Patent Description:
Ordinarily, dishwashers spray high-pressure wash water to tableware to remove food or contaminants attached to tableware and wash tableware, after meals. Dishwashers operate based on steps such as a washing step, a rinsing step and a drying step, to wash tableware.

In the drying step, dishwashers filter external air through a filter and dry tableware therein.

As a related art, a filter device for an industrial dust collector is disclosed in International Patent Publication No. <CIT>, and in the disclosure, the state of a filter is detected and displayed, to prevent the extraction of dust, if the filter is not in place.

However, in the related art, the state of a filter and the amount of dust absorbed into the filter are merely displayed, and the related art does not disclose providing a notification for replacing the filter based on time of use of the filter or the number of times of use of the filter, making it hard for the user to know that the filter needs to be replaced intuitively.

Additionally, in the related art, a notification for replacing a filter is not transmitted to a mobile terminal.

To solve the problem, a notification for replacing a filter needs to be provided to allow the user to know that the filter purifying air needs to be replaced, intuitively, thus, a dishwasher dries tableware by using non-contaminated air.

<CIT>) relates to a dish washer/dryer equipped with a hot air blowing means for blowing hot air into a washing/drying tank,.

<CIT>) discloses a dish-washing machine filtering, ventilating and drying device which comprises an inner container, an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are formed in the inner container, and the position of the air inlet is lower than that of the air outlet.

<CIT>) relates to a dehydration and heating structure of a dishwasher.

In the related art, the state of a filter, and the amount of dust absorbed into the filter are merely displayed, and the related art does not disclose providing a notification for replacing the filter based on time of use of the filter or the number of times of use of the filter, making it hard for the user to know that the filter needs to be replaced intuitively.

The present invention relates to a dishwasher providing a notification for replacing a filter, and a method of providing a notification for replacing a filter.

Specific effects are described along with the above-described effects in the section of detailed description.

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can embody the technical scope of the disclosure easily. In the disclosure, detailed description of known technologies in relation to the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the scope of the disclosure unnecessarily vague. Hereafter, preferred embodiments according to the disclosure are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar components.

Certainly, a first component can be a second component, unless stated to the contrary.

When any one component is described as being "at the upper part (or lower part)" or "on (or under)" another component, any one component can be directly on (or under) another component, but an additional component can be interposed between any one component and another component on (or under) any one component.

When any one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, any one component can be directly connected or coupled to another component, but an additional component can be "interposed" between the two components or the two components can be "connected", "coupled", or "connected" by an additional component.

Throughout the disclosure, each component can be provided as a singular or a plurality, unless stated to the contrary.

Throughout the disclosure, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It is to be understood that the terms "comprise" or "include" and the like, set forth herein, are not interpreted as necessarily including all the stated components or steps but can be interpreted as excluding some of the stated components or steps or can be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

Throughout the disclosure, the phrase "A and/or B" as used herein can denote A, B or A and B, and the phrase "C to D" can denote C or greater and D or less, unless stated to the contrary.

Hereafter, a dishwasher and a method of several embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

Hereafter, the entire structure of a dishwasher <NUM> of one embodiment is described specifically with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inner structure of the dishwasher of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise a main body <NUM> having a wash space therein and having a front that is open, a tub <NUM> being installed in the main body <NUM>, forming a wash space <NUM> in which a wash target is washed and having a front surface that is open, a door <NUM> opening and closing the open front surface of the tub <NUM>, a driving part <NUM> being disposed at the lower part of the tub <NUM>, and supplying, collecting, circulating and draining wash water for washing a wash target, a storage part <NUM> being detachably provided in the wash space <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and allowing a wash target to sit in, and a spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> being installed near the storage part <NUM> and spraying wash water for washing a wash target. For example, the driving part <NUM> may comprise a water supply device (<NUM> in <FIG>) and a washing device (<NUM> in <FIG>).

For example, a wash target to sit in the storage part <NUM> may comprise tableware such as a bowl, a dish, a spoon, chopsticks and the like and cooking tools. Hereafter, a wash target may be a tableware, unless stated otherwise.

In one embodiment, the tub <NUM> may be formed into a box having a front surface that is entirely open and correspond to a so-called wash tub.

The tub <NUM> has a wash space <NUM> therein, and its open front surface is configured to be opened and closed by the door <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> may be formed in a way that a metal panel exhibiting high resistance against high temperature and moisture, e.g., a stainless steel-based panel, is pressed.

In one embodiment, a plurality of brackets may be disposed on the inner surface of the tub <NUM>, such that functional components such as a storage part <NUM>, a spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> and the like described hereafter are supported and installed in the tub <NUM>.

For example, the driving part <NUM> may comprise a sump <NUM> storing wash water, a sump cover <NUM> for distinguishing the sump <NUM> from the tub <NUM>, a water supply pipe <NUM> supplying wash water to the sump <NUM> from the outside, a water discharge pipe <NUM> discharging wash water of the sump <NUM> to the outside, and a wash pump <NUM> and a supply channel <NUM> for supplying wash water of the sump <NUM> to the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>.

The sump cover <NUM> may be disposed on the sump <NUM> and play a role in distinguishing the tub <NUM> from the sump <NUM>. Additionally, the sump cover <NUM> may have a plurality of return holes for returning wash water, having sprayed to the wash space <NUM> through the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>, to the sump <NUM>.

For example, wash water having sprayed to tableware from the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> may fall to the lower part of the wash space <NUM>, and go back into the sump <NUM> by passing through the sump cover <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the wash pump <NUM> may be provided at a lateral part or the lower part of the sump <NUM>, and pressurize wash water and supply the same to the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>.

One end of the wash pump <NUM> may connect to the sump <NUM>, and the other end may connect to the supply channel <NUM>. The wash pump <NUM> may be provided with an impeller <NUM>, a motor <NUM> and the like. As electric power is supplied to the motor <NUM>, the impeller <NUM> may rotate, and wash water of the sump <NUM> may be pressurized, then pass through the supply channel <NUM> and be supplied to the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the supply channel <NUM> may selectively supply wash water supplied from the wash pump <NUM> to the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, the supply channel <NUM> may comprise a first supply channel <NUM> connecting to a first nozzle <NUM> (e.g., a lower spray arm), and a second supply channel <NUM> connecting to a second nozzle <NUM> (e.g., an upper spray arm) and a top nozzle <NUM>. Additionally, the supply channel <NUM> may be provided with a supply channel diverting valve <NUM> that selectively opens and closes the supply channels <NUM>, <NUM>.

At this time, the supply channel diverting valve <NUM> may control the supply channels <NUM>, <NUM> such that each of the supply channels <NUM>, <NUM> is open consecutively or simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided to spray wash water to tableware and the like stored in the storage part <NUM>.

For example, the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a lower spray arm <NUM> being disposed at the lower part of the tub <NUM> and spraying wash water to a lower rack <NUM>, an upper spray arm <NUM> being disposed between the lower rack <NUM> and an upper rack <NUM> and spraying wash water to the lower rack <NUM> and the upper rack <NUM>, and a top nozzle <NUM> being disposed at the upper part of the tub <NUM> and spraying wash water to a top rack <NUM> or the upper rack <NUM>.

For example, the lower spray arm <NUM> and the upper spray arm <NUM> may be rotatably provided in the wash space <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and spray wash water toward tableware of the storage part <NUM> while rotating.

Additionally, the lower spray arm <NUM> may be rotatably supported over the sump cover <NUM> to spray wash water toward the lower rack <NUM> while rotating under the lower rack <NUM>.

Additionally, the upper spray arm <NUM> may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder <NUM> to spray wash water to the lower rack <NUM> and the upper rack <NUM> while rotating between the lower rack <NUM> and the upper rack <NUM>.

In the dishwasher <NUM> of one embodiment, the tub <NUM> may be further provided with a means for diverting the direction of wash water having sprayed from the lower spray arm <NUM> to the upward direction (U-direction), on a lower surface <NUM> thereof, to enhance washing efficiency.

Configurations that are well known in the art may be applied to a detailed configuration of the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the detailed configuration of the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> is omitted, hereafter.

Further, a storage part <NUM> for storing tableware may be provided in the wash space <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the storage part <NUM> may be withdrawn through the open front surface of the tub <NUM> from the inside of the tub <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> shows a storage part comprising a lower rack <NUM> being disposed at the lower part of the tub <NUM> and storing relatively large tableware, an upper rack <NUM> being disposed over the lower rack <NUM> and storing middle-sized tableware, and a top rack <NUM> being disposed at the upper part of the tub <NUM> and storing small-sized tableware and the like. In the present disclosure, a dishwasher provided with three storage parts <NUM> is described as an example, but not limited.

Each of the lower rack <NUM>, the upper rack <NUM> and the top rack <NUM> may pass through the open front surface of the tub <NUM> and be withdrawn out of the tub <NUM>.

To this end, a guide rail (not illustrated) may be provided on both lateral walls forming the inner circumferential surfaces of the tub <NUM>, and for example, the guide rail may comprise an upper rail, a lower rail, a top rail and the like.

Each of the lower rack <NUM>, the upper rack <NUM> and the top rack <NUM> may be provided with a wheel at the lower part thereof. The user may withdraw the lower rack <NUM>, the upper rack <NUM> and the top rack <NUM> outward through the front surface of the tub <NUM> to store tableware in them or to take out tableware easily from them after a wash.

The guide rail may be provided as a fixed guide rail which guides the withdrawal and insertion of the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>, in the form of a simple rail, or a stretchable guide rail which guides the withdrawn and storage of the spray nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> and the withdrawal distance of which increases as the spay nozzle <NUM>, <NUM> is withdrawn.

Additionally, the door <NUM> may open and close the open front surface of the tub <NUM> described above.

A hinge part (not illustrated) for opening and closing the door <NUM> is preferably provided at the lower part of the open front surface of the tub <NUM>, and the door <NUM> rotates around the hinge part as a rotation axis and is opened. Additionally, a sensor (e.g., a first main sensor <NUM>, a second main sensor <NUM> and a sub sensor <NUM>) for sensing the opening of the door <NUM> may be disposed in proper positions.

For example, the first main sensor <NUM>, and the second main sensor <NUM> may be disposed at a joint of the main body of the dishwasher <NUM> contacting the upper surface of the door <NUM>. The sub sensor <NUM> may be disposed around the hinge part and sense the opening of the door <NUM>.

A handle <NUM> for opening the door <NUM>, and a control panel <NUM> for controlling the dishwasher <NUM> may be provide on the outer surface of the door <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the control panel <NUM> may be provided with a display <NUM> displaying information on a current operation state and the like of the dishwasher visually, and a button part <NUM> comprising a selection button to which the user's selection manipulation is input, a power button to which the user's manipulation for turning on-off the dishwasher is input, and the like.

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the door <NUM> may form a mounting surface by which the lower rack <NUM> of the storage part <NUM> is supported as the door is fully opened, as well as forming one surface of the tub <NUM> as the door <NUM> is closed.

To this end, the inner surface of the door <NUM> is preferably formed into a horizontal surface in the same direction as the direction where the guide rail <NUM> guiding the lower rack <NUM> extends, as the door <NUM> is fully opened (e.g., as the door is forced to be opened completely by the user).

As illustrated in <FIG>, a door-automatic-opening module <NUM> for opening the door automatically may be provided outside the upper surface of the tub <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the door-automatic-opening module <NUM> moves the door <NUM> to a predetermined opening position to open the front surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> partially, as a dry air supply part <NUM> described hereafter operates and then dry air is supplied into the tub <NUM>.

Accordingly, air that is humidified while tableware is dried may be discharged through the upper part of the open front surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

For example, the door-automatic-opening module <NUM> may be provided with a push rod <NUM> that rotates and moves the upper end of the rear surface of the door <NUM> to an opening position.

Additionally, the dry air supply part <NUM> may be provided at the lower part of the tub <NUM>, and the dry air supply part <NUM> generates high-temperature or low-temperature dry air and supplies the same to the wash space in the tub <NUM>.

The dry air supply part <NUM> comprises a filter <NUM> filtering external air, and an air blowing fan <NUM> generating dry airflow. The dry air supply part <NUM> may comprise an air blowing motor <NUM> operating the air blowing fan <NUM>, a heater <NUM> heating dry airflow, and an airflow guide <NUM> being disposed in the tub and guiding dry airflow.

For example, a dry air supply hole may be provided on the lower surface of the tub <NUM> and allow high-temperature dry air generated in the dry air supply part <NUM> to flow into the tub <NUM>.

A detailed configuration of the dry air supply part <NUM> is described hereafter with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view showing that a dry air supply part of the dishwasher of one embodiment is accommodated in a base. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the dry air supply part in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are exploded perspective views showing detailed configurations of a filter and a filter housing in <FIG>. <FIG> are front perspective views showing that a bottom tub is coupled to <FIG>.

Hereafter, a detailed configuration of the above-described dry air supply part <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dry air supply part <NUM> may be accommodated in the base <NUM> and disposed to be supported by a bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

For example, the dry air supply part <NUM> may be disposed in a position adjacent to a rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>, or disposed in a position between a leakage sensing part and the rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> approximately in parallel with the rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

The position of the dry air supply part <NUM> may be determined considering the characteristics of the dry air supply part <NUM> that generates high-temperature heat (a predetermined temperature (about <NUM>) or greater) during a supply of high-temperature dry air.

Additionally, the position of the dry air supply part <NUM> may be determined based on the position of the dry air supply hole formed on the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. That is, considering the safety of the user, the dry air supply hole into which dry air flows may be formed at a corner of the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, near the rear surface and the left surface.

For dry air to be effectively produced and supplied to the dry air supply hole formed in the above-described position, the dry air supply part <NUM> may be disposed at the lower side of the dry air supply hole.

However, the above-described position of the dry air supply part <NUM> is described as an example. The dry air supply part <NUM> may be disposed in a position near a left surface <NUM>, a right surface <NUM> or a front surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>, rather than the rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. Hereafter, the dry air supply part <NUM>, which is disposed near the rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> approximately in parallel with the rear surface <NUM>, is described, but the position of the dry air supply part <NUM> is not limited.

In one embodiment, a support rib (not illustrated) for supporting the dry air supply part <NUM> and preventing the escape of the dry air supply part <NUM>, a plurality of guide ribs (not illustrated) for setting the position of a leakage sensing part (not illustrated) detecting whether wash water leaks from the tub <NUM> and preventing the escape of the leakage sensing part (not illustrated), and a wash water rib (not illustrated) for guiding wash water that is discharged from the dry air supply part <NUM> to the leakage sensing part may be provided on the bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

For example, the support rib, the guide rib and the wash water rib may be integrally formed on the bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

A first leg <NUM>, a second leg <NUM> and a third leg <NUM> of the dry air supply part <NUM>, which are described hereafter, may be coupled to the support rib, based on a non-fastening method. That is, the first leg <NUM>, the second leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM> are simply held at the support rib with an additional fastening means such that the dry air supply part <NUM> is supported with respect to the up-down direction, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

<FIG> show a detailed configuration of the dry air supply part <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the dry air supply part <NUM> generating dry airflow F and supplying the same into the tub <NUM> may comprise an air blowing fan <NUM> generating dry airflow F that is supplied into the tub <NUM>, a heater <NUM> heating dry air, a heater housing <NUM> having an air passage in which the heater <NUM> is accommodated, and a filter <NUM> filtering air to be suctioned into the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the air blowing fan <NUM> is disposed upstream in the direction of dry airflow F with respect to the heater <NUM> and the heater housing <NUM>, and accelerates air to the air passage formed in the heater housing <NUM> to generate dry airflow F.

For example, the air blowing fan <NUM>, and the air blowing motor <NUM> producing a rotation driving force of the air blowing fan <NUM> may form an assembly in a way that the air blowing fan <NUM> and the air blowing motor <NUM> are modularized mutually and accommodated in a fan housing <NUM>.

The air blowing fan <NUM> and the fan housing <NUM> may be fixed to a housing connector <NUM> that connects a filter housing <NUM> of a filtering part <NUM> described hereafter and the heater housing <NUM>.

For example, the air blowing fan <NUM> and the fan housing <NUM> may be entirely accommodated in the filter housing <NUM>, in the state of being fixed to the housing connector <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the type, such as the sort, size and the like, of the air blowing fan <NUM> that is applied to the dry air supply part <NUM> is not limited. However, a Sirocco fan may be appropriate for the air blowing fan <NUM> considering limitations to the position and space in which the air blowing fan <NUM> is installed.

For example, in the case where a Sirocco fan is applied to the air blowing fan <NUM>, air filtered by the filter <NUM> may be suctioned through a lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM> from the center of the Sirocco fan, in a direction parallel with the direction of the rotation axis, and the suctioned air may be accelerated and discharged radially toward the outside of a radial direction.

The accelerated and discharged air may flow into the air passage in the heater housing <NUM> through the fan housing <NUM> and an inlet <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM>, while forming dry airflow F.

At this time, the air blowing fan <NUM>, i.e., the Sirocco fan, and a rotation shaft <NUM> of the motor may be disposed to have directionality approximately parallel with the up-down direction (U-D direction), for example, and air filtered by the filter <NUM> may be suctioned through the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>. For example, the filter <NUM> may be an air filter.

In one embodiment, a PCB substrate for controlling the motor may be built into an upper surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, which corresponds to an opposite side of the lower surface <NUM> into which air filtered by the filter <NUM> is suctioned.

For example, each of the components described hereafter in <FIG> is disposed on the PCB substrate, and the components may connect to one another electrically.

In one embodiment, the fan housing <NUM>, as illustrated, may be fixed to a ring-shaped connection tab <NUM> provided at the housing connector <NUM> through a fastening means such as a screw bolt and the like that is not illustrated, for example.

For example, the connection tab <NUM> may extend in the direction where connection tab <NUM> covers from the inlet <NUM> of a connector main body <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>.

Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the connection tab <NUM> may be provided with a pair of fastening bosses <NUM> that extends from the upper surface of the connection tab <NUM> in the upward direction (U-direction).

For example, the pair of fastening bosses <NUM> may be coupled to a guide boss 8811e provided in a first housing <NUM> that corresponds to the upper housing of the filtering part <NUM>, in the state where the pair of fastening bosses <NUM> is disposed at the base <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connector main body <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM> may be coupled to an open front end of the heater housing <NUM>, which is disposed downstream with respect to the flow direction of dry airflow, to form an air passage C through which dry airflow flows together with the heater housing <NUM>.

To this end, the connector main body <NUM> may be formed into a box that has a hollow hole and a vacant inside.

On the inner surface of the connector main body <NUM>, the cross section of the air passage C may gradually increase along the direction where dry airflow flows, and the cross section of a rear end part 871b of the connector main body <NUM>, to which the heater housing <NUM> is coupled, may be approximately the same as the cross section of the front end part of the heater housing <NUM>. Thus, the flow loss of dry airflow may be minimized.

To support the fan housing <NUM> and the heater housing <NUM>, the first leg <NUM> may be integrally formed at the lower part of the connector main body <NUM>, and protrude toward the base.

In one embodiment, the upper surface and the front surface of the connector main body <NUM> having a box shape, as illustrated, may be open at least partially.

The connector main body <NUM>'s upper surface and front surface that are open at least partially provide a passage into which the heater <NUM> enters while the heater <NUM> is disposed in the air passage C and fixed to the inside of the air passage C.

The heater <NUM> may be supported indirectly in the state of separating from the heater housing <NUM> and the connector main body <NUM>.

The front end side of the heater <NUM> may be supported by a terminal fixation part, in the state of separating from the connector main body <NUM>. A pair of terminals may be fixed to the front surface of the terminal fixation part, in the state of protruding outward.

The partially open front surface of the connector main body <NUM> may have a fixation slot <NUM> which has a U shape corresponding to the outer shape of the terminal fixation part and to which the terminal fixation part is coupled in a sliding manner.

The up-down slide of the terminal fixation part may be guided by the edge of the fixation slot <NUM>, and have a guide groove that is coupled to the edge of the fixation slot <NUM>.

The partially open upper end of the connector main body <NUM> may be covered and shielded by an upper housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a plurality of second support ribs <NUM> may be provided under the coupling surface <NUM>, and support the front end part of the upper housing <NUM>, having entered into the connector main body <NUM>, from below.

The connector main body <NUM>'s rear end part 871b that is open entirely may be fixed to the heater housing <NUM> while being fit-coupled to the heater housing <NUM>.

At this time, the rear end part 871b of the connector main body <NUM> may be fit-coupled to the heater housing <NUM> in a way that the rear end part 871b of the connector main body <NUM> is partially inserted into the heater housing <NUM>.

To form a fit-coupling for ensuring surface contact, a plurality of first support ribs <NUM> may be provided at the rear end part 871b of the connector main body <NUM>, as illustrated.

In one embodiment, the heater (<NUM> in <FIG>) is disposed in the air passage formed in the heater housing <NUM>, and preferably, is exposed directly to dry airflow F in the air passage and heats the dry airflow F.

In one embodiment, in the case where the dry air supply part <NUM> supplies high-temperature dry air, power is supplied to the heater <NUM> and the heater <NUM> heats dry air, and in the case where the dry air supply part <NUM> supplies low-temperature dry air, a supply of power to the heater <NUM> is cut off and the heater <NUM> stops operating.

In the case where the dry air supply part <NUM> supplies low-temperature dry air, the air blowing motor may keep operating such that dry airflow F is generated.

The type of the eater <NUM> provided in the dry air supply part <NUM> is not limited, but for example, a tube-shaped sheath heater may be selected as the heater <NUM> since the tube-shaped sheath heater has a relatively simple structure, ensures excellent efficiency of generating heat and is advantageous in preventing electric leakage caused by wash water that is drawn reversely from the tub <NUM>.

To enhance efficiency of a heat exchange, the heater <NUM>, i.e., a sheath heater, may be directly exposed to dry airflow F, in the air passage inside the heater housing <NUM>, and to ensure a maximum heat transfer surface, have a stereoscopic shape with a plurality of bends.

One end part and the other end part of the heater <NUM> may extend by passing through the front surface of the connector main body <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM>.

Additionally, a pair of terminals for receiving power may be formed at one end part and the other end part of the heater <NUM>.

As illustrated, the pair of terminals may be installed in and fixed to the connector main body <NUM> though a terminal fixation part (not illustrated).

At this time, a fixation slot <NUM> may be provided on the front surface of the connector main body <NUM> so that the terminal fixation part can be fitted and coupled in a sliding manner.

In one embodiment, the front end side of the heater <NUM>, as described above, may be fixed and supported through the terminal fixation part.

The rear end side of the heater <NUM> may be fixed and supported through a single heater bracket <NUM> disposed in the heater housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. That is, the rear end side of the heater <NUM> may be supported on the air passage through the heater bracket <NUM>, in the state of separating from the heater housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensor <NUM> may be provided on an upper surface 8121a of the upper housing <NUM> of the heater housing <NUM>, as a temperature sensing part that senses the temperature of high-temperature dry air generated through the heater <NUM> or detects whether the heater <NUM> overheats.

For example, the temperature sensor <NUM> may comprise a thermistor sensing the temperature of dry air, and a thermostat detecting whether the heater <NUM> overheats.

An output signal of the temperature sensor <NUM> may be delivered to a processor (<NUM> in <FIG>), and the processor (<NUM> in <FIG>) receives the output signal of the temperature sensor <NUM> to determine the temperature of high-temperature dry air and the overheating of the heater <NUM>. At a time of the overheating of the heater <NUM>, the processor (<NUM> in <FIG>) may cut off a supply of power to the heater <NUM>, to change the operation of the dry air supply part <NUM> from the operation of supplying high-temperature dry air to the operation of supplying low-temperature dry air.

In one embodiment, the heater housing <NUM> may be formed into a hollow hole with a vacant inner space, to have an air passage thereinside, and the heater <NUM> and the heater bracket <NUM> described above may be disposed in the air passage.

At this time, for dry airflow F to move, the front end part of the heater housing <NUM>, corresponding to an upstream side with respect to the direction in which the dry airflow F moves, and the rear end part of the heater housing <NUM>, corresponding to a downstream side with respect to the direction in which the dry airflow F moves, may be open at least partially.

In one embodiment, the dry air supply part <NUM> may further comprise a connection duct part <NUM> coupled to an outlet which is formed at the end part side of the left of the heater housing <NUM> and is open in the upward direction (U-direction), and having an air passage therein.

As described above, the heater housing <NUM> and the air blowing fan <NUM> may be disposed under the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The connection duct part <NUM> may guide dry air discharged from the heater housing <NUM> to a predetermined position, e.g., to the dry air supply hole formed at the tub <NUM>.

For example, the predetermined position may be the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and the dry air supply hole, into which dry airflow F guided to the connection duct part <NUM> is drawn, may be formed at a corner of the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, which is adjacent to the rear surface <NUM> and the left surface <NUM>.

As shown in the embodiment, a duct main body <NUM> of the connection duct part <NUM> may be formed to connect the dry air supply hole of the tub <NUM> and the heater housing <NUM>, to change the direction of dry airflow.

For example, a lower end part <NUM> the duct main body <NUM> of the connection duct part <NUM> fluid-connects to the outlet of the heater housing <NUM>, and an upper end part <NUM> extends in the upward direction (U-direction) to have a cylinder shape connecting to the dry air supply hole.

The lower end part <NUM> of the duct main body <NUM> may be coupled to the heater housing <NUM> in a sliding manner.

In one embodiment, considering the cross section of a rectangular outlet of the heater housing <NUM>, the lower end part of the duct main body <NUM> may have a rectangular container shape, and the upper end part of the duct main body <NUM> may have a circular container shape to prevent leakage of water.

For example, to enhance efficiency of a coupling between the upper end part <NUM> of the duct main body <NUM> and the dry air supply hole of the tub <NUM> and prevent leakage of water, the duct main body <NUM> may be formed into a cylinder shape.

An airflow guide <NUM> may be coupled to the upper end part <NUM> of the duct main body <NUM>, and change the direction of dry airflow supplied through the duct main body <NUM>, and supply dry air to the wash space.

The filtering part <NUM> may be disposed at the upstream side of the heater <NUM> with respect to the flow direction of dry airflow, to filter air to be suctioned into the air blowing fan <NUM> and supply the filtered air to the heater <NUM>.

Specifically, the filtering part <NUM> may comprise a filter <NUM> filtering air to be suctioned into the air blowing fan <NUM>, and a filter housing <NUM> that has a hollow hole shape and has a filter accommodation space in which the filter <NUM> is disposed in a replaceable manner, and a fan housing accommodation space in which the fan housing <NUM> is disposed.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the filter housing <NUM>, for example, may comprise a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that are disposed as a segment segmented with respect to the up-down direction (U-D direction). At this time, the first housing <NUM> may be an upper housing, and the second housing <NUM> may be a lower housing.

In one embodiment, the filter housing <NUM> accommodates and supports the filter <NUM> and the fan housing <NUM> of the air blowing fan <NUM>.

For example, the first housing <NUM> may be divided into a filter accommodation part 8811a and a fan housing accommodation part 8811b to at least partially accommodate and support the filter <NUM> and the fan housing <NUM>, preferably, accommodate and support the upper part of the filter <NUM> and the upper part of the fan housing <NUM>.

As illustrated, the lower surfaces of the filter accommodation part 8811a and the fan housing accommodation part 8811b of the first housing <NUM> are open entirely such that the second housing <NUM> is coupled to the lower part side of the filter accommodation part <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the filter accommodation part 8811a may be disposed further upstream than the fan housing accommodation part 8811b with respect to the direction in which dry airflow flows, and in the illustrative embodiment, may be formed at the right side of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b.

The filter accommodation part 8811a, for example, may have an outer shape of a cylinder such that the filter <NUM> having a cylinder shape is accommodated in a way that the filter <NUM> is inserted into and withdrawn from the filter accommodation part 8811a, at a time when the filter <NUM> is replaced.

Additionally, a filter guide rib <NUM> may be integrally provided in the filter accommodation part 8811a and have a shape similar to the shape of a filter guide rib 8812f of the second housing <NUM> described hereafter.

In one embodiment, a coupling opening 8811c may be formed at the upper end of the filter accommodation part 8811a and be open in a circular shape to correspond to the outer shape of the filter <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may pass through the coupling opening 8811c and move downward up to the filter accommodation part 8812a of the second housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the fan housing accommodation part 8811b may be formed further downstream than the filter accommodation part 8811a with respect to the direction in which dry airflow flows, and in the illustrative embodiment, integrally formed at the right side of the filter accommodation part 8811a, near the heater housing <NUM>.

The fan housing accommodation part 8811b may have an inner shape corresponding to the outer shape of the upper part of the fan housing <NUM>, to cover the upper part of the air blowing fan <NUM> entirely. For example, the upper surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b may be formed into a flat plate.

However, a vent hole 8811f may be provided at a central part side of the upper surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b, to at least partially expose the upper surface <NUM> area of the fan housing where the above-described PCB substrate of the air blowing fan <NUM> and a PCB substrate for cooling the motor are provided. A vent duct <NUM> may be formed at the lower part of the vent hole 8811f, and be formed into a cylinder with a hollow hole and extend toward the upper surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a water discharge channel <NUM> formed into a slit may be provided on the upper surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b, and one end part of the water discharge channel <NUM> connects to the lower end of the vent duct <NUM> and the other end part extends up to the front surface of the first hosing <NUM>. Accordingly, wash water drawn into the vent hole 8811f may move through the water discharge channel <NUM> and be discharged toward the base <NUM>.

As illustrated, an inclined surface 8811b1 may be provided on the upper surface of the first housing <NUM>, and connect the upper end of the filter accommodation part 8811a and the fan housing accommodation part 8811b. The water discharge channel <NUM> discharges wash water that is drawn into the vent duct <NUM> along the inclined surface after leaking from the upper end of the filter accommodation part 8811a.

As a means to minimize the inflow of washer water moving along the inclined surface to the vent duct, a blocking rib may be integrally provided on the upper surface of the first housing. For example, the blocking rib may comprise a first blocking rib 8811i1 provided on the upper surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b, and a second blocking rib 8811i2 provided on the inclined surface 8811b1. The first blocking rib 8811i1 may extend in a line shape along the front-rear direction, and the second blocking rib 8811i2 may extend in a curved line shape along the front-rear direction.

In one embodiment, a pair of guide bosses 8811e may be provided in the first housing <NUM> and protrude from the upper surface of the first housing <NUM> toward the fan housing <NUM>. Each of the guide bosses 8811e protrudes toward the connection tab <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM> described above, and respectively joins the pair of fastening bosses <NUM> provided at the connection tab <NUM>.

Additionally, the left surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b of the first housing <NUM> is partially open to form a portion of a housing connector coupling hole 881a. The remaining portion of the housing connector coupling hole 881a may be formed on the left surface of a fan housing accommodation part 8812b of the second housing <NUM> described hereafter.

In one embodiment, the connector main body <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM> may be inserted into the filter housing <NUM> at least partially by passing through the housing connector coupling hole 881a. Thus, the housing connector coupling hole 881a may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the connector main body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second housing <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> may be coupled to the lower part of the first housing <NUM> to form a sealed accommodation space, and accommodate and support the lower parts of the filter <NUM> and the fan housing <NUM>.

Like the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> may be divided into a filter accommodation part 8812a and a fan housing accommodation part 8812b, to accommodate and support the lower part of the filter <NUM> and the lower part of the fan housing <NUM>.

As illustrated, the upper end of the second housing <NUM> may be open entirely, to be coupled to the lower end of the first housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, to correspond to the filter guide rib <NUM> of the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM>, a plurality of filter guide ribs 8812f may be provided at the filter accommodation part 8812a of the second housing <NUM>, which is provided under the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM>, and guide the movement of the filter <NUM> at a time of insertion of the filter <NUM> and prevent the filter <NUM> from escaping from the right position.

The filter guide rib 8812f may protrude upward from a bottom surface 8812e of the filter accommodation part 8812a, and the lower end of the filter guide rib 8812f may be integrally formed on the bottom surface 8812e of the filter accommodation part 8812a.

The plurality of filter guide ribs 8812f may be arranged and disposed radially around the filter <NUM>, to correspond to the outer shape of the filter <NUM> having a cylinder shape.

In one embodiment, a lower suction opening 8812c may be formed on the bottom surface 8812e of the filter accommodation part 8812a, as the center of the plurality of filter guide ribs 8812f, in a penetrating manner. The lower suction opening 8812c may be open toward the lower surface of the base <NUM>, and external air may be drawn into the lower suction opening 8812c.

The lower suction opening 8812c may be formed into a circle, to correspond to the lower opening of the filter <NUM> having a cylinder shape, and its relative position and size may be determined to allow external air to pass through the lower opening and flow into the filter <NUM> smoothly.

In one embodiment, as an airtight means, a pair of ring-type ribs may be formed around the lower suction opening 8812c, on the bottom surface 8812e of the second housing <NUM>, to prevent non-filtered external air from leaking and flowing directly into the inner space of the filter housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the fan housing accommodation part 8812b may be formed further downstream than the filter accommodation part 8812a, with respect to the direction in which dry airflow flows, and in the illustrative embodiment, be integrally formed at the right side of the filter accommodation part 8812a, near the heater housing <NUM>.

The fan housing accommodation part 8811b may have an inner shape corresponding to the outer shape of the lower part of the fan housing <NUM>, to cover the lower part of the air blowing fan <NUM> entirely.

The bottom surface 8812e of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM> to allow filtered air to be suctioned effectively, and preferably, have a flat surface shape that is formed in a direction parallel with the horizontal direction.

As a means of separating the fan housing <NUM> from the bottom surface 8812e of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b and supporting the fan housing <NUM>, a plurality of raised surface parts 8812e3 and a screw boss 8812e2 may be provided in the fan housing accommodation part 8812b and protrude from the bottom surface 8812e.

In one embodiment, the plurality of raised surface parts 8812e3 is disposed to avoid another structure at the lower part of the second housing <NUM>, and for example, disposed to avoid the ribs and the leakage sensing part of the base that are disposed at the lower part of the second housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, the shape of an individual raised surface part 8812e3 may vary depending on the shape of another structure that is avoided by the raised surface part 8812e3.

The plurality of raised surface parts 8812e3 may be used as a support part that supports the fan housing <NUM> in the state where the fan housing <NUM> is spaced from the bottom surface of the fan housing accommodation part 8811b. Thus, the air blowing fan <NUM> may be disposed in a way that the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM> surface-contacts the upper end surface of an individual raised surface part 8812e3.

Further, the plurality of raised surface parts 8812e3 may function as a stopper that prevents the filter housing <NUM> from moving relative to the base <NUM> in the front rear direction.

The screw boss 8812e2 supports the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, together with an individual raised surface part 8812e3. Additionally, the screw boss 8812e2 may be provided with a bolt hole 8812e1 into which one of the pair of screw bolts fastening the fan housing <NUM> and the connection tab <NUM> of the housing connector <NUM> at the same time is inserted.

Another bolt hole 8812e1 may be formed at any one of the plurality of raised surface parts 8812e3 in a penetrating manner.

In the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> disposed in the form of a segment, the lower end of the first housing <NUM> and the upper end of the second housing <NUM> may be detachably coupled to each other.

To achieve a detachable coupling relationship described above, a fastening tab 8811d extending toward the second housing <NUM> may be provided at the lower end of the first housing <NUM>, and a hook projection 8812d may be provided at the upper end of the second housing <NUM> and be fastened to the fastening tab 8811d based on a hook-coupling method.

Additionally, a tub connection duct <NUM> may be detachably coupled and fastened to the coupling opening 8811c of the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> of the filtering part <NUM> of one embodiment may be replaced through the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

To this end, the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM> needs to connect to the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and the tub connection duct <NUM> may connect the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM> mutually.

The tub connection duct <NUM> may be integrally provided at the filter accommodation part 8811a of the first housing <NUM>. However, a tub connection duct <NUM>, which is provided at the first housing <NUM> independently as illustrated, is described as an example, hereafter.

Like the duct main body <NUM> of the connection duct part <NUM> described above, the tub connection duct <NUM> may have an upper end part <NUM> that passes through the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and extends upward.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a filter replacement hole <NUM> may be provided on the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> to allow the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> to be inserted.

A sump hole <NUM> in which the sump <NUM> is mounted may be provided at a central part side of the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and a collection surface may be formed on the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and have an inclination angle at which the collection surface inclines downward gradually toward the sump hole <NUM> to effectively collect wash water in the sump hole <NUM>.

As illustrated, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be disposed behind the sump hole <NUM>, on the collection surface.

In one embodiment, to distinguish the filter replacement hole <NUM> from the dry air supply hole, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be formed at a corner of the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, near the rear surface and the right surface of the tub <NUM>. Additionally, to ensure convenience of withdrawal and insertion of the filter <NUM> at a time of replacement of the filter <NUM>, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be disposed closer to the front surface of the tub <NUM> than the dry air supply hole, and disposed further rearward than a water softener communication hole <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the water softener communication hole <NUM>, which is formed at the front of the filter replacement hole <NUM>, is used for insertion and the like of a water softening agent into a water softener (no illustrated) that is provided at the lower part of the water softener communication hole <NUM>, for example. However, the water softener communication hole <NUM> may also be used for replacement, management and repairs of another component such as a water filter (not illustrated) and the like of the water supply part.

In one embodiment, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be disposed between the water softener communication hole <NUM> and the dry air supply hole with respect to the front-rear direction or the left-right direction.

That is, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be disposed outside a virtual extension line connecting the water softener communication hole <NUM> and the dry air supply hole.

Thus, even if a plurality of openings is formed on the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, deterioration in the strength of the tub <NUM> may be prevented, thereby enhancing torsional rigidity and flexural rigidity of the tub <NUM>.

In one embodiment, to distinguish the filter replacement hole <NUM> from the water softener communication hole <NUM> formed at the front of the filter replacement hole <NUM>, a sealing cap <NUM> having a shape or a color different from that of a water softening agent insertion opening <NUM> may be applied to the upper end of the tub connection duct <NUM>, passing through the filter replacement hole <NUM> and being exposed to the wash space.

To enhance efficiency of a coupling between the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> and the filter replacement hole <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and prevent leakage of water, the tub connection duct <NUM> may have a cylinder shape.

As a means of enhancing efficiency of a coupling and preventing leakage of water, a ring-shaped flange <NUM> and a male screw part <NUM> may be provided at the upper end part <NUM> side of the tub connection duct <NUM>.

The upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> may pass through the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and extend in the upward direction (U-direction), and the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> and the male screw part <NUM> may pass through the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> at least partially and protrude toward the inside of the tub <NUM>.

As described above, the filter replacement hole <NUM> may be provided on the collection surface provided on the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> that is coupled to the filter replacement hole <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> may have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the perpendicular direction, to correspond to the inclination angle of the collection surface of the tub <NUM>, i.e., may be formed at a slant with respect to the perpendicular direction.

A fastening nut <NUM> may be coupled to the male screw part <NUM> that is disposed by passing through the tub <NUM>.

In one embodiment, at a time when the tub connection duct <NUM> is fixed and fastened, as the fastening nut <NUM> is screw-coupled to the male screw part <NUM>, in the tub <NUM>, the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> may be fixed in the state of being exposed to the inside of the tub <NUM>. A first gasket <NUM> may be further provided between the flange <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and prevent the loosening of the fastening nut <NUM> and the leakage of water.

As the tub connection duct <NUM> is fixed to the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> through the fastening nut <NUM>. The sealing cap <NUM> may be coupled to the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM>, exposed to the inside of the tub <NUM>. At this time, an airtight ring <NUM> may be disposed between the sealing cap <NUM> and the upper end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> and prevent leakage of water.

Additionally, an upper suction opening <NUM> into which external air is drawn may be formed in a penetrating manner, under the flange <NUM> corresponding to the upper part of a filter accommodation space S1, between the upper end part <NUM> and a lower end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the upper suction opening <NUM> may be formed in a way that penetrates from the inner circumferential surface of the tub connection duct <NUM> having a cylinder shape to the outer circumferential surface thereof. Preferably, the upper suction opening <NUM> may be provided as a plurality of penetration openings that is arranged and formed along the circumferential direction of the tub connection duct <NUM>.

Since the upper suction opening <NUM> is formed along the circumferential direction of the tub connection duct <NUM> extending approximately in the perpendicular direction, the upper suction opening <NUM> is open approximately in the horizontal direction, and external air drawn into the upper suction opening <NUM> forms airflow having directionality approximately parallel with the horizontal direction.

At this time, the upper suction opening <NUM>, provided as a plurality of penetration openings to prevent deterioration in the strength of the tub connection duct <NUM>, may be formed into a slit where an up-down height is less than a circumference-wise width.

In one embodiment, the plurality of penetration openings constituting the upper suction opening <NUM> may respectively have an open area of the same size such that external air is drawn evenly along the circumferential direction.

The upper suction opening <NUM> may be formed in a position higher than that of the upper opening of the filter <NUM> in the state where the filter <NUM> is disposed in the filter accommodation space S1. Accordingly, the upper suction opening <NUM> may be formed between the tub <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> with respect to the up-down direction.

As a result, external air having passed through the upper suction opening <NUM> in a direction parallel with the horizontal direction may enter into the filter member <NUM>, and then the airflow of the external air may change, and while the external air passes through an outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM>, the external air may be filtered.

In one embodiment, the filtering part <NUM> in the present disclosure may allow external air to flow into the filter <NUM> through tow suction paths comprising the lower suction opening 8812c and the upper suction opening <NUM> that are spaced from each other along the up-down direction. Accordingly, a sufficient flow rate of dry airflow F required to dry a wash target may be ensured effectively.

The suction path of external air and the flow path of dry airflow having passed through the filter are described hereafter with reference to <FIG>.

A fastening part <NUM> may be integrally provided at the lower end part <NUM> of the tub connection duct <NUM> and provide a detachable coupling function to the coupling opening 8811c of the first housing <NUM>. For example, the fastening part <NUM> may be a fastening means that is coupled to the coupling opening 8811c of the first housing <NUM>, based on a hook-coupling method.

<FIG> is a plan view of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along A-A in <FIG>.

Hereafter, the flow path of external air before the external air passes through the filter <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> of one embodiment, and the flow path of dry airflow F after external air passes through the filter <NUM> and is filtered are described with reference to <FIG>.

The filter housing <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> of one embodiment is comprised of the first housing and the second housing that are spaced from each other in the up-down direction, and in the filter housing, external air is drawn through a plurality of suction openings that is open toward a space between the base <NUM> and the tub <NUM>.

The plurality of suction openings, as described above, may comprise a upper suction opening <NUM> that is provided at the tub connection duct <NUM>, in the upper part of the filter accommodation space S1, and a lower suction opening 8812c that is provided on the bottom surface 8812e of the second housing <NUM>, in the lower part of the filter accommodation space S1.

The upper suction opening <NUM> and the lower suction opening 8812c, as described above, may be respectively disposed at an uppermost position and a lowermost position of the filter housing <NUM> in the space between the tub <NUM> and the base <NUM> and spaced from each other. Accordingly, a sufficient flow rate of air required to dry a wash target may be ensured, and an increase in the drying time may be prevented since external air is drawn through the two suction openings in the state where the effect of the flow rates of air, drawn into the two suction openings, on the two suction openings is minimized.

The upper suction opening <NUM>, as illustrated, is open in a direction approximately parallel with the horizontal direction. Accordingly, external air drawn into the upper suction opening <NUM> may form airflow having directionality parallel with the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the lower suction opening 8812c is formed on the bottom surface 8812e extending in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the lower suction opening 8812c is open toward the base <NUM> in a direction parallel with the perpendicular direction, and external air drawn into the lower suction opening 8812c forms airflow in a direction parallel with the perpendicular direction.

The external air drawn through the upper suction opening <NUM> may enter into the upper opening of the filter <NUM>, which is disposed right under the upper suction opening <NUM> in the state where the filter is disposed in the filter accommodation space S1.

Additionally, the external air drawn through the lower suction opening 8812c may enter into the lower opening of the filter <NUM>, which is disposed right on the lower suction opening 8812c in the state where the filter <NUM> is disposed in the filter accommodation space S1.

In one embodiment, an airtight means may be provided at the upper end side of the filter <NUM> and the lower end side of the filter <NUM> in the state where the filter member <NUM> is disposed, and prevent non-filtered air from flowing into the filter housing <NUM>. The airtight means may comprise a second gasket <NUM> that is fixed to the coupling opening 8811c of the first housing <NUM>, and a pair of ring-shaped ribs <NUM> that is provided around the lower suction opening 8812c of the second housing.

Accordingly, external air drawn into the upper suction opening <NUM> and the lower suction opening 8812c may enter into the upper opening and the lower opening of the filter <NUM> respectively without leaking.

In one embodiment, in the state where the filter <NUM> is disposed in the filter accommodation space S1, the upper opening of the filter <NUM> is open toward the lower surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and the lower opening of the filter <NUM> is open toward the lower surface of the base <NUM>. Thus, the direction of airflow of external air changes to the downward direction while the external air passes through the upper opening, and external air having passed through the lower opening flows upward.

The external air having flown into the filter <NUM>, as described above, may be evenly drawn entirely in the up-down direction and the circumferential direction by passing through the filtering material of the filter <NUM>.

In one embodiment, external air drawn into an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> is filtered, and while passing through the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM>, is discharged, and immediately after the external air is discharged, the flow direction of the external air changes.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flow direction of the filtered air having passed through the outer circumferential surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> may change toward the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, which is open toward the bottom surface 8812e of the filter housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM> is disposed between the lower end and the upper end of the filter <NUM> and spaced upward from the bottom surface 8812e. Accordingly, air, having passed through the filter <NUM> in a position higher than the position of the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, flows downward toward the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, and air, having passed through the filter <NUM> in a position lower than the position of the lower surface <NUM> of the fan housing <NUM>, flows upward toward the lower surface <NUM>4of the fan housing <NUM>.

The filtered air drawn into the fan housing <NUM> through the above-described flow path is accelerated by a fan and then drawn into the housing connector <NUM> and the inner space of the heater housing <NUM> through an exhaust duct <NUM> to form dry airflow F.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing the dishwasher of one embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> of one embodiment may comprise a water supply device <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a door-automatic-opening module <NUM>, a sensor part <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a button part <NUM>, a washing device <NUM>, a dry air supply part <NUM>, a communication device <NUM> and a processor <NUM>.

For example, the door-automatic-opening module <NUM> may comprise a driving motor <NUM>, and the sensor part <NUM> may comprise a first main sensor <NUM>, a second main sensor <NUM>, and a sub sensor <NUM>. Additionally, the washing device <NUM> may comprise a wash pump <NUM>, a first nozzle <NUM>, and a second nozzle <NUM>. Further, the dry air supply part <NUM> may comprise an air blowing motor <NUM>, a heater <NUM> and a temperature sensor <NUM>.

The dishwasher <NUM> may control the on/off mode (ON/OFF mode) of the heater <NUM> to maintain the temperature of the heater <NUM> properly during the procedure in which tableware is dried with the door open (e.g., a door-open drying process).

The configuration of the dishwasher <NUM> in <FIG> is illustrated as an example, and components of the dishwasher <NUM> are limited to those in the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>. When necessary, some components may be added, modified or removed.

In one embodiment, the water supply device <NUM> may supply water into the dishwasher <NUM>. The water supply device <NUM> may comprise a water supply pipe <NUM> forming a water supply channel through which water is supplied from an external water source, and a water supply valve (not illustrated) opening and closing the water supply channel formed at the water supply pipe <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the memory <NUM> may store control signals in relation to driving conditions and temporal conditions and the like for each procedure of the dishwasher <NUM>. Additionally, the memory <NUM> may store control signals for controlling the operations of the door-automatic-opening module <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the washing device <NUM>, the sensor part <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the dry air supply part <NUM> and the like.

In one embodiment, the memory <NUM> may store at least one instruction with respect to each procedure (or an operation process; e.g., a washing process, a rinsing process, an additional rinsing process, a heating and rinsing process and a drying process) of the dishwasher <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store a variety of programs for enabling the dishwasher <NUM> to operate, based on each procedure (or an operation process).

In one embodiment, information, data and a program and the like required for the operation of the dishwasher <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM>. Specifically, information on the procedures (e.g., a washing process, a rinsing process, an additional rinsing process, a heating and rinsing process, a drying process and the like) of the dishwasher <NUM> nay be stored in advance in the memory <NUM>. The information may comprise information on operation time of each procedure. The information may comprise information on the order of operations based on each procedure.

In one embodiment, the drying process may comprise a hot air drying process where hot air is supplied to dry tableware, a door-open hot air drying process where the door is opened and then hot air is supplied to dry tableware, a door-open drying process where the door is opened to dry tableware, and a condensation drying process. The memory <NUM> stores information, data and instructions required for the hot air dry, the door-open hot air dry, the door-open dry and the condensation dry.

In one embodiment, the memory <NUM> may store a program executing instructions for controlling the operations of the dishwasher <NUM>.

For example, the program may comprise instructions to identify whether the procedure of the dishwasher <NUM> enters into the door-open dry, and instructions to open the door <NUM> and operating the heater as the entry of the procedure of the dishwasher <NUM> into the door-open dry is identified.

Additionally, the program may comprise instructions to accumulate operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM>, based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, after the procedure of the dishwasher <NUM> enters into the door-open dry.

Further, the program comprises instructions to output a notification(optical signal and/or acoustic signal) for replacing a filter, for example, through at least one of the display <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>, in the case where total operation time accumulated based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM> is greater than predetermined first time, after the total operation time accumulated is compared with the predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours).

Further, the program may comprise instructions to initialize the total operation time accumulated in the memory <NUM> and canceling the notification displayed on the display <NUM>, in the case where the replacement of the filter <NUM> is identified.

Further, the program may comprise instructions to output a notification for replacing a filter <NUM> through at least one of the display <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>, in the case where the number of operation times of the air blowing fan <NUM> is accumulated in the memory <NUM>, based on the operations of the air blowing fan <NUM>, and the number of accumulative times is greater than the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times) after the number of accumulative times is compared with the number of predetermined times.

Further, the program nay transmit information on replacement of the filter <NUM> to at least one of mobile terminals (not illustrated; e.g., a mobile terminal of a user of a dishwasher <NUM>) through the communication device <NUM>.

Further, the program may cancel the notification displayed on the display <NUM> in at least one of the case where the replacement of the filter <NUM> is identified, and the case where the receipt of a signal indicating that the notification for replacing a filter <NUM> from at least one of the mobile terminals is canceled is identified.

In addition, the program may comprise instructions for the processor <NUM> to control the operations of the dishwasher entirely.

In one embodiment, when receiving a control signal for opening the door <NUM> from the processor <NUM> the door-automatic-opening module <NUM> may be driven electrically and open the door <NUM> in a rotating manner.

To this end, the door-automatic-opening module <NUM> may comprise a driving motor <NUM> generating a rotation driving power, a reduction gear part reducing the rotation driving power of the driving motor <NUM> and transforming the rotation driving power into a linear reciprocation driving power, and a push rod linearly reciprocating in the front-rear direction by using the linear reciprocation driving power.

In one embodiment, the sensor part <NUM> may comprise a first main sensor <NUM>, a second main sensor <NUM>, and a sub sensor <NUM> that sense the opening or closing of the door <NUM>. Regarding the sensor part <NUM>, the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the junction part of the main body of the dishwasher <NUM> in contact with the upper surface of the door <NUM>, for example.

For example, the first main sensor <NUM> and the second main sensor <NUM> may comprise a microswitch that generates an on (ON) signal in the case where the door <NUM> is in a closing position, and generates and outputs an off mode (OFF mode ) signal in the case where the door <NUM> escapes from the closing position.

To this end, the microswitch may be provided with a push button that remains pressed in the case where the door <NUM> is in the closing position, and is released from the press in the case where the door <NUM> escapes from the closing position. The microswitch may have an electric circuit therein, and the electric circuit generates an electric output signal comprising an on mode (ON mode) signal or an off mode (OFF mode) signal by detecting whether the push button is pressed.

For example, even if any one of the first main sensor <NUM> and the second main sensor <NUM> makes a functional error, or the door <NUM> is opened incompletely, the processor <NUM> may identify the closing state or opening state of the door <NUM> accurately through any one of the first main sensor <NUM> and the second main sensor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sub sensor <NUM> may identify whether the door <NUM> reaches a forcible opening sensing position.

For example, the sub sensor <NUM> may comprise a microswitch that outputs an on (ON) signal in the case where the door <NUM> is between the closing position and the forcible opening sensing position, and outputs an off mode (OFF mode) signal in the case where the door <NUM> reaches the forcible opening sensing position.

However, unlike the first main sensor <NUM> and the second main sensor <NUM> that directly contact the door <NUM> and detect the position of the door, the sub sensor <NUM> may indirectly detect the position of the door <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the button part <NUM> may comprise a selection button to which a selection manipulation of the user is input, a power button to which a manipulation of the user is input for turning on/off (ON/OFF) the power of the dishwasher and the like. The button part <NUM> may comprise a power button, a selection button and the like. The processor <NUM> may receive a signal of the user's control instruction (e.g., a power-on (ON) signal and a power-off (OFF) signal), a procedure signal and the like, through the button part <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the speaker <NUM> may output an alarm in relation to the operation time of the dishwasher <NUM>, an alarm as to whether a wash is completed, and the like, as a voice or a sound, based on the operation state of the dishwasher <NUM>, the replacement of the filter, the completion of the replacement of the filter, and whether the number of operation times of the air blowing fan <NUM> exceeds the number of predetermined times. The alarm output through the speaker <NUM> may comprise an alarm that is based on the user's forcible opening or closing of the door <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the speaker <NUM> may output different sounds, depending on each step in a procedure, the activation or inactivation of a sensor (e.g., the first main sensor <NUM>, the second main sensor <NUM>, the sub sensor <NUM>, and the temperature sensor <NUM>), a temporary stop of the procedure, the start or restart of the procedure, and the opening or closing of the door <NUM>.

Additionally, the speaker <NUM> may output a notification in relation to the replacement of the filter through the processor <NUM>.

Further, the speaker <NUM> may output different alarms depending on various operations of the dishwasher <NUM> through the processor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the washing device <NUM> may supply wash water to the first nozzle <NUM> and the second nozzle <NUM> through the wash pump <NUM>, to spray the wash water through the first nozzle <NUM> and the second nozzle <NUM>.

Alternatively, the washing device <NUM> may discharge water in the dishwasher <NUM> outward. The washing device <NUM> may comprise a water discharge pipe <NUM> having a water discharge channel that guides water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside. Additionally, the washing device <NUM> may comprise a water discharge pump that is disposed on the water discharge channel formed in the water discharge pipe <NUM> and discharges wash water in the sump <NUM> outward though a water discharge motor (not illustrated).

In one embodiment, the dry air supply part <NUM> electrically connects to the air blowing motor <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, the filter <NUM>, the air blowing fan <NUM> and the temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, in the case where the door <NUM> is opened at least partially, the processor <NUM> supplies power to the air blowing motor <NUM> and the heater <NUM> at the same time to supply high-temperature dry air, or cuts off a supply of power to the heater <NUM> and operates the air blowing motor <NUM> only to supply low-temperature dry air. The processor <NUM> may identify whether dry air of a proper temperature is supplied and whether overheating occurs, based on an output signal (e.g., a single having sensed the temperature of the heater <NUM>) of the temperature sensor <NUM>, while high-temperature dry air is supplied.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may comprise a display panel, a light-emitting element and a touch sensor. The light-emitting element may be disposed around the touch sensor.

Additionally, the display <NUM> may display a notification in relation to the replacement of the filter <NUM> (e.g., an air filter), based on the operation of the air blowing fan.

The display panel may display various types of information on the entire operations of the dishwasher <NUM>. The light-emitting element may output information on the availability or unavailability of a temporary stop. The touch sensor may sense an input for temporarily stopping a procedure of the dishwasher <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may perform wire communication or wireless communication with at least one of the components included in the dishwasher <NUM>. The communication device <NUM> may comprise a router (not illustrated) at home, a server, and at least one circuit that is capable of transmitting and receiving at least one signal or at least one piece of information through a network (not illustrated).

Additionally, the communication device <NUM> may communicate with at least one another home appliance at home, based on the short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), or a beacon). Alternatively, the communication device <NUM> may perform wire communication or wireless communication with a mobile terminal (not illustrated) or a server (not illustrated), through a network (not illustrated).

Further, the communication device <NUM> may receive a signal or data from a mobile terminal (not illustrated) and transmits the same to the mobile terminal. Based on the receipt and transmission of a signal or data with a mobile terminal (not illustrated), the dishwasher <NUM> may be controlled through an application of the mobile terminal (not illustrated), or information on the dishwasher <NUM> may be transmitted to the mobile terminal (not illustrated) or a server (not illustrated), and the communication device <NUM> may receive a control signal from the mobile terminal (not illustrated) or the server (not illustrated).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may load an instruction or data, received from the memory <NUM>, in the memory <NUM>, and process the same, and store the processed data in the memory <NUM>. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may display the processed data through the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, an artificial intelligence algorithm may be built into the processor <NUM>. Alternatively, the AI algorithm may be embodied by the processor <NUM>. As a program emulating the neural network of a human brain, AI may assist with a deep learning algorithm that analyzes, recognizes, infers and determines a variety of data on its own.

In one embodiment, when sensing an input for starting a procedure of the dishwasher <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may start a reservation operation for washing tableware inside of the dishwasher <NUM>. The reservation operation may comprise a preprocessing process for operating the dishwasher <NUM>, and a process of heating wash water.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> turns on (ON) the air blowing motor <NUM> as the procedure of the dishwasher <NUM> falls into a drying process (e.g., the door-open drying process), and bases on the turn-on (ON) of the air blowing motor <NUM>, the air blowing fan <NUM> starts to rotate.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may accumulate the operation time (e.g., operation time per drying process) for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operates, based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, which starts as the dishwasher <NUM> starts a drying process, in the memory <NUM>.

For example, as the air blowing fan <NUM> starts to operate, the processor <NUM> drives a timer <NUM>, and as the air blowing fan <NUM> stops operating, the processor <NUM> may calculate the operation time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> has operated (e.g., the air blowing fan <NUM> has rotated), through the timer <NUM> driven. Additionally, the processor <NUM> may add the calculated operation time to total operation time (e.g., total operation time of the air blowing fan, in the previously performed drying process) stored in the memory <NUM>, and store the calculated operation time in the memory <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> compares the total operation time, accumulated based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, with predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours), and when the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater, may output (e.g., display) a notification for replacing a filter <NUM> through the display <NUM>.

Alternatively, when the total accumulative operation time is less than the predetermined time (e.g., <NUM> hours), the processor <NUM> may keep the notification in an off mode (OFF mode) or may not display a notification.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may output a notification for replacing a filter, through the speaker <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater, the processor <NUM> may repeatedly output a notification through the display <NUM>, in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode.

For example, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to repeat the process in which a notification is displayed on the display <NUM> and after predetermined time (e.g., a few ms), the notification is canceled (e.g., not displayed).

In one embodiment, when the time for which the notification is output repeatedly in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode is predetermined second time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater, while repeatedly outputting the notification in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode, the processor <NUM> may output a notification for replacing a filter as a sound through the speaker <NUM>.

The processor <NUM>, as described above, may display the notification through the display <NUM> and output the notification through the speaker <NUM> at the same time or may not at the same time.

In one embodiment, when the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may transmit information on the replacement of the filter <NUM> to at least one mobile terminal through the communication device <NUM>. The information may be transmitted to a server (not illustrated) through a router (not illustrated) at home, and the server (not illustrated) may receive the information and transmit the same to the mobile terminal.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may generate information comprising filter replacement messages containing different particulars, depending on the magnitude of total accumulative operation time.

For example, when the total accumulative operation time accounts for <NUM> % of the predetermined first time, the information may include a filter replacement message (e.g., OO, time to replace the filter. Prepare a new filter).

For example, when the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time or greater, the information may include a filter replacement message (e.g., OO, replace the filter).

In one embodiment, when identifying that the filter <NUM> is replaced, the processor <NUM> may initialize the total operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM>, which is accumulated in the memory <NUM>, and cancel the notification displayed on the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the filter <NUM> is replaced or that the operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM> is initialized by the user, the processor <NUM> may initialize the total operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM>, accumulated in the memory <NUM>, to <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the dishwasher <NUM> is currently performing a drying process, based on the dry air supply part <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output a notification in an on (ON) manner/mode through the display <NUM>, during the drying process. The notification includes an optical signal and/or an acoustic signal to output to a customer.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the dishwasher <NUM> is not performing a drying process currently and the total operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM> is the predetermined first time (e.g.,: <NUM> hours) or greater, the processor <NUM> may repeatedly output a notification through the display <NUM>, in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to output a notification in a different manner, depending on the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is currently performing a drying process that is based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, in the state where the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time (e.g.,: <NUM> hours) or greater, or the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is performing a procedure that is not based on the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may count how many times the dishwasher <NUM> performs a drying process based on the operations of the air blowing fan <NUM>, and when the number of counted times is the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times) or greater, may output a notification for replacing a filter <NUM> through the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may transmit information on the replacement of the filter <NUM> to at least one mobile terminal through the communication device <NUM>. When identifying that the filter <NUM> needs to be replaced, the processor <NUM> may transmit information on the replacement of the filter (e.g., a filter replacement notification message, a filter shopping site, a filter price and the like) to a user of the dishwasher <NUM>. To this end, the memory <NUM> may store a mobile phone number of a user who uses or manages the dishwasher <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the filter <NUM> is replaced or that a signal indicating a notification for replacing a filter <NUM> is canceled is received by at least one mobile terminal, the processor <NUM> may cancel (e.g., turn off) the notification displayed on the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> such that the notification becomes read gradually, as the number of accumulative times regarding the use of the filter <NUM> increases.

For example, when the number of accumulative times is <NUM> times or greater, the processor <NUM> may display a notification as yellow, when the number of accumulative times is <NUM> times or greater, display a notification as orange, and when the number of accumulative times is <NUM> times or greater, display a notification as red.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing the process in which the dishwasher of one embodiment provides a notification for replacing a filter. <FIG> is a view showing an example of a notification that is displayed on a display of the dishwasher of one embodiment.

Hereafter, the process in which the dishwasher of one embodiment provides a notification for replacing a filter is described as follows, with reference to <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the air blowing fan operates (S1210). As an instruction to turn on (ON) the operation of the dishwasher <NUM> is input through the button part <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may operate the dishwasher100, based on the logic regarding pre-set procedures (or operation processes; e.g., a washing process, a rinsing process, an additional rinsing process, a heating and rinsing process, a drying process and the like).

In these procedures, the drying process may comprise a hot air drying process where hot air is supplied to dry tableware, a door-open hot air drying process where the door is opened and then hot air is supplied to dry tableware, a door-open drying process where the door is opened to dry tableware, and a condensation drying process.

The processor <NUM> may identify at least one drying process in need of operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, among the drying processes. Then the processor <NUM> may operate the air blowing motor <NUM> to rotate the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as the examination of the load state is completed, the processor <NUM> may turn on (ON) the air blowing motor <NUM>, and identify whether the air blowing motor <NUM> operates normally or not.

For example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the air blowing motor <NUM> and the air blowing fan <NUM> operate normally, in the case where the air blowing fan <NUM> rotates based on the processor <NUM>'s identification as to whether the air blowing fan <NUM> rotates or not, through a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) sensing the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>.

If the processor <NUM> determines that the air blowing fan <NUM> does not rotate, predetermined times (e.g., three times) or greater, the processor <NUM> may determine that the air blowing motor <NUM> fails to operate.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may calculate the operation time for which the air blowing fan operates, and accumulate the operation time (S1212). As the air blowing fan <NUM> rotates, the processor <NUM> may calculate the time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operates, through the timer <NUM>.

Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may estimate the time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operates, based on the time for which power is supplied to the air blowing motor <NUM>.

Additionally, the processor <NUM> may accumulate the time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operates, in the memory <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan has operated is predetermined first time or greater (S1214). The processor <NUM> may accumulate the operation time, each time the air blowing fan <NUM> operates, and to identify whether the accumulative time (i.e., the total time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> has operated) is the predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater, may compare the magnitude of the accumulative time with the magnitude of the predetermined first time.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may keep a notification for replacing a filter off (OFF) (S1216). Unless the accumulative time is the predetermined first time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater, the processor <NUM> may determine that it is not time to replace the filter <NUM>, and keep the notification for replacing a filter off (OFF).

In one embodiment, in the state where the notification for replacing a filter remains on (ON), the processor <NUM> may change the on-state of the notification for replacing a filter to the off (OFF)-state thereof after the filter is replaced.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may turn on (ON) the notification for replacing a filter (S1218). The processor <NUM> may determine that the filter <NUM> needs to be replaced, and turn on (ON) the notification for replacing a filter on the display <NUM>, in the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is currently performing the drying process, and the accumulative time is the predetermine first time (e.g., <NUM> hours) or greater.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may repeatedly output a notification through the display <NUM>, in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode, in the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is not currently performing a drying process (i.e., the dishwasher <NUM> is performing another process rather than the drying process, or is not operating), and the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time or greater.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the dishwasher <NUM> is currently performing the drying process, the processor <NUM> may output a notification through the display <NUM> in an on (ON) manner/mode while the drying process is performed.

Alternatively, in the case where the processor identifies that the dishwasher <NUM> is not currently performing the drying process, and the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may repeatedly output the notification through the display <NUM>, in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode.

Additionally, the processor <NUM> may transmit the notification for replacing a filter to an application (e.g., the LG ThinQ application) installed in a mobile terminal (not illustrated), through the communication device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may display a notification <NUM> for replacing a filter on the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may display the notification <NUM> indicating that the filter <NUM> needs to be replaced, at the lower part of the left side thereof (or another part). The notification <NUM> may be displayed in the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is currently performing the drying process, and the filter needs to be replaced (a first display). Alternatively, the notification <NUM> may be displayed even in the case where the dishwasher <NUM> is not currently performing the drying process, and the filter needs to be replaced (a second display).

For example, the first display may involve keeping the notification <NUM> on (ON), and the second display may involve repeatedly displaying the notification <NUM> in an on (ON) manner/mode and in an off (OFF) manner/mode. The notification <NUM> may be a filter replacement notification display, or at a time of drying, may be an operation notification display. Additionally, the notification <NUM> may have a rectangle shape, the center of each side may separate, and a tilde may be included in the rectangle shape.

In the present disclosure, the notification is displayed as shown in <FIG>, but is illustrated as an example. A notification of another shape or type may be displayed.

Additionally, the display <NUM> may comprise a time display <NUM> displaying the operation time of the dishwasher <NUM>, a communication display <NUM> displaying a connection to a communication network (e.g., Wi-Fi), and a salt complement notification display <NUM> displaying an amount of the remaining salt in the dishwasher <NUM>.

In one embodiment, in the case where total accumulative operation time is predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may output a notification for replacing a filter through the speaker <NUM>. Alternatively, in the case where the total accumulative operation time is the predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may output the notification for replacing a filter through the speaker <NUM>, after predetermined time (e.g., <NUM> hours) passes. For example, the notification may be a voice message (e.g., Replace the filter).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify that the filter is replaced (S1220). The processor <NUM> may determine that the existing filter is detached and a now filter is attached, through a sensor, and identify that the filter is replaced.

Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may identify the replacement of the existing filter, after the filter is replaced, as the user initializes the accumulative time regarding the use of the filter.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may initialize the total accumulative time that is stored previously in relation to the air blowing fan (S1222). When determining that the existing filter is detached and a new filter is attached, the processor <NUM> may initialize the operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM>. Alternatively, when determining that the user's instruction to initialize the accumulative time in relation to the use of the existing filter is input, the processor <NUM> may initialize the operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM>, which is stored in the memory <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may turn off (OFF) the notification for replacing a filter (S1224). When a new filter is attached while the existing filter is detached, the processor <NUM> may turn off (OFF) or cancel the notification for replacing a filter, displayed on the display <NUM>. Alternatively, when determining that the user's instruction to initialize the accumulative time in relation to the use of the existing filter is input, the processor <NUM> may turn off (OFF) or cancel the notification for replacing a filter, displayed on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing the process in which operation time is accumulated, based on an operation of an air blowing fan of one embodiment.

Hereafter, the process in which the operation time is accumulated, based on the operation of the air blowing fan of one embodiment is described as follows with reference to <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the air blowing fan operates (S1410). As an instruction to turn on (ON) the operation of the dishwasher <NUM> is input through the button part <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may operate the dishwasher <NUM>, based on the logic regarding pre-set procedures.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify a drying process (e.g., a door-open drying process) in need of the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, among drying processes. Then the processor <NUM> may operate the air blowing motor <NUM> to rotate the air blowing fan <NUM>.

When determining that the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM> is needed, the processor <NUM> may supply voltage to the air blowing motor <NUM> to rotate the air blowing fan <NUM>. Additionally, the processor <NUM> may identify the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, based on the rotation of the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may drive a timer (S1412). When identifying that the air blowing fan <NUM> rotates (or identifying that the air blowing motor <NUM> does not fail), the processor <NUM> may drive the timer <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the operation of the air blowing fan ends (S1414). When the drying process (e.g., the door-open drying process) ends, the processor <NUM> may cut off a supply of voltage to the air blowing motor <NUM> to end the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>,.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may calculate the operation time of the air blowing fan (S1416). The processor <NUM> may calculate the operation time of the air blowing fan, based on the drying process (e.g., the door-open drying process), through the timer <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may obtain total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan has operated (S1418). The processor <NUM> may obtain the accumulative operation time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operates previously (i.e., the operation time of the air blowing fan <NUM> after the filter <NUM> is mounted) from the memory <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may add the total time obtained and the operation time calculated (S1420). The processor <NUM> may add the operation time calculated in step <NUM> to step <NUM>), and the total time obtained in step <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may add the accumulative time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> operated in the past, and current operation time (S1410).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may store the operation time added (S1422). The processor <NUM> may add the operation time calculated in step <NUM> to step <NUM>, and the total time obtained in step S1418, and store the same in the memory <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing the process in which the dishwasher of one embodiment provides a notification for replacing a filter.

Hereafter, the process in which the dishwasher of one embodiment provides the notification for replacing a filter is described as follows, with reference to <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the air blowing fan operates (S1510). When an instruction to turn on (ON) the operation of the dishwasher <NUM> is input through the button part <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may operate the dishwasher <NUM>, based on the logic regarding predetermined procedures. Alternatively, when identifying a drying process (e.g., the door-open drying process) in need of the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>, among drying processes, the processor <NUM> may operate the air blowing motor <NUM> to rotate the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may start a drying process (S1512). The processor <NUM> may operate the dishwasher <NUM> and determine whether the drying process starts, based on the logic regarding predetermined procedures.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the operation of the air blowing fan ends (S1514). When the drying process (e.g., the door-open drying process) ends, the processor <NUM> may cut off a supply of voltage to the air blowing motor <NUM> to end the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may obtain the number of accumulative times based on the operations of the air blowing fan (S1516). As the operation of the air blowing fan <NUM> ends, the processor <NUM> may count the number of operation times of the air blowing fan <NUM> as <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may add <NUM> to the total number of times obtained (S1518). The processor <NUM> may add <NUM> counted in step <NUM> to the number of accumulative times based on the operation of the air blowing fan.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may compare the number of added times with the number of predetermined times (S1520). The processor <NUM> may compare the number of times added in step <NUM> with the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times) stored in the memory <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the number of added times is greater than the number of predetermined times (S1522). The processor <NUM> may identify whether the number of added times is greater than the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may output a notification for replacing a filter, and transmit information on replacement of a filter to a mobile terminal (S1524). In the case where the number of added times exceeds the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times), the processor <NUM> may determine that the filter <NUM> needs to be replaced, and transmit information on replacement of a filter to a mobile terminal. The information may comprise a filter replacement notification message, a filter shopping site, a filter price and the like. Additionally, the processor <NUM> may turn on (ON) the notification for replacing a filter, on the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the number of total accumulative times exceeds the number of predetermined times (e.g., <NUM> times), the processor <NUM> may repeatedly output a notification through the display <NUM>, in an on/off (ON/OFF) manner/mode.

The processor <NUM> may output a notification through the display <NUM> in an on (ON) manner/mode, during the drying process.

Additionally, the processor <NUM> may transmit the notification for replacing a filter to an application (e.g., the LG ThinQ™ application) installed in a mobile terminal (not illustrated), through the communication device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the notification for replacing a filter is canceled (S1526). The processor <NUM> may determine whether the existing filter is detached and a new filter is attached, through a sensor, to identify the replacement of the filter.

Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may identify the replacement of the existing filter, as the user initializes accumulative time regarding the use of the filter, after the filter is replaced.

Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may obtain a notification cancelation signal (that is received) from the communication device <NUM>. The notification cancelation signal is a signal that is generated based on a request for canceling the notification, which is made by the user of a mobile terminal through an application (e.g., the LG ThinQ™ application).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may cancel the output notification (S1528). When determining that the existing filter is detached and a new filter is attached, the processor <NUM> may cancel the notification output on the display <NUM>. Further, when receiving a signal that is generated based on a request for canceling the notification, from a mobile terminal, the processor <NUM> may cancel the notification output on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing the process in which a notification is displayed differently, based on an operation of the air blowing fan of the dishwasher of one embodiment.

Hereafter, the process in which a notification is displayed differently, based on an operation of the air blowing fan of the dishwasher of one embodiment, is described as follows, with reference to <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the air blowing fan of the dishwasher <NUM> is operating (S1610). The processor <NUM> may identify whether the air blowing fan <NUM> is operating or not, based on a procedure that is being currently performed by the dishwasher <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may turn on (ON) the notification, in the case where the air blowing fan <NUM> is operating (S1612). For example, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> such that the notification remains on (ON) in the case where the air blowing fan <NUM> is operating.

In one embodiment, in the case where total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> has operated is predetermined first time or greater, or is not, the notification may remain on (ON) as long as the air blowing fan <NUM> is operating.

In one embodiment, when identifying that the air blowing fan is not operating, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan has operated is the predetermined first time or greater (S1614). In the case where the air blowing fan <NUM> is not operating, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the total accumulative time is the predetermined first time or greater, to display the notification in a different manner.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may repeat turning on/off (ON/OFF) the notification (S1616). In the case where the air blowing fan <NUM> is not operating, and the total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> has operated is the predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may repeat turning on/off (ON/OFF) the notification <NUM>.

Alternatively, in the case where the processor <NUM> identifies that the air blowing fan <NUM> is not operating, and the total accumulative time for which the air blowing fan <NUM> has operated is less than the predetermined first time or greater, the processor <NUM> may keep the notification for replacing a filter <NUM> off (OFF).

The number of times and the time, indicated by numerical values in the present disclosure, are provided as examples and may be adjusted, and the number of times and the time in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited.

Claim 1:
A dishwasher, comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) having a wash space (<NUM>) therein, and an open front;
a door (<NUM>) being configured to open and close the open front of the tub (<NUM>);
a dry air supply part (<NUM>) comprising an air blowing fan (<NUM>), and a filter (<NUM>);
a memory (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to control an operation of the dishwasher (<NUM>),
characterized in that the processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
accumulate operation time for which the air blowing fan (<NUM>) operates and/or a number of times of a drying process based on operation of the air blowing fan (<NUM>), in the memory (<NUM>), and
compare total operation time accumulated based on the operation of the air blowing fan (<NUM>) with a predetermined first time and/or compare the number of times of the drying process with a number of predetermined times,
wherein when the total accumulative operation time is greater than or equal to the predetermined first time and/or the number of times of the drying process is greater than or equal to the predetermined times, the processor (<NUM>) is configured to output an optical signal and/or an acoustic signal for replacing the filter (<NUM>) to a customer.