained below the acceptable power rating, and through this, the overload occurrence in the power supply part 48 can be effectively prevented.[Measurement results of internal temperature of tub for each process progress]

[0267] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 23, the results of a comparative experiment will be described, in which the temperature change of washing water during the individual driving process and the temperature change of washing water during the simultaneous driving process for a dishwasher 1 according to the present invention are measured.

[0268] The washing course performed in the dishwasher 1 was a 1-hour course to verify the necessity of applying a simultaneous driving process; the target regeneration temperature for the moisture absorbent 85 was set to 38°C; and the target washing water temperature for the washing process progress was set to 50°C.

[0269] Additionally, the experiment was conducted on a dishwasher 1 provided with the regeneration heater 831 having a rated capacity of 500 W, and the washing water heater 47 provided with the first heater 471 having a rated capacity of 800 W, and the second heater 472 having a rated capacity of 400 W.

[0270] The A-line is a graph of the washing water temperature measured in a situation where the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are driven according to individual driving processes during the washing process in accordance with the first mode as in the prior art; the B-line is a graph of the washing water temperature measured in a situation where the regeneration heater 831 is not driven during the washing process, that is, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 is omitted; and the C-line is a graph of the washing water temperature measured in a situation where the regeneration heater 831 and the first heater 471 of the washing water heater 47 are driven according to the simultaneous driving process during the washing process in accordance with the second mode.

[0271] As shown in the A-line of FIG. 23, when the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 are driven according to individual driving processes, it could be seen that the time T1 for reaching the target regeneration temperature was close to half of the total progress time of the washing process. Specifically, the time T1 for reaching the target regeneration temperature took 25 minutes (min) or more.

[0272] That is, it could be seen that the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating of the washing water were significantly delayed as the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating of the washing water were performed only through individual driving processes, and thus the time for reaching the target washing water temperature was also delayed. As a result, since the time for reaching the target washing water temperature is delayed, there is a high possibility that the progress of the wash process will be completed incompletely.

[0273] Contrary to this, when the regeneration heater 831 and the first heater 471 of the washing water heater 47 were driven according to a simultaneous driving process from the start of the washing process, it could be seen that the time T2 for reaching the target regeneration temperature was significantly shortened to less than 10 minutes min.

[0274] That is, it could be seen that as the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating of the washing water proceed in the simultaneous driving process, the regeneration of the moisture absorbent 85 could proceed significantly fast, and thus, the time for reaching the target washing water temperature was also significantly shortened.

[0275] This shows that the time for reaching the target washing water temperature can be shortened even compared to a case where only the washing water heater 47 is operated, such as the B-line.

[0276] In this way, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention can operate the regeneration heater 831 and the washing water heater 47 simultaneously, unlike the conventional one, even in a washing course with a short operating time, such as a 1-hour course, so that it can effectively heat the washing water and regenerate the moisture absorbent in a short period of time. Additionally, during the washing process, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention can reach the target washing water temperature in a shorter time than conventional ones, and thus can secure the significantly longer washing process time, thereby effectively preventing a decrease in the washing power for tableware even in a washing course with a short operating time.

[0277] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as examples, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if the effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly written while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; and an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein the additional heater part includes a plurality of heaters, and wherein the regeneration heater and any one heater of the plurality of heaters are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heaters are all driven to heat washing water.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the plurality of heaters are combined with each other to be provided in a single functional module.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein said any one heater of the plurality of heaters generates an output having a range of 700 W to 900 W, wherein another one heater of the plurality of heaters generates an output having a range of 300 W to 500 W, and wherein the regeneration heater generates an output having a range of 500 W to 600 W.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein among the plurality of heaters, any one heater is a heater driven to heat washing water, and another heater is a heater driven to generate steam.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the plurality of heaters are provided in different functional modules, respectively.

7. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the heater driven to heat washing water generates an output having a range of 1100 W to 1300 W, wherein the heater driven to generate steam generates an output having a range of 900 W to 1000 W, and wherein the regeneration heater generates an output having a range of 500 W to 600 W.

8. The dishwasher of claim 1 further comprising: a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the plurality of heaters; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the plurality of heater parts, respectively.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the plurality of switches includes: a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to said any one heater of the plurality of heaters; a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a third switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and wherein when the first switch and the third switch are turned on to simultaneously turn on the regeneration heater and said any one heater of the plurality of heaters, the second switch is turned off.

10. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; and an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein the additional heater part is a variable capacity heater whose output varies depending on intensity of power supplied thereto, wherein the regeneration heater and the variable capacity heater are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously, and wherein the output of the variable capacity heater is adjusted when the variable capacity heater is turned on simultaneously with the regeneration heater.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10 further comprising: a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the plurality of heaters; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the variable capacity heater, respectively.

12. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the variable capacity heater includes a plurality of heaters, wherein the plurality of switches includes: a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to any one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters, and wherein the variable capacity heater has an output adjusted by turning on any one of the first switch and the second switch and turning off another one thereof.

13. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the variable capacity heater is configured with a single heater, wherein the plurality of switches includes a first switch and a second switch, each allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the single heater, and wherein between the second switch and the single heater, a power transforming device is provided to adjust power supplied to the single heater.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein when adjusting the output of the variable capacity heater, the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on.

15. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the power transforming device includes any one selected from among a transformer and a variable resistor.

16. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated, and in which any one of a plurality of courses formed by combining various detailed processes is selected and performed; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater; a power supply part supplying power to the regeneration heater and the additional heater part; and a plurality of switches allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater, and supply of power from the power supply part to the additional heater part, wherein according to the selected course, the plurality of switches are turned on so that the regeneration heater and the additional heater part are supplied with power simultaneously to be turned on simultaneously.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the additional heater part includes a plurality of heaters, and wherein the plurality of switches includes: a first switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to any one heater of the plurality of heaters; a second switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to another one heater of the plurality of heaters; and a third switch allowing or stopping supply of power from the power supply part to the regeneration heater.

18. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing space in which tableware is accommodated, and in which any one of a plurality of courses formed by combining various detailed processes is selected and performed; a moisture absorption drying device provided with a moisture absorbent absorbing water vapor contained in air discharged from the tub, and a regeneration heater heating air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent to dry the moisture absorbent; and an additional heater part driven separately and independently from the regeneration heater, wherein when a first course is selected from the plurality of courses, the first course is performed in a first mode including individual driving processes in each of which power is supplied to each of the regeneration heater and the additional heater part in such a manner that it is not supplied to them simultaneously, or when the second course is selected from the plurality of courses, the second course is performed in a second mode including a simultaneous driving process in which power is supplied to the regeneration heater and the additional heater part simultaneously.

19. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein a total progress time of the second course is in a range of 60% to 70% of a total progress time of the first course.

20. The dishwasher of claim 19, wherein the total progress time of the second course is less than 1 hour.

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