dishwasher

Abstract

Disclosed is a dishwasher which is configured to generate a plurality of washing water heating modes using a heat pump module, a washing water heater or a combination thereof as a heating source according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow a user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.

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, and No. 10-2025-0032609, filed on March 13, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0042750, filed on April 02, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0132328, filed on September 16, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0095112, filed on July 15, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher which is configured to generate a plurality of washing water heating modes using a heat pump module, a washing water heater or a combination thereof as a heating source according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow a user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.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 employing a heat pump apparatus instead of the electric heater as the heating means or employing both the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater as the heating means 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, each of German Patent No. 10-2013-102157 (Prior Document 001), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120167920 (Prior Document 002), and European Patent No. 2064982 (Prior Document 003) disclose a configuration of a dishwasher including the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater as the heating source for heating the washing water.Prior Art LiteraturePatent Document

[0010] (Patent Document 001) German Patent No. 10-2013-102157

[0011] (Patent Document 002) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120167920

[0012] (Patent Document 003) European Patent No. 2064982SUMMARY

[0013] However, the dishwasher disclosed in the above-described prior documents has a configuration in which washing water is heated via simultaneous operation or sequential operation of the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater, but is not configured to be able to set various washing water heating modes according to a user's demand or a user's request.

[0014] Therefore, there is a problem that the dishwasher disclosed in the above-described prior documents does not take into account the user's convenience.

[0015] Accordingly, the dishwasher disclosed in the prior documents is configured such that while one washing water heating mode generated using the heat pump apparatus, the electric heater, or a combination thereof is being executed, switching to another washing water heating mode is impossible.

[0016] Therefore, the user's intention to switch to the energy saving mode or the rapid heating mode while a washing process is being executed according to a specific washing water heating mode is not realized, thereby causing inconvenience to the user.

[0017] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. Thus, a first purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured to generate a plurality of washing water heating modes using a heat pump module, a washing water heater or a combination thereof as a heating source according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow a user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.

[0018] In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is able to be switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention, thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater; and a heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater is selected as a heating source for heating the washing water, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

[0021] Further, the washing water heating mode may be one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

[0022] Further, each of the at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater selected as the heating source for heating the washing water may have each of an operation start time point and an operation stop time point set to vary depending on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

[0023] Further, while the washing water is being heated using one of the heat pump module and the washing water heater, the heating source for heating the washing water may be switched from the one to the other thereof or a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater at a heating-source switching time point.

[0024] Further, the heating-source switching time point may be set to vary based on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

[0025] Further, the heating-source switching time point in the rapid washing water heating mode is earlier than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode.

[0026] Further, the heating-source switching time point in the energy saving mode may be later than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode.

[0027] Further, while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

[0028] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater may be selected as the heating source. In this case, the washing water may be heated using the heat pump module while an operation of the washing water heater is stopped until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature. Further, the washing water may be heated using the washing water heater and an operation of the heat pump module is stopped until the washing water temperature reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0029] Further, in response to that the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped.

[0030] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode, the heat pump module may be selected as the heating source, and an operation of the washing water heater may be stopped.

[0031] Further, the washing water may be heated using the heat pump module until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0032] Further, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

[0033] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the rapid washing water heating mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater may be selected as the heating source.

[0034] Further, the washing water may be heated using both the heat pump module and the washing water heater until the washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0035] Further, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

[0036] 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 heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump; and a washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater, wherein whether to operate the washing water heater, a time point at which the operation of the washing water heater is started, and a time point at which the operation thereof is stopped are set to vary, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

[0037] Further, the washing water heating mode may be one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

[0038] Further, while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

[0039] Further, a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach a target temperature in the rapid washing water heating mode may be a first value, wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the general mode may be a second value greater than the first value, wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the energy saving mode may be a third value greater than the second value.

[0040] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, power may be first supplied to the heat pump module to start an operation of the heat pump module, and then, power may be supplied to the washing water heater to start the operation of the washing water heater.

[0041] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode, only the heat pump module may be supplied with power such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and the washing water heater may be maintained in a turned-off state while the washing water is heated. Alternatively, power is first supplied only to the heat pump module such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and, subsequently, the operation of the washing water heater is started.

[0042] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the rapid washing water heating mode, power may be simultaneously supplied to both the heat pump module and the washing water heater so that the washing water may be heated in a state in which the operation of the heat pump module and the operation of the washing water heater are simultaneously started. Alternatively, the operation of the washing water heater may be started by supplying power only to the washing water heater and, subsequently, the operation of the heat pump module may be started.

[0043] The dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured to generate the plurality of washing water heating modes according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow the user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.

[0044] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is able to be switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention, thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[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 as shown in FIG. 5 or a washing water heater 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 time-temperature graph for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in a standard mode or a general mode according to a first embodiment of the dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGS. 10A and 10B are time-temperature graphs for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in an energy saving mode according to a second-first embodiment and a second-second embodiment of the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, respectively.

[0056] FIGS. 11A and 11B are time-temperature graphs for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in a rapid heating mode in the dishwasher according to a third-first embodiment and a third-second embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0057] FIGS. 12 to 17 are flowcharts for illustrating steps of a control method performed by a controller illustrated in FIG. 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 interpretation of numerical values, an error or tolerance therein may occur even when there is no explicit description thereof.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Overall structure of dishwasher.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0091] Although not shown, a washing water heater 48 may be provided in the washing pump 45 and be configured to heat the washing water supplied to the tub 20 during a washing cycle or a heat rinsing cycle.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In one example, the door 30 is constructed to open / close the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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. The button unit 34 may be provided in a form of a physical button or may be provided in the form of a user interface on the above-described display 33.

[0118] 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 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 constituting an inner side surface of the door 30.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] A detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Module.

[0137] 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.

[0138] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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. As will be described below, the condenser 120 may be selected as a heating source for heating the washing water alone or together with the washing water heater 48 provided in the washing pump 45 based on the washing water heating mode.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on the illustrated configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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,.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] FIG. 6 illustrates an example modularized structure of the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] Thus, the compressor 110 may be exposed to the airflow flowing into the intake port of the heat exchange duct 170, such that the cooling effect on the compressor 110 may be improved.

[0177] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] In one example, the condenser 120 having the cylindrical outer shape may be composed of divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] By way of example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the front end of the first body 121.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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).

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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 evaporator 130 and a heat exchange fin thereof and then be exhausted to the outside out of the base 90.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] An air outlet may be formed between a pair of pillars 9311 and may pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in a corresponding manner to the duct body 171.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] More specifically, as shown, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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).

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] As described above, the condenser 120 may be operated or a heat exchanger or a heating means that heats the washing water by transferring the heat from the refrigerant to the washing water during a washing cycle S2 and a heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0242] That is, 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 alone or together with the washing water heater 48, when the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 are performed, as described below.

[0243] 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.

[0244] In addition, the condenser 120 may be composed of the divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] The washing water pipe 190 may be connected to each of the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124.

[0248] One end of the first washing water pipe191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0254] 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.

[0255] The high temperature 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] The washing water introduced into the sump 4 may be re-introduced into the washing pump 45.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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 washing water heater 48 or the condenser 120 and re-heated therein.

[0261] In this regard, according to the present disclosure to be described below, one of the washing water heater 48 and the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may operate as a single heating source to heat the washing water alone or washing water heater 48 and the condenser 120 may simultaneously operate to heat the washing water, based on the washing water heating mode selected from among a plurality of washing water heating modes.

[0262] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while a specific washing water heating mode among the plurality of washing water heating modes is being executed, the specific washing water heating mode is switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention.

[0263] A detailed configuration of the plurality of washing water heating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.Configuration of Controller and Control Method of Dishwasher.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] First, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the button unit 34 to which a user's manipulation command is input.

[0268] As described above, the button unit 34 may be provided in the form of a physical button or may be provided in the form of a user interface on the above-described display 33.

[0269] When a user's electric power on / off manipulation input, a user’s washing course selection manipulation, a user’s option selection manipulation or a user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation is input to the button unit 34, the button unit 34 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding thereto to the controller 200.

[0270] In response to that the user's electric power on / off manipulation input, the user’s washing course selection manipulation, the user’s option selection manipulation or the user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation is input to the button unit 34, visual information corresponding thereto may be displayed on the display 33.

[0271] In particular, as in the related art, the display 33 may further display information about the user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation.

[0272] 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.

[0273] In particular, the operation mode may include the plurality of washing water heating modes that proceed during the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4, as will be described later.

[0274] 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.

[0275] In addition, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the washing pump 45.

[0276] Upon receiving the electrical signal corresponding to the manipulation command for selecting the washing course and the washing water heating 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] When the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 are performed, at least one of the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 may be selected as the heating source according to the selected washing water heating mode, in conjunction with the operation of the washing pump 45. Thus, the heating of the washing water may be performed according to the selected washing water heating mode.

[0279] As will be described later, in response to that the washing water temperature reaches a preset first target temperature T1 from an initial temperature T0 after the washing pump 45 is turned on such that the supply of the washing water is started, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0280] In this regard, even after the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1, the heating of the washing water using the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 may be continuously further performed, such that a steam generation process may be performed.

[0281] In addition, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the washing water heater 48.

[0282] As will be described below, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the washing water is heated using at least one of the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed.

[0283] As will be described later, the washing water is heated using at least one of the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 according to the selection of the washing water heating mode.

[0284] In this regard, the washing water heater 48 may be embodied as an electric heater having a higher heating capacity than that of the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0285] In one example, the washing water heater 48 may include a sheath heater having excellent heating efficiency and easy control of the heating amount.

[0286] Therefore, as described below, the washing water heater 48 may be used alone or in combination with the heat pump module 100, as a heating source for shortening a heating time point taken to reach the first target temperature T1 or a second target temperature T2.

[0287] 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.

[0288] More specifically, the controller 200 may 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.

[0289] In order to heat the washing water when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed, the controller 200 may be configured to control the electric power to be supplied to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182, such that the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are turned on or off.

[0290] In this regard, 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 both the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point and, at the same time, turn off on the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point.

[0291] In one example, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to a temperature sensor ST.

[0292] The temperature sensor ST is configured to measure the temperature of the washing water, and to generate an electrical signal including information on the washing water temperature and transmit the generated electrical signal to the controller 200.

[0293] To this end, the temperature sensor ST may be disposed on the washing pump 45, the tub 20, the sump 41, or the washing water supply flow path.

[0294] As will be described later, the controller 200 may be configured to determine whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0, and whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, based on the electrical signal received from the temperature sensor ST.

[0295] In one example, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 200 may be configured to retrieve an operation condition, a temperature condition, a time condition, etc. corresponding to each washing course and each washing water heating mode as preliminary 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.

[0296] 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 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.

[0297] 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.

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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).

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] In particular, as will be described below, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a standard (general) mode in which washing water is heated by sequentially using the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0305] In addition, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include an energy saving mode in which washing water is heated by using the heat pump module 100 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0306] In addition, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a rapid washing water heating mode in which washing water is heated using both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0307] FIG. 9 illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a standard (general) mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a first embodiment.

[0308] 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.

[0309] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0310] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0311] Therefore, in the standard (general) mode, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0312] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0313] In this regard, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0314] By way of example, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0315] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0316] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0317] However, as will be described later, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to generate steam by additionally heating the washing water.

[0318] Accordingly, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to start supplying power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0319] In this regard, power supply to the heat pump module 100 may be cut off, so that the heat pump module 100 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0320] While the washing water is being heated only using the washing water heater 48 as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0321] In this regard, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0322] For example, the second target temperature T2 may be set to 100°C at which steam generation starts.

[0323] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 in order to end the steam generation process.

[0324] That is, in the standard (normal) mode, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1, and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source for a time duration for which the washing water temperature is increased from the first target temperature T1 to the second target temperature T2.

[0325] Therefore, the standard (normal) mode may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from a time point t0 at which the washing water starts to be heated to a time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 may be slightly increased, but the power consumption may be reduced for this time duration, whereas a time duration from the time point t1 to a time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reach the second target temperature T2 may be reduced, but the power consumption may be slightly increased for this time duration.

[0326] FIG. 10A illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a first energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-first embodiment.

[0327] As illustrated in FIG. 10A, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0328] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0329] In this regard, in a manner similar to the first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0330] Therefore, in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0331] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0332] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0333] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0334] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0335] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0336] In this regard, power supply to the washing water heater 48 may be cut off, so that the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0337] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0338] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0339] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0340] That is, in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 and then the second target temperature T2.

[0341] Therefore, the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to a time point t3 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly increased compared to the standard (normal) mode, but the total power consumption for this time duration may be reduced compared to the standard (normal) mode.

[0342] FIG. 10B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-second embodiment.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 10B, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0344] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0345] In this regard, in the same manner as in the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48, so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0346] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0347] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second-second embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0348] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0349] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0350] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0351] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0352] In this regard, power supply to the washing water heater 48 may be cut off, so that the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0353] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached a third target temperature T3 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0354] In this regard, the third target temperature T3 may be higher than the first target temperature T1 and lower than the second target temperature T2.

[0355] By way of example, the third target temperature T3 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 80°C to 90°C.

[0356] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the third target temperature T3, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100, and simultaneously, to turn on the washing water heater 48 by starting the power supply to the washing water heater 48.

[0357] Accordingly, the heating source for heating the washing water for generating steam may be converted from the heat pump module 100 into the washing water heater 48.

[0358] While the washing water is being heated only using the washing water heater 48 as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to again check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0359] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0360] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0361] That is, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T3, and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 from the third target temperature T3.

[0362] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to a time point t3 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly increased compared to the standard (general) mode.

[0363] That is, in the above-described standard (general) mode, at the time point t1, the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48. In the second energy saving mode, at a time point t2.1, the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48. In this regard, the time point t2.1 in the second energy saving mode is later than the time point t1 in the above-described standard (general) mode.

[0364] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode, the power until the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode may be consumed much less than in the standard (normal) mode. Further, in the second energy saving mode, the temperature of the washing water may be expected to sufficiently increase to be close to the third target temperature T3 at the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode.

[0365] Therefore, at a time point delayed from the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode, the washing water heater 48 embodied as the electric heater is used as the heating source to rapidly heat the washing water to effectively prevent a time delay.

[0366] In addition, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to the time point t2.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly reduced compared to the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment described above.

[0367] In addition, in a manner similar to the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment described above, the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment may be a washing water heating mode in which a total power consumption may be reduced compared to the standard (general) mode,.

[0368] FIG. 11A illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a first rapid washing water heating mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a third-first embodiment.

[0369] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0370] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0371] In addition, simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48.

[0372] As used herein, the phrase “simultaneously with a first component being turned on, the power is supplied to a second component” not only means that the power supply and the turning-on occur exactly at the same time point, but also means that a difference between the power supply time point and the turning-on time point is minute.

[0373] Therefore, in the first rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water may be heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously.

[0374] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0375] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0376] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to each of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0377] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0378] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated, thereby simultaneously turning on both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0379] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0380] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0381] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0382] That is, in the first rapid washing water heating mode, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source and operate simultaneously until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 and then the second target temperature T2 from the first target temperature T1.

[0383] Therefore, the rapid washing water heating mode may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be very shortened compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode, but the total power consumption may be significantly increased compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode.

[0384] FIG. 11B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second rapid washing water heating mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a third-second embodiment.

[0385] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, 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 to supply and circulate the washing water.

[0386] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0387] In this regard, as in the above-described first rapid washing water heating mode, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0388] Therefore, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water may be initially heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0389] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached a fourth target temperature T4 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0390] In this regard, the fourth target temperature T4 may be lower than the first target temperature T1 described above.

[0391] By way of example, the fourth target temperature T4 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 30°C to 40°C.

[0392] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the fourth target temperature T4, the controller 200 may be configured to start supplying power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 in a state in which the power supply to the heat pump module 100 is being maintained.

[0393] Accordingly, according to the second rapid washing water heating mode, at a time point t0.1 at which the washing water temperature has reached the fourth target temperature T4, the washing water may be heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously.

[0394] That is, the time point t0.1 at which the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48 in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be earlier than the time point t1 at which the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48 in the above-described standard (general) mode.

[0395] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0396] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0397] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point at the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 may be slightly increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode described above.

[0398] In a similar manner to the first rapid washing water heating mode described above, in response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0399] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0400] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated, thereby simultaneously turning on both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0401] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0402] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0403] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0404] That is, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, only the heat pump module 100 is used as the heating source before the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 lower than the first target temperature T1, and then, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source and operate simultaneously for a time duration from a time point at which the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 to a time point at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0405] Therefore, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the time duration from the heating start time point 0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be very shortened compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode, but may be slightly increased compared to the time duration from the heating start time point 0 to the time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0406] However, the second rapid washing water heating mode may be a washing water heating mode in which the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module 100 until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 such that a total power consumption may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0407] In FIG. 11B, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the dishwasher may be configured such that the heat pump module 100 is used as the heating source for heating the washing water until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Alternatively, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing water heater 48 is used as the heating source for heating the washing water until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4.

[0408] In this regard, the heat pump module 100 may be turned off and the washing water heater 48 may be turned on for a time period t0.1 to t1.1 from the time point t0.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0409] Therefore, a time period for which the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on occurs in the standard (general) mode described above, whereas a time period for which the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on does not occur in the second rapid washing water heating mode. However, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the time point t0.1 at which the heating source is switched between the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be earlier than that in the standard (general) mode.

[0410] Even in this case, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T2 may be increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode, but the total power consumption may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0411] In one example, when the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure is configured to operate in at least one of the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode as described above, the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 sequentially or simultaneously operate in each of the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode.

[0412] However, only each of the turn-on time and the turn-off time of each of the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 may be set to vary based on whether the selected mode is the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode.

[0413] Thus, appropriate turn-on and turn-off time points may be selected in consideration of the tradeoff relationship between the power consumption saving achieved compared to the dishwasher 1 having only the washing water heater 48 and the washing water heating time duration saving and provided to the user.

[0414] In addition, although not shown, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while the washing water is being heated in one washing water heating mode selected among the above-described standard (general) mode, energy saving mode, and rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode may be switched from the selected mode to another mode among the above-described standard (general) mode, energy saving mode, and rapid washing water heating mode in response to that a user's selection.

[0415] A mode in which while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is switched to another washing water heating mode may be referred to as a combined washing water heating mode.

[0416] In one example, an option may be additionally set in each washing course. The options may be setting of an operation time duration of the drying cycle, setting of whether a storage mode is executed after an entire cycle or in a separate course, setting of notification on / off, etc.

[0417] In addition, as described above, the option may further include a steam generation option.

[0418] Furthermore, the controller 200 may be configured to measure the elapsed time duration for each cycle using a timer, and compare the measured elapsed time duration with a prestored time duration condition for each cycle, and determine whether each cycle is completed and whether to stop each of the washing pump 45, the heat pump module 100, and the washing water heater 48, based on the comparing result.

[0419] In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the cycles may include a preliminary washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, a rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and a drying cycle S5.

[0420] Hereinafter, a control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17.

[0421] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the controller 200 is configured to control the overall progress of the washing course of the dishwasher 1 which is performed in the order of the preliminary washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, the rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and the drying cycle S5.

[0422] The preliminary 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.

[0423] 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.

[0424] 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.

[0425] 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.

[0426] 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.

[0427] 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.

[0428] Before the preliminary washing cycle S1, a water supply cycle may be performed.

[0429] 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] FIG. 13 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 and performed by the controller 200 are illustrated by way of example in FIG. 13.

[0433] 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 unless otherwise specified.

[0434] As illustrated, the controller 200 may performed a step S21 of identifying a washing course and a washing water heating mode that are currently being executed before the operation of the washing pump 45 is started for the execution of the washing cycle S2.

[0435] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the step S21 of identifying 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 identifying the retrieved information about the washing course.

[0436] In addition, the step S21 of identifying 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 a washing water heating mode selection option is included in the information on the washing course as retrieved and identified in the step S211.

[0437] In addition, when the selected washing course and whether the washing water heating mode selection option is included therein have been identified in the step S21, the controller 200 may be configured to select the heating source according to a preset washing water heating mode or the selected washing water heating mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S22.

[0438] As described above, the heating source may include at least one of the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0439] In FIG. 14, detailed steps of the step S22 of selecting the heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water are illustrated.

[0440] Referring to FIG. 14, upon determination that the washing water heating mode selection option is not included in the information on the washing course in a step S212, the controller 200 may be configured to select the heating source according to the general mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S221.

[0441] That is, for example, in accordance with the inventive concept of the present disclosure, when a separate washing water heating mode selection option is not included in the washing course selected by the user, the standard (general) mode according to the first embodiment as described above may be set to be a default washing water heating mode.

[0442] The detailed steps of the step S221 will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0443] In one example, upon determination that the washing water heating mode selection option is included in the information on the washing course in a step S212, the controller 200 may be configured to select a heating source according to the washing water heating mode selected from the energy saving mode or the rapid washing water heating mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S222.

[0444] That is, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform the washing water heating according to the above-described second-first embodiment or second-second embodiment when the user selects the energy saving mode as the washing water heating mode, and to perform the washing water heating according to the above-described third-first embodiment or third-second embodiment when the user selects the rapid washing water heating mode as the washing water heating mode.

[0445] The detailed steps of the step S222 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0446] In one example, after the step S222 of selecting the heating source according to the washing water heating mode selected from the energy saving mode or the rapid washing water heating mode and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S223 of determining whether a manipulation signal for changing the washing water heating mode is input from the user through the button unit 34.

[0447] In response to that it is determined that the manipulation signal for changing the washing water heating mode is input in the step S223, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S224 of changing the heating source in response to the washing water heating mode changed by the user and activating the changed heating source to heat the washing water.

[0448] For example, in response to that it is identified that while the heating of the washing water in the standard (general) mode is currently in progress, the user’s manipulation of changing the washing water heating mode to the rapid washing water heating mode has been input, the controller 200 may be configured to change the heating source by supplying the power to the washing water heater 48 in the currently turned-off state to change the operation state thereof so that the washing water heater 48 is turned on.

[0449] FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed configuration of the step S221 of selecting the heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the general mode according to the first embodiment.

[0450] Referring to FIG. 15, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2211 of selecting the heat pump module 100 as a heating source according to the general mode, and turning on the heat pump module 100 by supplying power to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 of the heat pump module 100.

[0451] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that only the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as the washing water heating source according to the general mode, and thus the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0452] Therefore, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as a single heating source.

[0453] When the heat pump module 100 has been turned on in the step S2211, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2212 of starting supplying the power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0454] Although FIG. 15 illustrates that the step S2212 is performed after the step S2211, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 is turned on.

[0455] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2212, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2213 of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether a current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0456] As described above, the first target temperature T1 is a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0457] Upon determination in the step S2213 that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2214 of determining whether the steam generation option is included in the washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0458] Upon determination in the step S2214 that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2219 of turning off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0459] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0460] In one example, upon determination in the step S2214 that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2215 of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0461] Although FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely turned off for the steam generation, this is merely an example. Alternatively, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation.

[0462] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0463] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2215, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2216 of cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100 and, at the same time, starting the power supply to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48.

[0464] In this way, the heating source for heating the washing water for generating the steam may be converted into the washing water heater 48.

[0465] When the heat pump module 100 is turned off and the washing water heater 48 is turned on in the step S2215, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2217 of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0466] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0467] Upon determination in the step S2217 that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2218 in which after a predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the washing water heater 48 is turned off by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater 48.

[0468] As, as described above, the washing water heater 48 is turned off in the step S2218, the steam generation option process according to the general mode may be terminated.

[0469] FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed configuration of a step S222a of selecting a heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment.

[0470] Referring to FIG. 16, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2221a of selecting the heat pump module 100 as a heating source according to the first energy saving mode, and turning on the heat pump module 100 by supplying power to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 of the heat pump module 100.

[0471] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that only the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as the washing water heating source according to the first energy saving mode, and thus the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0472] Therefore, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as a single heating source.

[0473] When the heat pump module 100 is turned on in the step S2221a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2222a of starting supplying power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0474] Although FIG. 16 illustrates that the step S2222a is performed after the step S2221a, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 is turned on.

[0475] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2222a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2223a of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0476] As described above, the first target temperature T1 is a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0477] Upon determination in the step S2223a that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2224a of determining whether the steam generation option is included in the washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0478] Upon determination in the step S2224a that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228a of turning off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0479] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0480] In one example, upon determination in the step S2224a that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2225a of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0481] Although FIG. 16 illustrates that the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely turned off for the steam generation, this is merely example. Alternatively, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation.

[0482] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped, or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0483] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2225a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2226a of maintaining the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to maintain the turned-on state of the heat pump module 100.

[0484] Even in this case, the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state so that the steam may be generated using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the first energy saving mode.

[0485] Next, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2227a of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0486] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0487] Upon determination in the step S2227a that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228a in which after the predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the heat pump module 100 is turned off by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0488] As, as described above, the heat pump module 100 is turned off in the step S2228a, the steam generation option process according to the energy saving mode may be terminated.

[0489] In one example, although not shown, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the above-described second energy saving mode, a step of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the third target temperature T3, and a step of switching the heating source for heating the washing water to the washing water heater 48 upon determination that the current temperature of the washing water reaches the third target temperature T3 may be further added to between the above-described step S2226a and the above-described step S2227a,

[0490] As, as described above, the heating source is switched to the washing water heater 48 before the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t2.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the second energy saving mode may be shortened compared to the first energy saving mode.

[0491] FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed configuration of a step S222b of selecting a heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the first rapid washing water heating mode according to the third-first embodiment.

[0492] Referring to FIG. 17, the controller 200 may be configured to select a combination of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as the heating source according to the first rapid washing water heating mode, supply power to the compressor 110 and the blowing motor 182 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100, and, at the same time, supply power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 in a step S221b.

[0493] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to select both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as the heating source according to the first rapid washing water heating mode for shortening the washing water heating time duration.

[0494] Therefore, a combined heating source including both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used.

[0495] When the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on in the step S2221b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2222b of starting supplying power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0496] Although FIG. 17 illustrates that the step S2222b is performed after the step S2221b, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are turned on.

[0497] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2222b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2223b of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0498] As described above, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0499] Upon determination in the step S2223b that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2224b of determining whether the steam generation option is included in a washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0500] Upon determination in the step S2224b that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228b of simultaneously turning off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by simultaneously cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0501] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0502] In one example, upon determination in the step S2224b that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2225b of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0503] Although FIG. 17 illustrates that the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely stopped for steam generation, this is only an example. Alternative, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation as described above.

[0504] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped, or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0505] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2225b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2226b of maintaining the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are maintained in a turned-on state.

[0506] Accordingly, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may continue to be used as the heating source for heating the washing water for generating the steam.

[0507] Next, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2227b of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0508] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0509] Upon determination in the step S2227b that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228b in which after the predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the controller 200 simultaneously turns off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by simultaneously cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0510] As, as described above, the washing water heater 48 is turned off in the step S2228b, the steam generation option process according to the rapid washing water heating mode may be terminated.

[0511] In one example, although not shown, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the above-described second rapid washing water heating mode, only one of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be selected as the heating source in the above-described step S2221b, and the power may be supplied to the selected heating source to be turned on.

[0512] In addition, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the second rapid washing water heating mode, the method may further include, before the step S2223b, a step of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the fourth target temperature T4, and, upon determination that the current temperature of the washing water reaches the fourth target temperature T4, adding a heating source in a currently turned-off state to the heating source for heating the washing water.

[0513] As, as described above, the washing water heating mode is switched to the heating mode in which the washing water is heated using the combination of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 before the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 while the washing water is being heated with the single heating source, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode as described above, but the total power consumption in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0514] 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 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.

Examples

first embodiment

[0307]FIG. 9 illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a standard (general) mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a

[0308]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.

[0309]In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0310]In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0311]Therefore, in the standard (general) mode, the washing water...

second embodiment

[0342]FIG. 10B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-

[0343]As illustrated in FIG. 10B, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0344]In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0345]In this regard, in the same manner as in the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48, so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[...

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, and No. 10-2025-0032609, filed on March 13, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0042750, filed on April 02, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0132328, filed on September 16, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0095112, filed on July 15, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher which is configured to generate a plurality of washing water heating modes using a heat pump module, a washing water heater or a combination thereof as a heating source according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow a user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.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 employing a heat pump apparatus instead of the electric heater as the heating means or employing both the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater as the heating means 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, each of German Patent No. 10-2013-102157 (Prior Document 001), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120167920 (Prior Document 002), and European Patent No. 2064982 (Prior Document 003) disclose a configuration of a dishwasher including the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater as the heating source for heating the washing water.Prior Art LiteraturePatent Document

[0010] (Patent Document 001) German Patent No. 10-2013-102157

[0011] (Patent Document 002) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120167920

[0012] (Patent Document 003) European Patent No. 2064982SUMMARY

[0013] However, the dishwasher disclosed in the above-described prior documents has a configuration in which washing water is heated via simultaneous operation or sequential operation of the heat pump apparatus and the electric heater, but is not configured to be able to set various washing water heating modes according to a user's demand or a user's request.

[0014] Therefore, there is a problem that the dishwasher disclosed in the above-described prior documents does not take into account the user's convenience.

[0015] Accordingly, the dishwasher disclosed in the prior documents is configured such that while one washing water heating mode generated using the heat pump apparatus, the electric heater, or a combination thereof is being executed, switching to another washing water heating mode is impossible.

[0016] Therefore, the user's intention to switch to the energy saving mode or the rapid heating mode while a washing process is being executed according to a specific washing water heating mode is not realized, thereby causing inconvenience to the user.

[0017] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. Thus, a first purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured to generate a plurality of washing water heating modes using a heat pump module, a washing water heater or a combination thereof as a heating source according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow a user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.

[0018] In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is able to be switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention, thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater; and a heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater is selected as a heating source for heating the washing water, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

[0021] Further, the washing water heating mode may be one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

[0022] Further, each of the at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater selected as the heating source for heating the washing water may have each of an operation start time point and an operation stop time point set to vary depending on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

[0023] Further, while the washing water is being heated using one of the heat pump module and the washing water heater, the heating source for heating the washing water may be switched from the one to the other thereof or a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater at a heating-source switching time point.

[0024] Further, the heating-source switching time point may be set to vary based on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

[0025] Further, the heating-source switching time point in the rapid washing water heating mode is earlier than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode.

[0026] Further, the heating-source switching time point in the energy saving mode may be later than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode.

[0027] Further, while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

[0028] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater may be selected as the heating source. In this case, the washing water may be heated using the heat pump module while an operation of the washing water heater is stopped until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature. Further, the washing water may be heated using the washing water heater and an operation of the heat pump module is stopped until the washing water temperature reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0029] Further, in response to that the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped.

[0030] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode, the heat pump module may be selected as the heating source, and an operation of the washing water heater may be stopped.

[0031] Further, the washing water may be heated using the heat pump module until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0032] Further, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

[0033] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the rapid washing water heating mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater may be selected as the heating source.

[0034] Further, the washing water may be heated using both the heat pump module and the washing water heater until the washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

[0035] Further, an operation of the washing pump may be stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

[0036] 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 heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump; and a washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater, wherein whether to operate the washing water heater, a time point at which the operation of the washing water heater is started, and a time point at which the operation thereof is stopped are set to vary, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

[0037] Further, the washing water heating mode may be one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

[0038] Further, while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

[0039] Further, a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach a target temperature in the rapid washing water heating mode may be a first value, wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the general mode may be a second value greater than the first value, wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the energy saving mode may be a third value greater than the second value.

[0040] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, power may be first supplied to the heat pump module to start an operation of the heat pump module, and then, power may be supplied to the washing water heater to start the operation of the washing water heater.

[0041] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode, only the heat pump module may be supplied with power such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and the washing water heater may be maintained in a turned-off state while the washing water is heated. Alternatively, power is first supplied only to the heat pump module such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and, subsequently, the operation of the washing water heater is started.

[0042] Further, when the selected washing water heating mode is the rapid washing water heating mode, power may be simultaneously supplied to both the heat pump module and the washing water heater so that the washing water may be heated in a state in which the operation of the heat pump module and the operation of the washing water heater are simultaneously started. Alternatively, the operation of the washing water heater may be started by supplying power only to the washing water heater and, subsequently, the operation of the heat pump module may be started.

[0043] The dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured to generate the plurality of washing water heating modes according to user intent prioritizing power saving or user intent prioritizing time saving, and allow the user to freely select one therefrom, thereby providing various selection options for the washing water heating mode.

[0044] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is able to be switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention, thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[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 as shown in FIG. 5 or a washing water heater 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 time-temperature graph for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in a standard mode or a general mode according to a first embodiment of the dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGS. 10A and 10B are time-temperature graphs for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in an energy saving mode according to a second-first embodiment and a second-second embodiment of the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, respectively.

[0056] FIGS. 11A and 11B are time-temperature graphs for illustrating a situation in which washing water is heated in a rapid heating mode in the dishwasher according to a third-first embodiment and a third-second embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0057] FIGS. 12 to 17 are flowcharts for illustrating steps of a control method performed by a controller illustrated in FIG. 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 interpretation of numerical values, an error or tolerance therein may occur even when there is no explicit description thereof.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Overall structure of dishwasher.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0091] Although not shown, a washing water heater 48 may be provided in the washing pump 45 and be configured to heat the washing water supplied to the tub 20 during a washing cycle or a heat rinsing cycle.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In one example, the door 30 is constructed to open / close the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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. The button unit 34 may be provided in a form of a physical button or may be provided in the form of a user interface on the above-described display 33.

[0118] 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 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 constituting an inner side surface of the door 30.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] A detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Module.

[0137] 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.

[0138] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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. As will be described below, the condenser 120 may be selected as a heating source for heating the washing water alone or together with the washing water heater 48 provided in the washing pump 45 based on the washing water heating mode.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on the illustrated configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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,.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] FIG. 6 illustrates an example modularized structure of the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] Thus, the compressor 110 may be exposed to the airflow flowing into the intake port of the heat exchange duct 170, such that the cooling effect on the compressor 110 may be improved.

[0177] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include the condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] In one example, the condenser 120 having the cylindrical outer shape may be composed of divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] By way of example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the front end of the first body 121.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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).

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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 evaporator 130 and a heat exchange fin thereof and then be exhausted to the outside out of the base 90.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] An air outlet may be formed between a pair of pillars 9311 and may pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in a corresponding manner to the duct body 171.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] More specifically, as shown, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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).

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] As described above, the condenser 120 may be operated or a heat exchanger or a heating means that heats the washing water by transferring the heat from the refrigerant to the washing water during a washing cycle S2 and a heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0242] That is, 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 alone or together with the washing water heater 48, when the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 are performed, as described below.

[0243] 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.

[0244] In addition, the condenser 120 may be composed of the divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] The washing water pipe 190 may be connected to each of the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124.

[0248] One end of the first washing water pipe191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0254] 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.

[0255] The high temperature 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] The washing water introduced into the sump 4 may be re-introduced into the washing pump 45.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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 washing water heater 48 or the condenser 120 and re-heated therein.

[0261] In this regard, according to the present disclosure to be described below, one of the washing water heater 48 and the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may operate as a single heating source to heat the washing water alone or washing water heater 48 and the condenser 120 may simultaneously operate to heat the washing water, based on the washing water heating mode selected from among a plurality of washing water heating modes.

[0262] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while a specific washing water heating mode among the plurality of washing water heating modes is being executed, the specific washing water heating mode is switched to another washing water heating mode according to the user's intention.

[0263] A detailed configuration of the plurality of washing water heating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.Configuration of Controller and Control Method of Dishwasher.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] First, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the button unit 34 to which a user's manipulation command is input.

[0268] As described above, the button unit 34 may be provided in the form of a physical button or may be provided in the form of a user interface on the above-described display 33.

[0269] When a user's electric power on / off manipulation input, a user’s washing course selection manipulation, a user’s option selection manipulation or a user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation is input to the button unit 34, the button unit 34 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding thereto to the controller 200.

[0270] In response to that the user's electric power on / off manipulation input, the user’s washing course selection manipulation, the user’s option selection manipulation or the user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation is input to the button unit 34, visual information corresponding thereto may be displayed on the display 33.

[0271] In particular, as in the related art, the display 33 may further display information about the user’ washing water heating mode selection / switching manipulation.

[0272] 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.

[0273] In particular, the operation mode may include the plurality of washing water heating modes that proceed during the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4, as will be described later.

[0274] 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.

[0275] In addition, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the washing pump 45.

[0276] Upon receiving the electrical signal corresponding to the manipulation command for selecting the washing course and the washing water heating 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] When the washing cycle S2 and the heating rinsing cycle S4 are performed, at least one of the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 may be selected as the heating source according to the selected washing water heating mode, in conjunction with the operation of the washing pump 45. Thus, the heating of the washing water may be performed according to the selected washing water heating mode.

[0279] As will be described later, in response to that the washing water temperature reaches a preset first target temperature T1 from an initial temperature T0 after the washing pump 45 is turned on such that the supply of the washing water is started, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0280] In this regard, even after the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1, the heating of the washing water using the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 may be continuously further performed, such that a steam generation process may be performed.

[0281] In addition, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to the washing water heater 48.

[0282] As will be described below, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the washing water is heated using at least one of the heat pump module 100 or the washing water heater 48 when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed.

[0283] As will be described later, the washing water is heated using at least one of the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 according to the selection of the washing water heating mode.

[0284] In this regard, the washing water heater 48 may be embodied as an electric heater having a higher heating capacity than that of the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0285] In one example, the washing water heater 48 may include a sheath heater having excellent heating efficiency and easy control of the heating amount.

[0286] Therefore, as described below, the washing water heater 48 may be used alone or in combination with the heat pump module 100, as a heating source for shortening a heating time point taken to reach the first target temperature T1 or a second target temperature T2.

[0287] 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.

[0288] More specifically, the controller 200 may 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.

[0289] In order to heat the washing water when the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4 is performed, the controller 200 may be configured to control the electric power to be supplied to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182, such that the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 are turned on or off.

[0290] In this regard, 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 both the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point and, at the same time, turn off on the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 at the same time point.

[0291] In one example, the controller 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to a temperature sensor ST.

[0292] The temperature sensor ST is configured to measure the temperature of the washing water, and to generate an electrical signal including information on the washing water temperature and transmit the generated electrical signal to the controller 200.

[0293] To this end, the temperature sensor ST may be disposed on the washing pump 45, the tub 20, the sump 41, or the washing water supply flow path.

[0294] As will be described later, the controller 200 may be configured to determine whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0, and whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, based on the electrical signal received from the temperature sensor ST.

[0295] In one example, the controller 200 may be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The controller 200 may be configured to retrieve an operation condition, a temperature condition, a time condition, etc. corresponding to each washing course and each washing water heating mode as preliminary 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.

[0296] 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 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.

[0297] 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.

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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).

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] In particular, as will be described below, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a standard (general) mode in which washing water is heated by sequentially using the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0305] In addition, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include an energy saving mode in which washing water is heated by using the heat pump module 100 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0306] In addition, the washing water heating mode of the dishwasher 1 may include a rapid washing water heating mode in which washing water is heated using both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as a heating source during the washing cycle S2 or the heating rinsing cycle S4.

[0307] FIG. 9 illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a standard (general) mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a first embodiment.

[0308] 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.

[0309] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0310] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0311] Therefore, in the standard (general) mode, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0312] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0313] In this regard, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0314] By way of example, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0315] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0316] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0317] However, as will be described later, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to generate steam by additionally heating the washing water.

[0318] Accordingly, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to start supplying power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0319] In this regard, power supply to the heat pump module 100 may be cut off, so that the heat pump module 100 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0320] While the washing water is being heated only using the washing water heater 48 as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0321] In this regard, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0322] For example, the second target temperature T2 may be set to 100°C at which steam generation starts.

[0323] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 in order to end the steam generation process.

[0324] That is, in the standard (normal) mode, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1, and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source for a time duration for which the washing water temperature is increased from the first target temperature T1 to the second target temperature T2.

[0325] Therefore, the standard (normal) mode may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from a time point t0 at which the washing water starts to be heated to a time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 may be slightly increased, but the power consumption may be reduced for this time duration, whereas a time duration from the time point t1 to a time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reach the second target temperature T2 may be reduced, but the power consumption may be slightly increased for this time duration.

[0326] FIG. 10A illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a first energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-first embodiment.

[0327] As illustrated in FIG. 10A, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0328] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0329] In this regard, in a manner similar to the first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0330] Therefore, in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0331] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0332] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0333] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0334] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0335] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0336] In this regard, power supply to the washing water heater 48 may be cut off, so that the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0337] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0338] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0339] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0340] That is, in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 and then the second target temperature T2.

[0341] Therefore, the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to a time point t3 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly increased compared to the standard (normal) mode, but the total power consumption for this time duration may be reduced compared to the standard (normal) mode.

[0342] FIG. 10B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-second embodiment.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 10B, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0344] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0345] In this regard, in the same manner as in the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48, so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0346] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, the washing water may be heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0347] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second-second embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0348] In this regard, as in the first embodiment, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0349] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100.

[0350] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0351] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100 so that the washing water may be additionally heated.

[0352] In this regard, power supply to the washing water heater 48 may be cut off, so that the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0353] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached a third target temperature T3 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0354] In this regard, the third target temperature T3 may be higher than the first target temperature T1 and lower than the second target temperature T2.

[0355] By way of example, the third target temperature T3 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 80°C to 90°C.

[0356] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the third target temperature T3, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100, and simultaneously, to turn on the washing water heater 48 by starting the power supply to the washing water heater 48.

[0357] Accordingly, the heating source for heating the washing water for generating steam may be converted from the heat pump module 100 into the washing water heater 48.

[0358] While the washing water is being heated only using the washing water heater 48 as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to again check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0359] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0360] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to turn off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0361] That is, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, the heat pump module 100 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T3, and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source until the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 from the third target temperature T3.

[0362] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to a time point t3 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly increased compared to the standard (general) mode.

[0363] That is, in the above-described standard (general) mode, at the time point t1, the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48. In the second energy saving mode, at a time point t2.1, the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48. In this regard, the time point t2.1 in the second energy saving mode is later than the time point t1 in the above-described standard (general) mode.

[0364] Therefore, in the second energy saving mode, the power until the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode may be consumed much less than in the standard (normal) mode. Further, in the second energy saving mode, the temperature of the washing water may be expected to sufficiently increase to be close to the third target temperature T3 at the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode.

[0365] Therefore, at a time point delayed from the time point t2 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the standard (normal) mode, the washing water heater 48 embodied as the electric heater is used as the heating source to rapidly heat the washing water to effectively prevent a time delay.

[0366] In addition, in the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 of the washing water to the time point t2.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be slightly reduced compared to the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment described above.

[0367] In addition, in a manner similar to the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment described above, the second energy saving mode according to the second-second embodiment may be a washing water heating mode in which a total power consumption may be reduced compared to the standard (general) mode,.

[0368] FIG. 11A illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a first rapid washing water heating mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a third-first embodiment.

[0369] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0370] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0371] In addition, simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48.

[0372] As used herein, the phrase “simultaneously with a first component being turned on, the power is supplied to a second component” not only means that the power supply and the turning-on occur exactly at the same time point, but also means that a difference between the power supply time point and the turning-on time point is minute.

[0373] Therefore, in the first rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water may be heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously.

[0374] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0375] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0376] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to each of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0377] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0378] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated, thereby simultaneously turning on both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0379] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0380] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0381] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0382] That is, in the first rapid washing water heating mode, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source and operate simultaneously until the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 and then the second target temperature T2 from the first target temperature T1.

[0383] Therefore, the rapid washing water heating mode may be a washing water heating mode in which a time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be very shortened compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode, but the total power consumption may be significantly increased compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode.

[0384] FIG. 11B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second rapid washing water heating mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a third-second embodiment.

[0385] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, 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 to supply and circulate the washing water.

[0386] In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0387] In this regard, as in the above-described first rapid washing water heating mode, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0388] Therefore, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water may be initially heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100.

[0389] While, as described above, the washing water is being heated only using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached a fourth target temperature T4 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0390] In this regard, the fourth target temperature T4 may be lower than the first target temperature T1 described above.

[0391] By way of example, the fourth target temperature T4 may be a temperature within a numerical range of 30°C to 40°C.

[0392] In response to that the washing water temperature has reached the fourth target temperature T4, the controller 200 may be configured to start supplying power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 in a state in which the power supply to the heat pump module 100 is being maintained.

[0393] Accordingly, according to the second rapid washing water heating mode, at a time point t0.1 at which the washing water temperature has reached the fourth target temperature T4, the washing water may be heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously.

[0394] That is, the time point t0.1 at which the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48 in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be earlier than the time point t1 at which the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the heat pump module 100 to the washing water heater 48 in the above-described standard (general) mode.

[0395] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0396] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes.

[0397] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, a time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point at the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1 may be slightly increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode described above.

[0398] In a similar manner to the first rapid washing water heating mode described above, in response to that the washing water temperature has reached the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0399] Thus, heating of the washing water may be stopped.

[0400] However, when the steam generation option is included in the selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to resume the power supply to the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water may be additionally heated, thereby simultaneously turning on both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0401] While the washing water is being heated by operating both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 simultaneously as described above, the controller 200 may be configured to check whether the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2 using the temperature sensor ST.

[0402] In this regard, as in the above-described embodiments, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature at which the steam is generated.

[0403] In response to that a preset time duration has elapsed after the washing water temperature has reached the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to simultaneously turn off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 in order to terminate the steam generation process.

[0404] That is, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, only the heat pump module 100 is used as the heating source before the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 lower than the first target temperature T1, and then, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used as the heating source and operate simultaneously for a time duration from a time point at which the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 to a time point at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0405] Therefore, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the time duration from the heating start time point 0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 may be very shortened compared to the above-described standard (general) mode and energy saving mode, but may be slightly increased compared to the time duration from the heating start time point 0 to the time point t1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0406] However, the second rapid washing water heating mode may be a washing water heating mode in which the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module 100 until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 such that a total power consumption may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0407] In FIG. 11B, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the dishwasher may be configured such that the heat pump module 100 is used as the heating source for heating the washing water until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Alternatively, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing water heater 48 is used as the heating source for heating the washing water until the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4.

[0408] In this regard, the heat pump module 100 may be turned off and the washing water heater 48 may be turned on for a time period t0.1 to t1.1 from the time point t0.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the fourth target temperature T4 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0409] Therefore, a time period for which the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on occurs in the standard (general) mode described above, whereas a time period for which the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on does not occur in the second rapid washing water heating mode. However, in the second rapid washing water heating mode, the time point t0.1 at which the heating source is switched between the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be earlier than that in the standard (general) mode.

[0410] Even in this case, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T2 may be increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode, but the total power consumption may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0411] In one example, when the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure is configured to operate in at least one of the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode as described above, the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 sequentially or simultaneously operate in each of the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode.

[0412] However, only each of the turn-on time and the turn-off time of each of the washing water heater 48 and the heat pump module 100 may be set to vary based on whether the selected mode is the standard (general) mode, the second energy saving mode, or the second rapid washing water heating mode.

[0413] Thus, appropriate turn-on and turn-off time points may be selected in consideration of the tradeoff relationship between the power consumption saving achieved compared to the dishwasher 1 having only the washing water heater 48 and the washing water heating time duration saving and provided to the user.

[0414] In addition, although not shown, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that while the washing water is being heated in one washing water heating mode selected among the above-described standard (general) mode, energy saving mode, and rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode may be switched from the selected mode to another mode among the above-described standard (general) mode, energy saving mode, and rapid washing water heating mode in response to that a user's selection.

[0415] A mode in which while the washing water is being heated in a specific washing water heating mode, the specific washing water heating mode is switched to another washing water heating mode may be referred to as a combined washing water heating mode.

[0416] In one example, an option may be additionally set in each washing course. The options may be setting of an operation time duration of the drying cycle, setting of whether a storage mode is executed after an entire cycle or in a separate course, setting of notification on / off, etc.

[0417] In addition, as described above, the option may further include a steam generation option.

[0418] Furthermore, the controller 200 may be configured to measure the elapsed time duration for each cycle using a timer, and compare the measured elapsed time duration with a prestored time duration condition for each cycle, and determine whether each cycle is completed and whether to stop each of the washing pump 45, the heat pump module 100, and the washing water heater 48, based on the comparing result.

[0419] In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the cycles may include a preliminary washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, a rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and a drying cycle S5.

[0420] Hereinafter, a control method of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17.

[0421] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the controller 200 is configured to control the overall progress of the washing course of the dishwasher 1 which is performed in the order of the preliminary washing cycle S1, the washing cycle S2, the rinsing cycle S3, the heating rinsing cycle S4, and the drying cycle S5.

[0422] The preliminary 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.

[0423] 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.

[0424] 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.

[0425] 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.

[0426] 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.

[0427] 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.

[0428] Before the preliminary washing cycle S1, a water supply cycle may be performed.

[0429] 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] FIG. 13 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 and performed by the controller 200 are illustrated by way of example in FIG. 13.

[0433] 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 unless otherwise specified.

[0434] As illustrated, the controller 200 may performed a step S21 of identifying a washing course and a washing water heating mode that are currently being executed before the operation of the washing pump 45 is started for the execution of the washing cycle S2.

[0435] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the step S21 of identifying 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 identifying the retrieved information about the washing course.

[0436] In addition, the step S21 of identifying 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 a washing water heating mode selection option is included in the information on the washing course as retrieved and identified in the step S211.

[0437] In addition, when the selected washing course and whether the washing water heating mode selection option is included therein have been identified in the step S21, the controller 200 may be configured to select the heating source according to a preset washing water heating mode or the selected washing water heating mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S22.

[0438] As described above, the heating source may include at least one of the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0439] In FIG. 14, detailed steps of the step S22 of selecting the heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water are illustrated.

[0440] Referring to FIG. 14, upon determination that the washing water heating mode selection option is not included in the information on the washing course in a step S212, the controller 200 may be configured to select the heating source according to the general mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S221.

[0441] That is, for example, in accordance with the inventive concept of the present disclosure, when a separate washing water heating mode selection option is not included in the washing course selected by the user, the standard (general) mode according to the first embodiment as described above may be set to be a default washing water heating mode.

[0442] The detailed steps of the step S221 will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0443] In one example, upon determination that the washing water heating mode selection option is included in the information on the washing course in a step S212, the controller 200 may be configured to select a heating source according to the washing water heating mode selected from the energy saving mode or the rapid washing water heating mode and to activate the selected heating source to heat the washing water in a step S222.

[0444] That is, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform the washing water heating according to the above-described second-first embodiment or second-second embodiment when the user selects the energy saving mode as the washing water heating mode, and to perform the washing water heating according to the above-described third-first embodiment or third-second embodiment when the user selects the rapid washing water heating mode as the washing water heating mode.

[0445] The detailed steps of the step S222 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0446] In one example, after the step S222 of selecting the heating source according to the washing water heating mode selected from the energy saving mode or the rapid washing water heating mode and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S223 of determining whether a manipulation signal for changing the washing water heating mode is input from the user through the button unit 34.

[0447] In response to that it is determined that the manipulation signal for changing the washing water heating mode is input in the step S223, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S224 of changing the heating source in response to the washing water heating mode changed by the user and activating the changed heating source to heat the washing water.

[0448] For example, in response to that it is identified that while the heating of the washing water in the standard (general) mode is currently in progress, the user’s manipulation of changing the washing water heating mode to the rapid washing water heating mode has been input, the controller 200 may be configured to change the heating source by supplying the power to the washing water heater 48 in the currently turned-off state to change the operation state thereof so that the washing water heater 48 is turned on.

[0449] FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed configuration of the step S221 of selecting the heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the general mode according to the first embodiment.

[0450] Referring to FIG. 15, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2211 of selecting the heat pump module 100 as a heating source according to the general mode, and turning on the heat pump module 100 by supplying power to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 of the heat pump module 100.

[0451] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that only the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as the washing water heating source according to the general mode, and thus the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0452] Therefore, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as a single heating source.

[0453] When the heat pump module 100 has been turned on in the step S2211, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2212 of starting supplying the power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0454] Although FIG. 15 illustrates that the step S2212 is performed after the step S2211, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 is turned on.

[0455] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2212, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2213 of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether a current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0456] As described above, the first target temperature T1 is a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0457] Upon determination in the step S2213 that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2214 of determining whether the steam generation option is included in the washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0458] Upon determination in the step S2214 that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2219 of turning off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0459] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0460] In one example, upon determination in the step S2214 that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2215 of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0461] Although FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely turned off for the steam generation, this is merely an example. Alternatively, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation.

[0462] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0463] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2215, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2216 of cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to turn off the heat pump module 100 and, at the same time, starting the power supply to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48.

[0464] In this way, the heating source for heating the washing water for generating the steam may be converted into the washing water heater 48.

[0465] When the heat pump module 100 is turned off and the washing water heater 48 is turned on in the step S2215, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2217 of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0466] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0467] Upon determination in the step S2217 that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2218 in which after a predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the washing water heater 48 is turned off by cutting off the power supply to the washing water heater 48.

[0468] As, as described above, the washing water heater 48 is turned off in the step S2218, the steam generation option process according to the general mode may be terminated.

[0469] FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed configuration of a step S222a of selecting a heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the first energy saving mode according to the second-first embodiment.

[0470] Referring to FIG. 16, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2221a of selecting the heat pump module 100 as a heating source according to the first energy saving mode, and turning on the heat pump module 100 by supplying power to the compressor 110 and the blower motor 182 of the heat pump module 100.

[0471] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that only the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as the washing water heating source according to the first energy saving mode, and thus the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state.

[0472] Therefore, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 may be used as a single heating source.

[0473] When the heat pump module 100 is turned on in the step S2221a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2222a of starting supplying power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0474] Although FIG. 16 illustrates that the step S2222a is performed after the step S2221a, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 is turned on.

[0475] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2222a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2223a of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0476] As described above, the first target temperature T1 is a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0477] Upon determination in the step S2223a that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2224a of determining whether the steam generation option is included in the washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0478] Upon determination in the step S2224a that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228a of turning off the heat pump module 100 by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0479] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0480] In one example, upon determination in the step S2224a that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2225a of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0481] Although FIG. 16 illustrates that the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely turned off for the steam generation, this is merely example. Alternatively, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation.

[0482] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped, or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0483] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2225a, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2226a of maintaining the power supply to the heat pump module 100 to maintain the turned-on state of the heat pump module 100.

[0484] Even in this case, the washing water heater 48 may be maintained in a turned-off state so that the steam may be generated using the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the first energy saving mode.

[0485] Next, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2227a of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0486] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0487] Upon determination in the step S2227a that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228a in which after the predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the heat pump module 100 is turned off by cutting off the power supply to the heat pump module 100.

[0488] As, as described above, the heat pump module 100 is turned off in the step S2228a, the steam generation option process according to the energy saving mode may be terminated.

[0489] In one example, although not shown, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the above-described second energy saving mode, a step of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the third target temperature T3, and a step of switching the heating source for heating the washing water to the washing water heater 48 upon determination that the current temperature of the washing water reaches the third target temperature T3 may be further added to between the above-described step S2226a and the above-described step S2227a,

[0490] As, as described above, the heating source is switched to the washing water heater 48 before the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t2.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the second energy saving mode may be shortened compared to the first energy saving mode.

[0491] FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed configuration of a step S222b of selecting a heating source and activating the selected heating source to heat the washing water in the first rapid washing water heating mode according to the third-first embodiment.

[0492] Referring to FIG. 17, the controller 200 may be configured to select a combination of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as the heating source according to the first rapid washing water heating mode, supply power to the compressor 110 and the blowing motor 182 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100, and, at the same time, supply power to the washing water heater 48 to turn on the washing water heater 48 in a step S221b.

[0493] In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to select both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 as the heating source according to the first rapid washing water heating mode for shortening the washing water heating time duration.

[0494] Therefore, a combined heating source including both the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be used.

[0495] When the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are simultaneously turned on in the step S2221b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2222b of starting supplying power to the washing pump 45 to turn on the washing pump 45.

[0496] Although FIG. 17 illustrates that the step S2222b is performed after the step S2221b, this is only an example. As described above, the dishwasher may be configured such that the washing pump 45 is turned on simultaneously with the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 being turned on or before the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are turned on.

[0497] When the washing pump 45 is turned on in the step S2222b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2223b of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1 from the initial temperature T0.

[0498] As described above, the first target temperature T1 may be a temperature of the washing water at which the washing water can smoothly wash and rinse dishes, and may be, for example, a temperature within a numerical range of 50°C to 70°C.

[0499] Upon determination in the step S2223b that the temperature of the washing water reaches the first target temperature T1, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2224b of determining whether the steam generation option is included in a washing course pre-selected from the memory.

[0500] Upon determination in the step S2224b that the steam generation option is not included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228b of simultaneously turning off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by simultaneously cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0501] Accordingly, heating of the washing water may be completed.

[0502] In one example, upon determination in the step S2224b that the steam generation option is included in the pre-selected washing course, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2225b of turning off the washing pump 45 by cutting off the power supply to the washing pump 45.

[0503] Although FIG. 17 illustrates that the operation of the washing pump 45 is completely stopped for steam generation, this is only an example. Alternative, the dishwasher may be configured to limit the power supply to the washing pump 45 so that the washing pump 45 operates at a minimum RPM for the steam generation as described above.

[0504] Accordingly, the circulation of the washing water may be completely stopped, or the amount of circulation of the washing water may be minimized.

[0505] When the washing pump 45 is turned off in the step S2225b, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2226b of maintaining the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 so that both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 are maintained in a turned-on state.

[0506] Accordingly, both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may continue to be used as the heating source for heating the washing water for generating the steam.

[0507] Next, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2227b of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2.

[0508] As described above, the second target temperature T2 may be a steam generation temperature, and may be set to 100°C at which the steam generation is initiated.

[0509] Upon determination in the step S2227b that the temperature of the washing water reaches the second target temperature T2, the controller 200 may be configured to perform a step S2228b in which after the predetermined steam generation time duration has elapsed, the controller 200 simultaneously turns off both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 by simultaneously cutting off the power supply to both the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48.

[0510] As, as described above, the washing water heater 48 is turned off in the step S2228b, the steam generation option process according to the rapid washing water heating mode may be terminated.

[0511] In one example, although not shown, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the above-described second rapid washing water heating mode, only one of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 may be selected as the heating source in the above-described step S2221b, and the power may be supplied to the selected heating source to be turned on.

[0512] In addition, when the steam generation option process is performed according to the second rapid washing water heating mode, the method may further include, before the step S2223b, a step of receiving a signal from the temperature sensor ST and determining, based on the received signal, whether the current temperature of the washing water reaches the fourth target temperature T4, and, upon determination that the current temperature of the washing water reaches the fourth target temperature T4, adding a heating source in a currently turned-off state to the heating source for heating the washing water.

[0513] As, as described above, the washing water heating mode is switched to the heating mode in which the washing water is heated using the combination of the heat pump module 100 and the washing water heater 48 before the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature T1 while the washing water is being heated with the single heating source, the time duration from the heating start time point t0 to the time point t1.1 at which the washing water temperature reaches the second target temperature T2 in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be increased compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode as described above, but the total power consumption in the second rapid washing water heating mode may be slightly reduced compared to the first rapid washing water heating mode.

[0514] 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 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.

Examples

first embodiment

[0307]FIG. 9 illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a standard (general) mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a

[0308]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.

[0309]In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0310]In this regard, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off power supply to the washing water heater 48 so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[0311]Therefore, in the standard (general) mode, the washing water...

second embodiment

[0342]FIG. 10B illustrates an example operating condition of the washing pump 45 and the heat pump module 100 to be executed according to a second energy saving mode among a plurality of washing water heating modes according to a second-

[0343]As illustrated in FIG. 10B, 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 supply and circulation of washing water.

[0344]In this regard, simultaneously with the washing pump 45 being turned on or immediately after the washing pump 45 is turned on, the controller 200 may be configured to supply power to the compressor 110 and the blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100 to turn on the heat pump module 100.

[0345]In this regard, in the same manner as in the second-first embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply to the washing water heater 48, so that the washing water heater 48 is maintained in a turned-off state.

[...

Claims

1. A dishwasher according toa 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 washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater; anda heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump,wherein at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater is selected as a heating source for heating the washing water, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the washing water heating mode is one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one of the heat pump module or the washing water heater selected as the heating source for heating the washing water has each of an operation start time point and an operation stop time point set to vary depending on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

4. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein while the washing water is being heated using one of the heat pump module and the washing water heater, the heating source for heating the washing water is switched from the one to the other thereof or a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater at a heating-source switching time point,wherein the heating-source switching time point is set to vary based on whether the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, the energy saving mode, or the rapid washing water heating mode.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the heating-source switching time point in the rapid washing water heating mode is earlier than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode,wherein the heating-source switching time point in the energy saving mode is later than the heating-source switching time point in the general mode.

6. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

7. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater is selected as the heating source,the washing water is heated using the heat pump module while an operation of the washing water heater is stopped until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature,the washing water is heated using the washing water heater and an operation of the heat pump module is stopped until the washing water temperature reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein in response to that the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature, an operation of the washing pump is stopped.

9. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode, the heat pump module is selected as the heating source, and an operation of the washing water heater is stopped.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the washing water is heated using the heat pump module until a washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein an operation of the washing pump is stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

12. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein when the selected washing water heating mode is the rapid washing water heating mode, a combination of the heat pump module and the washing water heater is selected as the heating source.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the washing water is heated using both the heat pump module and the washing water heater until the washing water temperature reaches a first target temperature and then reaches a second target temperature exceeding the first target temperature.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein an operation of the washing pump is stopped when the washing water temperature reaches the first target temperature.

15. 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 heat pump module for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump; anda washing water heater for heating the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the washing water heater is an electric heater,wherein whether to operate the washing water heater, a time point at which the operation of the washing water heater is started, and a time point at which the operation thereof is stopped are set to vary, based on a washing water heating mode for the washing water.

16. The dishwasher of claim 15, wherein the washing water heating mode is one selected from a general mode, an energy saving mode, and a rapid washing water heating mode.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein while the washing water is heated in one of the general mode, the energy saving mode, and the rapid washing water heating mode, the washing water heating mode can be switched from the one to one of the remaining two modes.

18. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach a target temperature in the rapid washing water heating mode is a first value,wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the general mode is a second value greater than the first value,wherein a time duration taken for the washing water temperature to reach the target temperature in the energy saving mode is a third value greater than the second value.

19. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein when the selected washing water heating mode is the general mode, power is first supplied to the heat pump module to start an operation of the heat pump module, and then, power is supplied to the washing water heater to start the operation of the washing water heater.

20. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein when the selected washing water heating mode is the energy saving mode,only the heat pump module is supplied with power such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and the washing water heater is maintained in a turned-off state while the washing water is heated, orpower is first supplied only to the heat pump module such that the washing water is heated only using the heat pump module, and, subsequently, the operation of the washing water heater is started.

Images