Patent Description:
A dishwasher may wash dirt such as food waste on washing objects such as the dishes or cooking utensils using detergent and washing water.

A washing course of the dishwasher may include a washing process of washing the washing object, a rinsing process of rinsing the washed object, and a drying process of drying the rinsed washing object. The processes are performed sequentially.

In the drying process, a process of evaporating the washing water (i.e., water) that is present at an outside of the washing object by increasing a temperature of a washing space may be performed. Based on that process, the washing object may be dried.

In this regard, a drying operation of a dishwasher in the prior art is described.

The prior art <NUM> is a dishwasher disclosed in <CIT>.

Referring to prior art <NUM>, the dishwasher in the related art introduces external air, heats the introduced air, discharges the heated air into a washing space thereof, and evaporates washing water (i.e., water) on a washing object using the discharged heated air. For the heating, the dishwasher in the related art includes a heater to heat external air.

In this case, high-temperature humid air may be generated during the evaporation of the washing water and pressure inside the washing space increases due to the high-temperature humid air. The high-temperature humid air may be discharged and the dishwasher in the related art includes an additional exhaust duct, a blowing fan, and the like to discharge the air.

However, a structure of the dishwasher becomes complicated due to the exhaust duct and the blowing fan. In addition, as the air heating operation and the operation of the blowing fan are simultaneously performed, the control of the drying process is also complicated. In addition, when the exhaust duct and the blowing fan are used, all of the air is not discharged and water condenses on a surface of the washing object or on the wall of a tub due to the humid air as time passes.

When the drying process is performed, the washing water on the washing object evaporates to generate humid air, and the generated humid air remains inside the washing space. The dishwasher of prior art <NUM> partially opens a door by a preset width using a locking plate and discharges the humid air by partially opening door. The door is partially opened during the drying process.

In addition, opening components for partially opening the door are also disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>, and humid air is discharged to the outside of the washing space using the components.

The rinsing process may perform an operation of rinsing the washing object using hot water and the temperature of the washing space increases due to spray of the hot water. In this case, the dishwasher in the related art performs a drying process by driving a heater after partially opening the door.

However, the temperature of the washing space is reduced by partially opening the door before the heater is driven. In this case, the washing object is not properly dried due to the reduced temperature of the washing space, thereby increasing an execution time period of the drying process.

That is, when the door is opened during the drying process, large heat loss may occur in the washing object and the washing space due to external air introduced into the dishwasher through the opened door. In addition, the temperature of the washing space may be maintained at a certain temperature or higher to perform the drying process. However, when the internal air of the washing space is excessively discharged through the door, the temperature of the washing space may become too low. In this case, the drying process thereof may not be efficiently performed. The heater and the fan may be operated at a high level to increase the temperature of the washing space, but in this case, a lot of power may be consumed and the execution time of the drying process may be lengthened.

That is, it is necessary to address the drying efficiency problem and the power problem by flexibly opening or closing the door in consideration of various parameters existing in the washing space, not by fixedly opening or closing the door according to a process sequence.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same improving efficiency of a drying process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same preventing condensation of washing water in the drying process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher having a simple structure and capable of discharging humid air present in a washing space using a simple control method, and a method for controlling the same.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, for preventing the washing object from being contaminated again by external contaminants after the drying process ends.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same for discharging high-temperature humid steam into a space between the door and the washing space by partially opening the door in the drying process and automatically close the door again after the drying process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, maintaining the temperature of the washing space at an appropriate drying temperature during the drying process ends.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, reducing a power required when increasing the temperature of the washing space to dry a washing object.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, reducing an execution time of the drying process.

One or more of these objects are solved by the features of the independent claims. The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned may be understood by the following description and more clearly understood based on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the objects and the advantages of the present invention can be realized by features described in claims and a combination thereof.

To address one or more of the above-described problems, the dishwasher according to the present invention may be configured to increase the temperature of the washing space before the air inside the washing space is discharged during the execution of the drying process.

Specifically, the air inside the washing space may be discharged to the outside of the washing space at a first time point of the drying process of the washing object. A heater may be turned on at a time point of the drying process before the first time point, thereby maintaining the temperature of the washing space at an appropriate drying temperature and improving the efficiency of the drying process.

In addition, the efficiency of the drying process may be improved similar to the above case by discharging the air inside the washing space and turning on the heater simultaneously at the first time point of the drying process of the washing object.

In addition, according to the present invention, the dishwasher may prevent condensation of washing water on a washing object or the wall of the washing space by discharging air inside the washing space during the execution of the drying process.

In addition, according to the present invention, the dishwasher may prevent recontamination of the washing object by automatically closing the door when the drying process ends.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing space, a door disposed on a front surface of the tub and configured to open or close the washing space, a rack disposed in the tub and configured to accommodate a washing object, and a heater configured to increase a temperature inside the washing space, wherein the air inside the washing space is discharged to an outside of the tub at a first time point in the drying process of the washing object and the heater is turned on at a time point of the drying process before the first time point.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing space, a door disposed on a front surface of the tub and configured to open or close the washing space, a heater configured to increase a temperature inside the washing space and a controller configured to control the dishwasher. The controller may be configured to perform a control method according to any one of the embodiments described in the present invention. The controller may be configured to control the dishwasher such that in the drying process the heater is turned before air inside the washing space is discharged to an outside of the tub, i.e. such that the air inside the washing space is discharged to an outside of the tub at a first time point in a drying process and the heater is turned on at a time point in the drying process before the first time point. A rack may be disposed in the tub and configured to accommodate a washing object.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing space, a door disposed on a front surface of the tub and configured to open or close the washing space, a rack disposed in the tub and configured to accommodate the washing object, a first fan configured to suction air to dry the washing space, a heater configured to heat the suctioned air, and a controller configured to control the dishwasher. The controller may be configured to perform a control method according to any one of the embodiments described in the present invention. The controller may be configured to control at least the fan, the heater, and the door. The controller may be configured to control the door to be partially opened, the first fan to be turned on, and the heater to be turned on simultaneously at the first time point of the drying process of the washing object.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a dishwasher, in particular a dishwasher according to any one of the embodiments described in the present invention, includes turning on, by a controller, a heater at time point A of a drying process, partially opening, by the controller, a door at time point B included in the drying process and being a time point after the time point A, and discharging air. Air inside the washing space may thus be discharged to an outside through the partially opened door.

One or more of these embodiments may include one or more of the following preferred features:
The dishwasher further includes a first fan configured to suction or provide external air in the drying process, e.g. to dry the washing object. The heater is configured to heat the suctioned or provided air. The heated air is discharged into the washing space to increase the temperature inside the washing space.

The door is closed at a time point before the first time point. The door is partially opened at the first time point, and air in the washing space is discharged to the outside of the tub through the partially open door. The door may be closed at an end time point of the drying process.

The dishwasher further includes a door driver configured to partially open the closed door and to close the partially opened door.

The partially opened door may be closed at a second time point after the first time point. The closed door may be opened again at a third time point after the second time point. The second time point and the third time point may be included in the drying process.

The first fan and the heater may be turned on simultaneously at a fourth time point before the first time point and the fourth time point may be included in the drying process.

The heater may be turned on at the fourth time point before the first time point. The first fan may be turned on at a fifth time point between the fourth time point and the first time point. The fourth time point and the fifth time point may be included in the drying process.

The heater may be turned on at the fourth time point before the first time point. The first fan may be turned on at the first time point. The fourth time point may be included in the drying process.

The dishwasher may further include an exhaust outlet configured to discharge air inside the washing space to an outside of the tub and a cover configured to open or close the exhaust outlet. When the cover is closed, the air inside the washing space may not be discharged to the outside of the tub. When the cover is opened, the air inside the washing space may be discharged to the outside of the tub. The cover may be opened at the first time point to discharge the air inside the washing space to the outside of the tub through the exhaust outlet.

The dishwasher may further include a second fan disposed inside the exhaust outlet and configured to discharge the air inside the washing space to an outside of the tub. The second fan may be turned on when the cover is opened and may be turned off when the cover is closed.

The exhaust outlet and the cover may each be disposed inside the door or at a portion of the tub.

The open cover may be closed at the second time point after the first time point. The closed cover may be opened again at the third time point after the second time point. The second time point and the third time point may be included in the drying process.

A rinsing process of the washing object using hot water may be performed before the drying process of the washing object. A heating level of the heater that is turned on at a time point before the first time point may be set based on the temperature of the washing space measured at an end time point of the rinsing process.

The heating level of the heater or the discharge of the air inside the washing space at the time point after the first time point is adjusted based on the temperature of the washing space measured at the time point after the first time point.

The heating level of the heater at the time point before the first time point may be a first heating level. When a temperature of the washing space measured at a sixth time point after the first time point is reduced to a first threshold temperature or less, the heating level of the heater at the sixth time point may be adjusted to a second heating level that is greater than the first heating level, and the sixth time point may be included in the drying process.

When the temperature of the washing space reaches a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature at a seventh time point after the sixth time point, the heating level of the heater may return to the first heating level and the seventh time point may be included in the drying process.

The air inside the washing space may not be discharged at the time point before the first time point. The air inside the washing space may be discharged at the first time point. If the temperature of the washing space measured at the sixth time point after the first time point is reduced to a first threshold temperature or less, the air inside the washing space may not be discharged, and the sixth time point may be included in the drying process. That is, the air inside the washing space may not be discharged, based on the temperature of the washing space measured at the sixth time point after the first time point being reduced to a first threshold temperature or less.

When the temperature of the washing space reaches a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature at a seventh time point after the sixth time point, the air inside the washing space may be discharged again, and the seventh time point may be included in the drying process.

According to the present invention, the temperature of the washing space may be maintained at an appropriate drying temperature during the drying process of the dishwasher.

According to the present invention, the efficiency of the drying process may be improved based on the appropriately-maintained drying temperature of the washing space.

Further, according to the present invention, the dishwasher may reduce the power used to increase the temperature of the washing space.

Further, according to the present invention, the dishwasher may reduce the execution time period of the drying process.

Hereafter, further effects of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, are described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present invention.

Some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains may easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, a detailed description of the known technology relating to the present invention may be omitted if it unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Same reference numerals may be used to refer to same or similar component in the figures.

It is understood that, the terms "first", "second", and the like may be used herein to describe various components, however, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, a first component may be a second component unless otherwise stated.

Hereinafter, when any component is arranged at "an upper portion (or a lower portion)" of the component or "on (or under") of the component, any component may be arranged in contact with an upper surface (or a lower surface) of the component, and another component may be disposed between the component and any component arranged on (or under) the component.

Further, the terms "connected," "coupled," or the like are used such that, where a first component is connected or coupled to a second component, the first component may be directly connected or able to be connected to the second component, or one or more additional components may be disposed between the first and second components, or the first and second components may be connected or coupled through one or more additional components.

Unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural throughout the invention.

In the present invention, it should not be construed that terms such as "including" or "comprising" necessarily include various types of components or various steps described in the present invention, and it should be construed terms such as "including" or "comprising" do not include some components or some steps or may include additional components or steps.

In the present invention, unless otherwise stated, "A and/or B" means A, B, or both. Unless otherwise stated, "C to D" means "C or more and D or less".

Hereinafter, a dishwasher according to some embodiments of the present invention is described.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example dishwasher when viewed from an upper right side. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an example dishwasher.

A structure of a dishwasher <NUM> is described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

A case <NUM> defines an outer appearance of the dishwasher <NUM> and includes an upper space <NUM> and a lower space <NUM>.

A tub <NUM> is disposed in the upper space <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The tub <NUM> may have a hexahedral shape with an open front surface. However, the shape of the tub <NUM> is not limited thereto, and the tub <NUM> may have various shapes.

The tub <NUM> includes a washing space <NUM> configured to accommodate washing objects (e.g., the dishes, cooking utensils, and the like). In addition, the tub <NUM> includes a connection hole <NUM> at a bottom thereof to introduce washing water into a sump <NUM>.

A door <NUM> is disposed on a front surface of the tub <NUM> and opens or closes the washing space <NUM>.

<FIG> show a dishwasher <NUM> including a first-stage door <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the dishwasher <NUM> including a multi-stage door <NUM> may be used in the present invention.

The door <NUM> has at least one of an open state, a partially open state, or a closed state.

The open state is an arrangement state of the door <NUM> when an entrance of a washing space <NUM> is completely opened. When the door <NUM> is in the open state, the user may accommodate the washing object in the completely opened washing space <NUM>.

The closed state is an arrangement state of the door <NUM> when the entrance of the washing space <NUM> is completely closed. When the door <NUM> is in the closed state, operations such as a washing process and a rinsing process may be performed on the washing object.

The partially open state is an arrangement state of the door <NUM> when the entrance of the washing space <NUM> is partially opened. When the door <NUM> is partially open, humid air in the washing space <NUM> is discharged to an outside of the washing space <NUM>, that is, to an outer space of the tub <NUM>.

The partially open state is a fixed state. That is, if an external force is not applied, the door <NUM> maintains the partially open state.

Meanwhile, although not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a door driver is disposed on at least a portion of the door <NUM> and the case <NUM> to open or close the door <NUM>, in particular, partially open the door <NUM>.

The door driver may include a motor and the like and partially opens the closed door <NUM> or closes the partially open door <NUM>. That is, a first operation of partially opening the closed door <NUM> and a second operation of closing the partially opened door <NUM> are performed by the door driver, not by an external force of the user. The door driver to perform the first operation and the second operation may be used for the present invention.

<FIG> shows an example of a door driver <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the door driver <NUM> is disposed at an upper portion of a tub <NUM>.

The door driver <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, an opening bar <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, and a transmission stage <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> defines an outer appearance of the door driver <NUM>.

The open bar <NUM> may be a push-type open bar and is moved by the motor <NUM>. A driving force of the motor <NUM> is transmitted through the transmission stage <NUM>.

A rotational axis of a shaft of the motor <NUM> extends in parallel to a moving direction of the open bar <NUM>. That is, the open bar <NUM> moves forward and rearward along an opening or closing direction of the door <NUM>.

A protrusion <NUM> is defined at an end of the open bar <NUM> and a locking portion <NUM> is defined on an upper surface of the door <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> is engaged with the protrusion <NUM> defined at the end of the open bar <NUM>.

The arrangement state of the door <NUM> according to an open length of the open bar <NUM> is described as follows.

When the opening bar <NUM> is adjacent to the end of the housing <NUM> and is not opened, the door <NUM> is closed. In this case, the protrusion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> are engaged with each other.

When the opening bar <NUM> is opened by a first opening length, the protrusion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> remain engaged. In this case, the door <NUM> is partially opened.

When the opening bar <NUM> is opened by the first opening length or more, the engaged state of the protrusion <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> is released by gravity. In this case, the door <NUM> is completely open.

The structure of the dishwasher <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> again.

A sump <NUM> is disposed under a bottom of the tub <NUM>, that is, in a lower space <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The sump <NUM> stores the washing water and collects the washing water that has washed the washing object.

The sump <NUM> is connected to a water supply flow path <NUM> through which washing water supplied from an external water source flows. In addition, the water supply valve <NUM> flows the washing water supplied from the external water source through the water supply flow path <NUM> to the sump <NUM>. When the water supply valve <NUM> is opened, the washing water supplied from the external water source is introduced into the sump <NUM> through the water supply flow path <NUM>.

The water supply flow path <NUM> includes a flow meter <NUM>. The flow meter <NUM> measures a flow rate of the washing water flowing to the sump <NUM>.

A plurality of racks <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed in the washing space <NUM> to store washing objects such as the dishes and bottles.

The plurality of racks <NUM> and <NUM> may include a lower rack <NUM> disposed at a lower portion of the washing space <NUM> and an upper rack <NUM> disposed at an upper portion of the washing space <NUM>. The lower rack <NUM> and the upper rack <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, may slid forward the tub <NUM>, and may be taken out. The user may store the washing object in the taken-out lower rack <NUM> and upper rack <NUM>.

The washing pump <NUM> is connected to the sump <NUM> through a water collecting flow path <NUM>. The washing pump <NUM> supplies the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to a plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> through the spray arm connection flow paths <NUM> and <NUM>.

The washing pump <NUM> may include a pump body <NUM> coupled inside the case <NUM>, a partition wall <NUM> configured to divide an inner space of the pump body <NUM> into a first pump space <NUM> and a second pump space <NUM> in the pump body <NUM>, a partition wall through-hole <NUM> defined in the partition wall <NUM> and to communicate the first pump space <NUM> with the second pump space <NUM>, and an impeller <NUM> disposed in the second pump space <NUM>.

The first pump space <NUM> is connected to the sump <NUM> through a pump inlet <NUM> to pass through the pump body <NUM> and the second pump space <NUM> is connected to a washing water supply flow path <NUM> and a steam hose <NUM> through a pump discharger <NUM> to pass through the pump body <NUM>.

An impeller <NUM> is rotated by a washing motor <NUM> coupled to the pump body <NUM> and a rotary shaft of the washing motor <NUM> is connected to the impeller <NUM> through an upper surface of the pump body <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a heater <NUM> is disposed on a bottom surface of the first pump space <NUM>. When the pump body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape with an open lower surface, the heater <NUM> may form the bottom surface of the first pump space <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may include a heating plate <NUM> configured to define a bottom surface of the first pump space <NUM> and a first heater <NUM> coupled to the heating plate <NUM> and disposed at an outside of the first pump space <NUM>. The heating plate <NUM> may be made of metal to facilitate heat transfer.

In short, the first heater <NUM> is coupled to a lower side of the washing pump <NUM> to heat the washing water in the washing pump <NUM>. When the washing pump <NUM> is driven, the first heater <NUM> heats the washing water flowing inside the washing pump <NUM> to generate hot water. The first heater <NUM> generates steam by heating the washing water present in the washing pump <NUM> while maintaining a level of the washing water present in the washing pump <NUM> at a predetermined level or higher. For example, the first heater <NUM> may generate steam by heating the washing water present in the washing pump <NUM> when the washing pump <NUM> is driven, or may generate steam by heating the washing water stored in the washing pump <NUM> when the washing pump <NUM> stops driving. The hot water generated by the first heater <NUM> is sprayed into the tub <NUM> through at least one of a plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In addition, the steam generated by the first heater <NUM> flows along the steam hose <NUM> and is discharged into the washing space <NUM> through a steam nozzle <NUM>.

A check valve is disposed within the water collecting flow path <NUM>, that is, between the sump <NUM> and the washing pump <NUM>. The check valve opens toward the washing pump <NUM> from the sump <NUM>. That is, the check valve is opened to flow the washing water from the sump <NUM> to the washing pump <NUM> and is closed to block flow of the washing water from the washing pump <NUM> to the sump <NUM>. In other words, when the washing pump <NUM> is driven and the washing water flows, the check valve is opened, and when the washing pump <NUM> stops driving and the washing water does not flow, the check valve is closed. The check valve is opened by rotating a lower portion thereof about an upper portion thereof based on flow pressure of the washing water in the washing pump <NUM>. For example, the check valve may be a solenoid valve that is opened or closed based on an electronic signal.

When the washing pump <NUM> is driven, the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> flows into the washing pump <NUM> through the water collecting flow path <NUM> and the introduced washing water is transmitted to a first changing valve <NUM> through the washing water supply flow path <NUM>.

In addition to the first changing valve <NUM>, a second changing valve <NUM> selectively supplies the washing water transferred by the washing pump <NUM> to the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. That is, the changing valves <NUM> and <NUM> selectively connect the washing pump <NUM> to the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> spray the washing water into the washing space <NUM>. The plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a lower spray arm <NUM>, an upper spray arm <NUM>, and a top spray arm <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction.

The changing valves <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the spray arm connecting flow paths <NUM> and <NUM> to supply the washing water to the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The spray arm connecting flow paths <NUM> and <NUM> include a lower spray arm connection flow path <NUM> to supply washing water to the lower spray arm <NUM> and an upper spray arm connection flow path <NUM> to supply washing water to the upper spray arm <NUM> and the top spray arm <NUM>.

The lower spray arm <NUM> is disposed at a lowermost side of the washing space <NUM> and sprays the washing water from the lower side to the upper side toward the lower rack <NUM>. The upper spray arm <NUM> is disposed above the lower spray arm <NUM> at a middle portion of the washing space <NUM> and sprays the washing water from the lower side to the upper side toward the upper rack <NUM>. The top spray arm <NUM> is disposed at an uppermost side of the washing space <NUM> and sprays the washing water from the top to the bottom.

A drain flow path <NUM> is connected to the sump <NUM>. The drain flow path <NUM> transfers the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside of the dishwasher <NUM>.

A drain pump <NUM> drains the washing water in the sump <NUM> through the drain flow path <NUM>. The drain pump <NUM> includes a drain motor to generate a rotational force. When the drain pump <NUM> operates, the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the case <NUM> through the drain flow path <NUM>.

A filter <NUM> is inserted into the connection hole <NUM> to filter dirt from the washing water flowing from the washing space <NUM> to the sump <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the dishwasher <NUM> may further include a controller.

The controller controls driving of components of the dishwasher <NUM> and controls the operation of the dishwasher <NUM>. The controller may be a processor-based device. The processor may include at least one of a central processing unit, an application processor, or a communication processor.

The controller controls the water supply valve <NUM>, the washing pump <NUM>, the drain pump <NUM>, and the changing valves <NUM> and <NUM> to wash the washing object. In this case, the controller controls the driving of the components of the dishwasher <NUM> to perform the washing process, the rinsing process, and the drying process.

The washing process includes a preliminary washing process and a main washing process.

The preliminary washing process is a process of preliminarily removing the dirt adhered to the washing object by spraying the washing water to the washing object.

The controller controls the water supply valve <NUM> to supply the washing water to the sump <NUM> from the external water source. In addition, the controller controls the washing pump <NUM> to transfer the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> and controls the changing valves <NUM> and <NUM> to spray the washing water through the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The sprayed washing water drops the dirt adhered to the washing object to the bottom of the tub <NUM> and the dirt is collected in the filter <NUM>. The controller controls the drain pump <NUM> to drain the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside.

The main washing process is a main process of the dishwasher <NUM> of spraying the heated washing water to the washing object to remove the dirt adhered to the washing object.

The controller controls the water supply valve <NUM> to supply the washing water to the sump <NUM> from the external water source. In addition, the controller controls the first heater <NUM> to heat the washing water and controls the washing pump <NUM> to spray the heated washing water through the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In addition, the controller controls the drain pump <NUM> to drain the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside.

The rinsing process is a process of removing residual dirt adhered to the washing object.

The controller controls the water supply valve <NUM> to supply the washing water to the sump <NUM> from the external water source. In addition, the controller controls the washing pump <NUM> to spray the washing water from the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The controller controls the drain pump <NUM> to drain the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside.

In this case, the rinsing process may be a heating rinsing process. The controller controls the first heater <NUM> to heat the washing water and controls the washing pump <NUM> to spray the heated washing water from the at least one of the plurality of spray arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The drying process is a process of drying the washing object with the washing water. The controller increases the temperature of the washing space <NUM> to dry the washing object. For the drying, a drying device is disposed in the dishwasher <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example drying device.

Referring to <FIG>, the drying device may be a hot air device <NUM>.

The hot air device <NUM> includes an air inlet <NUM>, a flow path duct <NUM>, an air discharge outlet <NUM>, a first fan <NUM>, and a second heater <NUM>.

The air inlet <NUM> is defined at a side of a case <NUM> and communicates an outer space of the dishwasher <NUM> with flow path duct <NUM>. Air outside the dishwasher <NUM> is introduced through the air inlet <NUM>.

The flow path duct <NUM> guides the hot air to the washing space <NUM>. A first end of the flow path duct <NUM> is connected to the air inlet <NUM> and a second end of the flow path duct <NUM> is connected to the air discharge outlet <NUM>. The first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> are each disposed inside the flow path duct <NUM>.

The air discharge outlet <NUM> is a discharge outlet through which the heated air flowing through the flow path duct <NUM> is discharged to the washing space <NUM>. The air discharge outlet <NUM> may be defined at a side of the tub <NUM>.

The first fan <NUM> is disposed at the first end of the flow path duct <NUM> adjacent to the air inlet <NUM> and introduces air outside the dishwasher <NUM> into the flow path duct <NUM>. That is, the air outside the dishwasher <NUM> is more introduced into the flow path duct <NUM> using the first fan <NUM>.

The operation of the first fan <NUM> may be controlled by the controller. For example, when the process of the dishwasher <NUM> is a washing process or a rinsing process, the controller may turn off the first fan <NUM>. As another example, when the process of the dishwasher <NUM> is a drying process, the controller turns on the first fan <NUM>.

The second heater <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the first fan <NUM> and heats the outside air.

For example, a distance between the air inlet <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> may be larger than a distance between the air inlet <NUM> and the first fan <NUM>. That is, the second heater <NUM> may be disposed inside the flow path duct <NUM> than the first fan <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the distance between the air inlet <NUM> and the first fan <NUM> may be larger than the distance between the air inlet <NUM> and the second heater <NUM>.

Air outside of the dishwasher <NUM> is introduced into the flow path duct <NUM> through the first fan <NUM>, the introduced air is heated by the second heater <NUM> and is discharged to the washing space <NUM>, and the temperature inside the washing space <NUM> is increased based on the heated temperature. In this case, the washing water present on the washing object is evaporated to dry the washing object.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example second heater <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an example second heater <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second heater <NUM> includes heater cases <NUM> and <NUM>, a heating wire <NUM>, and a fuse <NUM>.

The heater cases <NUM> and <NUM> accommodate the heating wire <NUM> and define an outer appearance of the second heater <NUM>.

The heating wire <NUM> heats the outside air to dry the washing object.

When the heating wire <NUM> is overheated, the fuse <NUM> short-circuits a power supplied to the heating wire <NUM>.

The fuse <NUM> includes a pair of leads 506a arranged in parallel to each other and connected to the heating wire <NUM> and a temperature sensing fuse 506b connected between the pair of leads 506a and to measure a temperature of air.

When the surrounding air is overheated to a set temperature or higher, the temperature sensing fuse 506b detects the overheating thereof and short-circuits to cut off a power of the heating wire <NUM>. The fuse <NUM> including the temperature sensing fuse 506b may be disposed adjacent to the air discharge outlet <NUM> through which air heated by the heating wire <NUM> is discharged. That is, when the fuse <NUM> is provided at a position adjacent to an air discharge outlet <NUM>, as the air around the air discharge outlet <NUM> is heated by the heating wire <NUM>, the temperature sensing fuse 506b may detect the temperature of the heated air.

The heater cases <NUM> and <NUM> include a cover <NUM> defining an outer appearance and a heating wire accommodating housing <NUM> disposed inside the cover <NUM> to accommodate the heating wire <NUM>.

An air inlet <NUM> is defined at a first side of the cover <NUM> to introduce external air of the cover <NUM> and an air discharge outlet <NUM> is defined at a second side of the cover <NUM> to discharge the inner air of the cover <NUM> to outside.

The heating wire <NUM> is connected to an external power source, generates heat to heat the surrounding air, and may be wound around the heating wire accommodating housing <NUM> with different height differences.

Specifically, the heating wire receiving housing <NUM> includes vertical insulators 502b arranged perpendicularly at an interior of the dishwasher <NUM> and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. In addition, the heating wire accommodating housing <NUM> further includes a horizontal insulator 502c arranged horizontally and connected to the vertical insulator 502b.

A plurality of heating wire accommodating grooves 502a are defined at an upper portion and a lower portion of the vertical insulator 502b and extend inward from an end of the vertical insulator 502b to accommodate and wound the heating wire <NUM>. The heating wire <NUM> is inserted into the heating wire accommodating groove 502a and wound in zigzag pattern, and is accommodated in the heating wire accommodating housing <NUM> in a coil shape.

The heating wire accommodating grooves 502a may have different height differences and may extend inward. The heating wire accommodating grooves 502a do not have a same height, but have different heights, the heating wire <NUM> do not have a same radius, but have different radii, and extend inward the vertical insulator 502b from the end of the vertical insulator 502b.

<FIG> is a plane view showing a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the drying device may be a heating wire <NUM> disposed inside a washing space <NUM>.

Specifically, a circular heating wire <NUM> may be disposed on a bottom of a tub <NUM>. A temperature inside the washing space <NUM> is increased based on a radiant heat emitted from the heating wire <NUM>. Based on the increased temperature, washing water present on a washing object is evaporated to dry the washing object. In this case, a first fan <NUM> is not disposed in the drying device.

Meanwhile, in <FIG>, the heating wire <NUM> is disposed on the bottom of the tub <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heating wire <NUM> may be disposed on the ceiling of the tub <NUM> or inner surfaces of the tub <NUM>.

When hot water generated using a first heater <NUM> is used in a washing process and a rinsing process, a temperature inside a washing space <NUM> is increased and washing water present on a washing object is evaporated, thereby generating humid air in the washing space <NUM>. In addition, when the drying process is performed, the temperature inside the washing space <NUM> is increased by a second heater <NUM> or a heating wire <NUM>, the washing water present on the washing object is evaporated to dry the washing object. Based on the evaporation, humid air is generated in the washing space <NUM>.

In this case, the humid air is discharged for efficient execution of the drying process.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humid air in the washing space <NUM> is discharged by partially opening a door <NUM>. This is as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example of air in a washing space being discharged.

A door <NUM> is closed in a washing process and a rinsing process. Therefore, humid air is not discharged to outside in the washing process and the rinsing process. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, when the drying process starts, the door <NUM> is partially opened at an initial time point of the drying process. That is, during the drying process, a temperature of a washing space <NUM> is increased by a second heater <NUM> and the door <NUM> is partially opened at a first time point to discharge the humid air.

In this case, the partial opening of the door <NUM> is not a manual opening operation by an external force of a user, but is an operation performed by a door driver disposed on at least a portion of the door <NUM> and a case <NUM>.

When the drying process ends, a state of the door <NUM> is changed from the partially open state to a closed state, thereby preventing recontamination of a washed object due to dust and the like.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust outlet is defined at a portion of a tub <NUM> or inside the door <NUM>, and humid air in the washing space <NUM> may be discharged through the exhaust outlet. This configuration is as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another example of air in a washing space being discharged.

Referring to <FIG>, an exhaust outlet <NUM>, a second fan <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> are each disposed at an upper end of a tub <NUM>, and a dishwasher <NUM> does not include a door driver. In addition, the dishwasher <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the dishwasher <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, except for the exhaust outlet <NUM>, the second fan <NUM>, and the cover <NUM>.

The exhaust outlet <NUM> exhausts the humid air inside a washing space <NUM> to an outside of the tub <NUM>. The exhaust outlet <NUM> passes through a portion of the tub <NUM> to communicate an inner space of the washing space <NUM> with an outer space of the tub <NUM>.

The second fan <NUM> is disposed inside the exhaust outlet <NUM> and discharges the humid air inside the washing space <NUM> to the outside of the tub <NUM>. That is, more humid air inside the washing space <NUM> is discharged to the outside space using the second fan <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> opens or closes the exhaust outlet <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be disposed at an end adjacent to an inner surface of the tub <NUM> among both ends of the exhaust outlet <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the cover <NUM> is closed, the humid air inside the washing space <NUM> is not discharged to the outside of the tub <NUM>, and when the cover <NUM> is open, the humid air inside the washing space <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the tub <NUM>. That is, when the cover <NUM> is opened, the second fan <NUM> is turned on and the humid air inside the washing space <NUM> is discharged, and when the cover <NUM> is closed, the second fan <NUM> is turned on and the humid air inside the washing space <NUM> is not discharged.

In this case, the cover <NUM> may be opened or closed and the second fan <NUM> may be turned on/off simultaneously or individually. When the cover <NUM> is opened or closed and the second fan <NUM> is turned on/off simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the second fan <NUM> from being turned on meaninglessly and reduce power consumption thereof.

Meanwhile, a motor to operate the second fan <NUM> and the cover <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>, but may be further disposed in a dishwasher <NUM>.

A drying process is a process of drying a washing object with washing water and includes a process of discharging air inside a washing space <NUM> to outside.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> are described with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example electronic system to execute a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the electronic system to perform the drying process of the dishwasher <NUM> according to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> and may be included in the dishwasher <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a controller <NUM> controls a door driver <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, and a second heater <NUM>, and is communicatively connected to a temperature sensor <NUM>.

The door driver <NUM> controls an open/closed state of a door <NUM>. The motor <NUM> drives a first fan <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> is disposed in a washing space <NUM> to measure a temperature of the washing space <NUM> and transmits temperature information to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be a processor-based device, for example a microcomputer.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, each step is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The contents of the dishwasher <NUM> described in <FIG> and <FIG> above may be applied to <FIG>. In addition, it is assumed that a washing process and a rinsing process were performed before the drying process, and a door <NUM> is closed and a first fan <NUM> and a second heater <NUM> are turned off at an end time point of the rinsing process.

A controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> at time point A1 (S1110).

The time point A1 may be a start time point of the drying process. That is, the controller <NUM> may turn on the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> at the start time point of the drying process. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the time point A1 may be a time point close to the start time point of the drying process.

Specifically, as the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> are turned on, air outside the dishwasher <NUM> is introduced into a flow path duct <NUM> through an air inlet <NUM> and the introduced external air is heated by the second heater <NUM>. The heated air is guided by the flow path duct <NUM> and is discharged into the washing space <NUM> through an air discharge outlet <NUM>. A temperature of the washing space <NUM> is increased based pm the heated air and the washing object is dried.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> is adjusted based on the temperature of the washing space <NUM>. That is, the temperature sensor <NUM> may measure the temperature of the washing space <NUM>, transmit the measured temperature information to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> adjusts the heating level of the second heater <NUM> at time point A1 based on the measured temperature thereof.

For example, the controller <NUM> may adjust the heating level of the second heater <NUM> in inverse proportion to the measured temperature thereof. That is, when the temperature of the washing space <NUM> has a first temperature value, the heating level of the second heater <NUM> may be set to a first level, and when the temperature of the washing space <NUM> has a second temperature value that is greater than the first temperature value, the heating level of the second hater <NUM> may be set to a second level that is less than the firs level.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> at time point A2 (S1120).

In this case, the time point A2 is a time point after the time point A1. For example, the time point A2 may be a time point close to the start time point of the drying process. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, when the temperature of the washing space <NUM> increases due to the discharge of the heated air, the washing water present on the outside of the washing object evaporates, and the internal air of the washing space <NUM> is humidified by the evaporated air. When the humidified air is present in the washing space <NUM>, drying efficiency thereof is reduced. To prevent the above issue, the controller <NUM> controls the door driver to partially open the door <NUM> at the time point A2, and the humid air is discharged to the partially opened door <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1130). The washing object is prevented from being contaminated again due to the dust or the like by closing the door <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1130 is not performed.

Hereinafter, the drying process of the dishwasher in the related art and the drying process of the dishwasher <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention are compared as follows.

According to a conventional dishwasher, when the rinsing process ends, the door that was closed is partially opened at the start of the drying process, and then the fan and the heater turns on. In this case, the temperature of the washing space is reduced by partially opening the door and efficiency of the drying process is reduced based on the reduced temperature of the washing space. Moreover, since the heater is preheated while the door is partially opened, as the preheating time increases, the amount of the external air flowing into the partially opened door increases. Accordingly, the temperature of the washing space is further reduced.

That is, the dishwasher in the related art has the reduced efficiency of the drying process, lengthens the execution time period of the drying process, lengthens a driving time period of the heater to increase the temperature of the washing space, and consumes a lot of power to drive the heater.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> to introduce external air, and heat the introduced external air at the time point A1 (e.g., the start time point thereof) and partially opens the door <NUM> to discharge the humid air at the time point A2 after the time point A1.

That is, the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> are turned on, and in particular, the second heater <NUM> is preheated before the door <NUM> is partially opened, thereby maintaining the temperature of the washing space <NUM> at an appropriate temperature and increasing the efficiency of the drying process. In addition, the driving time period of the second heater <NUM> is shorter than that of the dishwasher in the related art due to the maintained temperature of the washing space <NUM>, thereby reducing the power to drive the second heater <NUM>. In addition, the execution time period of the drying process is shortened than that of the dishwasher in the related art based on the maintained temperature of the washing space <NUM>. In addition, the dishwasher has a simple structure and uses a simple control method to discharge the humid air present in the washing space, thereby blocking condensation of the water on the surface of the washing object or the wall of the tub.

Meanwhile, the contents described in <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> including a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on a heating wire <NUM> at the time point A1, partially opens the door <NUM> at the time point A2, and closes the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the heating wire <NUM> at the time point A1" corresponds to "turning on the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> at the time point A1" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

In addition, the contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> at the time point A1, turns on the second fan <NUM> and opens the cover <NUM> at the time point A2, and turns off the second fan <NUM> and closes the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM> at the time point A2" corresponds to "partially opening the door <NUM> at the time point A2" described above, "turning off the second fan <NUM> and closing the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" corresponds to "closing the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The contents of the dishwasher <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be applied to <FIG>. In addition, it is assumed that a washing process and a rinsing process were performed before the drying process, and the door <NUM> is closed and a first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> are turned off during an end time point of the rinsing process.

The controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> at time point B1 (S1210).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> at time point B2 (S1220).

In this case, the time point B1 may be a start time point of the drying process. In addition, the time point B2 is a time point after the time point B <NUM>. In addition, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at the time point B1 is adjusted based on the temperature of the washing space <NUM>. This configuration is similar to that described with reference to <FIG> above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, the second heater <NUM> is turned on at the time point B1 and may be preheated. That is, a time period between the time point B1 and the time point B2 may be a time period for which the second heater <NUM> is preheated. Subsequently, the first fan <NUM> is turned on at the time point B2 to introduce external air of the dishwasher <NUM> into a flow path duct <NUM> through an air inlet <NUM>. The introduced external air is heated by the second heater <NUM> and is discharged into the washing space <NUM>. A temperature of the washing space <NUM> is increased based on the heated air to dry the washing object.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> at time point B3 (S1230).

In this case, the time point B3 is a time point after the time point B2. Washing water present on the outside of the washing object evaporates based on the discharge of the heated air and the air inside the washing space <NUM> humidified by the evaporated air is discharged through the partially opened door <NUM>.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1240). Due to the closing of the door <NUM>, the washing object to be cleaned is not contaminated again.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1240 is not performed.

In short, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention turns on the second heater <NUM> at time point B1 (e.g., a start time point thereof) to preheat the second heater <NUM>, turns on the first fan <NUM> at the time point B2 after the time point B1 to introduce external air, and partially opens the closed door <NUM> at the time point B3 after the time point B2 to discharge the humid air.

That is, similar to <FIG>, the first fan <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> are turned on, and in particular, the second heater <NUM> is preheated or heated before the door <NUM> is partially opened. In particular, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention turns on the first fan <NUM> later than the dishwasher <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As the first fan <NUM> is turned on later, the external air may not flow into the washing space <NUM> for that time period. In this case, the temperature of the washing space <NUM> may be reduced more slowly. In addition, similar to the dishwasher <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention also maintains the temperature of the washing space <NUM> at an appropriate temperature, increases the efficiency of the drying process, shortens the driving time period of the second heater <NUM> than that of the dishwasher in the related art, reduces a power to drive the second heater <NUM>, and shortens the execution time period of the drying process.

The contents described in <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> at the time point B1, turns on the first fan <NUM> at the time point B2, and turns on the second fan <NUM> and opens the cover <NUM> at the time point B3, and turns off the second fan <NUM> and closes the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM> at the time point B3" corresponds to "partially opening the door <NUM> at the time point B3" described above, "turning off the second fan <NUM> and closing the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" corresponds to "closing the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The contents of the dishwasher <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be applied to <FIG>. In addition, it is assumed that a washing process and a rinsing process were performed before a drying process, a door <NUM> is closed and a first fan <NUM> and a second heater <NUM> are turned off at an end time point of the rinsing process.

A controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> at time point C1 (S1310).

In this case, the time point C1 may be a start time point of the drying process. In addition, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at the time point C1 may be adjusted based on a temperature of the washing space <NUM>. This configuration is similar to that described in <FIG> above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> and partially opens the door <NUM> at time point C2 (S1320). In this case, the time point C2 is a time point after the time point C1.

Specifically, the second heater <NUM> is turned on at the time point C1 and may be preheated. That is, a time period between the time point C1 and the time point C2 may be a time period for which the second heater <NUM> is preheated. Subsequently, the first fan <NUM> is turned on and the door <NUM> is partially opened at the time point C2. In this case, at the time point C2, air outside a dishwasher <NUM> is introduced, is heated by the second heater <NUM>, and washing water present on an outside of a washing object evaporates based on the discharge of the heated air, and the inner air of the washing space <NUM> humidified based on the evaporated air is discharged to the partially opened door <NUM>.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of a drying process (S1330).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1330 is not performed.

In short, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the third embodiment of the present invention turns on the first fan <NUM> and partially opens the door <NUM> later than the turn-on of the second heater <NUM>. Therefore, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the third embodiment of the present invention also maintains the temperature of the washing space <NUM> at an appropriate temperature, increases the efficiency of the drying process, shortens a driving time period of the second heater <NUM> than the dishwasher in the related art, reduces a power to drive the second heater <NUM>, and shortens an execution time period of the drying process similar to the dishwasher <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the first fan <NUM> is turned on and the door <NUM> is partially opened, thereby slowing reducing the temperature of the washing space <NUM>.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> at the time point C1, turns on the first fan <NUM> and the second fan <NUM> and opens the cover <NUM> at the time point C2, and turns off the second fan <NUM> and closes the cover <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM> at the time point C2" corresponds to "partially opening the door <NUM> at the time point C2" described above,"turning off the second fan <NUM> and closing the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" corresponds to "closing the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The contents of the dishwasher <NUM> described in <FIG> and <FIG> may be applied to <FIG>. In addition, it is assumed that a washing process and a rinsing process were performed before the drying process and a door <NUM> is closed and a first fan <NUM> and a second heater <NUM> are turned off at an end time point of the rinsing process.

A controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> at time point D1 (S1410).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> at time point D2 (S1420).

In this case, the time point D1 may be a start time point of the drying process. In addition, the time point D2 is a time point after the time point D1. In addition, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at the time point D2 may be adjusted based on a temperature of the washing space <NUM>. This is similar to that described in <FIG> above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> at time point D3 (S1430). In this case, the time point D3 is a time point after the time point D2.

Specifically, the second heater <NUM> is turned on at the time point D2 and may be preheated. That is, a time period between the time point D2 and the time point D3 may be a time period for which the second heater <NUM> is preheated. Subsequently, the door <NUM> is partially opened at the time point D3. Air outside the dishwasher <NUM> is introduced at the time point D1, the introduced air is heated by the second heater <NUM> at the time point D2, washing water present on the outside of the washing object is evaporated based on the discharging of the heated air, and the inner air of the washing space <NUM> humidified based on the evaporated air is discharged through the partially open door <NUM> at the time point D3.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1440).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1440 is not performed.

In short, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> later than the turn-on of the first fan <NUM> and the turn-on of the second heater <NUM>. Therefore, similar to the dishwasher <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention also maintains the temperature of the washing space <NUM> at an appropriate temperature, increases the efficiency of the drying process, shortens the driving time period of the second heater <NUM> than the dishwasher in the related art, reduces the power to drive the second heater <NUM>, and shortens an execution time period of the drying process.

The contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM> at the time point D1, turns on the second heater <NUM> at the time point D2, turns on the second fan <NUM> and opens the cover <NUM> at the time point D3, and turns off the second fan <NUM> and closes the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM> at the time point D3" corresponds to "partially opening the door <NUM> at the time point D3" described above, "turning off the second fan <NUM> and closing the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" corresponds to "closing the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

The contents of the dishwasher <NUM> described in <FIG> and <FIG> may be applied to <FIG>. In addition, it is assumed that a washing process and a rinsing process were performed before the drying process, a door <NUM> is closed and a first fan <NUM> and a second heater <NUM> are turned off at an end time point of the rinsing process.

A controller <NUM> controls a first fan <NUM> to be turned on, controls a second heater <NUM> to be turned on, and controls a door <NUM> to be partially opened at time point E1 (S1510).

In this case, the time point E1 may be a start time point of the drying process. In addition, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at the time point D1 may be adjusted based on a temperature of a washing space <NUM>. This is similar to that described in <FIG> above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1520).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1520 is not performed.

In short, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> controls the door <NUM> to be partially opened, the first fan <NUM> to be turned on, and the second heater <NUM> to be turned on. Based on the operations, control of the drying process of the dishwasher <NUM> is simplified. In addition, the second heater <NUM> is turned on before the air is not discharged by partially opening the door <NUM>, thereby maintaining the temperature of the washing space <NUM> at an appropriate temperature, the efficiency of the drying process is improved, the driving time period of the second heater <NUM> is shortened than that of the dishwasher in the related art, the power to drive the second heater <NUM> is reduced, and the execution time period of the drying process is shortened.

That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the first fan <NUM>, the second heater <NUM>, the second fan <NUM>, and opens the cover <NUM> at the time point E1 and subsequently turns off the second fan <NUM> and closes the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process. In other words, "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM> at the time point E1" corresponds to "partially opening the door <NUM> at the time point E1" described above, "turning off the second fan <NUM> and closing the cover <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" corresponds to "closing the door <NUM> at the end time point of the drying process" described above, and the remaining steps are the same as those of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> and the first fan <NUM> at time point F1 (S1610). In this case, the time point F1 may be a start time point of the drying process.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> at time point F2 (S1620). In this case, the time point F2 is a time point after the time point F1.

S1610 and S1620 are the same as S1110 and S1120 of <FIG> described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

Subsequently, a temperature sensor <NUM> measures a temperature of a washing space <NUM> in real time from the time point F2 (S1630). The measured temperature information is transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

It is assumed that a heating level of the second heater <NUM> from S1630 to S1680 is the same as a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at the time point F1.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> determines the measured temperature as a temperature equal to or higher than a first threshold temperature or a temperature less than a first threshold temperature (S1640).

In this case, the first threshold temperature refers to a temperature having a threshold value related to a drying efficiency of the drying process.

Based on the measured temperature being equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature, S1640 is performed again. In this case, the door <NUM> maintains a partially open state.

That is, based on the measured temperature being equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature, the washing object is efficiently dried, and the door <NUM> is partially opened to dry the washing object more efficiently.

In contrast, based on the measured temperature being less than the first threshold temperature, the controller <NUM> closes the door <NUM> (S1650). That is, the controller <NUM> controls a door driver to close the door <NUM>.

Specifically, based on the measured temperature being less than the first threshold temperature, the temperature of the washing space <NUM> is too low to properly evaporate the washing water present on the washing object. In this case, the washing object is not properly dried, which causes inconvenience for a user using the dishwasher <NUM>. To prevent the inconvenience, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM>, thereby increasing the temperature of the washing space <NUM>.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> determines the measured temperature as a temperature less than a second threshold temperature or a temperature equal to or higher than a second threshold temperature (S1660).

In this case, the second threshold temperature also refers to a temperature having a threshold value related to the drying efficiency of the drying process. That is, the second threshold temperature has a reference value when the closed door <NUM> is opened again and is greater than the first threshold temperature.

S1660 is performed again based on the measured temperature being less than the second threshold temperature. In this case, the door <NUM> maintains the closed state.

That is, when the measured temperature is less than the second threshold temperature, the temperature of the washing space <NUM> has to be increased, and the door <NUM> is closed to increase the temperature of the washing space <NUM>.

In contrast, based on the measured temperature being the same as the second threshold temperature, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> again (S1670). That is, the controller <NUM> controls a door driver to partially open the door <NUM>. In this case, humid air in the washing space <NUM> is discharged.

In <FIG>, it is assumed that the operation of closing and reopening the door <NUM> based on the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature is performed once, but may be performed twice or more.

Finally, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1680). The door <NUM> is closed, thereby preventing recontamination of the washing object that has washed due to dust and the like.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1680 is not performed.

In short, the opening or closing state of the door <NUM> may be adjusted based on the temperature of the washing space <NUM> measured at a time point after the time point when the door <NUM> is partially opened and the discharge of the air inside the washing space <NUM> may be controlled.

The contents described in <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> including a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>. That is, the controller <NUM> controls a heating wire <NUM> to be turned on at the time point F1 and control the door <NUM> to be partially opened at the time point F2.

In addition, the contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>. That is, "partially opening the door <NUM>" may correspond to "turning on the second fan <NUM> and opening the cover <NUM>".

In addition, the contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the drying process according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention shown in <FIG>. That is, S1610 and S1620 of the drying process according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may be replaced with S1210 to S1230 of the drying process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, may be replaced with S1310 and S1320 of the drying process according to the third embodiment of the present invention, may be replaced with S1410 to S1430 of the drying process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and may be replaced with S1510 of the drying process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a drying process of a dishwasher <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

A controller <NUM> turns on the second heater <NUM> and the first fan <NUM> at time point G1 (S1710). In this case, the time point G1 may be a start time point of the drying process. In addition, the second heater <NUM> may be turned on at a first heating level.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> partially opens the door <NUM> at time point G2 (S1720). In this case, the time point G2 is a time point after the time point G1.

The door <NUM> is partially opened from the time point G2 to an end time point of the drying process.

Subsequently, a temperature sensor <NUM> measures a temperature of a washing space <NUM> in real time from the time point G2 (S1730). The measured temperature information is transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> compares the measured temperature with a first threshold temperature (S1740).

S1710 to S1740 are similar to S1610 to S1640 of <FIG> described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

Based on the measured temperature being equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature, S1740 is performed again. That is, based on the measured temperature being equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature, the washing object is efficiently dried.

In contrast, based on the measured temperature being less than the first threshold temperature, the controller <NUM> increases a heating level of the second heater <NUM> (S1750).

That is, based on a heating level of the second heater <NUM> at S1710 being the first heating level and the measured temperature being less than the first threshold temperature, the heating level of the second heater <NUM> may be adjusted to a second heating level that is greater than the heating level.

Specifically, based on the measured temperature being less than the first threshold temperature, the temperature of the washing space <NUM> is too low to properly evaporate the washing water present on the washing object. In this case, the washing object is not properly dried. The controller <NUM> increases the heating level of the second heater <NUM>, thereby increasing the temperature of the washing space <NUM> increases.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> compares the measured temperature with a second threshold temperature (S1760).

In this case, the second threshold temperature has a reference value to adjust a heating level of the second heater <NUM> and is greater than the second threshold temperature.

Based on the measured temperature being less than the second threshold temperature, S1760 is performed again. That is, when the measured temperature is less than the second threshold temperature, the temperature of the washing space <NUM> has to be increased, and for the temperature increase, the heating level of the second heater <NUM> is maintained at a second heating level.

In contrast, based on the measured temperature being the same as the second threshold temperature, the controller <NUM> returns the heating level of the second heater <NUM> to an original heating level (S1770). That is, the controller <NUM> returns the heating level of the second heater <NUM> from the second heating level to the first heating level.

When the measured temperature is the same as the second threshold temperature, further increase in the temperature of the washing space <NUM> is meaningless, and unnecessary power consumption occurs. In this case, the controller <NUM> adjusts the heating level of the second heater <NUM> to the first heating level.

In <FIG>, it is assumed that the heating level adjustment operation of the second heater <NUM> based on the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature is performed once, but may be performed twice or more.

Finally, the controller <NUM> closes the partially opened door <NUM> at an end time point of the drying process (S1780). The door <NUM> is closed, thereby preventing recontamination of the washed object due to the dust and the like.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a partially open state of the door <NUM> may be maintained at the end time point of the drying process. In this case, S1780 is not performed.

In short, a heating level of the second heater <NUM> is adjusted based on the temperature of the washing space <NUM> measured at a time point after the time point when the door <NUM> is partially opened.

Meanwhile, the contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the dishwasher <NUM> including a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in <FIG>. That is, the controller <NUM> turns on the heating wire <NUM> at the time point G1 and partially opens the door <NUM> at the time point G2.

In addition, the contents described with reference to <FIG> may be similarly applied to the drying process according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention shown in <FIG>. That is, S1710 and S1720 of the drying process according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may be replaced with S1210 to S1230 of the drying process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, may be replaced with S1310 and S1320 of the drying process according to the third embodiment of the present invention, may be replaced with S1410 to S1430 of the drying process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and may be replaced with S1510 of the drying process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In addition, the content described in <FIG> and the content described in <FIG> may be performed in combination with each other.

All components in the embodiments of the present invention are described as being combined to one, or as being coupled to operate; however, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments, and all components may be selectively combined to one or more and coupled to operate within the purpose scope of the present invention. Further, all of the components may be implemented as an independent hardware or a portion or all of the components may be selectively combined and implemented as a computer program including a program module to perform a part or all of the functions combined with one or a lot of hardware. Codes and code segments of the computer program can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The computer program may be stored in computer-readable media that can be read by a computer and may be read and implemented by the computer to implement the embodiment of the present invention. The storage medium of the computer program includes a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, and a semiconductor recording element. Further, the computer program to implement the embodiment of the present invention may include a program that is transmitted in real time through an external device.

The present invention has been mainly described with reference to the exemplary drawings hereinabove; however, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings set forth herein and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if working effects obtained based on the configurations of the present invention are not explicitly described, predictable effects thereof also have to be recognized based on the corresponding configurations.

Claim 1:
A dishwasher, comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) defining a washing space (<NUM>);
a door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the washing space (<NUM>);
a door driver (<NUM>) configured to partially open the closed door (<NUM>) and to close the partially opened door (<NUM>);
a heater (<NUM>) configured to increase a temperature inside the washing space (<NUM>);
a first fan (<NUM>) configured to provide outside air for the drying process to the heater (<NUM>) for heating the provided air and to discharge the heated air into the washing space (<NUM>) for increasing the temperature of the washing space (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured:
to control the dishwasher such that in a drying process, the heater (<NUM>) is turned on before a first time point of the drying process at which air inside the washing space (<NUM>) is discharged to an outside of the tub (<NUM>); and to control the door (<NUM>) to be closed before the first time point and to be partially opened at the first time point, such that air inside the washing space (<NUM>) is discharged to the outside of the tub (<NUM>) through the partially opened door (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the controller (<NUM>) is further configured to adjust a heating level of the heater (<NUM>) at a time point after the first time point based on the temperature of the washing space (<NUM>) measured at said time point after the first time point.