Dishwasher

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises: a tub forming a washing space; a sump temporarily storing water that is supplied to the tub; a nozzle which sprays the water stored in the sump into the washing space; a heat pump module which heats the water stored in the sump or the water supplied from the sump to the tub; and a condensed water supply device which separately supplies condensed water generated by the heat pump module. The heat pump module comprises a compressor, a condenser which heats the water stored in the sump or the water supplied from the sump to the tub by means of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and an evaporator which exchanges heat with the refrigerant supplied to the compressor. The condensed water supply device comprises a drain pan which collects the condensed water generated by the evaporator, and a cyclone which sends the condensed water collected in the drain pan to the condenser or a washing pump.

Description

dishwasher

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically to an air purifier including a heat pump module.

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that washes dishes and / or cooking utensils using detergent and wash water.

[0003] Dishwashers can use heated water to improve the washing or rinsing performance of dishes. Heaters can be used to heat the water used to wash dishes. However, while using a heat pump is more advantageous than using a heater in terms of energy consumption, it is difficult to use within the limited space of a dishwasher.

[0004] Korean published patent KR 10-2020-0064267 discloses a dishwasher that heats water using a heat pump. However, the cited document does not utilize the condensate generated when using the heat pump.

[0005] In addition, if only a heat pump is used, difficulties may arise in heating water to the desired temperature or generating steam.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another objective is to provide a dishwasher that utilizes the condensate generated by the operation of a heat pump.

[0008] In addition, it provides a dishwasher that filters or heats the generated condensate for use.

[0009] Another objective is to provide a dishwasher that preheats the water supplied to the sump by a heat pump.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a tub forming a washing space; a sump temporarily storing water supplied to the tub; a nozzle spraying water stored in the sump into the washing space; a washing pump supplying water stored in the sump to the nozzle; a heat pump module heating water stored in the sump or water supplied from the sump to the tub; and a condensate supply device separating and supplying condensate generated from the heat pump module.

[0011] The heat pump module comprises a compressor, a condenser that heats water stored in the sump or water supplied from the sump to the tub with refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and an evaporator that heats the refrigerant supplied to the compressor.

[0012] The above condensate supply device includes a drain pan for collecting condensate generated in the evaporator, and a cyclone for sending the condensate collected in the drain pan to the condenser or the washing pump.

[0013] The cyclone separates the condensate collected in the drain pan into purified condensate and contaminated water. The cyclone sends the purified condensate to the condenser or the wash pump, and sends the contaminated water to the drain pan.

[0014] The above condensate supply device includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of the water collected in the drain pan.

[0015] When the water level sensor detects that the water collected in the drain pan is above a certain level, the cyclone operates.

[0016] The dishwasher includes a condensate drainage device that drains water collected in the drain pan.

[0017] The above condensate drainage device includes a pump that discharges water collected in the drain pan to the outside.

[0018] The above condensate drainage device includes a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the condensate collected in the drain pan.

[0019] If the turbidity of the condensate collected in the drain pan, detected by the turbidity sensor, exceeds a certain value, the condensate drainage device drains the condensate collected in the drain pan.

[0020] The above condensate supply device sends the condensate generated in the above evaporator to the above condenser.

[0021] The dishwasher includes a water jacket that receives water from the outside and supplies it to the sump. The condensate supply device can send condensate to the condenser through the water jacket.

[0022] A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water softener disposed between the water jacket and the condenser. The water softener hardens the water flowing from the water jacket to the condenser.

[0023] The above condensate supply device sends the condensate generated in the evaporator to the washing pump.

[0024] The above condensate supply device sends condensate to the washing pump through the sump.

[0025] The above-mentioned washing pump includes a heater that heats water. When the above-mentioned condensate supply device operates, the heater is operated.

[0026] The above cyclone separates the condensate collected in the drain pan and sends the purified condensate to the washing pump.

[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0028]

[0029] According to the dishwasher of the present disclosure, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0030] First, water supplied to the tub can be heated using a heat pump module. Heat pump modules have the advantage of low power consumption, making them energy-efficient.

[0031] Second, there is also the advantage of being able to increase the amount of water circulating in the tub by using the condensate generated from the heat pump module.

[0032] Third, since the heat pump module preheats the water supplied to the sump, steam can be generated through additional heating by the wash pump's heater. Additionally, there is the advantage of increasing energy efficiency by minimizing heater usage.

[0033] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, this is a schematic diagram for explaining a dishwasher according to a first embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, this is a schematic diagram for explaining a dishwasher according to a second embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, this is a schematic diagram for explaining a dishwasher according to a third embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, this is a schematic diagram for explaining a dishwasher according to a fourth embodiment.

[0038] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0039] Hereinafter, the dishwasher of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a dishwasher according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0041] A dishwasher includes a tub (10) that forms a washing space (12). The tub (10) forms a washing space (12) in which dishes are placed and washed.

[0042] A rack (14) for holding tableware is placed inside the tub (10). Multiple racks (14) can be provided spaced apart vertically.

[0043] A spray nozzle (16) for spraying water toward tableware is positioned inside the tub (10). Multiple spray nozzles (16) may be provided spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0044] A sump (20) is positioned below the tub (10) to store water supplied to the tub (10). The sump (20) can temporarily store water and supply the stored water to the tub (10). The sump (20) can receive water from the water jacket (30).

[0045] The sump (20) can drain stored water. A drainage pump (22) is placed on one side of the sump (20).

[0046] A water jacket (30) that receives water from the outside is positioned on one side of the tub (10). The water jacket (30) can temporarily store water supplied from the outside. The water jacket (30) supplies water to the sump (20).

[0047] A water softener (32) is installed in the dishwasher to soften the water supplied to the sump (20). The water softener (32) is supplied from the outside and lowers the hardness of the water supplied to the sump (20). The water softener (32) can remove minerals present in the water using an ion exchange method.

[0048] The dishwasher includes a washing pump (24) that supplies water stored in a sump (20) to a tub (10). The washing pump (24) may have a structure connected to the sump (20). The washing pump (24) is positioned on one side of the sump (20).

[0049] A heater (26) may be installed in the washing pump (24). Thus, heated washing water can be supplied to the tub (10) through the washing pump (24). Additionally, steam can be generated through the washing pump (24) and supplied to the tub (10).

[0050] The dishwasher includes a heat pump module (50) that heats water supplied to the tub (10).

[0051] The heat pump module (50) can heat water using a refrigerant. The heat pump module (50) includes a compressor (52) that compresses the refrigerant and a condenser (54) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (52) and water.

[0052] The heat pump module (50) includes an evaporator (56) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing to the compressor (52) and the air. The heat pump module (50) may include an expansion valve (not shown) that expands the refrigerant flowing from the condenser (54) to the evaporator (56).

[0053] The condenser (54) can heat the water supplied to the tub (10). The condenser (54) can heat the water supplied to the tub (10) through the sump (20). The condenser (54) can heat the water supplied to the sump (20).

[0054] The heat pump module (50) includes a fan (58) that forms an airflow to the evaporator (56). The fan (58) forms an airflow to the evaporator (56) and can change the phase of the expanded liquid refrigerant into a gaseous refrigerant.

[0055] The dishwasher includes a condensate supply device (70) that sends condensate generated in an evaporator (56) from a heat pump module (50) to a water jacket (30) or a water softener (32).

[0056] The condensate supply device (70) includes a drain pan (72) that is positioned below the evaporator (56) and collects the generated condensate.

[0057] The condensate supply device (70) includes a cyclone (74) that separates the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) and sends it to the water jacket (30) or water softener (32). The cyclone (74) separates the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) and sends purified water to the water jacket (30) or water softener (32).

[0058] The cyclone (74) can separate the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) and send the purified water to the condenser (54). The cyclone (74) can separate the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) and send the purified water to the condenser (54) through the water jacket (30).

[0059] The cyclone (74) can draw up water collected in the drain pan (72) and separate impurities using centrifugal force. The cyclone (74) may include a water wheel to draw up water collected in the drain pan (72).

[0060] The cyclone (74) can send the separated contaminated water back to the drain pan (72).

[0061] The condensate supply device (70) may include a water level sensor (76) that detects the water level of water collected in the drain pan (72). The water level sensor (76) can determine the amount of water collected in the drain pan (72).

[0062] The dishwasher includes a condensate drainage device (not shown) that drains water collected in a drain pan (72).

[0063] The condensate drainage device can discharge water collected in the drain pan (72) to the outside. The condensate drainage device may include a pump (not shown).

[0064] The condensate drainage device may include a turbidity sensor (78) that detects the turbidity of the water collected in the drain pan (72).

[0065] When the turbidity of the water collected in the drain pan (72), detected by the turbidity sensor (78), exceeds a certain value, the condensate drainage device may be operated.

[0066] Explain the flow of refrigerant according to the operation of the heat pump module (50).

[0067] As the compressor (52) operates, the compressed high-temperature refrigerant can be discharged. The condenser (54) can heat the water supplied to the sump (20). Thus, heated water can be supplied to the sump (20). Therefore, the operation of the heater (26) placed in the wash pump (24) can be minimized.

[0068] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser (54) can flow through the expansion valve to the evaporator (56). In the evaporator (56), the refrigerant can exchange heat with air. At this time, the fan (58) creates a flow of air to the evaporator (56).

[0069] The flow of condensate according to the operation of the condensate supply device (70) is explained. As the heat pump module (50) operates, condensate is generated in the evaporator (56). The condensate generated in the evaporator (56) falls into the drain pan (72). The condensate collected in the drain pan (72) can be collected above a certain level.

[0070] When the water level sensor (76) detects a water level above a certain level, the cyclone (74) can be operated. As the cyclone (74) operates, the condensate can be separated into water and water containing foreign substances.

[0071] As the cyclone (74) operates, some of the condensate is supplied to the water jacket (30). The condensate supplied to the water jacket (30) passes through a water softener (32) to remove ions. Additionally, it can be heated by passing through a condenser (54). Afterward, it can be supplied to the sump (20) and circulated to the tub (10).

[0072] The flow of condensate according to the operation of a condensate drainage device (not shown) is explained.

[0073] As the cyclone (74) operates, the separated contaminants are fed back to the drain pan (72).

[0074] The turbidity sensor (78) detects the turbidity of the condensate collected in the drain pan (72). When the turbidity sensor (78) detects a turbidity level above a certain threshold, a condensate drainage device (not shown) is activated. The condensate drainage device drains the condensate collected in the drain pan (72).

[0075] The condensate drainage device can operate a separate pump to drain the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) to the outside.

[0076] Afterwards, the washing water stored in the sump (20) can be drained, and the washing water can be supplied again to operate the washing pump (24).

[0077] That is, during the washing or rinsing process of the dishwasher, the water level of the condensate collected in the drain pan (72) rises, and the condensate supply device (70) can be operated. When the condensate supply device (70) is operated, the washing water is subsequently drained and washing water is supplied from the outside to proceed with additional washing or rinsing processes.

[0078] Even if washing or rinsing operations are performed using condensate, the washing or rinsing can be carried out with clean water to enhance the washing effect. In addition, even if washing or rinsing operations are performed using condensate, hygiene can be maintained by draining it immediately.

[0079] In addition, the condensate from the drain pan can be drained to the outside through a condensate discharge device (not shown).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, a dishwasher according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0081] Based on the differences from Figure 1, the connection relationship of the condensate supply device is explained.

[0082] The condensate supply device (70) can send water separated by the cyclone (74) to the condenser (54). The water separated from the cyclone (74) can be combined with the water flowing to the condenser (54) via the water softener (32).

[0083] Accordingly, water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) can be heated in the condenser (54) before being supplied to the sump (20). Accordingly, water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) can be supplied to the sump (20) after being heated and sterilized in the condenser (54).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, a dishwasher according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0085] Based on the differences from Figure 1, the connection relationship of the condensate supply device is explained.

[0086] The condensate supply device (70) can send water separated by the cyclone (74) to the sump (20).

[0087] It can be combined with water supplied to the sump (20) through the condenser (54).

[0088] Water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) is supplied to the sump (20) and to the tub (10) through the washing pump (24). The water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) can be heated by a heater (26) placed in the washing pump (24).

[0089] Therefore, water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) can be supplied to the sump (20) and then supplied to the tub (10) through the washing pump (24). Thus, when the cyclone (74) is operating, the heater (26) of the washing pump (24) can be operated.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, a dishwasher according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0091] Based on the differences from Figure 1, the connection relationship of the condensate supply device is explained.

[0092] The condensate supply device (70) can send water separated by the cyclone (74) to the washing pump (24).

[0093] Water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) is supplied to the washing pump (24) and can circulate through the tub (10) and sump (20).

[0094] The water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) can be heated by a heater (26) placed in the washing pump (24).

[0095] Water flowing through the condensate supply device (70) flows to the washing pump (24) and can then be supplied to the tub (10) by the operation of the washing pump (24).

[0096] When the cyclone (74) is operating, the heater (26) of the washing pump (24) can be operated.

[0097] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tub forming a washing space; A sump for temporarily storing water supplied to the above tub; A nozzle that sprays water stored in the sump into the above washing space; A cleaning pump that supplies water stored in the sump to the nozzle; A heat pump module for heating water stored in the sump or water supplied from the sump to the tub; and It includes a condensate supply device that separates and supplies condensate generated from the above-mentioned heat pump module, and The above heat pump module is, compressor; A condenser that heats water stored in the sump or water supplied from the sump to the tub with refrigerant discharged from the compressor; It includes an evaporator that heat exchanges the refrigerant supplied to the compressor above, and The above condensate supply device is, A drain pan for collecting condensate generated in the above evaporator, and A dishwasher comprising a cyclone that sends the condensate collected in the drain pan to the condenser or wash pump.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cyclone separates the condensate collected in the drain pan into purified condensate and contaminated water, and The above cyclone is a dishwasher that sends purified condensate to the condenser or the washing pump and sends contaminated water to the drain pan.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above condensate supply device includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of the water collected in the drain pan, and A dishwasher in which the cyclone operates when the water level sensor detects that the water collected in the drain pan is above a certain level.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a condensate drainage device for draining water collected in the above-mentioned drain pan, and The above condensate drainage device includes a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the condensate collected in the drain pan, and A dishwasher in which, when the turbidity of the condensate collected in the drain pan detected by the turbidity sensor exceeds a certain value, the condensate drainage device drains the condensate collected in the drain pan.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above condensate supply device is a dishwasher that sends condensate generated in the above evaporator to the above condenser.

6. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a water jacket that receives water from the outside and supplies it to the sump, and The above condensate supply device is a dishwasher that sends condensate to the condenser through the water jacket.

7. In Paragraph 6, It further includes a water softener disposed between the water jacket and the condenser, The above water softener is a dishwasher that hardens the water flowing from the water jacket to the condenser.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above condensate supply device is a dishwasher that sends condensate generated in the evaporator to the washing pump.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above condensate supply device is a dishwasher that sends condensate to the washing pump through the sump.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above washing pump includes a heater for heating water, and A dishwasher that operates the heater when the above condensate supply device is operating.

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