Dishwasher and control method therefor

Abstract

An embodiment of a dishwasher comprises a moisture absorbing and drying device that absorbs moisture from air discharged from a tub and supplies the dehumidified air to the tub. The moisture absorbing and drying device may comprise: moisture absorbents that absorb moisture; an air blowing unit that supplies air; a heating unit that heats the air; and a flow path which accommodates the moisture absorbents and through which the air flows. A plurality of the moisture absorbents may be provided spaced apart from each other, and the flow path may form a plurality of air flow paths respectively passing through the moisture absorbents. Accordingly, the volume of the moisture absorbents placed in the flow path through which the air passes may decrease, and the resistance of the air in the flow path may decrease.

Description

Dishwasher and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a dishwasher including a moisture absorption and drying device having a structure for reducing air flow resistance, and a control method thereof.

[0002] The material described in this section merely provides background information for the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying a cleaning solution, such as water. The cleaning solution may contain detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher is generally configured to include a tub forming a washing space, a storage section for accommodating items to be washed inside the tub, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage section, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

[0005] By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other items after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0006] Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing process for washing an object to be washed, a rinsing process for rinsing the object to be washed, and a drying process for drying the object to be washed after washing and rinsing are completed.

[0007] Recently, dishwashers equipped with a moisture absorption drying device that absorbs moisture contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process and then resupplies the air to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the items to be washed have been released.

[0008] Related prior art is disclosed in European Patent EP 1833353 B1.

[0009] A desiccant dryer may be equipped with a desiccant that absorbs moisture. Furthermore, depending on the amount of dishes accommodated in the dishwasher, the wash time, and the amount of wash water provided, the desiccant dryer can absorb a wide range of moisture.

[0010] Therefore, dishwashers and desiccant dryers can be equipped with a correspondingly large desiccant weight by setting the maximum absorption capacity high. A larger desiccant weight allows for greater moisture absorption, but this also increases the volume of the desiccant.

[0011] When air passes through a desiccant formed in the form of a collection of small particles, the flow resistance of the air may increase as the volume of the desiccant increases.

[0012] As air flow resistance increases, air flow becomes less smooth, reducing air flow rate. Consequently, the drying process can take longer. Therefore, the development of a desiccant drying device with a structure capable of reducing air flow resistance is required.

[0013] In addition, when the maximum absorption amount is set high, the amount of moisture in the tub is relatively small, so even if rapid drying is attempted, the volume of the desiccant is large, so the air flow rate is small due to the large flow resistance, making rapid drying difficult.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for the development of a desiccant drying device having a structure capable of reducing air flow resistance by varying the volume of the desiccant used for moisture absorption according to the amount of moisture.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher including a moisture absorption and drying device having a structure that reduces air flow resistance.

[0016] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a desiccant drying device having a structure capable of reducing air flow resistance by varying the volume of the desiccant used depending on the driving conditions.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a dishwasher having the above-described structure.

[0018] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0019] One embodiment of a dishwasher includes a desiccant drying device that absorbs moisture from air discharged from a tub and supplies the moisture to the tub, and the desiccant drying device may include a desiccant that absorbs moisture; a blower that supplies air; a heating unit that heats the air; and a duct that accommodates the desiccant and through which air flows.

[0020] The desiccant is provided in multiple, spaced apart configurations, and the duct can form multiple airflow paths through each desiccant. Accordingly, the volume of the desiccant placed in the path through which the air passes can be reduced, thereby reducing the airflow resistance.

[0021] A plurality of desiccant absorbents may be arranged in each of the plurality of air passages and may be arranged in parallel with each other. Air passing through any one of the plurality of desiccant absorbents may be arranged so that it does not pass through any other desiccant absorbent.

[0022] The desiccant may include a first bed arranged in the first branch channel; and a second bed arranged in the second branch channel and spaced apart from the first bed. The desiccant drying device may include a control damper arranged at the inlet of the second branch channel and configured to open and close the second branch channel.

[0023] When the control damper closes the second branch flow path, only the first bed is used for moisture absorption, and thus the moisture absorption time and regeneration time of the moisture absorption dryer can be reduced.

[0024] A dishwasher can perform a drying process using a desiccant dryer to dry dishes stored in a tub. The drying process may include: selecting either a rapid or regular cycle; opening or closing a second branch flow path using a control damper depending on the selected cycle; and operating a blower and a heating unit to dry the dishes.

[0025] In the dishwasher according to the present invention, a plurality of desiccant absorbents are arranged in parallel with each other, and air is separated in the flow duct and passes through each desiccant, so that the flow resistance can be significantly reduced.

[0026] Therefore, the increased air flow rate accelerates the absorption and regeneration rates of the desiccant, shortening the drying and overall cleaning processes. This reduces heat and energy loss during the drying process, providing greater user convenience.

[0027] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, during the drying process, the control damper selectively opens and closes the second branch path to use part or all of the beds, and accordingly, the dishwasher can control the moisture absorption amount and drying time for each course of the drying process.

[0028] In addition, the volume of the absorbent used can be varied depending on the driving conditions, and in particular, in an eco-friendly course or a rapid course, absorption and regeneration can be performed only on the first bed, thereby reducing air flow resistance and promoting rapid drying and energy savings.

[0029] In the control method of a dishwasher according to the present invention, the dish drying process can be selected as either a rapid course or a regular course, and at this time, the control unit can control whether to quickly complete the drying of the dishes or to take the time to sufficiently dry the dishes by operating the control damper to change the volume of the desiccant used for moisture absorption. Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

[0030] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of a typical desiccant.

[0034] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a moisture absorption drying device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a moisture absorption drying device according to another embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a desiccant drying device according to another embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a desiccant drying device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment in more detail.

[0040] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention 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.

[0041] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0042] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0043] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0044] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0045] [Overall structure of a dishwasher]

[0046] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which an object to be washed is washed, which accommodates dishes and has an open front, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing an object to be washed, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing an object to be washed, and a spray unit (60) installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0048] At this time, the objects to be washed placed in the storage unit (50) may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated, the objects to be washed will be referred to as dishes.

[0049] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0050] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0051] The tub (20) can be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel.

[0052] In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the storage section (50) and injection section (60) described later inside the tub (20).

[0053] Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing washing water, a sump cover (42) for separating the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying washing water from the outside to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) for discharging the washing water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying the washing water of the sump (41) to the spray unit (60). The sump cover (42) is arranged on the upper side of the sump (41) and may serve to separate the tub (20) and the sump (41). In addition, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray unit (60) to the sump (41).

[0054] That is, the washing water sprayed toward the dishes from the spray unit (60) falls to the lower part of the washing space (21) and can be recovered back to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

[0055] The washing pump (45) is provided on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize the washing water and supply it to the spray unit (60).

[0056] One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply 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) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) is pressurized and then supplied to the injection unit (60) through the supply path (46).

[0057] Meanwhile, the supply path (46) can play a role in selectively supplying the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray unit (60).

[0058] For example, the supply path (46) may include a first supply path (461) connected to the lower injection arm (61), a second supply path (463) connected to the upper injection arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply path (46) may be provided with a switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply paths (461, 463).

[0059] At this time, the switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each supply path (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0060] Meanwhile, the spray unit (60) is provided to spray washing water onto dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

[0061] In more detail, the spray unit (60) may include a lower spray arm (61) positioned at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) positioned between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) positioned at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0062] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so that they can spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes in the storage section (50).

[0063] The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to be able to spray washing water toward the lower rack (51) while rotating at the lower side of the lower rack (51).

[0064] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder (467) so as to be able to spray the washing water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0065] Meanwhile, although not shown, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may further be provided with a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) in an upward direction (U-direction) to increase the washing efficiency.

[0066] The detailed configuration of the injection unit (60) can be applied to a configuration already known in the art, so a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit (60) will be omitted below.

[0067] Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

[0068] The storage section (50) is provided so that it can be withdrawn from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

[0069] By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage compartment is provided, including a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of a tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher provided with three storage compartments (50) as illustrated.

[0070] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front of the tub (20).

[0071] For this purpose, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

[0072] Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). By pulling the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) outward through the front of the tub (20), the user can store dishes in them or easily take out washed dishes from them.

[0073] The guide rail may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage section (50) or as an elastic guide rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage section (50) and increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage section (50).

[0074] Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front of the above-described tub (20).

[0075] A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing a door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating around the hinge part as a rotation axis.

[0076] Here, the outer surface of the door (30) may be provided with a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1).

[0077] As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher, a button section (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher on and off.

[0078] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) can form one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, can form a seating surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage section (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0079] For this purpose, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable that the inner surface of the door (30) form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the direction in which the guide rail along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0080] Meanwhile, a moisture absorption drying device (80) may be provided at the bottom or inside of the tub (20) to absorb moisture contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then resupply the air back to the tub (20).

[0081] As shown, the desiccant drying device (80) may be configured to include a suction duct (81) through which air discharged from the tub (20) is sucked in, a blower (82) that generates an air current (F), a heating unit (83) that heats the air sucked in from the tub (20), and a desiccant (85) that absorbs moisture contained in the air.

[0082] In Fig. 2, the desiccant (85), the heating unit (83), and the blower unit (82) constituting the desiccant drying device (80) are illustrated as being arranged in a space formed under the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), but alternatively, the desiccant (85) and the heating unit (83) may be arranged inside the tub (20), and the blower unit (82) may be arranged outside the tub (20). In addition, they may be arranged in other ways.

[0083] Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device (80) may also have a structure different from the structure described above. The detailed structures of moisture absorption drying devices (80) having various types of structures will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0084] The dishwasher can perform a washing process to wash dishes by spraying washing water on the dishes contained in the tub (20) and a rinsing process to rinse the dishes. In addition, the dishwasher can perform a drying process to dry the dishes by spraying heated air on the dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0085] Meanwhile, in the case of a dishwasher using a desiccant drying device (80), the desiccant (85) may absorb moisture during the drying process and become wet with water. Therefore, to dry the wet desiccant (85), the dishwasher may perform a regeneration process in which heated air is sprayed onto the desiccant (85).

[0086] The desiccant (85) absorbs moisture contained in the air stream discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process using the desiccant drying device (80), and discharges the absorbed moisture into the air stream during the regeneration process.

[0087] That is, the desiccant (85) can be formed as a reversibly dehydratable material capable of absorbing moisture or releasing the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0088] The applicable reversible hygroscopic material may be a composition comprising any one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or a combination of two or more selected from these.

[0089] The desiccant (85) having an alumina-silica series material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied to the desiccant drying device (80) according to the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an example in which an alumina-silica series desiccant (85) is applied.

[0090] The desiccant (85) formed of an alumina silica series material in this way can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the air flow (F) can be secured to the maximum extent. In addition, the desiccant (85) manufactured from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide material can cause the desiccant action at a lower temperature range, and the regeneration action can occur at a lower temperature range.

[0091] However, the air flow is configured to pass through a plurality of absorbents (85) provided in the form of particles, and to absorb moisture by contacting the absorbents (85) or absorb moisture discharged from the absorbents (85).

[0092] Therefore, the desiccant (85) cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the air flow. To minimize this flow resistance, a gap can be effectively formed, and the particle size of the desiccant (85) can be selected to ensure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0093] For this purpose, a desiccant (85) having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm can be selected and applied, for example.

[0094] Below, the structure of the desiccant drying device according to each embodiment is described in detail. For clarity, the characteristic parts of each embodiment are schematically illustrated, and some parts of the dishwasher described above may be omitted from each drawing.

[0095] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of a typical desiccant (85). In Fig. 3, the direction of air flow is indicated by an arrow.

[0096] The desiccant (85) may be formed of a moisture absorbent material in the form of particles as described above. This desiccant (85) may be accommodated in a housing having an outer shape with a mesh structure through which air can pass, and placed in a moisture absorbing and drying device (80).

[0097] Depending on the amount of dishes accommodated in the dishwasher, the washing time, the amount of washing water provided, etc., the moisture absorption and drying device (80) can absorb a wide range of moisture in quantity.

[0098] Accordingly, by setting the maximum absorption capacity high, a correspondingly large weight of desiccant (85) can be provided in the dishwasher and the desiccant drying device (80). As the weight of the desiccant (85) increases, a greater amount of moisture can be absorbed, but the volume of the desiccant (85) can also increase accordingly.

[0099] When air passes between the absorbent (85) provided in the form of small particles, the air flow resistance may increase as the volume of the absorbent (85) increases.

[0100] As illustrated in (A) of Fig. 3, increasing the weight of the desiccant (85) to increase the maximum absorption capacity may increase the volume and height (H) of the desiccant (85). As the volume and height of the desiccant (85) increase, the air flow resistance may increase further.

[0101] As the air flow resistance increases, the air cannot flow smoothly, so the air flow rate decreases, and accordingly, the drying process may take a long time.

[0102] Meanwhile, as illustrated in (B) of Fig. 3, the desiccant (85) may be separated and arranged in the direction of air flow. Even in this case, if the total volume of the plurality of desiccant (85) increases, the air flow resistance may increase.

[0103] Additionally, dishwashers can perform washing cycles that require a wide range of moisture content—some requiring a small amount of moisture, while others require a large amount.

[0104] When the maximum absorption amount is set high, the amount of moisture in the tub (20) is relatively small, so even if rapid drying is attempted, the volume of the desiccant (85) is large, so the air flow rate is small due to the large flow resistance, making rapid drying difficult.

[0105] If the air flow resistance in the desiccant (85) increases, the air circulation rate may decrease and the moisture absorption rate may slow down. Furthermore, the regeneration rate of the desiccant (85) may also slow down during the regeneration process. Ultimately, the moisture absorption and regeneration time may be prolonged, which may extend the drying process and the overall cleaning process.

[0106] The longer the drying process, the greater the heat loss during the process. Furthermore, the longer the drying process, the greater the energy loss. Furthermore, a longer drying process can cause inconvenience to users.

[0107] Accordingly, a structure is needed that can reduce air flow resistance even when the total weight and volume of the desiccant (85) increases, and can reduce air flow resistance by varying the weight and volume of the desiccant (85) used for moisture absorption depending on the amount of moisture. This will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0108] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a desiccant drying device (80) according to one embodiment. In Fig. 4 and below, the flow and direction of air are depicted by arrows. The solid arrow represents wet air with high humidity before passing through the desiccant (85), and the silver arrow represents dry air with low humidity after passing through the desiccant (85).

[0109] The moisture absorption drying device (80) can absorb moisture from the air discharged from the tub (20) and supply it to the tub (20). During the drying process, the air circulates through the tub (20) and the moisture absorption drying device (80), and the moisture absorption drying device (80) can absorb moisture in the air and dry the dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0110] A desiccant drying device (80) according to an embodiment may include a moisture absorbing agent (85), a blower (82), a heating unit (83), and a flow duct (100). The blower (82) supplies air to the desiccant drying device (80) and is positioned at the inlet of the flow duct (100) to force air into the flow duct (100).

[0111] The heating unit (83) is positioned downstream of the blower unit (82) and can heat the air passing through the blower unit (82). By heating, moisture contained in the air can be actively absorbed by the desiccant (85). The heating unit (83) can be positioned at least partially inside the duct (100). For example, the heating unit (83) can be equipped with an electric resistance type heating device.

[0112] The euro duct (100) accommodates a desiccant (85) and allows air to flow. The euro duct (100) forms a path through which air flows, and a space for accommodating a desiccant (85) can be formed inside.

[0113] Air introduced into the duct (100) is guided to flow along the duct formed in the duct (100), and can become dry air with low humidity as it passes through the desiccant (85) arranged inside the duct (100). The outlet of the duct (100) is connected to the tub (20), and the dry air is introduced into the tub (20), thereby lowering the humidity of the tub (20) and drying the dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0114] In an embodiment, the desiccant (85) may be provided in multiple units spaced apart from each other. The duct (100) may form multiple air passages that are separated from each other and pass through each desiccant (85).

[0115] Due to this structure, air introduced into the duct (100) can flow through each of the separated desiccant (85) through the separated ducts. The total volume of the plurality of desiccant (85) is large, but the volume can be reduced by being separated from each other.

[0116] Since air passes through each of the separate and reduced volume desiccant (85), the air flow resistance can be reduced compared to the desiccant (85) of a single structure.

[0117] In (B) of Fig. 3, the desiccants (85) are arranged in series based on the direction of air flow, and due to this structure, the air passes through all the desiccants (85) sequentially. Therefore, air that passes through one desiccants (85) passes through another desiccants (85).

[0118] According to this, even if a single large volume of desiccant (85) is divided into multiple parts and the volume of each desiccant (85) is reduced, the air flow resistance is still as large as in a structure equipped with a single large volume of desiccant (85).

[0119] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 and below, a plurality of desiccants (85) may be arranged separately from each other in a plurality of air passages, and may be arranged in parallel with each other. In addition, air passing through any one of the plurality of desiccants (85) may be arranged so as not to pass through any other desiccants (85).

[0120] Due to this structure, the air can be separated from the flow in the duct (100) and pass through each of the plurality of small absorbents (85) arranged in parallel, and then be discharged directly to the outside through the outlet of the duct (100) without passing through another absorbent (85).

[0121] Therefore, the moisture absorption drying device (80) according to the embodiment can have significantly reduced air flow resistance compared to the structure illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0122] In the embodiment, a plurality of absorbents (85) are arranged in parallel with each other, and air is separated in the duct (100) and passes through each absorbent (85), so that the flow resistance can be significantly reduced.

[0123] Accordingly, the air flow rate increases, accelerating the absorption and regeneration speeds of the desiccant (85), and shortening the drying process and the overall cleaning process. Accordingly, heat dissipation and energy loss during the drying process can be reduced, providing convenience to the user.

[0124] In FIGS. 4 and 5, two separated absorbents (85) and two separated channels are shown, but in other embodiments, three or more absorbents (85) and a corresponding number of channels may be formed.

[0125] Accordingly, the total volume of the desiccant (85) can be increased while reducing the air flow resistance. Due to this structure, a desiccant drying device (80) with very small flow resistance can be manufactured even when using a desiccant (85) of very large weight and volume.

[0126] For clarity, the following describes an example of a desiccant drying device (80) including a desiccant (85) equipped with two separate beds.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 4, the euro duct (100) may include an intake passage (110), a first branch passage (120), a second branch passage (130), and an exhaust passage (140).

[0128] The intake passage (110) can receive air from the outside and a heating unit (83) can be arranged. The intake passage (110) is connected to the tub (20) by a pipe so that moist air of the tub (20) can be introduced into the intake passage (110). A blower unit (82) for forcing air flow can be arranged in the air flow path of the tub (20) and the intake passage (110).

[0129] A heating element (83) is arranged in at least a part of the intake passage (110), and air can be heated by the heating element (83) and introduced into the intake passage (100).

[0130] The first branch passage (120) may be branched from the intake passage (110). The second branch passage (130) may be branched from the intake passage (110) and may be provided to be separated from the first branch passage (120).

[0131] The first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130) can divide the flow path of air flowing in from the intake passage (110). The first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130) are separated and blocked from each other by a separation wall (150), so that air may not mix with each other while flowing in the first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130).

[0132] Since the first branch flow path (120) and the second branch flow path (130) are arranged in parallel with each other, the air introduced into the flow path duct (100) can flow through the first branch flow path (120) and the second branch flow path (130) simultaneously.

[0133] The exhaust passage (140) is where the first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130) are reunited, and air can be discharged to the outside. The exhaust passage (140) can be connected to the tub (20) by a pipe.

[0134] The air passing through the exhaust passage (140) has already passed through each of the desiccant (85) arranged in the first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130), and thus has its humidity reduced, so that it can be introduced into the tub (20) again. Since the air flowing back into the tub (20) from the desiccant drying device (80) is dry air with low humidity, it can dry the dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0135] The desiccant (85) may be divided into two and placed in the first branch channel (120) and the second branch channel (130), respectively. The desiccant (85) may be provided with a first bed (851) and a second bed (852). The first bed (851) may be placed in the first branch channel (120). The second bed (852) may be placed in the second branch channel (130) and may be placed so as to be spaced apart from the first bed (851).

[0136] The first bed (851) and the second bed (852) may be, for example, a single absorbent (85) divided from each other. The weight and volume of the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) may be the same or different.

[0137] The first bed (851) and the second bed (852) are arranged parallel to each other and separated from each other, so that air passing through one bed flows to the exhaust path (140) without passing through the other bed.

[0138] The duct (100) may include a dividing wall (150) that separates the first branch duct (120) and the second branch duct (130) and separates the space where the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) are arranged. The dividing wall (150) separates the internal space of the duct, and thus the first branch duct (120) and the second branch duct (130) may be formed.

[0139] In addition, the separation wall (150) can separate the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) so that they are not connected to each other. Accordingly, the air flowing through the first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130) can pass through the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) without mixing with each other and rejoin in the exhaust passage (140).

[0140] A desiccant drying device (80) having a structure in which two beds are spaced apart from each other can have a larger duct (100). Therefore, considering the structure of a dishwasher, a structure in which the beds are arranged vertically or laterally can be designed.

[0141] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a plurality of absorbents (85) are arranged so that at least some of them overlap each other in the vertical direction (UD direction), and air can pass through the absorbents (85) in the vertical direction. That is, the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0142] For example, if the moisture absorbing and drying device (80) is placed on the side of the dishwasher and there is space in the vertical direction of the dishwasher, a moisture absorbing and drying device (80) having a structure in which the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) shown in FIG. 4 are arranged in the vertical direction may be advantageous.

[0143] In this structure, the separating wall (150) can be arranged between a plurality of absorbents (85) in the vertical direction at least in part to block the air flow between each absorbent (85). Therefore, the separating wall (150) can block the air of the first branch passage (120) and the second branch passage (130) from flowing and mixing with each other in the vertical direction.

[0144] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a moisture absorption drying device (80) according to another embodiment. In the following, any duplicate description of the same or similar content as described above may be omitted.

[0145] As illustrated in Fig. 5, a plurality of absorbents (85) are arranged so that at least some of them overlap each other laterally (in the FR direction or the Ri-Le direction), and air can pass through the absorbents (85) laterally. That is, the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0146] For example, in a case where the desiccant drying device (80) is placed at the bottom of the tub (20) of the dishwasher and there is a space laterally at the bottom of the tub (20), a desiccant drying device (80) having a structure in which the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) shown in FIG. 5 are arranged laterally may be advantageous.

[0147] In this structure, the separating wall (150) can be arranged at least partially laterally between a plurality of absorbents (85) to block air flow between each absorbent (85). Therefore, the separating wall (150) can block air in the first branch channel (120) and the second branch channel (130) from mixing by flowing laterally with each other.

[0148] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a moisture absorption drying device (80) according to another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a moisture absorption drying device (80) according to another embodiment.

[0149] The moisture absorbing drying device (80) is arranged at the inlet of the second branch passage (130) and may include a control damper (86) that opens and closes the second branch passage (130). For example, the control damper (86) may be arranged at the branch point of the intake passage (110), the first branch passage (120), and the second branch passage (130) and may be provided as a switching valve that selectively opens and closes the second branch passage (130).

[0150] Such a control damper (86) can be provided in both the structure of the dishwasher in which multiple beds are arranged in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 6 and the structure of the dishwasher in which multiple beds are arranged in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. 7.

[0151] The control damper (86) can open or close the second branch passage (130) by operating under the control of the control unit provided in the dishwasher. When the second branch passage (130) is closed by the control damper (86), air may not flow in the second branch passage (130) and the second bed (852) arranged in the second branch passage (130).

[0152] In this case, when air passes only through the first branch channel (120) and the first bed (851), the moisture absorption of the desiccant drying device (80) is reduced, but the drying process time can be shortened. Therefore, when performing an eco-friendly course or a rapid course drying process, the second branch channel (130) can be closed and the drying process can be performed, thereby promoting rapid drying and energy savings.

[0153] In the case where the second branch channel (130) is closed during the moisture absorption process in which the desiccant (85) absorbs moisture, water can be absorbed only in the first bed (851). Therefore, in the regeneration process of drying the desiccant (85), there is no need to dry the second bed (852), so the second branch channel (130) can be closed and only the first bed (851) can be dried.

[0154] Accordingly, when the second branch path (130) is closed and drying of the tub (20) is performed, the regeneration time can be reduced because there is no need to regenerate the first bed (851) during the regeneration process, compared to the case where drying is performed using both beds.

[0155] Meanwhile, in the case of a general course in which the drying process is performed using both the first bed (851) and the second bed (852), the control unit operates the control damper (86) to open the second branch path (130) and use two beds to dry the dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0156] Ultimately, when the drying process of the eco-friendly course or rapid course is performed, the total time for the absorption process and regeneration process of the moisture absorption drying device (80) is significantly reduced compared to the general course, and thus energy can be saved.

[0157] In an embodiment, during the drying process, the control damper (86) selectively opens and closes the second branch passage (130) to enable use of some or all of the beds, and accordingly, the dishwasher can adjust the moisture absorption amount and drying time for each course of the drying process.

[0158] In addition, the volume of the absorbent (85) used can be varied depending on the driving conditions, and in particular, in an eco-friendly course or a rapid course, absorption and regeneration are performed only in the first bed (851), thereby reducing air flow resistance and promoting rapid drying and energy saving.

[0159] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment in more detail.

[0160] In an embodiment, the dishwasher can perform a drying process to dry dishes stored in the tub (20) using a moisture absorption drying device (80). During the drying process, the drying time and the moisture absorption amount of the moisture absorption drying device (80) can be controlled by selectively opening and closing the second branch flow path (130) using a control damper (86). The drying process can be performed as follows. The operation of each device during the drying process can be controlled by a control unit provided in the dishwasher.

[0161] First, you can choose either the rapid course or the regular course (S110).

[0162] In the rapid course, the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) can be operated while the control damper (86) closes the second branch passage (130). The rapid course enables rapid dish drying, but the amount of moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing and drying device (80) is small, so the dishes may be relatively less dried.

[0163] The normal course may be equipped with a longer operating time for the blower (82) and heating unit (83) than the rapid course. The normal course takes a relatively longer time to dry dishes, but has a high moisture absorption rate, so dishes can be sufficiently dried.

[0164] Users can select either the rapid or regular cycle as needed. For example, a user can select either the rapid or regular cycle via an input device installed in the dishwasher, and the control unit can operate the device according to the input command to perform either the rapid or regular cycle.

[0165] The control unit can open or close the second branch path (130) using the control damper (86) according to the selected course (S120).

[0166] When the rapid course is selected, the control unit can operate the control damper (86) to close the second branch passage (130) (S121). When the normal course is selected, the control unit can operate the control damper (86) to open the second branch passage (130) (S122).

[0167] Next, the control unit can operate the blower unit (82) and the heating unit (83) to dry the dishes (S130).

[0168] When the rapid course is selected, the second branch path (130) is closed, so air cannot pass through the second bed (852), and thus drying can proceed only through the first bed (851) (S131). In the rapid course, the absorption and regeneration times of the moisture absorption and drying device (80) are short, so relatively little energy is consumed, and on the other hand, the dishes can be dried relatively less.

[0169] When the general course is selected, the second branch path (130) is opened, so that air can pass through the second bed (852), and thus drying can proceed between the first bed (851) and the second bed (852) (S132). In the general course, since the absorption time and regeneration time of the moisture absorption drying device (80) are long, relatively more energy is consumed, but on the other hand, the dishes can be sufficiently dried.

[0170] In an embodiment, the dish drying process can be selected as either a rapid course or a regular course, and at this time, the control unit can control whether to quickly complete the drying of the dish or to take the time to sufficiently dry the dish by operating the control damper (86) to change the volume of the desiccant (85) used for moisture absorption. Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

[0171] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; and It includes a moisture absorption drying device that absorbs moisture from the air discharged from the above tub and supplies it to the above tub, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A desiccant that absorbs moisture; A blower that supplies air; a heating element that heats the air; and A duct that accommodates the above-mentioned absorbent and through which air flows Including, The above-mentioned absorbents are provided in multiple units spaced apart from each other, The above Euro duct forms a plurality of air passages passing through each of the above absorbents, Dishwasher.

2. In paragraph 1, A plurality of the above-described absorbents are arranged in each of the plurality of air passages and are arranged in parallel with each other. Dishwasher.

3. In paragraph 1, Air passing through one of the above-mentioned absorbents is provided so that it does not pass through other absorbents. Dishwasher.

4. In paragraph 1, The above Euroduct is, An intake path through which air is drawn in from the outside and through which the heating unit is placed; A first branch path branched from the above intake path; A second branch passage branched from the above intake passage and separated from the first branch passage; and The first and second branch passages above are combined again and the exhaust passage is where air is discharged to the outside. including, Dishwasher.

5. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned absorbent is, A first bed arranged in the first quarter of the above; and A second bed arranged in the second quarter and spaced apart from the first bed including, Dishwasher.

6. In paragraph 5, The above Euroduct is, A dividing wall that separates the first branch flow and the second branch flow and separates the space where the first bed and the second bed are placed. including, Dishwasher.

7. In paragraph 5, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, It is arranged at the entrance of the second branch flow path and includes a control damper that opens and closes the second branch flow path. Dishwasher.

8. In paragraph 6, A plurality of the above-described absorbents are arranged so that at least some of them overlap each other in the vertical direction, and air passes through the absorbents in the vertical direction. Dishwasher.

9. In paragraph 8, The above separation wall is arranged between a plurality of desiccant absorbents in the vertical direction at least in part to block the air flow between each desiccant absorbent. Dishwasher.

10. In paragraph 6, A plurality of the above-described absorbents are arranged so that at least some of them overlap each other laterally, and air passes through the absorbents laterally. Dishwasher.

11. In paragraph 10, The above separation wall is arranged at least partially laterally between a plurality of the above absorbents to block air flow between each absorbent. Dishwasher.

12. In the control method of the dishwasher described in Article 7, The above dishwasher performs a drying process to dry dishes stored in the tub using the above moisture absorption and drying device, The above drying process is, Step to choose either the rapid course or the regular course; A step of opening or closing the second branch flow path using the control damper according to the selected course; A step of drying dishes by operating the blower and the heating unit. including, How to control a dishwasher.

13. In paragraph 12, The above general course is provided with a longer operating time of the blower and the heating unit than the above rapid course. How to control a dishwasher.

14. In paragraph 12, In the above rapid course, the control damper operates the blower and the heating unit while closing the second branch flow path. How to control a dishwasher.

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