Dishwasher and method for controlling same

Abstract

This dishwasher may comprise: a user interface device; a communication unit; and a control unit for receiving, through the communication unit, external humidity information detected by a home appliance within an environment of the home appliance, changing configuration information related to an operation of at least one of a rinsing cycle of the washing course and a drying cycle of the washing course on the basis of the received external humidity information and a washing course of the dishwasher input through the user interface device, and controlling the operation of the at least one of the rinsing cycle of the washing course and the drying cycle of the washing course on the basis of the changed configuration information.

Description

Dishwashers and dishwasher control methods

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method for the dishwasher.

[0002] Typically, a dishwasher is a device that sprays high-pressure water onto stored dishes, washing them and then drying them. Dishwashers operate by spraying high-pressure water into the dishwashing tub, where the dishes are stored. This water then contacts the dishes, washing away any foreign substances, such as food particles, from their surfaces.

[0003] For example, a dishwasher may perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a drying cycle during operation. During the drying cycle, heated air is supplied to the tub to remove water and moisture present within the tub. A heater may be used to heat the air, and a fan may be used to circulate the heated air within the tub.

[0004] Conventional dishwashers operate with a constant drying time, regardless of the external environment. A dishwasher's drying performance is affected by external humidity. In extremely humid environments, dishes may not be completely dried, and in dry environments, there is a risk of unnecessarily drying already-dried dishes.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a dishwasher and a control method for the dishwasher that can maintain drying performance regardless of the external environment.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a dishwasher may include a user interface device; a communication unit; and a control unit that receives external humidity information detected by a home appliance in an environment of the home appliance through the communication unit, changes setting information related to an operation of at least one of a rinsing operation of the washing course and a drying operation of the washing course based on the received external humidity information and a washing course of the dishwasher input through the user interface device, and controls an operation of at least one of a rinsing operation of the washing course and a drying operation of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

[0007] The control unit can receive the detected external humidity information at at least one of the power-on time of the dishwasher and the start time of the drying process of the dishwasher.

[0008] The above home appliance is registered to a user account, and the control unit can receive the detected external humidity information from the server through the communication unit.

[0009] The above home appliance is registered to a user account, and the control unit can receive the detected external humidity information from another home appliance through the communication unit.

[0010] The above home appliance includes a plurality of home appliances, each of the plurality of home appliances being in a corresponding environment, the control unit receiving identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances through the communication unit, and determining a target home appliance among the plurality of home appliances based on the received identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances, and the received external humidity information may be external humidity information detected by the determined target home appliance.

[0011] For each of the plurality of home appliances, the identification information may include relative distance information between the home appliance and the dishwasher.

[0012] The control unit can change the temperature of the washing water of the dishwasher in the rinsing cycle of the washing course based on the received external humidity information.

[0013] The control unit can increase the temperature of the washing water in the rinsing process of the washing course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being equal to or greater than a first humidity, and can decrease the temperature of the washing water in the rinsing process of the washing course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0014] The dishwasher further includes a tub; and a drying device that heats the air inside the tub; the drying device includes a fan that circulates air inside the tub; and a heater that heats the air circulated by the fan; and the control unit can change the operating time of the heater and the operating time of the fan during the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity information.

[0015] The control unit may increase the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan in the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being equal to or greater than a first humidity, and may decrease the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan in the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0016] The dishwasher further includes a tub; a door that opens or closes to open and close the opening of the tub, respectively; and a door driving unit that drives the door to open and close the opening of the tub, wherein the control unit can increase the opening time and number of times the door is opened in the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being equal to or greater than the first humidity.

[0017] The dishwasher further includes a tub; and an internal humidity sensor that detects internal humidity of the tub and generates data corresponding to the detected internal humidity, and the control unit can perform an additional drying operation in the drying process of the washing course or stop the drying operation based on a difference between the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information and the generated data.

[0018] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a control method for a dishwasher includes a user interface device, a communication unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives a selection of a washing course of the dishwasher through the user interface device, receives external humidity information detected by a home appliance in an environment of the home appliance through the communication unit, changes setting information related to an operation of at least one of a rinsing course of the washing course and a drying course of the washing course based on the received external humidity information and the received selected washing course, and controls an operation of at least one of a rinsing course of the washing course and a drying course of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

[0019] Receiving the external humidity information may further include the home appliance being registered to a user account and receiving the detected external humidity information from a server through the communication unit, or the home appliance being registered to the user account and receiving the detected external humidity information from the home appliance through the communication unit.

[0020] Receiving the external humidity information may further include receiving identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances through the communication unit while each of the plurality of home appliances is in an environment corresponding to each other, determining a target home appliance among the plurality of home appliances based on the received identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances, and receiving external humidity information as external humidity information detected by the determined target home appliance in the environment corresponding to each other through the communication unit.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an open state of a dishwasher door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the dishwasher of Figure 3 viewed from another direction.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a drying device included in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a network of dishwashers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a washing course of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a user interface device for selecting a washing course of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates selecting a washing course through Figure 9.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a graph showing changes in external humidity and humidity inside a tub before and after a drying cycle of a washing course when the external environment of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a very humid environment.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in external humidity and humidity inside a tub before and after a drying cycle of a washing course when the external environment of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a dry environment.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a target home appliance to provide external humidity information among other home appliances by a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between external humidity and temperature of a rinsing / drying cycle of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between external humidity, temperature and time of the rinsing / drying cycle of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of changing the setting values ​​of the rinsing cycle / drying cycle according to the external humidity of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 19 illustrates another example of changing the setting values ​​of the rinsing cycle / drying cycle according to the external humidity of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0041] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0042] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0044] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0045] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0046] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0047] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0049] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0050] Hereinafter, dishwashers according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a dishwasher according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) may include a cabinet (12) forming an exterior and a door (20). The main body (10) may include a top cover (11) provided on the upper side of the cabinet (12) and forming an upper surface of the main body (10). The top cover (11) may be formed integrally with the cabinet (12) or may be separated. The top cover (11) may also be formed as a part of the cabinet (12). If the dishwasher (1) is provided in a built-in form, the cabinet (12) may be omitted.

[0053] A dishwasher (1) may include a tub (13) disposed inside a main body (10). The tub (13) may form a washing room (14) therein. A door (20) may be rotatably mounted on a cabinet (12) and provided to open and close the tub (13). The door (20) may be rotatably installed on the cabinet (12). The door (20) may be rotatably hinged to the bottom of the cabinet (12). The door (20) may be coupled to the cabinet (12) by a hinge device (30).

[0054] Additionally, a user interface device (200) may be provided on the outer surface of the main body (10).

[0055] The user interface device (200) can receive a user's control command and output an electrical signal corresponding to the received control command.

[0056] The user interface device (200) may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch screen, a touch pad, a paddle, various levers or handles, a joystick, and other various input means.

[0057] The user interface device (200) may include at least one of a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a seven-segment display, and other various display means to display various information related to the operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0058] The user interface device (200) may be implemented as a touch screen.

[0059] The user interface device (200) can receive a user selection of a washing course and display the selected washing course and information related to the washing course. For example, washing courses may include automatic, standard, strong, glass, rapid, internal wash, download, etc. If the user selects "standard," the standard washing course and information related to the standard washing course can be displayed.

[0060] Fig. 3 illustrates an open state of a dishwasher door according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates a view of the dishwasher of Fig. 3 from another direction.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cabinet (12) may be provided in a roughly box shape. One side of the cabinet (12) may be open. That is, the cabinet (12) may have an opening. As an example, the front of the cabinet (12) may be open. The cabinet (12) and the tub (13) may be provided in a hexahedral shape with one side open. The cabinet (12) may include a rear plate (12d), two side plates (12b, 12c) extending to one front side and the other front side of the rear plate (12d), and a front plate (12f) formed by bending from the two side plates (12b, 12c). The front plate (12f) may be provided to form an opening in the front of the cabinet (12). The front plate (12f) is exemplified as being formed by integrally extending from both side plates (12b, 12c), but is not limited thereto. The door (20) may be provided to open and close the opening of the front plate (12f).

[0062] Inside the cabinet (12), a sump unit (40) that is provided at the bottom of the tub (13) to collect water used for washing, a plurality of baskets (50) that are arranged so as to be withdrawable from the inside to the outside of the cabinet (12) to store dishes, a guide rack (60) that supports the plurality of baskets (50), and a plurality of spray nozzles (71, 72, 73) that spray water delivered from the sump unit (40) toward dishes contained in the plurality of baskets (50) may be arranged. The plurality of spray nozzles (71, 72, 73) may be referred to as a spray unit (70).

[0063] The plurality of baskets (50) can store dishes of various volumes and / or sizes. The types and sizes of the dishes stored in the plurality of baskets (50) are not limited. The plurality of baskets (50) can include a first basket (51), a second basket (52), and a third basket (53).

[0064] The first basket (51) can be coupled to the tub (13) at the upper portion of the tub (13) so as to be arranged above the second basket (52) and the third basket (53). The second basket (52) can be coupled to the tub (13) at the middle portion of the tub (13) so as to be arranged below the first basket (51) and / or above the third basket (53). The third basket (53) can be coupled to the tub (13) at the lower portion of the tub (13) so as to be arranged below the first basket (51) and the second basket (52).

[0065] The first basket (51) may be a sub-basket for storing relatively small dishes. The sub-basket may store small cups, such as espresso cups. The types of dishes stored in the sub-basket are not limited to those exemplified. Furthermore, if multiple baskets (50) are arranged vertically and at different heights, the number of baskets is not limited to those exemplified.

[0066] The dishwasher (1) may include a plurality of guide racks (60) provided to support a plurality of baskets (50) within the tub (13). The plurality of guide racks (60) may be provided as rails for the baskets to be pulled out forward, respectively.

[0067] A guide rack (60) can be installed inside the side walls (13a, 13b) of the tub (13) so that a plurality of baskets (50) can slide toward the front of the tub (13). For example, the guide rack (60) can be installed on the left wall (13a) and the right wall (13b) of the tub (13). A plurality of guide racks (60) can be provided. The first basket (51), the second basket (52), and the third basket (53) can slide along the guide rack (60) in the front-back direction of the tub (13).

[0068] A sump unit (40) may be installed at the lower center of the cabinet (12) and may serve to collect washing water used for washing. The sump unit (40) may receive and supply washing water. The sump unit (40) may include a washing pump (41) that pumps the stored water to a spray unit (70). The washing water pumped by the washing pump (41) may be supplied to the first spray nozzle (71), the second spray nozzle (72), and the third spray nozzle (73) through a rear supply pipe, respectively. In addition, the sump unit (40) may include a washing water heater (42) disposed at the lower portion of the cabinet (12) to heat the washing water, and a drain pump (43) disposed at the lower portion of the tub (13) to drain the washing water to the outside.

[0069] The dishwasher (1) may include a spray unit (70) configured to spray washing water. The spray unit (70) may include a plurality of spray nozzles (71, 72, 73). The spray unit (70) may include a first spray nozzle (71) disposed above a first basket (51), a second spray nozzle (72) disposed above the first basket (51) and the second basket (52), that is, between the second basket (52) and the third basket (53), and a third spray nozzle (73) disposed below the third basket (53).

[0070] The first spray nozzle (71) may be provided to be rotatable. The first spray nozzle (71) may spray washing water toward dishes stored in the first basket (51) and / or the second basket (52). The second spray nozzle (72) may be provided to be rotatable. The second spray nozzle (72) may be provided to spray washing water toward dishes stored in the second basket (52) and the third basket (53). The third spray nozzle (73) may be provided to be rotatable. The third spray nozzle (73) may be provided to spray washing water toward dishes stored in the third basket (53).

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the dishwasher (1) may include a drying device (100). The drying device (100) may be coupled to an outer surface of the tub (13). For example, the drying device (100) may be coupled to one of the side walls (13a, 13b) of the tub (13). In FIG. 3, the drying device (100) is illustrated as being coupled to the left wall (13a) of the tub (13), but the drying device (100) may also be coupled to the right wall (13b) of the tub (13).

[0072] The drying device (100) can be detachably mounted on the outer surface of the tub (13). The drying device (100) can be placed between the outer surface of the tub (13) and the inner surface of the cabinet (12). That is, the drying device (100) can be placed in the space formed between the cabinet (12) and the tub (13).

[0073] Humid air inside the tub (13) (i.e., the washing room (14)) can be introduced into the drying device (100) located outside the tub (13) through the intake cover (81) mounted inside the tub (13). The air introduced into the drying device (100) is heated, and the heated dry air can be discharged back into the tub (13) through the discharge cover (91).

[0074] In addition, the dishwasher (1) may include a height adjustment device (not shown) provided adjacent to the side walls (13a, 13b) of the tub (13). The height adjustment device may be provided to adjust the height at which the second basket (52) is inserted into the washing chamber (14). For example, the second basket (52) may be raised in height toward the first basket (51) or lowered in height toward the third basket (53). However, even if the height of the second basket (52) is changed, no interference occurs between the suction port cover (81) and the second basket (52).

[0075] The suction inlet cover (81) and the discharge inlet cover (91) can be mounted on the inner surface of the tub (13) between a plurality of baskets (50) arranged at different heights. In other words, the suction inlet (170) and the discharge inlet (180) of the drying device (100) can be provided between a plurality of baskets (50) arranged at different heights. Details regarding the drying device (100) will be described later.

[0076] In addition, the dishwasher (1) may include a door driving unit (300) that drives the door (20). The door driving unit (300) may be disposed on the upper portion of the cabinet (12) inside the cabinet (12). The door driving unit (300) may be disposed on the upper portion of the tub (13). In other words, the door driving unit (300) may be located between the cabinet (12) and the tub (13). The door driving unit (300) is electrically connected to a control unit (500) to be described later, and may open or close the door (20) under the control of the control unit (500). In addition, the door driving unit (20) may adjust the opening angle of the door (20).

[0077] The door driving unit (300) may be connected to the locking unit (21) of the door (20). The door driving unit (300) may include a motor and a sliding bar. The sliding bar may move forward or backward of the dishwasher (1) by the operation of the motor. The sliding bar may be connected to the locking unit (21) of the door (20) of the door driving unit (300). When the sliding bar protrudes forward of the main body (10), the door (20) may be opened. When the sliding bar moves backward of the main body (10), the door (20) may be pulled toward the main body (10), thereby closing the door (20). The opening angle of the door (20) may be adjusted depending on the protruding length of the sliding bar. When the sliding bar is separated from the locking unit (21) of the door (20), the door (20) may be completely opened.

[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates a drying device included in a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the dishwasher (1) may include a drying device (100). The drying device (100) may be coupled to one side wall (13a) of the tub (13). The dishwasher (1) may perform a washing cycle for washing dishes located within the tub (13), a rinsing cycle for rinsing the dishes, and a drying cycle for drying the air within the washing room (14) after the rinsing cycle.

[0080] The relative humidity inside the tub (13) can be lowered through the drying process. A drying device (100) configured to perform the drying process may include a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). The first housing (110) may be coupled to the tub (13) and configured to communicate with the washing room (14). The second housing (120) may be arranged on the outside of the first housing (110) to form a flow path together with the first housing (110) so that air in the washing room (14) can circulate. The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be coupled to face each other. The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be configured to include a plastic material.

[0081] The first housing (110) may include an intake port (170) and an outlet port (180). The intake port (170) may be formed on one side of the first housing (110) so that air from the washing room (14) may be introduced into the drying device (100). The intake port (170) may be provided to communicate with an inlet port (not shown) that is openly formed on one side wall (13a, 13b) of the tub (13) in which the drying device (100) is mounted. The outlet port (180) may be formed on the other side of the first housing (110) so that air may be discharged into the washing room (14). The outlet port (180) may be provided to communicate with an outlet port (not shown) that is openly formed on one side wall (13a, 13b) of the tub (13) in which the drying device (100) is mounted.

[0082] Since the housing of the drying device (100) is arranged to be long along the front-back direction of the tub (13), the discharge port (180) is positioned in front of the suction port (170). That is, air from the rear of the washing room (14) is introduced into the drying device (100) through the suction port (170) formed in the first housing (110), and air heated in the drying device (100) can be discharged to the front of the washing room (14) through the discharge port (180) formed in the first housing (110).

[0083] The drying device (100) may include a driving fan (130), a heater (150), and a temperature sensor (160) that are arranged to be accommodated inside the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In addition, the drying device (100) may include a heater switch (140). The configurations of the drying device (100) are not limited to those illustrated, and some of the illustrated configurations may be omitted or other configurations may be added.

[0084] The driving fan (130) can circulate air within the tub (13). By the rotation of the driving fan (130), the air can move along the flow path within the drying device (100). The driving fan (130) can be positioned upstream of the heater switch (140) and the heater (150) within the flow path. The type of the driving fan (130) can be a centrifugal fan. The type of the driving fan (130) is not limited to those exemplified.

[0085] The heater (150) may include a sheath heater. The sheath heater may be provided as a tubular heater.

[0086] According to one embodiment, a dishwasher (1) may be configured with a large heat capacity sheath heater for fluid heating. Accordingly, even if water exists within the tub (13), no functional problems may arise with the heater (150). For example, even if water within the tub (13) flows into the interior of the drying device (100) during a washing or rinsing cycle prior to a drying cycle, no problems may arise with the function of the heater (150).

[0087] The heater (150) can be powered from outside the drying device (100). In addition, it is electrically connected to a heater switch (140) described later at the upper outer side of the drying device (100). Accordingly, the heater switch (140) can be configured to cut off power to the heater ().

[0088] If the heater (150) continues to operate while the air cannot flow due to a failure of the driving fan (130), the heated air may not be able to escape to the outside of the drying device (100). In this case, the inside of the drying device (100) may overheat. If the power to the heater (150) is not cut off, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) of the drying device (100) may be damaged due to the overheated air.

[0089] To avoid such concerns, a heater switch (140) may be provided. The heater switch (140) may include a switching element connected to the heater (150) and a temperature sensor. The heater switch (140) may be positioned upstream of the heater (150) and may detect the internal temperature of the drying device (100).

[0090] The heater switch (140) may be mounted between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In other words, the heater switch (140) may be mounted between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and may be supported together by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). Since the air heated by the heater (150) rises upward, the heater switch (140) may be positioned above the heater (150) to more sensitively detect this.

[0091] The control unit (500) can control the switching element to turn off the heater (150) based on the temperature of the air detected by the temperature sensor of the heater switch (140) reaching a predetermined overheating temperature. When the switching element is turned off, the power supplied to the heater (150) can be cut off. Accordingly, the interior of the drying device (100) can be prevented from overheating.

[0092] Additionally, the heater switch (140) can detect the temperature of the air flowing into the drying device (100). The temperature of the air flowing into the drying device (100) may be the same as the temperature inside the tub. The control unit (500) can determine whether to open or close the door (20) during the drying process based on the change in the temperature inside the tub detected by the heater switch (140).

[0093] The temperature sensor (160) may be installed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and may be positioned inside the duct. The temperature sensor (160) may be positioned downstream of the heater (150). The temperature sensor (160) positioned downstream of the heater (150) may detect the temperature of air heated by the heater (150) and transmit a detection signal to the control unit (500). The control unit (500) may control the heater (150) to adjust the temperature of air supplied into the tub (13).

[0094] Humid air at the rear of the washing room (14) can be introduced into the drying device (100) through the intake port (170) of the drying device (100). Air dried and heated in the drying device (100) can be discharged to the front of the washing room (14) through the discharge port (180) of the drying device (100).

[0095] The process in which air in the washing room (14) is sucked into the drying device (100) during the drying process and discharged from the drying device (100) back into the washing room (14) is described.

[0096] When the drying process starts, the driving fan (130) inside the drying device (100) can rotate. The driving fan (130) can suck moist air inside the tub (13) into the drying device (100). The sucked air can flow into the suction port (170) of the drying device (100). The air can move along a path formed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and be supplied into the tub (13) through the discharge port (180). The air introduced through the suction port (170) can be heated while passing through the heater (150). The heated air can be supplied into the tub (13) through the discharge port (180).

[0097] FIG. 6 illustrates a network of dishwashers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, the dishwasher (1) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance (e.g., a home appliance) (4), a user device (2) or a server (3), a user interface device for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (1), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0099] The other home appliance (4) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the other home appliance (4) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a refrigerator (10), an electric range (11), an electric oven (12), an air conditioner (13), a clothes manager (14), a washing machine (15), a dryer (16), and a microwave oven (17) as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances not illustrated in the drawing, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples.

[0100] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a dishwasher (1), a user device (2), and / or another home appliance (4), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a dishwasher (1), a user device (2), and / or another home appliance (4), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as a variety of computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, etc. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0101] The server (3) may store and / or manage user accounts, register a dishwasher (1), a user device (2), and / or other home appliances (4) by linking them to the user accounts, and perform functions such as managing or controlling the registered dishwasher (1) and other home appliances (4). For example, a user may access the server (3) via the user device (2) and create a user account. The user account may be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) may register the dishwasher (1), the user device (2), and / or other home appliances (4) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) may link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the dishwasher (1) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the dishwasher (1). Similarly, the server (3) may register and control the user device (2) and other home appliances (4) to the user account.

[0102] The server (3) can receive various information from the dishwasher (1), user device (2), and / or other home appliance (4) registered to the user account.

[0103] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the dishwasher (1), the server (3), and / or other home appliances (4), a user interface device for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0104] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0105] A program for controlling the dishwasher (1), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed on the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0106] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a dishwasher (1).

[0107] For example, if the dishwasher (1) is operated so that the dishwasher (1) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the dishwasher (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the dishwasher (1) in the corresponding user account on the server (3). A home appliance (4) can also be registered in a user account in the same manner. It goes without saying that the information required to register a device such as a home appliance (4) in a user account may be other information that can identify the device in addition to the serial number or MAC address of the device.

[0108] A user can control a dishwasher (1) using an application installed on a user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on a user device (2), a dishwasher (1) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the dishwasher (1) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the dishwasher (1) via a server (3).

[0109] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0110] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an access point (AP). A short-range wireless network is, for example, a Bluetooth TM, IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but are not limited to those exemplified.

[0111] An access point (AP) can connect a dishwasher (1), a user device (2), and / or other appliances (4) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The dishwasher (1), the user device (2), and / or other appliances (4) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0112] Access Point (AP) is a Wi-Fi TM , IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth TM , IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), etc., and can communicate with the dishwasher (1) or user device (2) using wireless communication, and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the dishwasher (1) may be directly connected to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other home appliances (4) without going through an access point (AP).

[0114] The dishwasher (1) can be connected to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other appliances (4) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0115] For example, a dishwasher (1) may be connected to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other appliances (4) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0116] As another example, the dishwasher (1) may be connected to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other appliances (4) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0117] As another example, a dishwasher (1) may be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, and may be connected to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other home appliances (4) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0118] If the dishwasher (1) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the dishwasher (1) can connect other home appliances (4) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances (4) can connect the dishwasher (1) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0119] The dishwasher (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to a user device (2), a server (3), and / or another home appliance (4) via a network. For example, the dishwasher (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to the user device (2), the server (3), and / or another home appliance (4) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the dishwasher (1), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information about its operation or status from the dishwasher (1), it can update the information about the operation or status of the dishwasher (1) that has been stored therein and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the dishwasher (1) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0120] The dishwasher (1) can obtain various information from the user device (2), the server (3), and / or other home appliances (4). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain information related to the function of the dishwasher (1) (e.g., playback audio information, etc.), information on various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.), and environmental information on other home appliances (4) from the server (3).

[0121] The dishwasher (1) can operate according to control commands received from a user device (2), a server (3), and / or other home appliances (4). For example, if the dishwasher (1) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from the server (3) even without user input, the dishwasher (1) can operate according to control commands received from the server (3). Here, the control commands received from the server (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through the user device (2) or control commands based on preset conditions.

[0122] The dishwasher (1), the user device (2), the server (3), and / or the other home appliance (4) can determine control commands using technologies such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) can receive information about the operation, status, or environment of the dishwasher (1), receive information about the operation, status, or environment of the user device (2), or receive information about the operation, status, or environment of the other home appliance (4), process the information using technologies such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the dishwasher (1), the user device (2), and / or the other home appliance (4) based on the processing result.

[0123] Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7, the dishwasher (1) may include a control unit (500) that performs overall control.

[0125] The control unit (500) can be electrically connected to the sump unit (40), the drying device (100), the door driving unit (300), the user interface device (200), and the communication unit (400).

[0126] The control unit (500) may include a memory (510) and a processor (520). In addition to the devices mentioned in FIG. 7, the control unit (500) may control other devices of the electrically connected dishwasher (1). The configurations of the dishwasher (1) are not limited to those illustrated, and some of the illustrated configurations may be omitted or other configurations may be added.

[0127] The control unit (500) may be provided in the main body (10), and the user interface device (200) may be provided in the door (20). The position of the control unit (500) and the position of the user interface device (200) are not limited to the above-described examples, and may be placed in various positions.

[0128] The memory (510) can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the dishwasher (1). The memory (510) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the dishwasher (1). The memory (510) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (540) may include nonvolatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0129] The processor (520) may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (1) based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory (510). The processor (520) may be hardware and include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (520) may process data according to the program and / or instructions provided from the memory (510) and generate a control signal based on the processing result. The memory (510) and the processor (520) may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0130] The user interface device (200) may include an output interface and an input interface. The output interface may display information regarding the status and / or operation of the dishwasher (1). The output interface may display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The output interface may display information related to the operation of the dishwasher (1) in the form of at least an image or text. In addition, the output interface may display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dishwasher (1). That is, the output interface may display a user interface element (UI element), such as an icon.

[0131] The output interface may include various types of display panels. For example, the output interface may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), or a micro LED panel. Additionally, the output interface may be implemented as a touch display.

[0132] The input interface can output electrical signals (voltage or current) corresponding to user input to the processor (520). The input interface can include various buttons and may also include a dial. If the output interface is provided as a touch display, a separate input interface may not be provided. For example, the user interface device can obtain various user inputs, such as user input for turning the dishwasher (1) on or off and user input for selecting a washing course.

[0133] The communication unit (400) may include at least one communication module. The communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0134] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0135] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0136] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a washing course of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 8, the dishwasher (1) can receive a selection of a washing course from a user (1000). A plurality of washing courses may be provided for the operation of the dishwasher (1). For example, various washing courses such as an automatic course, a standard course, a strong course, a glass course, a rapid course, an internal washing course, a download course, etc. may be provided. Depending on the type of washing course, the washing order, water consumption, washing temperature, and / or washing time may differ. The number and / or types of operations included in each washing course may differ. The user may select a washing course using a user interface device (200).

[0138] A washing course may include at least one cycle. For example, a standard course may include a pre-wash cycle, a main wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a drying cycle. The pre-wash cycle, the main wash cycle, the rinse cycle, and the drying cycle may be performed sequentially. The execution time of each cycle may be automatically determined based on the selection of the standard course. For example, the total drying time of the drying cycle may be automatically determined. The user may also input the execution time of each cycle using the user interface device (200).

[0139] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can perform a pre-wash cycle (1100).

[0140] The pre-wash cycle is a cycle in which washing water is sprayed onto dishes to preliminarily remove foreign substances attached to the dishes. The pre-wash cycle is a cycle in which washing water without detergent is sprayed into the washing chamber (14) before the main washing cycle to remove relatively large contaminants present on the dishes.

[0141] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may perform a pre-wash cycle (1100) and then perform a main wash cycle (1200).

[0142] The main washing cycle is a cycle in which heated washing water is sprayed at high pressure onto the dishes to wash them. The main washing cycle may include a washing water supply operation (1210) for providing washing water used for washing to a sump unit (40), a washing water spray operation (1220) for spraying or heating washing water mixed with detergent through a spray unit (70), and a washing water drain operation (1230) for draining washing water stored in the sump unit (40) and / or the spray unit (70).

[0143] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can perform a rinsing cycle (1300) after performing a main washing cycle (1200). The rinsing cycle is a cycle in which heated washing water is sprayed onto dishes to remove foreign substances remaining on the dishes. The rinsing cycle may include a rinsing water supply operation (1310) for providing rinsing water, which is washing water used for rinsing, to a sump unit (40), a rinsing water spraying operation (1320) for spraying or heating rinsing water stored in the sump unit (40) through a spraying unit (70), and a rinsing water draining operation (1330) for draining rinsing water stored in the sump unit (40) and / or the spraying unit (70).

[0144] In the rinsing water spraying operation (1320), rinsing water can be sprayed multiple times into the washing room (20).

[0145] When the temperature of the rinsing water is high, the dishes can be heated during the rinsing cycle (1300), and after the rinsing cycle (1300) is completed, the dishes can be efficiently dried by the latent heat of the dishes.

[0146] In one embodiment, the rinse water sprayed into the wash chamber (14) in the rinse cycle (1300) may have a higher temperature than the wash water sprayed into the wash chamber (14) in the main wash cycle (1200) and / or the pre-wash cycle (1100).

[0147] According to various embodiments, the temperature of the rinsing water used in the last rinsing water spraying step during the rinsing water spraying operation (1320) may be higher than the temperature of the rinsing water used in the previous rinsing water spraying step.

[0148] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may perform a drying cycle (1400) after performing a rinsing cycle (1300).

[0149] The drying process (1400) is a process for drying dishes by supplying heated air into the tub (13). The drying process (1400) is a process for drying dishes by circulating air inside the washing room (14) using the drying device (100) and supplying hot air into the washing room (14).

[0150] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may perform a cooling process (1500) after performing a drying process (1400).

[0151] The cooling process (1500) is a process to prevent safety accidents by lowering the temperature inside the washing room (14), and can be performed using a drying device (100).

[0152] According to various embodiments, the cooling process (1500) may be defined as a part of the drying process (1400). The types of processes are not limited to those exemplified.

[0153] The control unit (500) can control the sump unit (40) to supply heated washing water into the tub (13) in the rinsing cycle (1300). When the rinsing cycle (1300) starts, the control unit (500) can operate the washing pump (41), washing water heater (42), and drain pump (43) of the sump unit (40). When the sump unit (40) operates, washing water heated by the washing water heater (42) can be pumped to the spray unit (70) by the washing pump (41) and sprayed into the tub (13).

[0154] The control unit (500) can perform a drying process (1400) after the rinsing process (1300) is completed. The control unit (500) can control the drying device (100) to supply heated air into the tub (13) in the drying process (1400). When the drying process (1400) starts, the control unit (500) can operate the driving fan (130) and the heater (150) of the drying device (100). When the drying device (100) operates, the air inside the tub (13) can circulate between the drying device (100) and the tub (13). The air inside the tub (13) is heated after being introduced into the drying device (100), and the heated air can be supplied back into the tub (13). The heated air discharged from the drying device (100) can dry dishes inside the tub (13).

[0155] Meanwhile, a dishwasher's drying performance is affected by the external humidity in the area where it is installed. In extremely humid environments, dishes may not be completely dried, while in dry environments, dishes that have already been dried may be unnecessarily dried, extending drying times and increasing energy consumption.

[0156] In order to improve the drying performance of the dishwasher (1), the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may receive external humidity information detected by another home appliance (4) located in the house, change the setting information of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course based on the external humidity information, and control the operation of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course based on the changed setting information of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course.

[0157] Accordingly, the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain drying performance regardless of the external environment. When the external humidity is high, the drying performance can be enhanced by strengthening the rinsing operation of the rinsing operation (1300) of the washing course and the drying operation of the drying operation (1400) in comparison to the respective normal operations of the washing course, thereby discharging more moisture. On the other hand, when the external humidity is low, the rinsing operation of the rinsing operation (1300) of the washing course and the drying operation of the drying operation (1400) in comparison to the respective normal operations can be weakened, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0158] In addition, since the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes a temperature and humidity sensor mounted on another home appliance (4) in the home, there is no need to mount an external temperature and humidity sensor on the dishwasher (1), thereby reducing the complexity of the structure and saving material costs.

[0159] FIG. 9 illustrates a user interface for selecting a washing course of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 illustrates selecting a washing course through FIG. 9.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, the user interface device (200) may include a power button (2100) for operating the dishwasher (1), a washing course selection unit (2200) for selecting a washing course, an option selection unit (2300) for additional settings, a display (2400) for displaying information related to the dishwasher (1), a reservation button (2500) for making a washing reservation, and a washing start button (2600).

[0161] The display (2400) can display information such as expected washing time, remaining washing time, washing course, etc.

[0162] The washing course selection unit (2200) may include multiple washing course selection buttons for selecting a washing course. The dishwasher (1) may perform dishwashing using a washing method corresponding to the selected washing course. For example, the dishwasher (1) may determine the washing order, water consumption, washing temperature, and / or washing time, etc., depending on the type of washing course.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 10, the washing course selection unit (2200) may include an automatic washing button (2210) for inputting an automatic washing course in which the dishwasher (1) automatically detects the amount of contamination and automatically sets the washing time and temperature as a washing course, a standard washing button (2220) for inputting a standard washing course used when washing dishes after a regular meal, a strong washing button (2230) for inputting a strong washing course suitable for washing dishes with dried food on them, very dirty dishes, pots, greasy dishes, etc., a glass washing button (2240) for inputting a glass washing course suitable for washing dishes such as temperature-sensitive plastic or breakable glassware, a rapid washing button (2250) for inputting a rapid washing course suitable for quickly washing dishes after a regular meal, an internal washing button (2260) for inputting an internal washing course used when cleaning the inside of the dishwasher (1), a download washing button (2270) for inputting a download washing course that can download and use courses other than the courses provided by default via a smartphone, etc.

[0164] Download washing courses may include low-noise / night mode washing courses, pot and frying pan washing courses, plastic container washing courses, baby bottle sterilization washing courses, and dry-only washing courses.

[0165] Additionally, the washing course selection unit (2200) may further include an indicator unit (2280) for indicating the selected washing course.

[0166] The indicator (2280) is formed integrally with the washing course selection button, and can display the washing course selected by the user. In addition, the indicator (2280) employs a light-emitting means, such as an LED lamp, so that when the washing course selection button is pressed, it lights up or blinks to display the selected washing course.

[0167] The user can select a desired washing course by pressing the washing course button included in the washing course selection unit (2200).

[0168] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a user can select a standard wash course by pressing the standard wash button (2220). The dishwasher (1) can indicate the selected wash course by lighting the indicator (2280) of the standard wash button (2220) pressed by the user. Accordingly, it can indicate that the selection of the wash course is complete.

[0169] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (500) can receive external humidity information detected by another home appliance (4) located in the house through the communication unit (400) (3000).

[0171] In one embodiment, the external humidity information may include the humidity outside the dishwasher (1) or the humidity outside the home of another home appliance (4) located in the house. The external humidity information may include the humidity inside the home where the dishwasher (1) and the home appliance (4) are located. In one embodiment, the external humidity information may include the external temperature and the external relative humidity of the dishwasher (1) or another home appliance (4) located in the house. The external humidity information may include the temperature inside the home where the dishwasher (1) and the home appliance (4) are located and the relative humidity inside the home. The external humidity information may include the absolute humidity. The absolute humidity may be obtained from the temperature inside the home where the dishwasher (1) and the home appliance (4) are located and the relative humidity inside the home.

[0172] In one embodiment, the control unit (500) communicates with the server (3) through the communication unit (400) and can receive external humidity information detected by another home appliance (4) located in the house from the server (3).

[0173] Other home appliances (4) located in the home may include home appliances registered to the user account, excluding the dishwasher (1) of the present disclosure.

[0174] The control unit (500) can receive external humidity information detected by other home appliances (4) located in the home from the server (3) when the dishwasher (1) is turned on, the rinsing cycle starts, or the drying cycle starts. In addition, the control unit (500) can periodically receive external humidity information detected by other home appliances (4) located in the home from the server (3).

[0175] In addition, the control unit (500) can accumulate and store external humidity information received from the server (3) and request and receive external humidity information from the server (3) based on changes in the external humidity information. For example, when the accumulated and stored external humidity changes by a predetermined rate or more, the control unit (500) can request and receive external humidity information detected by other home appliances (4) located in the house from the server (3).

[0176] Additionally, the control unit (500) can determine the timing of requesting external humidity information. For example, external humidity information can be requested and received at the time the dishwasher (1) is powered on or at the time the drying cycle begins.

[0177] In various embodiments, the control unit (500) can directly communicate with other home appliances (4) located in the home through the communication unit (400) and directly receive external humidity information from other home appliances (4) located in the home.

[0178] The control unit (500) can receive external humidity information from other home appliances (4) located in the house when the dishwasher (1) is turned on, the rinsing cycle (1300) starts, or the drying cycle (1400) starts.

[0179] The control unit (500) can change the setting information of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1) based on external humidity information (3100). At this time, the control unit (500) can determine the average external humidity from the accumulated and stored external humidity and change the setting information of the washing course based on the average external humidity. In addition, the control unit (500) can change the setting information of the washing course based on the external humidity at that point in time.

[0180] The cycle may include a rinsing cycle (1300) and / or a drying cycle (1400) of the washing course.

[0181] The control unit (500) can change the rinsing setting value of the rinsing process (1300) of the washing course based on external humidity information. For example, the washing water temperature of the rinsing process (1300) can be changed.

[0182] The control unit (500) can change the drying setting values ​​of the drying process (1400) of the washing course. For example, the heater operation time, fan operation time, door opening time, number of door openings, etc. of the drying process (1400) can be changed.

[0183] The control unit (500) can control the operation of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course based on the changed rinsing setting value and / or drying setting value of the washing course (3200). The control unit (500) can control the sump unit (40) and the drying device (50) to control the operation of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course based on the changed rinsing setting value and / or drying setting value of the washing course.

[0184] The control unit (500) can control the sump unit (40) based on changed setting information of the rinsing cycle (1300) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1). For example, the control unit (500) can control the wash water temperature of the rinsing cycle (1300) to a changed wash water temperature instead of the normal wash water temperature. To this end, the control unit (500) can control the wash water heater (42) of the sump unit (40) in the rinsing cycle (1300).

[0185] The control unit (500) can control the drying device (100) based on changed setting information of the drying process (1400) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1). For example, the control unit (500) can control the heater operation time, fan operation time, door opening time, number of door openings, etc. of the drying process (1400) with changed values ​​instead of the set values.

[0186] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (500) can receive external humidity information detected by an indoor home appliance (4) (4000).

[0188] The control unit (500) can receive external humidity information of a home appliance (4) registered in a user account from the server (3) via the communication unit (400). The control unit (500) can continuously receive external humidity information until the rinsing process begins.

[0189] When the dishwasher (1) starts operating, the control unit (500) can perform the washing process (1100, 1200) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1) (4002).

[0190] The control unit (500) can determine whether the rinsing process (1300) has started after the washing process (1100, 1200) of the washing course has been performed (4004).

[0191] When the rinsing process (1300) of the washing course begins (4004, for example), the control unit (500) can compare the external humidity with the first humidity to determine whether the external humidity is greater than or equal to the first humidity (4006). For example, the external humidity and the first humidity may be relative humidity. The first humidity value may be a relative humidity of 60%.

[0192] The control unit (500) can increase the washing water temperature (4008) above the normal washing water temperature of the rinsing cycle (1300) if the external humidity is higher than the first humidity (4006, example). That is, if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a high-humidity environment, by increasing the washing water temperature above the normal value (set value) of the basic washing course, the dishes can be efficiently dried by the latent heat of the dishes that have been further heated after the rinsing cycle (1300) is completed, thereby maintaining the drying performance.

[0193] If the external humidity is not higher than the first humidity (4006, No), the control unit (500) can compare the external humidity with the second humidity to determine whether the external humidity is lower than the second humidity (4010). For example, the external humidity and the second humidity may be relative humidity. The second humidity value may be lower than the first humidity value. The second humidity value may be a relative humidity of 50%.

[0194] The control unit (500) can reduce the wash water temperature below the normal wash water temperature (4012) if the external humidity is below the second humidity (4006, example). That is, if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a dry environment, unnecessary rinsing operations can be reduced by reducing the wash water temperature below the normal value, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0195] The control unit (500) can maintain the washing water temperature at a normal value (4014) when the external humidity exceeds the second humidity (4010, No). For example, when the external humidity exceeds 50% and is less than 60%, the washing water temperature can be maintained at a normal value without change.

[0196] The control unit (500) can determine whether the drying process (1400) has started after the rinsing process (1300) of the washing course is completed (4016).

[0197] When the drying process (1400) of the washing course begins, the control unit (500) can compare the external humidity with the first humidity to determine whether the external humidity is greater than or equal to the first humidity (4018). When the drying process (1400) begins, the control unit (500) can also receive external humidity information of the home appliance (4) registered in the user account from the server (3). The control unit (500) can also continue to receive external humidity information until the drying process begins. For example, the first humidity value can be a relative humidity of 60%.

[0198] If the external humidity is higher than the first humidity (4018, example), the control unit (500) can increase the drying operation of the washing course compared to the normal drying operation of the drying process (1400) (4020) and increase the door opening time and the number of door openings compared to the normal values ​​(4022). At this time, the control unit (500) can increase the drying operation by increasing the heater operation time and the fan operation time of the drying process (1400) compared to the normal values, and can increase the door opening time and the number of door openings compared to the normal values. The heater operation time of the drying process (1400) may be the operation time of the heater (150) of the drying device (100). The fan operation time may be the operation time of the driving fan (130) of the drying device (100). The door opening time and the number of door openings may be the opening time and the number of openings of the door (20) driven by the door driving unit (300). That is, if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a high-humidity environment, the drying operation can be strengthened by further heating the air supplied into the tub (13), making it flow more quickly, and increasing the amount of air discharged from the tub (13), thereby maintaining the drying performance.

[0199] If the external humidity is not higher than the first humidity (4018, No), the control unit (500) can compare the external humidity with the second humidity to determine whether the external humidity is lower than the second humidity (4024). For example, the second humidity value may be a relative humidity of 50%.

[0200] If the external humidity is lower than the second humidity (4024, example), the control unit (500) can reduce the drying operation of the washing course compared to the normal drying operation (4026). At this time, the control unit (500) can reduce the heater operation time and the fan operation time of the drying process (1400) compared to the normal values, thereby reducing the drying operation, and can reduce the door opening time and the number of door openings compared to the normal values. That is, if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a dry environment, the energy usage can be reduced by heating the air supplied into the tub (13) to a lower temperature, flowing it more slowly, and reducing the amount of air discharged from the tub (13), thereby maintaining the drying performance.

[0201] The control unit (500) can maintain the drying operation of the washing course as a normal drying operation (4028) when the external humidity exceeds the second humidity (4024, No).

[0202] The control unit (500) may terminate the drying process (1400) based on reaching a predetermined drying process termination condition (4030). For example, the predetermined drying process termination condition may be determined based on the completion of the drying operation, the elapsed door opening time, or the number of door openings reached.

[0203] Although the above embodiment describes the application of relative humidity, it is not limited thereto, and absolute humidity may be applied instead of relative humidity.

[0204] Referring again to FIG. 10, the dishwasher (1) may further include an internal humidity sensor (410).

[0205] An internal humidity sensor (410) is installed in the tub (13) or door (20) and can detect the humidity inside the tub (13).

[0206] The internal humidity sensor (410) can be electrically connected to the control unit (500).

[0207] The control unit (500) can obtain the humidity inside the tub (13) by receiving a detection signal detected by the internal humidity sensor (410).

[0208] FIG. 13 is a graph showing changes in external humidity and humidity inside a tub before and after a drying cycle of a washing course when the external environment of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a very humid environment.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 13, power can be supplied to the dishwasher (1) at time t1.

[0210] Between time points t1 and t2, the washing cycle (1100, 1200) and rinsing cycle (1300) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1) can be performed.

[0211] At time t2, the rinsing cycle (1300) is completed and the drying cycle (1400) can begin.

[0212] When the drying process (1400) of the washing course begins, the control unit (500) can determine whether the external humidity detected by the home appliance (4) is higher than the first humidity. For example, the first humidity value may be a relative humidity of 60%.

[0213] The control unit (500) may perform a drying enhancement operation through the drying device (100) when the external humidity is higher than the first humidity. The drying enhancement operation may include at least one of increasing the heater operation time and fan operation time of the drying process (1400) above the normal value, and increasing the door opening time and the number of door openings above the normal value.

[0214] First, the control unit (500) can heat the air by turning on the driving fan (130) and the heater (150) of the drying device (100) for a predetermined period of time, and then supply the heated air into the tub (13). The air inside the tub (13) loses some of its heat as it flows into the drying device (100), and the temperature of the air supplied from the drying device (100) into the tub (13) is lower than the temperature of the washing water used in the rinsing cycle. As a result, the temperature of the air circulating through the tub (13) and the drying device (100) begins to slowly decrease, and the humidity inside the tub can also begin to slowly decrease.

[0215] In addition, the control unit (500) can open the door (20) at a predetermined opening time and a predetermined number of openings by controlling the opening and closing operation of the door (20) through the door driving unit (300). For example, the door (20) can be opened at time t3. By opening the door (20), steam inside the tub (13) can be discharged to the outside. By opening the door (20), humidity inside the tub can also be reduced.

[0216] The heater (150) of the drying device (100) may continue to operate during the drying process. However, the control unit (500) may stop the operation of the heater (150) when the door (20) is opened. The driving fan (130) may continue to operate during the drying process (1400).

[0217] Meanwhile, the control unit (500) may determine whether the internal humidity is lower than the external humidity by a preset value (ΔRH%) (e.g., 5%) by comparing the external humidity with the internal humidity detected by the internal humidity sensor (410) after completing the drying strengthening operation. In various embodiments, the control unit (500) may determine whether the internal humidity is lower than the external humidity by a preset value (e.g., 5%) if the external humidity is higher than the first humidity after completing the drying strengthening operation.

[0218] The control unit (500) may perform an additional drying operation at time t4 if the internal humidity is not lower than the external humidity by a preset value (e.g., 5%). The additional drying operation may include at least one of additionally increasing the operating time of the heater (150) and the operating time of the driving fan (130), and additionally increasing the door opening time and the number of door openings.

[0219] The control unit (500) can terminate the drying process (1400) at time t5 when the internal humidity becomes lower than the external humidity by a preset value according to the additional drying operation.

[0220] FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in external humidity and humidity inside a tub before and after a drying cycle of a washing course when the external environment of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a dry environment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 14, power can be supplied to the dishwasher (1) at time t1.

[0222] Between time points t1 and t2, the washing process (1100, 1200) and the rinsing process (1300) of the washing course can be performed.

[0223] At time t2, the rinsing cycle (1300) of the washing course may be completed and the drying cycle (1400) may begin.

[0224] When the drying process (1400) of the washing course begins, the control unit (500) can determine whether the external humidity detected by the home appliance (4) is lower than the second humidity. For example, the second humidity value may be a relative humidity of 50%.

[0225] The control unit (500) may perform an energy saving operation through the drying device (100) when the external humidity is lower than the second humidity. The energy saving operation may include at least one of reducing the heater operation time and fan operation time of the drying process (1400) below normal values, and reducing the door opening time and the number of door openings below normal values.

[0226] At time t3, steam inside the tub (13) can be discharged to the outside by opening the door (20). Humidity inside the tub can also be reduced by opening the door (20).

[0227] Meanwhile, the control unit (500) can compare the external humidity and the internal humidity detected by the internal humidity sensor (410) while performing the energy reduction operation to determine whether the internal humidity is lower than the external humidity by a preset value (ΔRH%) (e.g., 5%).

[0228] The control unit (500) can stop the remaining energy reduction operation at time t4 and terminate the drying process (1400) when the internal humidity is lower than the external humidity by a preset value (e.g., 5%). Accordingly, the energy reduction operation of the dotted line can be omitted, thereby reducing unnecessary energy usage.

[0229] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may periodically receive external humidity information of a home appliance (4) registered in a user account from a server (3) or a home appliance (4), or may request the server (3) or the home appliance (4) to receive the information at a specific time (such as when the power is turned on or when a drying cycle is started). In addition, the home appliance (4) may transmit the external humidity information to the dishwasher (1) through the server (3) or directly when the rate of change in the detected external humidity is rapid.

[0230] External humidity information may include information on the time at which the home appliance (4) detected the external humidity information or the time at which the external humidity information was uploaded. This is to exclude data collected a long time ago, which has relatively low reliability.

[0231] Not all external humidity information of a home appliance (4) may have the same importance in changing the cycle settings of a dishwasher (1). The external humidity information required to change the cycle settings of a dishwasher (1) may have different priorities depending on the product characteristics of the home appliance (4).

[0232] Among the home appliances, only the external humidity information of the home appliance (4) that is highly related to the dishwasher (1) can be used to change the administrative settings of the dishwasher (1) washing course.

[0233] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a target home appliance to provide external humidity information among other home appliances by a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (500) can receive identification information of a home appliance (4) registered to a user account via the communication unit (400) (5000). For example, the identification information of the home appliance (4) may include product-specific information such as a serial number or MAC address. Furthermore, the identification information may include home location information. The home location information may include distance information indicating the relative distance from the dishwasher (1).

[0235] The control unit (500) can determine a target home appliance among home appliances (4) based on the identification information of the home appliance (4) (5100).

[0236] The control unit (500) can determine, based on the identification information of the home appliance (4), a home appliance with a high correlation with the dishwasher (1) among the home appliances (4) as the target home appliance.

[0237] For example, if the home appliances (4) are a refrigerator (10), an air conditioner (13), a washing machine (15), and a dryer (16), the refrigerator (10), which is likely to be located in the same kitchen as the dishwasher (1), is given a higher priority than the air conditioner (13), washing machine (15), and dryer (16), which are likely to be located in a relatively different space, thereby determining the refrigerator (10) as a home appliance with a high correlation with the dishwasher (1) and thus as the target home appliance. In addition, among the home appliances (4), the home appliance with the closest relative location to the dishwasher (1) can be determined as the target home appliance.

[0238] The control unit (500) can receive external humidity information detected by the target home appliance through the communication unit (400) (5200).

[0239] The control unit (500) can change the setting information of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1) based on the external humidity information detected by the target home appliance (5300).

[0240] The control unit (500) can change the rinsing setting value of the rinsing process (1300) of the washing course based on external humidity information. For example, the washing water temperature of the rinsing process (1300) can be changed.

[0241] The control unit (500) can change the drying setting values ​​of the drying process (1400) of the washing course. For example, the heater operation time, fan operation time, door opening time, number of door openings, etc. of the drying process (1400) can be changed.

[0242] The control unit (500) can control the operation of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course based on changed setting information of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course (5400). The control unit (500) can control the sump unit (40) and the drying device (50) to control the operation of the rinsing process (1300) and / or the drying process (1400) of the washing course.

[0243] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between external humidity and temperature of a rinsing / drying cycle of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] Referring to Figure 16, the horizontal axis of the graph represents external humidity, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle.

[0245] When the external humidity is within the reference humidity range (second humidity (H2) to first humidity (H1)), the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be maintained at the reference temperature (Tref). The reference temperature (Tref) may be the set temperature value of the rinsing cycle or the set temperature value of the drying cycle.

[0246] For example, if the second humidity value is 50% and the first humidity value is 60%, and the external humidity is between 50% and 60%, the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be maintained at the reference temperature (Tref), which is the set temperature value.

[0247] If the external humidity is lower than the second humidity (H2), the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be reduced to a second temperature (T2) lower than the reference temperature (Tref). For example, if the external humidity is lower than 50%, the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be lowered below the set temperature.

[0248] When the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3), the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be increased to the first temperature (T1) higher than the reference temperature (Tref).

[0249] For example, if the third humidity value is 80% and the external humidity is 60% to 80%, the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be raised above the reference temperature (Tref), which is the set temperature value.

[0250] If the external humidity is higher than the third humidity (H3), the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased to a third temperature (T3) higher than the first temperature (T1). For example, if the external humidity is higher than 80%, the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased higher than the reference temperature (Tref).

[0251] In this way, if the external humidity is higher than the standard humidity range, the temperature of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be gradually increased above the set temperature value as the external humidity increases.

[0252] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between external humidity, temperature and time of the rinsing / drying cycle of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] Referring to Figure 17, the horizontal axis of the graph represents external humidity, the left vertical axis represents the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle, and the right vertical axis represents the time of the rinsing or drying cycle.

[0254] When the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3), the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased to a first temperature (T1) higher than the reference temperature (Tref), and the time of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased to a first time (t1) longer than the reference time (tref).

[0255] For example, if the third humidity value is 80% and the external humidity is 60% to 80%, the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased above the reference temperature (Tref), which is the set temperature value, and the time of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased above the reference time (tref), which is the set time value.

[0256] If the external humidity is higher than the third humidity (H3), the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased to a third temperature (T3) higher than the first temperature (T1), and the time of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased to a third time (t3) longer than the first time (t1).

[0257] For example, if the external humidity is higher than 80%, the temperature of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased higher than the reference temperature (Tref), and the time of the rinsing or drying cycle can be increased higher than the reference time (tref).

[0258] In this way, if the external humidity is higher than the standard humidity range, the temperature and time of the rinsing cycle or drying cycle can be gradually increased from the set value as the external humidity increases.

[0259] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of changing the setting values ​​of the rinsing cycle / drying cycle according to the external humidity of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0260] Referring to Fig. 18, when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3), the temperature of the washing water in the rinsing cycle can be increased above the reference temperature (Tref), which is the set temperature value of the rinsing cycle.

[0261] When the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher, the rinsing time can be increased while increasing the temperature of the wash water during the rinsing cycle. That is, the higher the external humidity, the higher the temperature of the wash water as well as the rinsing time, so that even if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a high-humidity environment, the dishes can be efficiently dried by the latent heat of the more heated dishes after the rinsing cycle is completed, thereby maintaining the drying performance. At this time, the temperature level of the wash water temperature when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3) and the temperature level of the wash water temperature when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher can be the same wash water temperature level (level 1).

[0262] When the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3), the drying temperature in the drying process can be increased above the reference temperature (Tref), which is the set temperature value of the drying process.

[0263] When the external humidity is higher than the third humidity (H3), the drying temperature can be increased in the drying cycle and the drying time can be increased. That is, the higher the external humidity, the higher the drying temperature and the drying time, so that even if the space where the dishwasher (1) is installed is a high-humidity environment, the air supplied into the tub (13) is heated further and flows more quickly, thereby maintaining the drying performance. At this time, the temperature level of the drying temperature when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3) can be the same drying temperature level (level 1) as the temperature level of the drying temperature when the external humidity is higher than the third humidity (H3).

[0264] FIG. 19 illustrates another example of changing the setting values ​​of the rinsing cycle / drying cycle according to the external humidity of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0265] Referring to Fig. 19, the temperature of the wash water in the rinsing cycle when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher may be higher than the temperature of the wash water in the rinsing cycle when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3).

[0266] The temperature level of the washing water temperature when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher may be higher than the temperature level of the washing water temperature when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3).

[0267] For example, if the temperature level of the washing water temperature is level 1 when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3), the temperature level of the washing water temperature may be level 2, which is a temperature level higher than level 1, when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher.

[0268] Additionally, the drying temperature of the drying process when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher may be higher than the drying temperature of the drying process when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3).

[0269] The temperature level of the drying temperature when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher may be higher than the temperature level of the drying temperature when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3).

[0270] For example, if the temperature level of the drying temperature when the external humidity is the first humidity (H1) to the third humidity (H3) is level 1, the temperature level of the washing water temperature when the external humidity is the third humidity (H3) or higher may be level 2, which is a temperature level higher than level 1.

[0271] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain drying performance regardless of the external environment. When the external humidity is high, the drying performance can be enhanced by strengthening the rinsing operation of the rinsing operation (1300) and the drying operation of the drying operation (1400) of the washing course set in the dishwasher (1) compared to their respective normal operations, thereby discharging more moisture. On the other hand, when the external humidity is low, the rinsing operation of the rinsing operation (1300) and the drying operation of the drying operation (1400) of the washing course can be weakened compared to their respective normal operations, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0272] In addition, since the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes a temperature and humidity sensor mounted on another home appliance (4) in the home, there is no need to mount an external temperature and humidity sensor on the dishwasher (1), thereby reducing the complexity of the structure and saving material costs.

[0273] A dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a user interface device; a communication unit; and a control unit that receives external humidity information detected by an indoor home appliance through the communication unit, changes setting information related to an operation of at least one of a rinsing process and a drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity information and a washing course input through the user interface device, and controls an operation of at least one of a rinsing process and a drying process of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

[0274] The control unit can receive the external humidity information at at least one of the power-on time of the dishwasher and the start time of the drying process.

[0275] The above control unit can receive external humidity information detected by home appliances registered to a user account from the server through the above communication unit.

[0276] The above control unit can receive external humidity information detected by a home appliance from a home appliance registered to a user account through the above communication unit.

[0277] The control unit can receive identification information of a plurality of home appliances through the communication unit, determine a target home appliance among the plurality of home appliances based on the identification information of the plurality of home appliances, and receive external humidity information detected by the target home appliance.

[0278] The above identification information may include relative distance information from the dishwasher.

[0279] The above control unit can change the temperature of the washing water based on the external humidity information in the rinsing process of the washing course.

[0280] The control unit can increase the temperature of the washing water based on the external humidity being equal to or greater than a first humidity in the rinsing cycle of the washing course, and can decrease the temperature of the washing water based on the external humidity being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0281] A drying device for supplying heated air into the interior of a tub; further comprising: a fan for circulating air; and a heater for heating air introduced into the interior of the drying device; wherein the control unit can change the operating time of the heater and the operating time of the fan based on the external humidity information in the drying process of the washing course.

[0282] The control unit can increase the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan based on the external humidity being equal to or greater than a first humidity in the drying process of the washing course, and can decrease the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan based on the external humidity being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0283] The invention further includes a door driving unit for driving a door provided to cover the opening of the tub, wherein the control unit can increase the opening time and number of openings of the door based on the external humidity being equal to or greater than the first humidity in the drying process of the washing course.

[0284] The tub further includes an internal humidity sensor that detects the internal humidity, and the control unit can perform an additional drying operation or stop the drying operation being performed based on the difference between the external humidity and the internal humidity in the drying process of the washing course.

[0285] A control method of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include receiving a washing course through a user interface device, receiving external humidity information detected by an indoor home appliance through a communication unit, changing setting information related to an operation of at least one of a rinsing course and a drying course of the washing course based on the washing course and the external humidity information, and controlling an operation of at least one of a rinsing course and a drying course of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

[0286] Receiving the above external humidity information may include receiving external humidity information detected by an indoor home appliance registered to a user account from a server through the communication unit, or receiving external humidity information detected by an indoor home appliance from an indoor home appliance registered to a user account.

[0287] Receiving the external humidity information may include receiving identification information of each of a plurality of home appliances through the communication unit, determining a target home appliance among the plurality of home appliances based on the identification information of the plurality of home appliances, and receiving external humidity information detected by the target home appliance.

[0288] Changing the above setting information may include increasing the temperature of the wash water based on the external humidity being equal to or greater than a first humidity in the rinsing cycle of the wash course, and decreasing the temperature of the wash water based on the external humidity being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0289] The drying device further includes a drying device that supplies heated air into the interior of the tub, and the drying device includes a fan that circulates air; and a heater that heats air introduced into the interior of the drying device; and changing the setting information may include changing the operating time of the heater and the operating time of the fan based on the external humidity information in the drying process of the washing course.

[0290] Changing the above setting information may include increasing the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan based on the external humidity being equal to or greater than a first humidity in the drying process of the washing course, and decreasing the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan based on the external humidity being equal to or less than a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

[0291] Changing the above setting information may include increasing the opening time and number of openings of a door provided to cover the opening of the tub based on the external humidity being greater than or equal to the first humidity in the drying process of the washing course.

[0292] The tub may further include an internal humidity sensor that detects internal humidity, and controlling at least one operation of the rinsing process and the drying process of the washing course may include performing an additional drying process or stopping the drying process being performed based on a difference between the external humidity and the internal humidity in the drying process of the washing course.

[0293] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0294] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0295] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0296] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. User interface device; Department of Communications; and Through the above communication unit, external humidity information detected by the home appliance within the home appliance's environment is received, Based on the received external humidity information and the washing course of the dishwasher input through the user interface device, setting information related to the operation of at least one of the rinsing course of the washing course and the drying course of the washing course is changed, A dishwasher comprising a control unit that controls at least one operation of a rinsing cycle of the washing course and a drying cycle of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dishwasher that receives the detected external humidity information at at least one of the time when the dishwasher is turned on and the time when the drying process of the dishwasher starts.

3. In paragraph 1, The above appliances are registered to the user account, The above control unit, A dishwasher that receives the detected external humidity information from a server through the communication unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above appliances are registered to the user account, The above control unit, A dishwasher that receives the detected external humidity information from another home appliance through the above communication unit.

5. In paragraph 1, The above home appliance includes a plurality of home appliances, and each of the plurality of home appliances is within a corresponding environment, The above control unit, Receive identification information for each of a plurality of home appliances through the above communication unit, Determine a target home appliance among the plurality of home appliances based on the received identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances, The above-described external humidity information is external humidity information detected by the determined target home appliance, such as a dishwasher.

6. In paragraph 5, For each of the plurality of home appliances, the identification information includes relative distance information between the home appliance and the dishwasher.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A dishwasher that changes the temperature of the washing water of the dishwasher in the rinsing cycle of the washing course based on the received external humidity information.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, Based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being greater than or equal to the first humidity, the temperature of the washing water is increased in the rinsing cycle of the washing course, A dishwasher that reduces the temperature of the wash water in the rinsing cycle of the wash course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being lower than or equal to a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

9. In paragraph 1, The above dishwasher, tub; and Further comprising a drying device for heating the air inside the above tub; The above drying device a fan that circulates air within the tub; and A heater for heating the air flowed by the fan; The above control unit, A dishwasher that changes the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan during the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity information.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, Based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being greater than or equal to the first humidity, the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan are increased in the drying process of the washing course, A dishwasher that reduces the operation time of the heater and the operation time of the fan in the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity being lower than or equal to a second humidity that is lower than the first humidity.

11. In paragraph 1, The above dishwasher, tub; and A door that opens or closes to open and close the opening of the above tub, respectively; Further comprising a door driving unit for driving the door to open and close the opening of the tub, The above control unit, A dishwasher that increases the opening time and number of openings of the door in the drying process of the washing course based on the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information being greater than or equal to the first humidity.

12. In paragraph 1, The above dishwasher, tub; and Further comprising an internal humidity sensor that detects the internal humidity of the tub and generates data corresponding to the detected internal humidity, The above control unit, A dishwasher that performs an additional drying operation in the drying process of the washing course or stops the drying operation based on the difference between the external humidity indicated by the received external humidity information and the generated data.

13. A control method for a dishwasher including a user interface device, a communication unit, and a control unit, By the above control unit, Receiving a selection of a washing course of the dishwasher through the user interface device; Through the above communication unit, external humidity information detected by the home appliance within the home appliance's environment is received, Based on the received external humidity information and the received selected washing course, setting information related to the operation of at least one of the rinsing process of the washing course and the drying process of the washing course is changed, A control method for a dishwasher, comprising controlling at least one operation of a rinsing cycle of the washing course and a drying cycle of the washing course based on the changed setting information.

14. In paragraph 13, Receiving the above external humidity information is: The above home appliance is registered to a user account and receives the detected external humidity information from the server through the communication unit, or A control method for a dishwasher, wherein the home appliance is registered to the user account and further includes receiving the detected external humidity information from the home appliance through the communication unit.

15. In paragraph 13, Receiving the above external humidity information is: In a state where each of the plurality of home appliances is in its corresponding environment, identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances is received through the communication unit, Based on the received identification information for each of the plurality of home appliances, a target home appliance is determined among the plurality of home appliances, A control method for a dishwasher further comprising receiving external humidity information as external humidity information detected by the determined target home appliance within the environment corresponding to each of the above through the communication unit.

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