U.S. patent application number 14/178013 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for dishwasher and method of controlling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Seongho Kim, Suhyun Kim, Youmin Lee.
Application Number | 20140224286 14/178013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50390787 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Youmin ; et
al. |
August 14, 2014 |
DISHWASHER AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method of
controlling the dishwasher. A dishwasher according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub forming a
dishwashing space; a plurality of wash arms disposed in the tub and
spraying wash water; a plurality of wash arm pipes connected with
the wash arms, respectively, and supplying wash water; a reusing
pipe diverging from at least any one of the wash arm pipes; and a
reusing section storing wash water supplied from the reusing
pipe.
Inventors: |
Lee; Youmin; (Seoul, KR)
; Kim; Seongho; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Suhyun;
(Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
50390787 |
Appl. No.: |
14/178013 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/184 ;
134/200; 137/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4219 20130101;
A47L 15/4221 20130101; Y02B 40/42 20130101; A47L 15/4291 20130101;
A47L 2501/03 20130101; Y02B 40/44 20130101; Y10T 137/0318 20150401;
Y02B 40/00 20130101; Y02B 40/46 20130101; A47L 2501/05
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/184 ;
134/200; 137/1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0015017 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a dishwashing space; a
plurality of wash arms disposed in the tub to spray wash water; a
plurality of wash arm pipes connected with the plurality of the
wash arms, respectively, to supply wash water to the respective
plurality of the wash arms; a reusing pipe diverging from at least
one of the wash arm pipes and capable of receiving the wash water
from the at least one of the wash arm pipes; and a reusing section
to store the wash water supplied from the reusing pipe.
2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the reusing pipe diverges
from any one of the wash arm pipes.
3. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of the
wash arm pipes is an upper wash arm pipe connected with an upper
wash arm which is at a highest position in the tub among the
plurality of the wash arms, and the reusing pipe diverges from the
upper wash arm pipe.
4. The dishwasher of claim 3, further comprising a channel switch
unit that opens or closes to control a flow of the wash water to
any one of the plurality of the wash arm pipes, wherein the channel
switch unit is in an opened state to allow the flow of the wash
water through the upper wash arm pipe to the reusing section when
the wash water is stored into the reusing section.
5. The dishwasher of claim 3, further comprising: a wash pump that
pressurizes and sends the wash water to the upper wash arm pipe; a
controller; and an upper arm nozzle that is disposed on the upper
wash arm to spray the wash water, wherein the controller controls
the wash pump to pump up the wash water through the upper wash arm
pipe such that the wash water does not reach the upper arm nozzle,
when the wash water is stored into the reusing section.
6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the controller controls to
store the wash water in the reusing section after a wash cycle or a
rinse cycle of the dishwasher.
7. The dishwasher of claim 5, further comprising a reusing valve
that opens and closes the reusing pipe.
8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the controller controls to
open the reusing valve to supply the wash water stored in the
reusing section to at least one wash arm during a wash cycle, a
pre-wash cycle, or a rinse cycle of the dishwasher.
9. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising an
reusing-communicating portion to discharge the wash water
overflowing from the reusing section.
10. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the reusing section is
disposed at a side of the dishwasher.
11. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a dishwashing space; a
sump where wash water sprayed in the tub collects; a wash arm to
spray the wash water that collects in the sump; a reusing section
having a storage space to store the wash water collected in the
sump; and a wash pump to pressure the wash water collected in the
sump up to a pressure at which the wash water is not sprayed from
the wash arm, such that the wash water is sent to the reusing
section.
12. The dishwasher of claim 11, further comprising a reusing valve
that opens or closes to control a flow of the wash water to or from
the reusing section.
13. The dishwasher of claim 12, further comprising a controller,
wherein the controller controls the wash pump and the reusing valve
to store the wash water in the reusing section after a wash cycle
or a rinse cycle of the dishwasher.
14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the controller controls to
open the reusing valve to supply the wash water stored in the
reusing section to the wash arm during another wash cycle, pre-wash
cycle, or rinse cycle of the dishwasher.
15. A method of controlling a dishwasher, the method comprising:
collecting wash water, which is sprayed from a plurality of wash
arms, into a sump; pressurizing the wash water collecting in the
sump by driving a wash pump; sending the wash water by the water
pump to a wash arm pipe connected with a reusing pipe among a
plurality of wash arm pipes; and storing the wash water, which
flows through the reusing pipe, into a reusing section connected
with the reusing pipe.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising opening a reusing
valve that opens/closes the reusing pipe.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising closing the reusing
valve after the storing of wash water into the reusing section.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising stopping the wash
pump after the storing of wash water into the reusing section.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising supplying the wash
water, which is discharged from the wash pump, to an upper wash arm
pipe among the plurality of wash arm pipes connected with an upper
wash arm which is at a highest position in the tub among the
plurality of wash arms by driving a channel switch unit.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the driving of the wash pump is
driven such that the wash water is not sprayed from the upper wash
arm.
Description
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a), this application claims
the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0015017 filed
on Feb. 12, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if
fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method
of controlling the same, particularly a dishwasher with a reusing
section that stores used wash water and, if necessary, discharges
it.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Dishwashers are appliances that remove food residue on
dishes with high-pressure wash water sprayed from wash arms.
[0006] Dishwashers usually include a tub forming a cleaning
compartment and a sump mounted on the bottom of the tub and storing
wash water. The wash water is pumped to wash arms by a wash pump in
the sump and the wash water pumped to the wash arms is sprayed at
high pressure through an ejection hole formed in the wash arms. The
wash water sprayed at high pressure hits on dishes and the dirt
such as food residue on the dishes falls down to the bottom of the
tub. The used wash water is separated from the dust, and then
collected to the sump and discharged to the outside.
[0007] However, in the related art, the wash water was used one
time and discharged, so there was a problem in that wash water was
used too much. Therefore, it is required to find a plan of
recycling wash water in order to use wash water as less as
possible.
SUMMARY
[0008] An object of the present invention is to reduce the
consumption of water by storing used wash water, and if necessary,
reusing it.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to store wash
water that is stored in a sump, using an existing wash pump without
a specific pump.
[0010] The objects of the present invention are not limited to
those described above and other objects may be made apparent to
those skilled in the art from claims.
[0011] In order to achieve the objects, a dishwasher according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub
forming a dishwashing space; a plurality of wash arms disposed in
the tub and spraying wash water; a plurality of wash arm pipes
connected with the wash arms, respectively, and supplying wash
water; a reusing pipe diverging from at least any one of the wash
arm pipes; and a reusing section storing wash water supplied from
the reusing pipe.
[0012] The wash arm pipes may include an upper arm pipe connected
with an upper arm at the highest position in the wash arms, and the
reusing pipe may diverge from the upper arm pipe
[0013] The dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a channel switch unit that connects
the channel, through which wash water flows, with the upper arm
pipe, when wash water is stored into the reusing section.
[0014] The dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a wash pump that pressurizes and
sends wash water to the wash arm pipe; and an upper arm nozzle that
is disposed on the upper arm and sprays wash arm, in which the wash
pump may pump up wash water lower than the upper arm nozzle, when
the wash water is stored into the reusing section.
[0015] The dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a reusing valve that is disposed in
the reusing pipe and opens/closes the channel between the wash arm
pipe and the reusing section.
[0016] The dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include: a tub forming a dishwashing space; a
sump where wash water sprayed to the tub collects; a wash arm
spraying the wash water collecting in the sump to the tub; a
reusing section having a storage space for storing the wash water
in the sump; and a wash pump pressurizing wash water up a pressure
at which wash water is not sprayed from the wash arm, and sending
the wash water to the wash arm and the reusing section.
[0017] A method of controlling a dishwasher is a method of
controlling a dishwasher including a plurality of wash arms
disposed in a tub and spraying wash water, a plurality of wash arm
pipes connected with the wash arms, respectively, and a channel
switch unit selectively supplying wash water to at least any one of
the wash arm pipes, and the method includes: collecting wash water,
which is sprayed from the wash arms, into a sump; pressurizing the
wash water collecting in the sump by driving the wash pump; sending
the wash water to the wash arm pipe connected with a reusing pipe
in the wash arm pipes; and storing the wash water, which flows
through the wash arm pipe, into a reusing section connected with
the reusing pipe.
[0018] The method of controlling a dishwasher according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include opening a
reusing valve that opens/closes the channel of the reusing
pipe.
[0019] The method of controlling a dishwasher according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include closing
the reusing valve after the storing of wash water into the reusing
section.
[0020] The method of controlling a dishwasher according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include stopping
the wash pump after the storing of wash water into the reusing
section.
[0021] The method of controlling a dishwasher according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include supplying
the wash water, which is discharged from the wash pump, to the
upper arm pipe connected with the upper arm at the highest position
in the wash arms by driving the channel switch unit.
[0022] The driving of the wash pump may be to drive the wash pump
such that wash water is not sprayed from the upper arm.
[0023] The details of other exemplary embodiments are included in
the following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings.
Effect of Invention
[0024] According to a dishwasher and a method of controlling the
dishwasher of the present invention, one or more effects can be
achieved as follows.
[0025] First, since it is possible to store used wash water and
reuse it, if necessary, consumption of wash water is reduced.
[0026] Second, it is possible to save energy for heating wash water
by keeping wash water at a room temperature.
[0027] Third, it is possible to perform both of spraying of wash
water and storing of wash water, using a wash pump.
[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to
those described above and other effects not stated herein may be
made apparent to those skilled in the art from claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external shape of a
dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the
dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a case
and other components of the dishwasher according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the case with one side
on a tub, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal
configuration of the case according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the flow of wash
water among the case and the other components according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7A is a view showing the flow direction of wash water
inside the case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention and FIG. 7B is a view showing the flow direction of air
inside the case.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a
control unit and other components according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the channel
of wash water in a dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is perspective view showing a rotary plate of a flow
switch unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for
storing wash water in a method of controlling a dishwasher
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for
reusing wash water in the method of controlling a dishwasher
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention, and
methods of achieving them will be clear by referring to the
exemplary embodiments that will be describe hereafter in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present
invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described
hereafter and may be implemented in various ways, and the exemplary
embodiments are provided to complete the description of the present
invention and let those skilled in the art completely know the
scope of the present invention and the present invention is defined
by claims. Like reference numerals indicate like components
throughout the specification.
[0042] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with
reference to the drawings illustrating a dishwasher and a method of
controlling the dishwasher according to exemplary embodiments of
the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external shape of a
dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of
the dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically
showing a case 100 and other components of the dishwasher 1
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the case 100 with one side on
a tub 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub 10
defining a dishwashing space; a case 100 disposed outside the tub
10 and storing wash water; a reusing section 110 disposed inside
the case 100 and defining a space for storing the wash water
sprayed into the tub 10; and a water storing section 120 disposed
inside the case 100, defining a space separated from the space
defined by the reusing section 110, and storing wash water supplied
from the outside.
[0045] A cabinet 2 forms the external appearance of the dishwasher
1 and provides a structure for accommodating parts. The front of
the cabinet 2 is open. The tub 10 into which wash water is sprayed
is disposed in the cabinet 2. A user puts dishes into the tub 10. A
door 3 opens/closes the front of the cabinet 2. The door 3 closes
the tub 10. The door 3 is pivotably coupled to the front of the
cabinet 2. A front cover 4 making the external appearance beautiful
is disposed on the front of the door 3.
[0046] A lower cover 5 is disposed under the door 3. The tub 10 is
disposed inside the cabinet 2. The front of the tub 10 is closed by
the door 3. Wash water is sprayed into the tub 10. A wash arm 20
spraying wash water into the tub 10 is disposed in the tub 10. A
rack that holds dishes is disposed in the tub 10. The rack can move
forward/backward in the tub 10. It is preferable that a plurality
of racks is provided.
[0047] The rack includes a top rack 11 and a bottom rack 13. The
wash water sprayed into the tub 10 collects into the sump 60. A
filter assembly 50 filters foreign substances in wash water. A
drain pipe 71 is connected with the sump 60. The drain pipe 71 is
provided to discharge the water collecting in the sump 60 to the
outside. The drain pipe 71 is connected with a drain pump 70. The
drain pump 70 pressurizes and sends wash water to the drain pipe
71.
[0048] The sump 60 is supplied with wash water from the outside.
The sump 60 is connected with a wash arm pipe 30 through which the
collecting wash water flows to the wash arm 20. The sump 60 is
disposed at the bottom of the tub 10. The sump 60 is equipped with
the filter assembly 50 filtering foreign substances in wash water.
The case 100 is disposed outside the tub 10. Preferably, the case
100 may be fastened to a side of the tub 10. In an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the case 100 is fastened to a
side of the tub 10.
[0049] The reusing section 110 is formed inside the case 100. The
reusing section 110 may be defined by walls inside the case 100.
The reusing section 110 stores the wash water flowing from the sump
60 after collecting therein. The reusing section 110 discharges the
stored wash water back to the sump 60. The reusing section 110 may
be connected with a reusing pipe 150. The reusing pipe 150 is a
pipe that is disposed between the reusing section 110 and the sump
60 and through which wash water flows.
[0050] The water storing section 120 is formed inside the case 100.
The water storing section 120 may be defined by walls. The water
storing section 120 is separated from the reusing section 110. The
water storing section 120 stores wash water supplied from the
outside. The water storing section 120 may be connected with a
water supply pipe 41. The water supply pipe 41 is a pipe through
which water supplied from the water equipment of a house flows. The
water storing section 120 is connected with a supply pipe
connection port 130. The supply pipe connection port 130 is a pipe
through which the wash water in the water storing section 120 flows
to the sump 60.
[0051] The case 100 may have a structure with two sides, of which
any one is fastened to the tub 10 and the other covers it. A
communicating hole 100a may be formed through the side fastened to
the tub 10. The supply pipe connection port 130 will be described
in detail below.
[0052] The wash pump 45 pressurizes and sends the wash water in the
sump 60 to the wash arm pipe 30. The wash arm pipe 30 is connected
with the wash arm 20. The wash arm 20 includes nozzles spraying
wash water. The wash water sprayed from the wash arm 20 washes
dishes. The wash arm pipe 30 is connected with the wash pump 45. It
is preferable that a plurality of wash arms 20 is provided at
predetermined heights.
[0053] For example, the wash arm 20 may include an upper arm 21 at
the highest position, a lower arm 25 at the lowest position, and a
middle arm 23 between the upper arm 21 and the lower arm 25. The
wash arm pipe 30 may include an upper arm pipe 31, a middle arm
pipe 33, and a lower arm pipe 35. The upper arm 21 receives wash
water through the upper arm pipe 31 from the wash pump 45. The
middle arm 23 receives wash water through the middle arm pipe 33
from the wash pump 45. The lower arm 25 receives wash water through
the lower arm pipe 35 from the wash pump 45.
[0054] The wash water discharged from the wash pump 45 can be
guided to at least one of the wash arm pipes 30 by a flow switch
unit 320. The flow switch unit 320 is disposed between the wash arm
pipes 30 and the wash pump 45. The case 100 can be divided into the
front and the rear. The front and the rear may be symmetrically
formed, in which walls may be formed on any one of them and the
other one may have a sealing shape for preventing wash water from
flowing in unintended directions, corresponding to the walls. A
plurality of ribs 201 is disposed inside the case 100. The rib 201
keeps the external shape of the case 100. The ribs 201 are shaped
such that they are in contact with the front and the rear of the
case 100.
[0055] A dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes fastening members 190 fixing the case
100 to the tub 10, the case 100 has fastening holes 191 in which
the fastening members are inserted, waterproofing walls 193 formed
in the radial direction of the fastening holes 191 may be disposed
around the fastening holes 191 to prevent the wash water in the
reusing section 110 or the water storing section 120 from flowing
inside.
[0056] The fastening members 190 may be screws or bolts. The
waterproofing wall prevents the fastening member 190 from coming in
contact with wash water. The waterproofing wall 193 isolates the
reusing section 110 and/or the water storing section 120 and the
fastening hole 191 such wash water does not leak through the
fastening hole 191. Preferably, the fastening holes 191 and the
waterproofing walls 193 are formed at the reusing section 110.
[0057] The front of the tub 10 is open so that dishes can be
received. The door 3 that can pivot forward/backward is disposed
ahead of the tub 10. The door 3 opens/closes the open front of the
tub 10. An input unit 310 is disposed ahead of the tub 10. The case
100 is disposed on the right side or the left side of the tub 10. A
tub hole 10a is formed through the right side or the left side of
the tub 10. It is preferable that the tub hole 10a is formed
through the side on which the case 100 is disposed.
[0058] The cabinet 2 covers the tub 10 and the case 10. The case
100 is disposed inside the cabinet 2. One side of the case 100
faces the tub 10 and the other side faces the inside of the cabinet
2. The case 100 is inserted in the space between the cabinet 2 and
the side of the tub 10. The case 100 is relatively small in
thickness and may be wide enough to correspond to the left side or
the right side of the tub 10.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal
configuration of the case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing
the flow of wash water among the case 100 and the other components
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
7A is a view showing the flow direction of wash water inside the
case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 7B is a view showing the flow direction of air
inside the case 100.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the reusing section 110 and the
water storing section 120 are spaced from each other and an
oversupplied-water channel 126 is formed between the reusing
section 110 and the water storing section 120, such that the wash
water overflowing the water storing section 120 due to
oversupplying can be discharged out of the case 100 through the
oversupplied-water channel 126. The oversupplied-water channel 126
is defined in the gap between the reusing section 110 and the water
storing section 120.
[0061] The reusing section 110 is disposed apart from the water
storing section 120. The wash water in the reusing section 110 and
the wash water in the water storing section 120 are separated by
walls. Since the capacities of the reusing section 110 and the
water storing section 120 are fixed, the oversupplied wash water is
discharged. The oversupplied-water channel 126 is defined between
the reusing section 110 and the water storing section 120. The
oversupplied-water channel 126 may be defined by a division wall
124 for separation from the reusing section 110 and a supplied
water guide wall 125 for separation from the water storing section
120.
[0062] The oversupplied-water channel 126 is formed between the
division wall 124 and the supplied water guide wall 125. The wash
water oversupplied into the water storing section 120 flows down
from the top. The wash water flowing down from the water storing
section 120 drops through the oversupplied-water channel 126. The
wash water flowing through the oversupplied-water channel 126 is
discharged from the supply pipe connection port 130. The supply
pipe connection port 130 includes a water softener connection port
131 and a recycling container connection port 133. Preferably, the
oversupplied-water channel 126 is connected with the water softener
connection port 131.
[0063] The tub 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention has the tub hole 10 formed through the side
facing the case 100, the case 100 has the communicating hole 100a
that communicates with the tub hole 10a, and the reusing section
110 and the water storing section 120 may be formed separately from
the communicating hole 100a. The tub 10 has the tub hole 10a. The
tub 10 is closed by the door 3. The air in the tub 10 is discharged
to the outside. The air in the tub 10 is discharged to the outside
through the tub hole 10a.
[0064] The case 100 has the communicating hole 100a that
communicates with the tub hole 10a. The communicating hole 100a
communicates with the tub hole 10a. The communicating hole 100a and
the tub hole 10a may be connected by a pipe or a hose. For example,
the tub hole 10a and the communicating hole 100a are connected by
bringing the case 100 in contact with the tub 10. Air or wash water
can flow through the tub hole 10a and the communicating hole 100a.
It is preferable to dispose a sealing member between the tub hole
10a and the communicating hole 100a to prevent leakage of air of
wash water.
[0065] The reusing section 110 and the water storing section 120
are separated from the communicating hole 100a. For example, the
communicating hole 100a is partially covered by the reusing section
110. It is preferable that the reusing section 110 has a storage
space larger than the water storing section 120. The communication
hole 100a, the reusing section 110, and the water storing section
120 are separated by walls. For example, one side of the reusing
section 110 may be recessed. The communicating hole 100a is formed
at the recession. The wall surrounding the reusing section 110 has
an inward-bending wall 141 that is curved to surround the
communicating hole 100a.
[0066] One end of the inward-bending wall 141 may be extended
upward and connected with a communicating wall 143 defining the
reusing section 110. The upper portion of the communicating wall
143 is partially open and vertically formed such that the wash
water oversupplied to the reusing section 110 can flow down. The
inward-bending wall 141 extends to the communicating hole 100a and
surrounds the communicating hole 100a. The communication hole 100a
may be connected with a leaking water guide wall 145 formed over
the water storing section 120.
[0067] A fixing cap 203 may be disposed between the tub hole 10a
and the communicating hole 100a. The fixing cap 203 filters foreign
substances that can flow between the tub hole 10a and the
communicating hole 100a. The fixing cap 203 may be disposed in the
tub hole 10a or the communicating hole 100a.
[0068] The reusing section 110 according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention has a reusing-communicating portion 111
with a side open so that oversupplied wash water or air is
discharged, and the communicating hole 100a may be formed lower
than the reusing-communicating portion 111 so that the wash water
overflowing the reusing-communicating unit 110 flows to the
communicating hole 100a.
[0069] The communicating wall 143 vertically elongated is disposed
along a side of the reusing section 100. The communicating wall 143
defines a side of the reusing section 110. The communicating wall
143 defines the reusing section 110 and an over-stored water
discharge channel 144. The communicating wall 143 has the
reusing-communicating portion 111 with a side open to allow wash
water to overflow. The height of the reusing-communicating portion
111 depends on the capacity of the reusing section 110. Preferably,
the reusing-communicating portion 111 is formed at the upper end of
the communicating wall 143. The communicating wall 143 may be
formed with the reusing-communicating portion 111 at a
predetermined distance away from the top of the case 100.
[0070] The wash water flowing down from the reusing-communicating
portion 111 is dropped and then discharged through the
communicating hole 100a. The communicating hole 100a is formed
lower than the reusing-communicating portion 111. The
reusing-communicating portion 111 may be positioned higher than the
communicating hole 100a or at least at the same height. The lower
end of the communicating wall 143 may be connected with the
inward-bending wall 141. The inward-bending wall 141 defines the
reusing section 110 and the communicating wall 100a. The
inward-bending wall 141 is connected with the water storing section
120, turning around the communicating hole 100a.
[0071] The leaking water guide wall 145 is disposed over the water
storing section 120. The water leakage wall 145 is connected with
the inward-bending wall 141. The water storing section 120 has an
anti-siphon hole 165a to be described below. The wash water
discharged through the anti-siphon hole 165a is guided to the
communicating hole 100a by the leaking water guide wall 145. A wall
joint 147 is where the inward-bending wall 141 and the leaking
water guide wall 145 meet.
[0072] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a water supply wall 165 that bends so
that wash water supplied from the outside can drop into the water
storing section 120 after flowing upward. The water supply wall 165
partially bends. The water supply wall 165 forms a channel through
which the wash water supplied from the outside flows to the water
storing section 120. The water supply wall 165 is formed over the
water storing section 120. The leaking water guide wall 145 is
disposed under the water supply wall 165.
[0073] The water supply wall 165 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention has the anti-siphon hole 165a
for preventing a siphon phenomenon and the anti-siphon hole 165a
may be formed higher than or at the same height as the
communicating hole 100a so that the wash water leaking through the
anti-siphon hole 165a is dropped and discharged through the
communicating hole 100a. The anti-siphon hole 165a can pass both of
air and wash water through it.
[0074] When wash water stops flowing inside from the outside, wash
water can be discharged by a siphon effect. In order to prevent the
siphon effect, the water supply wall 165 has the anti-siphon hole
165a through which the inside and the outside communicate with each
other and air flows. The anti-siphon hole 165a is formed through
the water supply wall 165. The wash water flowing through the water
supply wall 165 may leak through the anti-siphon hole 165a. The
leaking wash water flows to the communicating hole 100a.
[0075] Since the anti-siphon hole 165a is formed higher than the
communicating hole 100a or at least at the same height, wash water
can flow to the communicating hole 100a. Preferably, the leaking
water guide wall 145 is formed to guide leaking water. The leaking
water guide wall 145 defines the top of the water storing section.
The leaking water guide wall 145 is disposed under the anti-siphon
hole 165a. One side of the leaking water guide wall 145 is
connected with the water supply wall 165 and the other side is
connected with the inward-bending wall 141.
[0076] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention has an air discharge port 149 to discharge the
air discharged from the reusing section 110, the air discharged
from the water storing section 120, and the air discharged from the
tub 10 through the communicating hole 100a, to the outside. The air
in the reusing section 110 is discharged through the
reusing-communicating portion 111. The air in the water storing
section 120 is discharged through the anti-siphon hole 165a. The
air in the tub 10 is discharged to the tub hole 10a and flows into
the communicating hole 100a. The air discharged from the
anti-siphon hole 165a and the communicating hole 100a is guided
upward by the inward-bending wall 141.
[0077] The case 100 has the air discharge port 149. For example,
the air discharge port 149 is formed at the lower portion of the
case 100. The air in the case 100 can be discharged to the air
discharge port 149 through between a condensing wall 181, which is
described below, and the wall formed along the edge of the case
100.
[0078] Further, the external air may flow inside through the air
discharge port 149 and flow into the tub 10 through the
communicating hole 100a and may flow into the reusing section 110
or the water storing section 120. Since wash water is repeatedly
supplied/discharged into/out of the reusing section 110 and the
water storing section 120, air can also flow into/out of them. On
the other hand, the air in the case 100 can flow into the tub 10
through the tub hole 10a and be discharged to the outside, when the
door 3 is open.
[0079] The dish washer 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention includes the reusing pipe 150 formed so that
the wash water discharged from the reusing unit 110 flows to the
sump 60 and the case 100 may include a reusing pipe connection
portion 151 connected with the reusing pipe 150 and a reusing valve
153 opening/closing the reusing pipe connection portion 151.
[0080] The wash water discharged from the reusing section 110 flows
through the reusing pipe 150. The wash water flowing through the
reusing pipe 150 flows to the sump 60. The reusing pipe 150 guides
the wash water in the reusing unit 110 to the sump 60. The reusing
pipe 150 may be connected with the wash arm pipe 30. The wash arm
pipe 30 communicates with the sump 60. The case 100 may include the
reusing pipe connection portion 151 to which the reusing pipe 150
is connected. The reusing pipe connection portion 151 may be formed
at the lower portion of the reusing section 110. The case 100 may
have a reusing pipe 153 opening/closing the reusing pipe connection
portion 151. The reusing valve 153 controls opening/closing of the
reusing pipe connection portion 151.
[0081] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a water inlet port 161 connected with
a pipe so that wash water supplied from the outside flows into the
water storing section 120 and the supply pipe connection port 130
connected with a pipe so that the wash water in the water storing
section 120 is discharged to the sump 60.
[0082] For example, the water supply pipe 41 is connected to the
water pipe of the water equipment in a house. The water flows
through the water supply pipe 41 flows to the water storing section
120. The case 100 includes a water supply connection portion to
which the water supply pipe 41 is connected. The wash water flowing
in the water supply connection portion flows to the water supply
wall 165. The case 100 may include a flow meter 163. The flow meter
163 measures the flow rate of the wash water flowing in the water
inlet port 161. The flow meter 163 may be disposed between the
water inlet port and the water supply wall 165.
[0083] The supply pipe connection port 130 may include the water
softener connection port 131 for discharging wash water to a water
softener 81 with a filter controlling mineral in wash water and the
recycling container connection port 133 for discharging wash water
to a recycling container 83 purifying the filter of the water
softener 81. The water softener 81 softens wash water by
controlling mineral in the wash water. Soft water contains less
calcium and magnesium than hard water. The water softener includes
an ion resin filter. The recycling container 83 produces recycled
water while periodically receiving wash water and purifies the ion
resin filter by sending the recycled water to the softener 81.
[0084] The supply pipe connection port 130 may include the water
softener connection port 131 discharging wash water to the water
softener 81 and the recycling container connection port 133
discharging wash water to the recycling container 82.
[0085] The water storing section 120 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention has a water discharge portion
121 that is open so that oversupplied wash water can overflow it,
and the water softener connection port 131 may be formed lower than
the water discharge portion 121 so that the wash water overflowing
the water discharge portion 121 drops and flows to the discharge
portion of the water softener 81.
[0086] The water discharge portion 121 is formed by partially
opening the top of the water storing section 120. The wash water
overflowing the water discharge portion 121 flows to the supply
pipe connection port 130. Preferably, the wash water overflowing
the water discharge portion 121 flows to the water softener
connection port 131. The wash water overflowing the water discharge
portion 121 flows to the oversupplied-water channel. The
oversupplied-water channel 126 is defined by the division wall 124
and the supplied water guide wall 125. The water discharge portion
121 is formed higher than the water softener connection port 131.
The water discharge portion 121 is formed under the leaking water
guide wall 145. The water discharge portion 121 is formed such that
the upper end of the supplied water guide wall 125 is spaced from
the leaking water guide wall 145.
[0087] A dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a sump 60 where the wash water sprayed
to the tub 10 collects and a drain pipe 71 that guides the wash
water collecting in the sump 60 and the case 100 may include a
drain pipe connection port 177 connected with the drain pipe 77 so
that condensed water in the case 100 drops and flows into the drain
pipe 71.
[0088] The drain pipe 71 is connected with the sump 60. The drain
pipe 71 discharges wash water to the outside of the cabinet 2. The
drain pipe 71 may be connected with a sewer. The wash water flowing
through the drain pipe 71 may be wash water that has been
contaminated. The case 100 is connected with the drain pipe 71. The
case 100 includes the drain pipe connection port 177 to which the
drain pipe 71 is connected. For example, the drain pipe connection
port 177 may be divided into a portion through which wash water
flows inside and a portion through which wash water is discharged.
The drain pipe 71 may be a pipe connecting the sump 60 and the case
100. The drain pipe 71 may be a pipe connected with the case 100
and discharging wash water to the outside.
[0089] The drain pump 70 is connected with the drain pipe 71 and
pressurizes wash water to discharge it. Condensed water is produced
in the case 100. The condensed water may be discharged to the
communicating hole 100a and flows into the tub 10. The condensed
water can be discharged through the drain pipe 71. The condensed
water can be discharged through the drain pipe 71.
[0090] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a drain wall 177 that bends so that the
wash water supplied from the drain pipe connection port 177 flows
upward and is then discharged downward and the drain wall 177 may
have a condensed-water inlet 179a that is open so that the
condensed-water in the case 100 flows inside through it.
[0091] The drain wall 177 through which the wash water flowing
inside through the drain pipe connection port 177 flows is formed
in the case 100. The drain wall 177 may be formed in the U-shape.
The bending portion of the drain wall 177 is disposed upward. The
condensed-water inlet 179a is formed over the drain wall 177.
[0092] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a condensed-water wall 181
surrounding the outer side of the reusing section 110 and connected
with the condensed-water inlet 179a so that the condensed-water
produced on the side of the reusing section 110 flows down into the
condensed-water inlet 179a. The condensed-water wall 181 may bend
substantially in the L-shape. The condensed-water wall 181 extends
downward around the top and the side of the reusing section 110.
The lower end of the condensed-water wall 181 is connected with the
drain wall 177. The condensed-water wall 181 guides the
condensed-water produced in the case 100 to the condensed-water
inlet 179a.
[0093] The case 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a drain check valve 183 disposed
between the condensed-water wall 181 and the reusing section 110
and stopping the wash water flowing through the drain pipe 171 from
flowing inside the condensed-water wall 181. The drain check valve
183 is disposed between the condensed-water wall 181 and the
reusing section 110.
[0094] The condensed-water produced outside the reusing section 110
flows to the drain wall 177 through the condensed-water channel
formed between the reusing section 110 and the condensed-water wall
181. The condensed-water check valve opens the condensed-water
channel in order to allow condensed-water to flow down and keep
flowing outside through the condensed-water inlet 179a. The
condensed-water check valve stops the wash water flowing in the
drain pipe connection port 177 from flowing into the
condensed-water channel through the condensed-water inlet. The
drain check valve 183 opens, when fluid flows down, and it closes,
when fluid flows up.
[0095] A dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a tub 10 to which wash water is
sprayed and which has a tub hole 10a open to discharge internal air
to the outside, a sump 60 where the wash water sprayed to the tub
10 collects, and a case 100 that has a storage space, where the
wash water collecting in the sump 60 and flowing therein is stored,
and has a communicating hole 100a that communicates with the tub
hole 10a so that wash water leaking from the storage space is
discharged down to the tub 10.
[0096] The dish washer 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention includes a tub 10 having a tub hole 10a open
to discharge internal air to the outside, a sump 60 collecting the
wash water sprayed to the tub 10, a reusing section having a
storage space for storing the wash water collecting in the sump 60,
and a case 100 having a communicating hole 100a, which communicates
with the reusing section 110 and the tub hole 10a, and an
over-stored water discharge channel 144 that guides wash water
oversupplied to the reusing section 110 to the communicating hole
100a. A communicating wall 143 defines the reusing section 110 and
the over-stored water discharge channel 144.
[0097] A dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a tub 10 forming a dishwashing space and
a sump 60 collecting the wash water sprayed to the tub 10, in which
the wash water supplied from the outside and the wash water
collecting in the sump 60 are separately stored and the spaces for
the separation storage communicates with the communicating hole
100a open at the side of the tub 10.
[0098] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external shape of
the dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the
inside of the dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view
schematically showing the case 100 and other components of the
dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cabinet 2 forms the external
appearance of the dishwasher 1 and provides a structure for
accommodating parts. The front of the cabinet 2 is open. The tub 10
into which wash water is sprayed is disposed in the cabinet 2. A
user puts dishes into the tub 10. The door 3 opens/closes the front
of the tub 2. The door 3 closes the tub 10. The door 3 pivotably
coupled to the front of the cabinet 2.
[0100] The tub 10 is disposed inside the cabinet 2. The front of
the tub 10 is closed by the door 3. Wash water is sprayed into the
tub 10. A wash arm 20 spraying wash water is disposed in the tub
10. A rack that holds dishes is disposed in the tub 10. The rack
can be moved forward/backward in the tub 10.
[0101] It is preferable that a plurality of racks is provided. The
rack includes a top rack 11 and a bottom rack 13. The wash water
sprayed into the tub 10 collects into the sump 60. A filter
assembly 50 filters foreign substances in wash water. The drain
pipe 71 is connected with the sump 60. The drain pipe 71 discharges
wash water collected in the sump 60. The drain pipe 71 is connected
with the drain pump 70. The drain pump 70 pressurizes and sends
wash water to the drain pipe 71.
[0102] The sump 60 is supplied with wash water from the outside.
The sump 60 is connected with a wash arm pipe 30 through which the
collecting wash water flows to the wash arm 20. The sump 60 is
disposed at the bottom of the tub 10. The sump 60 is equipped with
the filter assembly 50 filtering foreign substances in wash water.
The case 100 is disposed outside the tub 10. Preferably, the case
100 may be fastened to a side of the tub 10. In an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the case 100 is fastened to a
side of the tub 10. The reusing section 110 is formed inside the
case 100. The reusing section 110 may be defined by walls inside
the case 100.
[0103] The reusing section 110 stores the wash water flowing from
the sump 60 after collecting therein. The reusing section 110
discharges the stored wash water back to the sump 60. The reusing
section 110 may be connected with a reusing pipe 150. The recycling
pipe 150 is a pipe that is disposed between the reusing section 110
and the sump 60 and through which wash water flows. The water
storing unit 120 is formed inside the case 100. The water storing
section 120 may be defined by walls. The water storing section 120
is separated from the reusing section 110.
[0104] The water storing section 120 stores wash water supplied
from the outside. The water storing section 120 may be connected
with a water supply pipe 41. The water supply pipe 41 is a pipe
through which water supplied from the water equipment of a house
flows. The water storing section 120 is connected with a supply
pipe connection port 130. The supply pipe connection port 130 is a
pipe through which the wash water in the water storing section 120
flows to the sump 60. The case 100 may have a structure with two
sides, of which any one is fastened to the tub 10 and the other
covers it. A communicating hole 100a may be formed through the side
fastened to the tub 10.
[0105] The wash pump 45 pressurizes and sends the wash water in the
sump 60 to the wash arm pipe 30. The wash arm pipe 30 is connected
with the wash arm 20. The wash arm 20 includes nozzles spraying
wash water. The wash water sprayed from the wash arm 20 washes
dishes. The wash arm pipe 30 is connected with the wash pump 45. It
is preferable that a plurality of wash arms 20 is provided at
predetermined heights.
[0106] For example, the wash arm 20 may include an upper arm 21 at
the highest, a lower arm 25 at the lowest, and a middle arm 23
between the upper arm 21 and the lower arm 25. The wash arm pipe 30
may include an upper arm pipe 31, a middle arm pipe 33, and a lower
arm pipe 35. The upper arm 21 receives wash water through the upper
arm pipe 31 from the wash pump 45. The middle arm 23 receives wash
water through the middle arm pipe 33 from the wash pump 45. The
lower arm 25 receives wash water through the lower arm pipe 35 from
the wash pump 45.
[0107] The wash water discharged from the wash pump 45 can be
guided to at least one of the wash arm pipes 30 by a flow switch
unit 320. The flow switch unit 320 is disposed between the wash arm
pipes 30 and the wash pump 45.
[0108] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a
control unit 300 and other components according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 9 is a block diagram
schematically showing the channel of wash water in a dishwasher 1
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in
which the solid lines show the channel of wash water in common wash
cycle and rinse cycle, the dotted lines show the channel through
which wash water is stored into the reusing section 110, and the
one-dotted lines show the channel through which wash water is
discharged from the reusing section 110 to be reused. Further, FIG.
10 is a perspective view showing a rotary plate 323 of the channel
switch unit 320 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a tub 10
forming a dishwashing space, a plurality of wash arms 20 disposed
in the tub 10 and spraying wash water, a plurality of wash arm
pipes 30 connected with the wash arms 20, respectively, and
supplying wash water, a reusing pipe 150 diverging from at least
any one of the wash arm pipes 30, and a reusing section 110 storing
the wash water supplied through the reusing pipe 150.
[0110] The tub 10 is disposed inside the cabinet 2 and forms a
space where dishes are washed. The wash arms 20 are disposed in the
tub 10. The wash arms 20 is disposed at predetermined heights and
spray wash water. The wash arms 20 have nozzles. The nozzles are
disposed at the end of the channel through which wash water
flows.
[0111] The wash arm pipes 30 are pipes provided to supply wash
water to the wash arms 20. The wash arm pipes 30 are provided for
the wash arms 20, respectively. The channel switch unit 320 to be
described below can open or close any one of the wash arm pipes 30.
The reusing pipe 150 is connected with any one of the wash arm
pipes 30. The wash water flowing through the wash arm pipes 30 can
flow to the reusing pipe 150.
[0112] The reusing section 110 is connected with the reusing pipe
150. The wash water flowing through the wash arm pipes 30 flows
into the reusing section 110 through the reusing pipe 150. The
control unit 300 measures the flow rate of wash water flowing
inside from the water supply pipe 41 by controlling a flow meter
163. When the flow rate of wash water flowing inside is larger than
a predetermined amount, the water supply pipe 43 is closed. The
control unit 300 controls a drain pump 70. The control unit 300
makes the wash water, which collects in the sump 60, be discharged
to the outside by driving the drain pump 70 at a predetermined
time. The drain pump 70 is connected with a drain pipe 71.
[0113] An input unit 300 is connected with the control unit 300.
The input unit 300 has a plurality of buttons and/or dials for a
user to select operation options of the dishwasher 1.
[0114] The wash arm pipes 30 according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention includes an upper arm pipe 31 connected
with an upper arm 21 at the highest position in the wash arms 20
and the reusing pipe 150 can diverge from the upper arm pipe
31.
[0115] The wash arms 20 are provided at predetermined heights. The
wash arms 20 are the upper arm 21 at the highest position, a lower
arm 25 at the lowest position, and a middle arm 23 at the middle
position. The wash arm pipes 30 are connected with the wash arms
20. The upper arm pipe 31 is a pipe for supplying wash water to the
upper arm 21. The middle arm pipe 33 is a pipe for supplying wash
water to the middle arm 23. The lower arm pipe 35 is a pipe for
supplying wash water to the lower arm 25. The reusing pipe 150 may
be connected with any one of the wash arm pipes 30. Preferably, the
reusing pipe 150 is connected with the upper arm pipe 31.
[0116] The dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes the channel switch unit 320 that
controls the channel of wash water so that wash water is
selectively supplied to the wash arm pipes 30 and the channel
switch unit 320 can allow wash water to be supplied to the upper
arm pipe 31, when the wash water is stored into the reusing section
110. The channel switch unit 320 connects the channel through which
wash water flows with the upper arm pipe 31, when the wash water is
stored into the reusing section 110.
[0117] The channel switching unit 320 controls wash water so that
the wash water can selectively flow to the wash arms 20. The
channel switch unit 320 selectively sends the wash water sent under
pressure by the wash pump 450 to at least one of the upper arm pipe
31, the middle arm pipe 33, and the lower arm pipe 35.
[0118] The channel switch unit 320 includes a channel switch motor
321 generating torque and a rotary plate 323 controlling the flow
of wash water while rotated by the channel switch motor 321. The
rotary plate 323 selectively opens/closes a plurality of connection
taps (not shown) at the point where the wash arms 20 diverge.
[0119] A plurality of switch holes 325a and 325b is formed through
the rotary plate 323. The switch holes 325a and 325b include a
first switch hole 325a circumferentially extending and a second
switch hole 325b formed in a circle. The rotary plate 323 is
rotated in stages by the channel switch motor 321. As the rotary
plate 323 is rotated by the channel switch motor 321, the switch
holes 325a and 325b of the rotary plate 323 move to the position
corresponding to at least one of the connection taps and the wash
water from the wash pump 45 is sprayed through at least one of the
wash are pipes 30.
[0120] The channel switch motor 321 rotates the rotary plate 323 in
stages by generating torque. It is preferable that the channel
switch motor 321 is a step motor that progresses at a predetermined
angle with every change in excitation state responding to an input
pulse signal and stops and keeps a predetermined position without
the excitation state changed. The control unit 300 controls the
channel switch motor 321. The control unit 300 adjusts the position
of the rotary plate 323 by driving the channel switch motor
321.
[0121] The dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes the wash pump 45 that pressurizes and
sends wash water to the wash arm pipes 30 and an upper arm nozzle
21a disposed on the upper arm 21 and spraying wash water, in which
the wash pump 45 pumps wash water up to a height lower than the
upper arm nozzle 21a, when the wash water is stored into the
reusing section 110.
[0122] The wash pump 45 pressurizes the wash water collecting in
the sump 60. The wash pump 45 pressurizes and sends the wash water
to the channel switch unit 320. A plurality of upper arm nozzles
21a is disposed in the upper arm 21. The upper arm nozzles 21a are
disposed at the end of the wash water channel through which wash
water flows. The output of the wash pump 45 is controlled. The
output of the wash pump 45 determines the flow rate of fluid that
indicates the volume of liquid that can be sent out per unit
time.
[0123] The output of the wash pump 45 determines the height to
which wash water can be pumped up. The control unit 300 controls
the output of the wash pump 45. The control unit 300 controls the
height of pumped-up height of wash water. The control unit 300
controls the lift of the wash pump 45 such that wash water is not
sprayed from the upper arm nozzles 21a.
[0124] The dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may include a reusing valve 153 that is disposed
in the reusing pipe 150 and opens/closes the channel between the
wash arm pipe 30 and the reusing section 110.
[0125] The reusing valve 153 opens, when wash water flows to the
reusing section 110. The reusing valve 153 opens, when wash water
flows to the wash arm pipe 30. The reusing valve 153 closes, when
storing of wash water is finished. The reusing valve 153 is
controlled by the control unit 300. The control unit 300 opens the
reusing valve 153, when wash water is stored. The control unit 300
opens the reusing valve 153, when wash water is discharged. The
control unit 300 closes the reusing valve 153, when storing of wash
water is finished. The control unit 300 closes the reusing valve
153, when wash water needs to be sprayed to the tub 10.
[0126] A dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a tub 10 forming a dishwashing space, a
sump 60 where the wash water sprayed to the tub 10 collects, a
reusing section 110 having a space for storing the wash water
collecting in the sump 60, and a wash pump 45 pumping up wash water
at a pressure, at which wash water is not sprayed from a wash arm
20, to the wash arm 20 and the reusing section 110.
[0127] The wash pump 45 pressurizes the wash water in the sump 60
and is connected with the wash arm 20 and the reusing section 110
so that the pressurized wash water can flow to both of the wash arm
20 and the reusing section 110. The dishwasher 1 may include a
control unit 300 that controls the output of the wash pump 45 to
pressurize wash water up to a pressure at which wash water is not
sprayed from the wash arm 20, when wash water is stored in the
reusing section 110.
[0128] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method P100 of storing
wash water in a method of controlling the dishwasher 1 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
11, a method of controlling the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is a method of
controlling the dishwasher 1 including a plurality of wash arms 20
disposed in a tub 10 and spraying wash water and a plurality of
wash arm pipes 30 connected with the wash arms 20, respectively,
includes a step of collecting wash water sprayed from the wash arms
20 into a sump 60 (S101), a step of driving a wash pump 45 that
pressurizes the wash water collecting in the sump 60 (S103), a step
of sending the pressurized wash water to the wash arm pump 30
connected with a reusing pipe 150 in the wash arm pipes 30 (S105),
and a step of storing the wash water flowing through the wash arm
pipe 30 to a reusing section 110 connected with the reusing pipe
150 (S107).
[0129] The method P100 of storing wash water into the reusing
section 110 may be performed after a wash cycle or a rinse cycle.
Preferably, it is performed after the final rinse cycle in which
relatively clean water collects in the sump 60.
[0130] The wash water pressurized by the wash pump 45 in the
rinsing is discharged through the wash arm 20. The method P100 of
storing wash water may start with the step (S101) in which the wash
water sprayed from the wash arm 20 is sprayed to the tub 10 and
collected into the sump 60. The control unit 300 recognizes a
predetermined time to store wash water. For example, the control
unit 300 can recognizes it as a step of storing wash water, after
the final rinse cycle is finished.
[0131] The control unit 300 can determine that wash water has
collected in the sump 60, when a predetermined time passes after
the operation of the wash pump 45 finishes. Thereafter, the control
unit 300 performs a step (S103) of pumping up wash water by driving
the wash pump 45. A plurality of wash arm pipe 30 is provided, and
in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, any one of the
wash arm pipes 30 is connected with the reusing pipe 150. The
pressurized wash water is discharged from the wash pump 45 and then
undergoes the step S105 in which it flows through the wash arm pipe
30 connected with the reusing pipe 150. The wash water flowing
through the wash arm pipe 30 flows to the reusing pipe 150
connected with the wash arm pipe 30 and undergoes the step S107 in
which it is stored in the reusing section 110.
[0132] The method of controlling the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include the step
S103 of opening the reusing valve 153 that opens/closes the channel
of the reusing pipe 150 so that the wash water flowing through the
wash arm pipe 30 can flow to the reusing pipe 150. The control unit
300 gives the reusing valve instructions to open and close. The
control unit 300 opens the reusing valve 153, when recognizing that
it is the time to store wash water, and it closes the reusing valve
153, when storing of wash water is finished.
[0133] The method of controlling the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a step of
closing the reusing valve 153 and stopping the wash pump 45 (S109),
after performing the step of storing wash water into the reusing
section 110 (S107). The control unit 300 closes the reusing valve
153, when storing of wash water is finished (S203).
[0134] The control unit 300 can recognize that storing is finished,
when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the
control unit may determine it by sensing the flow rate of wash
water flowing through the reusing pipe 150. Further, for example,
the control unit may determine that storing is finished, when a
predetermined time passes.
[0135] The control unit 300 controls the operation of the wash pump
45. The control unit 300 may stop the wash pump 45, when a
predetermined time passes. As another example, the control unit 300
stops the wash pump 45, when a predetermined amount of wash water
flows into the reusing section 110 (S109).
[0136] The method of controlling the dishwasher 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a
switching step of controlling the channel switch unit 320 so that
the wash water from the wash pump 45 flows to the upper arm pipe 31
connected with the upper arm 21 at the highest position in the wash
arms 20 (S103). In the step of driving the wash arm (S103), the
control unit 300 controls the output of the wash pump 45 to a level
at which wash water is not sprayed from the upper arm 21.
[0137] The channel switch unit 320 can be set such that wash water
flows to the upper arm pipe 31. The control unit 300 drives the
channel switch unit 320. The control unit 300 drives the channel
switch motor 321. The control unit 300 sets the direction of a
channel by operating the channel switch motor 321 as much as
needed. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when
wash water is stored into the reusing section 110, the control unit
300 controls the channel switch unit 320 such that wash water flows
to the upper arm pipe 31.
[0138] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method P200 of reusing
wash water in a method of controlling a dishwasher 1 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 12, in a method of controlling the
dishwasher 1 including a wash arm 20 disposed in a tub 10 and
spraying wash water and a wash arm pipe 30 connected with the wash
arm 20 to supply wash water to the wash arm 20, the method of
controlling the dishwasher 1 according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention includes a step of opening a reusing valve
153 that opens/closes a reusing pipe 150 connected with a reusing
section 110 storing wash water, which is sprayed to the tub 10 and
collected in a sump 60 (S201), a step of collecting the wash water,
which flows in the reusing pipe 150, into the sump 60 through the
wash arm pipe 30 connected with the reusing pipe 150 (S203), a step
of closing the reusing valve 153 when a predetermined time passes
(S205), and a step of driving a wash pump 45 to pressurize and send
the wash water in the sump 60 to the wash arm 20 (S207).
[0140] The reusing section 110 is connected with the reusing pipe
150. The reusing pipe 150 is connected with the wash arm pipe 30.
Preferably, the reusing pipe 150 is connected with the upper arm
pipe 31. The method P200 of reusing wash water may start with the
step of opening the reusing valve 153 (S201). For example, the
point of time to reuse wash water may be a main wash step of
putting in a detergent or may be a pre-wash step of removing
foreign substances on dishes before putting in the detergent.
[0141] The point of time to reuse wash water is set in advance. The
control unit 300 opens the reusing valve 153, when recognizing the
point of predetermined reuse time. When the reusing valve 153 is
opened, the wash water in the reusing section 110 flows through the
reusing pipe 150. The reusing pipe 150 is connected with the wash
arm pipe 30 and the wash arm pipe 30 is connected with the sump 60.
The wash water flowing through the reusing pipe 150 undergoes the
step S203 in which it collects into the sump 60 through the wash
arm pipe 30.
[0142] The control unit 300 recognizes that the wash water has been
discharged, when a predetermined time passes after opening the
reusing valve 153. The plan of using wash water may depend on the
time to reuse it. Accordingly, not only the case of discharging
wash water at a time, but also a way of discharging wash water in
steps may be applied.
[0143] The control unit performs the step of closing the reusing
valve 153 (S205), when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The
step of closing the reusing valve 153 (S205) may be performed
before the step of driving the wash pump 45 (S207).
[0144] The control unit 300 recognizes that wash water has
collected in the sump 60, when predetermined conditions are
satisfied. The predetermined condition may be the flow rate of wash
water or the open time of the reusing valve 153. Thereafter, the
control unit 300 performs a predetermined next cycle. For example,
the predetermined next cycle may be a main wash cycle, a pre-wash
cycle, or a rinse cycle. The control unit 300 performs the step of
supplying wash water to the wash arm 20 by driving the wash pump 45
(S207).
[0145] The operation of the dishwasher 1 with the configuration
described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is described hereafter.
[0146] Wash water is sprayed and discharged to the tub 10 from the
wash arm 20 by the wash pump. The wash water sprayed to the tub 10
drops and collects into the sump 60. The wash water collecting in
the sump 60 can flow to the reusing pipe 150 by the wash pump 45.
The wash water flowing through the reusing pipe 150 is stored into
the reusing section 110 through the reusing pipe connection port
151.
[0147] When the wash water is stored in the reusing section 110,
the air in the reusing section 110 is discharged through the
reusing-communicating portion 111. On the other hand, the wash
water oversupplied to the reusing section 110 overflows through the
reusing-communicating portion 111. The wash water overflowing
through the reusing-communicating section 111 flows down into the
tub 10 through the communicating hole 100a. Further, the air
discharged through the reusing-communicating portion 111 is
discharged to the air discharge port 149.
[0148] The condensed-water on the side of the reusing section 110
flows down along the condensed-water wall 181 and is then
discharged to the condensed-water inlet 179a. Further, the wash
water in the sump 60 may be pressurized and discharged to the
outside by the drain pump 70. The wash water flows into the drain
pipe connection port 177 through the drain pipe 71. The wash water
is discharged to the outside together with the condensed-water
flowing inside through the condensed-water inlet 179a. Further, the
wash water supplied from the outside flows into the water inlet
port 161 through the water supply pipe 41. The wash water flows
along the water supply wall 165 and is then stored into the water
storing section 120. A siphon effect can be prevented by the
anti-siphon hole 165a. Wash water may leak through the anti-siphon
hole 165a, but the leaking wash water is discharged to the tub 10
through the communicating hole 100a.
[0149] When the wash water stored in the water storing section 120
becomes over a predetermined water level, it drops through the
water discharge portion 121 and flows to the water softener
connection port 131. The wash water discharged from the water
softener connection port 131 flows to the sump 60 through the water
softener 81. The reusing container connection port 133 is formed at
the bottom of the water storing section 120 and periodically
supplies wash water to the reusing container 83. The fastening
holes 191 are formed at one side of the case 100 for fastening to
the tub 10. Further, leakage of water through the fastening hole
191 can be prevented by the waterproofing walls 193.
[0150] The case 100 can store wash water collected in the sump 60
and can discharge it, if necessary, such that wash water can be
reused. Accordingly, the consumption of wash water is reduced.
Further, since the case 100 can be reduced in size and weight by
integrally forming the water storing section 120 and the reusing
section 110, the size of the entire dishwasher 1 can be reduced.
Further, it is possible to save energy for heating wash water,
because the wash water reaches the room temperature, when kept for
a long time at the room temperature.
[0151] Further, the wash water pressurized by the wash pump 45 is
sprayed from the wash arm 20 and discharged to the tub 10. The wash
water sprayed to the tub 10 drops and collects into the sump 60.
When the control unit 300 recognizes that it is the step of storing
wash water, it opens the reusing valve 153 and sets a channel so
that wash water can flow to the upper arm pipe 31 by driving the
channel switch motor 321. Thereafter, the control unit 300 drives
the wash pump 45.
[0152] However, the wash water can flow to both of the upper arm
pipe 31 and the reusing pipe 150. That is, when the output of the
wash pump 45 is too high, wash water is sprayed to the tub 10
through the upper arm 21. Further, when the output of the wash pump
45 is too low, a sufficient amount of water cannot be stored in the
reusing section 110. Accordingly, the control unit 300 needs to
drive the wash pump 45 such that water is not discharged from the
upper arm pipe 31 or the water level is lower than the upper arm
nozzle 21a.
[0153] The control unit 300 finishes storing, when a predetermined
time passes or a predetermined amount of wash water is stored in
the reusing section 110. The control unit 300 closes the channel by
operating the reusing valve 153 and finishes storing by stopping
the wash pump 45.
[0154] According to a method of reusing the stored wash water, the
control unit 300 opens the reusing valve 153 at a predetermined
time. For example, the control unit 300 opens the reusing valve
153, before the wash and/or rinse step starts. When the reusing
valve 153 is opened, the wash water in the reusing section 110 is
dropped and discharged by the gravity. The wash water is discharged
to the sump 60 through the upper arm pipe 31. When the wash water
is completely discharged from the reusing section 110, the control
unit 300 closes the channel formed by the reusing pipe 150 by
driving the reusing valve 153. Thereafter, the control unit 300
performs the wash cycle by driving the wash pump 45.
[0155] It is possible to save wash water by reusing the wash water
with the configuration described above. Further, it is possible to
save energy for heating wash water, because the temperature of the
wash water reaches the room temperature, when kept for a long time
at the room temperature.
[0156] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated and described above, the present invention is not
limited to the specific exemplary embodiments and may be modified
in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from
the scope of the present invention described in claims, and the
modified examples should not be construed independently from the
spirit of the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *