Dishwasher and method for controlling the same

Abstract

A dishwasher is configured to activate and deactivate a drying function performed using a moisture-absorption drying device. The dishwasher includes a controller configured to activate or deactivate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device based on an option selection signal. Thus, various needs of users may be satisfied.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Application No. 10-2025-0033317, filed on Mar. 14, 2025, and Korean Application No. 10-2025-0141952, filed on Sep. 30, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher capable of activating and deactivating a drying function performed using a moisture-absorption drying device, and a control method thereof.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.

[0004] Generally, the dishwasher is configured to perform a washing cycle for washing a washing target, a rinsing cycle for rinsing a washing target, and a drying cycle for drying a washing target that has been washed and rinsed.

[0005] Recently, a dishwasher equipped with a moisture-absorption device that may reduce a drying time duration of the washing target by absorbing water vapor contained in the air discharged from a tub during the drying cycle and then re-supplying the moisture-removed air to the tub has been released.

[0006] Prior art literature: Patent Document 001: European Patent No. EP2323531 (2011.05.25)SUMMARY

[0007] A technical purpose to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of activating and deactivating a drying function using a moisture-absorption drying device and a control method thereof.

[0008] In addition, a technical purpose to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of satisfying a user's request by controlling parameters of washing and rinsing cycles when a drying function using a moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, and a control method thereof.

[0009] In addition, a technical purpose to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of activating and deactivating an enhanced drying option, and a control method thereof.

[0010] In addition, a technical purpose to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of improving drying performance by controlling at least one of an operating parameter or a drying scheme when an enhanced drying option is activated, and a control method thereof.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may activate and deactivate a drying function using the moisture-absorption drying device. Specifically, the dishwasher may activate or deactivate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device based on an option selection signal.

[0013] In addition, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may satisfy the user's needs by controlling the parameters of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle when the drying function performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated.

[0014] Specifically, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, the dishwasher drives the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature lower than that when the drying cycle is activated and performs the washing cycle, drives the heating heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the drying cycle is activated and performs the rinsing cycle, and opens the door.

[0015] In addition, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may activate or deactivate the enhanced drying option. Specifically, the dishwasher may activate or deactivate the enhanced drying option in the activated state of the drying cycle based on the option selection signal.

[0016] In addition, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may improve the drying performance by controlling at least one of the operating parameter or the drying scheme when the enhanced drying option is activated.

[0017] Specifically, the dishwasher increases an operating time duration of a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle and an operating time duration of an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle compared to when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performs the drying cycle including the moisture-absorption cycle and the air-discharge cycle for the increased operation time durations thereof.

[0018] Specifically, the dishwasher drives the regeneration heater so that the air is heated to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated in the washing cycle. Further, the dishwasher drives the regeneration heater and the fan motor so that the air has a higher hot air temperature than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated in the moisture-absorption cycle.

[0019] Specifically, the dishwasher drives the heating heater so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated in the rinsing cycle, and changes the drying scheme based on a varying combination of the moisture-absorption cycle, the partial opening of the door, the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, and the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle.

[0020] As described above, the dishwasher of the present disclosure may activate or deactivate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device based on the option selection signal.

[0021] In addition, the dishwasher of the present disclosure drives the regenerative heater to heat the air to a temperature lower than that in the activation of the drying cycle when the drying cycle is deactivated, and performs the washing cycle, thereby shortening a cycle time duration and save energy. This may meet the needs of users who prioritize the time reduction and energy saving over performance.

[0022] In addition, according to the present disclosure, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, the heating heater is driven to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the drying cycle is activated, and then the rinsing cycle is performed with the higher temperature washing temperature, and then the door is automatically opened, thereby reducing the natural drying time duration of the washing target. This may meet the needs of users who want the natural drying.

[0023] In addition, the dishwasher of the present disclosure may activate or deactivate the enhanced drying option in the state in which the drying cycle is activated, based on the option selection signal.

[0024] In addition, according to the present disclosure, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle and the operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle are increased compared with when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0025] In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the dishwasher of the present disclosure drives the regeneration heater to heat the air to a temperature higher than that in the deactivation of the enhanced drying option, and carries out the washing cycle, and then, drives the regeneration heater and the fan motor such that the hot air temperature is higher than that in the deactivation of the enhanced drying option, and carries out the moisture-absorption cycle, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0026] In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the dishwasher of the present disclosure drives the heating heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that in the deactivation of the enhanced drying option, and performs the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and then drives the moisture-absorption and drying device in various drying schemes based on the various combinations of the moisture-absorption cycle, the partial opening of the door, the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, and the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0027] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following descriptions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a door of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view and a partially enlarged view showing a state in which a casing of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which the moisture-absorption drying device of the dishwasher is accommodated on a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which the tub is removed in FIG. 5.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the moisture-absorption drying device shown in FIG. 7.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorption drying device illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a moisture-absorption drying device of a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the moisture-absorption drying device shown in FIG. 10.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorption drying device shown in FIG. 10.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow based on whether a hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is activated in the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dishwasher when the hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is activated in FIG. 14.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dishwasher when the hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is deactivated in FIG. 14.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow based on a first type of the enhanced drying option in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a dishwasher controlling a time duration of a drying cycle in a first option of the enhanced drying option of the first type in FIG. 17.

[0046] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a dish washer controlling heating and hot air temperatures in a second option of the enhanced drying option of the first type in FIG. 17.

[0047] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow based on a second type of the enhanced drying option in the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the operation of the dishwasher based on a first drying scheme in a third option of the enhanced drying option of the second type in FIG. 20.

[0049] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the operation of the dishwasher based on a second drying scheme in a fourth option of the enhanced drying option of the second type in FIG. 20.

[0050] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the operation of the dishwasher based on a third drying scheme in a fifth option of the enhanced drying option of the second type in FIG. 20.

[0051] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a control method of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0053] Although the first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish only one component from another component. Unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0054] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but various changes may be applied thereto and the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms. However, the present embodiment is provided so that the present disclosure is complete and the scope of the present disclosure is fully informed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but it should be understood that a configuration of one embodiment and a configuration of another embodiment are substituted with each other or are added to each other, and all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the technical spirit and scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0055] The accompanying drawings are only set forth for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, and the technical spirit disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. In the drawings, the components may be expressed to be larger or smaller in size or thickness in consideration of convenience of understanding, etc. However, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0056] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments or embodiments, and are not intended to limit 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 In the present disclosure, terms such as "include" and "comprise" are intended to designate that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof as described in the present disclosure exist. That is, it should be understood that in the present disclosure, the terms such as "include" and "comprise" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0057] Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0058] When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly connected or coupled to another component, or still another component may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that still another component is absent therebetween.

[0059] When one component is referred to as "being disposed on top of" or "being disposed under" another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly disposed on top of or under another component or still another component may be present therebetween.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0061] Hereinafter, a dishwasher capable of activating and deactivating hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is provided.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the hybrid moisture-absorption drying may be defined as a cycle of absorbing moisture using a moisture absorbent of a moisture-absorption drying device in a state in which a door of the dish washer is partially opened or closed, and operating at least one of a regeneration heater and a fan motor of the moisture-absorption drying device to evaporate the moisture to dry the washing target.

[0063] In the present disclosure, a moisture-absorption cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying may be defined as a cycle of absorbing moisture using the moisture-absorbent of the moisture-absorption drying device by operating the fan motor in a state in which the door of the dish washer is closed.

[0064] In the present disclosure, a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying may be defined as a cycle of drying the washing target by operating the fan motor of the moisture-absorption drying device and performing the moisture-absorption using the moisture-absorbent of the moisture-absorption drying device in a state in which the door of the dishwasher is partially opened.

[0065] In the present disclosure, an air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying may be defined as a cycle of drying the washing target by operating the fan motor of the moisture-absorption drying device in a state in which the door of the dish washer is partially opened.

[0066] In the present disclosure, a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying may be defined as a cycle of drying the washing target by operating the regeneration heater and the fan motor of the moisture-absorption drying device in a state in which the door of the dishwasher is partially opened.

[0067] In the present disclosure, an enhanced drying option may be defined as an option for enhancing the drying performance by changing the operating parameter of one of the washing water management device and the moisture-absorption drying device or by changing an operating scheme of the drying cycle.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 showing a state in which a door 30 of the dishwasher 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is in an open state.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a casing 10 that constitutes an exterior appearance, 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, a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20, a washing water management device 40 located under the tub 20 to heat, supply, collect, circulate, and discharge the washing water for washing and rinsing the washing target, a dish rack 50 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive therein the washing target, and a water sprayer 61, 62, and 63 installed adjacent to the dish rack 50 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

[0071] In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack 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.

[0072] The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape in which a front surface 22 is entirely open and a rear surface 23, an upper surface 24, a lower surface 25, a right surface 27, and a left surface are blocked, and may be a component known as a so-called washing tub.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0075] 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 50 and the water sprayer which will be described later thereon within the tub 20.

[0076] In one example, the washing water management device 40 may include a sump 41 that stores therein washing water used for washing and rinsing the dishes, a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the sump 41 from the tub 20, a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the sump 41, a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the sump 41 to an outside, and a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the sump 41 to the water sprayer, and a washing water heater 47 for heating the washing water.

[0077] The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 41 and may serve to distinguish the tub 20 and the sump 41 from each other. 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 into the sump 41. The washing water sprayed from the water sprayer 61, 62 and 63 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.

[0078] The washing pump 45 may be disposed at a side or a bottom of the sump 41 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer. 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. The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When 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 through the supply flow path 46.

[0079] A heater assembly including the washing water heater 47 may be disposed under a bottom surface of a housing of the washing pump 45. The washing water heater 47 may be used to heat the washing water supplied to the washing pump 45. The washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water used for washing and rinsing the dishes to a target temperature based on a control signal of a controller. For example, the washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to the washing cycle. In addition, the washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to the rinsing cycle. In addition, the washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water based on a control signal corresponding to whether a moisture-absorption drying function is activated.

[0080] In addition, the washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water to a target temperature varying based on whether a selected cycle is the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle in response to the control signal of the controller. In addition, the washing water heater 47 may heat the temperature of the washing water supplied to the rinsing cycle to a target temperature varying based on whether the moisture-absorption drying function is activated in response to the control signal of the controller. For example, in response to that the moisture-absorption drying function is deactivated, the washing water heater 47 may heat the washing water used in the rinsing cycle to a higher temperature than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the moisture-absorption drying function is activated.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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. 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In one example, the water sprayer may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0085] More specifically, the water sprayer may include the lower spraying arm 61 located under the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spraying arm 62 located between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0086] 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 50 while being rotating.

[0087] 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 rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower rack 51.

[0088] 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 rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0089] 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 surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0090] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21. 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.

[0091] For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 50 includes the lower rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 20 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, the upper rack 5 located on top of the lower rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and the top rack 53 located at a top level of the tub 20 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, hereinafter, an example in which the dishwasher includes the three dish racks 50 as shown is described.

[0092] Each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top 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.

[0093] For this purpose, guide rails 54 may be respectively disposed on both opposing walls constituting an inner surface of the tub 20. By way of example, the guide rails 54 may include an upper rail 541, a lower rail 541, and a top rail 543.

[0094] Wheels may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53. The user may extend the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top 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.

[0095] The guide rail 54 may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the rack 50, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the rack 50 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the rack 50 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

[0096] In one example, the door 30 is configured for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0097] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 is closed or opened may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. Thus, the door 30 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis.

[0098] In this regard, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a door driving device 35 that automatically releases the door 30 from a locked state and at least partially opens the door 30.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the door driving device 35 may include a door locking module 351 that maintains the locked state of the door 30 or releases the door from the locked state.

[0100] As shown, by way of example, the door locking module 351 may be formed at a position in the upper surface 24 of the tub 20 adjacent to the open front surface 22 thereof, and preferably may be disposed at a position in the upper surface 24 of the tub 20 adjacent to the front surface 22 of the tub 20. An upper front bracket 241 for installing the door locking module 351 may be provided at the upper surface 24 of the tub 20.

[0101] The door locking module 351 may include a hook-shaped door latch (not shown) coupled to the door 30 in a hooking manner, and a latch driver (not shown) for releasing the locking state of the door latch using an electrical driving force.

[0102] A latch hooked portion 39 may be concavely formed in an upper surface of the door 30 so as to be coupled to the hook-shaped door latch in the hooked manner.

[0103] In addition, as illustrated, a door position sensor 36 for sensing the position of the door 30 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the door locking module 351.

[0104] By way of example, the door position sensor 36 may include a main sensor 361 and 362 that detects whether the door 30 is out of a closed position.

[0105] More specifically, the main sensor may include a micro switch that generates and outputs an ON-signal when the door 30 is in the closed position, and generates and outputs an OFF-signal when the door 30 is out of the closed position.

[0106] To this end, the micro switch may include a push button that maintains a pressed state when the door 30 is in the closed position, and releases the pressed state when the door 30 is out of the closed position. An electrical circuit that detects whether the push button is pressed and generates an electrical output signal including an ON-signal or an OFF-signal based on the detection result may be provided inside the micro switch.

[0107] In one example, based on the illustrated embodiment, a door automatic opening module 352 may be disposed on a right side of the door locking module 351 and be configured to at least partially open the front surface 22 of the tub 20 by pivoting the door 30 from the closed position of the door to an intermediate stop position serving as a partially-open position of the door.

[0108] By way of example, the intermediate stop position may be defined as a position at which the pivoting force resulting from the self-weight of the door 30 and the elastic force of a restoring force acting portion (not shown) providing a force to the door 30 to return are balanced with each other.

[0109] Upon receiving an electrical control signal for opening the door 30 from a controller 100 to be described later, the door automatic opening module 352 may be electrically driven to pivot the door 30 from the closed position to the intermediate stop position to partially open the door 30.

[0110] To this end, for example, the door automatic opening module 352 may include a driving motor 3522 for generating an electrical rotational driving force, a reduction gear unit 3523 for reducing the rotational driving force of the driving motor 3522 and converting the rotational driving force into a linear reciprocating driving force, and a push rod 3524 linearly reciprocating in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) under the linear reciprocating driving force.

[0111] The driving motor 3522, the reduction gear unit 3523, and the push rod 3524 may be installed on the upper front bracket 241 described above in a state of being accommodated in a housing 3521.

[0112] As will be described later, when the driving motor 3522 receives the power from the controller 100 and operates, the push rod 3524 protrudes from an initial accommodated position toward the door 30 under the driving force of the driving motor 3522 to push an upper side of the rear surface of the door 30.

[0113] Accordingly, the door 30 pivots around the hinge at the bottom thereof while being removed from the closed position thereof, and thus the opening of the front surface 22 of the tub 20 may be started.

[0114] Thereafter, when the push rod 3524 protrudes to the maximum extent to push the door 30 to the maximum extent, the door 30 reaches the intermediate stop position, and the push rod 3524 may return to the initial accommodated position again.

[0115] In this regard, even when the door 30 is returned to the initial accommodated position such that the pressing force of the push rod 3524 to the door is released, the door 30 may be maintained in a stopped state at the intermediate stop position.

[0116] In one example, a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the dishwasher 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 30.

[0117] As shown, the control panel 32 disposed on the outer side surface of the door 30 may include a display 33 that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dishwasher, etc., and a button unit 34 including a selection button through which a user's selection manipulation is input and a power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dishwasher on and off is input.

[0118] In one example, 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 rack 51 of the dish rack 50 is supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0119] For this purpose, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, the inner side surface 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 rack 51 extends.

[0120] In one example, a washing detergent supply device to automatically supply washing detergent to the inner space of the tub 20 may be disposed on the inner side surface of the door 30.

[0121] In one example, under the tub 20, a moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be disposed which absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub 20 during the drying cycle and then re-supplies the air back to the tub 20.

[0122] As shown, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be configured to include an air intake duct 81 through which the air discharged from the tub 20 is sucked, a blower 82 that generates a flow of air, a heating unit 83 that heats the air sucked from the tub 20 and a moisture absorbent 85 that absorbs the water vapor contained in the air.

[0123] As will be described later, the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 may have an air supply hole 254 through which the air from which the water vapor has been removed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is introduced into the inner space of the tub 20.

[0124] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, a grill cap 8113 coupled to an inlet of the air intake duct 81 may be fixed to one side surface of the tub 20, for example, to a right side surface 27 thereof.

[0125] A detailed configuration of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 below.Detailed configuration of moisture-absorption drying device

[0126] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12.

[0127] FIGS. 5 to 9 illustrate the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] First, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, remaining parts of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 excluding a main duct 811 of the air intake duct 81 and a discharge guide 89 may be disposed to be accommodated in an area between a base 90 and the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 and may be supported on a lower surface 91 of the base 90.

[0129] For example, the blower 82, the heater 83, and the housing 84 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be disposed adjacent to a rear surface 93 of the base 90, and may be arranged in a parallel manner to a length of the rear surface 93 of the base 90.

[0130] A position of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be selected in consideration of characteristics of the heating unit 83 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 which generates high heat of approximately 200°C or higher in the hot air supply process. In other words, the position of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be selected as a position other than positions of electrical components that are relatively affected by the high heat.

[0131] In this way, the blower 82, the heater 83, and the housing 84 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be adjacent to the rear surface 93 of the base 90 and may be arranged in a parallel manner to a length of the rear surface 93 of the base 90. Thus, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, a weight balance state may be achieved to prevent the dishwasher 1 from tilting due to a load of the door 30.

[0132] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the position of the device 80 may be selected based on a location of the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20. In consideration of user safety and in order to distinguish the air supply hole 254 from the water softener communication hole 255 located close to the front surface of the tub 20, the air supply hole 254 through which dry air is discharged may be formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 and adjacent to a corner at which the rear surface 23 and a left side surface meet each other.

[0133] The air supplied through the air supply hole 254 may be evenly distributed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 through the discharge guide 89 exposed to the washing space 21.

[0134] In order to effectively supply the air from which the moisture has been absorbed to the air supply hole 254 formed at this location, the housing 84 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 that accommodates therein the moisture absorbent 85 may be disposed close to the air supply hole 254 and under the air supply hole 254.

[0135] However, the position of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is only an example. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be located adjacent to a left side surface 94, a right side surface 95, or a front surface 92 rather than the rear surface 93 of the base 90.

[0136] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the blower 82, the heater 83, and housing 84 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be disposed adjacent to the rear surface 93 of the base 90 and may be arranged in a parallel manner to the length of the rear surface 93 of the base 90. The air supply hole 254 may be formed adjacent to a corner at which the rear surface and the left side surface meet each other and in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20. In this case, an air intake hole 271 through which humid air is discharged from the tub 20 may be defined in a right side surface of the tub 20 and adjacent to a corner where the right side surface 27 and the rear surface meet each other, and may be formed at a position close to an upper surface 24 of the tub 20.

[0137] The location of this air intake hole 271 may be selected as a location spaced as far as possible from the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0138] In this way, the air intake hole 271 may be positioned so as to be as far as possible from the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89. Thus, a possibility at which the air that has passed through the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89 re-flows directly into the air intake hole 271 without passing through the washing target may be significantly reduced.

[0139] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the air intake hole 271 together with the main duct 811 which will be described later may be located in rear of a water jacket 110 where the washing water to be supplied to the sump 41 where the washing water is stored is stored.

[0140] In this regard, as shown, a tub hole 118 may be formed in the water jacket 110 to communicate an internal space of the water jacket with the washing space 21 of the tub 20. A water jacket communication hole 272 may be defined in the right side surface 27 of the tub 20 in a corresponding manner to the tub hole 118.

[0141] The air intake hole 271 may be defined at a position other than a position of the water jacket 110 and may be formed at a higher position than that of the water jacket communication hole 272.

[0142] As shown, a grill cap 118a similar in shape to the grill cap 813 of the air intake hole 271 as described above may be coupled to the tub hole 118 to minimize inflow of the washing water and prevent inflow of foreign substances.

[0143] In one example, the grill cap 813 may be coupled to the air intake hole 271. Thus, the grill cap 813 may allow the washing water and foreign substances scattered from the inner space of the tub 20 from inflowing into the air intake duct 81 at a minimized level.

[0144] The grill cap 813 may flow through the air intake hole 271 and be coupled to an inlet of the main duct 811 constituting the air intake duct 81.

[0145] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a detailed configuration of the moisture-absorption drying device 80.

[0146] As shown, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be configured to include the blower 82 that generates flow of air sucked from the tub 20 and to be supplied to the inner space of the tub 20, the heating unit 83 including a regeneration heater 831 that heats air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85, a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 disposed downstream of the blower 82 and the heating unit 83 in a flow direction of air and absorbing the moisture contained in the air, the housing 84 having a heater accommodation space in which the heating unit 83 is accommodated and a moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated, the air intake duct 81 connecting the air intake hole of the tub 20 and the blower 82 to each other, and the discharge guide 89 exposed to the inside of the tub and constructed to guide a direction in which the air having flowed through the moisture absorbent 85 is discharged.

[0147] The blower 82 may be disposed upstream of the heating unit 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 in the flow direction of the air flow, and may be disposed downstream of the air intake duct 81 in the flow direction of the air flow and may suck the air from the tub 20, and may generate the air flow so that the sucked air may flow through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0148] A blow fan 842 and a blower motor 825 that generates a rotational driving force of the blow fan 842 may be modularized together to form an assembly accommodated inside a fan housing 821.

[0149] The fan housing 821 may be fixed to a main housing 841 which will be described later via a connecting bracket 822.

[0150] In one example, an auxiliary duct 812 constituting the air intake duct 81 may be coupled and fastened to the other side surface of the fan housing 821 where an intake hole is formed.

[0151] There is no limitation on a type of the blow fan 824 applied to the moisture-absorption drying device 80. However, in one example, a sirocco fan is preferable in consideration of constraints in terms of a position and a space where the blow fan 824 is installed.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, when the sirocco fan is applied, air guided through the auxiliary duct 812 of the intake duct 81 may be introduced through the other side surface of the fan housing 821, that is, a rear surface thereof into the fan in a direction parallel to a rotation axis from a center of the sirocco fan, and then, the air may be accelerated radially and outwardly, and then may be discharged.

[0153] The accelerated and discharged air may generate the air flow and may flow through an inlet IN1 of a heater accommodation portion of the main housing 841 and be introduced into an inner space of a heater housing 832.

[0154] As shown in the drawing, a lower surface of the heater accommodation portion extends in a downward slope such that a vertical level of the lower surface thereof gradually decreases as the heater accommodation portion extends in the flow direction of the air flow, that is, in a direction from a front end to a rear end thereof.

[0155] In this regard, the blower 82 is fastened to the front end of the heater accommodation portion using a connecting bracket 822. Therefore, an outlet of the fan housing 821 and the inlet IN1 of the heater accommodation portion may be positioned at a higher vertical level than a vertical level of a bottom surface of a moisture absorbent accommodation portion disposed at the lowest position in the internal space of the main housing 841 and may be positioned at a position far away from the moisture absorbent 85 to be described later in the longitudinal direction of the moisture-absorption drying device 80.

[0156] As described above, the blower 82 is disposed at the higher vertical level than that of the bottom surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion, the center of gravity of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be distributed along the vertical direction, thereby minimizing the occurrence of vibration and noise.

[0157] In addition, the moisture absorbent 85 provided in the form of particles may be disposed at a lower vertical level as close as possible to the bottom surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion, such that the generation of vibration and noise may be reduced.

[0158] The heating unit 83 may be disposed between the blower 82 and the moisture absorbent 85 as described above in the flow direction of the air flow, and may play a role in heating the air flow to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 in the hot air supply process to be described later.

[0159] When the moisture-absorption drying device 80 generates a high temperature air flow in the hot air supply process, power may be supplied to the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air flow. When the moisture-absorption drying device 80 generates a low-temperature air flow in the moisture-absorption drying cycle, the power supplied to the regeneration heater 831 may be cut off such that an operation of the regeneration heater 831 may be stopped.

[0160] In this regard, when the low-temperature air flow is generated in the moisture-absorption drying cycle, an operation of the fan motor 825 may be maintained.

[0161] There is no limitation on the type of the regeneration heater 831 provided in the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, a tube-shaped sheath heater that has a relatively simple structure, has excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing electric leakage due to the washing water flowing from the tub 20 may be selected.

[0162] In order to increase the heat exchange efficiency, the regeneration heater 831 as the sheath heater may be directly exposed to the flow of the air in an inner air passage of the heater housing 832, and may be bent multiple times to maximize a heat transfer area.

[0163] The regeneration heater 831 may be disposed to extend between the inlet IN1 formed at one end, that is, the front end, of the heater accommodation portion of the main housing 841 and an outlet OUT1 formed at the other end, that is, the rear end, of the heater accommodation portion thereof.

[0164] In this regard, the regeneration heater 831 may be disposed in the heater accommodation portion in a state in which the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the longitudinal direction of each of the heater accommodation space and the heater housing 832.

[0165] Accordingly, the heat exchange performance and the heat exchange efficiency of the regeneration heater 831 may be improved compared to a case in which the longitudinal direction of the regeneration heater 831 is parallel to the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heater accommodation space.

[0166] The regeneration heater 831 may extend such that one end and the other end thereof extend through the front surface of the heater housing 832 and the front surface of the heater accommodation portion of the main housing 841.

[0167] Moreover, a pair of terminals to receive power may be formed respectively at one end and the other end of the regeneration heater 831.

[0168] In one example, the heater housing 832 may be formed in a hollow form with an empty inner space to define an air passage in which the regeneration heater 831 is disposed. The air passage defined in the heater housing 832 together with an air introduction space formed in a lower portion of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion may constitute a first flow channel.

[0169] As described above, the regeneration heater 831 may be disposed in an inner space of the heater housing 832 so that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the flow direction of the air flow. Accordingly, as in the regeneration heater 831, the heater housing 832 may be disposed in the heater accommodation space of the heater accommodation portion of the main housing 841 so that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the flow direction of the air flow F.

[0170] In this regard, in a corresponding manner to a shape of the heater accommodation space, the heater housing 832 may extend linearly toward the air introduction space along the longitudinal direction of the heater accommodation portion.

[0171] In this regard, each of the front end of the heater housing 832 corresponding to a upstream side and the rear end thereof corresponding to a downstream side in the flow direction of the air flow F may be entirely opened so that the air may flow therethrough.

[0172] In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, an overheat sensor 871 constituting a temperature sensor unit 87 and sensing whether the regeneration heater 831 is overheated may be disposed on an upper surface of an upper portion of the heater housing 832.

[0173] By way of example, a pair of overheat sensors 871 may be provided, and the pair of overheat sensors 871 may be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the regeneration heater 831 so as to effectively detect whether the regeneration heater 831 is locally overheated.

[0174] In one example, the temperature sensor unit 87 may further include a temperature / humidity sensor 872 for sensing the temperature and the humidity of the airflow. Unlike the overheat sensor 871, the temperature / humidity sensor 872 serves to detect the temperature and the humidity of the airflow having flowed through the regeneration heater 831.

[0175] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the temperature / humidity sensor 872 may extend through the front surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion downstream of the regeneration heater 831 into the inside of the air introduction space so that the influence of the radiant heat from the regeneration heater 831 on the temperature / humidity sensor 872 may be minimized. As described above, the temperature / humidity sensor 872 may extend into the inside of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion which is positioned between the regeneration heater 831 and the moisture absorbent 85 in the flow direction of the airflow so as to detect the temperature and the humidity of the airflow having flowed through the regeneration heater 831. The temperature / humidity sensor 872 may identify whether the airflow of appropriate temperature and humidity is supplied to the moisture absorbent 85 during the operation of the moisture-absorption drying device 80.

[0176] An output signal of the temperature sensor unit 87 may be transmitted to the controller 100 to be described later, and a controller 100 may be configured to receive the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 87 and determine, based on the received output signal, whether the regeneration heater 831 is overheated and the temperature of the airflow. When the regeneration heater 831 is overheated, the controller 100 may be configured to cut off power supply to the regeneration heater 831 to stop the operation of the regeneration heater 831.

[0177] The moisture absorbent 85 absorbs moisture contained in the flow of air discharged from the tub 20 and inhaled by the device 80 when the moisture-absorption drying device 80 operates in the moisture-absorption drying cycle. When the moisture-absorption drying device 80 operates in the hot air supply process, the moisture absorbent 85 discharges the absorbed moisture into the air flow.

[0178] In other words, the moisture absorbent 85 may be made of a reversibly dehydratable material so as to absorb the moisture or discharge the absorbed moisture depending on an operating temperature range.

[0179] The reversibly dehydratable material may include any one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica, or zeolite, or may be a composition having a combination of two or more selected therefrom.

[0180] In an example, the moisture absorbent 85 made of an alumina silica-based material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied to the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. However, following descriptions will be based on an example in which the alumina silica-based moisture absorbent 85 is employed.

[0181] In this way, the moisture absorbent 85 made of the alumina silica-based material may be provided in a form of particles with a predefined particle size so that a contact area with the air flow may be secured as much as possible. Moreover, compared to the moisture absorbent made of pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, a moisture-absorption action of the moisture absorbent 85 made of the alumina silica-based material may be effective at a lower temperature range, and regeneration action may be effective at a lower temperature range.

[0182] However, while the air flow may flow through a gap between the plurality of moisture absorbents 85 provided in the form of particles, the air flow may contact the moisture absorbents 85 such that the moisture contained therein is absorbed into the moisture absorbents 85 or the air flow absorbs the moisture discharged from the moisture absorbents 85.

[0183] Therefore, the moisture absorbent 85 cannot help but act as flow resistance to the air flow. The particle size of the moisture absorbent 85 may be selected such that a pore may be effectively formed between the particles to minimize such flow resistance, and optimal moisture-absorption efficiency may be secured.

[0184] For this purpose, the moisture absorbent 85 may have the particle size in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm.

[0185] In one example, the moisture absorbent 85 is disposed downstream of the blower 82 and the heating unit 83 in the flow direction of the air flow.

[0186] More specifically, the moisture absorbent 85 may be accommodated in the moisture absorbent accommodation space of the main housing 841 positioned downstream of the blower 82 and the heater 83.

[0187] The moisture absorbent accommodation space S3 may be defined by a pair of moisture absorbent holders 86 disposed in the moisture absorbent accommodation portion of the main housing 841. The pair of moisture absorbent holders 86 may be spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction.

[0188] As illustrated in FIG. 9, for example, the pair of moisture absorbent holders 86 may include a first moisture absorbent holder 861 defining a lower end surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation space and dividing the inner space of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion into the moisture absorbent accommodation space and the air introduction space, and a second moisture absorbent holder 862 defining an upper end surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0189] Each of the first moisture absorbent holder 861 and the second moisture absorbent holder 862 may be formed in a plate shape to define each of the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0190] In one example, the housing 84 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 accommodates therein the above-described heating unit 83 and moisture absorbent 85, and may define a first flow channel of the air flow having flowed through the regeneration heater 831 and a second flow channel of the air flow having flowed through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0191] By way of example, as shown in FIG. 9, the housing 84 may include the main housing 841 having the heater accommodation space in which the heating unit 83 is accommodated and the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated.

[0192] First, the main housing 841 may include the heater accommodation portion in which the heater accommodation space is formed, and the moisture absorbent accommodation portion in which the moisture absorbent accommodation space is formed.

[0193] As illustrated, the heater accommodation portion may have a hollow box shape in which an upper surface is entirely open and which has a hexahedral shape, based on a state in which the heater accommodation portion is disposed on the base 90.

[0194] The heater housing 832 and the regeneration heater 831 may be inserted through the open upper surface of the heater accommodation portion into the heater accommodation space.

[0195] An open area of the front end surface of the heater accommodation portion may constitute the inlet IN1 through which the airflow is introduced. An open rea of the rear end surface of the heater accommodation portion may constitute the outlet OUT1 through which the airflow having flowed through the regeneration heater 831 is discharged.

[0196] As described above, the outlet of the fan housing 821 may be inserted into and coupled to the inlet IN1 formed in the heater accommodation portion.

[0197] In one example, the outlet OUT1 of the heater accommodation portion may communicate with an inlet IN2 of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion. As in the illustrated embodiment, when the heater accommodation portion and the moisture absorbent accommodation portion are integrally connected with each other, the outlet OUT1 of the heater accommodation portion and the inlet IN2 of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion may be integrated with each other, and the outlet OUT1 of the heater accommodation portion may also serve as the inlet IN2 of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion.

[0198] In one example, the heater accommodation portion may be constructed such that the flow channel defined by the heater accommodation space and the heater housing 832 extends in a downward slope such that the level in the vertical direction thereof is gradually lowered such that the flow channel extends toward the moisture absorbent accommodation portion.

[0199] That is, a center of the inlet IN1 of the heater accommodation portion may be positioned at a vertical level higher than a vertical level of a center of the outlet OUT1. The longitudinal direction or the extension direction of the heater accommodation space of the heater housing 832 may be oriented to be inclined downwards with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0200] In one example, based on the state in which the main housing 841 is disposed on the base 90, the moisture absorbent accommodation portion of the main housing 841 and the heater accommodation portion of the main housing 841 may be arranged in a line so that the longitudinal direction of the heater accommodation portion is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion.

[0201] The moisture absorbent accommodation portion may have a hollow box shape having a hexahedral shape as a whole with an open upper surface.

[0202] An open area of the upper surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion may function as an outlet OUT2 through which the air having flowed through the moisture absorbent 85 is exhausted.

[0203] After the moisture absorbent holder 86 and the moisture absorbent 85 have been received in the inner space of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion, a second cover 882 may be coupled to the moisture absorbent accommodation portion to close the open area of the upper surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion.

[0204] The first moisture absorbent holder 861 may divide the inner space of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion into upper and lower spaces.

[0205] The lower space among the upper and lower spaces defined by the first moisture absorbent holder 861 may become the air introduction space into which the air having flowed through the heater accommodation portion is introduced. The upper space among the upper and lower spaces defined by the first moisture absorbent holder 861 may become the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated.

[0206] In one example, the heater accommodation space of the heater accommodation portion, and the air introduction space and the moisture absorbent accommodation space of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion may constitute a continuous flow channel through which airflow is generated. More specifically, the air introduction space constitutes a downstream portion of the first flow channel, and the moisture absorbent accommodation space constitutes the second flow channel.

[0207] In one example, as described above, the open upper surface of the heater accommodation portion and the open upper surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation portion of the main housing 841 may be closed with a cover 88.

[0208] As illustrated by way example, in consideration of the shape of the main housing 841, the cover 88 may include a first cover 881 coupled to the heater accommodation portion and the second cover 882 coupled to the moisture absorbent accommodation portion.

[0209] The first cover 881 coupled to the heater accommodation portion may be formed in a plate shape corresponding to a shape of the heater housing 832.

[0210] In one example, unlike the first cover 881, the second cover 882 coupled to the moisture absorbent accommodation portion may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to an inverted funnel shape.

[0211] That is, an inner surface of the second cover 882 may be constructed to have an inverted funnel shape that is convex upwardly so that the air that has flowed through the moisture absorbent 85 and the second moisture absorbent holder 862 as described above may converge.

[0212] Therefore, as the second cover 882 is provided with a converging surface that is convex upwardly, a predefined space may be formed between the second moisture absorbent holder 862 which defines the top surface of the moisture absorbent receiving space, and the converging surface of the second cover 882. The space serves to minimize resistance that may occur locally according to the flow resistance generated by the moisture absorbent 85 and the second moisture absorbent holder 862.

[0213] As the space as described above is formed, the differential pressure distribution may be uniformly distributed over the entire area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the second moisture absorbent holder 862, and the airflow having flowed through the second moisture absorbent holder 862 may flow while being uniformly diffused. As the space acts as a space through which the air current flows, the space constitutes a discharge flow path of the airflow having flowed through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0214] An outlet through which air having flowed through a third flow channel serving as a discharge passage is exhausted may be formed at the uppermost end of the convergence inner surface of the second cover 882.

[0215] As illustrated, a lower end of a connection duct 883 for guiding the airflow toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 may be integrally connected to the outlet.

[0216] In one example, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may further include the connection duct 883 which is connected to the outlet extending through the upper surface of the second cover 882 and which has an air passage defined therein.

[0217] As described above, the heater 83, the blower 82, and the moisture absorbent 85 are disposed under the lower surface 25 of the tub 20. The connection duct 883 serves to guide the air flow discharged from the space formed under the second cover 882 toward the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0218] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a duct body 8831 of the connection duct 883 may be constructed to have a shape to connect the air supply hole 254 of the tub 20 and the outlet of the heater housing 832 to each other so as to guide the air flow.

[0219] In one example, the discharge guide 89 that changes the discharge direction of the air flow supplied through the connection duct 883 may be coupled to the upper end of the duct body 8831.

[0220] Through the discharge guide 89, a portion of the air flow may be directed toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, while a portion of the air flow may be directed toward the upper surface 24 of the tub 20.

[0221] In one example, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may further include the air intake duct 81 which has a front end connected to the air intake hole of the tub 20, and has a rear end connected to the blower 82, and that serves to guide the air flow discharged from the tub 20 to the blower 82.

[0222] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air intake duct 81 may be configured to include the main duct 811 extending along the vertical direction and disposed on an outside of the right side surface of the tub 20, and the auxiliary duct 812 located between the rear end of the main duct 811 and the blower 82 and under the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0223] The main duct 811 may be disposed on the outside of the right side surface of the tub 20 and may be in close contact with the right side surface, and serves to guide the air flow sucked through the air intake hole formed in the right side surface of the tub 20 to a position under the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0224] To this end, as shown, the main duct 811 may be disposed so as to extend linearly as long as possible along the vertical direction between the upper end and the lower end. Thus, maximum condensation of moisture may occur inside the main duct 811.

[0225] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner space of the main duct 811 extends generally vertically. An air passage through which the air flow flows in the downward direction may be formed in the inner space thereof. The air flow having passed through the air passage of the main duct 811 may be introduced into the blower 82 through the auxiliary duct 812, which will be described later. The air flow having passed through the blower 82 may be introduced into the heater accommodation space of the heater accommodation portion having the downward inclination.

[0226] The auxiliary duct 812 may be disposed between the lower end of the main duct 811 and the blower 82, and serves to change the flow direction of the air flow having passed through the outlet 811b of the main duct 811 toward to the blower 82.

[0227] In the same manner as in the main duct 811, an air passage through which the air flow having passed through the main duct 811 may flow may be formed in an inner space of the auxiliary duct 812.

[0228] However, in order to change the flow direction of the air having flowed through the main duct 811 toward the inlet of the fan housing 821 of the blower 82, an air passage extending in an approximately L shape may be formed in an inner space of the auxiliary duct 812.

[0229] Likewise, a shape of the auxiliary duct 812 may have an approximately L-shape corresponding to the shape of the air passage defined therein.

[0230] In one example, as described above, the dishwasher 1 of the present disclosure is configured to operate the moisture-absorption drying device 80 in a state in which the door 30 is at least partially opened during the drying cycle S5 to dry the dishes.

[0231] As described below, as the drying cycle S5 is performed in a state in which the door 30 is at least partially opened, the moisture-absorption amount of the moisture absorbent 85 constituting the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be reduced, and the regeneration energy required for regenerating the moisture absorbent 85 may be reduced.

[0232] Therefore, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may effectively perform the drying cycle S5 with only a small amount of the moisture absorbent, and the drying and regeneration of the moisture absorbent may be effectively performed through the regeneration heater 831 having a low heating capacity.

[0233] The moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to another embodiment may be configured to have the moisture absorbent 85 of a relatively smaller amount than an amount of the moisture absorbent 85 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, and to have the regeneration heater 831 having a relatively lower heating capacity than a heating capacity of the regeneration heater 831 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure as described above.

[0234] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a detailed configuration of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 including the moisture absorbent 85 of a relatively smaller amount and the regeneration heater 831 having a relatively lower heating capacity, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the blower 82 that generates flow of air sucked from the tub 20 and to be supplied to the inner space of the tub 20, the heating unit 83 including the regeneration heater 831 that heats air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85, the plurality of moisture absorbents 85 disposed downstream of the blower 82 and the heating unit 83 in the flow direction of air and absorbing the moisture contained in the air, the housing 84 having the heater accommodation space in which the heating unit 83 is accommodated and the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated, the air intake duct 81 connecting the air intake hole of the tub 20 and the blower 82 to each other, and the discharge guide 89 exposed to the inside of the tub and constructed to guide a direction in which the air having flowed through the moisture absorbent 85 is discharged.

[0236] As illustrated, the detailed configurations of the blower 82, the heating unit 83, the moisture absorbent 85, the housing 84, the intake duct 81, and the discharge guide 89 constituting the moisture-absorption drying device 80 may be substantially the same as or similar to those of the above-described embodiment.

[0237] Therefore, unless otherwise described below, the contents described above in the above-described embodiments may be generally applied to following descriptions in the same or similar manner, and the duplicate descriptions of the contents will be omitted.

[0238] As described above, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include the moisture absorbent 85 of a relatively small amount.

[0239] Therefore, the size of the moisture absorbent accommodation space of the main housing 841 in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated may be more effectively reduced than in the above-described embodiment.

[0240] More specifically, as illustrated, at least one of the vertical length, the lateral width, or the front-rear width of the moisture absorbent accommodation space of the main housing 841 may be sized to be smaller than that in the above-described embodiment.

[0241] Furthermore, unlike the above-described embodiment, the bottom surface of the moisture absorbent accommodation space of the main housing 841 as illustrated in FIG. 12, may be constructed to have an upwardly inclined surface in which the vertical level of the bottom surface gradually increases while the moisture absorbent accommodation space extends in a direction away from the regeneration heater 831.

[0242] In addition, the moisture-absorption drying device 80 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include the regeneration heater 831 having a relatively small heating capacity.

[0243] Therefore, the regeneration heater 831 having the same shape as that of the above-described regeneration heater 831 but having a smaller size than that of the above-described regeneration heater 831 may be applied in another embodiment. The size of the heater accommodation space of the main housing 841 in which the regeneration heater 831 is accommodated may be more effectively reduced than that in the above-described embodiment.

[0244] More specifically, as illustrated, a length by which the regeneration heater 831 extends may be effectively smaller than that in the above-described embodiment.

[0245] Therefore, the width in the left-right direction of the heater accommodation space of the main housing 841 may be sized to be smaller than that in the above-described embodiment.

[0246] In addition, as the longitudinal size of the regeneration heater 831 is reduced, the regeneration heater 831 may be horizontally oriented such that the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the horizontal direction, unlike the above-described embodiment.

[0247] Accordingly, the volume in the left-right direction and the volume in the up-down direction occupied with the heater accommodating portion of the main housing 841 may be effectively reduced compared to the above-described embodiment.

[0248] As the size of the main housing 841 is reduced such that the main housing 841 is miniaturized and compact, unlike the above-described embodiment, interference of the main housing 841 with other components disposed on the base 90 and constituting the dishwasher 1 may be minimized, an installation space for the other components may be additionally secured, thereby improving space utilization, and an overall reduction in the production cost of the dishwasher 1 may be further expected.Device and Method for Controlling Dishwasher

[0249] Hereinafter, a device and method for controlling the dishwasher 1 capable of activating and deactivating the hybrid moisture-absorption drying will be described.

[0250] Prior to the description, the hybrid moisture-absorption drying cycle refers to a cycle of absorbing moisture using the moisture absorbent 85 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 in a state in which the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 is partially opened or closed, and operating at least one of the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 to evaporate the moisture to dry the washing target.

[0251] In addition, the moisture-absorption cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying refers to a cycle of absorbing moisture using the moisture-absorbent 85 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 by operating the fan motor 825 in a state in which the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 is closed.

[0252] In addition, the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying refers to a cycle of drying the washing target by operating the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 and performing the moisture-absorption using the moisture-absorbent 85 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 in a state in which the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 is partially opened.

[0253] In addition, the air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying refers to a cycle of drying the washing target by operating the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 in a state in which the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 is partially opened.

[0254] In addition, the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the hybrid moisture-absorption drying refers to a cycle for drying the washing target by operating the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 in a state in which the door 30 of the dishwasher 1 is partially opened.

[0255] In addition, an enhanced drying option refers to an option for enhancing the drying performance by changing the operating parameter of one of the washing water management device 40 for washing and rinsing the washing target and the moisture-absorption drying device 80 or by changing the operating scheme of the drying cycle.

[0256] In the present disclosure, a first option selection signal may be a signal for determining whether to activate the drying cycle according to a user's selection. A second option selection signal may be a signal for determining whether to activate the enhanced drying option according to a user's selection. For example, the first option selection signal and / or the second option selection signal may be input through the control panel 32 of the dishwasher 1 or may be input through an application of an external terminal as pre-registered by the user.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 13, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller 100 for controlling each functional component.

[0258] The controller 100 may include a processor. The processor may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, or a communication processor. The module may mean a functional and structural combination of hardware for performing the technical idea of the present disclosure and software for operating the hardware.

[0259] The controller 100 may be configured to supply power to the driving motor 3522 of the door driving device 35 through the power supply 48 and start the operation of the driving motor 3522 to rotate the door 30 to an intermediate stop position at which the door 30 is a partially opened position to at least partially open the tub 20.

[0260] The controller 100 may be electrically connected to the control panel 32 to which a user's manipulation command is input. The control panel 32 may be provided with a plurality of buttons. When the user's power on-off manipulation input, the washing course selection manipulation, a drying-only course selection manipulation, or the option selection manipulation is input through the button, the control panel 32 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding thereto to the controller 100.

[0261] The control panel 32 may be provided with a user interface for selecting at least one of whether to activate the drying cycle and whether to activate the enhanced drying option of the drying cycle. The control panel 32 may provide the controller 100 with a first option selection signal for determining whether to activate the drying cycle according to the user's selection. In addition, the control panel 32 may provide the controller 100 with a second option selection signal for determining whether to activate the enhanced drying option according to the user's selection.

[0262] As described above, the user may select a drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 as an option through the user interface provided in the control panel 32. In addition, the user may select the enhanced drying option of the drying cycle through the user interface provided in the control panel 32.For example, the control panel 32 may be provided with a button for selecting whether to activate the drying cycle. In addition, the control panel 32 may be provided with a button for selecting whether to activate the enhanced drying option. The control panel 32 may provide the controller 100 with at least one option selection signal corresponding to whether to activate the drying cycle or whether to activate the enhanced drying option. For example, the at least one option selection signal may include a first option selection signal and a second option selection signal. The first option selection signal may be used to turn on or off the moisture-absorption drying performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80. The second option selection signal may be used to turn on or off the moisture-absorption-based enhanced drying option or to select at least one of various enhanced drying options.

[0263] Upon receiving the electrical signal of the control panel 32, the controller 100 may be configured to control the dishwasher 1 to turn on / off the power of the dishwasher 1 or to perform an individual cycle of the dishwasher 1 according to the selected washing course and the selected operation mode.

[0264] In addition, the controller 100 may be configured to determine whether to activate the drying cycle based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32. In addition, the controller 100 may be configured to determine whether to activate the enhanced drying option based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32.

[0265] Although not shown, the control panel 32 may include a communication unit. The user's operation command input through another input means such as a user's wireless terminal may be transmitted to the control panel via the communication unit.

[0266] In addition, the controller 100 may be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the regeneration heater 831 that heats the airflow of the air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85. In addition, the power supply 48 may supply power to the controller 100, the driving motor 3522, the regeneration heater 831, and the fan motor 825.

[0267] The driving device 40 for washing and rinsing the dishes performs functions of heating, supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining the washing water for washing and rinsing an object to be washed, that is, the washing target, for example, dishes. The driving device 40 may include a washing water heater 47 that heats the washing water in response to a control signal of the controller 100.

[0268] The controller 100 may be configured to activate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 or deactivate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32.

[0269] When the option selection signal received from the control panel 32 is identified as the signal indicating the deactivation of the drying cycle, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air to a temperature lower than a temperature to which the air is heated when the drying cycle is activated, and to perform the washing cycle. In addition, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the washing water heater 47 to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the drying cycle is activated, such that the rinsing cycle is performed with the higher temperature washing water, and, after the rinsing cycle has been completed, to open the door.

[0270] When the option selection signal received from the control panel 32 is identified as a signal indicating the activation of the drying cycle, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the fan motor 825 of the moisture-absorption drying device 80 to perform the moisture-absorption cycle in a state in which the door 30 is closed, and after completion of the moisture-absorption cycle, drive the fan motor 825 in a state in which the door 30 is partially opened such that the air-discharge cycle is performed.

[0271] In addition, the controller 100 may be configured to activate or deactivate the enhanced drying option based on the option selection signal received from the control panel 32. When the option selection signal is identified as the signal indicating the activation of the enhanced drying option, the controller 100 may be configured to change the operating parameter of one of the washing water management device 40 for washing and rinsing the washing target and the moisture-absorption drying device 80 for performing the drying cycle. In addition, when the option selection signal is identified as the signal indicating the activation of the enhanced drying option, the controller 100 may be configured to change the drying operating scheme of the moisture-absorption drying device 80.

[0272] For example, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to increase the operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle and the operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle compared to those when the enhanced drying option is deactivated and to perform the drying cycle for the increased operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle and the increased operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle. In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the air is heated when the enhanced drying option is deactivated in the washing cycle. In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 such that the hot air has the temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated in the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle.

[0273] In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the washing water heater 47 to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and perform the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and, after the rinsing cycle has been completed, perform the moisture-absorption cycle in a state in which the door 30 is closed, and, after the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, perform the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door 30 is partially opened.

[0274] In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the washing water heater 47 to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and perform the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and after the rinsing cycle has been completed, perform the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened, and after the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle has been completed, perform the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle.

[0275] In addition, when the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller 100 may be configured to drive the washing water heater 47 to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and perform the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and after the rinsing cycle has been completed, perform the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened, and, after the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle has been completed, perform the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle.

[0276] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a control method of the dishwasher will be described as follows. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow based on whether the hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is activated in the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dishwasher when the hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is activated. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the dishwasher when the hybrid moisture-absorption drying mode is deactivated.

[0277] The dishwasher 1 checks whether the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is activated in S11. Upon determination that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is activated, the dishwasher 1 performs the washing and rinsing cycles based on a first operation condition in S12.

[0278] In this regard, a first target temperature for heating the air, a second target temperature for heating the washing water, and a third target temperature for heating the rinsing water may be set and included in the first operation condition. In this regard, the rinsing water may refer to washing water used in the rinsing cycle. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is activated, the first target temperature may be set to 38 degrees C, the second target temperature may be set to 45 degrees C, and the third target temperature may be set to 32 degrees C.

[0279] After the washing and rinsing cycles have been completed, the dishwasher 1 performs a moisture-absorption cycle based on a first moisture-absorption condition in S13. In this regard, a heating temperature for moisture-absorption of the moisture absorbent may be set and included in the first moisture-absorption condition. For example, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, the heating temperature may be set to 65 degrees C.

[0280] After the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door driving device 35 to partially open the door 30 in S14. Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 performs an air-discharge cycle based on a first air-discharge condition in S15. In this regard, an evaporation temperature for evaporation of moisture may be set and included in the first air-discharge condition. For example, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, the evaporation temperature may be set to 80 degrees C.

[0281] When the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is deactivated, the dishwasher 1 performs the washing and rinsing cycles based on a second operation condition in S16. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the second operation condition, the first target temperature for air heating may be set to 35 degrees C, the second target temperature for washing water heating may be set to 45 degrees C, and the third target temperature for rinsing water heating may be set to 70 degrees C.

[0282] Subsequently, after the washing and rinsing cycles have been completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door driving device 35 to open the door 30 in S17. This shortens a cycle time duration of the dishwasher 1, saves energy, and satisfies the user's need for natural drying of the washing target.

[0283] In another example, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, the dishwasher 1 may turn off the regeneration heater and operate only the washing water heater 47 to perform the washing and rinsing cycles. For example, in the second operation condition, the regeneration heater may be set to be turned off, the second target temperature for heating the washing water may be set to 45 degrees C, and the third target temperature for heating the rinsing water may be set to 70 degrees C.

[0284] In this way, the dishwasher 1 may activate or deactivate the drying cycle, such that various needs of various users may be satisfied.

[0285] Another control method of the dishwasher will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0286] The dishwasher 1 may identify that a hybrid moisture-absorption and drying mode is a default mode in S21 and identify the enhanced drying option in S22. For example, the first option and the second option may be selected as the enhanced drying option. In the first option, it may be set to change the operating parameter of the drying cycle, and in the second option, it may be set to change the operating parameter of the washing cycle and a rinsing cycle sand the operating parameter of the drying cycle.

[0287] When the first option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the dishwasher 1 performs the washing and rinsing cycles based on the first operation condition in S23. For example, in the first operation condition, a first target temperature for air heating may be set to 38 degrees C, a second target temperature for washing water heating may be set to 45 degrees C, and a third target temperature for rinsing water heating may be set to 32 degrees C.

[0288] After the washing and rinsing cycles have been completed, the dishwasher 1 performs a moisture-absorption cycle based on a first moisture-absorption condition in S24. For example, in the first moisture-absorption condition, a heating temperature for moisture-absorption of the moisture absorbent may be set to 65 degrees C. In addition, an operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle may be set and included in the first moisture-absorption condition. For example, when the first option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle may be set to be greater than a reference operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle. In this regard, the reference operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle may mean a time duration set when the enhanced drying option is deactivated.

[0289] After the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door driving device 35 to partially open the door 30 in S25. After the door 30 is partially opened, the dishwasher 1 performs an air-discharge cycle based on a first air-discharge condition in S26. For example, in the first air-discharge condition, an evaporation temperature for evaporation of moisture may be set to 80 degrees C. In addition, an operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle may be set and included in the first air-discharge condition. For example, when the first option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle may be set to be greater than a reference operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle. In this regard, the reference operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle may mean a time duration set when the enhanced drying option is deactivated.

[0290] As described above, when the enhanced drying option is activated (the first option is selected), the dishwasher 1 increases the operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle and the operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle, compared to those when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0291] In addition, when the second option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the dishwasher 1 performs the washing and rinsing cycles based on a third operation condition in S27. For example, in the third operation condition, a first target temperature for air heating may be set to 43 degrees C, a second target temperature for washing water heating may be set to 45 degrees C, and a third target temperature for rinsing water heating may be set to 32 degrees C.

[0292] After the washing and rinsing cycles have been completed, the dishwasher 1 performs a moisture-absorption cycle based on a second moisture-absorption condition in S28. For example, in the second moisture-absorption condition, a heating temperature for moisture-absorption of the moisture absorbent may be set to 75 degrees C.

[0293] After the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, the dishwasher 1 drives the door driving device 35 to partially open the door 30 in S29. After the door 30 is partially opened, the dishwasher 1 performs an air-discharge cycle based on a second air-discharge condition in S30. For example, in the second air-discharge condition, an evaporation temperature for evaporation of moisture may be set to 80 degrees C.

[0294] As described above, when the enhanced drying option is activated (the second option is selected), the dishwasher drives the regeneration heater 831 to heat the air to a temperature higher than that in the deactivation of the enhanced drying option, and drives the regeneration heater 831 and the fan motor 825 to perform the moisture-absorption cycle such that a hot air has a temperature higher than that in the deactivation of the enhanced drying option, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0295] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, still another control method of the dishwasher 1 will be described as follows.

[0296] The dishwasher 1 may identify that the hybrid moisture-absorption and drying mode is a default mode in S31 and identify the enhanced drying option in S32. For example, a third option, a fourth option, and a fifth option may be selected as the enhanced drying option. The drying operating schemes in the third option, the fourth option, and the fifth option may be set to be different from each other.

[0297] When the third option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the dishwasher 1 heats the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated and performs the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water in S33. For example, the washing water heating temperature for rinsing may be set to 60 degrees C. Subsequently, according to the third option, after the rinsing cycle has been completed, the dishwasher 1 performs the moisture-absorption cycle in S34, and after the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, partially opens the door in S35, and performs the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in S36. In this regard, for example, the heating temperature for moisture-absorption may be set to 80 degrees C. The hot air temperature for moisture evaporation may be set to 90 degrees C.

[0298] In addition, when the fourth option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the dishwasher 1 heats the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performs the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water in S37. Subsequently, according to the fourth option, after completion of the rinsing cycle, the dishwasher 1 partially opens the door in S38, performs the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle in S39, and after completion of the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, performs the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in S40.

[0299] In addition, when the fifth option is selected as the enhanced drying option, the dishwasher 1 heats the washing water to a temperature higher than that when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performs the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water in S41. Subsequently, according to the fifth option, after the rinsing cycle has been completed, the dishwasher 1 partially opens the door in S42, and performs hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in S43, and after the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle has been completed, performs the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle in S44.

[0300] As described above, the dishwasher 1 may drive the moisture-absorption drying device in various drying schemes based on a combination of the moisture-absorption cycle, the partial opening of the door, the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, and the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle according to the selected enhanced drying option, thereby improving the drying performance.

[0301] Referring to FIG. 24, still yet another control method of the dishwasher 1 will be described as follows.

[0302] The dishwasher 1 checks whether the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device 80 is activated in S101, and checks whether the enhanced drying option is activated in S102.

[0303] When the drying cycle is activated and the enhanced drying option is deactivated, the dishwasher 1 performs a first series of cycles S12, S13, S14, and S15 of FIG. 14 in S103. In this regard, the first series of cycles may be defined as a default drying cycle of the moisture-absorption drying device 80.

[0304] In addition, when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, the dishwasher 1 performs a second series of cycles S16 and S17 of FIG. 14 in S104. In this regard, the second series of cycles may be defined as performing only the washing and rinsing cycles and not performing the drying cycle.

[0305] When the drying cycle is activated and the enhanced drying option is activated, the dishwasher 1 identifies the enhanced drying option type selected by the user in S105.

[0306] When it is identified that the first option of the first type (parameter control) is selected as the enhanced drying option in S106, the dishwasher 1 performs a third series of cycles S23, S24, S25, and S26 in FIG. 17 in S107. In this regard, the third series of cycles may be defined as the series of the cycles which improves the drying performance by increasing the operating time duration of the drying cycle compared to the reference time duration.

[0307] When it is identified that the second option of the first type (parameter control) is selected as the enhanced drying option in S106, the dishwasher 1 performs a fourth series of cycles S27, S28, S29, and S30 in FIG. 17 in S108. In this regard, the fourth series of cycles may be defined as the series of cycles in which the target temperature for heating in the washing and rinsing cycles is set to be higher than a reference temperature, and each of the heating temperature and the hot air temperature for moisture-absorption in the drying cycle is set to be higher than each of a reference heating temperature and a reference hot air temperature for moisture-absorption in the drying cycle

[0308] When it is identified that the third option of a second type (drying scheme control) is selected as the enhanced drying option in S109, the dishwasher 1 performs a fifth series of cycles S33, S34, S35, and S36 in FIG. 20 in S110. In this regard, the fifth series of cycles may be defined as a series of cycles performing the drying cycle in the order of the moisture-absorption cycle, the automatic door opening, the hot air supply cycle, and the air-discharge cycle after the completion of the heat rinsing cycle.

[0309] When it is identified that the fourth option of the second type (drying scheme control) is selected as the enhanced drying option in S109, the dishwasher 1 performs a sixth series of cycles S37, S38, S39, and S40 in FIG. 20 in S111. In this regard, the sixth series of cycles may be defined as a series of cycles performing the drying cycle in the order of the automatic door opening, the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, the hot-air supply and the air-discharge cycle after the completion of the heating rinsing cycle.

[0310] When it is identified that the fifth option of the second type (drying scheme control) is selected as the enhanced drying option in S109, the dishwasher 1 performs a seventh series of cycles S41, S42, S43, and S44 in FIG. 20 in S112. In this regard, the seventh series of cycles may be defined as a series of cycles performing the drying cycle in the order of the automatic door opening, the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, and the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle after the completion of the heating rinsing cycle.

[0311] As described above, the dishwasher 1 may activate or deactivate the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device, and may also activate or deactivate the enhanced drying option. Thus, various needs of various users may be satisfied.

[0312] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher comprising: a tub having a washing space defined therein and constructed to accommodate therein dishes; a door driving device configured to drive a door to open or close the washing space; a washing water management device including a washing water heater and configured to heat washing water and supply the washing water to the tub; a moisture-absorption drying device including a regeneration heater and a fan motor, and configured to absorb moisture from air discharged from the tub and supply the moisture-removed air to the tub; and a controller configured to activate or deactivate a drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device based on a first option selection signal.

[0313] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater to heat air to a temperature lower than a temperature to which air is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, and to perform a washing cycle.

[0314] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the washing water heater so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, and to perform a rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and after the rinsing cycle has been completed, to open the door.

[0315] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, the controller is configured to drive the fan motor in a state in which the door is closed to perform a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle, and after the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, to drive the fan motor in a state in which the door is partially opened to perform an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle.

[0316] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in a state in which the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, the controller is configured to activate or deactivate an enhanced drying option for controlling at least one of the washing water management device or the moisture-absorption drying device, based on a second option selection signal.

[0317] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to change an operating parameter of one of the washing water management device and the moisture-absorption drying device or change an operating scheme of the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device.

[0318] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to increase an operating time duration of a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle and an operating time duration of an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle, compared to when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and to perform the drying cycle including the moisture-absorption cycle and the air-discharge cycle for the increased time durations.

[0319] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the enhanced drying option is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater to heat air to a temperature higher than a temperature to which air is heated when the enhanced drying option is activated, in a washing cycle.

[0320] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater and the fan motor such that hot air has a temperature higher than a temperature thereof when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, in a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle.

[0321] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to drive the washing water heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, in a rinsing cycle.

[0322] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, the controller is configured to: after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a moisture-absorption cycle in a state in which the door is closed; and after completion of the moisture-absorption cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

[0323] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, the controller is configured to: after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; and after completion of the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle.

[0324] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, the controller is configured to: after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; and after completion of the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, perform a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle.

[0325] In accordance with some embodiments of the dishwasher, the dishwasher further comprises a control panel having a user interface for selecting at least one of whether to activate the drying cycle or whether to activate an enhanced drying option of the drying cycle, wherein the control panel is configured to: transmit, to the controller, the first option selection signal determining whether to activate the drying cycle according to a user's selection; and transmit, to the controller, a second option selection signal determining whether to activate the enhanced drying option according to a user's selection.

[0326] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a dishwasher, the method comprising: checking whether a drying cycle performed using a moisture-absorption drying device is activated and whether an enhanced drying option is activated; in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated and the enhanced drying option is deactivated, performing a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle, then, performing a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle, then, partially opening a door, and then, performing an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle; and in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, heating air to a temperature lower than a temperature to which air is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, and then, performing a washing cycle, and then heating washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, and then performing a rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and then opening the door.

[0327] In accordance with some embodiments of the method for controlling the dishwasher, the method further comprises: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, increasing an operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle and an operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle, compared to when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the drying cycle including the moisture-absorption cycle and the air-discharge cycle for the increased time durations.

[0328] In accordance with some embodiments of the method for controlling the dishwasher, the method further comprises: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, heating air to a temperature higher than a temperature to which air is heated when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the washing cycle; performing the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle at a higher hot air temperature than a hot air temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated; and performing the air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

[0329] In accordance with some embodiments of the method for controlling the dishwasher, the method further comprises: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, heating washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature of the washing water when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher washing water temperature; after the rinsing cycle has been completed, performing the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle; and after the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

[0330] In accordance with some embodiments of the method for controlling the dishwasher, the method further comprises: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, heating washing water to a temperature higher than that a washing water temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water; after completion of the rinsing cycle, performing a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is opened; and after completion of the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in which the door is opened.

[0331] In accordance with some embodiments of the method for controlling the dishwasher, the method further comprises: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, heating washing water to a temperature higher than that a washing water temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water; after completion of the rinsing cycle, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; and after completion of the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, performing a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

[0332] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms. A person skilled in the art may appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced in other concrete forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the embodiments as described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:a tub having a washing space defined therein and constructed to accommodate therein dishes;a door driving device configured to drive a door to open or close the washing space;a washing water management device including a washing water heater and configured to heat washing water and supply the washing water to the tub;a moisture-absorption drying device including a regeneration heater and a fan motor, and configured to absorb moisture from air discharged from the tub and supply the moisture-removed air to the tub; anda controller configured to activate or deactivate a drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device based on a first option selection signal.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater to heat air to a temperature lower than a temperature to which air is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, and to perform a washing cycle.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the washing water heater so that the washing water is heated to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, and to perform a rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and after the rinsing cycle has been completed, to open the door.

4. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, the controller is configured to drive the fan motor in a state in which the door is closed to perform a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle, and after the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, to drive the fan motor in a state in which the door is partially opened to perform an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein in a state in which the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device is activated, the controller is configured to activate or deactivate an enhanced drying option for controlling at least one of the washing water management device or the moisture-absorption drying device, based on a second option selection signal.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to change an operating parameter of one of the washing water management device and the moisture-absorption drying device or change an operating scheme of the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption and drying device.

7. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to increase an operating time duration of a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle and an operating time duration of an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle, compared to when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and to perform the drying cycle including the moisture-absorption cycle and the air-discharge cycle for the increased time durations.

8. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein in response to that the enhanced drying option is deactivated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater to heat air to a temperature higher than a temperature to which air is heated when the enhanced drying option is activated, in a washing cycle.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to drive the regeneration heater and the fan motor such that hot air has a temperature higher than a temperature thereof when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, in a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle.

10. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, the controller is configured to drive the washing water heater to heat the washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, in a rinsing cycle.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a moisture-absorption cycle in a state in which the door is closed; andafter completion of the moisture-absorption cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; andafter completion of the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle.

13. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:after completion of the rinsing cycle, perform a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; andafter completion of the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, perform a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle.

14. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising a control panel having a user interface for selecting at least one of whether to activate the drying cycle or whether to activate an enhanced drying option of the drying cycle,wherein the control panel is configured to:transmit, to the controller, the first option selection signal determining whether to activate the drying cycle according to a user's selection; andtransmit, to the controller, a second option selection signal determining whether to activate the enhanced drying option according to a user's selection.

15. A method for controlling a dishwasher, the method comprising:checking whether a drying cycle performed using a moisture-absorption drying device is activated and whether an enhanced drying option is activated;in response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated and the enhanced drying option is deactivated, performing a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle, then, performing a moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle, then, partially opening a door, and then, performing an air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle; andin response to that the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is deactivated, heating air to a temperature lower than a temperature to which air is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, and then, performing a washing cycle, and then heating washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature to which the washing water is heated when the drying cycle performed using the moisture-absorption drying device is activated, and then performing a rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water, and then opening the door.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated, increasing an operating time duration of the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle and an operating time duration of the air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle, compared to when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the drying cycle including the moisture-absorption cycle and the air-discharge cycle for the increased time durations.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated,heating air to a temperature higher than a temperature to which air is heated when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the washing cycle;performing the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle at a higher hot air temperature than a hot air temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated; andperforming the air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated,heating washing water to a temperature higher than a temperature of the washing water when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher washing water temperature;after the rinsing cycle has been completed, performing the moisture-absorption cycle of the drying cycle; andafter the moisture-absorption cycle has been completed, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated,heating washing water to a temperature higher than that a washing water temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water;after completion of the rinsing cycle, performing a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is opened; andafter completion of the moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle in which the door is opened.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:in response to that the enhanced drying option is activated,heating washing water to a temperature higher than that a washing water temperature when the enhanced drying option is deactivated, and performing the rinsing cycle with the higher temperature washing water;after completion of the rinsing cycle, performing a hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened; andafter completion of the hot-air supply and air-discharge cycle, performing a moisture-absorption and air-discharge cycle of the drying cycle in a state in which the door is partially opened.

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