DISHWASHER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a dishwasher and method for controlling the same.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, the dishwasher refers to a device for cleaning dishes received therein by spraying high pressure water at the dishes and then drying the dishes. The dishwasher operates in the way the high-pressure water is sprayed into a washing tub where the dishes are received and the sprayed water contacts the dishes to wash off dirt such as food soiling on the surface of the dishes.

For example, in the operation of the dishwasher, a washing process, a rinsing process and a drying process may be performed. In the drying process, heated air is supplied into the tub to remove water and moisture in the tub. A heater may be used to heat air, and a fan may be used to move the air heated by the heater into the tub.

However, as the water on the dishes and in the tub is evaporated during the drying process, hot and humid air may be produced. The hot and humid air may increase the pressure in the tub, and when there is a saturated amount of water vapor, condensate water may be formed on the walls inside the tub. Hence, the hot and humid air needs to be discharged out of the dishwasher.

The traditional dishwasher is equipped with an extra part such as a duct to discharge the hot and humid air to the outside, which makes the structure of the dishwasher complicated.

DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem

The disclosure provides a dishwasher and method of controlling the same, which may perform an opening/closing operation of a door at least one time during a drying process.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment, a dishwasher includes a tub having an opening; a door configured to open and close to thereby open and close the opening of the tub, respectively; a door driver configured to drive the door to open and close; a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature in the tub; a drying device configured to supply heated air into the tub; and a controller configured to operate the drying device to supply heated air into the tub to perform a drying process, and based on whether the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor reaches a plurality of preset temperatures during the drying process, control the door driver to, at least one time, drive the door to open and then close.

The controller may control the door driver to drive the door to perform a first opening of the door based on the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor decreasing to a preset first temperature after a start of the drying process, and control the door driver to drive the door to perform second opening of the door based on the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor increasing to a preset limit temperature after first closing of the door.

The controller may control the door driver to drive the door to perform the first closing of the door based on the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor decreasing to a preset second temperature lower than the preset first temperature after the first opening of the door.

The controller may identify a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first closing of the door, control the door driver to drive the door to perform the second opening of the door based further on the remaining dry time of the drying process being longer than or equal to a preset threshold time, and control the door driver to drive the door to perform a second closing of the door based on the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor decreasing to a preset third temperature lower than the preset limit temperature after the second opening of the door.

The controller may set the preset limit temperature to be lower than the preset first temperature and higher than the preset second temperature and set the preset third temperature to be lower than the preset second temperature.

The controller may control the door driver to drive the door to perform a first opening of the door based on the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor decreasing to a preset first temperature after a start of the drying process, and control the door driver to drive the door to perform a first closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset first moisture discharge time after the first opening of the door.

The controller may identify a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first closing of the door, control the door driver to drive the door to perform a second opening of the door based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being longer than or equal to a preset threshold time and the temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor increasing to a preset limit temperature, and control the door driver to drive the door to perform a second closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset second moisture discharge time after the second opening of the door.

The controller may set the first moisture discharge time and the second moisture discharge time differently.

The drying device may include a fan configured to move air; and a heater configured to heat air brought into the drying device, wherein the controller may stop operation of the heater and continue to operate the fan based on the door being opened.

The controller may identify a remaining dry time of the drying process after first closing of the door, and determine to omit the second opening of the door based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being shorter than a preset threshold time.

According to an embodiment, a method of controlling a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a tub having an opening, a door configured to open and close to thereby respectively open and close the opening, a door driver configured to drive the door to open and close, a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature in the tub, and a drying device configured to supply heated air into the tub. The method includes operating the drying device to supply heated air into the tub to perform a drying process; detecting temperature in a tub with the temperature sensor while the drying process is performed; and, based on whether the detected temperature reaches a preset plurality of temperatures during the drying process, controlling the door driver to, at least one time, open and close.

The controlling of the door driver may include controlling the door driver to drive the door to perform a first opening of the door based on the detected temperature decreasing to a preset first temperature after a start of the drying process; and controlling the door driver to drive the door to perform a second opening of the door based on the detected temperature increasing to a preset limit temperature after first closing of the door.

The first closing of the door may be performed based on the detected temperature decreasing to a preset second temperature lower than the preset first temperature after the first opening of the door.

The controlling of the door driver may include identifying a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first closing of the door; controlling the door driver to drive the door to perform the second opening of the door based further on the remaining dry time of the drying process being longer than or equal to a preset threshold time; and controlling the door driver to drive the door to perform a second closing of the door based on the detected temperature decreasing to a preset third temperature lower than the preset limit temperature after the second opening of the door.

The preset limit temperature may be lower than the preset first temperature and higher than the preset second temperature and may be lower than the preset second temperature.

The performing of the opening/closing operation of the door at least one time may include performing first opening of the door based on the temperature in the tub decreasing to a preset first temperature after the start of the drying process; and performing the first closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset first moisture discharge time after the first opening of the door.

The performing of the opening/closing operation of the door at least one time may include identifying a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first closing of the door; performing second opening of the door based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being longer than or equal to a preset threshold time and the temperature in the tub increasing to a preset limit temperature; and performing the second closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset second moisture discharge time after the second opening of the door.

The first moisture discharge time and the second moisture discharge time may be set differently.

The performing of the opening/closing operation of the door at least one time may include stopping operation of a heater of the drying device and continuing to operate the fan of the drying device when the door is opened.

The performing of the opening/closing operation of the door at least one time may further include identifying a remaining dry time of the drying process after the first closing of the door, wherein the second opening of the door may be omitted based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being shorter than the preset threshold time.

Advantageous Effects

According to a dishwasher and method of controlling the same in the disclosure, hot and humid air produced in the tub during the drying process may be discharged out of the dishwasher by automatically performing a door opening/closing operation at least one time during the drying process. Accordingly, condensate water may be prevented from being produced in the tub during the drying process, and drying dishes and inside of the tub may be effectively performed.

According to a dishwasher and method of controlling the same in the disclosure, a door opening/closing operation may be performed multiple times during the drying process. Accordingly, steam may be discharged to the outside while the temperature in the tub is maintained at a temperature suitable for drying dishes.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dishwasher with a door open, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the dishwasher of FIG. 3 viewed from a different direction.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drying device included in a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a drying device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a drying device mounted on the outer surface of a side of a tub, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher cut along line A-A′ marked in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a graph representing changes in temperature in a tub in a drying process of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a graph representing control timing for devices in a drying process of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing a method of controlling a dishwasher, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flowchart describing the method of controlling the dishwasher described in FIG. 12 in more detail.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments and features as described and illustrated in the disclosure are merely examples, and there may be various modifications replacing the embodiments and drawings at the time of filing this application.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts or components. For the sake of clarity, the elements of the drawings are drawn with exaggerated forms and sizes.

It will be further understood that the term” or its derivatives refer both to direct and indirect connection, and the indirect connection includes a connection over a wireless communication network.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The terms including ordinal numbers like “first” and “second” may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from another. Thus, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. Descriptions shall be understood as to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items when the items are described by using the conjunctive term “˜ and/or ˜,” or the like.

Furthermore, the terms, such as “˜ part”, “˜ block”, “˜ member”, “˜ module”, etc., may refer to a unit of handling at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one process handled by hardware such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., software stored in a memory, or at least one processor.

Reference numerals used for method steps are just used to identify the respective steps, but not to limit an order of the steps. Thus, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may also be practiced otherwise.

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a dishwasher with a door open, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the dishwasher of FIG. 3 viewed from a different direction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may include a cabinet that forms the exterior, and a door 20. The main body 10 may include a top cover 11 arranged on the top of the cabinet 12 to form the top of the main body 10. The top cover 11 may be integrally formed with the cabinet 12 or separated from the cabinet 12. The top cover 11 may be formed as a part of the cabinet 12. When the dishwasher 1 is of a built-in type, the cabinet 12 may be omitted.

The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 13 arranged in the main body 10. The tub 13 may form a washing room 14 inside. The door 20 may be pivotally mounted on the cabinet 12 to open or close the tub 13. The door 20 may be pivotally installed on the cabinet 12. The door 20 may be pivotally hinged at a lower end of the cabinet 12. The door 20 may be coupled with the cabinet 12 by a hinge device 30. Furthermore, a user interface 410 may be arranged on the door 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4, the cabinet 12 may be provided in almost a box form. One side of the cabinet 12 may be opened. In other words, the cabinet 12 may have an opening. For example, the front side of the cabinet 12 may be open. The cabinet 12 and the tub 13 may be provided in the form of a hexahedron with one open side. The cabinet 12 may include a rear plate 12d, both side plates 12b and 12c formed to extend from the rear plate 12d on one side and the other side, and a front plate 12f formed to bend from the both side plates 12b and 12c. The front plate 12f may be provided to form an opening on the front of the cabinet 12. The front plate 12f is illustrated as being formed by integrally extending from the both side plates 12b and 12c, but is not limited thereto. The door 20 may be provided to open or close the opening of the front plate 12f.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a sump unit 40 arranged underneath the tub 13 for collecting water used for washing, a plurality of baskets 50 arranged to be drawn out from inside of the cabinet 12 to receive dishes, guide racks 60 that support the plurality of baskets 60, and a plurality of spray nozzles 71, 72 and 73 that spray water delivered from the sump unit 40 toward the dishes in the plurality of baskets 50. The plurality of spray nozzles 71, 72 and 73 may be called a spray unit 70.

Various volumes and/or sizes of dishes may be received in the plurality of baskets 50. There are no limitations on types and sizes of the dishes to be received in the plurality of baskets 50. The plurality of baskets 50 may include a first basket 51, a second basket 52 and a third basket 53.

The first basket 51 may be coupled to the tub 13 in an upper portion of the tub 13 to be placed above the second basket 52 and the third basket 53. The second basket 52 may be coupled to the tub 13 in a middle portion of the tub 13 to be placed under the first basket 51 and/or above the third basket 53. The third basket 53 may be coupled to the tub 13 in a lower portion of the tub 13 to be placed below the first basket 51 and the second basket 52.

The first basket 51 may be a sub-basket in which dishes with relatively small volume are received. Small cups such as espresso cups may be received in the sub-basket. Types of dishes to be received in the sub-basket are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the number of baskets is not limited to the above example as long as the plurality of baskets 50 with different heights are placed separately in the vertical direction.

The dishwasher 1 may include a plurality of guide racks 60 arranged to support the plurality of baskets 50 in the tub 13. The plurality of guide racks 60 may be arranged as rails to draw out each basket forward.

The guide racks 60 may be installed on the inner side of the side walls 13a and 13b of the tub 13 such that the plurality of baskets 50 may slide forward of the tub 13. For example, the guide racks 60 may be installed on the left wall 13a and the right wall 13b of the tub 13. There may be a plurality of guide racks 60. The first, second and third baskets 51, 52 and 53 may slide forward and backward of the tub 13 along the guide racks 60.

The sump unit 40 may be installed at the bottom center of the cabinet 12 to serve to collect water used for washing. The sump unit 40 may include a washing pump 41 for pumping the stored water into the spray unit 70. The water pumped by the washing pump 41 may be supplied into the first to third spray nozzles 71, 72 and 73 through supply tubes in the back. Furthermore, the sump unit 40 may include a water heater 42 arranged in a lower portion of the cabinet 12 to heat water, and a drain pump 43 arranged in a lower portion of the tub 13 to drain water to the outside.

The dishwasher 1 may include the spray unit 70 arranged to spray water. The spray unit 70 may include the plurality of spray nozzles 71, 72 and 73. The spray unit 70 may include the first spray nozzle 71 arranged above the first basket 51, the second spray nozzle 72 arranged under the first basket 51 and the second basket 52, i.e., between the second basket 52 and the third basket 53, and the third spray nozzle 73 arranged under the third basket 53.

The first spray nozzle 71 may be rotationally provided. The first spray nozzle 71 may spry water toward dishes received in the first basket 51 and/or the second basket 52. The second spray nozzle 72 is rotationally provided. The second spray nozzle 72 is arranged to spray water toward dishes received in the second basket 52 and/or the third basket 53. The third spray nozzle 73 is rotationally provided. The third spray nozzle 73 is arranged to spray water toward dishes received in the third basket 53.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 may include a drying device 100. The drying device 100 may be coupled to the outer surface of a side of the tub 13. For example, the drying device 100 may be coupled to one of the side walls 13a and 13b of the tub 13. Although the drying device 100 is illustrated as being coupled to the left wall 13a of the tub 13, the drying device 100 may be coupled to the right wall 13b of the tub 13.

The drying device 100 may be detachably mounted on the outer surface of a side of the tub 13. The drying device 100 may be arranged between the outer surface of a side of the tub 13 and the inner surface of a side of the cabinet 12. In other words, the drying device 100 may be arranged in a space formed between the cabinet 12 and the tub 13.

Humid air in the tub 13 (i.e., the washing room 14) may flow into the drying device 100 arranged on the outer surface of the tub 13 through a suction port cover 81 mounted on an inner surface of the tub 13. The air flowing into the drying device 100 may be heated, and the heated dry air may be released back into the tub 13 through a discharge port cover 91.

Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 may include a height control device (not shown) arranged to be adjacent to the side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13. The height control device may be arranged to control the height of the second basket 52 to be inserted in the washing room 14. For example, a height of the second basket 52 may go up toward the first basket 51 or go down toward the third basket 53. However, even when the height of the second basket 52 changes, no interference occurs between the suction port cover 81 and the second basket 52.

The suction port cover 81 and the discharge port cover 91 may be mounted on an inner surface of the tub 13 between the plurality of baskets 50 placed at different heights. In other words, a suction port 170 and a discharge port 180 of the drying device 100 may be arranged between the plurality of baskets 50 placed at different heights. Details of the drying device 100 will be described later.

The dishwasher 1 may include a door driver 300 for driving the door 20. The door driver 300 may be placed in an upper portion in the cabinet 12. The door driver 300 may be placed on top of the tub 13. In other words, the door driver 300 may be located between the cabinet 12 and the tub 13. The door driver 300 may be electrically connected to a controller 500 to open or close the door 20 under the control of the controller 500. The door driver 300 may control an opening angle of the door 20.

The door driver 300 may be connected to a locking part 21 of the door 20. The door driver 300 may include a motor and a sliding bar. The sliding bar may be moved forward or backward of the dishwasher 1 according to an operation of the motor. The sliding bar may be connected to the locking part 21 of the door 20. When the sliding bar protrudes forward of the main body 10, the door 20 may be opened. When the sliding bar is moved backward, the door 20 is drawn to the main body 10 and thus, the door 20 may be closed. Depending on the protrusion length of the sliding bar, the opening angle of the door 20 may be adjusted. When the sliding bar is separated from the locking part 21 of the door 20, the door 20 may be fully opened.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drying device included in a dishwasher, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a drying device, according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a drying device mounted on the outer surface of a side of a tub, according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher cut along line A-A′ marked in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the dishwasher 1 may include the drying device 100. The drying device 100 may be coupled to a side wall 13a of the tub 13. The dishwasher 1 may perform a washing process for washing dishes located in the tub 13, a rinsing process for rinsing the dishes and a drying process for drying air in the washing room 14 after the rinsing process.

Through the drying process, relative humidity in the tub 13 may be reduced. The drying device 100 provided to perform the drying process may include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120. The first housing 110 may be coupled to the tub 13 to connect to the washing room 14. The second housing 120 may be placed on the outside of the first housing 110 to form a flow path 200 together with the first housing 110 so that the air in the washing room 14 is circulated. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be coupled to face each other. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may include plastic materials.

The first housing 110 may include the suction port 170 and the discharge port 180. The suction port 170 may be formed on one side of the first housing 110 so that the air in the washing room 14 flows into the drying device 100. The suction port 170 may be arranged to connect to an inflow port (not shown) formed to be open on one side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13 on which the drying device 100 is mounted. The discharge port 180 may be formed on the other side of the first housing 110 so that air releases into the washing room 14. The discharge port 180 may be arranged to connect to an outflow port (not shown) formed to be open on one side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13 on which the drying deice 100 is mounted.

As the housing of the drying device 100 is elongated in a front-to-back direction of the tub 13, the discharge port 180 is located ahead of the suction port 170. Specifically, the air in the back of the washing room 14 flows into the drying device 100 through the suction port 170 formed on the first housing 110, and the air heated in the drying device 100 may flow out to the front of the washing room 14.

The drying device 100 may include a fan assembly 130, a heater 150 and a temperature sensor 160 arranged to be received between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The drying device 100 may also include a heater switch 140. Components of the drying device 100 are not limited thereto, and some of the components may be omitted or other components may be added.

The fan assembly 130 may include a fan 131, a fan motor 132, and a settling frame 133. The fan 131 may move air in the tub 13. The air may be moved along the flow path 200 in the drying device 100 according to the rotation of the fan 131. The fan 131 may be placed upstream of the heater switch 140 and the heater 150 in the flow path 200. The fan 131 may be provided as a centrifugal fan 131. Types of the fan 131 are not limited thereto.

The fan motor 132 may be connected to the fan 131 to rotate the fan 131. The settling frame 133 may cover the fan 131 and the fan motor 132 and may be arranged such that the fan 131 and the fan motor 132 are settled between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The settling frame 133 may be coupled to a second fan installation part 123 of the second housing 120.

The heater 150 may include a heater case 151, a sheath heater 152 and a power connector 153. The heater case 151 may be coupled to the inner surface of the first housing 110 to receive the sheath heater 152 inside. The heater case 151 may form an exterior of the heater 150 to protect the sheath heater 152 inside. The sheath heater 152 may be provided as a tube-type heater 150.

In an embodiment, the dishwasher 1 may be the sheath heater 152 with large thermal capacity for heating a fluid. Hence, even when there is water in the tub 13, it does not matter in terms of functionality of the heater 150. For example, even when the water in the tub 13 flows into the drying device 100 in the washing process or the rinsing process before the drying process, no problem may occur to the function of the heater 150.

The power connector 153 of the heater 150 may be arranged to receive power from the dishwasher 1. The power connector 153 may be arranged to operate the sheath heater 152. The power connector 153 may be arranged to be exposed to top portions of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. With this, the heater 150 may easily receive power from the outside of the drying device 100. Furthermore, the power connector 153 may be electrically connected to the heater switch 140, which will be described later, from an upper portion of an outer surface of the drying device 100 to block the power to the sheath heater 152 with the use of the heater switch 140.

In a case that the heater 150 continues to operate without air circulation due to a fault of the fan 131 or the fan motor 132, the heated air may not be discharged out of the drying device 100. In this case, the inside of the drying device 100 may be overheated. When the power to the heater 150 is not blocked, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the drying device 100 may be damaged due to the overheated air, and a fire is likely to break out in the dishwasher 1.

To prevent this accident, the heater switch 140 may be provided. The heater switch 140 may include a switching part 141 connected to the heater 150 and a temperature sensor 142. The heater switch 140 may be arranged upstream of the heater 150, and may detect temperature in the drying device 100.

The heater switch 140 may be mounted between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In other words, the heater switch 140 may be mounted between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and supported by both the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The air heated by the heater 150 goes up, and to detect this more sensitively, the heater switch 140 may be arranged above the heater 150.

The controller 500 may control the switching part 141 to turn off the heater 150 based on the temperature of the air detected by the temperature sensor 142 reaching a preset overheat temperature. When the switching part 141 is turned off, the power to the heater 150 may be blocked. This may prevent the inside of the drying device 100 from being overheated.

The temperature sensor 142 may also detect temperature of the air flowing into the drying device 100. The temperature of the air flowing into the drying device 100 may be equal to the temperature in the tub. The controller 500 may determine whether to open or close the door 20 during the drying process based on a change in temperature in the tub detected by the temperature sensor 142. The temperature sensor 142 arranged upstream of the heater 150 may be referred to as a first temperature sensor.

A temperature sensor 160 may be placed in the flow path 200 by being mounted between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The temperature sensor 160 may be arranged downstream of the heater 150. The temperature sensor 160 arranged downstream of the heater 150 may detect the temperature of the air heated by the heater 150 and transmit a signal of the detecting to the controller 500. The controller 500 may control the heater 150 to adjust the temperature of the air supplied into the tub 13. The temperature sensor 160 arranged downstream of the heater 150 may be referred to as a second temperature sensor.

The drying device 100 may include a housing sealing member 190 arranged between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The housing sealing member 190 may be arranged to shut tightly the flow path 200 by sealing between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 that are coupled to each other side by side. The housing sealing member 190 may be arranged in lower portions of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a detailed structure of the first and second housings 110 and 120 will be described. The first housing 110 may include a first housing body 111 and a first side flange 112. The first housing body 111 may be provided to be placed in parallel with the side wall 13a of the tub 13. The first side flange 112 may bend from the first housing body 111 and extend toward the second housing 120. The first side flange 112 may be arranged to form edges of the first housing body 111.

The first housing 110 may include a first cover coupler 117a and a second cover coupler 117b. The first cover coupler 117a and the second cover coupler 117b may protrude outward from the first housing body 111. The first cover coupler 117a and the second cover coupler 117b may protrude toward the tub 13 from an outer surface of the first housing body 111.

A first receiving rib 117c may be formed at the first cover coupler 117a. The first receiving rib 117c may protrude from the first cover coupler 117a toward the inside of the suction port 170. The first receiving rib 117c may be coupled with a coupling member 82 (see FIG. 8) arranged inside the suction port cover 81 so that the suction port cover 81 is fixed to an inner side of the tub 13 and the drying device 100 is fixed to an outer side of the tub 13.

In the same way, a second receiving rib 117d may be formed at the second cover coupler 117b. The second receiving rib 117d may protrude from the second cover coupler 117b toward the inside of the discharge port 180. The second receiving rib 117d may be interfered with by an inner cover 92 (see FIG. 8) arranged inside the discharge port cover 91 so that the discharge port cover 91 is fixed to an inner side of the tub 13 and the drying device 100 is fixed to an outer side of the tub 13.

The first receiving rib 117c and the second receiving rib 117d may be arranged such that the suction port cover 81 and the discharge port cover 91 are fixed to the inner side of the tub 13 and the drying device 100 is fixed to the outer side of the tub 13.

A plurality of cover sealing members 15 may be placed between the first housing 110 and the tub 13. The plurality of cover sealing members 15 may be provided to seal between the drying device 100 and the tub 13. When the drying device 100 is coupled to the outer surface of the tub 13, the plurality of cover sealing members 15 may seal a gap between the tub 13 and the drying device 100. The plurality of cover sealing members 15 may be mounted on the respective circumferential surfaces of the first and second cover couplers 117a and 117b.

The first housing 110 may include a first fan mounting part 113, a first switch mounting part 114, a first heater mounting part 115 and a first sensor mounting part 116. A fan assembly 130 may be mounted on the first fan mounting part 113. The first fan mounting part 113 may be formed at the very back of the first housing 110. The suction port 170 may be formed at the center of the first fan mounting part 113.

The first switch mounting part 114 may be located downstream of the first fan mounting part 113. The heater switch 140 may be mounted on the first switch mounting part 114. The first switch mounting part 114 may be formed continuously on the first side flange 112 and the first housing body 111. A portion of the first side flange 112 corresponding to the first switch mounting part 114 is cut out to expose an upper portion of the heater switch 140 to the top of the outer side of the first housing 110.

The first heater mounting part 115 may be located downstream of the first switch mounting part 114. The first heater mounting part 115 may be formed continuously on the first side flange 112 and the first housing body 111. A portion of the first side flange 112 corresponding to the first heater mounting part 115 is cut out to expose the heater 150 to the top of the outside of the first housing 110. The heater 150 may be placed by being coupled with the first heater mounting part 115. The heater case 151 may be coupled with the first heater mounting part 115. However, the heater case 151 is not illustrated in FIG. 7.

The first sensor mounting part 116 may be formed on the first side flange 112. The temperature sensor 160 may be mounted on the first sensor mounting part 116. A portion of the first side flange 112 corresponding to the first sensor mounting part 116 is cut out to expose the temperature sensor 160 to the top of the outside of the first housing 110 to receive power.

The first housing 110 may include a first coupler 119. The first coupler 119 may be formed at a location corresponding to a second coupler 129 of the second housing 120 to securely couple the first housing 110 with the second housing 120 by extra fastening members. The position or shape of the first coupler 119 is not, however, limited to what is shown.

The second housing 120 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first housing 110. The second housing 120 may include a second housing body 121 and a second side flange 122. The second housing body 121 may be placed with the first housing body 111 side by side to face the first housing body 111. Accordingly, the second housing body 121 may be arranged in parallel with the side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13. The second side flange 122 may bend from the second housing body 121 and extend toward the first housing 110. Specifically, the second side flange 122 may be arranged to form edges of the second housing body 121.

The second housing 120 may include a second fan mounting part 123, a second switch mounting part 124, a second heater mounting part 125 and a second sensor mounting part 126. These are formed at locations facing the first fan mounting part 113, the first switch mounting part 114, the first heater mounting part 115 and the first sensor mounting part 116 and have matching structures.

The fan assembly 130 may be mounted on the second fan mounting part 123. The second fan mounting part 123 may be formed at the very back of the second housing 120. The heater switch 140 may be mounted on the second switch mounting part 124. The second switch mounting part 124 may be formed continuously on the second side flange 122 and the second housing body 121. A portion of the second side flange 122 corresponding to the second switch mounting part 124 is cut out to expose an upper portion of the heater switch 140 to the top of the outer side of the second housing 120.

The second heater mounting part 125 may be located downstream of the second switch mounting part 124. The second heater mounting part 125 may be formed continuously on the second side flange 122 and the second housing body 121. A portion of the second side flange 122 corresponding to the second heater mounting part 125 is cut out to expose the heater 150 to the top of the outside of the second housing 120. The heater 150 may be placed by being coupled with the second heater mounting part 125.

The second sensor mounting part 126 may be formed on the second side flange 122. The temperature sensor 160 may be mounted on the second sensor mounting part 126. A portion of the second side flange 122 corresponding to the second sensor mounting part 126 is cut out to expose the temperature sensor 160 to the top of the second housing 120 to receive power.

The second housing 120 may include the second coupler 129. The second coupler 129 may be formed at a location corresponding to the first coupler 119 of the first housing 110 to securely couple the first housing 110 with the second housing 120 by extra fastening members. The position or shape of the second coupler 129 is not, however, limited to what is shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first housing 110 may extend to be elongated in the X direction (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the first housing 110 may extend to be elongated in the front-to-back direction of the tub 13. The second housing 120 has a shape corresponding to the first housing 110, and thus, may be provided in the same shape. The center of the suction port 170 and the center of the fan assembly 130 may be on the same axis. A distance L between the center of the suction port 170 and the center of the discharge port 180, which are spaced apart in the X direction, may be set to be longer than a distance H between the center of the suction port 170 and the center of the discharge port 180, which are spaced apart in the Z direction.

Accordingly, humid air in the back of the washing room 14 may flow into the drying device 100 through the suction port 170 of the drying device 100. The air dried and heated in the drying device 100 may be discharged to the front of the washing room 14 through the discharge port 180 of the drying device 100. In other words, the discharge port 180 may be located ahead of the suction port 170. As the discharge cover 91 is coupled to the inner side of the tub 13 at a location corresponding to the discharge port 180, the user may look inside and figure out the location of the discharge port 180 more easily.

Furthermore, the drying device 100 may be placed on the side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13 to extend to be elongated in the front-to-back direction of the tub 13 but sloped to the front. With this, even when moisture and foreign materials are brought into the drying device 100, the moisture and foreign materials may be naturally discharged through the discharge port 180 by gravity.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a procedure in which the air in the washing room 14 is drawn into the drying device 100 and discharged back into the washing room 14 from the drying device 100 during the drying process will be described.

When the drying process begins, the fan 131 in the drying device 100 may rotate. The fan 131 may draw in humid air in the tub 13 into the drying device 100. The air drawn in may pass the suction port cover 81 and the coupling member 82 and move to the suction port 170 of the drying device 100. The air may move along the flow path 200 formed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and may be supplied into the tub 13 through the discharge port 180. The air flowing in through the suction port 170 may be heated while passing the heater 150. The heated air may be supplied into the tub 13 through the discharge port 180.

The inner cover 92 may include an inner blade 921, and the discharge port cover 91 may include a discharge blade 911. The blade may be provided to slope downward so that the air in the flow path 200 is discharged toward the bottom of the tub 13. The layout of the blade is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8, the suction port cover 81 and the discharge port cover 91 may be arranged between the plurality of baskets 50. Specifically, the suction port 170 and the discharge port 180 of the drying device 100 may be arranged between the second basket 52 and the third basket 53. Furthermore, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the drying device 100 may be mounted on the side wall 13a of the tub 13 by being sloped such that the discharge port 180 is arranged to be nearer to the door 20 than the suction port 170 is.

The side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13 may be partitioned into a first region provided to be adjacent to the upper wall 13c of the tub 13, a second region provided to be adjacent to the bottom surface of the tub 13 corresponding to the bottom surface of the washing room 14, and a third region provided between the first region and the second region. The drying device 100 may be provided to be arranged only in the third region. Specifically, the drying device 100 may be placed in a middle area on the side wall 13a or 13b of the tub 13 and may extend to be elongated in the front-to-back direction.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the dishwasher 1 may include the controller 500. The controller 500 may be electrically connected to the spray unit 70, the drying device 100, the door driver 300, the user interface 410 and a communication interface 420 and control each of them. The controller 500 may include a memory 510 and a processor 520. Apart from what are mentioned in FIG. 9, the controller 500 may control the other electrically connected devices of the dishwasher 1. Components of the dishwasher 1 are not limited thereto, and some of the components may be omitted or other components may be added.

The controller 500 may be arranged in the main body 10, and the user interface 410 may be arranged on the door 20. The controller 500 and the user interface 410 are not limited to the positions in the above example but may be placed in various positions.

The memory 510 may memorize/store various information required for operation of the dishwasher 1. The memory 510 may store instructions, an application, data and/or a program required for operation of the dishwasher 1. The memory 510 may include a volatile memory for temporarily storing data, such as a static random access memory (SRAM), or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The memory 54 may also include a non-volatile memory for storing data for a long time, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM).

The processor 520 may generate control signals for controlling operation of the dishwasher 1 based on the instructions, application, data and/or program stored in the memory 510. The processor 520 may include logic circuits and operation circuits in hardware. The processor 520 may process the data according to the program and/or instructions provided from the memory 510 and generate a control signal based on the processing result. The memory 510 and the processor 520 may be implemented in one control circuit or in multiple circuits.

The user interface 410 may include a display 411 and an input module 412. The display 411 may display information regarding a state and/or operation of the dishwasher 1. The display 411 may display information input by the user or information to be provided for the user in various screens. The display 411 may display information regarding an operation of the dishwasher 1 in at least one of an image or text. Furthermore, the display 411 may display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables the dishwasher 1 to be controlled. Hence, the display 411 may display a user interface element (UI element) such as an icon.

The display 411 may include a display panel of various types. For example, the display 411 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic LED (OLED) panel, or a micro LED panel. Furthermore, the display 411 may be implemented with a touch display.

The input module 412 may output an electric signal (voltage or current) corresponding to a user input to the processor 520. The input module 412 may include various buttons and even a dial. When the display 411 is provided as a touch display, the input module 412 may not be provided separately. For example, the user interface 410 may obtain various user inputs such as a user input to turn on or off the dishwasher 1 and a user input to select a washing course.

The communication interface 420 may include a wired communication module and/or a wireless communication module to communicate with an external device (e.g., a mobile device, a computer). The wired communication module may communicate with an external device over a wide area network such as the Internet, and the wireless communication module may communicate with an external device through an access point connected to a wide area network. With this, the user may remotely control the dishwasher 1.

A plurality of washing courses for operation of the dishwasher 1 may be provided. For example, various washing courses such as an automatic course, a standard course, a power course, a fast course and/or a rinsing/drying course may be provided. The number and/or types of processes included in each washing course may be different. The user may use the user interface 410 to select a washing course.

The washing course may include at least one process. For example, the standard course may include a preliminary washing process, a main washing process, a rinsing process and a drying process. The preliminary washing process, the main washing process, the rinsing process and the drying process may be sequentially performed. As the standard course is selected, a time for performing each process may be automatically determined. For example, a total dry time of the drying process may be automatically determined. Alternatively, the user may use the user interface 410 to input a time for performing each process.

The preliminary washing process is to spray water to dishes to preliminarily remove foreign materials on the dishes. The main washing process is to wash the dishes by spraying heated water to the dishes at high pressure. The rinsing process is to remove the foreign materials left on the dishes by spraying heated water to the dishes. The drying process is to dry the dishes by supplying heated air into the tub 13. Types of the processes are not limited to the above example.

The controller 500 may control the drying device 100 to supply heated air into the tub 13 in the drying process. The controller 500 may detect temperature in the tub based on a detection signal transmitted from the temperature sensor 142. The temperature sensor 142 may be arranged in the drying device 100.

The controller 500 may perform the drying process after completion of the rinsing process. The controller 500 may operate the fan assembly 130 and the heater 150 of the drying device 100 when entering into the drying process. When the drying device 100 operates, air in the tub 13 may circulate in the drying device 100 and the tub 13. The air in the tub 13 may flow into the drying device 100 and may then be heated, and the heated air may be supplied back into the tub 13. The heated air discharged from the drying device 100 may dry the dishes in the tub 13.

In the meantime, even when the water is drained after completion of the rinsing process, water left on the dishes may be evaporated and steam may be produced. Furthermore, the water left on the dishes may be evaporated even by the heated air supplied from the drying device 100. When the drying process continues without discharging the steam to the outside, drying efficiency may be reduced due to saturation of the steam.

To improve the drying efficiency of the drying process, the dishwasher 1 in the disclosure may control the door driver 300 to perform an opening/closing operation of the door 20 at least one time during the drying process based on a change in temperature in the tub during the drying process. The dishwasher 1 may perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 at least one time based on whether the temperature in the tub reaches a preset plurality of temperatures during the drying process. During the drying process, the opening/closing operation of the door 20 may be performed multiple times. Depending on the change in temperature in the tub during the drying process and a remaining dry time of the drying process, the number of opening/closing operations of the door 20 may vary.

The controller 500 may perform a first opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on a decrease in temperature in the tub after the start of the drying process. The controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to perform the first opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub decreasing to a preset first temperature after the start of the drying process.

In other words, the controller 500 may open the door 20 when the temperature in the tub reaches a first temperature. In relation to first closing of the door 20, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to perform the first closing of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub decreasing to a second temperature lower than the first temperature after the first opening of the door 20. The controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to perform the first closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset first moisture discharge time after the first opening of the door 20.

As hot water is used in the rinsing process, the temperature in the tub detected after completion of the rinsing process may be similar to the temperature of the water (e.g., 80° C.). In other words, the temperature in the tub is quite high at the time of beginning the drying process. Hence, when the door 20 is open at the time of beginning the drying process, overly hot air may be discharged to the outside. When the user is near the dishwasher 1, the user might get burnt.

The dishwasher 1 in the disclosure may firstly open the door 20 to secure the user's safety when the temperature in the tub decreases to a preset temperature after entering into the drying process. When the drying process begins after completion of the rinsing process, the heater 150 of the drying device 100 may be operated. However, the output power of the heater 150 is controlled not to overheat the air supplied into the tub 13. The air in the tub 13 flows into the drying device 100 and loses some heat, and the temperature of the air supplied into the tub 13 from the drying device 100 is lower than the temperature of the water used in the rinsing process. This causes the temperature of the air circulating in the tub 13 and the drying device 100 to slowly decrease in a certain initial section of the drying process.

When the door 20 is firstly opened as the temperature in the tub decreases to the first temperature, steam in the tub 13 may be discharged to the outside through the door 20 and the temperature in the tub may be rapidly reduced. However, when the temperature in the tub is overly reduced, the drying efficiency may be reduced. Hence, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to close (first closing) the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub decreasing to the second temperature lower than the first temperature after the first opening of the door 20.

Unlike this, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to close (first closing) the door 20 based on a lapse of a preset first moisture discharge time after the first opening of the door 20. The door 20 may be closed after a lapse of the first moisture discharge time, even when the temperature in the tub does not decrease to the second temperature after the opening of the door 20. When the door 20 is closed, the air heated by the heater 150 of the drying device 100 is not discharged to the outside but supplied into the tub 13. Accordingly, the temperature in the tub may increase again.

The controller 500 may determine whether to perform a second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. In other words, whether to open the door 20 again may be determined based on the temperature in the tub after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. Furthermore, the controller 500 may identify a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. The controller 500 may determine a time left until the end of the drying process from the closing time of the door 20 as the remaining dry time, and determine whether to perform the second opening/closing operation by taking further into account the remaining dry time.

For example, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to perform the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub increasing to a preset limit temperature after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. When the temperature in the tub increases to the preset limit temperature, the door 20 may be opened again (second opening). Furthermore, the controller 500 may determine whether to perform the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based further on the remaining dry time of the drying process after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. The controller 500 may determine to perform the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being equal to or longer than a preset threshold time (e.g., 30 minutes) and the temperature in the tub increasing to the preset limit temperature.

To increase the temperature in the tub again after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20, the air heated for a certain period of time needs to be supplied into the tub 13 from the drying device 100. However, when the remaining dry time of the drying process is shorter than the threshold time, a time to increase the temperature in the tub may be insufficient. Hence, the controller 500 may determine that it is possible to open or close the door 20 again when the remaining dry time of the drying process is equal to or longer than the threshold time.

On the contrary, the controller 500 may determine to omit the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being shorter than the preset threshold time. Furthermore, the controller 500 may determine to omit the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub being kept lower than the preset limit temperature for a preset heating time (e.g., 20 minutes) after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. This is to maintain the temperature in the tub to be a sufficient temperature for drying.

The controller 500 may set a limit temperature for second opening of the door 20 to be lower than the first temperature for first opening of the door 20. Furthermore, the controller 500 may set the limit temperature for second opening of the door 20 to be higher than the second temperature for first closing of the door 20. As drying in the tub 13 is progressed to a certain extent, power consumption may be reduced by setting the limit temperature to be slightly lower than the first temperature. Moreover, as the temperature of steam discharged during the second opening of the door 20 may be further reduced, the user's safety may be secured. The limit temperature for second opening of the door 20 is not, however, limited thereto. The limit temperature for second opening of the door 20 may be set to be equal to the first temperature for first opening of the door 20.

The controller 500 may determine second closing of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub decreasing to a preset third temperature lower than the limit temperature after the second opening of the door 20. The temperature in the tub may rapidly fall again due to the second opening. To prevent reduction of the drying efficiency, the controller 500 may close the door 20 to prevent the temperature in the tub from falling below the third temperature. The controller 500 may set the third temperature to be lower than the second temperature.

Unlike this, the controller 500 may determine the second closing of the door based on a lapse of a preset second moisture discharge time after the second opening of the door 20. The door 20 may be closed after a lapse of the second moisture discharge time, even when the temperature in the tub does not fall to the third temperature after the opening of the door 20. When the door 20 is closed, the air heated by the heater 150 of the drying device 100 is not discharged to the outside but supplied into the tub 13. Accordingly, the temperature in the tub may rise again.

The controller 500 may set the first moisture discharge time and the second moisture discharge time equally or differently. For example, as the humidity in the tub 13 decreases more with the progress of the drying process, the second moisture discharge time may be set to be shorter than the first moisture discharge time.

After the second opening/closing operation of the door 20, the controller 500 may reset the limit temperature for opening the door 20 and the third temperature for closing the door 20. The reset limit temperature and the reset third temperature may be equal to or lower than the previous temperature values. Furthermore, the controller 300 may determine whether to perform a third opening/closing operation of the door 30 based on the temperature in the tub and the remaining dry time.

As such, the dishwasher 1 in the disclosure may automatically perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 at least one time during the drying process based on the temperature in the tub. Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 in the disclosure may also use the remaining dry time of the drying process to determine whether to perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 multiple times. Accordingly, condensate water may be prevented from being produced in the tub 13 during the drying process, and drying dishes and inside of the tub may be effectively performed. In addition, the dishwasher 1 in the disclosure may reduce complexity of the structure and save the material costs because no extra part such as a duct for discharging steam in the tub 13 is required.

FIG. 10 is a graph representing changes in temperature in a tub in a drying process of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a graph representing control timing for devices in a drying process of a dishwasher, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a rinsing process may be finished and a drying process may begin at point t1. At point t1 after completion of the rinsing process, the temperature in the tub may be detected to be c1. As hot water is used in the rinsing process, c1 may be similar to the temperature of the water (e.g., 80° C.).

As the drying process begins, the drying device 100 operates. Specifically, the fan assembly 130 and the heater 150 of the drying device 100 are turned on. The drying device 100 may supply heated air into the tub 13. The air in the tub 13 flows into the drying device 100 and loses some heat, and the temperature of the air supplied into the tub 13 from the drying device 100 is lower than the temperature of the water used in the rinsing process. This causes the temperature of the air circulating in the tub 13 and the drying device 100 to slowly decrease. Humidity in the tub may also be slowly reduced.

As described above, the controller 500 of the dishwasher 1 may control the door driver 300 to perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 at least one time based on whether the temperature in the tub reaches a preset plurality of temperatures during the drying process. For example, at point t2, the temperature in the tub may reach a preset first temperature c2, and the controller 500 may determine first opening of the door 20. In other words, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to open the door 20 at point t2. By opening the door 20, the steam in the tub 13 may be discharged to the outside, and the temperature in the tub may rapidly drop and reach a second temperature c3. With the door 20 being opened, humidity in the tub is reduced as well.

The controller 500 may determine first closing of the door 20 at point t3 at which the temperature in the tub reaches the preset second temperature c3. In other words, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to close the door 20 at point t3. A difference ΔTa between the first temperature c2 and the second temperature c3 may be about 5° C.

In the meantime, when a first moisture discharge time S1 elapses although the temperature in the tub does not fall to the preset second temperature c3 after the first opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may close the door 20 after a lapse of the first moisture discharge time S1. Specifically, at point t3 after a lapse of time S1 from the point t2 at which the door 20 is opened, the door 20 may be closed. Unlike what is shown in FIG. 10, the temperature in the tub detected at point t3 may be higher than the second temperature c3.

The controller 500 may determine a time left until the end of the drying process from the point t3 at which the door 20 is closed as the remaining dry time. Based on the remaining dry time of the drying process, whether to perform the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 may be determined. When the time left until the end of the drying process from the point t3 is shorter than a preset threshold time (e.g., 30 minutes), the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 may be skipped.

When the time left until the end of the drying process from the point t3 is equal to or longer than the preset threshold time (e.g., 30 minutes), the controller 500 may control the temperature sensor 142 to detect the temperature in the tub consistently and/or periodically. As the air heated by the heater 150 of the drying device 100 is not discharged to the outside but supplied into the tub 13 after the first closing of the door 20, the temperature in the tub rises again. The humidity in the tub increases as well due to the evaporation of water.

The temperature in the tub rises and reaches to a preset limit temperature c4. The humidity in the tub may also be saturated at point t4. At the point t4, the door 20 may be opened again (second opening). By opening the door 20, the steam in the tub 13 may be discharged to the outside again, and the temperature in the tub may rapidly drop. With the door 20 being opened, the humidity in the tub is reduced as well.

On the other hand, when the temperature in the tub is kept lower than the present limit temperature c4 for a preset heating time S2 from the point t3, opening the door 20 may be skipped. In other words, the door 20 may remain closed. The limit temperature c4 for second opening of the door 20 may be set to be lower than the first temperature c2 for the first opening of the door 20.

The controller 500 may determine second closing of the door 20 at point t5 at which the temperature in the tub reaches a preset third temperature c5. In other words, the controller 500 may control the door driver 300 to close the door 20 at point t5. A difference ΔTb between the limit temperature c4 and the third temperature c5 may be about 5° C.

In the meantime, when a second moisture discharge time S3 elapses although the temperature in the tub does not fall to the third temperature c5 after the second opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may close the door 20 after a lapse of the second moisture discharge time S3. Specifically, at point t5 after a lapse of time S3 from the point t4 at which the door 20 is opened, the door 20 may be closed. Unlike what is shown in FIG. 10, the temperature in the tub detected at point t5 may be higher than the third temperature c5.

The first moisture discharge time S1 and the second moisture discharge time S3 may be set differently. For example, as the humidity in the tub 13 decreases more with the progress of the drying process, the second moisture discharge time S3 may be set to be shorter than the first moisture discharge time S1.

The controller 500 may determine a time left until the end of the drying process from the point t5 at which the door 20 is closed as the remaining dry time. Based on the remaining dry time of the drying process and the increase in temperature in the tub, whether to perform the next opening/closing operation of the door 20 may be determined.

The controller 500 may stop operation of the heater 150 when the door 20 is open. As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 500 may turn off the heater 150 of the drying device 100 at points t2 and t4 at which the door 20 is opened, and turn on the heater 150 of the drying device 100 at points t3 and t5 at which the door 20 is closed. By controlling the heater 150 to be turned on and off, the power consumption may be reduced. The fan 131 may continue to operate while the drying process is performed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing a method of controlling a dishwasher, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flow chart describing the method of controlling the dishwasher described in FIG. 12 in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 12, the controller 500 of the dishwasher 1 may operate the drying device 100 based on the start of the drying process, in 1201 and 1301. The drying device 100 may supply heated air into the tub 13. The controller 500 may detect temperature in the tub based on a detection signal transmitted from the temperature sensor 142, in 1202 and 1302.

The controller 500 may perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 at least one time based on whether the temperature in the tub reaches a preset plurality of temperatures during the drying process, in 1203. Furthermore, the controller 500 may determine whether to perform the opening/closing operation of the door 20 multiple times based on the remaining dry time of the drying process. Depending on the change in temperature in the tub during the drying process and the remaining dry time of the drying process, the number of opening/closing operations of the door 20 may vary. When the whole dry time of the drying process elapses, the controller 500 may finish the drying process in 1204.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the controller 500 may perform the first opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on a decrease in temperature in the tub. The controller 500 may determine first opening of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub reaching a preset first temperature, in 1303 and 1304. When the temperature in the tub is higher than the first temperature, the door 20 is not opened.

After the first opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may determine first closing of the door 20 in 1305 and 1307 based on the temperature in the tub reaching a preset second temperature lower than the first temperature. Although the temperature in the tub is not reduced to the second temperature after the first opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may determine first closing of the door 20 in 1306 and 1307 based on a lapse of the preset first moisture discharge time.

The controller 500 may identify a remaining dry time of the drying process based on the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. The controller 500 may determine a time left until the end of the drying process from when the door 20 is closed as the remaining dry time.

The controller 500 may perform the second opening/closing operation of the door 20 based on the temperature in the tub increasing to a preset limit temperature after the first opening/closing operation of the door 20. The controller 500 may determine second opening of the door 20 based on the remaining dry time of the drying process being equal to or longer than a preset threshold time and the temperature in the tub increasing to the preset limit temperature in 1308, 1309 and 1310.

On the other hand, when the remaining dry time of the drying process is shorter than the preset threshold time, the controller 500 may have the door 20 remain closed in 1311. Furthermore, the controller 500 may have the door 20 remain closed in 1311, based on the temperature in the tub being kept lower than the preset limit temperature for a preset heating time after the first closing of the door 20. When the remaining dry time of the drying process is shorter than a threshold time after the first opening/closing operation or the temperature in the tub does not reach the limit temperature, the door 20 may be closed until the end of the drying process.

After the second opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may determine second closing of the door 20 in 1312 and 1314 based on the temperature in the tub decreasing and reaching a preset third temperature. Although the temperature in the tub is not reduced to the third temperature after the second opening of the door 20, the controller 500 may determine second closing of the door 20 in 1313 and 1314 based on a lapse of the preset second moisture discharge time.

After the second opening/closing operation of the door 20, the controller 500 may reset the limit temperature for opening the door 20 and the third temperature for closing the door 20, in 1315. The reset limit temperature and the reset third temperature may be equal to or lower than the previous temperature values. The controller 300 may determine whether to perform the next opening/closing operation of the door 30 based on the temperature in the tub and the remaining dry time.

As described above, a dishwasher and method of controlling the same in the disclosure may discharge hot and humid air produced in the tub during the drying process out of the dishwasher by automatically performing a door opening/closing operation at least one time during the drying process. Accordingly, condensate water may be prevented from being produced in the tub during the drying process, and drying dishes and inside of the tub may be effectively performed.

The dishwasher and method of controlling the same in the disclosure may perform a door opening/closing operation multiple times during the drying process. Accordingly, steam may be discharged to the outside while the temperature in the tub is maintained at a temperature suitable for drying dishes.

The aforementioned methods according to the various embodiments of the disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be a commercial product that may be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), through an application store (e.g., play store™), directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of the online distribution, at least part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or arbitrarily created in a storage medium that may be readable to a device such as a server of the manufacturer, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

The embodiments of the disclosure have thus far been described with reference to accompanying drawings. It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure may be practiced in other forms than the embodiments of the disclosure as described above without changing the technical idea or essential features of the disclosure. The above embodiments of the disclosure are only by way of example, and should not be construed in a limited sense.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/KR2023/000935	Jan 2023	WO
Child	18778010		US

DISHWASHER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

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CPC

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Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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