KR20160133935A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a dishwasher having an improved structure to reduce energy for a drying process and increase a drying capability using a porous dehumidification member. The dishwasher comprises: a main body; a washing tank provided inside the main body; a drying assembly provided inside the main body, and provided with the dehumidification member therein; a first flow channel provided to allow air inside the washing tank to pass through the dehumidification member while circulating the washing tank and the drying assembly; and a second flow channel provided to allow the air inside the washing tank to detour the dehumidification member while circulating the washing tank and the drying assembly.

Description

Dishwasher {DISHWASHER}

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher having an improved structure for improving energy efficiency and drying performance.

Generally, there is an increasing trend of household appliances requiring drying function such as dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and the like. The dishwasher is provided with a drying function for removing washing water remaining on the surface of the tableware having been cleaned, and the washing machine or the dryer is provided with a drying function for drying the laundry in a wet state.

For example, a dishwasher is a household appliance that sanitizes and streamlines dishwashing, and serves to clean the dishwasher and dry the dishwasher. The drying process of the dishwasher is the process of removing the water remaining in the dishwashing which has been washed. The drying process includes raising the temperature of the water sprayed on the tableware during the final rinsing process, raising the temperature of the tableware, promoting the evaporation of the water on the tableware, and condensing the evaporated water vapor in the cooling duct located inside or outside the washing tank, Absorbing and removing it.

When a dehumidifying agent is used to remove water vapor, a dehumidifying agent is required to be regenerated to dry the dehumidifying agent so that it can absorb water vapor in the next drying process. Conventionally, a method of heating a desiccant with a heater during a washing process or a rinsing process has been used. The dehumidifying agent is heated by a heater to evaporate moisture from the dehumidifying agent to regenerate the dehumidifying agent and allow the regenerated dehumidifying agent to absorb moisture again in the subsequent drying step.

Generally, a dishwasher is provided with a porous dehumidifying agent. The water vapor absorbed by the porous dehumidifying agent is contained in the pores of the porous dehumidifying agent in a gaseous state or a liquid state. In order to regenerate the porous desiccant, energy (heat of vaporization) is required to change the liquid water contained in the pores into water vapor, and additional energy is required to escape the water vapor from the pores. Therefore, much heat energy is required for regeneration of the dehumidifying agent, thereby increasing energy consumption.

Further, in order to secure drying performance, there is a problem that the amount of the porous dehumidifying agent or the size of the dehumidifying agent increases, and the washing space in which the dishwashing is performed is reduced.

One aspect of the present invention provides a dishwasher having an improved structure for reducing drying energy and improving drying performance by using a porous dehumidifying member.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a dishwasher having an improved structure in which heating (regeneration) of the dehumidifying member and heating of the air circulating between the washing space and the drying assembly can be performed separately.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a dishwasher having an improved structure capable of executing only a drying mode.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher having an improved structure for preventing the tableware located inside the washing space from being damaged by excessively high temperature air discharged from the drying assembly to the washing space, A washing machine is provided.

The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body, a washing tank provided inside the main body, a drying assembly provided inside the main body and having a dehumidifying member therein, air in the washing tank is supplied to the washing tub and the drying assembly And a second flow path provided so as to bypass the dehumidifying member during the circulation of the air inside the washing tub to the washing tub and the drying assembly .

The air circulating along the second flow path may not pass through the dehumidifying member.

The tableware accommodated in the washing tub can be dried by the heat of adsorption generated in the process of passing the air circulating along the first flow path through the dehumidifying member.

If the heat of adsorption is insufficient during the process of drying the tableware accommodated in the washing tub, the heat required to dry the tableware accommodated in the washing tub may be replenished from the heated air during the circulation along the second flow path.

The air circulated along the second flow path is heated in the process of circulating along the second flow path and when it is desired to dry the tableware accommodated in the washing tub using the heated air, And circulate at least once along the second flow path.

And dehumidification and / or regeneration of the dehumidifying member can be performed by the air circulating along the first flow path.

The first flow path and the second flow path may each form a closed flow path.

The drying assembly may include a flow path change damper disposed to face the dehumidifying member and selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path.

The flow path changing damper is rotatably disposed to selectively open and close the first flow path and the second flow path.

The drying assembly includes a duct having an inlet communicating with the washing tub so that air can be introduced into the washing tub, and a discharge opening communicating with the washing tub so that air can be discharged into the washing tub, and a duct coupled to the duct, A heater positioned on an upstream side in a direction in which air introduced through the inlet port moves toward the discharge port and a heater disposed on the downstream side in a direction in which the air introduced through the inlet port is moved toward the discharge port, And a drying unit in which the member is accommodated.

Wherein the drying assembly is provided inside at least one of the duct and the drying unit so as to be positioned between the inlet and the heater, and at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub is introduced into at least one of the duct and the drying unit And may further include a damper for adjusting the supply or non-supply.

The damper is rotatably disposed to adjust the supply of at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub to at least one of the duct and the drying unit.

The dehumidifying member may include a frame forming an outer tube and a plurality of hollows formed inside the frame so that the air introduced through the inlet may penetrate the dehumidifying member through the heater.

The plurality of hollows may be located on the first flow path.

The dehumidifying member may have a honeycomb-shaped porous structure to improve dehumidification performance.

The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body, a washing tank provided inside the main body, a washing tank provided inside the main body to be located outside the washing tank A dehumidifying member having a porous structure, a heater provided inside the body to face the dehumidifying member, and a first flow path through which air in the washing tub circulates during the drying stroke, A second flow path in which air in the washing tub is circulated so that the air in the washing tub can be used for the additional drying step when a first flow path in which the heater is disposed and an additional drying step in the drying step are further required, And a second flow path in which the heater is disposed on the second flow path.

The second flow path can bypass the dehumidifying member.

The rinsing cycle includes a cold rinse and a hot rinse which are sequentially performed, and regeneration of the dehumidifying member may be performed in the hot rinse step.

The dishwasher according to the present invention may further include a damper rotatably provided to at least one of the heater and the dehumidifying member so as to control whether or not at least one of air and washing water in the washing tub is supplied.

The damper is disposed on the upstream side of the dehumidifying member in the circulating direction of the air in the washing tub circulating through the inside of the washing tub and flowing into the inside of the washing tub, and the heater is disposed between the damper and the dehumidifying member .

The dishwasher according to the present invention may further include a flow path change damper disposed to face the dehumidifying member and selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path.

The flow path change damper may be rotatably arranged to receive a driving force from a driving source so as to selectively open and close the first flow path and the second flow path.

The driving source may include at least one of a thermal actuator and a synchronous motor.

The dishwasher according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fan disposed to face the dehumidifying member with the flow path changing damper interposed therebetween to provide a driving force for circulating air in the washing tub along the first flow path and the second flow path, .

In the dishwasher according to the present invention, only the drying stroke can be performed using air heated in the course of circulating along the second flow path.

The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body, a washing tank provided inside the main body, a drying assembly provided inside the main body and having a dehumidifying member therein, air in the washing tank is supplied to the washing tub and the drying assembly A first flow path through the dehumidifying member and a second flow path from the dehumidifying member to the dehumidifying member so as not to penetrate the dehumidifying member during the circulation of the air inside the washing tub to the washing tub and the drying assembly, And a second flow path branched.

In the dishwasher according to the present invention, when it is desired to heat air circulating through the washing tub and the drying assembly regardless of dehumidification and regeneration of the dehumidifying member, air in the washing tub is heated at least once Can be circulated.

The drying assembly may include a suction duct having an inlet communicating with the washing tub so that air inside the washing tub can be introduced.

The suction duct is coupled to the outside of the washing tub, and is coupled to the first case in which the inlet port is formed and to the first case so that a space through which air introduced through the inlet port can be formed is formed, And a second case having a guide protruding toward the inlet port.

The guide may have a tip to allow condensate, which may be formed on the guide by air introduced through the inlet, to be drained to the washing tub through the inlet.

Wherein at least one of a portion of the first case adjacent to the inlet and a portion of the second case adjacent to the guide has condensed water formed by the air flowing through the inlet through capillary phenomenon, A plurality of slits may be formed to be drained to the washing tub through an inlet.

The drying assembly may further include a connection duct connected to the suction duct and having a discharge port communicating with the cleaning tank so that air introduced through the inlet may be discharged into the cleaning bath.

Wherein the first case includes a first portion formed with the inlet and a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to the connecting duct, the first portion having a first portion formed by the air introduced through the inlet, The portion of the condensed water that can be formed in the first portion can be inclined toward the gravity direction so as to be adjacent to the inlet so that the condensed water can be discharged to the washing tub through the inlet.

The drying assembly further includes a drying unit having the dehumidifying member therein and coupled to the connecting duct. The connecting duct is a first channel provided inside the connecting duct, and the air flowing through the inlet A second channel provided inside the connecting duct so as to communicate with the discharge port, and a plurality of guide channels for guiding air moving along the second channel to the discharge port, And a partition for partitioning the first channel and the second channel.

At least one of the partition walls and the plurality of guide channels may be provided with at least one opening for guiding the condensed water to the discharge port so that condensate water that can be formed on the first channel can be discharged to the washing tub through the discharge port .

The drying unit includes a heater housing connected to the first channel and having a heater housed therein, and a heater connected to the second channel, wherein air introduced into the heater unit through the inlet port flows along the first flow path and the second flow path. And may include a fan housing in which a fan providing a driving force for circulation is received.

The drying unit may further include a housing disposed between the heater housing and the fan housing and having a dehumidifying member housing therein. The dehumidifying member may include a honeycomb-shaped It can have a porous structure.

The inner space of the dehumidifying member housing includes a first space and a second space defined by the dehumidifying member, and the second space is adjacent to the heater housing and can communicate with the heater housing.

The drying unit includes a flow path change damper disposed between the housing and the fan housing to selectively open and close the first flow path passing through the first space and the second flow path passing through the second space, .

The drying assembly may further include a damper rotatably installed in at least one of the suction duct and the first channel so as to control whether or not at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub is supplied into the suction duct .

The drying energy of the dishwasher can be reduced by heating the circulating air in the washing tub and the drying assembly by drying the dishwasher, instead of drying the dishwasher contained in the washing tub by heating the washing water.

It is possible to simplify the drying system of the dishwasher by separating the first flow path for dehumidifying and regenerating the dehumidifying member and the second flow path for heating air circulating the washing tub and the drying assembly.

Basically, the tableware is dried using the heat of adsorption which is generated in the process of air circulating along the first flow path through the dehumidifying member, and in the process of drying the tableware, when the heat of adsorption is insufficient, The drying energy efficiency of the dishwasher can be improved by applying a drying system that replenishes the lack of heat from the air.

The regeneration energy required to regenerate the dehumidifying member can be reduced by performing regeneration of the dehumidifying member in a hot rinse step.

1 is a schematic sectional view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention
2 is a bottom view of the dishwasher of Fig. 1
3 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly state of a washing tub and a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a drying assembly of the dish washer is separated into a duct and a drying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a duct of a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated into a suction duct and a connecting duct;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a suction duct, a damper and a connecting duct in a dishwasher drying assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
Figs. 8A and 8B are enlarged views of Fig. 6A, showing the operation of the damper
9 is an exploded perspective view of a drying unit of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention,
10 is a view showing the flow of air circulating along the first flow path and the second flow path in the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention
11 is a view showing a first flow path of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention
12 is a view showing a second flow path of the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention
13 is a view showing an operating state of a washing water heater, a heater, a fan, a damper, and a flow path changing damper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
14A to 14C are views schematically showing a possible structure of a dehumidifying member in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "upper" and "lower" used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings. The position is not limited.

Hereinafter, the removal of the moisture (moisture) in the washing tub 30 by the dehumidifying member 631 is referred to as "dehumidifying or dehumidifying of the dehumidifying member 631" and the regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 is referred to as " 631 "

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1.

1 and 2, the dishwasher 1 includes a main body 10 forming an outer appearance, a washing tub 30 provided inside the main body 10, a washing tub 30 for accommodating the dishes, The washing water of the sump 100 is pumped to form the spray nozzles 311, 313, 330, and 340 (see FIG. 1), and the washing water is sprayed to the spray nozzles 311, 313, 330, and 340 A drain pump 52 for discharging the washing water of the sump 100 to the outside of the main body 10 together with the dirt; A vane 400 that reflects the vane 400, and a vane driver 550 that drives the vane 400.

The washing tub 30 may have a substantially box shape opened at the front so that the dishware can be inserted and removed. The front opening of the washing tub 30 can be opened and closed by the door 11. [ The washing tub 30 may have an inner upper surface 31, an inner rear surface 32, an inner seating surface 33, an inner side surface 34 and a bottom surface 35.

The baskets 12a and 12b may be wire racks made of wires so that the washing water can pass without passing. The baskets 12a and 12b may be detachably installed in the inside of the washing tub 30. The baskets 12a and 12b may include an upper basket 12a disposed at an upper portion of the washing tub 30 and a lower basket 12b disposed at a lower portion of the washing tub 30. [

The spray nozzles 311, 313, 330 and 340 can wash the dishes by spraying the wash water at a high pressure. The spray nozzles 311, 313, 330 and 340 include an upper rotary nozzle 311 provided at an upper portion of the washing tub 30, an intermediate rotary nozzle 313 provided at the center of the washing tub 30, And may include fixed nozzles 330, 340.

The upper rotating nozzle 311 is provided on the upper side of the upper basket 12a and can discharge the washing water downward while being rotated by the water pressure. For this purpose, injection holes 312 may be provided at the lower end of the upper rotary nozzle 311. The upper rotating nozzle 311 can spray the washing water directly toward the tableware housed in the upper basket 12a.

The intermediate rotary nozzle 313 is provided between the upper basket 12a and the lower basket 12b and is capable of spraying the washing water in the vertical direction while rotating by the water pressure. For this, injection holes 314 may be provided at the upper and lower ends of the intermediate rotary nozzle 313. The intermediate rotary nozzle 313 can spray the washing water directly toward the tableware housed in the upper basket 12a and the lower basket 12b.

The fixed nozzles 330 and 340 are provided so as not to move unlike the rotating nozzles 311 and 313 and are fixed to one side of the washing tub 30. The fixed nozzles 330 and 340 can be disposed adjacent to the inner rear surface 32 of the washing tub 30 to spray the washing water toward the front of the washing tub 30. Therefore, the washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles 330, 340 may not directly direct to the tableware.

The washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles 330 and 340 can be reflected to the tableware side by the vane 400. The fixed nozzles 330 and 340 are disposed under the lower basket 12b and the vane 400 can reflect the washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles 330 and 340 upward. That is, the washing water injected from the fixed nozzles 330 and 340 can be reflected by the vane 400 toward the tableware accommodated in the lower basket 12b.

The fixed nozzles 330 and 340 may have a plurality of ejection holes 331 and 341 arranged in the left-right direction of the washing tub 30, respectively. The plurality of ejection holes (331, 341) can eject wash water toward the front side.

The vane 400 can be elongated in the left and right direction of the washing tub 30 so as to reflect all the washing water injected from the plurality of injection holes 331 and 341 of the fixed nozzles 330 and 340. That is, one longitudinal end of the vane 400 is adjacent to the inner side surface 33 of the washing tub 30 and the other longitudinal end of the vane 400 is adjacent to the inner side surface 34 of the washing tub 30 .

The vanes 400 can reciprocate linearly along the spraying direction of the washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles 330 and 340. That is, the vane 400 can linearly reciprocate along the front-back direction of the washing tub 30. [

Accordingly, the linear injection structure including the fixed nozzles 330, 340 and the vane 400 can clean the entire area of the washing tub 30 without a blind spot. It is different from the case where the washing water can be sprayed only within the range of the turning radius in the case of the rotating nozzles.

The fixed nozzles 330 and 340 may include a left fixed nozzle 330 disposed on the left side of the washing tub 30 and a right fixed nozzle 340 disposed on the right side of the washing tub 30.

The rotary nozzles 311 and 313 and the fixed nozzles 330 and 340 can spray wash water independently of each other. Furthermore, the left fixed nozzle 330 and the right fixed nozzle 340 can also independently spray the washing water.

The washing water injected from the left fixed nozzle 330 is reflected only to the left area of the washing tub 30 by the vane 400 and the washing water injected from the right fixed nozzle 340 is reflected by the washing tub 30 by the vane 400, As shown in FIG.

Therefore, the dishwasher 1 can independently clean the left and right sides of the washing tub 30 separately. Needless to say, unlike the present embodiment, it is needless to say that it is not necessarily divided only into the left and right sides, but it is possible to divide it into further subdivisions according to necessity.

When the washing of the tableware is completed, a drying process is performed to remove the washing water remaining in the dishware and the washing tub 30.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a washing tub and a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated into a duct and a drying unit.

3 to 5, the dishwasher 1 may further include a drying assembly 500 for removing the washing water remaining in the inside of the dishwashing and washing tub 30. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the dishwasher 1 may further include at least one drying assembly 500.

The drying assembly 500 may be provided inside the body 10 so as to be adjacent to the washing tub 30. Preferably, the drying assembly 500 may be provided inside the body 10 so as to be positioned outside the washing tub 30. The position of the drying assembly 500 is not limited to the inside of the main body 10 but may be provided outside the main body 10 so as to communicate with the washing tub 30.

Preferably, the dishwasher 1 may further include a plurality of drying assemblies 500. The plurality of drying assemblies 500 may include a first drying assembly and a second drying assembly disposed on opposite sides of the wash tub 30, respectively. The first drying assembly may be located on the left side 38 of the wash tub 30 and the second dry assembly may be located on the right side of the wash tub 30 (not shown).

The first drying assembly and the second drying assembly may have a symmetrical structure with respect to each other.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first drying assembly located on the left side surface 38 of the washing tub 30 will be mainly described. Figure 3 is a view in which the second drying assembly is omitted.

The drying assembly 500 may include a drying unit 600, a duct and a damper 540 (see FIG. 6).

A heat insulating material (not shown) may be disposed in the drying assembly 500.

The drying unit 600 may be disposed at a lower portion of the washing tub 30. In other words, the drying unit 600 can be arranged to face the lower surface 37 of the washing tub 30. [ A dehumidifying member 631 (see FIG. 9) for absorbing moisture contained in the air may be provided inside the drying assembly 500. Specifically, the dehumidifying member 631 may be provided inside the drying unit 600.

The air in the washing tub 30 containing moisture is sucked into the drying unit 600 and is discharged into the washing tub 30 after the water vapor is removed by the dehumidifying member 631 disposed inside the drying unit 600 . The drying assembly 500 may include a duct to discharge the air sucked from the inside of the washing tub 30 back into the washing tub 30.

The duct includes at least one inlet 511 communicating with the washing tub 30 so that air can be introduced into the washing tub 30 and at least one inlet 511 communicating with the washing tub 30 so that air can be discharged into the washing tub 30 As shown in FIG.

The duct may include a suction duct 510 and a connecting duct 520.

The suction duct 510 may be disposed on the upper surface 36 of the washing tub 30. At least one inlet 511 (see FIG. 6) may be formed in the suction duct 510. Specifically, at least one inlet 511 may be formed in the suction duct 510 to face at least one opening 30a formed in the upper surface 36 of the washing tub 30. The air in the washing tub 30 can be introduced into the suction duct 510 through at least one inlet 511.

The connecting duct 520 may be disposed on the left side 38 of the washing tub 30. The connecting duct 520 may be disposed between the suction duct 510 and the drying unit 600 to connect the suction duct 510 and the drying unit 600. One end of the connecting duct 520 may be connected to the suction duct 510 and the other end of the connecting duct 520 may be connected to the drying unit 600. The connection duct 520 may include at least one discharge port 521 communicated with the washing tub 30 so that the air introduced through the at least one inlet port 511 can be discharged into the washing tub 30 . The at least one discharge port 521 may be provided in the connecting duct 520 so as to face at least one opening hole 30b formed in the left side surface 38 of the washing tub 30. [ The air introduced from the inside of the washing tub 30 through at least one inlet 511 may be discharged into the washing tub 30 through at least one outlet 521 after circulating the drying assembly 500.

Hereinafter, the drying unit 600, the duct and the damper 540 (see FIG. 6) will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a duct of a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated into a suction duct and a connecting duct. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drying assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a suction duct, a damper, and a connecting duct.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the suction duct 510 and the connecting duct 520 can be coupled to each other. The suction duct 510 and the connecting duct 520 may be detachably coupled to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the suction duct 510 and the connecting duct 520 may be integrally formed.

The suction duct 510 may include a first case 512 and a second case 513.

The first case 512 may be coupled to the outside of the washing tub 30. In other words, the first case 512 can be coupled to the upper surface 36 of the washing tub 30. At least one inlet 511 may be formed in the first case 512. The at least one inlet 511 may be formed in the first case 512 so as to face at least one opening 30a formed in the upper surface 36 of the washing tub 30 as described above.

The first case 512 may include a first portion 512a and a second portion 512b. At least one inlet 511 may be formed in the first portion 512a. The second portion 512b may extend from the first portion 512a and be coupled to the connecting duct 520. The second portion 512b may extend from the first portion 512a and be coupled to the connecting duct 520 to be folded. A slope may be formed in the first portion 512a. Specifically, the first portion 512a is configured such that condensed water, which can be formed in the first portion 512a by the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511, flows through the at least one inlet 511 into the washing tub 30 Can be inclined in the direction of gravity G so as to be adjacent to at least one inlet 511 so as to be drained. Specifically, the first portion 512a may be tilted in the gravitational direction G by 2 to 15 인접 as it is adjacent to the at least one inlet 511.

The second case 513 may be coupled to the first case 512 to form a space through which the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 may move. The first case 512 and the second case 513 may be coupled to each other to form an appearance of the suction duct 510. The second case 513 may include at least one guide 514. At least one guide 514 may protrude from the second case 513 toward at least one inlet 511 to correspond to at least one inlet 511 formed in the first case 512. [ The guides 514 are advanced (tipped) so that the condensed water, which can be formed in the guide 514 by the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511, can be drained to the washing tub 30 through the at least one inlet 511. [ ) 514a. For example, the guide 514 may have a conical shape having a bottom surface provided in the second case 513. Condensate that can form on the guide 514 may flow along the bus bar so as to face the tip 514a (in the case of a conical shape, vertex) and be drained to the washing tub 30 through at least one inlet 511. The shape of the guide 514 is not limited to a conical shape and can be variously modified.

The suction duct 510 may further include a plurality of slits 515 provided in at least one of the first case 512 and the second case 513. [ Specifically, the plurality of slits 515 are formed by at least one inlet port 511 and a portion of the first case 512 adjacent to the at least one guide 514 and at least one of the portions of the second case 513 adjacent to the at least one guide 514 As shown in FIG. When a plurality of slits 515 are provided in both the first case 512 and the second case 513, the plurality of slits 515 and the second case 513 provided in the first case 512 The plurality of slits 515 may face each other. The condensed water which can be formed in the plurality of slits 515 by the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 is discharged to the washing tub 30 through at least one inlet 511 by capillary phenomenon .

The connecting ducts 520 may include a base 522 and a cover 523 which are coupled to each other to form an appearance of the connecting duct 520. The cover 523 may be coupled to the suction duct 510. As an example, the cover 523 can be screwed into the suction duct 510. At least one discharge port 521 may be formed in the base 522.

The connecting duct 520 may further include a first channel 524 and a second channel 525. The first channel 524 may be provided within the connecting duct 520. The air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 can move along the first channel 524 toward the drying unit 600. The second channel 525 may be provided in the connection duct 520 to communicate with at least one discharge port 521. The air having passed through the drying unit 600 can be moved along the second channel 525 and discharged into the washing tub 30 through the at least one discharge port 521. [ A plurality of guide channels 527 may be formed in the second channel 525 to guide the air moving along the second channel 525 to at least one discharge port 521. [ Specifically, the plurality of guide flow paths 527 may be formed in a part of the cover 523 forming the second channel 525 together with the base 522. [ At least a part of the plurality of guide flow paths 527 may include a curved surface. However, it is also possible that a plurality of guide flow paths 527 are formed in the base 522.

The connecting duct 520 may further include a partition 526 partitioning the first channel 524 and the second channel 525. Particularly, the partition 526 may be formed in the cover 523 to prevent air moving along the first channel 524 and air moving along the second channel 525 from mixing with each other. However, it is also possible that the partition 526 is formed on the base 522.

A plurality of guide ribs 528 may be formed in the first channel 524. The plurality of guide ribs 528 may be elongated in the width direction of the first channel 524. The plurality of guide ribs 528 may be inclined in the gravity direction G toward the partition 526 in the width direction of the first channel 524. The condensed water flowing into the connecting duct 520 flows along the plurality of guide ribs 528 and is transferred to the partition 526. The condensed water transferred to the partition 526 is transferred by gravity along the partition wall 526 in the direction of gravity G ). The condensed water flowing in the gravity direction G along the partition wall 526 may be discharged to at least one discharge port 521 through at least one opening 530 to be described later.

At least one rib 529 may be formed in the partition 526. At least one rib 529 may be provided in the partition 526 to protrude toward the first channel 524. At least one rib 529 may protrude from the partition 526 toward the first channel 524 to have a height of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. However, the height range of at least one rib 529 is not limited to the above example. At least one rib 529 may be provided in the partition 526 to be adjacent to at least one opening 530 to be described later. In particular, at least one rib 529 may be located below the at least one opening 530, described below, in the direction of gravity G. [ At least one rib 529 serves to guide the flow of condensate through the at least one opening 530 so that condensate flowing along the partition 526 can flow into the at least one opening 530. At least one rib 529 may be provided on the partition 526 to be spaced apart from each other.

At least one of the partition 526 and the plurality of guide flow paths 527 is provided with at least one condensed water so that the condensed water that can be formed in the first channel 524 can be discharged to the washing tub 30 through the at least one discharge port 521, At least one opening 530 for guiding the air to the discharge port 521 of the discharge port 521 may be formed. The condensed water flowing into the first channel 524 or the condensed water formed in the first channel 524 flows along the plurality of guide ribs 528 to the partition 526 and the condensed water delivered to the partition 526 is discharged by the gravity And flows along the partition wall 526. Condensate flowing along the partition 526 is guided by at least one rib 529 to enter at least one opening 530. The condensed water flowing into the at least one opening 530 is finally discharged into the washing tub 30 through the at least one discharge port 521.

The drying assembly 500 may further include a damper 540. The damper 540 may be provided to adjust the supply of at least one of the air and the washing water inside the washing tub 30 into at least one of the duct and the drying unit 600. In other words, the damper 540 can control the supply of at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 to at least one of the heater 611 (see FIG. 9) and the dehumidifying member 631 . Specifically, the damper 540 is provided inside at least one of the duct and the drying unit 600 so as to be positioned between the at least one inlet 511 and the heater 611 (see FIG. 9), and the duct and the drying unit 600 And the washing water is supplied to the inside of at least one of the washing tub 30 and the washing tub 30. As an example, the damper 540 may be provided inside the suction duct 510. Specifically, the damper 540 can be mounted on the damper holder 541 provided in the suction duct 510. The damper 540 may have a shape elongated in the width direction of the suction duct 510 and may be fitted to the damper holder 541. The damper 540 may be provided in the suction duct 510 so as to be adjacent to the at least one inlet 511. At least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 which has flowed into the suction duct 510 through the at least one inlet 511 is connected to the connecting duct 520 through the drying unit 600 by the damper 540, To be supplied to the < / RTI > The damper 540 is disposed on the upstream side of the dehumidifying member 631 in the circulating direction of air in the washing tub 30 through which the air discharged from the inside of the washing tub 30 circulates and flows into the washing tub 30, . At this time, the heater 611 may be disposed between the damper 540 and the dehumidifying member 631.

The damper 540 may be rotatably provided. That is, the damper 540 can be fitted to the damper holder 541 so as to be rotatable. The damper 540 can be rotated by receiving the driving force from the driving device 550. The driving device 550 of the damper 540 may include a thermal actuator. The driving device 550 can be seated in a driving device seating space 542 provided inside the suction duct 510. The driving device 550 and the damper 540 may be connected by a connecting member 560. [

A detailed description of the operation process of the damper 540 will be described later.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged views of FIG. 6A showing the operation of the damper.

8A and 8B, the damper 540 can control whether or not at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub 30 introduced through the at least one inlet 511 is supplied to the duct. More specifically, the damper 540 prevents at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub 30 from flowing into the duct, except when the dehumidifying member 631 needs to be dehumidified or regenerated. In other words, when the dehumidifying member 631 is recycled or the drying cycle of the dishwasher 1 is performed, at least one of air and washing water in the washing tub 30 is introduced into the duct 511 through the at least one inlet 511, To be introduced into the inside. This is because when at least one of the air in the washing tub 30 and the washing water passes through the duct and is delivered to the dehumidifying member 631 at a period other than the regeneration process of the dehumidifying member 631 or the drying process of the dishwasher 1 , The regeneration efficiency of the dehumidifying member 631 and the drying efficiency of the dishwasher 1 may be lowered.

Figure 8a shows the damper 540 being connected to the inlet 511 through at least one inlet 511 to prevent at least one of the air and wash water flowing through the at least one inlet 511 from being transferred to the dehumidifying member 631 through the duct. And at least one of the air and the wash water blocks the flow path that moves toward the duct. At this time, the blade 543 of the damper 540 can be brought into close contact with the inner wall of the suction duct 510.

8B shows a state in which the damper 540 is introduced through at least one inlet 511 so that at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 can be transmitted to the dehumidifying member 631 through the duct And at least one of the air and the wash water opens a flow path that moves toward the duct. The damper 540 can be rotated so that the blade 543 of the damper 540 is separated from the inner wall of the suction duct 510 by receiving driving force from the driving device 550. [ In this case, at least one of the air and wash water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 passes through the duct formed through the gap formed between the blade 543 of the damper 540 and the inner wall of the suction duct 510 Can be transmitted to the dehumidifying member (631).

9 is an exploded perspective view showing a drying unit in a dishwasher drying assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9, the drying assembly 500 may further include a drying unit 600 provided with a dehumidifying member 631 therein and coupled to the connecting duct 520. In other respects, the drying assembly 500 is coupled to the duct to communicate with the duct, and the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 into the interior of the duct 500 is directed upstream And a dehumidifying member (631) located at a downstream side in a direction in which the air introduced through the at least one inlet (511) moves toward the at least one outlet (521) (600).

The drying unit 600 may include a heater housing 610. The heater housing 610 may be connected to the first channel 524. A heater 611 may be accommodated in the heater housing 610. The heater 611 may be provided inside the body 10 so as to face the dehumidifying member 631. The heater 611 may include a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater). The PTC heater has a characteristic of keeping the temperature constant according to the amount of air, which is excellent in terms of reliability. That is, the PTC heater is safe because it has an isothermal characteristic. Preferably, the heater 611 may include a PTC heater of 1000 W or less. The regeneration heat required in the process of regenerating the dehumidifying member 631 using the heater 611 may be 200Wh or less.

The material of the heater housing 610 may include heat-resistant plastic. However, the material of the heater housing 610 adjacent to the heater 611 may include stainless steel.

The heater housing 610 may be provided with a condensed water inflow preventing structure (not shown) to prevent the condensed water from being transmitted to the heater 611.

The drying unit 600 may further include a fan housing 620. The fan housing 620 may be connected to the second channel 525. The fan housing 620 has a driving force for circulating the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 along the first flow path 700 (see FIG. 10) and the second flow path 800 (see FIG. 10) A fan 621 can be accommodated. The fan 621 may be disposed to face the dehumidifying member 631 with the flow path changing damper 640 therebetween. The fan 621 may include a centrifugal fan. Preferably, the fan 621 may include a fixed-pressure sirocco fan advantageous in terms of resistance, but the type of the fan 621 is not limited thereto. The fan 621 can receive the driving source from the fan driving motor 622 and rotate. The fan drive motor 622 may be received within the motor housing 680 coupled to the fan housing 620. The motor housing 680 may be coupled to the outside of the fan housing 620. The fan drive motor 622 may include a drive shaft 623 connected to the fan 621 through a portion of the fan housing 620 facing the fan drive motor 622. The fan 621 can rotate about the drive shaft 623. The fan drive motor 622 may include a BLDC motor. The BLDC motor has the advantage of reducing the operating energy required to operate the fan 621 and changing the operating RPM of the fan 621. In addition, when the BLDC motor is used, the air volume required for dehumidification and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 and the air volume required for heating the air in the washing tub 30 can be adjusted to optimize the drying function of the dishwasher 1 At the same time, dry energy reduction effect can be expected. However, the type of the fan 621 is not limited to the BLDC motor. The RPM of the fan 621 required to heat the air during the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1 may be equal to the RPM of the fan 621 required for moisture absorption and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631. [ At this time, the area of the dehumidifying member 631 can be made small, and the moisture absorption and regeneration flow rate can be made small. Alternatively, the RPM of the fan 621 required to heat the air during the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1 may be higher than the RPM of the fan 621 required for moisture absorption and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631. More specifically, the RPM of the fan 621 required to heat the air during the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1 is lower than the RPM of the fan 621 required for moisture absorption and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 to 200 rpm or more and 700 rpm or less Can be high.

The drying unit 600 may further include a dehumidification member housing 630. The dehumidification member housing 630 may be disposed between the heater housing 610 and the fan housing 620. A dehumidifying member (631) can be accommodated in the dehumidification member housing (630). One end of the dehumidification member housing 630 is connected to the heater housing 610 and the other end of the dehumidification member housing 630 can be connected to the connection housing 650 to be described later. Alternatively, one end of the dehumidification member housing 630 may be connected to the heater housing 610, and the other end of the dehumidification member housing 630 may be connected to the fan housing 620.

The inner space of the dehumidification member housing 630 may include a first space 633 and a second space 634 partitioned by a dehumidifying member 631. The second space 634 is adjacent to the heater housing 610 and can communicate with the heater housing 610. The first space 633 may be provided on the first flow path 700 (see FIG. 10), and the second space 634 may be provided on the second flow path 800 (see FIG. 10). In other words, the first flow path 700 can pass through the first space 633, and the second flow path 800 can pass through the second space 634.

The dehumidifying member 631 may have a porous structure. Specifically, the dehumidifying member 631 may have a honeycomb-shaped porous structure so as to secure a wide dehumidifying area to improve the dehumidifying performance of the dishwasher 1. [

The material of the dehumidifying member 631 may include at least one of zeolite, silica, and ceramic.

The shape of the dehumidifying member 631 may include at least one of a cylinder and a rectangular shape. When the shape of the dehumidifying member 631 is a cylindrical shape, the diameter of the bottom surface of the dehumidifying member 631 may be 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less. When the shape of the dehumidifying member 631 is cylindrical, the height of the dehumidifying member 631 may be 20 mm or more and 200 mm or less. However, the range of the height of the dehumidifying member 631 and the diameter of the bottom of the dehumidifying member 631 is not limited to the above example. Preferably, the shape of the dehumidifying member 631 may have a cylindrical shape. The shape of the dehumidifying member 631 is similar to the shape of the fan 621 so that a dead zone that does not interact with the fan 621, that is, a region where the suction force of the fan 621 is insufficient The high dehumidification efficiency of the dehumidifying member 631 can be expected.

The dehumidifying member 631 may include a frame 636 and a plurality of hollows 637. The frame 636 can form an outer appearance of the dehumidifying member 631. [ The plurality of hollows 637 may be formed inside the frame 636 so that the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 can pass through the heater 611 and the dehumidifying member 631. The plurality of hollows 637 may be located on the first flow path 700. The frame 636 of the dehumidifying member 631 may include a plurality of surfaces 636a opened so that air can be introduced and discharged into the interior of the dehumidifying member 631 through the plurality of hollows 637. [ The frame 636 may form a side surface of the dehumidifying member 631 and the plurality of open surfaces 636a may be formed on a plurality of bottom surfaces of the dehumidifying member 631. In this case, Can be formed. The air can be moved to penetrate the dehumidifying member 631 through the plurality of hollows 637. [ It is difficult for the air to move through the dehumidifying member 631 through the frame 636. [

The drying unit 600 may further include a flow path change damper 640.

The channel change damper 640 may be positioned between the fan housing 620 and the dehumidification member housing 630. Alternatively, the flow path change damper 640 may be positioned between the connection housing 650 and the dehumidification member housing 630. The flow path change damper 640 is disposed to face the dehumidifying member 631 to selectively open and close the first flow path 700 (see FIG. 10) and the second flow path 800 (see FIG. 10). The flow path change damper 640 may be rotatably disposed to receive the driving force from the driving source 641 so as to selectively open and close the first flow path 700 and the second flow path 800. The driving source 641 may include at least one of a thermal actuator and a synchronous motor. 9 shows a case where the synchronous motor is applied as the driving source 641. When the synchronous motor is used as the driving source 641, the flow-path changing damper 640 transmits the driving force of the synchronous motor And can rotate in engagement with the gear 642 arranged to be able to rotate.

The drying unit 600 may further include a connection housing 650. The connection housing 650 may be disposed between the fan housing 620 and the dehumidification member housing 630. Specifically, one end of the connection housing 650 can be coupled to the fan housing 620, and the other end of the connection housing 650 can be coupled to the dehumidification member housing 630. A flow path change damper 640 may be disposed between the connection housing 650 and the dehumidification member housing 630. The flow path change damper 640 may be accommodated in at least one of the connecting housing 650 and the dehumidifying member housing 630 so as to be positioned between the connecting housing 650 and the dehumidifying member housing 630. [ A hollow 651 may be formed in the connection housing 650 so that air can move. If the distance between the fan 621 and the dehumidifying member 631 is not sufficiently secured, the air introduced into the dehumidifying member 631 is less likely to pass uniformly through the dehumidifying member 631. The dehumidification performance can be reduced when the air introduced into the dehumidifying member 631 passes only a part of the dehumidifying member 631 without passing through the dehumidifying member 631 uniformly. It is important to secure a sufficient distance between the fan 621 and the dehumidifying member 631 to prevent such a phenomenon. Preferably, the distance between the fan 621 and the dehumidifying member 631 may be 30 mm or more and 200 mm or less. A sufficient distance between the fan 621 and the dehumidifying member 631 can be ensured by the connecting housing 650.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the flow of air circulating along the first flow path and the second flow path in the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross- Fig. 12 is a view showing a second flow path of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the dishwasher 1 may further include a first flow path 700 and a second flow path 800.

The first flow path 700 may be provided so that air in the washing tub 30 passes through the dehumidifying member 631 in the process of circulating the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500. In other words, the first flow path 700 may be provided to penetrate the dehumidifying member 631 in the process of circulating the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 through the inside of the washing tub 30. The dehumidification and / or regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 may be performed by the air circulating along the first flow path 700.

The second flow path 800 may be provided to bypass the dehumidifying member 631 in the course of circulating the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 through the inside of the washing tub 30. [ The air circulating along the second flow path 800 may not pass through the dehumidifying member 631. [ In other words, the air circulating along the second flow path 800 may not pass through the dehumidifying member 631. [ The air circulating along the second flow path 800 can be heated in the process of circulating along the second flow path 800 and the heated air can flow into the interior of the washing tub 30 during the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1 Can be used independently or supplementarily to remove moisture present in the tableware.

The second flow path 800 is provided with a dehumidifying member 631 so that the air in the washing tub 30 does not penetrate the dehumidifying member 631 in the process of circulating the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500, The first flow path 700 may be branched from the first flow path 700.

At least one of the moisture existing in the washing tub 30 and the water present in the tableware accommodated in the washing tub 30 in the drying stroke process of the dishwasher 1 is the air circulating along the first flow path 700 Can be removed (dried) by the heat of adsorption generated in the process of passing through the dehumidifying member 631.

When the heat of adsorption is insufficient in the process of removing (drying) at least one of the water present in the washing tub 30 and the water present in the tableware accommodated in the washing tub 30, The heat required to remove (dry) at least one of the moisture present in the tableware accommodated in the first channel 30 can be supplemented from the air heated in the process of circulating along the second channel 800.

As described above, the air circulating along the second flow path 800 can be heated in the process of circulating along the second flow path 800. At this time, in the process of circulating along the second flow path 800, the moisture present in the washing tub 30 and the moisture present in the dishes contained in the washing tub 30 are removed (dried) by using the heated air The dishwasher 1 can circulate air in the washing tub 30 at least once along the second flow path 800. [ In other words, when it is desired to heat the air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 irrespective of the dehumidification and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631, the air in the washing tub 30 is supplied to the second flow path 800 You can cycle at least once.

The first flow path 700 is a flow path through which the air in the washing tub 30 circulates during the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1. The first flow path 700 includes a dehumidifying member 631 and a heater (611) may be disposed.

The second flow path 800 may be configured such that air in the washing tub 30 is supplied to the second flow path 800 in order to heat the inside of the washing tub 30 to be used for additional drying steps, As the circulating flow path, a heater 611 may be disposed on the second flow path 800.

The first flow path 700 and the second flow path 800 may each form a closed flow path. By forming the first flow path 700 and the second flow path 800 as waste oil, it is possible to prevent the heated air or moisture from leaking during the circulation of the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500. By preventing leakage of the heated air or moisture, it is possible to reduce the loss of heat energy and the damage of the temperature-sensitive peripheral parts as a result.

The circulation process of the air moving along the first flow path 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG.

10 and 11, a direction in which the air introduced through the at least one inlet port 511 moves toward the at least one outlet port 521 (hereinafter referred to as the air circulation direction) is formed on the first flow path 700, The heater 611, the dehumidifying member 631, and the fan 621 may be sequentially positioned. That is, the heater 611 may be located on the upstream side in the air circulation direction, and the fan 621 may be located on the downstream side in the air circulation direction. The dehumidifying member 631 may be positioned between the heater 611 and the fan 621.

When the first flow path 700 is opened by the damper 540, the air in the washing tub 30 passes through the at least one inlet 511 and moves along the first channel 524. The air moving along the first channel 524 is transmitted to the heater 611 and heated by the heater 611. The air heated by the heater 611 moves along the plurality of hollows 637 of the dehumidifying member 631 and passes through the dehumidifying member 631 and then flows into the first space 633 of the dehumidifying member housing 630 Move. At this time, the flow path-changing damper 640 opens the second space 634 of the housing 630 in a state where the first space 633 of the housing 630 of the dehumidifying member 630 is open, . The air that has passed through the dehumidifying member 631 and then moves to the first space 633 is transferred to the fan 621 through the connection housing 650. The air transferred to the fan 621 moves along the plurality of guide channels 527 formed in the second channel 525 and is discharged into the washing tub 30 through the at least one discharge port 521. [

The circulation process of the air moving along the second flow path 800 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the heater 611 and the fan 621 may be sequentially disposed on the second flow path 800 in the air circulation direction. That is, the heater 611 may be located on the upstream side in the air circulation direction, and the fan 621 may be located on the downstream side in the air circulation direction.

When the second flow path 800 is opened by the damper 540, air in the washing tub 30 moves along the first channel 524 by talking with at least one inlet 511. The air moving along the first channel 524 is transmitted to the heater 611 and heated by the heater 611. The air heated by the heater 611 moves to the second space 634 of the housing 630 without passing through the dehumidifying member 631. [ In other words, the air heated by the heater 611 bypasses the dehumidifying member 631 and moves to the second space 634 of the dehumidifying member housing 630. At this time, the flow path-changing damper 640 opens the second space 634 of the housing 630 in a state where the first space 633 of the housing 630 of the dehumidifying member 630 is closed, . The air that has moved to the second space 634 after bypassing the dehumidifying member 631 is transferred to the fan 621 via the connection housing 650. The air transferred to the fan 621 moves along the plurality of guide channels 527 formed in the second channel 525 and is discharged into the washing tub 30 through the at least one discharge port 521. [

The first flow path 700 in which the dehumidification and regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 is performed and the second flow path 800 in which air in the washing tub 30 is heated in the process of circulating the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 Is applied to the drying system of the dishwasher 1 to remove (dry) the water existing in the washing tub 30 and the tableware by using the heat of adsorption generated at the time of dehumidification of the dehumidifying member 631, In the case where it is not completely done, the water in the washing tub 30 and the tableware can be removed (dried) by using the heated air in the process of circulating the second flow path 800 secondarily. Thus, when additional drying steps are required, only air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 is heated without repeating the dehumidifying and regenerating process of the dehumidifying member 631, It is possible to easily remove (dry) water present in the water. Therefore, the drying energy required in the drying stroke of the dishwasher 1 can be reduced.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a washing water heater, a heater, a fan, a damper, and a flow path changing damper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 13, the dishwasher 1 may include a cleaning stroke, a rinse stroke and a drying stroke. Further, the dishwasher 1 may further include a preliminary cleaning stroke as a preliminary stage of the cleaning stroke. The rinsing cycle may include cold rinses and hot rinses that progress sequentially.

Regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 may be performed in a hot rinse step. The dehumidifying member 631 can be regenerated by the regenerating heat (regeneration energy) supplied by the heater 611. When the regeneration of the dehumidifying member 631 is performed in the hot rinse step, the high temperature air inside the cleaning tank 30 can be transferred to the dehumidifying member 631, Can be reduced.

The dehumidification of the dehumidifying member 631 and the heating of air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 can be performed sequentially in the drying step.

Alternatively, the primary dehumidification of the dehumidifying member 631, the heating of the air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500, and the secondary dehumidification of the dehumidifying member 631 may be sequentially performed in the drying step. A part of the dehumidifying member 631 is regenerated due to the heat conduction phenomenon even in the second flow path 800 bypassing the dehumidifying member 631 when the air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500 is performed, . Therefore, after performing the secondary dehumidification of the dehumidifying member 631 by opening the first flow path 700 instead of the second flow path 800 after heating the circulating air in the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500, The drying efficiency of the dishwasher 1 can be further improved.

The operating states of the washing water heater (not shown), the heater 611, the fan 621, the damper 540, and the flow path change damper 640 according to the stroke process of the dishwasher 1 will be described below.

In the preliminary washing step, neither the washing water heater, the heater 611, the fan 621, the damper 540 nor the flow path change damper 640 are operated. In the case of the damper 540, at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 is moved toward the duct to prevent at least one of the air and washing water in the washing tub 30 from being introduced into the duct .

In the cleaning stroke step, the wash water heater can be operated for full cleaning. By the operation of the wash water heater, the wash water can be heated, and hot water can be used for the dishwashing which is present inside the wash tank 30. [ The heater 611, the fan 621, the damper 540, and the flow path change damper 640 do not operate in the cleaning stroke step. In the case of the damper 540, the air introduced through the at least one inlet 511 and the washing water (not shown) are introduced into the duct to prevent at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 from being introduced into the duct, At least one of them is moved toward the duct.

In the cold rinse step, the wash water heater, the heater 611, the fan 621, the damper 540 and the flow path change damper 640 do not operate as in the preliminary washing step.

In the hot rinse step, specifically, the regeneration step of the dehumidifying member 631, the water heater does not operate. The heater 611 operates to supply regenerating heat (regeneration energy) to the dehumidifying member 631. The fan 621 can rotate at RPM1. The damper 540 is provided at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 so that at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 can be introduced into the duct through the at least one inlet 511, One opens the flow path that moves toward the duct. The flow path change damper 640 opens the first flow path 700 and cuts off the second flow path 800 so that the air inside the cleaning tank 30 can circulate along the first flow path 700.

In the drying step, specifically, in the primary dehumidifying step of the dehumidifying member 631, the washing water heater and the heater 611 do not operate. The fan 621 can rotate at RPM1. The damper 540 is provided at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 so that at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 can be introduced into the duct through the at least one inlet 511, One opens the flow path that moves toward the duct. The flow path change damper 640 opens the first flow path 700 and cuts off the second flow path 800 so that the air inside the cleaning tank 30 can circulate along the first flow path 700.

In the drying step, specifically, the heating step of the air circulating through the washing tub 30 and the drying assembly 500, the washing water heater does not operate. The heater 611 operates to heat air circulating along the second flow path 800. The fan 621 may rotate at RPM2. RPM1 and RPM2 may be the same or different from each other. Preferably, RPM2 may be a value greater than RPM1. The damper 540 is provided at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 so that at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 can be introduced into the duct through the at least one inlet 511, One opens the flow path that moves toward the duct. The flow path change damper 640 opens the second flow path 800 and blocks the first flow path 700 so that the air inside the cleaning tank 30 can circulate along the second flow path 800.

In the drying step, specifically, the secondary dehumidifying step, the washing water heater and the heater 611 do not operate. The fan 621 can rotate at RPM1. The damper 540 is provided at least one of the air and the washing water introduced through the at least one inlet 511 so that at least one of the air and the washing water in the washing tub 30 can be introduced into the duct through the at least one inlet 511, One opens the flow path that moves toward the duct. The flow path change damper 640 opens the first flow path 700 and cuts off the second flow path 800 so that the air inside the cleaning tank 30 can circulate along the first flow path 700.

The dishwasher 1 may have a single drying mode. That is, the dishwasher 1 may omit the preliminary washing step, the washing step and the rinsing step, and perform only the drying step. In other words, the dishwasher 1 can perform only the dehumidification, the regeneration, and the heating of the air by omitting the preliminary washing step, the washing step and the rinsing step. Thus, drying time and drying energy of the tableware can be reduced.

FIGS. 14A to 14C are views schematically showing a possible arrangement of a dehumidifying member in a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

14A to 14C, the dehumidifying member 631 may have various arrangements.

14A, one of the open faces 636a of the frame 636 faces toward the front of the washing tub 30, and a plurality of open faces (not shown) of the frame 636 636a may be arranged to face the rear of the washing tub 30. [

14B, one of the open faces 636a of the frame 636 faces toward the left side of the washing tub 30, and a plurality of open faces 636a of the frame 636, And the other one of the plurality of cleaning members 636a may be disposed to face the right side of the washing tub 30.

14C, the dehumidifying member 631 may be disposed such that a plurality of open faces 636a of the frame 636 face each other in the height direction of the washing tub 30. [ In other words, the dehumidifying member 631 is configured such that one of the open faces 636a of the frame 636 faces upwardly of the washing tub 30, and the other one of the plurality of open faces 636a of the frame 636 May be disposed to face downward of the washing tub 30.

The arrangement structure of the dehumidifying member 631 can be variously modified, and is not limited to the above example.

The foregoing has shown and described specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention described in the following claims .

1: dishwasher 10: main body
11: door 12a, 12b: basket
30: washing tub 31: inner upper surface
32: inner rear surface 33: inner seating surface
34: Inner right side surface 35:
36: upper surface 37:
38: Left side 51: Circulation pump
52: Drain pump 100: Sump
311, 313, 330, 340: injection nozzles 312, 314, 331, 341:
400: Vane 500: Drying assembly
510: Suction duct 511: Inlet
512: first case 512a: first part
512b: second part 513: second case
514: Guide 514a:
515: Slit 520: Connection duct
521: Outlet port 522: Base
523: cover 524: first channel
525: second channel 526: partition wall
527: guide flow path 528: guide rib
529: rib 530: opening
540: Damper 541: Damper holder
542: Drive device seating space 543: Blade
550: driving device 560: connecting member
600: drying unit 610: heater housing
611: heater 620: fan housing
621: Fan 622: Driving motor
623: drive shaft 630: dehumidification member housing
631: dehumidifying member 633: first space
634: second space 636: frame
636a: Cotton 637: hollow
640: Flow change damper 641: Driving source
642: gear 650: connecting housing
651: hollow 700: first flow
800: Secondary flow path 680: Motor housing
30a: opening 30b: opening hole

Claims (40)

main body;
A washing tub provided inside the main body;
A drying assembly provided inside the main body and having a dehumidifying member therein;
A first flow path provided so as to pass through the dehumidifying member in the course of circulating air in the washing tub through the washing tub and the drying assembly; And
And a second flow path provided so as to bypass the dehumidifying member in the process of circulating air in the washing tub through the washing tub and the drying assembly. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein air circulating along the second flow path does not pass through the dehumidifying member. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tableware accommodated in the washing tub is dried by the heat of adsorption generated in the process of passing the air circulating along the first flow path through the dehumidifying member. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the heat required to dry the tableware accommodated in the washing tub is supplemented from the air heated in the circulation process along the second flow path when the adsorption heat is insufficient in the process of drying the tableware accommodated in the washing tub. The method according to claim 1,
The air circulating along the second flow path is heated in the course of circulation along the second flow path,
Wherein the air in the washing tub is circulated at least once along the second flow path when it is desired to dry the tableware accommodated in the washing tub using the heated air. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein dehumidification and / or regeneration of the dehumidifying member is performed by air circulating along the first flow path. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each form a closed flow path. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the drying assembly includes a flow path change damper disposed to face the dehumidifying member and selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the flow path changing damper is rotatably disposed to selectively open and close the first flow path and the second flow path. The method according to claim 1,
The drying assembly comprises:
A duct having an inlet communicating with the washing tub to allow air in the washing tub to flow in and an outlet communicating with the washing tub so that air can be discharged into the washing tub; And
A heater connected to the duct to communicate with the duct and positioned upstream in a direction in which air introduced through the inlet flows toward the outlet, and air flowing through the inlet moves toward the outlet And a drying unit in which the dehumidifying member located on the downstream side in the direction of the drying unit is accommodated. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the drying assembly is provided inside at least one of the duct and the drying unit so as to be positioned between the inlet and the heater, and at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub is introduced into at least one of the duct and the drying unit And a damper for adjusting the supply of the dishwasher. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the damper is rotatably disposed to adjust the supply of at least one of air and wash water in the inside of the washing tub to at least one of the duct and the drying unit. 11. The method of claim 10,
The dehumidifying member
A frame forming an appearance; And
And a plurality of hollows formed inside the frame so that the air introduced through the inlet can penetrate the dehumidifying member through the heater. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the plurality of hollows are located on the first flow path. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the dehumidifying member has a honeycomb-shaped porous structure so as to improve dehumidification performance. A dishwasher including a washing step, a rinsing step and a drying step,
In the dishwasher,
main body;
A washing tub provided inside the main body;
A dehumidifying member provided inside the body so as to be positioned outside the washing tub and having a porous structure;
A heater provided inside the body to face the dehumidifying member;
A first flow path through which air in the washing tub is circulated in the drying step; a first flow path in which the dehumidifying member and the heater are disposed on the first flow path; And
A second flow path through which air in the washing tub is circulated so that the air in the washing tub can be heated to be used for the additional drying step when the drying process requires additional drying steps; And a second flow path disposed in the dishwasher. 17. The method of claim 16,
And the second flow path bypasses the dehumidifying member. 17. The method of claim 16,
The rinsing cycle includes a cold rinse and a hot rinse,
Wherein the regeneration of the dehumidifying member is performed in the hot rinsing step. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising a damper rotatably provided to at least one of the heater and the dehumidifying member so as to adjust the supply of at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub. 20. The method of claim 19,
The damper is disposed on the upstream side of the dehumidifying member in the circulating direction of the air in the washing tub circulating through the inside of the washing tub and flowing into the inside of the washing tub and the heater is disposed between the damper and the dehumidifying member dish washer. 17. The method of claim 16,
And a flow path changing damper arranged to face the dehumidifying member and selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path. 22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the flow path changing damper is rotatably arranged to receive a driving force from a driving source so as to selectively open and close the first flow path and the second flow path. 23. The method of claim 22,
Wherein the driving source includes at least one of a thermal actuator and a synchronous motor. 22. The method of claim 21,
Further comprising a fan arranged to face the dehumidifying member with the flow path changing damper interposed therebetween so as to provide a driving force for circulating air in the washing tub along the first flow path and the second flow path. 17. The method of claim 16,
And the drying step can be executed independently using air heated in the course of circulating along the second flow path. main body;
A washing tub provided inside the main body;
A drying assembly provided inside the main body and having a dehumidifying member therein;
A first flow path provided to penetrate the dehumidifying member in the course of circulating air in the washing tub through the washing tub and the drying assembly; And
And a second flow path branched from the first flow path in the dehumidifying member so that the air in the washing tub does not pass through the dehumidifying member during the circulation of the washing tub and the drying assembly. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the air in the washing tub is circulated at least once along the second flow path when it is desired to heat air circulating through the washing tub and the drying assembly irrespective of dehumidification and regeneration of the dehumidifying member. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the drying assembly includes a suction duct having an inlet communicating with the washing tub so that air can be introduced into the washing tub. 29. The method of claim 28,
The suction duct
A first case coupled to the outside of the washing tub and having the inlet formed therein; And
And a second case coupled to the first case and having a guide protruding toward the inlet so as to correspond to the inlet, so that a space through which the air introduced through the inlet can be formed is formed inside the dishwasher. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the guide has a tip such that condensed water, which can be formed on the guide by the air introduced through the inlet, can be drained to the washing tub through the inlet. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein at least one of a portion of the first case adjacent to the inlet and a portion of the second case adjacent to the guide has condensed water formed by the air flowing through the inlet through capillary phenomenon, Wherein a plurality of slits are formed to be drained to the washing tub through an inlet. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the drying assembly further comprises a connection duct connected to the suction duct and having a discharge port communicating with the washing tub so that air introduced through the inlet can be discharged into the washing tub. 33. The method of claim 32,
The first case includes:
A first portion in which the inlet is formed; And
And a second portion extending from the first portion and coupled to the connecting duct,
Wherein the first portion is inclined toward the gravity direction so as to be closer to the inlet so that condensed water that can be formed in the first portion by the air introduced through the inlet port can be drained to the washing tub through the inlet port. 33. The method of claim 32,
The drying assembly further comprises a drying unit provided with the dehumidifying member therein and coupled to the connecting duct,
The connecting duct,
A first channel disposed inside the connection duct, the first channel having air flowing through the inlet port toward the drying unit;
A second channel formed in the connection duct to communicate with the discharge port, the second channel having a plurality of guide channels formed therein to guide air moving along the second channel to the discharge port; And
And a partition wall partitioning the first channel and the second channel. 35. The method of claim 34,
Wherein at least one of the partition and the plurality of guide channels is provided with at least one opening for guiding the condensed water to the discharge port so that condensate water that can be formed on the first channel can be discharged to the washing tub through the discharge port, . 35. The method of claim 34,
The drying unit includes:
A heater housing connected to the first channel and having a heater therein; And
And a fan housing connected to the second channel and containing a fan for providing a driving force for circulating the air introduced through the inlet into the first and second flow paths. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the drying unit further comprises a housing of a dehumidifying member disposed between the heater housing and the fan housing and containing the dehumidifying member therein,
Wherein the dehumidifying member has a honeycomb-shaped porous structure so as to improve dehumidification performance. 39. The method of claim 37,
The inner space of the dehumidifying member housing includes a first space and a second space defined by the dehumidifying member,
Wherein the second space is adjacent to the heater housing and communicates with the heater housing. 39. The method of claim 38,
The drying unit includes a flow path change damper disposed between the housing and the fan housing to selectively open and close the first flow path passing through the first space and the second flow path passing through the second space, More included dishwasher. 35. The method of claim 34,
Wherein the drying assembly further comprises a damper rotatably installed in at least one of the suction duct and the first channel so as to control whether or not at least one of air and wash water in the washing tub is supplied into the suction duct, .

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