Dishwasher and method for controlling the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, in which in a situation where an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of a washing pump is reduced in response to a state of progress of a cycle of the dishwasher, an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of each of a compressor and a blower module which may act as a main noise generating source may be reduced, thereby maintaining a total low noise generation amount and remarkably saving electric power consumption.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0024363, filed on February 25, 2025, No. 10-2025-0032609, filed on March 13, 2025, No. 10-2025-0042750, filed on April 02, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0095111, filed on July 15, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein.BACKGROUNDFIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, in which in a situation where an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of a washing pump is reduced in response to a state of progress of a cycle of the dishwasher, an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of each of a compressor and a blower module which may act as a main noise generating source may be reduced, thereby maintaining a total low noise generation amount and remarkably saving electric power consumption.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] A dishwasher is an apparatus that washes dishes and cooking utensils as washing targets stored therein by spraying washing water thereto. In this regard, the washing water may contain washing detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher generally includes a tub having a washing space defined therein, a dish rack that accommodates therein a washing target inside the washing tub, a spraying arm that sprays the washing water into the dish rack, and a sump that stores therein water and supplies the washing water to the spraying arm.

[0005] Using this dishwasher may allow a time and effort required to wash the dishes and other washing targets after a meal to be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0006] In washing the dish using the dishwasher, washing water and air may be heated and used to increase the washing effect. An electric heater may be used as a means of heating the washing water and air.

[0007] The dishwasher having a heat pump apparatus as another heating means instead of the electric heater has emerged.

[0008] The heat pump apparatus has significantly higher energy efficiency than that of the electric heater. Thus, when the washing water is heated by the heat pump apparatus, the consumption of electricity may be reduced compared to the electric heater.

[0009] In this regard, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2019-034372 (Prior Document 001) discloses a configuration of a dishwasher including a heat pump apparatus as a heating means for heating the washing water.[Prior Art Literature][Patent document]

[0010] (Patent Document 001) International Patent Application Publication No. WO2019-034372SUMMARY

[0011] However, in the dishwasher disclosed in the prior art document 001 described above, as the heating source of the washing water is replaced with the heat pump module, the heat pump module is added as a noise generating source in addition to the noise caused by the collision between the tub and the washing water pressurized and sprayed by the washing pump.

[0012] Accordingly, in the configuration disclosed in the prior document 001, the main noise generating source may be changed according to the progress of the cycle of the dishwasher. However, the prior art does not take into account the correlation between the collision-based noise of the washing water and the noise resulting from the compressor and the blower fan of the heat pump module, so that the total noise generated from the dishwasher during the progress of the cycle is maintained in a relatively high state.

[0013] In addition, the dishwasher as disclosed in the prior art document 001 is configured such that even in a situation in which it is necessary to relatively reduce the amount of noise,

[0014] such as night time, the cycle is performed in the same operation mode as the operation mode in which the cycle is performed in the daytime time.

[0015] Therefore, even in the situation in which it is necessary to reduce the amount of the noise generated, the relatively large noise is continuously generated during the progress of the cycle of the dishwasher, thereby causing convenience to the user due to the generation of the noise and deteriorating the user's emotion.

[0016] A first purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, in which in a situation where an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of a washing pump is reduced in response to a state of progress of a cycle of the dishwasher, an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of each of a compressor and a blower module which may act as a main noise generating source may be reduced, thereby maintaining a total low noise generation amount and remarkably saving electric power consumption.

[0017] In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, in which the dishwasher is configured to operate in an operation mode capable of relatively reducing the total noise generation amount, such as a night mode or a quiet mode, thereby remarkably improving user convenience and preventing the deterioration of the user's emotion.

[0018] The purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on the following descriptions, and will be more clearly understood based on the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily appreciated that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0019] A dishwasher according to the present disclosure comprises: a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a sump storing therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; a washing pump configured to pressurize washing water to be supplied to the tub; a heat pump module including: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor; an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a

[0020] blower module configured to generate airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator; and a controller configured to determine a pump rotational speed of the washing pump based on a selected washing course, wherein the controller may be configured to: adjust an operating condition of the heat pump module based on a pump rotational speed condition of the washing pump set in a corresponding manner to the selected washing course; and control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition.

[0021] Further, the controller may be further configured to: before the heat pump module operates according to the adjusted operating condition, determine whether the selected washing course includes a quiet mode.

[0022] Further, the controller further configured to determine whether the selected washing course includes the quiet may be configured to: check the selected washing course; and determine whether the selected washing course includes the quiet mode.

[0023] Further, the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may be further configured to: upon determination that the selected washing course does not include the quiet mode, control the washing pump to operate at a preset initial pump rotational speed; and control the compressor to operate at a preset initial compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset initial motor rotational speed.

[0024] Further, the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may be further configured to: after the compressor and the blower module respectively start to operate at the initial compressor rotational speed and the initial motor rotational speed, determine whether the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed; and upon determination that the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed, adjust each of a rotational speed of the compressor and a rotational speed of the motor in proportion to a change amount in the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

[0025] Further, each of the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the motor may be adjusted in direct proportion to the change amount of the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

[0026] Further, the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may be further configured to: upon determination that the selected washing course includes the quiet mode, control the washing pump to operate at a preset lowest pump rotational speed.

[0027] Further, the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may be further configured to: in response to that the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed, control the compressor to operate at a preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset lowest motor rotational speed.

[0028] Further, the controller configured to control the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed may be further configured to: control the compressor to continuously operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to continuously operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed for the same time duration as a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

[0029] Further, the controller configured to control the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed may be further configured to: control the compressor and the blower module such that a first process in which the compressor and the blower module operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed and the lowest motor rotational speed, respectively, for a predefined time duration, and a second process of stopping the compressor and the blower module are repeatedly and alternately performed, wherein the predefined time duration may be shorter than a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

[0030] A method for controlling a dishwasher according to the present disclosure is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes: a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a sump storing therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; a washing pump configured to pressurize washing water to be supplied to the tub; and a heat pump module including: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor; an evaporator

[0031] configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a blower module configured to generate airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator, wherein the method comprises: adjusting an operating condition of the heat pump module based on a pump rotational speed condition of the washing pump set in a corresponding manner to the selected washing course; and controlling the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition.

[0032] Further, the method may further comprise: before the heat pump module operates according to the adjusted operating condition, determining whether the selected washing course includes a quiet mode.

[0033] Further, the determining of whether the selected washing course includes the quiet may include: checking the selected washing course; and determining whether the selected washing course includes the quiet mode.

[0034] Further, the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include: upon determination that the selected washing course does not include the quiet mode, controlling the washing pump to operate at a preset initial pump rotational speed; and controlling the compressor to operate at a preset initial compressor rotational speed and controlling the blower module to operate at a preset initial motor rotational speed.

[0035] Further, the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include: after the compressor and the blower module respectively start to operate at the initial compressor rotational speed and the initial motor rotational speed, determining whether the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed; and upon determination that the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed, adjusting each of a rotational speed of the compressor and a rotational speed of the motor in proportion to a change amount in the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

[0036] Further, each of the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the motor may be adjusted in direct proportion to the change amount of the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

[0037] Further, the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include: upon determination that the selected washing course includes

[0038] the quiet mode, controlling the washing pump to operate at a preset lowest pump rotational speed.

[0039] Further, the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include: in response to that the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed, controlling the compressor to operate at a preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset lowest motor rotational speed.

[0040] Further, the controlling of the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and the controlling the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed may include: controlling the compressor to continuously operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and controlling the blower module to continuously operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed for the same time duration as a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

[0041] Further, the controlling of the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and the controlling of the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed may include: controlling the compressor and the blower module such that a first process in which the compressor and the blower module operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed and the lowest motor rotational speed, respectively, for a predefined time duration, and a second process of stopping the compressor and the blower module are repeatedly and alternately performed, wherein the predefined time duration may be shorter than a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

[0042] In the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, in a situation where an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of the washing pump is reduced in response to a state of progress of a cycle of the dishwasher, an operating rotational speed or an operating frequency of each of the compressor and the blower module which may act as a main noise generating source may be reduced, thereby maintaining a total low noise generation amount and remarkably saving electric power consumption.

[0043] In addition, in the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be configured to operate in an operation mode capable of relatively reducing the total noise generation amount, such as a night mode or a quiet mode, thereby remarkably improving user convenience and preventing the deterioration of the user's emotion.

[0044] In addition, in the dishwasher and the method for controlling the same according to the present disclosure, a separate washing water heater may operate separately from the heat pump module when the cycle is executed in the night mode or the quiet mode, thereby preventing a significant increase in the execution time of the cycle.

[0045] In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a door of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating a configuration of a heat pump module provided in a dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which an example heat pump module constituting a dishwasher according to the present disclosure is accommodated in a base.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the heat pump module illustrated in FIG. 5 is mounted in a base.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic view for illustrating a process in which washing water is heated by the heat pump module shown in FIG. 5 when the dishwasher performs a washing cycle or a heating rinsing cycle.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a comparison table of operating conditions of a washing pump, a compressor, and a blower motor constituting a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a time-operating rotational speed graph for illustrating a situation in which operating conditions of a washing pump, a compressor, and a blower motor are changed during a dishwasher performs a washing cycle or a heating rinsing cycle in a standard mode or a general mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a time-operating rotational speed graph for illustrating operating conditions of a washing pump, a compressor, and a blower motor while a dishwasher performs a washing cycle or a heating rinsing cycle in a standard mode or a general mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a time-operating rotational speed graph for illustrating operating conditions of a washing pump, a compressor, and a blower motor while a dishwasher performs a washing cycle or a heating rinsing cycle in a night mode or a quiet mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIGS. 13 to 17 are flowcharts for illustrating steps of a control method performed by the controller illustrated in FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0059] The above-mentioned purpose, features and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0060] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and so on may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These

[0061] terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer or section from another element, component, area, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, area, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, area, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] The terminology used herein is directed to the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular constitutes "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be disposed directly on the second element or may be disposed indirectly on the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers. It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "under" a second element or layer, the first element may be disposed directly under the second element or may be disposed indirectly under the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers.

[0064] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers therebetween may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers therebetween may also be present.

[0065] It will be further understood that the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list. In

[0066] interpretation of numerical values, an error or tolerance therein may occur even when there is no explicit description thereof.

[0067] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“under,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, when the device in the drawings may be turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” may encompass both an orientation of above and subsequent drawings thereto. The device may be otherwise oriented for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0068] As used herein, “A and / or B” means A, B or A and B, unless specifically stated otherwise. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entirety of list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list. As used herein, "C to D" means C inclusive to D inclusive unless otherwise specified.

[0069] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.[Overall structure of dishwasher]

[0070] Hereinafter, an overall structure of a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing an internal structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a door 30 of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a casing 10 that constitutes an outer appearance.

[0073] For example, the casing 10 may include an upper panel 11, a left side panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a front panel 15 respectively defining an upper surface, a left surface, and a right surface of the outer appearance of the dishwasher 1.

[0074] The upper panel 11, the left side panel 12, the right side panel 13, and the front panel 15 may be integrally formed with each other or may be individually formed and assembled with each other.

[0075] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a tub 20 installed in an inner space of the casing 10 and having a washing space 21 defined therein where the washing target is washed, wherein a front surface of the tub is open.

[0076] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0077] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a base 90 disposed under the tub 2 and serving to support the tub 2.

[0078] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a driver 40 located under the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge the washing water for washing the washing target.

[0079] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a dish rack set 50 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive therein the washing target.

[0080] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a water sprayer 60 installed adjacent to the dish rack set 50 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

[0081] In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack set 50 may be, for example, dishes such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the washing target will be referred to as a dish.

[0082] First, the tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with an entirely open front surface, and have a configuration of a so-referred to as washing tub.

[0083] The washing space 21 may be defined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 may be opened / closing by the door 30.

[0084] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0085] Moreover, on an inner surface of the tub 20, a plurality of brackets may be disposed for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the dish rack set 50 and the water sprayer 60 which will be described later thereon within the tub 20.

[0086] In one example, the driver 40 may include a sump 41 that stores therein washing water. Further, the driver 40 may include a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the sump 41 from the tub 20. Further, the driver 40 may include a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the sump 41. Further, the driver 40 may include a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the sump 41 to an outside. Further, the driver 40 may include a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the sump 41 to the water sprayer 60.

[0087] The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 41 and may serve to spatially distinguish the tub 20 and the sump 41 from each other.

[0088] Moreover, the sump cover 42 may have a plurality of collecting holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the water sprayer 60 into the sump 41.

[0089] That is, the washing water sprayed from the water sprayer 60 toward the dish may fall down to a bottom of the washing space 21, and may be collected again through the sump cover 42 and into the sump 41.

[0090] The washing pump 45 may be disposed at one side of the sump 41 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer 60.

[0091] One end of the washing pump 45 may be connected to the sump 41 and the other end thereof may be connected to the supply flow path 46.

[0092] The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When electric power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 may rotate, and thus the washing

[0093] water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0094] Although not shown, a wash water heater 48 may be provided in the washing pump 45 and be configured to heat the wash water supplied to the tub 20 during a washing cycle or a heat rinsing cycle.

[0095] In one example, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 to the water sprayer 60.

[0096] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spraying arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spraying arm 62 and a top nozzle 63.

[0097] The supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens / closes the supply flow paths 461 and 463.

[0098] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that the supply flow paths 461 and 463 are opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0099] In one example, the water sprayer 60 may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack set 50.

[0100] More specifically, the water sprayer 60 may include the lower spraying arm 61 located under the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower dish rack 51.

[0101] Further, the water sprayer 60 may include the upper spraying arm 62 located between the lower dish rack 51 and an upper dish rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0102] Further, the water sprayer 60 may include the top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top dish rack 53 or the upper dish rack 52.

[0103] In particular, the lower spraying arm 61 and the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably disposed in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and may spray the washing water toward the dish of the dish rack set 50 while being rotating.

[0104] The lower spraying arm 61 may be rotatably supported on a top of the sump cover 42 so as to spray the washing water toward the lower dish rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower dish rack 51.

[0105] Moreover, the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spraying arm holder 467 so as to spray the washing water on the dish while being rotating and being disposed between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0106] In one example, although not shown, in order to increase washing efficiency, additional means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spraying arm 61 into an upward direction (diverting in a U-direction) may be provided at a lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0107] A detailed configuration of the water sprayer 60 has been already known in the art. Thus, a description of the specific configuration of the water sprayer 60 will be omitted below.

[0108] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0109] The dish rack 50 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0110] For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 50 is configured to include a lower dish rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 20 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, an upper dish rack 5 located on top of the lower dish rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and a top dish rack 53 located at a top level of the tub 20 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc.

[0111] Hereinafter, an example in which the dishwasher 1 includes the three dish racks 50 as shown is described. However, embodiments of present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0112] Each of the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0113] For this purpose, guide rails 54 may be respectively disposed on both opposing inner side surfaces 26 and 27 constituting the inner side surface of the tub 20. As will be described below, by way of example, the guide rails 54 may include an upper rail 542, a lower rail 541, and a top rail 543.

[0114] Wheels or rollers may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53. The user may extend the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53 from the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and may place the dishes thereon, or easily withdraw the dishes that have been washed out thereof.

[0115] The guide rail 54 may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the dish rack 50, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the dish rack 50 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the dish rack 50 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

[0116] In one example, the door 30 is constructed to open / close the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0117] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 pivots to open or close the tub 20 may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. By way of example, the door 30 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis in a top-down manner to open the tub 20.

[0118] In this regard, a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling an operation of the dishwasher 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 30.

[0119] As shown, the control panel 32 may include a display 33 that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dishwasher 1, etc.

[0120] Further, the control panel 32 may include a button unit 34 including a selection button through which a user's course selection manipulation is input and an electric power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dishwasher on and off is input.

[0121] In one example, a rear panel constituting an inner side surface of the door 30 may constitute one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 has been closed, and may constitute

[0122] a seat surface on which the lower dish rack 51 of the dish rack set 50 is supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0123] For this purpose, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, the rear panel 30b of the door 30 may constitute a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as a direction in which the guide rail 54 guiding the displacement of the lower dish rack 51 extends.

[0124] In one example, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the inside of the tub 20 may be further installed on the rear panel 30b constituting an inner side surface of the door 30.

[0125] Furthermore, a door position sensor 36​​may be disposed on an outer top surface of the tub 20 and may be configured to detect whether the door 30 is in a closed or open state. For example, the door position sensor 36 ​​may include a door position sensor S_d or a latch sensor that detects a position of a door latch (not shown).

[0126] In one example, a drying air supply 80 may be disposed under the tub 20 and may be configured to generate and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space 21 inside the tub 20.

[0127] As shown, the drying air supply 80 may be configured to include a filter member 883 for filtering outside air, a blower fan 825 for generating a drying air stream, a heater 84 for heating the drying air stream, and an air stream guide 83 disposed inside the tub 20 so as to guide the drying air stream.

[0128] A drying air supply hole 254 may be defined in a bottom wall 25 of the tub 20 so that high-temperature drying air generated by the drying air supply 80 may be introduced into the inside of the tub 20 through the drying air supply hole.

[0129] Thus, the high-temperature drying air or low-temperature drying air may be supplied from the drying air supply 80 into the inside of the tub 20 during the drying cycle S5 such that the drying efficiency and sterilization effect on the dishes may be significantly improved compared to a conventional dishwasher.

[0130] In one example, the dishwasher may be configured such that a portion of the airflow supplied to the inside of the tub 20 and moistened while drying the dishes may be discharged to the outside, while the remaining portion thereof may be suctioned into the drying

[0131] air supply 80. The discharge of the airflow may be achieved via partial opening of the door 30 or via a separate air discharge means (not shown).

[0132] A duct 81 for collecting the wet air from the tub 20 may be provided on an outer surface of a left wall 26 or a right wall 27 of the tub 20.

[0133] In one example, the base 90 may provide an accommodation space in which components of the dishwasher 1 such as the sump 41 are accommodated.

[0134] To this end, the base 90 may include an outer peripheral wall defining an outer boundary surface of the accommodation space. More specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 may include a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall.

[0135] Furthermore, the tub 20 may be directly or indirectly supported by the front wall, the rear wall, the left wall, and the right wall of the base 90.

[0136] In one example, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may further include a heat pump system as a means for heating the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0137] The heat pump system may be provided together with the above-described washing water heater 48, or may be provided alone while the washing water heater 48 is absent.

[0138] As will be described later, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be disposed in the inner space of the base 90 in a modularized state.

[0139] In addition, the heat pump system is configured to be modularized into a single module which may be entirely and at-once received into and removed out of the base 90.

[0140] In consideration of this configuration, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be referred to as a heat pump module 100.

[0141] A detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.[Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Module]

[0142] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0143] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 4, the heat pump module 100 may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, an expansion valve 140, and an evaporator 130.

[0145] The compressor 110, the condenser 120, the expansion valve 140, and the evaporator 130 may be sequentially connected to each other via the refrigerant pipe 150, and the refrigerant pipe 150 provides the refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant may flow.

[0146] By way of example, the refrigerant pipe 150 may include a first pipe 151 connecting the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 to each other, a second pipe 152 connecting the condenser 120 and the expansion valve 140 to each other, a third pipe 153 connecting the expansion valve 140 and the evaporator 130 to each other, and a fourth pipe 154 connecting the evaporator 130 and the compressor 110 to each other.

[0147] The refrigerant may function as a working fluid that absorbs heat or releases heat while sequentially circulating through the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the expansion valve 140, and the evaporator 130 such that the phase thereof changes from liquid to gas, or from gas to liquid.

[0148] The compressor 110 serves to compress the refrigerant and discharge the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the first pipe 151.

[0149] The refrigerant may radiate heat of QH while flowing through the condenser 120. The heat discharged from the condenser 120 may be used to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0150] Accordingly, each of flow paths through which each of the refrigerant and the washing water flow may be provided in the condenser 120. The refrigerant may discharge the heat such that the phase changes from gas to a liquid state and thus the refrigerant may exchange the heat with the washing water while flowing through the condenser 120.

[0151] In this regard, the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser 120 may be a mixed gas of a liquid having a very small gas content and a gas, or may be a subcooled liquid.

[0152] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 120 may be expanded while flowing through the expansion valve 140. As a result of the expansion of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant may be lowered, and thus, the refrigerant may become a mixed gas in which the gas and the liquid are mixed with each other.

[0153] The refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve 140 is introduced into the evaporator 130 through the third pipe 153, and exchanges heat with the air in the accommodation space of the base 90 while flowing through the evaporator 130 to absorb heat of QL from the air such that the refrigerant is evaporated, thereby increasing a content of gas in the refrigerant.

[0154] In a state in which the refrigerant has flowed out of the evaporator 130, the refrigerant may become a mixed gas having a very small content of the liquid or a superheated gas.

[0155] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 may be introduced into the compressor 110 again through the fourth pipe 154, and may be compressed in the compressor 110 such that the refrigerant may be converted into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the refrigerant in the liquid state discharged from the evaporator 130 from being introduced into the compressor, the refrigerant having flowed through the fourth pipe 154 may flow through a gas-liquid separator (not shown) and then be introduced into the compressor 110.

[0156] In this order, the refrigerant circulates through the heat pump module 100 to undergo the phase change, and accordingly, the refrigerant may absorb the heat in the evaporator 130 and discharge the heat in the condenser 120.

[0157] In one example, in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, it is preferable to allow a large amount of air to flow toward the evaporator 130. To this end, the heat pump module 100 may further include a blower module 180 for blowing the air toward the evaporator 130 to generate an airflow.

[0158] As will be described later, the blower module 180 may include, for example, a blower fan 181 configured to accelerate the air to generate the airflow, and a blower motor 182 configured to generate a rotational driving force to rotate the blower fan 181.

[0159] In addition, as will be described later, the blower fan 181 and the blower motor 182 together with the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in a heat exchange duct 170 constituting a passage through which the airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130 flows.

[0160] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to be directly installed in the base 90 or to be modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 and the single module may be entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and be entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0161] In FIG. 5 and subsequent drawings thereto, a configuration in which the heat pump module 100 is modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 and the single module is entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and is entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside is illustrated.

[0162] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on the illustrated configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0163] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in order that the heat pump module 100 is modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 and the single module is entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and is entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160 on which at least the compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 are collectively installed.

[0164] The compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be mounted in the base 90 in a state of being directly fastened to the module base 160 and directly supported by the module base 160.

[0165] The module base 160 may be disposed to be in surface contact with a bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90, and may be disposed on the base 90 so as to be directly supported by the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0166] However, the condenser 120 may be configured to be mounted on the module base 160 or to be directly or indirectly fixed to and supported on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 rather than the module base 160.

[0167] Accordingly, the compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be directly mounted onto the module base 160 disposed in the base 90 and thus may be indirectly installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and be indirectly supported thereon.

[0168] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to be entirely and at-once be inserted into and withdrawn out of the base 90 through one open side surface of the base 90 so as to be entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and to be entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside,.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 6, a water jacket 71 may be attached to an outer side surface of the right wall 27 of the example tub 20. The washing water to be supplied to the washing space of the tub 20 during washing and rinsing of the dishes may be stored in the water jacket 71

[0170] In addition, a water softening device 72 for softening the washing water to be supplied to the sump 41 may be disposed under the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 and at a position adjacent to the water jacket 71.

[0171] In consideration of the positional constraint under which the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 are positioned as described above, it is preferable that the heat pump module 100 is constructed to extend from or retract into the inner space of the base 90 through an open area positioned such that the interference of the heat pump module 100 with the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 is minimized.

[0172] To this end, for example, the heat pump module 100 may be constructed to extend from or retract into the accommodation space of the base through the open left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0173] FIG. 6 illustrates an example modularized structure of the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0174] First, the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure may include the compressor 110 that compresses the refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state.

[0175] As illustrated, the compressor 110 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be embodied as a motor-integrated electric compressor in which a compression unit for compressing the refrigerant in a gaseous state and a motor for generating a rotational driving force to be provided to the compression unit are integrated with each other.

[0176] For example, the compressor 110 may be disposed on the module base 160 in a state in which a rotation axis thereof extends in parallel to a vertical direction (U-D direction).

[0177] A fastening tab 112 formed in a flange shape may be provided at a lower end of a compressor body 111 of the compressor 110 so that the compressor body 111 is installed on and fixed to the module base 160 in a standing state.

[0178] The fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110 may be firmly fastened to a fastening boss 164 of a base plate 161 using a fastening means such as a screw bolt or the like.

[0179] In order to reduce vibration or noise generated from the compressor 110, a bumper having a predetermined elasticity may be disposed between the fastening tab 112 and the fastening boss 164.

[0180] In one example, the compressor 110 may be disposed in a space formed between the blower module 180 accommodated in the heat exchange duct 170 and the main control panel 210, and at a position as close as possible to an intake port of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0181] Thus, the compressor 110 may be exposed to the airflow flowing into the intake port 170a of the heat exchange duct 170, such that the cooling effect on the compressor 110 may be improved.

[0182] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0183] By way of example, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be constructed in the form of a double pipe in which a flow path of the washing water and a flow path of the refrigerant are formed together.

[0184] The condenser 120 may be constructed to have a cylindrical outer shape so that both the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant may be effectively formed therein.

[0185] In addition, the condenser 120 may be disposed in and coupled to the base 90 and be oriented such that a left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) thereof is a longitudinal direction such that the condenser 120 is effectively and efficiently received in the accommodation space of the base 90 having a limited dimension in the vertical direction(U-D direction).

[0186] In one example, the condenser 120 having the cylindrical outer shape may be composed of divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0187] More specifically, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a first body 121 in which a water inlet pipe 123 through which the washing water to be heated is introduced is formed.

[0188] As illustrated by way of example, the water inlet pipe 123 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the first body 121 and be integrally formed therewith.

[0189] In addition, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a second body 122 having a water outlet pipe 124 through which the heated washing water is discharged.

[0190] As illustrated by way of example, the water outlet pipe 124 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second body 122 and be integrally formed therewith.

[0191] Although not shown, a washing water pipe 190 may be connected to each of the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124. The washing water pipe 190 may include a first washing water pipe 191 and a second first washing water pipe 192.

[0192] By way of example, one end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

[0193] The other end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the water inlet port or the water outlet port of the above-described washing pump 45.

[0194] That is, the washing water before being pressurized by the washing pump 45 or the washing water pressurized by the washing pump 45 may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the other end of the first washing water pipe 191.

[0195] As the condenser 120 is positioned downstream of the washing pump 45 and connected thereto, the washing water pressurized by the washing pump may be introduced into the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0196] In addition, for example, one end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the second body 122.

[0197] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0198] Accordingly, the heated washing water may be delivered through the second washing water pipe 192 and then the supply flow path switching valve 465 to the sprayer 60.

[0199] In one example, in order to increase the heating efficiency of the washing water or the heat exchange efficiency with the washing water, the water outlet pipe 124 and the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 may be respectively disposed at positions as spaced apart from each other by a maximized spacing along the longitudinal direction of the condenser 120.

[0200] To this end, based on the illustrated state, the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to a front end of the first body 121.

[0201] In addition, the water discharge pipe 124 of the condenser 120 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to a rear end of the second body 122.

[0202] In one example, a condenser refrigerant pipe in which the gaseous refrigerant is phase-converted into the liquid refrigerant may be accommodated into the first body 121 and the second body 122 of the condenser 120.

[0203] By way of example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the front end of the first body 121.

[0204] The condenser refrigerant pipe introduced into the condenser 120 may be formed to have a multilayer structure in which the pipe is bent a plurality of times or a coil structure in which the pipe is wound a plurality of times in order to increase heating efficiency of the washing water or heat exchange efficiency with the washing water.

[0205] In one example, as illustrated, the condenser 120 may be disposed in front of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction).

[0206] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the evaporator 130 into which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 120 is introduced, and in which the liquid refrigerant is phase-changed to the gaseous refrigerant.

[0207] As described above, the evaporator 130 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing therethrough undergoes the phase change while exchanging heat with the airflow of the air in the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0208] Therefore, in a similar manner to the condenser refrigerant pipe received in the condenser, the evaporator 130 may include an evaporator refrigerant pipe formed in a multi-row structure and a multi-layer structure in which the pipe is bent a plurality of times.

[0209] Thus, a heat exchange area of the refrigerant with the airflow to be heat exchanged with the refrigerant may be secured in a maximized manner.

[0210] In one example, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be constructed such that the refrigerant flowing therein may exchange heat with the internal air of the accommodation space of the base 90 or exchange heat with the external air introduced from the outside out of the base 90.

[0211] FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, an embodiment in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 constructed such that the refrigerant flowing therein exchanges heat with the internal air of the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0212] That is, the internal air of the accommodation space of the base 90 may be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the

[0213] evaporator 130 and a heat exchange fin thereof and then be exhausted to the outside out of the base 90.

[0214] In one example, when the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe and the heat exchange fin of the evaporator 130 exchanges the heat with the internal air of the base 90, a flow path or a passage needs to be formed so that the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside therethrough.

[0215] In this regard, along the shortest path, the internal air should flow through the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 and to the outside out of the base 90.

[0216] To this end, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0217] In one example, in order to maximize heat exchange efficiency with the internal air of the base 90, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in a duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 constituting a heat exchange flow path or a heat exchange passage.

[0218] Therefore, in a state in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe and the heat exchange fin are accommodated in the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0219] An air outlet may be formed to pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in a corresponding manner to the duct body 171.

[0220] The airflow heat-exchanged while flowing through the duct body 171 may flow through the outlet and be smoothly exhausted to the outside out of the base 90. In one example, the blower module 180 for accelerating the internal air of the base 90 to generate the airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be disposed inside the duct body 171.

[0221] In this regard, for example, the blower module 180 may include only a single blower fan 181 and a single blower motor 182. Accordingly, an increase in volume of the heat exchange duct 170 and a noise generation amount by the blower fan 181 may be maximally suppressed.

[0222] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the expansion valve 140 disposed between the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0223] In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion valve 140 may be disposed at a position in front of the compressor 110 as a position in which interference thereof with the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 described above may be minimized.

[0224] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the module base 160 on which the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the refrigerant pipe 150 as described above are collectively installed and supported.

[0225] More specifically, as shown, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0226] The compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 may be collectively fixed to an upper surface of the base plate 161, and the compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 may be collectively supported thereon.

[0227] As described above, a plurality of fastening bosses may be formed on the upper surface of the base plate 161 and be integrally formed therewith so that the compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 may be individually fastened to and supported on the base plate.

[0228] The heat pump module 100 may be configured to extend from or retract into the base 90 in a state in which the compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 are collectively fixed to the module base 160.

[0229] In addition, the main control panel 210 functioning as a controller 200 to be described later may be detachably mounted on the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0230] The main control panel 210 controls the operation of the electrical / electronic components by controlling the supply of electric power to the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, the blower motor 182, etc. as the electrical / electronic components.

[0231] Accordingly, in order to minimize the influence from the water jacket 71, the water softening device 72, the sump 41, and the washing pump 45 from which the water may be leaked, the main control panel 210 may be disposed on the left wall 94 of the base 90 at a position as far apart as possible therefrom.

[0232] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the main control panel 210 may extend along an outer edge of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0233] In addition, in order to minimize damage thereto caused by the water leakage, the main control panel 210 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in an upward direction (U-direction).

[0234] However, the heat pump module 100 of the present disclosure may be configured to extend from or retract into the bate 90 through the left wall 94 of the base 90 on which the main control panel 210 is installed.

[0235] Therefore, in consideration of the fact that the main control panel 210 is disposed at a position at which the main control panel 210 interferes with the heat pump module 100 extending from or retracting into the base 90, the main control panel 210 may be constructed to be at least partially mounted on the module base 160 and at least partially supported on the module base 160.

[0236] A pair of installation ribs as a means for supporting and fixing the main control panel 210 may be provided on the module base 160.

[0237] In one example, a lower surface of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be entirely seated on the base 90 in a surface contact state with the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0238] A seat surface to which the base plate 161 is coupled in a surface contact state therewith may be formed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0239] The seat surface of the base 90 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 and an area size corresponding to the area size of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0240] In one example, a guide rib 911 protruding from the bottom surface portion 91 in the upward direction (U-direction) may be integrally formed with and disposed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0241] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide rib 911 may extend along an outer edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0242] In addition, the guide rib 911 may be formed in a barrier shape to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer edge of the base plate 161.

[0243] Therefore, a position at which the heat pump module 100 is mounted may be effectively guided by the guide rib 911 of the base 90.

[0244] In addition, the heat pump module 100 may be effectively prevented from being removed from a correct position by the guide rib 911 of the base 90.

[0245] In addition, a movement direction of the heat pump module 100 may be effectively guided by the guide rib 911 of the base 90 when the heat pump module 100 is horizontally moved in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) so as to be mounted into the base and be removed from the base.[Pipe Connection Structure of Heat Pump Apparatus and Tub]

[0246] Hereinafter, a connection structure of a pipe and a duct between the heat pump module 100 and the tub 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0247] As described above, the condenser 120 may be operated as a heat exchanger that heats the washing water by transferring the heat from the refrigerant to the washing water during the washing cycle and the heating rinsing cycle.

[0248] That is, together with the washing water heater 48, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to act as a heating means for heating the washing water when the washing cycle and the heating rinsing cycle are performed, as described below

[0249] As described above, the condenser 120 may be constructed in the form of a double pipe in which the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant are formed together to form an effective heat exchange structure between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0250] In addition, the condenser 120 may be composed of the divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0251] In addition, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction may include the first body 121 in which the water inlet pipe 123 through which the washing water to be heated is introduced is formed.

[0252] In addition, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction may include the second body 122 in which the water outlet pipe 124 through which the heated washing water is discharged is formed.

[0253] The washing water pipe 190 may be connected to each of the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124.

[0254] One end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

[0255] The other end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the inlet port or the outlet port of the above-described washing pump 45.

[0256] That is, the washing water before being pressurized by the washing pump 45 or the washing water pressurized by the washing pump 45 may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the other end of the first washing water pipe 191.

[0257] As the condenser 120 is positioned downstream of the washing pump 45 and connected thereto, the washing water pressurized by the washing pump may be introduced into the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0258] In addition, for example, one end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the second body 122.

[0259] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0260] Thus, the heated washing water may be transferred through the second washing water pipe 192 and then the supply flow path switching valve 465 to the sprayer 60.

[0261] The washing water transferred to the sprayer 60 is sprayed toward the dishes accommodated in the tub 20, and thus, the washing and rinsing of the dishes may be performed.

[0262] The washing water used for washing the dishes or rinsing the dishes may fall down from the tub 2 and be reintroduced into the sump 4.

[0263] The washing water introduced into the sump 4 may be re-introduced into the washing pump 45.

[0264] The washing water reintroduced into the washing pump 45 may be pressurized by the washing pump 45, and the pressurized washing water may be re-transferred to the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0265] The washing water introduced into the condenser 120 through the water inlet pipe 123 may be re-heated while exchanging the heat with the refrigerant in the condenser refrigerant pipe.

[0266] Through such a circulation process of the washing water, the heated washing water may be used for washing and rinsing the dishes, and the washing water whose the temperature is lowered to a value below an appropriate level in the washing and rinsing process may be transferred back to the condenser 120 and re-heated therein.

[0267] However, in order to effectively perform the washing water heating process through the condenser 120, the amount of heat corresponding to the amount of heat transferred from the condenser 120 to the washing water should be absorbed from the evaporator 130 through the refrigerant by circulating the refrigerant.

[0268] Therefore, in order to ensure the washing water heating effect by the condenser 120 while the circulation of the refrigerant through the compressor 110 continues, the blower module 180 that generates the airflow of the air to be heat-exchanged toward the evaporator 130 should be operated.

[0269] More specifically, the electric power is continuously supplied to the blower motor 182 constituting the blower module 180, so that the blower fan 181 needs to continuously generate the airflow.

[0270] Accordingly, as will be described later, in the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 for driving the blower fan 181 may be controlled to be simultaneously turned on and simultaneously turned off.

[0271] However, as will be described later, the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181 may act as a noise generating source during the operation of the dishwasher, and in

[0272] particular, may act as a main noise generating source according to the progress of the washing course of the dishwasher 1.

[0273] For this reason, the operating conditions of the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181 may be adjusted during the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle in response to the progress of the washing course of the dishwasher 1.

[0274] A detailed configuration in which the operating conditions of the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181 are adjusted during the washing or rinsing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.[Configuration of Controller and Control Method of Dishwasher]

[0275] Hereinafter, the configuration of the controller 200 constituting the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0276] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the controller 200 for controlling each of functional components.

[0277] The controller 200 may be provided in various formats such as a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a control panel, or a microprocessor, as known in the art.

[0278] First, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to the button unit 34 to which a user's manipulation command is input.

[0279] When a user's electric power on / off manipulation input, a user’s washing course selection manipulation, or a user’s option selection manipulation is input to the button unit 34, the button unit 34 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding thereto to the controller 200.

[0280] Upon receiving the electrical signal from= the button unit 34, the controller 200 may be configured to turn on / off the electric power of the dishwasher 1 or control the dishwasher 1 so that individual cycles of the dishwasher 1 are performed according to the selected washing course and the selected operation mode.

[0281] Although not shown, a user's manipulation command may be input through another input means such as a user's wireless terminal in addition to the button unit 34.

[0282] In addition, upon receiving the electrical signal corresponding to the manipulation command for selecting the washing course and the operation mode from the button unit 34, the controller 200 may be configured to turn on the washing pump 45 so that the washing of the dishwasher 1 may be performed according to the selected washing course and the selected operation mode.

[0283] When the washing pump 45 is turned on, the supply and circulation of the washing water for washing or rinsing the dishes may be initiated.

[0284] As will be described later, upon determination that a preset operation time t4 of the washing pump 45 has been reached after the washing pump 45 is turned on and the supply of washing water is started, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the electric power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0285] In addition, as will be described later, the controller 200 may be configured to adjust the amount of electric power to be supplied to the washing pump 45 to adjust a pump rotational speed (RPM) (Revolutions Per Minute) of the washing pump 45 according to the washing mode to be performed during a washing cycle S2 or a heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0286] In addition, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to the washing water heater 48.

[0287] As will be described below, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured such that the washing water is heated through the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed.

[0288] However, as will be described later, the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be intermittently operated while the supply of the washing water and the heating of the washing water are performed in the night mode or the quiet mode.

[0289] In this regard, when the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are intermittently operated, there is a possibility that the completion of the heating of the washing water may be excessively delayed.

[0290] In order to prevent such a delay in the completion of the heating of the washing water, the controller 200 may be configured to supply the electric power to the washing water heater 48 during an idle time duration during which the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are not operated, and control the washing water to be heated using the washing water heater 48.

[0291] That is, the washing water heater 48 may function as an auxiliary means for preventing the delay in the completion of the washing water heating during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 in the night mode or the quiet mode.

[0292] In addition, the controller 200 may be configured to be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the heat pump module 100 for heating the washing water.

[0293] More specifically, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 of the blower module 180 to control the operation of the heat pump module 100.

[0294] The controller 200 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 to heat the washing water when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed to turn on or off the heat pump module 100.

[0295] In this regard, as will be described later, in order to increase the heating efficiency of the washing water and ensure the heat exchange effect thereof with the refrigerant, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn on the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point and simultaneously turn off on the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point.

[0296] In one example, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 200 may be configured to retrieve an operation condition and a time condition corresponding to each washing course and each washing mode pre-stored in the memory from the memory, and use the retrieved operation condition and time condition to generate a control signal for controlling progress and termination of the washing course.

[0297] The operation parameter of each component of the dishwasher 1 are set in the memory to be described later according to a selection option such as adding or excluding a

[0298] washing course and a specific cycle that the user may select, for example by pressing a button through the control panel 32 or the wireless terminal.

[0299] The operation parameters such as an operation time of, an electric power supply amount to, an electric power strength to, an on / off condition, and a washing water flow rate of each of the components such as the heat pump module 100, the washing pump 45, the washing water heater 47, and the water supply 43 of the dishwasher 1 may be set. A set of operation parameters performed according to each washing course may be defined as the operation mode.

[0300] Accordingly, the washing course may mean a 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.

[0301] That is, the user may select the washing course, and the controller 200 of the dishwasher 1 may be configured to control the individual components of the dishwasher 1 to sequentially perform the operation mode corresponding to the selected washing course.

[0302] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the washing course and the operation mode are used separately from each other for detailed description, but may have similar meanings.

[0303] The washing course may be set in various ways, and may be set to a general course, a standard course, a strong course, a delicate course, a half course, an automatic course (half load course, intensive washing only on racks among several racks), a shortened course, a 1hour course, and a night course (quiet course).

[0304] The notation of the name of the washing course may vary depending on the product. In particular, in the 1hour course, the dishwasher operates for a time duration of 1hour or smaller, but may operate for a time duration of 2 hours or smaller in some cases.

[0305] That is, when the user selects the washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to determine the operation mode of the dishwasher 1 corresponding to the selected washing course, and to execute the corresponding washing course according to the parameters preset for the determined operation mode.

[0306] In particular, as will be described later, the operation mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a standard mode or a general mode in which the washing water is heated during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0307] In addition, the operation mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a night mode or a quiet mode in which the washing water is heated during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4

[0308] The standard mode or the general mode may be defined as a mode in which the heated washing water is supplied in the course of each of the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 in a regular washing course such as a general course, a standard course, a strong course, a delicate course, a half course, and an automatic course.

[0309] In another meaning, the standard mode or the general mode may refer to a mode in which a total amount of noise generated in the dishwasher 1 is of little importance.

[0310] The night mode or the quiet mode may be defined as a mode in which the heated washing water is supplied in the course of each of the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 in an irregular washing course other than the general course, the standard course, the strong course, the delicate course, the half course, and the automatic course

[0311] In another meaning, the night mode or the quiet mode may refer to a mode in which the noise generation amount is maintained at the lowest level in consideration of the total noise generation amount generated by the dishwasher 1.

[0312] In FIG. 9, example operating conditions of the washing pump 45 and the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 constituting the heat pump module 100 when the dishwasher operates according to the standard mode or the general mode are disclosed.

[0313] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is started, the controller 200 may be configured to turn on the washing pump 45 for the supply and circulation of the washing water.

[0314] In this regard, a flow load of the washing water is very high at a time point immediately after the supply of the washing water is started.

[0315] Accordingly, the controller 200 may be configured to set the pump rotational speed or the pump frequency of the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11.

[0316] In this regard, as shown in FIG. 10, a time range for which the washing pump 45 operates at the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11 may be a first time interval t1 to t2.

[0317] In one example, when the flow load of the washing water decreases over time after the operation of the washing pump 45 is started, the controller 200 may be configured to change the pump rotational speed of the washing pump 45 from the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11 to the middle pump rotational speed (RPM), and again from the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) to the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM).

[0318] As shown in FIG. 10, the time range for which the washing pump 45 operates at the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) may be a second time interval t2 to t3.

[0319] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the time range for which the washing pump 45 operates at the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) may be a third time interval t3 to t4.

[0320] In one example, when the operation of the washing pump 45 is started, in order to heat the washing water through the condenser 120, the controller 200 may be configured to supply the electric power to each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 to turn on each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182.

[0321] However, as shown in FIG. 9, when the compressor 110 operates at the middle compressor rotational speed (RPM) V22 or the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) or the blower motor 182 operates at the middle motor rotational speed (RPM) V32 or the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) for the first time interval t1 to t2 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11, the amount of noise generated from the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181 may be lowered, while the washing water heating efficiency and heat exchange efficiency with the washing water may be deteriorated.

[0322] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for the first time interval t1 to t2 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11, the controller 200 may be configured to control the compressor 110 to operate at the highest compressor

[0323] rotational speed (RPM) V21 and control the blower motor 182 to operate at the highest motor rotational speed (RPM) V31.

[0324] When, as described above, the compressor 110 operates at the highest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V21 and the blower motor 182 operates at the highest motor rotational speed (RPM) V31, the amount of noise generated from each of the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181 may be maximized, but does not act as a main source of the total noise generated from the dishwasher 1.

[0325] That is, for the first time interval t1 to t2, the falling-down noise or the collision noise of the washing water generated as the washing pump 45 operates at the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) V11 acts as the main noise source.

[0326] In one example, when the compressor 110 operates at the highest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V21 or the blower motor 182 operates at the highest motor rotational speed (RPM) V31 for the second time interval t2 to t3 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the middle pump rotational speed (RPM), the temperature of the washing water may be increased to value higher than an appropriate level, so that the electric power efficiency may deteriorate or the main noise source may be converted into the operation of each of the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181.

[0327] In addition, when the compressor 110 operates at the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23 or the blower motor 182 operates at the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33 for the second time interval t2 to t3 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the middle pump rotational speed (RPM), the amount of noise may be lowered, but the washing water heating efficiency and the heat exchange efficiency with the washing water may be deteriorated.

[0328] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for the second time interval t2 to t3 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) V12, the controller 200 may be configured to control the compressor 110 to operate at the middle compressor rotational speed (RPM) V22 and the blower motor 182 to operate at the middle motor rotational speed (RPM) V32.

[0329] Furthermore, when the compressor 110 operates at the highest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V21 or the middle compressor rotational speed (RPM) V22 or the

[0330] blower motor 182 operates at the highest motor rotational speed (RPM) V31 or the middle motor rotational speed (RPM) V32 for the third time interval t3 to t4 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the lowest RPM, the temperature of the washing water may be increased to a value higher than an appropriate level, and thus there is a possibility that the electric power efficiency is deteriorated or the main noise source is converted into the operation of each of the compressor 110 and the blower fan 181.

[0331] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for the third time interval t3 to t4 for which the washing pump 45 operates at the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) V13, the controller 200 may be configured to control the compressor 110 to operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23 and to control the blower motor 182 to operate at the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33.

[0332] In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, for the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45, the controller 200 may be configured to control the washing pump 45 to operate at the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) V13, control the compressor 110 to operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23, and control the blower motor 182 to operate at the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33 such that the dishwasher operates in the night mode or the quiet mode.

[0333] As described above, each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 operates at the lowest RPM level during the night mode or the quiet mode, so that the total amount of noise generated from the dishwasher 1 may be maintained at the lowest level.

[0334] Thus, the user's discomfort due to noise generation may be resolved and the user's emotion may be improved.

[0335] In this regard, as in the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be maintained to be the same as the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45.

[0336] Furthermore, in a different manner as the above manner, as in the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the entire operation time duration of each of the compressor

[0337] 110 and the blower motor 182 may be set to be different from the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45.

[0338] For example, the entire operation time duration t1 to t1.1, t2 to t2.1, and t3 to t3.1 of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be set to be smaller than or equal to 1 / 2 of the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45.

[0339] For example, each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be intermittently operated while the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are repeatedly turned on and off for the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45.

[0340] FIG. 12 shows an example configuration in which each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 is repeatedly and intermittently operated three times for the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45. However, this is merely an example, and the number of repeated operation times and the repeated operation time interval of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be set to vary according to the capacity of the washing water and the heating load of the washing water.

[0341] In one example, when each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 is repeatedly and intermittently operated as described above, there is a possibility that the heating time duration for which the washing water is heated may be excessively increased and thus the completion of the heating of the washing water may be excessively delayed..

[0342] In order to prevent such increase in the heating time duration of the washing water and thus such delay in completion of the washing water heating, the controller 200 may be configured to control the washing water heater 48 to heat the washing water by supplying electric power to the washing water heater 48 during idle time durations t1.1 to t2 and t2.1 to t3 for which each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 does not operate.

[0343] In one example, an option for each washing course may be additionally set. The option may include setting of an operation time duration of a drying cycle, whether a storage mode operates after the entire cycle operation or in a separate course, notification on / off, etc.

[0344] Furthermore, as described above, the memory may store therein information on the entire operating time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45 when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed.

[0345] In addition, the memory may store therein information on the first time interval t1 to t2 for which each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 operates at the highest operating rotational speed or the highest operating frequency.

[0346] In addition, the memory may store therein information on the second time interval t2 to t3 for which each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 operates at the middle operating rotational speed or the middle operating frequency.

[0347] In addition, the memory may store therein information on the third time interval t3 to t4 for which each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 operates at the lowest operating rotational speed or the lowest operating frequency.

[0348] In addition, information on time points t1, t2, and t3 at which the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are turned on or time points t1.1, t2.1, and t3.1 at which the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are turned off in the night mode or the quiet mode may be stored in the memory.

[0349] In addition, the controller 200 may be configured to measure an elapsed time duration of each cycle and each of the first time interval t1 to t2 to the third time interval t3 to t4 using a timer, and compare the measurement with the time condition for each cycle pre-stored in the memory, and determine whether each cycle is completed and whether to stop the operation of each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182, based on the comparing result.

[0350] In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the cycles may include a preliminary washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, a rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and the drying cycle S5.

[0351] Hereinafter, a control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

[0352] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the controller 200 controls the overall progress of the washing course of the dishwasher 1, which is performed in the order of the pre-washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, the rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and the drying cycle S5.

[0353] The pre-washing cycle S1 refers to a cycle in which the washing pump 45 operates to circulate the washing water in a state in which detergent is not injected from the detergent supply device, and the amount of contamination is measured through a turbidity sensor (not shown) provided in the sump 41. The washing cycle S2 refers to a cycle in which in a state in which the detergent is injected from the detergent supply device, the heated washing water is circulated to wash the dishes.

[0354] In the rinsing cycle S3 and the heating rinsing cycle S4, in a state in which a rinsing agent is injected from the detergent supply device, the washing water is circulated to remove the detergent remaining on the dishes.

[0355] When the rinsing cycle S3 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 are performed, the dishes may be heated to a predetermined temperature by supplying the heated washing water thereto.

[0356] Accordingly, in the drying cycle S5 to be performed after the completion of the rinsing cycle S3 and the heating rinsing cycle S4, the drying efficiency of the dishes may be improved and the drying time duration may be shortened.

[0357] Each of these detailed cycles may be omitted, or these detailed cycles may be combined with each other so as to be executed in a duplicate manner according to the selected washing course setting and option.

[0358] In this regard, a drainage cycle of the washing water used during each of the cycles and a water supply cycle of supplying new washing water to be used during each of the cycles may be included between the cycles.

[0359] Before the preliminary washing cycle S1, a water supply cycle may be performed.

[0360] The drainage cycle and the water supply cycle may be performed between the preliminary washing cycle S1 and the washing cycle S2, between the washing cycle S2 and the rinsing cycle S3, and between the heating rinsing cycle S4 and the rinsing cycle S3. The drainage cycle may be performed between the heating rinsing cycle S4 and the drying cycle S5.

[0361] The water supply cycle may be performed by controlling an aqua stop (not shown) provided in the water supply 43 to supply the washing water to the sump 41 through the water supply flow path, and the drainage cycle may be performed by controlling the water discharger 44 connected to the sump 41 to drain the washing water to the outside out of the dishwasher 1 through the water discharge flow path.

[0362] In this regard, as described above, these detailed cycles may be combined with each other or a washing course consisting of only one cycle may be performed based on the user's option selection.

[0363] FIG. 14 illustrates a control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure, and steps of the control method performed in the washing cycle S2 are illustrated by way of example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the contents as described below may be applied substantially identically to the heating rinsing cycle S4 in which the supply of the washing water and the heating of the washing water are performed together.

[0364] As illustrated, the control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a step S21 of checking a washing course that is currently being executed before the operation of the washing pump 45 is started for the execution of the washing cycle S2.

[0365] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the step S21 of checking the washing course which is currently being executed before the start of the operation of the washing pump 45 may include a step S211 of retrieving information about the washing course selected by the user from the memory and checking the retrieved information about the washing course.

[0366] In addition, the step S21 of checking the washing course currently being executed before the start of the operation of the washing pump 45 may include a step S212 of determining whether the night mode or the quiet mode is included in the information on the washing course as retrieved and checked in the step S211.

[0367] In addition, the control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include adjusting an operating condition of the heat pump module 100 according to a pump rotational speed (RPM) condition of the washing pump 45 set in a corresponding manner to the checked washing course currently being executed in the step S21,

[0368] and controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition in S22.

[0369] FIG. 16 illustrates detailed steps of controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition in S22.

[0370] Referring to FIG. 16, the step S22 of controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include a step S221 of supplying the electric power to the washing pump 45 to operate the washing pump 45 at a preset initial pump rotational speed V11 upon determination that the checked washing course currently being executed does not include the night mode or the quiet mode in the step S212 of determining whether the checked washing course currently being executed includes the quiet mode.

[0371] In this regard, the washing course that does not include the night mode or the quiet mode may be a washing course that includes the standard mode or the general mode.

[0372] In this regard, the initial pump rotational speed V11 may be the highest pump rotational speed (RPM) as described above.

[0373] In addition, the step S22 of controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include a step S222 of supplying the electric power to each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 to operate the compressor at a preset initial compressor rotational speed V21 and operate the blower module 180 at a preset initial motor rotational speed V31.

[0374] In this regard, the initial compressor rotational speed V21 may be the highest compressor rotational speed (RPM) as described above.

[0375] In addition, the initial motor rotational speed V31 may be the highest motor PRM as described above.

[0376] In addition, the electric power supply to the compressor 110 and the electric power supply to the blower motor 182 may be simultaneously started in the step S222, and as described above, the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be simultaneously turned on.

[0377] In addition, in FIG. 15, it may be interpreted that the step S222 is performed after the step S221. However, the step S222 and the step S221 may be performed simultaneously as described above.

[0378] That is, the time point t1 at which the washing pump 45 is turned on may be set to be the same as the time point t1 at which the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are turned on.

[0379] In one example, the step S22 of controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include a step S223 of determining whether the pump rotational speed (RPM) of the washing pump 45 has been changed from the initial pump rotational speed (RPM) V11 after the step S222.

[0380] As described above, when the first time interval t1 to t2 has elapsed after the turn-on time-point t1 of the washing pump 45 during the washing course in the standard mode or the normal mode, the pump rotational speed of the washing pump 45 is adjusted to the middle pump rotational speed V12.

[0381] Accordingly, when it is identified that the pump rotational speed of the washing pump 45 has been changed to the middle pump rotational speed V12 after the first time interval t1 to t2 has elapsed after the turn-on time point t1 of the washing pump 45 in the step S223, a step S224 of adjusting the compressor rotational speed and the motor rotational speed to the middle compressor rotational speed V22 and the middle motor rotational speed V32 in proportion to the change amount V11-V12 of the pump rotational speed, respectively, and controlling the compressor and the blower motor to operate at the middle compressor rotational speed V22 and the middle motor rotational speed V32, respectively may be performed.

[0382] In this regard, the rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor and the rotational speed (RPM) of the motor may be adjusted in proportion to the amount of change in the rotational speed (RPM) of the pump.

[0383] That is, the compressor rotational speed (RPM) may be adjusted from the initial compressor rotational speed (RPM) V21 to the middle compressor rotational speed (RPM) V22 in a proportional manner to the change amount V11-V12 of the pump rotational speed (RPM).

[0384] In addition, the motor rotational speed (RPM) may be adjusted from the initial motor rotational speed (RPM) V31 to the middle motor rotational speed (RPM) V32 in a proportional manner to the change amount V11-V12 of the pump rotational speed (RPM).

[0385] In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the motor constituting the washing pump 45, the electric motor constituting the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 constituting the blower module 180 may be provided as a motor in a form in which the rotational speed (RPM) may be precisely adjusted. Thus, there is a practical limitation in terms of economics.

[0386] More specifically, when designing the actual product of the dishwasher 1, the product is generally set such that each of the motor constituting the washing pump 45, the electric motor of the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 operates at a specific rotational speed (RPM) according to a specific mode and a progress of a specific cycle.

[0387] That is, the rotational speed (RPM) value at which each of these motors constituting one dishwasher 1 operates is generally limited, and thus, the highest or maximum value and the lowest or minimum value thereof may be present within a limited range.

[0388] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the range of the rotational speed (RPM) of each of these motors may be divided into the high RPM, the middle RPM, and the low RPM. The rotational speed (RPM) of each of these motors being changed to a relatively low value or changed to a high value in a corresponding manner to each of the high RPM, the middle RPM, and the low RPM may be expressed as being changed in a proportional manner thereto.

[0389] The highest RPM and the lowest RPM may be limited and there may be multiple levels of RPM as the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) therebetween. In this regard, when the precise control of the RPM is realized, only the lowest and highest values may be set and the rotational speed (RPM) value may be freely set within the range therebetween.

[0390] In one example, as each of the compressor rotational speed (RPM) and the motor rotational speed (RPM) may be adjusted in a proportional manner to the change amount V11-V12 of the pump rotational speed (RPM) as described above, the total amount of noise obtained by summing the falling-down noise or the collision noise of the washing water, the

[0391] operation noise of the compressor 110, and the operation noise of the blower fan 181 may be reduced.

[0392] In one example, the step S22 of controlling the heat pump module 100 to operate according to the adjusted operating condition may include a step S225 of changing the operating condition of the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) V13 after the step S224.

[0393] As described above, during the washing course in the standard mode or the normal mode, when the pump rotational speed (RPM) of the washing pump 45 is adjusted to the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) V12 and then the second time interval t2 to t3 has elapsed, the pump rotational speed (RPM) of the washing pump 45 is adjusted to the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) V13.

[0394] Accordingly, when it is identified that the pump rotational speed (RPM) of the washing pump 45 has been changed to the lowest pump rotational speed (RPM) V13 as the second time interval t2 to t3 has elapsed after the pump rotational speed (RPM) of the washing pump 45 has been adjusted to the middle pump rotational speed (RPM) V12 in the step S225, a step S226 of adjusting the compressor rotational speed (RPM) and the motor rotational speed (RPM) to the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33 in proportion to the amount of change V12-V13 in the pump rotational speed (RPM), respectively, and controlling the compressor and the blower motor to operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33, respectively may be performed.

[0395] In this regard, each of the rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor and the rotational speed (RPM) of the motor may be adjusted in proportion to the amount of change in the rotational speed (RPM) of the pump.

[0396] That is, the compressor rotational speed (RPM) may be adjusted from the middle compressor rotational speed (RPM) V22 to the lowest compressor rotational speed (RPM) V23 in a proportional manner to the change amount V12-V13 of the pump rotational speed (RPM).

[0397] In addition, the motor rotational speed (RPM) may be adjusted from the middle motor rotational speed (RPM) V32 to the lowest motor rotational speed (RPM) V33 in proportional to the change amount V12-V13 of the pump rotational speed (RPM).

[0398] In this regard, in the adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 in S226, the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be maintained to be the same as the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45, or the entire operation time duration of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be set to be different from the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45.

[0399] FIG. 16 illustrates detailed steps of S226 in which the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 is maintained to be the same as the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45 according to a first embodiment.

[0400] Referring to FIG. 16, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the first embodiment may include a step S2261a of starting the operation of the compressor 110 at the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 or changing the RPM thereof to the lowest compressor rotational speed V23, and starting the operation of the blower motor 182 at the lowest motor rotational speed V33 or changing the RPM thereof to the lowest motor rotational speed V33.

[0401] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the first embodiment may include a step S2262a of continuously maintaining the operation of the washing pump 45 at the lowest pump rotational speed V13 for the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 after the step S2261a.

[0402] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the first embodiment may include a step S2263a of continuously maintaining the operating condition of the compressor 110 at the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and maintaining the

[0403] operating condition of the blower motor 182 at the lowest motor rotational speed V33 for the entire operating time duration t1 to t4 after the step S2262a.

[0404] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the first embodiment may include a step S2264a of determining whether the preset operation time t4 of the washing pump 45 has been reached using the timer after the step S2263a.

[0405] In this regard, upon determination that the predetermined operation time t4 of the washing pump 45 has been reached in the step S2264a, the operation of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be stopped in S2265a.

[0406] In this regard, the electric power supplied to each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be cut off at S2265a, so that the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be simultaneously turned off.

[0407] In one example, FIG. 17 illustrates detailed steps of S226 in which the entire operating time duration of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 is set to be different from the entire operating time duration t1 to t4 of the washing pump 45 according to a second embodiment.

[0408] Referring to FIG. 17, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second embodiment may include a step S2261b of starting the operation of the compressor 110 at the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 or changing the RPM thereof to the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and starting the operation of the blower motor 182 at the lowest motor rotational speed V33 or changing the RPM thereof to the lowest motor rotational speed V33.

[0409] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second embodiment may include a step S2262b of continuously maintaining the operation of the washing pump 45 at the lowest pump rotational speed V13 for the entire operation time duration t1 to t4 after the step S2261b.

[0410] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second

[0411] embodiment may include a step S2263b of maintaining the operating condition of the compressor 110 at the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and maintaining the operating condition of the blower motor 182 at the lowest motor rotational speed V33 for a preset time duration t1 to t1.1 after the step S2262b.

[0412] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second embodiment may include a step S2264b of stopping the operation of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 by cutting off the electric power supply to each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 upon determination that the preset time duration t1 to t1.1 has elapsed after the step S2263b.

[0413] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second embodiment may include a step S2265b of resuming the electric power supply to each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 after the lapse of a predetermined idle time duration t1.1 to t2, thereby starting the re-operation of the compressor 110 at the lowest compressor rotational speed V23, and starting the re-operation of the blower motor 182 at the lowest motor rotational speed V33.

[0414] Next, the step S226 of adjusting the RPM to each of the lowest compressor rotational speed V23 and the lowest motor rotational speed V33 according to the second embodiment may include a step S2266b of determining whether the predetermined entire operation time duration t1 to t4 has elapsed using the timer after the step S2265b.

[0415] Upon determination in the step S2266b that the preset entire operation time duration t1 to t4 has not elapsed, the process returns to the step S2262b, and the subsequent steps may be repeatedly performed.

[0416] In one example, upon determination in the step S2266b that the predetermined entire operation time duration t1 to t4 has elapsed, the operation of each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be stopped in S2267b.

[0417] In this regard, in the step S2267b, the electric power supplied to each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be cut off, so that the

[0418] washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182 may be simultaneously turned off.

[0419] Through these steps, the operational rotational speeds (RPM) of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be respectively maintained at the lowest rotational speeds (RPM) V23 and V33 for the preset time durations t1 to t1.1, t2 to t2.1, and t3 to t3.1, and the operation of each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 may be stopped for the preset rest time durations t1.1 to t2 and t2.1 to t3. In this manner, the operation and stop thereof may be repeatedly performed in an intermittent manner.

[0420] As, as described above, each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 is repeatedly and intermittently operated according to the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the heating time duration for which the washing water is heated may be excessively increased, and thus the completion of the heating thereof may be excessively delayed.

[0421] In order to prevent the increase in the washing water heating time duration, thus, the delay in the completion of the heating thereof, a step of heating the washing water through the washing water heater 48 by supplying the electric power to the washing water heater 48 during the idle time durations t1.1 to t2 and t2.1 to t3 for which each of the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 does not operate may be further included.

[0422] In one example, upon determination that the checked washing course currently being executed in the above-described step S212 includes the quiet mode or the night mode, the process proceeds to the above-described step S225, and the above-described step after the step S225 may be performed.

[0423] That is, upon determination that the checked washing course currently being executed in the step S212 includes the quiet mode or the night mode, the supply of the washing water and the heating of the washing water may be performed according to the lowest rotational speed (RPM) from the turn-on time point t1 of each of the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, and the blower motor 182.

[0424] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in a various manner within

[0425] the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments as disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. In addition, even though an effect of a configuration of the present disclosure is not explicitly described in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure above, it is obvious that the predictable effect from the configuration should be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a sump storing therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; a washing pump configured to pressurize washing water to be supplied to the tub; a heat pump module including: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor; an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a blower module configured to generate airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator; and a controller configured to determine a pump rotational speed of the washing pump based on a selected washing course, wherein the controller is configured to: adjust an operating condition of the heat pump module based on a pump rotational speed condition of the washing pump set in a corresponding manner to the selected washing course; and control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:before the heat pump module operates according to the adjusted operating condition, determine whether the selected washing course includes a quiet mode.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the controller further configured to determine whether the selected washing course includes the quiet is configured to: check the selected washing course; and determine whether the selected washing course includes the quiet mode.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition is further configured to: upon determination that the selected washing course does not include the quiet mode, control the washing pump to operate at a preset initial pump rotational speed; and control the compressor to operate at a preset initial compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset initial motor rotational speed.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition is further configured to: after the compressor and the blower module respectively start to operate at the initial compressor rotational speed and the initial motor rotational speed, determine whether the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed; and upon determination that the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed, adjust each of a rotational speed of the compressor and a rotational speed of the motor in proportion to a change amount in the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein each of the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the motor is adjusted in direct proportion to the change amount of the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

7. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition is further configured to: upon determination that the selected washing course includes the quiet mode, control the washing pump to operate at a preset lowest pump rotational speed.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the controller configured to control the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition is further configured to: in response to that the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed, control the compressor to operate at a preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset lowest motor rotational speed.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the controller configured to control the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed is further configured to: control the compressor to continuously operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to continuously operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed for the same time duration as a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

10. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the controller configured to control the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed is further configured to: control the compressor and the blower module such that a first process in which the compressor and the blower module operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed and the lowest motor rotational speed, respectively, for a predefined time duration, and a second process of stopping the compressor and the blower module are repeatedly and alternately performed, wherein the predefined time duration is shorter than a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

11. A method for controlling a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher includes: a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a sump storing therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; a washing pump configured to pressurize washing water to be supplied to the tub; and a heat pump module including: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor; an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a blower module configured to generate airflow to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator, wherein the method comprises: adjusting an operating condition of the heat pump module based on a pump rotational speed condition of the washing pump set in a corresponding manner to the selected washing course; and controlling the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition.

12. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: before the heat pump module operates according to the adjusted operating condition, determining whether the selected washing course includes a quiet mode.

13. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the determining of whether the selected washing course includes the quiet includes: checking the selected washing course; and determining whether the selected washing course includes the quiet mode.

14. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition includes: upon determination that the selected washing course does not include the quiet mode, controlling the washing pump to operate at a preset initial pump rotational speed; and controlling the compressor to operate at a preset initial compressor rotational speed and controlling the blower module to operate at a preset initial motor rotational speed.

15. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 14, wherein the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition includes: after the compressor and the blower module respectively start to operate at the initial compressor rotational speed and the initial motor rotational speed, determining whether the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed; and upon determination that the pump rotational speed of the washing pump has been changed, adjusting each of a rotational speed of the compressor and a rotational speed of the motor in proportion to a change amount in the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

16. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 15, wherein each of the rotational speed of the compressor and the rotational speed of the motor is adjusted in direct proportion to the change amount of the pump rotational speed of the washing pump.

17. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition includes: upon determination that the selected washing course includes the quiet mode, controlling the washing pump to operate at a preset lowest pump rotational speed.

18. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the controlling of the heat pump module to operate according to the adjusted operating condition includes: in response to that the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed, controlling the compressor to operate at a preset lowest compressor rotational speed and control the blower module to operate at a preset lowest motor rotational speed.

19. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 18, wherein the controlling of the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and the controlling the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed includes: controlling the compressor to continuously operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and controlling the blower module to continuously operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed for the same time duration as a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

20. The method for controlling the dishwasher of claim 18, wherein the controlling of the compressor to operate at the preset lowest compressor rotational speed and the controlling of the blower module to operate at the preset lowest motor rotational speed includes: controlling the compressor and the blower module such that a first process in which the compressor and the blower module operate at the lowest compressor rotational speed and the lowest motor rotational speed, respectively, for a predefined time duration, and a second process of stopping the compressor and the blower module are repeatedly and alternately performed, wherein the predefined time duration is shorter than a time duration for which the washing pump operates at the lowest pump rotational speed.

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