HOME APPLIANCE

Abstract

A home appliance includes: a main body including an accommodation space therein; an inlet duct configured to guide a flow of air including water vapor from the accommodation space; a thermoelectric device including: a cooling portion configured to cool the flow of air guided by the inlet duct and thereby remove at least a portion of the water vapor from the clow of air as condensate, and a heating portion configured to heat the flow of air that is cooled by the cooling portion; an outlet duct configured to guide the flow of air heated by the heating portion to the accommodation space; a storage portion configured to collect the condensate removed from the flow of air by the cooling portion; and a pump configured to discharge the condensate collected in the storage portion from the storage portion.

Claims

1. A home appliance comprising: a main body including an accommodation space therein; an inlet duct configured to guide a flow of air including water vapor from the accommodation space; a thermoelectric device including: a cooling portion configured to cool the flow of air guided by the inlet duct and thereby remove at least a portion of the water vapor from the flow of air as condensate, and a heating portion configured to heat the flow of air that is cooled by the cooling portion; an outlet duct configured to guide the flow of air heated by the heating portion to the accommodation space; a storage portion configured to collect the condensate removed from the flow of air by the cooling portion; and a pump configured to discharge the condensate collected in the storage portion from the storage portion.

2. The home appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a connecting duct connecting the inlet duct and the outlet duct, wherein the thermoelectric device is in the connecting duct.

3. The home appliance according to claim 2, wherein the storage portion is recessed from a bottom surface of the connecting duct and below the thermoelectric device.

4. The home appliance according to claim 3, wherein the connecting duct includes a discharge hole configured to allow the condensate collected in the storage portion to be discharged, and the home appliance further includes a connecting hose connecting the pump and the discharge hole.

5. The home appliance according to claim 4, wherein the discharge hole is at a low point of the storage portion, and the bottom surface of the storage portion is inclined upward from the low point so that the condensate collected in the storage portion is guided by the bottom surface to the discharge hole.

6. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the pump is configured to discharge the condensate collected in the storage portion into the accommodation space.

7. The home appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a water tank forming a storage space for storing water to be supplied to the accommodation space, wherein the inlet duct and the outlet duct are inside the water tank.

8. The home appliance according to claim 7, wherein the water tank includes: an inlet hole, an air outlet configured to communicate with the accommodation space and the outlet duct, a discharge channel connecting the inlet hole and the air outlet, and the air outlet, the inlet hole, and the discharge channel are configured so that, with the condensate discharged from the storage portion by the pump, the condensate is introduced to the discharge channel through the inlet hole, flows through the discharge channel, and then flows through the air outlet to be discharged to the accommodation space, and the home appliance further includes a connecting hose connecting the pump and the inlet hole.

9. The home appliance according to claim 8, wherein the discharge channel is between the storage space and the outlet duct.

10. The home appliance according to claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric element configured so that the cooling portion is on a first side of the thermoelectric element and the heating portion is on a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite the first side, and the connecting duct includes: a duct body in which the thermoelectric element is mounted, a first cover coupled to a first side of the duct body and configured to form a cooling flow path together with the duct body, the cooling flow path passing through the cooling portion so that the flow of air guided by the inlet duct is introduced into the connecting duct and is cooled along the cooling flow path by the cooling portion, and a second cover coupled to a second side of the duct body and configured to form a heating flow path together with the duct body, the heating flow path passing through the heating portion so that the flow of air that is cooled along the cooling flow path by the cooling portion is heated along the heating flow path by the heating portion.

11. The home appliance according to claim 10, wherein the cooling portion includes a plurality of cooling fins extending along a direction in which the cooling flow path extends, and the heating portion includes a plurality of heating fins extending along a direction in which the heating flow path extends.

12. The home appliance according to claim 2, wherein a circulating flow path along which the flow of air is circulated includes the inlet duct, the outlet duct, the connecting duct, and the accommodation space.

13. The home appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to: perform a condensate discharge operation in which condensate collected in the storage portion is discharged from the storage portion by the pump before a washing process in which washing water is injected into the accommodation space is started.

14. The home appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to: perform a plurality of washing processes in which the accommodation space is heated to a different temperature of a plurality of temperatures respectively corresponding to the plurality of washing processes, and perform a condensate discharge operation in which the thermoelectric device is operated and condensate collected in the storage portion is discharged from the storage portion by the pump, based on a washing process of the plurality of washing processes in which the accommodation space is heated to a temperature less than or equal to a reference temperature of the plurality of temperatures having been performed.

15. The home appliance according to claim 3, further comprising: a water level detection sensor configured to detect a water level of condensate collected in the storage portion and produce corresponding data; and a controller configured to: operate the pump based on the data produced by the water level detection sensor indicating that the water level of condensate has reached a reference water level.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a tub and peripheral components according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the tub and peripheral components according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a water tank, a connecting duct, and peripheral components according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank, the connecting duct, and the peripheral components illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the water tank, the connecting duct, and peripheral components according to an embodiment, and illustrating an internal structure of the water tank.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a storage portion and peripheral components according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating internal components of a connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a drying process according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a drying process according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a condensate pump according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0031] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

[0033] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] In the present disclosure, each of phrases such as A or B, at least one of A and B, at least one of A or B, A, B or C, at least one of A, B and C, and at least one of A, B, or C may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] The term and/or includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0036] Terms such as first, second, primary, and secondary may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When any (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being coupled or connected to another (e.g., a second) component with or without the terms functionally or communicatively, this means that the any component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] The terms comprises and has are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] When any component is referred to as being connected, coupled, supported or in contact with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0040] When any component is referred to as being located on or above another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

[0041] The terms unit, module, and member may be implemented as hardware or software. Depending on embodiments, a plurality of units, modules, and members may be implemented as one component, or one unit, module, and membermay include a plurality of components.

[0042] Terms such as unit, part, block, member, module, and the like may denote a unit for processing at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0043] An identification number assigned to each step is used to identify each step, the identification numeral does not describe the order of the steps, and each step may be performed differently from the order specified unless the context clearly states a particular order.

[0044] The terms front, rear, left, right, upper, lower, etc., used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the front may be defined as a +X side, and the rear may be defined as a X side. For example, based on the drawings, the right side may be defined as a +Y side, and the left side may be defined as a Y side. For example, based on the drawings, an upper side may be defined as a +Z side, and a lower side may be defined as a Z side.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The present disclosure relates to a home appliance 1. The home appliance 1 according to the present disclosure may include a dishwasher, a clothes dryer, and the like. An example of a dishwasher 1a may be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. An example of a clothes dryer 1b may be described with reference to FIG. 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a home appliance having an accommodation space formed on the inside of a main body and having a function of drying the accommodation space may be included in the home appliance 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 1a may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may form an exterior of the dishwasher 1a.

[0049] The dishwasher 1a may include a tub 12 provided inside the main body 10. The tub 12 may be formed in a substantially box shape.

[0050] One side of the tub 12 may be opened. In other words, the tub 12 may have an opening 12a. The opening 12a may be formed in front of the tub 12.

[0051] The dishwasher 1a may include an accommodation space C formed by the tub 12. The accommodation space C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The accommodation space C may be formed on an inner side of the main body 10.

[0052] The accommodation space C of the dishwasher 1a may be referred to as a washing chamber C. The washing chamber C may refer to a space in which table wares held on a receiving container are washed and dried.

[0053] The dishwasher 1a may include a door 11 provided to open and close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be installed in the main body 10 to open and close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be detachably mounted on the main body 10. The door 11 may be rotatably mounted on the main body 10. For example, the door 11 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 through hinges 15.

[0054] For example, an upper side of the door 11 may be provided to be rotatable about the tub 12 about a lower side of the door 11. The lower side of the door 11 may be rotatably fixed to the main body 10. The door 11 may be opened from an upper side of the opening 12a when opening the opening 12a of the tub 12. For example, during a drying process, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the door 11 may be configured to open the opening 12a of the tub 12 to a predetermined range.

[0055] The dishwasher 1a may include a receiving container provided inside the tub 12 to receive table wares.

[0056] The receiving container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. The plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53 may be provided to receive various table wares. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the receiving container may include a single basket.

[0057] The receiving container may include the middle basket 52 positioned at a middle portion in a height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The middle basket 52 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The middle basket 52 may be configured to be supported on a middle guide rack 13b. For example, the middle basket 52 may be configured to be slidably movable by the middle guide rack 13b. For example, the middle guide rack 13b may be installed on an inner surface of the tub 12.

[0058] The receiving container may include the lower basket 51 positioned at a lower portion in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The lower basket 51 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The lower basket 51 may be configured to be supported on a lower guide rack 13a. For example, the lower basket 51 may be configured to be slidably movable by the lower guide rack 13a. For example, the lower guide rack 13a may be installed on the inner surface of the tub 12.

[0059] Table wares of relatively large volume may be received in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52. However, the types of table wares received in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 are not limited to table wares of relatively large volume. That is, the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 may receive not only table wares of relatively large volume but also table wares of relatively small volume.

[0060] The receiving container may include the upper basket 53 positioned at an upper portion in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The upper basket 53 may receive table wares of relatively small volume by being formed in the form of a rack assembly. For example, the upper basket 53 may receive cooking utensils or cutlery such as a ladle, knife, spatula, etc. The upper basket 53 may receive small cups, such as espresso cups. However, the types of table wares received in the upper basket 53 are not limited to the above examples.

[0061] The upper basket 53 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The upper basket 53 may be configured to be supported on an upper guide rack 13c. For example, the upper basket 53 may be configured to be slidably movable by the upper guide rack 13c. For example, the upper guide rack 13c may be installed on the inner surface of the tub 12.

[0062] The dishwasher 1a may include an injection device 40 configured to inject washing water. The injection device 40 may inject washing water into the washing chamber C. The injection device 40 may inject washing water toward table wares received in the receiving container. The injection device 40 may receive washing water from a sump assembly 70, which will be described later.

[0063] The injection device 40 may include at least one injection unit. For example, the injection device 40 may include a plurality of injection units 41, 42, and 43.

[0064] For example, the injection device 40 may include the first injection unit 41 disposed below the lower basket 51 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The injection device 40 may include the second injection unit 42 disposed below the middle basket 52 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The injection device 40 may include the third injection unit 43 disposed above the upper basket 53 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the injection devices may include two or fewer or four or more injection units.

[0065] Each of the plurality of injection units 41, 42, and 43 may be configured to inject washing water while rotating. That is, the first injection unit 41, the second injection unit 42, and the third injection unit 43 may each be configured to inject washing water while rotating. The plurality of injection units 41, 42, and 43 may be referred to as a plurality of the injection rotors 41, 42, and 43. The first injection unit 41, the second injection unit 42, and the third injection unit 43 may be referred to as the first injection rotor 41, the second injection rotor 42, and the third injection rotor 43, respectively.

[0066] However, the injection device 40 may inject washing water in a manner different from the example described above. For example, the first injection unit 41, unlike the second injection unit 42 and the third injection unit 43, may be fixed to one side of a lower surface 12d of the tub 12. In this case, the first injection unit 41 may be configured to inject washing water in a substantially horizontal direction by a fixed nozzle, and the washing water injected in the substantially horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first injection unit 41 may move upward by a direction changed by a changeover assembly (not shown) disposed inside the washing chamber C. The changeover assembly may be mounted on a rail (not shown) to enable translational movement along the rail. Although an example for the first injection unit 41 has been described, the second injection unit 42 and the third injection unit 43 may also be configured to inject washing water using fixed nozzles, similar to the example described above.

[0067] The dishwasher 1a may include an auxiliary injection device 30. The auxiliary injection device 30 may be disposed on one side of a lower portion of the washing chamber C to inject washing water into a certain region of the washing chamber C. The auxiliary injection device 30 is designed to inject water at a relatively high pressure compared to the injection device 40, enabling intensive cleaning of heavily contaminated table wares. The auxiliary injection device 30 may be configured to inject washing water while rotating. The auxiliary injection device 30 may be referred to as the auxiliary injection unit 30. Also, the auxiliary injection device 30 may be referred to as the auxiliary injection rotor 30.

[0068] The auxiliary injection device 30 may be configured as one component of the injection device 40. Hereinafter, a plurality of injection units may mean at least two of the first injection unit 41, the second injection unit 42, the third injection unit 43, and the auxiliary injection unit 30. Hereinafter, a plurality of injection rotors may mean at least two of the first injection rotor 41, the second injection rotor 42, the third injection rotor 43, and the auxiliary injection rotor 30.

[0069] The dishwasher 1a may optionally include the auxiliary injection device 30. That is, the auxiliary injection device 30 may be omitted in the dishwasher 1a.

[0070] The dishwasher 1a may include the sump assembly 70. The sump assembly 70 may be referred to as the sump 70.

[0071] The sump assembly 70 may be configured to be capable of accommodating washing water. The sump assembly 70 may collect washing water in the washing chamber C. For example, in order to ensure smooth collection of water in the sump assembly 70, the lower surface 12d of the tub 12 may be formed to be inclined downward toward the sump assembly 70. Washing water in the washing chamber C may flow along the inclined lower surface 12d of the tub 12 and be smoothly introduced into the sump assembly 70.

[0072] The dishwasher 1a may include a circulation pump 71 configured to pump washing water stored in the sump assembly 70 to the injection device 40. The circulation pump 71 may be configured as one component of the sump assembly 70. The circulation pump 71 may be disposed in a machine room L.

[0073] The dishwasher 1a may include a drain pump 72 configured to drain washing water and/or foreign substances (e.g., food waste, etc.) remaining in the sump assembly 70. The drain pump 72 may be configured as one component of the sump assembly 70. The drain pump 72 may be disposed in the machine room L.

[0074] The sump assembly 70 may be configured to supply washing water to at least one of the plurality of injection units 41, 42, 43, and 30. The sump assembly 70 may be configured to selectively supply washing water to the plurality of injection units 41, 42, 43, and 30.

[0075] The dishwasher 1a may include a pipe 14. The pipe 14 may be provided to guide washing water from the sump assembly 70 to the injection device 40. The pipe 14 may include a shape of extending in the substantially height direction (Z direction).

[0076] The dishwasher 1a may include the machine room L, which is a space formed below the tub 12. The machine room L may be a place where components for circulating washing water are disposed. The dishwasher 1a may include a base frame 20 forming the machine room L.

[0077] At least a portion of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. For example, most of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. That is, an area of the sump assembly located in the washing chamber C in a total area of the sump assembly 70 may be smaller than an area of the sump assembly located in the machine room L in the total area of the sump assembly 70. By reducing the area of the sump assembly 70 occupying the washing chamber C, an area of the washing chamber C may be secured. Accordingly, a capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased, thereby improving accommodation of table wares.

[0078] The dishwasher 1a may include a filter 60. The filter 60 may be configured to filter foreign substances contained in washing water being introduced into the sump assembly 70. The washing water filtered by the filter 60 may be delivered to the injection device 40 by the sump assembly 70. The filter 60 may be detachably mounted on the sump assembly 70. For example, the filter 60 may include at least one of a fine filter, a coarse filter and a micro filter.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a tub and peripheral components according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the tub and peripheral components according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a water tank, a connecting duct, and peripheral components according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank, the connecting duct, and the peripheral components illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the dishwasher 1a may include a water tank 100. The water tank 100 may be configured to store water to be supplied to the washing chamber C.

[0081] The water tank 100 may be disposed on one side of the tub 12. Specifically, the water tank 100 may be disposed between one side wall 12b of the tub 12 and one side wall 10a of the main body 10.

[0082] The water tank 100 may be formed by combining a first tank case 101 and a second tank case 102. For example, the first tank case 101 and the second tank case 102 may be heat-fused. By combining the first tank case 101 and the second tank case 102, a storage space 110, an inlet duct 150, an outlet duct 160, etc., which will be described later, may be formed.

[0083] The dishwasher 1a may include ducts 150, 160, and 400. The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may communicate with the washing chamber C. The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may be provided to allow air in the washing chamber C to be introduced or to allow air to be discharged into the washing chamber C.

[0084] The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may include the inlet duct 150 for air discharged from the washing chamber C to flow, the outlet duct 160 for discharging air into the washing chamber C, and the connecting duct 400 connecting the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160.

[0085] The inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may each be provided inside the water tank 100. That is, the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may each be disposed between the one side wall 12b of the tub 12 and the one side wall 10a of the main body 10.

[0086] The water tank 100 may include a first air inlet 151 formed at one end of the inlet duct 150. The first air inlet 151 may communicate the washing chamber C and the inlet duct 150. Air in the washing chamber C may be introduced into the inlet duct 150 through the first air inlet 151.

[0087] The dishwasher 1a may include a first fan device 300 configured to generate an air flow. The first fan device 300 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first air inlet 151. The first fan device 300 may generate an air flow to introduce air in the washing chamber C into the ducts 150, 160, and 400 or to discharge air in the ducts 150, 160, and 400 into the washing chamber C.

[0088] The water tank 100 may include a first air outlet 161 formed at one end of the outlet duct 160. The first air outlet 161 may communicate the washing chamber C and the outlet duct 160. Air in the outlet duct 160 may be discharged into the washing chamber C through the first air outlet 161.

[0089] The connecting duct 400 may be provided below the water tank 100. The connecting duct 400 may be disposed in the machine room L.

[0090] The connecting duct 400 may be combined with the water tank 100. Through this configuration, the connecting duct 400 may connect the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160. A flow path may be formed inside the connecting duct 400 through which air introduced from the inlet duct 150 flows toward the outlet duct 160.

[0091] The connecting duct 400 may include a duct body 410, a first cover 420 coupled to one side of the duct body 410, and a second cover 430 coupled to the other side of the duct body 410. For example, the first cover 420 may be coupled to a lower side of the duct body 410, and the second cover 430 may be coupled to an upper side of the duct body 410.

[0092] The dishwasher 1a may include a thermoelectric device 500. The thermoelectric device 500 may be configured to cool or heat air in the ducts 150, 160, and 400.

[0093] The thermoelectric device 500 may be disposed inside the connecting duct 400. That is, the thermoelectric device 500 may be installed in the machine room L. The thermoelectric device 500 may cool or heat air in the connecting duct 400.

[0094] Because the thermoelectric device 500 may include a thermoelectric element 510, a sealing member 520, a cooling portion 530, and a heating portion 540, which will be described later, a space in which the thermoelectric device 500 is disposed needs to be relatively wide. When the thermoelectric device 500 is disposed in a narrow space, the ease of assembly of the dishwasher 1a may be reduced, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may also be reduced.

[0095] According to the present disclosure, the machine room L in which the connecting duct 400 is disposed may form a relatively wide accommodation space. Also, a relatively wide space may be formed in the connecting duct 400 in which the thermoelectric device 500 is disposed. In other words, a sufficient space may be formed in the connecting duct 400 in which the thermoelectric device 500 may be disposed.

[0096] That is, as the connecting duct 400, which is a part of the ducts 150, 160, and 400, is disposed in the machine room L, and the thermoelectric device 500 is disposed inside the connecting duct 400, both the ease of assembly of the dishwasher 1a and the efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be improved.

[0097] The thermoelectric device 500 may include the thermoelectric element 510. The thermoelectric element 510 may be a semiconductor device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect. The thermoelectric element 510 may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, etc. The thermoelectric element 510 may have a thin hexahedral shape.

[0098] The thermoelectric element 510 may be mounted in the duct body 410. Specifically, the duct body 410 may be provided with a thermoelectric element insertion portion 411 formed to be open, and the thermoelectric element 510 may be mounted in the duct body 410 by being inserted into the thermoelectric element insertion portion 411.

[0099] The thermoelectric element 510 may include a heat-absorbing surface 511 and a heat-generating surface 512. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element 510, a heat-absorbing action may occur at the heat-absorbing surface 511, and a heat-generating action may occur at the heat-generating surface 512. The heat-absorbing surface 511 may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element 510, and the heat-generating surface 512 may be provided on the other surface of the thermoelectric element 510. For example, the heat-absorbing surface 511 may be provided on a lower surface of the thermoelectric element 510, and the heat-generating surface 512 may be provided on an upper surface of the thermoelectric element 510.

[0100] The thermoelectric device 500 may include the sealing member 520. The sealing member 520 may seal an outer surface of the thermoelectric element 510. In other words, the sealing member 520 may seal a space between the thermoelectric element 510 and the duct body 410. Through this configuration, the sealing member 520 may block moisture, etc. that may be introduced from the outside of the thermoelectric element 510.

[0101] The thermoelectric device 500 may include the cooling portion 530 in contact with the heat-absorbing surface 511 of the thermoelectric element 510. The cooling portion 530 may be provided inside the connecting duct 400. The cooling portion 530 may be provided to cool air in the connecting duct 400. Specifically, the cooling portion 530 may absorb heat from air in the connecting duct 400 and transfer the absorbed heat to the thermoelectric element 510. As the cooling portion 530 cools air in the connecting duct 400, condensate water may be generated on the cooling portion 530.

[0102] The condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530 may be collected in the connecting duct 400. Specifically, the condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530 may be collected in a storage portion 440 of the connecting duct 400. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0103] The cooling portion 530 may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element 510. For example, the cooling portion 530 may be provided on a lower side of the thermoelectric element 510. That is, the cooling portion 530 may be disposed between the duct body 410 and the first cover 420.

[0104] The thermoelectric device 500 may include the heating portion 540 in contact with the heat-generating surface 512 of the thermoelectric element 510. The heating portion 540 may be provided inside the connecting duct 400. The heating portion 540 may be provided to heat air in the connecting duct 400. Specifically, the heating portion 540 may receive heat from the thermoelectric element 510 and release the received heat to the air in the connecting duct 400.

[0105] The heating portion 540 may be provided on the other side of the thermoelectric element 510. For example, the heating portion 540 may be provided on an upper side of the thermoelectric element 510. That is, the heating portion 540 may be disposed between the duct body 410 and the second cover 430.

[0106] The dishwasher 1a may include a condensate pump 600. The condensate pump 600 may be configured to discharge condensate water generated inside the connecting duct 400 by the cooling portion 530 to the outside of the connecting duct 400.

[0107] Because the connecting duct 400 is disposed in the machine room L provided at a lower portion of the dishwasher 1a, it may be structurally difficult to discharge condensate water outside the connecting duct 400 using only an own weight of the condensate water. In addition, in a case in which a flow path through which condensate water may flow is formed between another component disposed at a relatively high position and the connecting duct 400, there is a possibility that water may flow back into the connecting duct 400 from another component.

[0108] According to the present disclosure, as the dishwasher 1a includes the condensate pump 600, condensate water in the connecting duct 400 may be easily discharged to the outside of the connecting duct 400. In addition, the condensate pump 600 may prevent water from flowing backward into the connecting duct 400 by flowing condensate water only in one direction along the flow path formed between the connecting duct 400 and another component.

[0109] The dishwasher 1a may include a first connecting hose 710 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and the connecting duct 400. As the condensate pump 600 operates, the condensate water in the connecting duct 400 may flow to the condensate pump 600 through the first connecting hose 710.

[0110] The dishwasher 1a may include a second connecting hose 720 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and the water tank 100. The condensate water pumped by the condensate pump 600 may flow into the water tank 100 through the second connecting hose 720. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0111] The dishwasher 1a may include a blowing device 800. The blowing device 800 may be configured to forcibly flow air in the washing chamber C. The blowing device 800 may generate an airflow in the washing chamber C. The blowing device 800 may forcibly induce convection in the washing chamber C.

[0112] The blowing device 800 may be disposed on the other side of the tub 12. That is, the blowing device 800 may be disposed on the opposite side of the water tank 100. For example, the blowing device 800 may be disposed on the left side (Y direction) of the tub 12, and the water tank 100 may be disposed on the right side (+Y direction) of the tub 12. However, positions where the blowing device 800 and the water tank 100 are respectively disposed are not limited to the above positions.

[0113] Air in the washing chamber C may be actively circulated by an airflow generated by the blowing device 800 and airflows generated by the first fan device 300 and the ducts 150, 160, and 400. Accordingly, the drying efficiency of the dishwasher 1a may be increased.

[0114] The blowing device 800 may include a blowing duct 810. The blowing duct 810 may communicate with the washing chamber C. The blowing duct 810 may be provided to allow air in the washing chamber C to be introduced or to allow air to be discharged into the washing chamber C.

[0115] The blowing device 800 may include a second air inlet (not shown), a second air outlet 821, and a third air outlet 822. Air introduced into the blowing duct 810 through the second air inlet (not shown) may pass through the blowing duct 810 and be discharged through the second air outlet 821 and the third air outlet 822. As the two air outlets 821 and 822 are provided, air in the washing chamber C may flow more actively.

[0116] The blowing device 800 may include a second fan device (not shown). The second fan device (not shown) may generate an air flow to introduce air in the washing chamber C into the blowing duct 810.

[0117] The dishwasher 1a may include a first inlet cover 910. The first inlet cover 910 may cover the first air inlet 151 on an inner side of the tub 12. The first inlet cover 910 may be coupled to the first air inlet 151. The first inlet cover 910 may primarily prevent foreign substances inside the washing chamber C from being introduced into the ducts 150, 160, and 400.

[0118] The dishwasher 1a may include a second inlet cover 920. The second inlet cover 920 may cover the second air inlet (not shown) on an inner side of the tub 12. The second inlet cover 920 may be coupled to the second air inlet (not shown). The second inlet cover 920 may primarily prevent foreign substances inside the washing chamber C from being introduced into the blowing duct 810.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the water tank, the connecting duct, and peripheral components according to an embodiment, and illustrating an internal structure of the water tank. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the water tank 100 may include a storage space 110 provided to store water. The storage space 110 may be formed inside the water tank 100.

[0121] A plurality of guide ribs 111 may be formed in the storage space 110. The plurality of guide ribs 111 may guide water, which is introduced into the storage space 110, to flow evenly in multiple directions. Accordingly, a pressure applied to the water tank 100 by water may be formed at a constant level, so that a bulging phenomenon of the water tank 100 may be prevented.

[0122] Water stored in the storage space 110 may be softened through a softening device (not shown) provided inside or outside the water tank 100. Water softened through the softening device (not shown) may be introduced into and stored in the storage space 110. Water softened through the softening device (not shown) may be referred to as washing water.

[0123] As described above, the water tank 100 may be disposed on one side of the tub 12. Through this configuration, water stored in the storage space 110 may receive heat from the washing chamber C.

[0124] Water supplied to the storage space 110 from an external water source (not shown) may have a relatively low temperature. As water receives heat from the washing chamber C after being supplied to the storage space 110, the water may have a temperature similar to a temperature of the washing chamber C. Accordingly, an amount of energy required to heat water stored in the storage space 110 to a predetermined temperature for a washing process may be reduced.

[0125] The water tank 100 may include a water level adjustment channel 121 and a water level adjustment opening 122. The water level adjustment channel 121 and the water level adjustment opening 122 may be formed inside the storage space 110. When water exceeding a certain amount is introduced into the storage space 110, water of the exceeded amount may be introduced into the water level adjustment channel 121 and be discharged into the inside of the washing chamber C through the water level adjustment opening 122. Accordingly, water of an appropriate amount may always be stored inside the water tank 100.

[0126] The water tank 100 may include a water tank hole 130 provided to allow water to be introduced from the external water source (not shown) or to allow water to be discharged to the sump assembly 70 (see FIG. 3). The water tank hole 130 may be provided at a lower end of the water tank 100.

[0127] The water tank 100 may include a water inlet channel 140 connected to the water tank hole 130. Water introduced into the water tank 100 through the water tank hole 130 may pass through the water inlet channel 140 and be discharged into the storage space 110.

[0128] The dishwasher 1a may include a valve 200. The valve 200 may be configured to open or close a drain hole 112 provided at a lower end of the storage space 110. For example, the valve 200 may be provided as a solenoid valve.

[0129] Specifically, when the valve 200 opens the drain hole 112, water stored in the storage space 110 may be discharged through the water tank hole 130 to the sump assembly 70 (see FIG. 3). Also, when the valve 200 closes the drain hole 112, water supplied from the external water source (not shown) may pass through the water tank hole 130 and the water inlet channel 140 and be introduced into the storage space 110.

[0130] As described above, the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may each be provided inside the water tank 100. Specifically, the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may each be provided on one side of the storage space 110. However, the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 do not necessarily need to be provided inside the water tank 100. For example, the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may be provided separately from the water tank 100, outside the water tank 100.

[0131] As described above, the connecting duct 400 may be connected to the water tank 100 on a lower side of the water tank 100. The connecting duct 400 may include the duct body 410, the first cover 420 coupled to one side of the duct body 410, and the second cover 430 coupled to the other side of the duct body 410.

[0132] As a first connecting duct coupling part 419 of the duct body 410 is coupled with an inlet duct coupling part 152 formed at the other end of the inlet duct 150, the connecting duct 400 and the inlet duct 150 may be connected. Accordingly, air introduced into the inlet duct 150 from the washing chamber C may flow into the connecting duct 400.

[0133] As a second connecting duct coupling part 439 of the second cover 430 is coupled with an outlet duct coupling part 162 formed at the other end of the outlet duct 160, the connecting duct 400 and the outlet duct 160 may be connected. Accordingly, air in the connecting duct 400 may pass through the outlet duct 160 and be discharged into the washing chamber C.

[0134] A first flow path P1 may be formed by combining the duct body 410 and the first cover 420. A second flow path P2 may be formed by combining the duct body 410 and the second cover 430. For example, the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may extend in left and right directions (Y direction), respectively.

[0135] The first flow path P1 may be formed further upstream than the second flow path P1. That is, air introduced into the connecting duct 400 from the inlet duct 150 may sequentially pass through a space between the duct body 410 and the first cover 420 and a space between the duct body 410 and the second cover 430 and then flow into the outlet duct 160.

[0136] According to the present disclosure, air introduced into the inlet duct 150 from the washing chamber C may flow into the connecting duct 400 and then pass through the outlet duct 160 and be discharged back into the washing chamber C. That is, the ducts 150, 160, and 400 may form a circulating flow path together with the washing chamber C.

[0137] As described above, the cooling portion 530 may be disposed between the duct body 410 and the first cover 420. That is, the cooling portion 530 may be disposed on the first flow path P1 formed between the duct body 410 and the first cover 420. Through this configuration, the cooling portion 530 may cool the air introduced into the connecting duct 400 through the inlet duct 150.

[0138] Air passing through the first flow path P1 may be cooled by the cooling portion 530. Accordingly, the first flow path P1 may be referred to as the cooling flow path P1.

[0139] As described above, the heating portion 540 may be disposed between the duct body 410 and the second cover 430. That is, the heating portion 540 may be disposed on the second flow path P2 formed between the duct body 410 and the second cover 430. Because the second flow path P2 is formed further downstream than the first flow path P1, the heating portion 540 may heat air passed through the first flow path P1.

[0140] The air passed through the second flow path P2 may be heated by the heating portion 540. Accordingly, the second flow path P2 may be referred to as the heating flow path P2.

[0141] According to the present disclosure, the cooling portion 530 may be provided further upstream than the heating portion 540 based on a flow direction of air being introduced into the connecting duct 400. Accordingly, air being introduced into the connecting duct 400 may be cooled by the cooling portion 530, and air cooled by passing through the cooling portion 530 may be heated again by the heating portion 540.

[0142] The air being introduced into the connecting duct 400 may be high temperature and high humidity air because it is air introduced from the washing chamber C through the inlet duct 150. The cooling portion 530 may generate condensate water and at the same time form low temperature and low humidity air by cooling high temperature and high humidity air. The heating portion 540 may form high temperature and low humidity air by heating air cooled by the cooling portion 530. The air that has become high temperature and low humidity by passing through the heating portion 540 may be discharged into the washing chamber C through the outlet duct 160. The air discharged into the washing chamber C may become high temperature and high humidity air again by absorbing moisture in the washing chamber C. The high temperature and high humidity air may be introduced into the connecting duct 400 again through the inlet duct 150.

[0143] That is, the high temperature and high humidity air in the washing chamber C may become high temperature and low humidity air by passing through the ducts 150, 160, and 400, and the high temperature and low humidity air may again become high temperature and high humidity air by absorbing moisture in the washing chamber C. Air in the washing chamber C may repeatedly go through the process described above while flowing along the circulating flow path formed by the washing chamber C and the ducts 150, 160, and 400. Accordingly, moisture in the washing chamber C may be gradually removed.

[0144] High temperature air may have a high saturation water vapor content than low temperature air. That is, high temperature air may contain a high content of water vapor than low temperature air. Therefore, more amount of moisture may be removed when high temperature and low humidity air is discharged into the washing chamber C than when low temperature and low humidity air is discharged into the washing chamber C.

[0145] According to the present disclosure, the outlet duct 160 may discharge high temperature and low humidity air to the washing chamber C through the cooling portion 530 and the heating portion 540. The drying efficiency of the dishwasher 1a may be increased by this configuration.

[0146] The cooling portion 530 may include a cooling plate 531. One surface of the cooling plate 531 may be in contact with the heat-absorbing surface 511 of the thermoelectric element 510. A cross-section of the cooling plate 531 may be wider than the heat-absorbing surface 511 of the thermoelectric element 510. Through this configuration, the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0147] The cooling portion 530 may include a plurality of cooling fins 532. Each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 may protrude from the other surface of the cooling plate 531.

[0148] The plurality of cooling fins 532 may extend along a direction in which the first flow path P1 extends. The plurality of cooling fins 532 may be arranged in a direction of intersecting the direction in which the first flow path P1 extends. For example, the plurality of cooling fins 532 may extend in left and right directions (Y direction) and be arranged in forward and rearward directions (X direction). Through this configuration, a region cooled by the cooling portion 530 may become wider. That is, the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0149] As high temperature and high humidity air flowing along the first flow path P1 passes through the plurality of cooling fins 532, the air may be cooled, and condensate water may form on the plurality of cooling fins 532. The condensate water formed on the plurality of cooling fins 532 may fall down by the own weight thereof.

[0150] A cross-section (specifically, a cross-section along a Y-Z plane) of each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 may be rectangular. However, the cross-section of each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 is not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 may have a trapezoidal cross-section with an inclined lower portion. In this case, condensate water formed on each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 may flow along the lower portion of each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 and be collected at the lower portion of each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 corresponding to a vertex of the trapezoid, and accordingly, the condensate water may more easily fall off from the plurality of cooling fins 532.

[0151] The heating portion 540 may include a heating plate 541. One surface of the heating plate 541 may be in contact with the heat-generating surface 512 of the thermoelectric element 510. A cross-section of the heating plate 541 may be wider than the heat-generating surface 514 of the thermoelectric element 510. Through this configuration, the heating efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0152] The heating portion 540 may include a plurality of heating fins 542. Each of the plurality of heating fins 542 may protrude from the other surface of the heating plate 541.

[0153] The plurality of heating fins 542 may extend along a direction in which the second flow path P2 extends. The plurality of heating fins 542 may be arranged in a direction of intersecting the direction in which the second flow path P2 extends. Through this configuration, a region cooled by the heating portion 540 may become wider. That is, the heating efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a storage portion and peripheral components according to an embodiment.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the connecting duct 400 may include the storage portion 440. The storage portion 440 may be provided to collect condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530.

[0156] The storage portion 440 may be recessed from a bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400 provided below the thermoelectric device 500. Specifically, the storage portion 440 may be provided below the cooling portion 530. Through this configuration, condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530 may be collected more effectively.

[0157] The connecting duct 400 may include a discharge hole 450. The discharge hole 450 may be provided to discharge condensate water collected in the storage portion 440.

[0158] The discharge hole 450 may be provided at a lower end of the storage portion 440. The bottom surface 440a of the storage portion 440 may be inclined to guide the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 to the discharge hole 450. Through this configuration, the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 may flow to the discharge hole 450 by the own weight thereof.

[0159] The connecting duct 400 may include a plurality of protruding ribs 460. Each of the plurality of protruding ribs 460 may protrude from the bottom surface 440a of the storage portion 440. Each of the plurality of protruding ribs 460 may be provided to guide the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 to the discharge hole 450.

[0160] A first connecting hose 710 may be coupled to the discharge hole 450. That is, the first connecting hose 710 may connect the condensate pump 600 and the discharge hole 450. Accordingly, the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 may flow to the condensate pump 600 through the first connecting hose 710.

[0161] The condensate pump 600 may be configured to discharge the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 from the storage portion 440. Specifically, the condensate pump 600 may discharge the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 into the washing chamber C. That is, the condensate pump 600 may pump the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 and discharge the pumped condensate water into the washing chamber C. Components for discharging condensate water into the washing chamber C will be described below.

[0162] The water tank 100 may include an inlet hole 170. The inlet hole 170 may be provided to allow condensate water pumped by the condensate pump 600 to be introduced.

[0163] A second connecting hose 720 may be coupled to the inlet hole 170. That is, the second connecting hose 720 may connect the condensate pump 600 and the inlet hole 170.

[0164] The water tank 100 may include a discharge channel 180. The inlet hole 170 may be provided at one end of the discharge channel 180. Accordingly, condensate water may be introduced into the discharge channel 180 through the inlet hole 170.

[0165] The discharge channel 180 may be formed to be partitioned from the storage space 110, the inlet duct 150, and the outlet duct 160. For example, the discharge channel 180 may be formed between the storage space 110 and the outlet duct 160.

[0166] A connecting hole 181 may be provided at the other end of the discharge channel 180. The other end of the discharge channel 180 may be connected to the air outlet 161 through the connecting hole 181. That is, the discharge channel 180 may connect the inlet hole 170 and the air outlet 161.

[0167] As described above, the air outlet 161 may communicate with the washing chamber C. Therefore, the discharge channel 180 may form a flow path through which condensate water introduced through the inlet hole 170 flows into the washing chamber C. Condensate water flowed through the air outlet 161 may be discharged into the washing chamber C.

[0168] That is, the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 may be discharged into the washing chamber C by the condensate pump 600. The condensate water discharged into the washing chamber C may be collected in the sump assembly 70 (see FIG. 3) provided at the lower portion of the washing chamber C.

[0169] Although the present disclosure has described only an embodiment in which condensate water is discharged into the washing chamber C, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, condensate water may also be discharged into the storage space 110 of the water tank 100 through the condensate pump 600. Through this configuration, a total amount of water supplied to the storage space 110 from the external water source (not shown) may be reduced.

[0170] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating internal components of a connecting duct according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating internal components of the connecting duct according to an embodiment.

[0171] A connecting duct 400 and a thermoelectric device 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In description of the connecting duct 400 and the thermoelectric device 500, the same reference numbers are assigned to components substantially identical to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a flow path may be formed inside the connecting duct 400 in which air introduced from the inlet duct 150 flows toward the outlet duct 160. Specifically, a third flow path P3 provided on a relatively upstream side and a fourth flow path P4 provided on a relatively downstream side may be formed inside the connecting duct 400. That is, air introduced into the connecting duct 400 through the inlet duct 150 may sequentially pass through the third flow path P3 and the fourth flow path P4 and then be discharged through the outlet duct 160. The third flow path P3 and the fourth flow path P4 may each extend in substantially upward and downward directions (Z direction).

[0173] The 500 thermoelectric device may be disposed inside the connecting duct 400. The thermoelectric device 500 may include a thermoelectric element 510, a cooling portion 530, and a heating portion 540. The cooling portion 530 may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element 510, and the heating portion 540 may be provided on the other side of the thermoelectric element 510. For example, the cooling portion 530 may be disposed on the right side (+Y direction) of the thermoelectric element 510, and the heating portion 540 may be disposed on the left side (Y direction) of the thermoelectric element 510.

[0174] The cooling portion 530 may be disposed on the third flow path P3. Through this configuration, the cooling portion 530 may cool air introduced into the connecting duct 400 through the inlet duct 150.

[0175] Air passing through the third flow path P3 may be cooled by the cooling portion 530. Accordingly, the third flow path P3 may be referred to as the cooling flow path P3.

[0176] The heating portion 540 may be disposed on the fourth flow path P4. Because the fourth flow path P4 is formed further downstream than the third flow path P3, the heating portion 540 may heat air passing through the fourth flow path P4.

[0177] Air passing through the fourth flow path P4 may be heated by the heating portion 540. Accordingly, the fourth flow path P4 may be referred to as the heating flow path P4.

[0178] The cooling portion 530 may include a plurality of cooling fins 532. Each of the plurality of cooling fins 532 may extend along a direction in which the third flow path P3 extends. The plurality of cooling fins 532 may be arranged in a direction of intersecting the direction in which the third flow path P3 extends. For example, the plurality of cooling fins 532 may extend in the upward and downward directions (Z direction) and be arranged in the forward and rearward directions (X direction). Through this configuration, a region cooled by the cooling portion 530 may become wider. That is, the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0179] As high temperature and high humidity air flowing along the third flow path P3 passes through the plurality of cooling fins 532, the air may be cooled, and condensate water may be generated on the plurality of cooling fins 532. The condensate water generated on the plurality of cooling fins 532 may fall down by the own weight thereof.

[0180] In addition, because the high temperature and high humidity air flowing along the third flow path P3 flows downward, the condensate water generated on the plurality of cooling fins 532 may relatively easily fall from the plurality of cooling fins 532 by the air. Accordingly, condensate water may be collected more effectively.

[0181] The connecting duct 400 may include a storage portion 440. The storage portion 440 may be recessed from a bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400provided below the thermoelectric device 500. The storage portion 440 may be provided to collect condensate water fallen from the plurality of cooling fins 532.

[0182] The heating portion 540 may include a plurality of heating fins 542. The plurality of heating fins 542 may extend along a direction in which the fourth flow path P4 extends. The plurality of heating fins 542 may be arranged in a direction of intersecting the direction in which the fourth flow path P4 extends. For example, the plurality of heating fins 542 may extend in the upward and downward directions (Z direction) and be arranged in the forward and rearward directions (X direction). Through this configuration, a region heated by the heating portion 540 may become wider. That is, the heating efficiency of the thermoelectric device 500 may be increased.

[0183] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 14, the dishwasher 1a may include a controller 1100, a user interface 1200, a communication unit 1300, and a sensor module 1400.

[0185] The controller 1100 may be electrically connected to various components of the dishwasher 1a. The controller 1100 may control various components of the dishwasher 1a.

[0186] The controller 1100 may include at least one memory 1120 and at least one processor 1110 in order to perform the operations described above and operations which will be described later.

[0187] The memory 1120 may be configured to store data in the form of algorithms and/or programs for controlling operations of components in the dishwasher 1a. The processor 1110 may configured to perform the operations described above and operations which will be described later using data stored in the at least one memory 1120. The memory 1120 and the processor 1110 may each be implemented as a separate chip. The processor 1110 may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 1120 may include one or more memory chips or may include one or more memory blocks. Also, the memory 1120 and processor 1110 may be implemented in a single chip.

[0188] The controller 1100 may process a user input received through the user interface 1200 and control various components of the dishwasher 1a based on the processed user input.

[0189] The controller 1100 may control various components of the dishwasher 1a to perform a cycle including washing processes 2200 and 2300, a rinsing process 2400, a drying process 2500, and a cooling process 2600, which will be described later, according to user inputs inputted through the user interface 1200.

[0190] The user interface 1200 may interact with a user.

[0191] The user interface 1200 may obtain a user input. The user interface 1200 may display information about the dishwasher 1a. For example, the user interface 1200 may provide visual and/or auditory feedback.

[0192] The user interface 1200 may include an inputter 1210.

[0193] The inputter 1210 may receive an operation command from the user. The inputter 1210 may provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to the controller 1100. The inputter 1210 may include various buttons and/or dials. The inputter 1210 may obtain various user inputs, such as a user input for turning the dishwasher 1a on or off and a user input for selecting a washing course, washing options, etc.

[0194] The user interface 1200 may include a display 1220.

[0195] The display 1220 may display information about a condition and/or operation of the dishwasher 1a. The display 1220 may display information inputted by the user and/or information provided to the user. The display 1220 may display information related to the operation of the dishwasher 1a in the form of at least one of an image and text. The display 1220 may receive a signal from the controller 1100 and display information corresponding to the received signal. Also, the display 1220 may display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the dishwasher 1a. That is, the display 1220 may display UI elements (user interface elements) such as icons.

[0196] The display 1220 may include display panels of various types. For example, the display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD Panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED Panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED Panel), or a micro LED panel. Also, the display may be implemented as a touch display.

[0197] The dishwasher 1a may provide various washing courses for washing table wares. For example, various washing courses may be provided, such as an automatic course, a standard course, a powerful course, a rapid course and/or a rinsing-drying course. The number and/or types of processes included in each of the washing courses may be different. Additionally, each washing course may include changeable various washing options (e.g. washing time, temperature, etc.). The user may select a washing course using the user interface 1200 and change various washing options forming the washing course. The dishwasher 1a may operate according to the washing course and washing options set by the user input.

[0198] The communication unit 1300 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device based on a control signal from the controller 1100. For example, the communication unit 1300 may communicate with a server, a user terminal device, and/or another home appliance to transmit and receive various data.

[0199] The communication unit 1300 may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between external devices (e.g., a server, a user terminal device, and/or a home appliance), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication unit 1300 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communications network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). Such communication modules of various types may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0200] The communication unit 1300 may establish communication with a user terminal device through a server.

[0201] The communication unit 1300 may include a Wi-Fi module and may perform communication with an external server and/or user terminal device based on establishing communication with an access point (AP) in a home.

[0202] The sensor module 1400 may detect an environmental condition of the dishwasher 1a and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected condition.

[0203] For example, the sensor module 1400 may include a washing water temperature sensor 1410 configured to detect a temperature of washing water or a condensate water level sensor 1420 configured to detect a water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400. A detailed description of the condensate water level sensor 1420 will be provided later.

[0204] The controller 1100 may control the circulation pump 71. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the circulation pump 71. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the circulation pump 71 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, a rotation speed, etc., of the circulation pump 71.

[0205] The controller 1100 may control the drain pump 72. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the drain pump 72. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the drain pump 72 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, a rotation speed, etc., of the drain pump 72.

[0206] The controller 1100 may control the first fan device 300. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the first fan device 300. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the first fan device 300 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, a rotation speed, etc., of the first fan device 300.

[0207] The controller 1100 may control the thermoelectric device 500. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the thermoelectric device 500. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the thermoelectric device 500 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, etc., of the thermoelectric device 500.

[0208] The controller 1100 may control the condensate pump 600. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the condensate pump 600. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the condensate pump 600 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, etc., of the condensate pump 600.

[0209] The controller 1100 may control the blowing device 800. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the blowing device 800. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the blowing device 800 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off and an operating time of the blowing device 800, a rotation speed of the second fan device (not shown), etc.

[0210] The controller 1100 may control a washing chamber heater 81, a washing water heater 82, and a tub opening/closing device 83, which will be described later. The dishwasher 1a may include the washing chamber heater 81. The washing chamber heater 81 may be configured to heat the washing chamber C in order to more efficiently wash table wares accommodated in the washing chamber C.

[0211] The dishwasher 1a may include the washing water heater 82. The washing water heater 82 may be configured to heat washing water in order to more efficiently wash table wares accommodated in the washing chamber C. For example, the washing water heater 82 may be provided on the circulation pump 71. That is, while the circulation pump 71 is operating, the washing water heater 82 may heat water pumped by the circulation pump 71. However, the position of the washing water heater 82 is not limited thereto.

[0212] The dishwasher 1a may include the tub opening/closing device 83. The tub opening/closing device 83 may be configured to open and close the opening 12a of the tub 12 by rotating the door 11. For example, when the controller 1100 performs the drying process 2500, which will be described later, in order to dry the washing chamber C more efficiently, the controller 1100 may open the opening 12a of the tub 12 through the tub opening/closing device 83.

[0213] The controller 1100 may control the washing chamber heater 81. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the washing chamber heater 81. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the washing chamber heater 81 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, a heating temperature, etc., of the washing chamber heater 81.

[0214] The controller 1100 may control the washing water heater 82. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the washing water heater 82. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the washing water heater 82 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off, an operating time, a heating temperature, etc., of the washing water heater 82.

[0215] The controller 1100 may control the tub opening/closing device 83. The controller 1100 may operate or stop the tub opening/closing device 83. Specifically, the controller 1100 may control the tub opening/closing device 83 based on a user input obtained through the user interface 1200 and/or an external device. The controller 1100 may control turning on/off of the tub opening/closing device 83, an opening time of the tub, etc.

[0216] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a drying process according to an embodiment.

[0217] A control method 2000 of the dishwasher 1a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0218] The user may select a washing course and/or washing option through the inputter 1210 of the user interface 1200, and the processor 1110 may import a command or data corresponding to the user input 2100.

[0219] The washing course may include various courses such as the automatic course, the standard course, the powerful course, a glass course, the rapid course, the rinsing-drying course, or an internal washing course.

[0220] Depending on the type of washing course, a washing sequence, water consumption, washing temperature, and/or washing time may vary.

[0221] For example, when the automatic course is selected, the controller 1100 may perform a process appropriate to a level of contamination of table wares determined through the sensor module 1400.

[0222] For example, when the standard course is selected, the controller 1100 may perform only the main washing process 2300 and the rinsing process 2400 without the preliminary washing process 2200, which will be described later.

[0223] For example, when the powerful course is selected, the controller 1100 may perform all of the preliminary washing process 2200, the main washing process 2300, and the rinsing process 2400.

[0224] According to the present disclosure, the operating time or heating temperature of the washing chamber heater 81 heating the washing chamber C or the washing water heater 82 heating washing water may vary depending on the type of washing course. That is, the washing chamber C may be heated to different temperatures depending on the type of washing course.

[0225] For example, when the powerful course is selected, the washing chamber C may be heated to a relatively high temperature. Therefore, although the power consumption may increase, the cleaning efficiency of table wares may increase.

[0226] For example, when the automatic course or the standard course is selected, the washing chamber C may be heated to a relatively low temperature. Therefore, although the cleaning efficiency of table wares may be somewhat reduced, the power consumption may be reduced.

[0227] The washing options may mean options to add another process to the selected washing course or to change some of the settings of the selected washing course.

[0228] For example, the washing options may include an option for adding the drying process to the selected washing course (hereinafter referred to as a hot air drying option), an option for improving drying performance by increasing a temperature of rinsing water without adding the drying process to the selected washing course (hereinafter referred to as a drying enhancement option), etc.

[0229] For example, in the standard course, assuming that the temperature of rinsing water in the rinsing process is set to 55 degrees Celsius, when the drying enhancement option is added in addition to the standard course, the temperature of rinsing water may be changed to 80 degrees Celsius. Additionally, when the drying enhancement option is added in addition to the standard course, the cooling process 2600 may be added after the rinsing process 2400.

[0230] The controller 1100 may perform processes corresponding to the selected washing course and washing options.

[0231] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate overall processes that the controller 1100 may perform for convenience of explanation, but some processes may be omitted and some processes may be added depending on the washing course and washing options.

[0232] First, the above controller 1100 may perform a condensate water discharge operation 3000 through the condensate pump 600 3000. Specifically, the controller 1100 may discharge condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 from the storage portion 440 through the condensate pump 600 3000. In other words, the controller 1100 may discharge condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 to the outside of the connecting duct 400 through the condensate pump 600 3000.

[0233] That is, the controller 1100 may perform the condensate water discharge operation 3000 before starting the preliminary washing process 2200, main washing process 2300, rinsing process 2400, drying process 2500, cooling process 2600, and the like, which will be described later.

[0234] According to the present disclosure, after the washing course is performed once, condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530 of the thermoelectric device 500 may be collected in the storage portion 440. When the washing course is performed again without discharging the condensate water collected in the storage portion 440, as the water level of condensate water rises, some components of the thermoelectric device 500 may become submerged under condensate water. Because the thermoelectric device 500 includes the thermoelectric element 510 vulnerable to moisture, failure of the thermoelectric device 500 may occur when some elements of the thermoelectric device 500 are submerged under condensate water.

[0235] According to the present disclosure, the controller 1100 may prevent condensate water from exceeding a predetermined level because the controller pumps condensate water through the condensate pump 600 and then performs other processes. Therefore, failure of the thermoelectric device 500 may be prevented.

[0236] However, the order of the condensate water discharge operation 3000 is not limited thereto. Because when controller 1100 performs the drying process 2500, condensate water is generated on the cooling portion 530 of the thermoelectric device 500, as long as the condensate water discharge operation 3000 is performed before the controller 1100 performs the drying process 2500, condensate water may be prevented from exceeding the predetermined level. For example, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 may also be performed between the preliminary washing process 2200 and the main washing process 2300, which will be described later. For example, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 may also be performed between the main washing process 2300 and the rinsing process 2400, which will be described later. For example, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 may also be performed between the rinsing process 2400 and the drying process 2500, which will be described later. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, only an embodiment in which the condensate water discharge operation 3000 is performed before the preliminary washing process 2200, which will be described later, will be described.

[0237] The controller 1100 may perform the preliminary washing process 2200 after performing the condensate water discharge operation 3000. The preliminary washing process 2200 is a process for removing relatively large contaminants present in table wares by injecting washing water without detergent mixed into the washing chamber C before the main washing process 2300, which will be described later.

[0238] The controller 1100 may perform the preliminary washing process 2200 and then perform the main washing process 2300. The main washing process 2300 is a process of heating the washing chamber C and injecting washing water into the washing chamber C in order to wash table wares accommodated in the washing chamber C using washing water.

[0239] The main washing process 2300 may include a washing water supply process of providing washing water used for washing to the sump assembly 70, a washing water injection process of injecting washing water mixed with detergent into the washing chamber C through the injection device 40, and a washing water drainage process of draining washing water stored in the sump assembly 70 and/or injection device 40.

[0240] As described above, depending on the type of washing course, the washing chamber C may be heated to different temperatures. Specifically, the controller 1100 may perform a plurality of the main washing processes 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at different temperatures, respectively, and the main washing process 2300 performed by the controller 1100 may vary depending on the type of washing course. The controller 1100 may perform the rinsing process 2400 after performing the main washing process 2300.

[0241] The rinsing process 2400 may include a rinsing water supply process of providing rinsing water used for rinsing to the sump assembly 70, a rinsing water injection process of injecting rinsing water stored in the sump assembly 70 through the injection device 40, and a rinsing water drainage process of draining rinsing water stored in the sump assembly 70 and/or injection device 40.

[0242] The controller 1100 may perform the drying process 2500 after performing the rinsing process 2400. The drying process 2500 is a process for drying table wares by circulating air inside the washing chamber C and supplying hot air into the washing chamber C using the first fan device 300, the thermoelectric device 500, and the blowing device 800.

[0243] Hereinafter, the drying process 2500 will be described in more detail.

[0244] First, the controller 1100 may stand by such that the moisture inside the washing chamber C evaporates. That is, the controller 1100 may stand by such that air inside the washing chamber C becomes saturated vapor. At this time, the controller 1100 may operate the washing chamber heater 81 such that moisture inside the washing chamber C evaporates more efficiently.

[0245] Based on the controller 1100 standing by for a set standby time 2510, the controller 1100 may operate the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800 to generate an airflow inside the washing chamber C 2521 and 2522. At this time, based on the controller 1100 performing the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature less than or equal to a set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may additionally operate the thermoelectric device 500 2521. In other words, in a case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may not operate the thermoelectric device 500 2522.

[0246] The thermoelectric element 510 of the thermoelectric device 500 has the heat-absorbing surface 511 and the heat-generating surface 512, and a temperature of each of the heat-absorbing surface 511 and the heat-generating surface 512 may be changed to match a temperature around the thermoelectric element 510. For example, when the temperature around the thermoelectric element 510 is 40 degrees Celsius, the heat-absorbing surface 511 may have a temperature lower than 40 degrees Celsius, and the heat-generating surface 512 may have a temperature higher than 40 degrees Celsius.

[0247] Due to the characteristics of the thermoelectric element 510 as described above, when the temperature around the thermoelectric element 510 becomes excessively high, the temperature of the heat-generating surface 512 may rise above that temperature. This may lead to overheating of the thermoelectric element 510 and may result in failure of the thermoelectric element 510.

[0248] Therefore, in the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature, when the controller 1100 operates the thermoelectric device 500, the temperature around the thermoelectric element 510 may become excessively high, thereby causing the thermoelectric element 510 to fail.

[0249] According to the present disclosure, based on the controller 1100 performing the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature less than or equal to the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may prevent failure of the thermoelectric element 510 by operating the thermoelectric device 500 2521.

[0250] Hereinafter, the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature less than or equal to the set reference temperature 2520 will be described first.

[0251] In the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature less than or equal to the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may operate the first fan device 300, the thermoelectric device 500, and the blowing device 800 2521. Accordingly, as an airflow is formed inside the washing chamber C and air inside the washing chamber C repeatedly passes through the cooling portion 530 and the heating portion 540 of the thermoelectric device 500, moisture inside the washing chamber C may be gradually removed.

[0252] Based on a set operating time having elapsed after the controller 1100 operates the first fan device 300, the thermoelectric device 500, and the blowing device 800 2531, the controller 1100 may stop the operations of the first fan device 300 and the thermoelectric device 500 2541.

[0253] After the operations of the first fan device 300, the thermoelectric device 500, and the blowing device 800 are stopped, the controller 1100 may open the tub 12 by rotating the door 11 through the tub opening/closing device 83 2551. The blowing device 800 may generate an airflow to cause air to flow between the inside and outside of the washing chamber C. Accordingly, moisture inside the washing chamber C may be removed more efficiently.

[0254] Based on the set opening time having elapsed after the controller 1100 opens the tub 12 through the tub opening/closing device 83 2561, the controller 1100 may close the tub 12 again by rotating the door 11 through the opening/closing device 83 2571. Accordingly, the drying process 2500 may be terminated.

[0255] Hereinafter, the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520 will be described.

[0256] In the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may generate an airflow such that air flows between the inside and outside of the washing chamber C by operating the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800 and opening the tub 12 through the tub opening/closing device 83 2522.

[0257] At this time, the controller 1100 may not operate the thermoelectric device 500. That is, in the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520, moisture in the washing chamber C may be removed only by an airflow generated by the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800.

[0258] Based on the set operating time and opening time having elapsed after the controller 1100 operates the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800 and opens the tub 12 through the tub opening/closing device 83 2532, the controller 1100 may stop the operations of the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800 and close the tub 12 again through the tub opening/closing device 83 2542. Accordingly, the drying process 2500 may be terminated.

[0259] The dishwasher 1a may perform the cooling process 2600 after performing the drying process 2500. The cooling process 2600 is a process for preventing safety accidents by lowering the temperature inside the washing chamber C, and may be performed through the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800. The cooling process 2600 may also be defined as part of the drying process 2500.

[0260] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a drying process according to an embodiment.

[0261] Hereinafter, another control method 2000 of the dishwasher 1a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In description of the other control method 2000 of the dishwasher 1a, components or processes substantially identical to the components or processes illustrated in FIG. 15 are assigned to the same reference numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0262] Unlike the control method 2000 of the dishwasher 1a described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, in which the condensate water discharge operation 3000 is performed before the preliminary washing process 2200, in the other control method 2000 of the dishwasher 1a, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 can be included within the drying process 2500.

[0263] Specifically, based on the controller 1100 performing the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature less than or equal to the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may operate the thermoelectric device 500 and perform the condensate water discharge operation 3000. In other words, in the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may not operate the thermoelectric device 500 and may also not perform the condensate water discharge operation 3000.

[0264] According to the present disclosure, in the case in which the controller 1100 performs the main washing process 2300 of heating the washing chamber C at a temperature exceeding the set reference temperature 2520, the controller 1100 may operate the first fan device 300 and the blowing device 800 and open the tub 12 through the tub opening/closing device 83. At this time, the controller 1100 may not operate the thermoelectric device 500. Accordingly, condensate water may not be generated in the ducts 150, 160, and 400. That is, even when the condensate pump 600 does not operate, problems such as failure of the thermoelectric element 510 due to the water level of condensate water may not occur.

[0265] According to the present disclosure, when the controller 1100 does not operate the thermoelectric device 500, the power consumption required to operate the condensate pump 600 may be reduced by omitting the condensate water discharge operation 3000.

[0266] Additionally, when the condensate pump 600 operates even though no condensate water is stored in the storage portion 440, noise may be generated as the condensate pump 600 sucks in air.

[0267] According to the present disclosure, when the controller 1100 does not operate the thermoelectric device 500, noise that may occur due to the condensate pump 600 may be prevented by omitting the condensate water discharge operation 3000.

[0268] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a condensate pump according to an embodiment.

[0269] A method of controlling the condensate water discharge operation 3000 through the condensate pump 600 will be described below with reference to FIG. 19.

[0270] The dishwasher 1a may include the condensate water level sensor 1420. The condensate water level sensor 1420 may be configured to detect the water level of condensate water collected in the storage portion 440.

[0271] The condensate water level sensor 1420 may, when condensate water reaches a set reference water level, detect the water level of condensate water and send a signal to the controller 1100. Because the storage portion 440 is formed by being recessed from the bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400, the set reference water level may be located at the same height as or a height lower than a height of the bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400.

[0272] Based on whether the water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400 reaches the set reference water level 3100, the controller 1100 may operate the condensate pump 600 3200.

[0273] As described above, because the thermoelectric device 500 includes the thermoelectric element 510 vulnerable to moisture, failure of the thermoelectric device 500 may occur when some elements of the thermoelectric device 500 are submerged under condensate water.

[0274] According to the present disclosure, the set reference water level may be located at the same height as or a height lower than the height of the bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400, and the cooling portion 530 of the thermoelectric device 500 may be located above the bottom surface 400a of the connecting duct 400. That is, before the water level of condensate water rises and condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 comes into contact with the cooling portion 530, the condensate water level sensor 1420 may detect the water level of condensate water, and the controller 110 may operate the condensate pump 600. Therefore, failure of the thermoelectric device 500 due to condensate water may be prevented.

[0275] When the water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400 does not reach the set reference water level, the controller 1100 may not operate the condensate pump 600. That is, the controller 1100 may not discharge condensate water outside the connecting duct 400.

[0276] According to the present disclosure, the power consumption due to the operation of the condensate pump 600 may be reduced by operating the condensate pump 600 3200 only when the water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400 reaches the set reference water level 3100.

[0277] Based on a set condensate water pumping time having elapsed after the controller 1100 operates the condensate pump 600 3300, the controller 1100 may stop the operation of the condensate pump 600 3400. As controller 1100 stops the operation of the condensate pump 600, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 may be terminated.

[0278] An embodiment has been described above in which the controller 1100 performs the condensate water discharge operation 3000 only when a specific process is completed or under specific conditions. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 1100 may continuously perform the condensate water discharge operation 3000 by continuously driving the condensate pump 600. Alternatively, regardless of the order of the processes performed by the controller 1100, the condensate water discharge operation 3000 may be performed in response to the water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400 reaching the set reference water level.

[0279] An embodiment of operating the condensate pump 600 based on the water level of condensate water stored in the connecting duct 400 reaching the set reference water level 3100 has been described above. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the condensate water level sensor 1420 may be omitted, and the condensate pump 600 may be operated in a state in which the water level of condensate water is not detected.

[0280] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

[0281] Hereinafter, a clothes dryer 1b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 20. In description of the clothes dryer 1b, the same reference numbers are assigned to components substantially identical to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 20, the clothes dryer 1b may include a cabinet 4100 forming an exterior thereof. The cabinet 4100 may also be referred to as the main body 4100. The clothes dryer 1b may include a drum 4200 rotatably mounted in the cabinet 4100. The drum 4200 may be configured to be rotatable by receiving power from a driving device 4400.

[0283] The clothes dryer 1b may include an accommodation space C formed by the drum 4200. The accommodation space C may be defined as an inner space of the drum 4200. That is, the accommodation space C may be formed inside the cabinet 4100.

[0284] The accommodation space C of the clothes dryer 1b may be referred to as the clothes treating room C. The clothes treating room C may refer to a space in which clothes are accommodated and dried.

[0285] An opening 4110 may be provided on a front surface of the cabinet 4100 for putting clothes (not shown), which are objects to be dried, into or taking clothes out of the clothes treating room C. The clothes dryer 1b may include a door 4300 configured to open and close the opening 4110.

[0286] The clothes dryer 1b may include ducts 150, 160, and 400. The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may communicate with the clothes treating room C. The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may be provided to allow air to be introduced into or discharge air from the clothes treating room C.

[0287] The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may include the inlet duct 150 provided to allow air discharged from the clothes treating room C to flow, the outlet duct 160 provided to allow air to be discharged into the clothes treating room C, and the connecting duct 400 provided to connect the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160. The clothes dryer 1b may include a fan device 300 configured to generate an air flow. The fan device 300 may generate an air flow to introduce air in the clothes treating room C into the ducts 150, 160, and 400 or to discharge air in the ducts 150, 160, and 400 into the clothes treating room C.

[0288] The clothes dryer 1b may include a thermoelectric device 500. The thermoelectric device 500 may be configured to cool or heat air in the ducts 150, 160, and 400.

[0289] According to the present disclosure, the clothes dryer 1b may include a thermoelectric device 500 instead of a heat pump. Therefore, components such as a compressor, condenser, expander and evaporator may be omitted.

[0290] The thermoelectric device 500 may be disposed inside the ducts 150, 160, and 400. Specifically, the thermoelectric device 500 may be disposed inside the connecting duct 400.

[0291] The thermoelectric device 500 may include a thermoelectric element 510, a cooling portion 530 configured to cool air introduced through the inlet duct 150, and a heating portion 540 configured to heat air passed through the cooling portion 530.

[0292] Based on a flowing direction of air being introduced into the ducts 150, 160, and 400, the cooling portion 530 may be provided further upstream than the heating portion 540. Through this configuration, air introduced into the ducts 150, 160, and 400 from the clothes treating room C may be cooled by the cooling portion 530, and air cooled by passing through the cooling portion 530 may be heated again by the heating portion 540 and then discharged into the clothes treating room C. In this process, the high temperature and high humidity air inside the clothes treating room C may become high temperature and low humidity air, and condensate water may be generated on the cooling portion 530.

[0293] The connecting duct 400 may include a storage portion 440. The storage portion 440 may be provided to collect condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530.

[0294] The clothes dryer 1b may include a condensate pump 600. The condensate pump 600 may be configured to discharge condensate water generated inside the connecting duct 400 by the cooling portion 530 to the outside of the connecting duct 400. Specifically, the condensate pump 600 may be configured to discharge condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 from the storage portion 440. For example, the condensate pump 600 may discharge condensate water to the outside of the clothes dryer 1b.

[0295] The clothes dryer 1b may include a first connecting hose 710 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and the connecting duct 400, and a second connecting hose 720 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and an external space of the clothes dryer 1b. Through this configuration, condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 may flow to the condensate pump 600 through the first connecting hose 710 and then be discharged to the outside of the clothes dryer 1b through the second connecting hose 720.

[0296] A home appliance 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 10 including an accommodation space C therein, an inlet duct 150 that is configured to guide a flow of air including water vapor from the accommodation space C, a thermoelectric device 500 including a cooling portion 530 that is configured to cool the flow of air guided by the inlet duct 150 and thereby remove at least a portion of the water vapor from the flow of air as condensate, and a heating portion 540 that is configured to heat the flow of air that is cooled by the cooling portion 530, an outlet duct 160 that is configured to guide the flow of air heated by the heating portion 540 to the accommodation space C, a storage portion 440 configured to collect the condensate removed from the flow of air by the cooling portion 530, and a pump 600 that is configured to discharge the condensate collected in the storage portion 440 from the storage portion 440.

[0297] The home appliance 1 may further include a connecting duct 400 connecting the inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160. The thermoelectric device 500 may be in the connecting duct 400.

[0298] The storage portion 440 may be recessed from a bottom surface 440a of the connecting duct 400 and below the thermoelectric device 500.

[0299] The connecting duct 400 may include a discharge hole 450 that may be configured to allow the condensate collected in the storage portion 440 to be discharged, and the home appliance 1 may further include a connecting hose 710 connecting the pump 600 and the discharge hole 450.

[0300] The discharge hole 450 may be at a low point of the storage portion 440. The bottom surface 440a of the storage portion 440 may be inclined upward from the low point so that the condensate collected in the storage portion 440 may be guided by the bottom surface 440a to the discharge hole 450.

[0301] The pump 600 may be configured to discharge the condensate collected in the storage portion 440 into the accommodation space C.

[0302] The home appliance 1 may further include a water tank 100 forming a storage space 110 for storing water to be supplied to the accommodation space C. The inlet duct 150 and the outlet duct 160 may be inside the water tank 100.

[0303] The water tank 100 may include an inlet hole 170, an air outlet 161 that may be configured to communicate with the accommodation space C and the outlet duct 160, a discharge channel 180 connecting the inlet hole 170 and the air outlet 161. The air outlet 161, the inlet hole 170, and the discharge channel 180 may be configured so that, with the condensate discharged from the storage portion 440 by the pump 600, the condensate may be introduced to the discharge channel 180 through the inlet hole 170, may flow through the discharge channel 180, and then may flow through the air outlet 161 to be discharged to the accommodation space C. The home appliance 1 may further include a connecting hose 710 connecting the pump 600 and the inlet hole 170.

[0304] The discharge channel 180 may be between the storage space 110 and the outlet duct 160.

[0305] The thermoelectric device 500 may include a thermoelectric element 510 that may be configured so that the cooling portion 530 may be on a first side of the thermoelectric element 510 and the heating portion 540 may be on a second side of the thermoelectric element 510 opposite the first side. The connecting duct 400 may include a duct body 410 in which the thermoelectric element 510 may be mounted, a first cover 420 coupled to a first side of the duct body 410 and that may be configured to form a cooling flow path P1 together with the duct body 410, the cooling flow path P1 may pass through the cooling portion 530 so that the flow of air guided by the inlet duct 150 may be introduced into the connecting duct 400 and may be cooled along the cooling flow path P1 by the cooling portion 530, and a second cover 430 coupled to a second side of the duct body 410 and that may be configured to form a heating flow path P2 together with the duct body 410, the heating flow path P2 may pass through the heating portion 540 so that the flow of air that may be cooled along the cooling flow path P1 by the cooling portion 530 may be heated along the heating flow path P2 by the heating portion 540.

[0306] The cooling portion 530 may include a plurality of cooling fins 532 extending along a direction in which the cooling flow path P1 extends, and the heating portion 540 may include a plurality of heating fins 542 extending along a direction in which the heating flow path P2 extends.

[0307] A circulating flow path along which the flow of air may be circulated may include the inlet duct 150, the outlet duct 160, the connecting duct 400, and the accommodation space C.

[0308] The home appliance 1 may further include a controller 1100 that may be configured to perform a condensate discharge operation 3000 in which condensate collected in the storage portion 440 may be discharged from the storage portion 440 by the pump 600 before a washing process 2300 in which washing water is injected into the accommodation space C may be started.

[0309] The home appliance 1 may further include a controller 1100 that may be configured to perform a plurality of washing processes 2300 in which the accommodation space C may be heated to a different temperature of a plurality of temperatures respectively corresponding to the plurality of washing processes 2300, and perform a condensate discharge operation 3000 in which the thermoelectric device 500 may be operated and condensate collected in the storage portion 440 may be discharged from the storage portion 440 by the pump 600, based on a washing process 2300 of the plurality of washing processes 2300 in which the accommodation space C may be heated to a temperature less than or equal to a reference temperature of the plurality of temperatures having been performed 2520.

[0310] The home appliance 1 may further include a water level detection sensor 1420 that may be configured to detect a water level of condensate collected in the storage portion 440 and that may produce corresponding data, and a controller 1100 that may be configured to operate the pump 600 based on the data that may be produced by the water level detection sensor 1420 indicating that the water level of condensate has reached a reference water level 3100.

[0311] A home appliance 1 according to an embodiment includes a washing chamber C, ducts 150, 160, and 400 provided to allow air in the washing chamber C to be introduced or to allow air to be discharged into the washing chamber C, a thermoelectric device 500 disposed inside the ducts 150, 160, and 400 and including a cooling portion 530 configured to cool air being introduced into the ducts 150, 160, and 400 and a heating portion 540 configured to heat air passed through the cooling portion 530, and a condensate pump 600 configured to discharge condensate water generated inside the ducts 150, 160, and 400 by the cooling portion 530 to the outside of the ducts 150, 160, and 400.

[0312] The ducts 150, 160, and 400 may include a storage portion 440 recessed from a bottom surface 440a of the duct 400 provided below the thermoelectric device 500 to store condensate water generated on the cooling portion 530.

[0313] The duct 400 may further include a discharge hole 450 provided to allow condensate water collected in the storage portion 440 to be discharged, and the home appliance 1 may further include a connecting hose 710 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and the discharge hole 450.

[0314] The connecting hose 710 may be the first connecting hose 710, the home appliance 1 may further include a water tank 100 provided to store water to be supplied to the washing chamber C, the water tank 100 may include an inlet hole 170 provided to allow condensate water pumped by the condensate pump 600 to be introduced, and a discharge channel 180 forming a flow path through which condensate water introduced through the inlet hole 170 flows into the washing chamber C, and the home appliance 1 may further include a second connecting hose 720 provided to connect the condensate pump 600 and the inlet hole 170.

[0315] The heating portion 540 may be provided inside the ducts 150, 160, and 400, and the cooling portion 530 may be provided further upstream than the heating portion 540 based on a flow direction of air being introduced into the ducts 150, 160, and 400.

[0316] According to the present disclosure, a thermoelectric device of a home appliance can be disposed inside a duct. The cooling portion of the thermoelectric device can generate condensate water and at the same time form low temperature and low humidity air by cooling high temperature and high humidity air introduced from an accommodation space, and the heating portion of the thermoelectric device can form high temperature and low humidity air by heating the air cooled by the cooling portion again. That is, moisture can be removed from high temperature and high humidity air introduced into the inside of the duct, and high temperature and low humidity air with a relatively high saturation water vapor content can be discharged again into the accommodation space, thereby increasing the drying efficiency of the home appliance.

[0317] According to the present disclosure, a condensate pump can be provided to discharge condensate water formed in a duct to the outside of the duct. By this configuration, the failure of a thermoelectric device disposed in the duct due to increase in a water level of condensate water can be prevented. Additionally, water can be prevented from flowing back into the duct from other configurations.

[0318] The foregoing has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical idea of the disclosure described in the following claims.