Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher configured to automatically move a door to a closed position after completion of a drying process or the like in a state in which the door is moved from an open position, so that additional options such as an additional moisture absorption drying process progress option and a long-term storage option can be smoothly performed while the door is closed, thereby significantly improving usability and functions.

Description

dishwasher

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher configured to automatically move the door to a closed position after the completion of a drying process, etc., while the door is moved from an open position, thereby enabling the smooth execution of additional options such as an additional moisture absorption drying process option and a long-term storage option while the door is closed, so as to significantly improve usability and functionality.

[0002]

[0003] A dishwasher is a device that cleans items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying cleaning water, such as regular water. At this time, the cleaning water used may contain detergent.

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

[0005] By using such a dishwasher, the time and effort required for washing items such as dishes after a meal can be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0006] Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing process for washing objects, a rinsing process for rinsing objects, and a drying process for drying objects after washing and rinsing are completed.

[0007] Recently, dishwashers equipped with a moisture absorption device that can reduce the drying time of objects to be washed by absorbing water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process and recirculating it back into the tub are being released.

[0008] In this regard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 8858727 (Prior Art 001) discloses a dishwasher equipped with a moisture-absorbing device that removes water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process using a desiccant and supplies the air from which the water vapor has been removed back to the tub.

[0009]

[0010] The moisture absorption device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art 001 is configured such that during the drying process, water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub is absorbed through a moisture absorbent while the door is closed, i.e., the tub is closed, and the moisture absorption drying process proceeds by recirculating the air from which the water vapor has been removed back into the tub.

[0011] That is, the dishwasher disclosed in prior art 001 carries out a drying process through a moisture absorption device while the door is closed, and accordingly, the moisture absorption drying process must be carried out during the drying process using only a moisture absorbent.

[0012] The dishwasher of prior art 001 has a problem in that the drying process of the dishes proceeds with only a desiccant while the door is closed, which can significantly increase the elapsed time of the entire drying process.

[0013] In addition, the dishwasher of prior art 001 has a problem in that, as the drying process of dishes proceeds with only the desiccant while the door is closed, the capacity of the desiccant must be maximized to match the maximum capacity of the tub, and consequently, the size of the space for the desiccant may increase, and consequently, the overall size of the desiccant device may increase.

[0014] In addition, the dishwasher of prior art document 001 has a problem in that as the capacity of the desiccant increases and the amount of moisture absorbed by the desiccant increases, the regeneration time of the desiccant for reuse in the moisture-drying process of the next drying cycle increases excessively, and the power consumption for regenerating the desiccant increases.

[0015] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and its first objective is to provide a dishwasher capable of minimizing the drying time and allowing the drying process to be carried out with only a small amount of absorbent, by configuring the drying process to proceed with the moisture-absorbing drying device operating while the door is open, thereby releasing some of the water vapor present inside the tub to the outside and absorbing the remaining portion of the water vapor using the moisture-absorbing drying device.

[0016] In addition, the second objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher configured to automatically move the door to a closed position to automatically close the tub after the drying process is completed while the door is moved from an open position, thereby allowing the drying process to end with the door closed if desired by the user, which can increase user convenience and effectively maintain the cleanliness of the dishes after drying is complete.

[0017] In addition, the third objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher with significantly improved usability and functionality by configuring the door to automatically move to a closed position after the completion of a drying process, etc., while the door is moved from an open position, thereby enabling the smooth execution of additional options, such as an additional moisture absorption drying process option and a long-term storage option, while the door is closed.

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

[0019]

[0020] A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub forming a washing space and accommodating dishes; a door opening and closing the washing space; a moisture-absorbing drying device that absorbs moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplies it to the tub; and a control unit that determines whether to operate the moisture-absorbing drying device after the completion of a drying process for dishes according to a user's option selection. The control unit is characterized by performing the steps of: operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to a partially open position that partially opens the tub to dry the dishes during the drying process; and additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device after the drying process, depending on the option selection, while the door is moved to a closed position that closes the tub.

[0021] Additionally, the step of operating the moisture-absorbing drying device to dry the tableware during the drying process while the door is moved to the partial opening position may include the step of moving the door to the opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device has commenced.

[0022] Additionally, the apparatus further includes an automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the opening position to partially open the front of the washing space or moves the door toward the closing position to close the washing space; and the moisture-absorbing drying device includes a desiccant that absorbs moisture; a blower fan that circulates air to form an airflow to be supplied to the desiccant; and a fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the blower fan; and the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the dishes after the moisture-absorbing drying process has started may include: a step of supplying power to the fan motor to start the moisture-absorbing drying process; a step of determining whether the elapsed time since power was supplied to the fan motor has reached a predetermined first set time; and a step of operating the automatic door opening module to move the door to the partial opening position if it is determined that the elapsed time has reached the predetermined first set time.

[0023] Additionally, the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture absorption drying process has commenced may further include a step of determining whether the elapsed time reaches a preset drying time when the door is moved to the partial opening position.

[0024] In addition, the first setting time may be in the range of 10% to 50% of the preset drying time.

[0025] Additionally, the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture-absorbing drying process has started may include the step of terminating the moisture-absorbing drying process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor when it is determined that the elapsed time has reached a preset drying time.

[0026] Additionally, the apparatus further includes an automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the partial opening position to partially open the front of the washing space, or moves the door toward the closed position to close the washing space; and the moisture-absorbing drying device includes a desiccant that absorbs moisture; a blower fan that circulates air to form an airflow to be supplied to the desiccant; and a fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the blower fan; and the step of moving the door toward the partial opening position to dry the dishes after the moisture-absorbing drying process has started may include: a step of supplying power to the fan motor to start the moisture-absorbing drying process; a step of determining whether the elapsed time since power was supplied to the fan motor has reached a predetermined second set time; and a step of operating the automatic door opening module to move the door to the partial opening position if it is determined that the elapsed time has reached the predetermined second set time.

[0027] Additionally, the moisture-absorbing drying device further includes a regenerative heater that heats the airflow to be supplied to the moisture absorbent; and the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture-absorbing drying process has started may further include the step of supplying power to the regenerative heater to start a hot air supply process simultaneously with or after the door has been moved to the partial opening position.

[0028] Additionally, the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture absorption drying process has commenced may further include a step of determining whether the elapsed time reaches a preset drying time after the hot air supply process has commenced.

[0029] In addition, the second setting time may be in the range of 50% to 80% of the preset drying time.

[0030] Additionally, the step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the moisture absorption drying process has started may include the step of terminating the hot air supply process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor and the regeneration heater when it is determined that the elapsed time has reached a preset drying time.

[0031] Additionally, the method further includes an automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the partial opening position to partially open the front of the washing space or moves the door toward the closed position to close the washing space; and the step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may include the step of operating the automatic door opening module to move the door to the closed position while the door is moved to the partial opening position.

[0032] Additionally, the moisture-absorbing drying device comprises: a desiccant that absorbs moisture; a blower fan that circulates air to form an airflow to be supplied to the desiccant; a fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the blower fan; and a regenerative heater that heats the airflow to be supplied to the desiccant. The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may include: an additional drying option selection confirmation step of checking whether the option selection includes an additional drying process option for the tableware after the door is moved to the closed position; and a step of supplying power to the fan motor to initiate an additional moisture-absorbing drying process if it is confirmed in the additional drying option selection confirmation step that an additional drying process option for the tableware is included.

[0033] Additionally, the step of further operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may further include a step of determining whether the additional elapsed time since power is supplied to the fan motor reaches a preset additional drying time.

[0034] Additionally, the step of further operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may further include the step of terminating the additional moisture-absorbing drying process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor when it is determined that the additional elapsed time has reached the preset additional drying time.

[0035] Additionally, the moisture-absorbing drying device comprises: a desiccant that absorbs moisture; a blower fan that circulates air to form an airflow to be supplied to the desiccant; a fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the blower fan; and a regenerative heater that heats the airflow to be supplied to the desiccant. The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may include: a storage mode option selection confirmation step of checking whether the user's option selection includes a storage mode proceeding option for the tableware after the door is moved to the closed position; a step of supplying power to the fan motor and the regenerative heater to initiate an additional hot air supply process if it is confirmed in the storage mode option selection confirmation step that the storage mode proceeding option for the tableware is included; and a step of cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater and switching to an additional moisture-absorbing drying process after the additional hot air supply process has been initiated.

[0036] Additionally, the step of further operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may further include a step of determining whether the additional elapsed time since power was supplied to the fan motor reaches a preset storage designated time.

[0037] In addition, if it is determined that the above additional elapsed time has not reached the above preset storage designated time, the control unit may repeat the above additional hot air supply process and the above additional moisture absorption drying process.

[0038] Additionally, the step of further operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position may include the step of terminating the storage mode by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor when it is determined that the additional elapsed time has reached the preset storage designated time.

[0039]

[0040] The dishwasher according to the present invention is configured to perform a drying process while the door is open and the moisture-absorbing drying device is operated, thereby releasing some of the water vapor present inside the tub to the outside and absorbing the remaining portion of the water vapor using the moisture-absorbing drying device, so as to have the effect of minimizing the drying process time and enabling the drying process to be performed with only a small amount of desiccant.

[0041] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing the size of the desiccant receiving space, as the drying process can be carried out with only a small amount of desiccant.

[0042] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the regeneration time of the absorbent for reuse in the next drying cycle and minimizing power consumption for absorbent regeneration as the capacity of the absorbent and the amount of moisture absorbed are reduced.

[0043] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention effectively improves the drying performance of dishes by turning on the regeneration heater during the drying process to carry out the hot air supply process, and has the effect of effectively shortening the regeneration time of the absorbent during the subsequent washing process by allowing the regeneration process of the absorbent to be carried out at least partially in advance.

[0044] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in Figure 1.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing the door of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 in an open state.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a plan view and a partial enlarged view showing the state in which the case of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 has been removed.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the door lock opening device shown in FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram for explaining a structure that automatically opens the door from a closed position to a partially open position and automatically closes it from a partially open position to a closed position.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a safety sensor for detecting whether a user's hand is detected when the door is moved to a partially open position and whether the door is further opened by an external force when the door is moved to a partially open position.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the state in which a moisture-absorbing drying device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is housed in a base.

[0053] Figure 8 is a plan view of Figure 7.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the tub is removed from FIG. 7.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the moisture-absorbing drying device shown in FIG. 9.

[0056] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorbing drying device illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a moisture-absorbing drying device of a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the moisture-absorbing drying device shown in FIG. 12.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-absorbing drying device shown in FIG. 12.

[0060] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a control unit provided in a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of operations performed in a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of drying dishes during a drying process while the door is moved to a partially open position and additionally operating a moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to a closed position, constituting a control method for a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0063] FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts illustrating the first-1 and first-2 embodiments of the detailed steps constituting the step of drying tableware during the drying process while the door shown in FIG. 17 is moved to a partially open position.

[0064] FIGS. 20 to 24 are flowcharts illustrating embodiments 2-1 to 2-5 regarding detailed steps constituting the step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device when the door is moved to a closed position.

[0065]

[0066] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0067] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0068] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0069] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0070] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0071] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0072] Additionally, singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0073] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0074] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings illustrating the configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] [Overall Structure of the Dishwasher]

[0076] Hereinafter, the overall structure of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0077] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) shown in FIG. 1 in an open state.

[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) where an object to be washed is washed and having an open front, a door (30) that opens and closes the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing an object to be washed, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) and on which an object to be washed is placed, and a spraying unit installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) and spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0079] At this time, the objects to be cleaned placed in the storage section (50) may be, for example, tableware such as bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise mentioned below, the objects to be cleaned will be referred to as tableware.

[0080] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape in which the front surface (22) is completely open and the rear surface (23), upper surface (24), lower surface (25), right surface (27), and left surface are closed, corresponding to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0081] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0082] The tub (20) can be formed by press forming a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel-based material.

[0083] Additionally, on the inner side of the tub (20), a plurality of brackets may be arranged for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components, such as the storage unit (50) and injection unit described later, inside the tub (20).

[0084] Meanwhile, the drive unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing washing water, a sump cover (42) for separating the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying washing water to the sump (41) from the outside, a drainage unit (44) for discharging washing water from the sump (41) to the outside, a washing pump (45) for supplying washing water from the sump (41) to a spray unit, and a supply path (46).

[0085] The sump cover (42) is positioned above the sump (41) and can serve to separate the tub (20) from the sump (41). Additionally, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes to recover the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spraying unit into the sump (41).

[0086] That is, the washing water sprayed from the sprayer toward the dishes falls to the bottom of the washing space (21) and can be recovered back into the sump (41) via the sump cover (42).

[0087] The washing pump (45) is provided on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize washing water and supply it to the spraying section.

[0088] One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453), etc. When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) is pressurized and then supplied to the spraying section through the supply path (46).

[0089] Meanwhile, the supply channel (46) can selectively supply washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spraying section.

[0090] For example, the supply channel (46) may include a first supply channel (461) connected to a lower injection arm (61), a second supply channel (463) connected to an upper injection arm (62) and a top nozzle (63), and the supply channel (46) may be equipped with a supply channel switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply channels (461, 463).

[0091] At this time, the supply flow switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each supply flow (461, 463) opens sequentially or simultaneously.

[0092] Meanwhile, the spray unit is provided to spray washing water onto dishes stored in the storage unit (50).

[0093] More specifically, the spraying unit may include a lower spray arm (61) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) located between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) located at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0094] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so as to spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes in the storage unit (50).

[0095] The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to rotate at the lower side of the lower rack (51) and spray cleaning water toward the lower rack (51).

[0096] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) can be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder (467) so that it can spray cleaning water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0097] Meanwhile, although not shown, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may be further provided with means to divert the cleaning water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) to an upward direction (U-direction) in order to increase cleaning efficiency.

[0098] As the detailed configuration of the injection unit can be any configuration already known in the industry, the specific description of the injection unit's configuration will be omitted below.

[0099] Meanwhile, the washing space (21) may be provided with a storage section (50) for storing tableware.

[0100] The storage portion (50) is provided so that it can be pulled out from inside the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

[0101] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage unit is provided, comprising a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher equipped with three storage units (50) as illustrated.

[0102] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out to the outside through the open front of the tub (20).

[0103] To this end, guide rails (54) may be provided on both side walls forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and, for example, the guide rails (54) may include an upper rail (542), a lower rail (541), and a top rail (543).

[0104] Wheels may be provided on the lower rack (51), upper rack (52), and top rack (53), respectively. By pulling the lower rack (51), upper rack (52), and top rack (53) out through the front of the tub (20), the user can store dishes in them or easily take out dishes that have been washed from them.

[0105] The guide rail (54) may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail to guide the withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50), or as an extendable guide rail that guides the withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) and increases the withdrawal distance according to the withdrawal of the storage unit (50).

[0106] Meanwhile, the door (30) is intended to open and close the open front of the tub (20) described above.

[0107] A hinge portion (not shown) for opening and closing the door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating the door (30) with the hinge portion as a rotation axis.

[0108] At this time, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention may include a door lock / opening device (35) that automatically unlocks the door (30) from the locked state and moves the door (30) to a partially open position to partially open the front surface (22) of the tub (20).

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the door lock opening device (35) may, for example, include a door lock module (351) that maintains the locked state of the door (30) or unlocks the locked state.

[0110] As illustrated, the door lock module (351) may, for example, be formed at a location adjacent to the open front surface (22) as the upper surface (24) of the tub (20), and preferably may be positioned at a location adjacent to the front surface (22) of the tub (20) as the upper surface (24) of the tub (20). An upper front bracket (241) for installing the door lock module (351) may be provided on the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

[0111] The door locking module (351) may include a hook-shaped door latch (not shown) that engages with the door (30) and a latch driving unit (not shown) that unlocks the door latch using an electric driving force.

[0112] On the upper surface (24) of the door (30), a latch catch portion (39) may be formed in a concave shape to be coupled to a hook-shaped door latch.

[0113] Additionally, as described, a door position detection unit (36) for detecting the position of the door (30) may be provided at a location adjacent to the door lock module (351).

[0114] For example, the door position detection unit (36) may include a main sensor (361, 362) that detects whether the door (30) has moved out of the closed position.

[0115] More specifically, the main sensor may include a micro switch that generates and outputs an ON signal when the door (30) is in a closed position and generates and outputs an OFF signal when the door (30) is out of the closed position.

[0116] To this end, the microswitch may be equipped with a push button that remains pressed when the door (30) is in the closed position and is released when the door (30) moves out of the closed position. The microswitch may be equipped with an electrical circuit that detects whether the push button is pressed and generates an electrical output signal including an ON signal or an OFF signal.

[0117] Meanwhile, based on the illustrated embodiment, a door automatic opening module (352) may be provided on the right side of the door locking module (351) to rotate the door (30) from a closed position to a partially open position that is an intermediate stop position, thereby opening at least partially the front surface (22) of the tub (20).

[0118] For example, the intermediate stop position can be defined as a position where the rotational force due to the self-weight of the door (30) and the elastic force of the restoring force acting part (not shown) that provides a return force to the door (30) are in equilibrium with each other.

[0119] The automatic door opening module (352) can be configured to be electrically driven to open the door (30) from the closed position to the intermediate stop position when an electrical control signal for opening the door (30) is received from the control unit (100) described later.

[0120] To this end, the automatic door opening module (352) may be configured to include, for example, a drive motor (3522) that generates electric rotational driving force, a reduction gear unit (3523) that reduces the rotational driving force of the drive motor (3522) and converts the rotational driving force into linear reciprocating driving force, and a push rod (3524) that moves linearly back and forth in the forward and backward direction (FR direction) by the linear reciprocating driving force.

[0121] These drive motors (3522), reduction gears (3523), and push rods (3524) can be installed on the upper front bracket (241) described above while being housed inside the housing (3521).

[0122] As described below, when the drive motor (3522), which is powered by the control unit (100), is operated, the push rod (3524) protrudes from the initial storage position toward the door (30) by the driving force of the drive motor (3522) and pushes the upper rear side of the door (30).

[0123] Accordingly, the door (30) is rotated as it moves away from the closed position, and the opening of the front surface (22) of the tub (20) can begin.

[0124] Afterwards, when the push rod (3524) is extended to the maximum and pushes the door (30) to the maximum, the door (30) reaches an intermediate stop position.

[0125] Through this, the door (30) can be maintained in a stopped state at an intermediate stop position that becomes a partially open position.

[0126] Meanwhile, the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically move to a partially open position as described above, and to automatically move toward a closed position while in a partially open position.

[0127] To this end, the push rod (3524) of the automatic door opening module (352) can be maintained in a maximally protruding state without returning to the initial storage position.

[0128] More specifically, the front end of the push rod (3524) of the automatic door opening module (352) can be configured to be detachably connected to the rear surface of the door (30).

[0129] As a means for a detachable connection between the push rod (3524) and the rear surface of the door (30), a door connecting part (3525) may be provided, for example, between the front end of the push rod (3524) and the rear surface of the door (30).

[0130] FIG. 5(a) illustrates a configuration in which, according to one embodiment, the door connecting part (3525) is provided with a ring-shaped latch part (3525a) that is pivotally connected to the rear surface of the door (30).

[0131] Corresponding to the ring-shaped latch portion (3525a), the tip of the push rod (3524) may be provided with a groove or hook-shaped coupling portion that engages with the latch portion (3525a).

[0132] Unless a separate release operation is performed, the latch portion (3525a) and the part to be connected can be maintained in a constantly locked state.

[0133] Therefore, even after the door (30) is moved to a partially open position, the locking connection between the push rod (3524) can be maintained by the latch part (3525a), and when the door (30) is to be moved from the partially open position to the closed position, the control unit (100) drives the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction so that the push rod (3524) moves to the initial storage position, so that the door (30) can be automatically moved to the closed position by being pulled by the push rod (3524) and the latch part (3525a).

[0134] Although not illustrated, the door (30) or handle may be provided with mechanical or electrical means for releasing the engaged state of the latch portion (3525a). For example, the mechanical means may be a manual lever, etc., for pivoting the latch portion (3525a) to an unlocked position, and the electrical means may be an electric actuator, such as a solenoid or electric motor, for pivoting the latch portion (3525a) to an unlocked position.

[0135] FIG. 5(b) illustrates a configuration in which, according to one embodiment, the door connecting part (3525) is provided as an electromagnet part (3525b).

[0136] For example, the electromagnet part (3525b) may be configured to include a first electromagnet (3525b1) fixed to the front end of the push rod (3524) and a second electromagnet (3525b2) fixed to the rear surface of the door (30).

[0137] Unless a separate release operation is performed, the first electromagnet (3525b1) and the second electromagnet (3525b2) can be maintained in a constantly locked state by magnetic force.

[0138] Therefore, even after the door (30) is moved to a partially open position, the connection between the push rod (3524) and the rear surface of the door (30) can be maintained by the first electromagnet (3525b1) and the second electromagnet (3525b2), and when the door (30) is to be moved from the partially open position to the closed position, the control unit (100) drives the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction so that the push rod (3524) moves to the initial storage position, and the door (30) can be automatically moved to the closed position by being pulled by the push rod (3524) and the electromagnet unit (3525b).

[0139] Although not illustrated, the door (30) or handle may be provided with an electrical means for releasing the coupling state of the electromagnet part (3525b). For example, the electromagnet means may be a switch for cutting off power supplied to the electromagnet part (3525b).

[0140] However, the configuration for automatically moving the door (30) from a partially open position to a closed position in this manner is merely exemplary, and any means already known in the art may be applied.

[0141] Meanwhile, as described below, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention is configured so that the hot air supply process proceeds when the door (30) is moved to a partially open position.

[0142] Therefore, as the hot air supply process proceeds with the tub (20) partially open, the high-temperature humid air is discharged to the outside, and there is a possibility that the user's hand may be exposed to high temperature and burn.

[0143] In addition, another dishwasher (1) of the present invention is configured so that the door (30) automatically moves from a partially open position to a closed position.

[0144] Therefore, during the process in which the door (30) automatically moves from a partially open position to a closed position, there is a high possibility that fingers or objects may get caught between the door (30) and the tub (20).

[0145] As a means to prevent injury / damage caused by burns and entrapment of the user, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention may further be equipped with a safety sensor (363) that detects whether a user or an object is in close proximity within a specific detection range from the door (30).

[0146] For example, the safety sensor (363) may include any one of a radar sensor, an image sensor, or an infrared sensor having the form of a proximity sensor.

[0147] However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied without limitation as long as there are other means capable of verifying the proximity of the user. Below, the description will be based on an example embodiment in which an infrared sensor is applied as a safety sensor (363).

[0148] A safety sensor (363) provided in the form of an infrared sensor may be provided on the front surface (22) of the tub (20) or on the rear surface of the door (30) to check whether a user's hand or an object exists within a predetermined range between the front surface (22) of the tub (20) and the rear surface of the door (30). FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which a safety sensor (363) is provided on the front surface (22) of the tub (20).

[0149] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the safety sensor (363) can be positioned closer to the upper surface (24) as an intermediate position between the upper surface (24) and the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) so as to effectively detect the open portion between the door (30) and the tub (20).

[0150] In this way, by using a safety sensor (363) provided in the form of an infrared sensor, if it is determined that a user's hand or an object is detected while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position and the hot air supply process is in progress, the control unit (100) can stop the hot air supply process by cutting off the power supply to the regenerative heater (831).

[0151] Additionally, if it is determined that a user's hand or an object is detected during the process of the door (30) moving from a partially open position to a closed position, the control unit (100) can stop the movement of the door (30) by cutting off the power supply to the aforementioned drive motor (3522).

[0152] Furthermore, the safety sensor (363) can be configured to check whether the door (30) is moved during the hot air supply process while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0153] Accordingly, the control unit (100) can stop the hot air supply process by cutting off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) when an external force acts on the door (30) and moves from a partially open position to a fully open position during the hot air supply process.

[0154] Meanwhile, on the outer surface of the door (30), a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1) may be provided.

[0155] As described above, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information regarding the current operating status of the dishwasher (1), a selection button to input a user's selection operation, and a power button to input a user's operation to turn the power of the dishwasher on and off.

[0156] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) forms one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, forms a seating surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage unit (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0157] To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable that the inner surface of the door (30) be formed in a horizontal plane state in the same direction as the guide rail (54) in which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0158] Meanwhile, the inner side of the door (30) may be further equipped with a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the interior of the tub (20).

[0159] Meanwhile, at the bottom of the tub (20), a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be provided to absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then recirculate the air back to the tub (20).

[0160] As described above, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be configured to include an intake duct (81) into which air discharged from a tub (20) is sucked in, a blower (82) that generates an airflow of air, a heating unit (83) that heats the air sucked in from the tub (20), and a moisture absorbent (85) that absorbs water vapor contained in the air.

[0161] As described below, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may be provided with an air supply hole (254) to allow air from which water vapor has been removed through a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) to be introduced into the interior of the tub (20).

[0162] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a grill cap (8113) that is coupled to the inlet of the suction duct (81) can be fixed to one side of the tub (20), exemplarily on the right side (27).

[0163] The detailed configuration of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 and below.

[0164] [Detailed configuration of the moisture-absorbing drying device]

[0165] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 14.

[0166] FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] First, referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be arranged such that the remaining part, excluding the main duct (811) of the suction duct (81) and the discharge guide (89), is received between the base (90) and the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and supported by the bottom surface (91) of the base (90).

[0168] For example, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be positioned adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) and may be arranged in a long parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90).

[0169] The placement location of such moisture-absorbing drying device (80) can be selected by considering the characteristics of the heating part (83) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), which generates high heat of approximately 200°C or higher during the hot air supply process. That is, a location can be selected that avoids electrical components that are relatively affected by high heat.

[0170] In this way, the blower unit (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) are arranged in a long, parallel manner adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90), thereby serving as a weight balance that prevents the dishwasher (1) from tilting due to the load acting on the door (30) when the door (30) is in a fully open state.

[0171] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, these placement positions may be selected based on the location of the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). For the safety of the user and to distinguish it from the water softener connection hole (255) positioned close to the front surface of the tub (20), the air supply hole (254) through which dry air is discharged may be formed at the corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left surface as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0172] The air supplied through the air supply hole (254) can be evenly distributed into the cleaning space (21) of the tub (20) through the discharge guide (89) which is positioned exposed to the cleaning space (21).

[0173] In order to effectively supply absorbed air to the air supply hole (254) formed in such a location, the housing (84) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), which specifically accommodates the absorbent (85), may be positioned close to the lower side of the air supply hole (254).

[0174] However, the placement location of such moisture-absorbing drying device (80) is merely exemplary, and it may be placed at a location adjacent to the left side (94), right side (95), or front (92) of the base (90), rather than the rear side (93).

[0175] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) are arranged in parallel on the rear (93) of the base (90) and the air supply hole (254) is formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) at a corner adjacent to the rear and left sides. In this case, the air intake hole (271) through which humid air is discharged from the tub (20) can be formed on the right side (27) of the tub (20) at the corner where the right side and the rear meet, and can be formed at a position close to the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

[0176] The location of the air intake hole (271) can be selected as a location spaced as far as possible from the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0177] In this way, by positioning the air intake hole (271) as far as possible from the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89), the possibility of air passing through the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89) being recirculated directly into the air intake hole without passing through the object to be cleaned can be significantly reduced.

[0178] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the air intake hole (271) can be formed at the rear of the water jacket (110) in which the washing water is stored, together with the main duct (811) described later, to be supplied to the sump (41) in which the washing water is stored.

[0179] At this time, as described, a tub hole (118) may be formed in the water jacket (110) to communicate the internal space with the washing space (21) of the tub (20), and a water jacket communication hole (272) corresponding to the tub hole (118) may be provided on the right side (27) of the tub (20).

[0180] The air intake hole (271) can be formed higher than the water jacket communication hole (272) as a position that can avoid the water jacket (110).

[0181] As described, a grill cap (118a) similar in shape to the grill cap (813) of the aforementioned air intake hole (271) may be attached to the tub hole (118) to minimize the inflow of cleaning water and prevent the inflow of foreign matter.

[0182] Meanwhile, a grill cap (813) may be attached to the air intake hole (271), and through the grill cap (813), the entry of cleaning water and foreign matter scattered inside the tub (20) into the intake duct (81) can be minimized.

[0183] The grill cap (813) can pass through the air intake hole (271) and be connected to the inlet of the main duct (811) that forms the intake duct (81).

[0184] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 illustrate the detailed configuration of a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] As described above, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be configured to include: a blower unit (82) that generates an airflow of air to be sucked from the tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20); a heating unit (83) equipped with a regenerative heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to the desiccant (85); a plurality of desiccants (85) that are positioned downstream of the blower unit (82) and the heating unit (83) with respect to the direction of air flow and absorb moisture contained in the air; a housing (84) in which a heater receiving space in which the heating unit (83) is accommodated and a desiccant receiving space in which the desiccant (85) is accommodated are formed; an intake duct (81) that connects the air intake hole of the tub (20) and the blower unit (82); and a discharge guide (89) that is exposed to the interior of the tub (20) and guides the direction in which the air passing through the desiccant (85) is discharged.

[0186] The blower unit (82) is positioned upstream of the heating unit (83) and the absorbent (85) based on the direction of airflow and downstream of the suction duct (81), and serves to draw in air from the tub (20) and generate an airflow so that the drawn-in air can pass through the absorbent (85).

[0187] The blower fan (842) and the fan motor (825) that generates the rotational driving force of the blower fan (842) can be modularized together and formed into an assembly by being accommodated inside the fan housing (821).

[0188] The fan housing (821) can be fixed to the main housing (841) described later through a connecting bracket (822).

[0189] Meanwhile, a sub-duct (812) constituting an intake duct (81) can be connected and fastened to the other side of the fan housing (821) where the intake port is formed.

[0190] There are no restrictions on the type of blower fan (824) applied to the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), but a Sirocco fan is preferred as an example, considering the positional and spatial constraints where the blower fan (824) is installed.

[0191] Based on the illustrated embodiment, when a Sirocco fan is applied, air is introduced from the center of the Sirocco fan in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, through the sub-duct (812) of the intake duct (81) from the other side of the fan housing (821), i.e., the rear, and the air can be accelerated outward and then discharged.

[0192] The air being accelerated and discharged forms an airflow and can pass through the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving part of the main housing (841) and be introduced into the interior of the heater housing (832).

[0193] As described, the heater receiving section extends with a downward slope in which the vertical height gradually decreases as it progresses from the front end to the rear end.

[0194] At this time, the blower unit (82) is connected to the front end of the heater receiving unit through the connecting bracket (822). Accordingly, the discharge port of the fan housing (821) and the inlet port (IN1) of the heater receiving unit can be positioned at a higher position than the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving unit formed at the lowest position within the internal space of the main housing (841), and at a position spaced far along the longitudinal direction from the desiccant (85) described later.

[0195] In this way, since the blower unit (82) is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the moisture absorbent receiving unit, the center of gravity of the moisture absorbent drying device (80) can be distributed along the vertical direction, thereby minimizing vibration and noise generation.

[0196] In addition, since the absorbent (85) provided in the form of particles can be placed at a low position as close as possible to the bottom surface of the absorbent receiving part, vibration and noise generation can be reduced.

[0197] The heating unit (83) is positioned between the aforementioned blower unit (82) and the absorbent (85) based on the direction of airflow, and serves to heat the airflow to dry and regenerate the absorbent (85) during the hot air supply process described later.

[0198] When the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) generates a high-temperature airflow during the hot air supply process, power is supplied to the regeneration heater (831) to heat the airflow, and when the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) generates a low-temperature airflow during the moisture-absorbing drying process, the power supplied to the regeneration heater (831) is cut off so that the operation of the regeneration heater (831) can be stopped.

[0199] At this time, if a low-temperature airflow is generated during the moisture absorption and drying process, the operation of the fan motor (825) can be maintained.

[0200] There are no restrictions on the type of regeneration heater (831) provided in the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention, but, as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater having a relatively simple structure, excellent heating efficiency, and advantageous for preventing leakage current caused by the washing water flowing in from the tub (20) may be selected.

[0201] In order to increase heat exchange efficiency, the regenerative heater (831) which serves as a sheath heater is directly exposed to the airflow in the internal air passage of the heater housing (832) and can be configured to have a three-dimensional shape that is folded multiple times to maximize the heat transfer area.

[0202] The regenerative heater (831) can be arranged to extend between an inlet (IN1) formed at one end, i.e., the front end, of the heater receiving portion of the main housing (841) and an outlet (OUT1) formed at the other end, i.e., the rear end, of the heater receiving portion.

[0203] At this time, the regeneration heater (831) can be placed in the heater receiving section in a state where its length direction is parallel to the length direction of the heater receiving space and the heater housing (832).

[0204] Through this, the heat exchange performance and heat exchange efficiency of the regeneration heater (831) can be improved compared to the case where the longitudinal direction of the regeneration heater (831) is arranged along a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving space.

[0205] One end and the other end of the regeneration heater (831) can be extended through the front of the heater housing (832) and the front of the heater receiving portion of the main housing (841).

[0206] Additionally, a pair of terminals for receiving power may be formed at one end and the other end of the regeneration heater (831).

[0207] Meanwhile, the heater housing (832) may be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that an air passage is formed in which a regeneration heater (831) is placed inside. The air passage inside the heater housing (832) may form a first flow channel together with an air introduction space formed at the bottom of the moisture absorbent receiving portion.

[0208] As described above, the regenerative heater (831) can be placed inside the heater housing (832) such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the direction of airflow. Accordingly, like the regenerative heater (831), the heater housing (832) can be placed in the heater receiving space of the heater receiving portion of the main housing (841) such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the direction of airflow.

[0209] At this time, corresponding to the shape of the heater receiving space, the heater housing (832) can be extended linearly toward the air introduction space along the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving portion.

[0210] At this time, the front end of the heater housing (832) corresponding to the upstream side and the rear end corresponding to the downstream side can each be completely opened so that air can flow.

[0211] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a temperature sensing unit (87) is configured on the upper side of the upper surface of the heater housing (832), and an overheating sensing unit (871) for detecting whether the regeneration heater (831) is overheated may be disposed.

[0212] For example, the overheat detection unit (871) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of overheat detection units (871) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the regeneration heater (831) so as to effectively detect local overheating of the regeneration heater (831).

[0213] Meanwhile, the temperature sensing unit (87) may further be equipped with an airflow temperature sensor (872) that detects the temperature of the airflow. Unlike the overheating sensing unit (871), the airflow temperature sensor (872) serves to detect the temperature of the airflow that has passed through the regenerative heater (831).

[0214] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the airflow temperature sensor (872) can be extended through the front of the desiccant receiving section, which is located downstream of the regeneration heater (831), to the interior of the air introduction space so that the influence of the radiant heat of the regeneration heater (831) can be minimized. In this way, the airflow temperature sensor (872) can be extended into the interior of the desiccant receiving section, which is located between the regeneration heater (831) and the desiccant (85) based on the direction of airflow, so that the airflow temperature sensor (872) can detect the temperature of the airflow passing through the regeneration heater (831), and the airflow temperature sensor (872) can check whether an airflow of appropriate temperature is being supplied to the desiccant (85) during the operation of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0215] The output signal of the temperature sensing unit (87) can be transmitted to the control unit (100) described later, and the control unit (100) can receive the output signal of the temperature sensing unit (87) and determine whether the regeneration heater (831) is overheated and the temperature of the airflow. When overheating occurs, the control unit can cut off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to stop the operation of the regeneration heater (831).

[0216] The absorbent (85) absorbs moisture contained in the airflow of air discharged and sucked in from the tub (20) when the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) operates in the moisture-absorbing drying process, and discharges the absorbed moisture into the airflow when the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) operates in the hot air supply process.

[0217] That is, the absorbent (85) can be formed as a reversibly dehydratable material so as to absorb moisture or release absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0218] Applicable reversible hygroscopic materials may be compositions comprising any one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica, or zeolite, or having a combination of two or more selected from these.

[0219] In the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the present invention, a moisture absorbent (85) having an alumina silica-based material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied as an example. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment in which an alumina silica-based moisture absorbent (85) is applied.

[0220] The desiccant (85) formed from an alumina silica-based material as described above can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the airflow can be maximized. In addition, compared to a desiccant made of pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, the desiccant can perform a moisture absorption action at a lower temperature range and a regeneration action can perform a regeneration action at a lower temperature range.

[0221] However, the airflow is configured to pass between a plurality of absorbents (85) provided in the form of particles, come into contact with the absorbents (85) to absorb moisture, or absorb moisture discharged from the absorbents (85).

[0222] Therefore, the absorbent (85) inevitably acts as a flow resistance to the airflow. Pores are effectively formed to minimize such flow resistance, and the particle size of the absorbent (85) can be selected to ensure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0223] To this end, for example, a desiccant (85) having a particle size in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm may be selected and applied.

[0224] Meanwhile, the absorbent (85) is positioned downstream of the blower (82) and the heating section (83) based on the direction of airflow.

[0225] In detail, the absorbent (85) can be accommodated in the absorbent receiving space of the main housing (841) formed downstream of the blower unit (82) and the heating unit (83).

[0226] The desiccant receiving space can be formed by a pair of desiccant holders (86) that are provided inside the desiccant receiving portion of the main housing (841) and spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction.

[0227] As illustrated in FIG. 11, an exemplary pair of desiccant holders (86) may be configured to include a first desiccant holder (861) that defines the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving space and divides the interior of the desiccant receiving section into the desiccant receiving space and the air introduction space, and a second desiccant holder (862) that defines the top surface of the desiccant receiving space.

[0228] The first desiccant holder (861) and the second desiccant holder (862) can each be formed in a plate shape to define the upper and lower surfaces of the desiccant receiving space.

[0229] Meanwhile, the housing (84) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) accommodates the aforementioned heating unit (83) and moisture absorbent (85), and serves to form a first flow channel for the airflow passing through the regeneration heater (831) and a second flow channel for the airflow passing through the moisture absorbent (85).

[0230] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the housing (84) may be configured to include a main housing (841) having a heater receiving space in which a heating unit (83) is received and a desiccant receiving space in which a desiccant (85) is received.

[0231] First, the main housing (841) may include a heater receiving section in which a heater receiving space is formed inside, and a desiccant receiving section in which a desiccant receiving space is formed inside.

[0232] As described, based on the state in which it is placed on the base (90), the heater receiving portion has an open upper surface and may have a hollow box shape having a cuboid shape overall.

[0233] A heater housing (832) and a regeneration heater (831) can be inserted through the open upper surface of the heater receiving portion.

[0234] The open portion of the front end of the heater receiving portion forms an inlet (IN1) through which airflow enters, and the open portion of the rear end can form an outlet (OUT1) through which airflow passing through the regeneration heater (831) is exhausted.

[0235] As described above, the discharge port of the fan housing (821) can be inserted and coupled into the inlet port (IN1) formed in the heater housing.

[0236] Meanwhile, the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving section may be connected to the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving section. As illustrated in the embodiment, when the heater receiving section and the desiccant receiving section are connected as a single unit, the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving section and the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving section may be integrated, and the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving section may serve as the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving section.

[0237] Meanwhile, the heater receiving portion can be extended with a downward slope in which the height in the vertical direction gradually decreases as the flow channel formed by the heater receiving space and the heater housing (832) proceeds toward the moisture absorbent receiving portion.

[0238] That is, the center of the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving section is formed at a higher position than the center of the outlet (OUT1), and the length or extension direction of the heater receiving space and the heater housing (832) can be formed to be inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0239] Meanwhile, based on the state in which it is placed on the base (90), the moisture absorbent receiving portion of the main housing (841) can be arranged in a line with respect to the heater receiving portion such that the direction parallel to the length direction of the heater receiving portion becomes the length direction.

[0240] The desiccant receiving portion has an open upper surface and can have a hollow box shape with an overall cuboidal shape.

[0241] The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion can function as an exhaust port (OUT2) through which air passing through the desiccant (85) is exhausted.

[0242] The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion can be closed by attaching a second cover (882) after the placement of the desiccant holder (86) and the desiccant (85) inside is completed.

[0243] The internal space of the absorbent receiving section can be divided vertically by the first absorbent holder (861).

[0244] Among the spaces divided along the upper and lower directions by the first desiccant holder (861), the lower space becomes an air inlet space into which air passing through the heater receiving section is introduced, and the upper space becomes a desiccant receiving space into which a desiccant (85) is received.

[0245] Meanwhile, the heater receiving space of the heater receiving section, the air introduction space of the desiccant receiving section, and the desiccant receiving space constitute a continuous flow channel that forms an airflow. More specifically, the air introduction space forms the downstream of the first flow channel, and the desiccant receiving space forms the second flow channel.

[0246] Meanwhile, as described above, the open upper surface of the heater receiving portion and the open upper surface of the moisture absorbent receiving portion of the main housing (841) can be closed by the cover (88).

[0247] As illustrated by example, considering the shape of the main housing (841), the cover (88) may be configured to include a first cover (881) coupled to the heater receiving portion and a second cover (882) coupled to the moisture absorbent receiving portion.

[0248] The first cover (881) coupled to the heater housing may be provided in a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the heater housing (832).

[0249] Meanwhile, unlike the first cover (881), the second cover (882) coupled to the moisture absorbent receiving portion can be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to an inverted funnel shape.

[0250] That is, the inner surface of the second cover (882) may be configured to have an upwardly convex, inverted funnel shape so that air passing through the aforementioned desiccant (85) and the second desiccant holder (862) can converge.

[0251] Accordingly, as the second cover (882) is provided with an upwardly convex converging surface, a predetermined gap can be formed between the second absorbent holder (862), which defines the upper surface of the absorbent receiving space, and the converging surface of the second cover (882), and the gap serves to minimize resistance that may occur locally due to the flow resistance formed by the absorbent (85) and the second absorbent holder (862).

[0252] As such a separation space is formed, the differential pressure distribution between the upper and lower surfaces of the second desiccant holder (862) can be evenly distributed over the entire area, and the airflow passing through the second desiccant holder (862) can flow while spreading evenly. As it acts as a space for the airflow to flow, the separation space forms an exhaust path for the airflow passing through the desiccant (85).

[0253] At the uppermost part of the inner convergence surface of the second cover (882), an exhaust port may be provided through which air passing through the third flow channel, which serves as an exhaust channel, is exhausted.

[0254] As described, the lower end of a connecting duct section (883) that guides the airflow toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) can be integrally connected to the outlet.

[0255] Meanwhile, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may further include a connecting duct section (883) that is connected to an outlet formed through the upper surface of the second cover (882) and has an air passage formed inside.

[0256] As described above, the heating unit (83), the blower unit (82), and the desiccant (85) are positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). The connecting duct unit (883) serves to guide the airflow discharged from the space formed below the second cover (882) toward the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0257] As in the illustrated embodiment, the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) may be configured to have a shape that can connect the air supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and the outlet of the heater housing (832) so as to guide the airflow.

[0258] Meanwhile, a discharge guide (89) that switches the discharge direction of the airflow supplied through the connecting duct section (883) can be attached to the upper part of the duct body (8831).

[0259] Through the discharge guide (89), some of the airflow can be diverted toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and some of the airflow can be diverted toward the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

[0260] Meanwhile, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may further include an intake duct (81) in which the front end is connected to the air intake hole of the tub (20) and the rear end is connected to the blower (82), and which serves to guide the airflow of air discharged from the tub (20) through the air supply hole (254) to the blower (82).

[0261] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the suction duct (81) may be configured to include a main duct (811) that extends along the vertical direction and is positioned on the outer side of the right side of the tub (20), and a sub-duct (812) that is positioned below the lower side (25) of the tub (20) between the rear end of the main duct (811) and the blower (82).

[0262] The main duct (811) is positioned on the outside of the right side of the tub (20) in close contact with the right side, and serves to guide the airflow sucked in through the air intake hole formed on the right side of the tub (20) to the bottom surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0263] To this end, as illustrated, the main duct (811) can be arranged to extend linearly as long as possible along the vertical direction from the top to the bottom. This allows for maximum condensation of moisture to occur inside the main duct (811).

[0264] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the interior of the main duct (811) is generally extended vertically and may form an air passage through which airflow moves downward. It may be introduced into the blower section (82) via the sub-duct (812). The airflow passing through the blower section (82) may be introduced into the heater receiving space of the heater receiving section having a downward slope.

[0265] The sub-duct (812) is positioned between the lower part of the main duct (811) and the blower unit (82), and serves to change the direction of flow of the air passing through the outlet (811b) of the main duct (811) and guide it to the blower unit (82).

[0266] Similar to the main duct (811), an air passage can be formed inside the sub-duct (812) through which the airflow passing through the main duct (811) can flow.

[0267] However, an L-shaped air passage may be formed inside the sub-duct (812) so as to change the direction of air flow passing through the main duct (811) and guide it to the inlet of the fan housing (821) of the blower unit (82).

[0268] Likewise, the outer shape of the subduct (812) can be formed to have an L-shape corresponding to the shape of the internal air passage.

[0269] Meanwhile, as described above, the dishwasher (1) of the present invention is configured to operate the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) while the door (30) is at least partially open during the drying process (S5) so that drying of the dishes proceeds.

[0270] As described below, as the drying process (S5) proceeds with the door (30) at least partially open, the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent (85) constituting the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) can be reduced, and the regeneration energy required for the regeneration of the absorbent (85) can be reduced.

[0271] Accordingly, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention can effectively carry out the drying process (S5) with only a small amount of absorbent, and the drying and regeneration of the absorbent can be effectively carried out through a regeneration heater (831) having a low heat output.

[0272] It is possible to configure the device to have a relatively small amount of absorbent agent (85) compared to the configuration of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and to have a regeneration heater (831) having a relatively small amount of heat.

[0273] FIGS. 12 to 14 disclose a detailed configuration of a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) having a relatively small amount of absorbent (85) and a regenerative heater (831) having a relatively small amount of heat, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0274] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to the previously described embodiment, comprises: a blower unit (82) that generates an airflow of air to be sucked from a tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20); a heating unit (83) having a regenerative heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to a desiccant (85); a plurality of desiccants (85) that are positioned downstream of the blower unit (82) and the heating unit (83) with respect to the direction of air flow and absorb moisture contained in the air; a housing (84) in which a heater receiving space in which the heating unit (83) is accommodated and a desiccant receiving space in which the desiccant (85) is accommodated are formed; an intake duct (81) connecting the air intake hole of the tub (20) and the blower unit (82); and a guiding direction in which air that has passed through the desiccant (85) is discharged and is exposed to the interior of the tub (20). It can be configured to include a discharge guide (89).

[0275] As described, the detailed configuration of the blower (82), heating unit (83), desiccant (85), housing (84), suction duct (81), and discharge guide (89) constituting the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be configured to be generally the same or similar to the above-described embodiment.

[0276] Therefore, unless otherwise explained below, the contents described in the aforementioned embodiments may be applied in a generally identical or similar manner, and explanations of redundant contents will be omitted.

[0277] As described above, a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a relatively small amount of absorbent (85).

[0278] Therefore, the size of the moisture-absorbing space of the main housing (841) in which the moisture-absorbing agent (85) is accommodated can be reduced more effectively than in the previously described embodiment.

[0279] More specifically, as illustrated, at least one of the vertical height, horizontal width, or front-to-back width of the moisture absorbent receiving space of the main housing (841) may be formed smaller than that of the previously described embodiment.

[0280] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 14, unlike the above-described embodiment, the bottom surface of the moisture absorbent receiving space of the main housing (841) may be configured to have an upward slope in which the height in the vertical direction gradually increases as it proceeds away from the regeneration heater (831).

[0281] In addition, a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a regenerative heater (831) having a relatively small amount of heat.

[0282] Accordingly, a regenerative heater (831) having the same form as the aforementioned regenerative heater (831) but with a smaller size may be applied, and the size of the heater receiving space of the main housing (841) in which the regenerative heater (831) is received may be reduced more effectively than in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0283] More specifically, as illustrated, the extended length of the regenerative heater (831) can be formed to be effectively smaller than that of the previously described embodiment.

[0284] Therefore, the width of the heater receiving space of the main housing (841) in the left-right direction can be formed smaller than that of the previously described embodiment.

[0285] In addition, as the longitudinal size of the regeneration heater (831) is reduced, the regeneration heater (831) can be horizontally arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, unlike the previously described embodiment.

[0286] Through this, the left-right and up-down volumes occupied by the heater receiving portion of the main housing (841) can be effectively reduced compared to the previously described embodiment.

[0287] As such, since the shape and size of the main housing (841) are miniaturized and compact unlike the previously described embodiment, interference with other parts that are placed on the base (90) and constitute the dishwasher (1) can be minimized, and additional installation space for other parts can be expected.

[0288] [Configuration of the control unit and method of controlling the dishwasher]

[0289] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, the configuration of a control unit (100) constituting a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0290] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (100) for controlling each function configuration.

[0291] The control unit (100) may be provided in various forms, such as a microcontroller, a microcomputer, or a microprocessor, as is known in the art.

[0292] First, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock / opening device (35) in order to automatically move the door (30) to a partially open position during the drying process (S5) as described below, thereby partially opening the tub (20). The control unit (100) may interrupt the power supplied to the drive motor (3522) from the power supply unit (48) described below to start or stop the operation of the drive motor (3522).

[0293] The control unit (100) can simultaneously with the start of the drying process (S5) and after the drying process (S5) has started, supply power to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock / opening device (35) through the power supply unit (48) to start the operation of the drive motor (3522) so as to rotate the door (30) from the closed position to the intermediate stop position which is the partially open position, thereby opening the tub (20) at least partially.

[0294] Additionally, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) from a partially open position to a closed position.

[0295] Additionally, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected to a button unit (34) into which a user's operation command is input. When a user's power on / off operation input, a washing course selection operation, or an option selection operation is input through the button unit (34), the button unit (34) may transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit (100).

[0296] The control unit (100) can control the dishwasher (1) so that when an electrical signal from the button unit (34) is received, the power of the dishwasher (1) is turned on and off, or the individual operation of the dishwasher (1) proceeds according to the selected washing course and selected operating mode.

[0297] Although not shown, the user's operation command may be configured to be input through other input means, such as the user's wireless terminal, in addition to the button part (34).

[0298] Additionally, the control unit (100) can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to a regenerative heater (831) that heats the airflow of air to be supplied to the absorbent (85).

[0299] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment in which the regenerative heater (831) is configured to receive power indirectly from the power supply unit (48) through the control unit (100). However, alternatively, the regenerative heater (831) may be electrically connected directly to the power supply unit (48), and the control unit (100) may be configured to control whether the power supply unit (48) supplies power. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on the illustrated embodiment.

[0300] The control unit (100) can turn on or turn off the regeneration heater (831) by interrupting the power supplied from the power supply unit (48) described later to regenerate the absorbent (85) during the pre-washing process (S1) or washing process (S2) or to carry out the hot air supply process during the drying process (S5).

[0301] Meanwhile, the control unit (100) can be electrically connected to the fan motor (825) of the blower unit (82) constituting the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0302] The control unit (100) can turn on the fan motor (825) by supplying power to the fan motor (825) through the power supply unit (48) for regeneration of the absorbent (85) during the pre-washing process (S1) or washing process (S2) or for proceeding with the moisture-absorbing drying process during the drying process (S5).

[0303] Meanwhile, the control unit (100) may be electrically connected to a memory and a timer. The control unit (100) may recall operation conditions and time conditions for each stroke, etc., that are pre-stored in the memory for each washing course, and use them to generate a control signal for controlling the progress and termination of strokes according to the washing course.

[0304] The operation parameters of each component of the dishwasher (1) are set in the memory to be described later, according to selection options such as adding or excluding specific washing courses and specific operations that the user can select, such as by pressing a button through the control panel (32) or a wireless terminal.

[0305] Operation parameters such as the operating time, power supply level, power intensity, on / off conditions, and water flow rate of components of the dishwasher (1), such as the washing water heater (47), regeneration heater (831), washing pump (45), drainage unit (44), and water supply unit (43), can be set, and a set of operation parameters that proceed according to each washing course can be defined as an operating mode.

[0306] Therefore, a washing course may refer to the name of an operating mode of the dishwasher (1) displayed on the display (33) of the dishwasher (1) or on the screen of a wireless terminal. That is, the user selects a washing course, and the control unit (100) of the dishwasher (1) can control the individual components of the dishwasher (1) to sequentially proceed with the operating mode corresponding to the washing course. In other words, although the washing course and the operating mode are distinguished in the present invention for specific explanation, they may have similar meanings.

[0307] The cleaning course can be set in various ways, such as general course, standard course, heavy course, delicate course, half course, automatic course (half load course, cleaning concentrated on only some of the racks), shortened course, and 1-hour course.

[0308] The labeling of the cleaning course names may vary slightly depending on the product. In particular, the 1-hour course operates for 1 hour or less, but in some cases, it may operate for 2 hours or less.

[0309] That is, when a user selects a washing course, the control unit (100) determines the operating mode of the dishwasher (1) corresponding to each washing course, and each operating mode can proceed with the corresponding washing course according to preset parameters.

[0310] Meanwhile, additional options can be set for each washing course. These options may include setting the drying cycle time, performing an additional moisture-absorbing drying process after the full cycle or as a separate course, enabling or disabling storage mode, and turning notifications on or off.

[0311] Furthermore, as described below, the memory may store the total drying time (td_tot) condition during the drying process (S5), the first setting time to the second setting time (td_set1~td_set2) which can be set differently for each embodiment, the additional drying time (tda_tot), and the storage designated time (tda_ref).

[0312] In addition, the control unit (100) can measure the elapsed time for each administration using a timer and determine whether each administration is completed by comparing it with the time conditions for each administration that are stored in advance.

[0313] Here, each administration may include a pre-wash administration (S1), a washing administration (S2), a rinsing administration (S3), a heating and rinsing administration (S4), and a drying administration (S5), as shown in FIG. 8.

[0314] In addition, the control unit (100) can use a timer as described below to measure the elapsed time after the start of operation of the fan motor (825) for determining the door opening time.

[0315] Hereinafter, a control method for a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 16 to 22.

[0316] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit (100) generally controls the progress of the washing course of the dishwasher (1), which proceeds in the order of, for example, a pre-washing course (S1), a washing course (S2), a rinsing course (S3), a heating rinsing course (S4), and a drying course (S5).

[0317] The pre-washing process (S1) is a process of circulating washing water by driving the washing pump (45) without administering detergent through the detergent supply device and measuring the amount of contamination through a turbidity sensor (not shown) provided in the sump (41), and the washing process (S2) is a process of washing dishes by circulating washing water with detergent administered through the detergent supply device.

[0318] In the rinsing process (S3) and the heating rinsing process (S4), rinse is administered from the detergent supply device to circulate washing water and remove residual detergent from the dishes.

[0319] When performing the rinsing process (S3) and the heating rinsing process (S4), heated washing water is supplied so that the tableware can be heated to a predetermined temperature. Through this, the drying efficiency of the tableware can be improved and the drying time can be shortened during the drying process (S5) to be performed after the completion of the rinsing process (S3) and the heating rinsing process (S4).

[0320] Each of these detailed procedures can be combined and adjusted to be omitted or performed redundantly, depending on the selected washing course settings and options.

[0321] At this time, between each administration, a drainage administration for the washing water used during each administration and a water supply administration for supplying new washing water may be included.

[0322] Water supply administration may be included before the pre-wash administration (S1).

[0323] Between the pre-washing process (S1) and the washing process (S2), between the washing process (S2) and the rinsing process (S3), and between the heating and rinsing process (S4) and the rinsing process (S3), a drainage process and a water supply process may be performed, and between the heating and rinsing process (S4) and the drying process (S5).

[0324] The water supply process can be carried out by controlling the Aqua Stop (not shown) provided in the water supply unit (43) to supply washing water to the sump (41) through the water supply path, and the drainage process can be carried out by controlling the drainage unit (44) connected to the sump (41) to drain washing water to the outside of the dishwasher (1) through the drainage path.

[0325] At this time, as described above, a washing course consisting of a combination of these detailed steps or only one step may be performed depending on the user's option selection. In particular, as described below, the control unit (100) can control the dishwasher (1) to perform a storage mode as part of the washing course or to perform a storage mode-only course that performs only the storage mode, depending on the user's option selection.

[0326] FIG. 17 illustrates a control method for a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention, wherein a step performed during a drying process (S5) is shown.

[0327] As described above, the control method of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention may include a step (S51) of drying dishes by operating a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position during a drying process (S5), a step (S52) of ending the drying process while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position, and a step (S6) of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) while the door (30) is moved to a closed position.

[0328] More specifically, as described below, the step (S51) of operating the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) to dry the tableware while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position may include the step (S511, S512) of moving the door (30) to a partially open position to dry the tableware after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) has started.

[0329] FIG. 18 illustrates detailed steps of a step (S511) of drying dishes during a drying process (S5) by moving the door (30) to a partially open position after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) has started, as a first-1 embodiment of the control method of a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 18, the step (S511) of drying tableware during the drying process (S5) by moving the door (30) to a partially open position after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) has been initiated according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include the step (S5111) of initiating the moisture-absorbing drying process by supplying power to the fan motor (825) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0331] In order for the moisture-absorbing drying process to be initiated, the control unit (100) can start supplying power to the fan motor (825) from the power supply unit (48) to turn on the fan motor (825) so that the operation of the blower fan (824) can be initiated, and thereby a low-temperature airflow for drying dishes can be supplied to the tub (20).

[0332] At this time, so that the moisture absorption drying process can proceed, the control unit (100) cuts off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) of the moisture absorption drying device (80), so that the regeneration heater (831) can be kept in a turned-off state.

[0333] In step S5111, when the fan motor (825) is turned on and the moisture absorption drying process is started, the control unit (100) may proceed to step (S5112) of starting to measure the elapsed time (td) that has elapsed since the fan motor (825) was turned on.

[0334] As described above, the control unit (100) can measure the elapsed time (td) since the fan motor (825) was turned on using a timer.

[0335] When the measurement of the elapsed time (td) is initiated in step S5112, the control unit (100) may perform a step (S5113) of determining whether the measured elapsed time (td) reaches a predetermined first set time (td_set1).

[0336] Here, the first setting time (td_set1) may be a reference time for moving the door (30) to a partially open position, and information regarding the first setting time (td_set1) may be stored in memory in advance as described above.

[0337] The control unit (100) can check whether the elapsed time (td) has reached the first set time (td_set1) by calling information regarding the first set time (td_set1) that is stored in memory and comparing the current elapsed time (td) with the first set time (td_set1).

[0338] At this time, for example, the first setting time (td_set1) may be determined to have a range of 10% to 50% of the preset total drying time (td_tot).

[0339] The door (30) is moved to a closed position and the duration of the moisture-absorbing drying process performed with the tub (20) closed is set to be less than 50% of the predetermined total drying time (td_tot), so that the amount of water vapor absorbed by the absorbent (85) can be maintained below a predetermined level as described below.

[0340] Accordingly, as the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent (85) is maintained below a predetermined level, the present invention enables a reduction in the regeneration time of the absorbent (85) for reuse in the next drying process (S5), thereby having the effect of minimizing the power consumption of the regeneration heater (831) for regenerating the absorbent (85).

[0341] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the elapsed time (td) in step S5113 has reached a predetermined first set time (td_set1), the control unit (100) can perform the step (S5114) of starting power supply to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock / opening device (35) so that the door automatic opening module (352) moves the door (30) to a partially open position and partially opens the tub (20).

[0342] The control unit (100) can start supplying power from the power supply unit (48) to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock opening device (35) to turn on the drive motor (3522) so that the operation of the door automatic opening module (352) push rod (3524) can be started, and through this, the door (30) can be moved to a partially open position so that the tub (20) can be opened at least partially.

[0343] In this way, as the tub (20) is partially opened during the moisture absorption drying process, some of the water vapor present inside the tub (20) is released to the outside through the door (30) which has been moved to a partially open position, and the remaining portion of the water vapor present inside the tub (20) can be absorbed through the absorbent (85) of the moisture absorption drying device (80). Through this, the amount of water vapor absorbed through the absorbent (85) can be minimized.

[0344] Meanwhile, when the door (30) is moved to a partially open position in step S5114, the control unit (100) can perform a step (S5115) of determining whether the current elapsed time (td) has reached a preset total drying time (td_tot).

[0345] The control unit (100) can check whether the elapsed time (td) reaches the total drying time (td_tot) by calling information regarding the total drying time (td_tot) that is stored in memory and comparing the current elapsed time (td) with the total drying time (td_tot).

[0346] If it is determined in step S5115 that the current elapsed time (td) has reached a preset total drying time (td_tot), the control unit (100) can perform step (S5116) of ending the moisture-absorbing drying process by cutting off the power supply to the fan motor (825) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0347] In order for the moisture absorption drying process to be terminated, the control unit (100) can stop the power supply to the fan motor (825) from the power supply unit (48) to turn off the fan motor (825), thereby stopping the operation of the blower fan (824), and thereby stopping the supply of low-temperature airflow.

[0348] Accordingly, the moisture absorption drying process can be terminated with the door (30) open, and finally, the drying process (S5) can be completed.

[0349] FIG. 17 illustrates the detailed steps of the step (S512) of moving the door (30) to a partially open position to dry the dishes after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) has been initiated, as a first-second embodiment of the control method of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention.

[0350] Referring to FIG. 19, the step (S512) of moving the door (30) to a partially open position to dry the tableware during the drying process (S5) after the moisture-absorbing drying process through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) has been initiated according to the first-2 embodiment of the present invention may include the step (S5121) of initiating the moisture-absorbing drying process by supplying power to the fan motor (825) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) in a manner similar to the first-1 embodiment described above.

[0351] In order for the moisture-absorbing drying process to be initiated, the control unit (100) can start supplying power to the fan motor (825) from the power supply unit (48) to turn on the fan motor (825) so that the operation of the blower fan (824) can be initiated, and thereby a low-temperature airflow for drying dishes can be supplied to the tub (20).

[0352] At this time, so that the moisture absorption drying process can proceed, the control unit (100) cuts off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) of the moisture absorption drying device (80), so that the regeneration heater (831) can be kept in a turned-off state.

[0353] In step S5121, when the fan motor (825) is turned on and the moisture absorption drying process is started, the control unit (100) may proceed to step (S5122) of starting to measure the elapsed time (td) that has elapsed since the fan motor (825) was turned on.

[0354] As described above, the control unit (100) can measure the elapsed time (td) since the fan motor (825) was turned on using a timer.

[0355] When the measurement of the elapsed time (td) is initiated in step S5122, the control unit (100) may perform a step (S5123) of determining whether the measured elapsed time (td) reaches a predetermined second set time (td_set2).

[0356] Here, the second setting time (td_set2) may be a reference time for moving the door (30) to a partially open position, and information regarding the second setting time (td_set2) may be stored in memory in advance as described above.

[0357] The control unit (100) can check whether the elapsed time (td) has reached the second set time (td_set2) by calling information regarding the second set time (td_set2) that is stored in memory and comparing the current elapsed time (td) with the second set time (td_set2).

[0358] At this time, for example, the second setting time (td_set2) may be determined to have a range of 50% to 80% of the total drying time (td_tot) that is pre-set, unlike the first setting time (td_set1) described above.

[0359] As described below, the step (S512) of drying tableware during the drying process (S5) by moving the door (30) to a partially open position after the moisture-absorbing drying process according to the first and second embodiments has started may further include the step (S5125) of turning on the regenerative heater (831) to switch the moisture-absorbing drying process to a hot air supply process and starting the hot air supply process.

[0360] Since drying and regeneration of the absorbent (85) can proceed by the step (S5125) of initiating such a hot air supply process, the moisture absorption and drying process can be configured to be maintained for a longer period compared to the previously described 1-1 embodiment.

[0361] Accordingly, the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent (85) can be maintained below a predetermined level by the hot air supply process, and the present invention enables a reduction in the regeneration time of the absorbent (85) for reuse in the next drying process (S5).

[0362] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the elapsed time (td) in step S5123 has reached a predetermined second set time (td_set2), the control unit (100) can perform the step (S5124) of starting power supply to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock / opening device (35) so that the door automatic opening module (352) moves the door (30) to a partially open position and partially opens the tub (20).

[0363] The control unit (100) can start supplying power to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock opening device (35) from the power supply unit (48) in the same manner as in the first-1 embodiment, thereby turning on the drive motor (3522) and initiating the operation of the door automatic opening module (352) push rod (3524), through which the door (30) can be moved to a partially open position and the tub (20) can be opened at least partially.

[0364] In this way, as the tub (20) is partially opened during the moisture absorption drying process, some of the water vapor present inside the tub (20) is released to the outside through the door (30) that has been moved to the partially open position, and the remaining portion of the water vapor present inside the tub (20) can be absorbed through the absorbent (85) of the moisture absorption drying device (80). Through this, the amount of water vapor absorbed through the absorbent (85) can be minimized.

[0365] Meanwhile, when the door (30) is at least partially opened in step S5124, the control unit (100) can perform step (S5125) of initiating power supply to the regenerative heater (831) from the power supply unit (48) as described above, turning on the regenerative heater (831) to switch the moisture absorption drying process to a hot air supply process and initiating the hot air supply process.

[0366] When the regeneration heater (831) is turned on in this way, the high-temperature steam generated as the desiccant (85) is dried and regenerated can be supplied into the interior of the tub (20) along with the high-temperature airflow. Through such high-temperature steam and high-temperature airflow, the drying performance and drying efficiency of the tableware can be further improved.

[0367] When the hot air supply process is initiated in step S5125, the control unit (100) can perform a step (S5126) of determining whether the current elapsed time (td) has reached a preset total drying time (td_tot).

[0368] The control unit (100) can check whether the elapsed time (td) reaches the total drying time (td_tot) by calling information regarding the total drying time (td_tot) that is previously stored in memory, similar to the first-1 embodiment, and comparing the current elapsed time (td) with the total drying time (td_tot).

[0369] In step S5126, if it is determined that the current elapsed time (td) has reached the preset total drying time (td_tot), the control unit (100) can perform step (S5127) of terminating the hot air supply process by cutting off the power supply to the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0370] In order for the hot air supply process to be terminated, the control unit (100) can stop the power supply to the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) from the power supply unit (48) to turn off the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831), thereby stopping the operation of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), and thereby stopping the supply of high-temperature airflow.

[0371] Accordingly, the hot air drying process can be terminated with the door (30) open, and finally, the drying process (S5) can be completed.

[0372] FIG. 20 illustrates a second-1 embodiment of the step (S6) of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) while the door (30) is moved to a closed position as a control method for a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention.

[0373] The additional mode for operating the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may include an additional moisture-absorbing drying process performed after the completion of the drying process (S5) and a storage mode.

[0374] The storage mode may be included as part of the washing course and proceed after the completion of the drying process (S5) depending on the option selection, or configured to proceed as a separate, independent course independent of the washing course.

[0375] FIG. 20 illustrates a step (S61) of performing an additional moisture-absorbing drying process, which is included according to the user's option selection after the completion of the drying process (S5), as part of the washing course as the first embodiment of the second embodiment (2-1 embodiment).

[0376] Referring to FIG. 20, when the drying process (S5) is completed according to the above process, the control unit (100) can proceed with the step (S611) of moving the door (30) to a closed position by operating the door automatic opening module (352) while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position.

[0377] As described above, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) to a closed position while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0378] When the door (30) is moved to the closed position in step S611, the control unit (100) performs a step (S612) of determining whether the user's option selection includes an additional moisture absorption drying process.

[0379] In step S612, if it is confirmed that the user's selection option includes an additional moisture absorption drying mode, the control unit (100) supplies power to the fan motor (825) to turn on the fan motor (825) and performs step (S613) of initiating the moisture absorption drying process.

[0380] In step S613, when the fan motor (825) is turned on and an additional moisture absorption drying process is initiated, the control unit (100) may proceed to step (S614) of initiating measurement of an additional elapsed time (tda) that has elapsed since the fan motor (825) was turned on.

[0381] As described above, the control unit (100) can measure the additional elapsed time (tda) since the fan motor (825) was turned on using a timer.

[0382] When the measurement of the elapsed time (tda) is initiated in step S614, the control unit (100) may perform a step (S615) of determining whether the current additional elapsed time (tda) has reached a preset additional drying time (tda_tot).

[0383] The control unit (100) can check whether the additional elapsed time (tda) reaches the additional drying time (tda_tot) by calling information regarding the additional drying time (tda_tot) that is stored in memory and comparing the current additional elapsed time (tda) with the additional drying time (tda_tot).

[0384] If it is determined in step S615 that the additional elapsed time (tda) has reached a preset additional drying time (tda_tot), the control unit (100) can perform step (S616) of terminating the moisture-absorbing drying process by cutting off the power supply to the fan motor (825) of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0385] In order for the moisture absorption drying process to be terminated, the control unit (100) can stop the power supply to the fan motor (825) from the power supply unit (48) to turn off the fan motor (825), thereby stopping the operation of the blower fan (824), and thereby stopping the supply of low-temperature airflow.

[0386] Accordingly, the moisture-absorbing drying process can be terminated with the tub (20) closed, and finally, an additional moisture-absorbing drying process can be completed.

[0387] FIG. 21 illustrates a step (S62) of a storage mode using steam, which is included according to the user's option selection after the completion of a drying step (S5) as part of a washing course, as a second embodiment (2-2 embodiment) of the second embodiment.

[0388] Referring to FIG. 21, when the drying process (S5) is completed according to the above process, the control unit (100) can proceed with the step (S621) of moving the door (30) to a closed position by operating the door automatic opening module (352) while the door (30) is moved to a partially open position.

[0389] As described above, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) to a closed position while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0390] When the door (30) is moved to the closed position in step S621, the control unit (100) performs a step (S622) of determining whether the storage mode proceed option is included in the user's option selection.

[0391] In step S622, if it is confirmed that the storage mode proceeding option is included in the user's selection options, the control unit (100) supplies power to the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) to turn on the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) and performs step (S623) of initiating the hot air supply drying process.

[0392] In this way, as both the regenerative heater (831) and the fan motor (825) are turned on, the hot air supply process can be initiated, and a high-temperature airflow containing high-temperature steam can be generated through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0393] At this time, unlike the aforementioned drying process (S5), the tub (20) is not opened and the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) can be operated in a closed state.

[0394] When both the regenerative heater (831) and the fan motor (825) are turned on, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) can be operated under the same conditions as the hot air supply process performed during the aforementioned drying process (S5).

[0395] When the hot air supply process is completed according to the preset conditions in step S623, the control unit (100) cuts off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to switch the regeneration heater (831) to a turn-off state, and performs step (S624) of switching the operation of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) to a moisture-absorbing drying process so that the fan motor (825) remains in a turn-on state.

[0396] In this way, as the regenerative heater (831) is switched to the off state and the fan motor (825) is switched to the on state, the hot air supply process can be switched to the moisture absorption drying process, and a low-temperature drying air stream is generated and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), thereby allowing moisture absorption drying of the tableware to proceed.

[0397] The moisture absorption drying process carried out in S624 can be carried out under conditions that are almost identical to the time and temperature conditions of the moisture absorption drying process carried out in the aforementioned drying process (S230).

[0398] When step S624 is completed according to the preset operating mode, the control unit (100) checks whether the additional elapsed time (tda) from the start of the hot air supply process to the completion of the moisture absorption drying process has reached the storage designated time (tda_ref) preset by the user in the option selection process. (S626)

[0399] Here, the preset time can be set from 1 hour to as long as 24 hours. That is, since the storage mode is primarily intended to keep tableware in a pleasant condition for a long time, it can be set to be much longer than the duration of the drying process (S5).

[0400] If it is determined that the elapsed time in step S626 has not reached the preset designated time, the control unit (100) returns to the aforementioned step S623 and performs the hot air supply process (S623) and the moisture absorption drying process (S624) again.

[0401] That is, the present invention can be configured to repeatedly perform sterilization and moisture-absorbing drying through steam supply until the storage designated time (tda_ref) set by the user is reached during the storage mode. Through this, tableware can be stored for a long time in a comfortable and sterilized state with the tub (20) closed inside the washing space (21), thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[0402] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S626 that the elapsed time has reached a preset storage designated time (tda_ref), the control unit (100) terminates the capillary mode process. (S627)

[0403] Although not illustrated, the control unit (100) may generate a visual alarm or an auditory alarm containing information that the selected washing course and storage mode have been completed through a display (33) or an audio output unit, and provide this to the user.

[0404] FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration in which a storage mode using steam alone is carried out as the third embodiment (2-3rd embodiment) of the second embodiment.

[0405] Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit (100) can first receive an option selection operation from a user who wishes to proceed with storage mode independently through an input means such as a button unit (34), and can receive a signal regarding the selected option from the input means in response. (S631)

[0406] In step S631, when a signal is received indicating that the user has selected to proceed with the exclusive storage mode, the control unit (100) receives an output signal from the door position sensor (361) or the safety sensor (363) to check whether the door (30) is currently in the closed position. (S632)

[0407] If it is confirmed in step S632 that the door (30) is in a partially open position, the control unit (100) can proceed with step (S632) of moving the door (30) to a closed position by operating the door automatic opening module (352).

[0408] As described above, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) to a closed position while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0409] Meanwhile, if it is confirmed in step S632 that the door (30) is in the closed position, the control unit (100) performs a step (S634) of checking whether the absorbent (85) is currently in a moisture-absorbed state or a dried state (regenerated state) before operating the moisture-absorbing drying device (80).

[0410] At this time, the control unit (100) can check the state of the absorbent (85) by calling information stored in memory and checking which course the washing course performed immediately before is through the stored information.

[0411] If the washing course performed immediately prior does not include a drying step (S5), or if the washing course performed immediately prior includes a hot air supply step and the moisture absorption drying process is not performed after the hot air supply step, the control unit (100) determines that the current absorbent (85) is in a dried state (regenerated state), and in other cases, determines that the current absorbent (85) is in a moisture-absorbing state.

[0412] In step S634, if it is determined that the current absorbent (85) is in a dried state (regenerated state), the control unit (100) supplies power to the washing pump (45) and the washing water heater (47) to turn on the washing pump (45) and the washing water heater (47), respectively, and thereby provides the heated washing water to the washing space of the tub (20) to perform the step (S635) of proceeding with the heated rinsing process.

[0413] Step S635 can be performed similarly to the heat rinse cycle (S4) included in the standard wash course or general wash course. However, since the dishes currently stored in the wash space (21) have already been washed and rinsed, the operating mode can be set to have a lower operating temperature and a shorter operating time than the heat rinse cycle (S4) included in the standard wash course or general wash course.

[0414] Through this, moisture can be supplied to the internal cleaning space (21) of the tub (20), and the supplied moisture can be evaporated in the subsequent hot air supply process and used as high-temperature steam, and can be absorbed through the absorbent (85) in the subsequent moisture absorption drying process.

[0415] When step S635 is completed according to a preset operating mode, the control unit (100) supplies power to the regenerative heater (831) to turn on the regenerative heater (831) and supplies power to the fan motor (825) to turn on the fan motor (825) to perform step (S636) of carrying out the hot air supply process.

[0416] In this way, as both the regenerative heater (831) and the fan motor (825) are turned on, the hot air supply process can be initiated, and a high-temperature airflow containing high-temperature steam can be generated through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0417] Step S636 can be operated in the same operating mode as Step S623 of the aforementioned 2-2 embodiment. Therefore, the description of redundant content is omitted.

[0418] When the hot air supply process is completed according to the preset operating mode in step S636, the control unit (100) cuts off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to switch the regeneration heater (831) to a turned-off state, and the fan motor (825) maintains a turned-on state to perform step (S637) of switching the operation of the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) to a moisture-absorbing drying process.

[0419] In this way, the regenerative heater (831) is switched to the turn-off state and the fan motor (825) is switched to the turn-on state, so that the process can be switched to the moisture-absorbing drying process, and a low-temperature drying air stream is generated and supplied into the interior of the tub (20) so that drying of the tableware can proceed.

[0420] Step S637 can be operated in the same operating mode as Step S624 of the aforementioned 2-2 embodiment. Therefore, the description of redundant content is omitted.

[0421] When step S637 is completed according to a preset operating mode, the control unit (100) performs a step (S638) of checking whether the additional elapsed time (tda) from the start of the hot air supply process to the completion of the moisture absorption drying process has reached a storage designated time (tda_ref) preset by the user.

[0422] Here, the preset storage time (tda_ref) can be set from 1 hour to as long as 24 hours, just like in the aforementioned 2-2 embodiment.

[0423] If it is determined in step S638 that the additional elapsed time (tda) has not reached the preset storage designated time (tda_ref), the control unit (100) returns to the aforementioned step S636 and repeats the hot air supply process and the moisture absorption drying process.

[0424] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S638 that the additional elapsed time (tda) has reached the preset storage designated time (tda_ref), the control unit (100) performs the step (S639) of terminating the capillary mode.

[0425] Although not illustrated, the control unit (100) may generate a visual alarm or an auditory alarm containing information that the selected washing course and storage mode have been completed through a display (33) or an audio output unit, and provide this to the user.

[0426] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the current absorbent (85) is in a state of being absorbed in the aforementioned step S634, the control unit (100) may skip the aforementioned step S635 and proceed directly to step S636.

[0427] Since the absorbent (85) already contains moisture, additional moisture supply is unnecessary, so the control unit (100) can proceed with step S636 and subsequent steps to perform a storage mode for tableware.

[0428] FIG. 23 illustrates a step (S64) of a storage mode that does not use steam, which is included according to the user's option selection, as part of a washing course in the fourth embodiment (2-4th embodiment) of the second embodiment, after the completion of the drying process (S5), with the tub (20) partially open.

[0429] Referring to FIG. 23, when the drying process (S5) is completed according to the above process, the control unit (100) performs a step (S641) of determining whether the storage mode proceed option is included in the user's option selection.

[0430] In step S641, if it is confirmed that the user's selection option includes a storage mode proceeding option, the control unit (100) supplies power to the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) while the tub (20) is partially open, thereby turning on the fan motor (825) and the regeneration heater (831) to start the hot air supply process (step S642).

[0431] In this way, as the door (30) is moved to a partially open position in step S642 and the hot air supply process is initiated with the tub (20) open, the moisture absorbed by the desiccant (85) can be evaporated and dried or regenerated, and the evaporated moisture can be discharged to the outside through the open tub (20).

[0432] When step S642 is completed and drying and regeneration of the absorbent (85) is finished, the control unit (100) can proceed to step (S643) of moving the door (30) to a closed position by operating the door automatic opening module (352).

[0433] As described above, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) to a closed position while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0434] When the door (30) is moved to the closed position in step S643, the control unit (100) can cut off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to turn off the regeneration heater (831) and perform the step (S644) of switching to the moisture absorption drying process.

[0435] In this way, as the regenerative heater (831) is switched to the turn-off state and the fan motor (825) is maintained in the turn-on state, the process of supplying hot air can be switched to the moisture-absorbing drying process, and a low-temperature drying air stream is generated and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), thereby allowing moisture-absorbing drying of the tableware to proceed.

[0436] When the moisture absorption drying process is completed according to the preset conditions in step S644, the control unit (100) can perform step (S645) of starting power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to turn the regeneration heater (831) back on and start the hot air supply process.

[0437] In this way, as both the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825) are turned on, the hot air supply process can be initiated. However, since the drying and regeneration of the absorbent (85) is completed in the aforementioned step S642, unlike the aforementioned embodiments, a high-temperature, dry airflow that does not contain steam is generated through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) in step S645 and supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0438] The hot air supply process carried out in S645 can be carried out under the same time and temperature conditions as the hot air supply process carried out in the aforementioned drying process (S230), except that steam is not generated.

[0439] When step S625 is completed according to the preset operating mode, the control unit (100) checks whether the additional elapsed time (tda) from the start of the moisture absorption drying process to the completion of the hot air supply process has reached the storage designated time (tda_ref) preset by the user during the option selection process. (S647)

[0440] As described above, the preset designated time can be set from 1 hour to as long as 24 hours. That is, since the storage mode is primarily intended to keep tableware in a pleasant condition for a long time, it can be set to be much longer than the duration of the drying process (S5).

[0441] If it is determined that the elapsed time in step S647 has not reached the preset designated time, the control unit (100) returns to the aforementioned step S644 and repeats the moisture absorption drying process (S644) and the hot air supply process (S645).

[0442] That is, the illustrated 2-4th embodiment may be configured to repeatedly supply high-temperature drying air and low-temperature drying air until the storage designated time (tda_ref) set by the user is reached during the storage mode process. Through this, the tableware can be stored for a long time in a dry environment with the tub (20) closed inside the washing space (21), thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[0443] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S647 that the additional elapsed time (tda) has reached the preset storage designated time (tda_ref), the control unit (100) cuts off the power supplied to the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825) to turn off both the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825), thereby terminating the process of the capillary mode. (S648)

[0444] In the same manner as the embodiments described above, the control unit (100) may generate a visual alarm or an auditory alarm containing information that the selected washing course and storage mode have been completed through a display (33) or an audio output unit, and provide this to the user.

[0445] FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration in which a storage mode that does not use steam is carried out alone as the third embodiment (2-5th embodiment) of the second embodiment.

[0446] Referring to FIG. 24, the control unit (100) can first receive an option selection operation from a user who wishes to proceed with storage mode independently through an input means such as a button unit (34), and can receive a signal regarding the selected option from the input means in response. (S651)

[0447] In step S651, when a signal is received indicating that the user has selected to proceed with the exclusive storage mode, the control unit (100) receives an output signal from the door position sensor (361) or the safety sensor (363) to check whether the door (30) is currently in the closed position. (S652)

[0448] When it is confirmed that the door (30) is in the closed position in step S652, the control unit (100) can perform step (S653) of starting power supply to the drive motor (3522) of the door lock / opening device (35) so that the door automatic opening module (352) moves the door (30) to the partially open position and partially opens the tub (20).

[0449] When the door (30) is moved to a partially open position in step S653, the control unit (100) supplies power to the fan motor (825) and the regenerative heater (831) while the tub (20) is partially open, thereby turning on the fan motor (825) and the regenerative heater (831) to start the hot air supply process (step S654).

[0450] In this way, as the door (30) is moved to a partially open position in step S654 and the hot air supply process is initiated with the tub (20) open, the moisture absorbed by the desiccant (85) can be evaporated and dried or regenerated, and the evaporated moisture can be discharged to the outside through the open tub (20).

[0451] When step S654 is completed and drying and regeneration of the absorbent (85) is finished, the control unit (100) can proceed to step (S655) of moving the door (30) to a closed position by operating the door automatic opening module (352).

[0452] As described above, the control unit (100) can close the tub (20) by driving the drive motor (3522) in the reverse direction to move the door (30) to a closed position while the door (30) is in a partially open position.

[0453] When the door (30) is moved to the closed position in step S655 and the tub (20) is closed, the control unit (100) can cut off the power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to turn off the regeneration heater (831), and maintain the power supply to the fan motor (825) to perform the step (S656) of carrying out the moisture absorption drying process.

[0454] In this way, as the regenerative heater (831) is switched to the turn-off state and the fan motor (825) is maintained in the turn-on state, the process of supplying hot air can be switched to the moisture-absorbing drying process, and a low-temperature drying air stream is generated and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), thereby allowing moisture-absorbing drying of the tableware to proceed.

[0455] When the moisture absorption drying process is completed according to the preset conditions in step S644, the control unit (100) can perform step (S657) of starting power supply to the regeneration heater (831) to turn the regeneration heater (831) back on and start the hot air supply process.

[0456] In this way, as both the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825) are turned on, the hot air supply process can be initiated. However, since the drying and regeneration of the absorbent (85) is completed in the aforementioned step S654, unlike the aforementioned embodiments, in step S657, a high-temperature, dry airflow that does not contain steam is generated through the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0457] The hot air supply process in S657 can be carried out under the same time and temperature conditions as the hot air supply process in the aforementioned drying process (S230), except that steam is not generated.

[0458] When step S657 is completed according to the preset operating mode, the control unit (100) checks whether the additional elapsed time (tda) from the start of the moisture absorption drying process to the completion of the hot air supply process has reached the storage designated time (tda_ref) preset by the user during the option selection process. (S658)

[0459] As with the embodiments described above, the preset designated time can be set from 1 hour to as long as 24 hours. That is, since the storage mode is primarily intended to keep tableware in a pleasant condition for a long time, it can be set to be much longer than the duration of the drying process (S5).

[0460] If it is determined that the elapsed time in step S658 has not reached the preset designated time, the control unit (100) returns to the aforementioned step S656 and repeats the moisture absorption drying process (S656) and the hot air supply process (S657).

[0461] That is, the illustrated 2-5th embodiment can be configured to repeatedly supply high-temperature drying air and low-temperature drying air until the storage designated time (tda_ref) set by the user is reached during the storage mode process, just like the 2-4th embodiment. Through this, the tableware can be stored for a long time in a dry environment with the tub (20) closed inside the washing space (21), thereby significantly improving user convenience.

[0462] In step S658, if it is determined that the additional elapsed time (tda) has reached the preset storage designated time (tda_ref), the control unit (100) cuts off the power supplied to the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825) to turn off both the regeneration heater (831) and the fan motor (825), thereby terminating the process of the capillary mode. (S659)

[0463] Meanwhile, if it is confirmed that the door (30) is in a partially open position in the aforementioned step S652, the step (S653) of moving the door (30) to a partially open position can be omitted because the tub (20) is currently in a partially open state, and the control unit (100) can proceed directly to the aforementioned step S654 to repeat the hot air supply process and moisture absorption drying process to proceed with the storage mode.

[0464] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; A door for opening and closing the above washing space; A moisture-absorbing drying device that absorbs moisture from the air discharged from the above tub and supplies it to the above tub; and A control unit that determines whether to operate the moisture-absorbing drying device after the completion of the drying process for the tableware according to the user's option selection; Includes, The above control unit is, A step of operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to a partially open position that partially opens the tub, thereby drying the tableware during the drying process; and A step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device after the drying process, depending on whether the above option is selected, while the door is moved to a closed position that closes the tub; A dishwasher that performs.

2. In Paragraph 1, The step of operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the partially open position to dry the tableware during the drying process is A step of drying the tableware by moving the door to the opening position after the moisture absorption drying process through the moisture absorption drying device has been initiated; A dishwasher including 3. In Paragraph 2, An automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the opening position to partially open the front of the washing space, or moves the door toward the closing position to close the washing space; Includes more, The above moisture-absorbing drying device is, The above moisture-absorbing absorbent; A blower fan that flows the air to form an airflow to be supplied to the absorbent; and A fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the above-mentioned blower fan; Includes, The step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the above moisture absorption drying process has commenced is, A step of supplying power to the above fan motor to initiate the above moisture absorption and drying process; A step of determining whether the elapsed time since power is supplied to the fan motor reaches a predetermined first set time; and When it is determined that the above elapsed time has reached the above predetermined first set time, a step of operating the above door automatic opening module to move the above door to the above partial opening position; A dishwasher including 4. In Paragraph 3, The step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the above moisture absorption drying process has commenced is, When the door is moved to the partial opening position, a step of determining whether the elapsed time reaches a preset drying time; and A step of terminating the moisture absorption drying process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor when it is determined that the above elapsed time has reached a preset drying time; A dishwasher that includes additional 5. In Paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which the first setting time is in the range of 10% to 50% of the preset drying time.

6. In Paragraph 2, An automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the partial opening position to partially open the front of the washing space, or moves the door toward the closed position to close the washing space; Includes more, The above moisture-absorbing drying device is, The above moisture-absorbing absorbent; A blower fan that flows the air to form an airflow to be supplied to the absorbent; and A fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the above-mentioned blower fan; Includes, The step of moving the door toward the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the above moisture absorption drying process has commenced is, A step of supplying power to the above fan motor to initiate the above moisture absorption and drying process; A step of determining whether the elapsed time since power is supplied to the above fan motor reaches a predetermined second set time; and If it is determined that the above elapsed time has reached the above predetermined second set time, the step of operating the above door automatic opening module to move the above door to the above partial opening position; A dishwasher including 7. In Paragraph 6, The above moisture-absorbing drying device is, A heater for heating the airflow to be supplied to the above-mentioned absorbent; Includes more, The step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the above moisture absorption drying process has commenced is, A step of supplying power to the heater to initiate a hot air supply process simultaneously with or after the door is moved to the partial opening position; A dishwasher that includes additional 8. In Paragraph 7, The step of moving the door to the partial opening position to dry the tableware after the above moisture absorption drying process has commenced is, After the above hot air supply process is initiated, a step of determining whether the elapsed time reaches a preset drying time; and A step of terminating the hot air supply process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor and the heater when it is determined that the above elapsed time has reached a preset drying time; A dishwasher that includes additional 9. In Paragraph 8, A dishwasher in which the second setting time is in the range of 50% to 80% of the preset drying time.

10. In Paragraph 1, An automatic door opening module that moves the door toward the partial opening position to partially open the front of the washing space, or moves the door toward the closed position to close the washing space; Includes more, The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position is, A step of moving the door to the closed position by operating the automatic door opening module while the door is in the partially open position; A dishwasher including 11. In Paragraph 10, The above moisture-absorbing drying device is, The above moisture-absorbing absorbent; A blower fan that flows the air to form an airflow to be supplied to the absorbent; A fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the above-mentioned blower fan; and A heater for heating the airflow to be supplied to the above-mentioned absorbent; Includes, The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position is, After the door is moved to the closed position, an additional drying option selection confirmation step for checking whether the option selection includes an additional drying progress option for the tableware; and If it is confirmed in the additional drying option selection confirmation step that an additional drying process option for the tableware is included, a step of supplying power to the fan motor to initiate an additional moisture absorption drying process; A dishwasher including 12. In Paragraph 11, The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position is, A step of determining whether the additional elapsed time since power is supplied to the above fan motor reaches a preset additional drying time; and A step of terminating the additional moisture absorption drying process by cutting off the power supplied to the fan motor when it is determined that the additional elapsed time has reached the preset additional drying time; A dishwasher that includes additional 13. In Paragraph 10, The above moisture-absorbing drying device is, The above moisture-absorbing absorbent; A blower fan that flows the air to form an airflow to be supplied to the absorbent; A fan motor that generates rotational driving force for the above-mentioned blower fan; and A regenerative heater that heats the airflow to be supplied to the above-mentioned desiccant; Includes, The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position is, After the door is moved to the closed position, a storage mode option selection confirmation step confirming whether the user's option selection includes a storage mode proceeding option for the tableware; If it is confirmed in the above storage mode option selection confirmation step that a storage mode proceeding option for the tableware is included, a step of supplying power to the fan motor and the regeneration heater to initiate an additional hot air supply process; and After the above additional hot air supply process is initiated, a step of cutting off the power supply to the regeneration heater and switching to an additional moisture absorption drying process; A dishwasher including 14. In Paragraph 13, The step of additionally operating the moisture-absorbing drying device while the door is moved to the closed position is, A step of determining whether the additional elapsed time since power is supplied to the fan motor reaches a preset storage designated time; A dishwasher that includes additional 15. In Paragraph 14, If it is determined that the above additional elapsed time has not reached the above preset storage designated time, the control unit is a dishwasher that repeats the above additional hot air supply process and the above additional moisture absorption drying process.

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