WO2024219746A1 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher configured such that, among multiple discharge ports, a first discharge port functions as an inlet for washing water and a second discharge port functions as an outlet for washing water. Therefore, during a washing course, food waste having been introduced into a discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with washing water is discharged again through the second discharge port by the washing water, so that pollution of an internal structure of the discharge guide by the food waste can be minimized.

Description

Dishwasher

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher in which a first discharge port among a plurality of discharge ports functions as an inlet for the wash water and a second discharge port functions as an outlet for the wash water, so that food waste that flows into the interior of a discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the wash water during a washing cycle is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the wash water, thereby minimizing contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by the food waste.

A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying water such as water onto them. At this time, the water used for washing may contain detergent.

A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tank forming a washing space, a storage section for accommodating objects to be washed inside the washing tank, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage section, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other washable items after meals can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing cycle for washing an object to be washed, a rinsing cycle for rinsing the object to be washed, and a drying cycle for drying the object to be washed after washing and rinsing are completed.

Recently, dishwashers equipped with an absorption device that absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process and then resupplies it to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the items to be washed have been released.

The desiccant provided in the desiccant device may be configured to undergo an absorption process in which it absorbs moisture in the air stream during the drying process, and to undergo a regeneration process in which it is dried by exposure to a high-temperature air stream after the drying process is completed.

Air passing through the desiccant can be supplied to the cleaning space of the tub by changing the flow direction through a discharge device exposed to the cleaning space formed inside the tub.

In this regard, European Patent Publication No. 3114979 (prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher including an ejection device capable of increasing air distribution efficiency by evenly supplying air into the interior of a tub through a plurality of spray holes having different spray directions.

However, the discharge device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior document 001 has a problem in that a complex flow path structure must be formed inside the discharge device because multiple nozzles must be formed penetrating the discharge device at different locations, which increases the flow resistance of the airflow and may cause significant flow loss.

In addition, the discharge device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior document 001 has a complex flow path structure in which the direction of air movement inside changes multiple times, so there is a problem that food waste flowing in together with washing water through a specific nozzle is not effectively discharged toward the tub and is highly likely to become stuck inside.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a discharge guide for supplying air passing through a drying device into the interior of a tub is configured to have a plurality of discharge ports that open in different directions, thereby ensuring maximum discharge air volume and improving air distribution efficiency.

In addition, the present invention provides a dishwasher in which the first discharge port among a plurality of discharge ports functions as an inlet for the wash water and the second discharge port functions as an outlet for the wash water, so that food waste that enters the interior of the discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the wash water during the washing cycle is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the wash water, thereby minimizing contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by the food waste.

The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub forming a washing space and accommodating dishes; a drying device absorbing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying the moisture to the tub; and a discharge guide having an internal flow space for changing a flow direction of air passing through the drying device and a first discharge port that opens in a horizontal direction through which air passing through the internal flow space is discharged; wherein the discharge guide comprises a plate-shaped guide wall arranged at a position spaced apart in a direction away from the first discharge port, and a gap that opens toward the washing space is formed between the first discharge port and the guide wall.

Additionally, the gap may include an upper gap formed between the upper edge of the guide wall and the first discharge port.

Additionally, air can be discharged into the washing space through the upper gap, and washing water can be introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide.

Additionally, the gap may further include a side gap formed between either one of the two end edges of the guide wall and the first discharge port.

Additionally, air can be discharged into the washing space through the side gap, and washing water can be introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide.

Additionally, the length of the upper gap may be formed longer than the length of the side gap.

Additionally, the inner surface of the guide wall facing the first discharge port may be configured as a sloped surface, a curved surface, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, the gap may gradually become smaller as it progresses from the top to the bottom of the inner surface of the guide wall.

In addition, the discharge guide may further include a flow guide surface having a downward slope, which is arranged in the internal flow space, to guide the flow direction of the air, and the first discharge port may be arranged between the upper and lower ends of the flow guide surface.

Additionally, the guide wall can be placed between the upper and lower ends of the euro guide surface.

Additionally, the lower end of the inner surface of the guide wall can be connected to the outer edge of the euro guide surface.

In addition, the discharge guide further includes a second discharge port formed by penetrating the inner bottom surface of the internal flow space, and the lower end of the flow guide surface can be connected to the second discharge port.

Additionally, the second outlet can be opened toward the lower surface of the tub.

Additionally, the washing water flowing in through the gap can be guided to move toward the second discharge port by the flow guide surface.

In addition, the discharge guide further includes an inlet into which air passing through the drying device is introduced; and a blocking wall disposed between the second discharge port and the inlet port and extending in a vertical direction in the internal flow space; and a lower end of the blocking wall can extend toward the second discharge port, the internal bottom surface, or the flow guide surface.

The dishwasher according to the present invention is configured to have a plurality of discharge ports in which a discharge guide for supplying air passing through a drying device into the interior of a tub is opened in different directions, thereby ensuring maximum discharge air volume and improving air distribution efficiency.

In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention is configured such that the first discharge port among the plurality of discharge ports functions as the inlet of the wash water and the second discharge port functions as the outlet of the wash water, so that food waste that enters the interior of the discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the wash water during the washing cycle is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the wash water, thereby having the effect of minimizing contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by food waste.

In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below together with specific matters for carrying out the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front perspective view showing the door of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1 in an opened state.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a drying device of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention is accommodated in a base.

Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing the state in Figure 4 with the tub removed.

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a drying device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drying device illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a discharge guide is combined with the second cover illustrated in Figure 7.

Figures 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of Figure 9.

Figures 12 and 13 are plan and bottom perspective views of the upper guide shown in Figures 10 and 11.

Figures 14 to 16 are perspective views of the lower guides shown in Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 17 is a rear view showing the upper guide and lower guide combined.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge guide cut along line 18-18 shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge guide cut along line 19-19 shown in Fig. 9.

Figures 20 and 21 are front views of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a partially enlarged view illustrating several examples of the shape of a notch hole formed in an upper guide.

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are vertical and horizontal cross-sectional views of a discharge guide, and are drawings for explaining an embodiment in which the flow direction of airflow passing through the first discharge port can be set differently.

The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is judged that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, a first component may also be a second component.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

Hereinafter, the phrase “any configuration is disposed on (or below)” a component or “on (or below)” a component may mean not only that any configuration is disposed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration disposed on (or below) said component.

Additionally, when a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through other components.

As used herein, the singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

In addition, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

Throughout the specification, when reference is made to "A and/or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when reference is made to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Overall structure of the dishwasher]

Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) shown in FIG. 1 is open.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which objects to be washed are washed and having an open front, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing objects, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing objects to be washed, and a spray unit (60) installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing objects.

At this time, the objects to be washed placed in the storage unit (50) may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated, the objects to be washed are referred to as dishes.

The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

The tub (20) can be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel.

In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) to support and install functional components such as the storage section (50) and injection section (60) described below within the tub (20).

Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing wash water, a sump cover (42) for dividing the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying wash water from the outside to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) for discharging the wash water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a wash pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying the wash water of the sump (41) to the spray unit (60). The sump cover (42) is arranged on the upper side of the sump (41) and may serve to divide the tub (20) and the sump (41). In addition, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the wash water sprayed into the wash space (21) through the spray unit (60) to the sump (41).

That is, the washing water sprayed toward the dishes from the spray unit (60) falls to the lower part of the washing space (21) and can be returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

The washing pump (45) is installed on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize the washing water and supply it to the spray unit (60).

One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453). When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) may be pressurized and then supplied to the spray unit (60) through the supply path (46).

Although not shown, a washing water heater may be provided on the other end of the washing pump (45) to heat the washing water supplied during the washing cycle or the heated rinsing cycle. Details regarding the washing water heater will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 and below.

Meanwhile, the supply path (46) can play a role in selectively supplying the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray unit (60).

For example, the supply path (46) may include a first supply path (461) connected to the lower injection arm (61), a second supply path (463) connected to the upper injection arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply path (46) may be provided with a supply path switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply paths (461, 463).

At this time, the supply path switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each of the supply paths (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the spray unit (60) is provided to spray washing water on dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

More specifically, the spray unit (60) may include a lower spray arm (61) positioned at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) positioned between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) positioned at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so as to spray washing water while rotating toward dishes in the storage section (50).

The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to be able to spray washing water toward the lower rack (51) while rotating at the lower side of the lower rack (51).

Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder (467) so as to be able to spray washing water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

Meanwhile, although not shown, a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) in an upward direction (U-direction) may be further provided on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) to increase the washing efficiency.

The detailed configuration of the injection unit (60) can be applied to a configuration already known in the art, so a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit (60) will be omitted below.

Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

The storage section (50) is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage compartment is provided, including a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of a tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher provided with three storage compartments (50) as illustrated.

These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front of the tub (20).

To this end, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). The user can store dishes in them or easily take out washed dishes from them by pulling the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) outward through the front of the tub (20).

The guide rail (54) may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the injection unit (60) or as an elastic guide rail for guiding the withdrawal and storage of the injection unit (60) and whose withdrawal distance increases according to the withdrawal of the injection unit (60).

Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front of the above-described tub (20).

A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing a door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating around the hinge part as a rotation axis.

Here, a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1) may be provided on the outer surface of the door (30).

As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher, a button section (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher on and off.

Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) can form one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, can form a resting surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage section (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is desirable for the inner surface of the door (30) to form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail (54) along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

Meanwhile, a detergent supply device may be further provided on the inner side of the door (30) to automatically supply detergent into the interior of the tub (20).

Meanwhile, a drying device (80) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20) to absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then resupply the air back to the tub (20).

As described above, the drying device (80) may be configured to include a suction duct (81) into which air discharged from the tub (20) is sucked, a blower (82) that generates an air flow, a heating unit (83) that heats the air sucked from the tub (20), and an absorbent (85) that absorbs water vapor contained in the air. At this time, air that has passed through the absorbent (85) may be supplied to the washing space through a discharge guide (89) that is placed inside the tub (20) and guides the discharge direction of the air that has passed through the absorbent (85).

As described later, an air supply hole (254) may be provided on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) to allow air from which water vapor has been removed through a drying device (80) to be introduced into the interior of the tub (20).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a grill cap (8113) coupled to the inlet of the suction duct (81) can be fixed to one side of the tub (20), for example, the right side.

The detailed configuration of the drying device (80) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 and below.

[Detailed configuration of the drying device]

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of a drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

First, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the drying device (80) can be arranged so that the remaining portion, excluding the main duct (811) of the suction duct (81) and the discharge guide (89), is accommodated between the base (90) and the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and supported by the bottom surface (91) of the base (90).

For example, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the drying device (80) may be positioned adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) and arranged parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90).

The placement location of the drying device (80) can be selected by considering the characteristics of the heating part (83) of the drying device (80) that generates high heat of approximately 200°C or higher when the drying device (80) is in the desiccant drying mode or the desiccant regeneration mode. In other words, a location that avoids electrical components that are relatively greatly affected by high heat can be selected.

In this way, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the drying device (80) are arranged in a long manner parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) so as to be adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90), thereby performing the function of weight balance that prevents the dishwasher (1) from tilting due to the load applied to the door (30) when the door (30) is in a fully open state.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, such arrangement positions may be selected based on the positions of the air supply holes (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). Considering the safety of the user and to distinguish it from the water softener communication hole (255) arranged close to the front of the tub (20), the air supply hole (254) through which dry air is discharged may be formed at a corner adjacent to the rear and left sides as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

Air supplied through the air supply hole (254) can be evenly distributed to the washing space (21) of the tub (20) through the discharge guide (89) positioned in a state exposed to the washing space (21).

In order to effectively supply the absorbed air to the air supply hole (254) formed at this location, the housing (84) of the drying device (80) that accommodates the desiccant (85) may be placed close to the lower side of the air supply hole (254).

However, the arrangement position of the drying device (80) is merely exemplary, and unlike this, it may be arranged at a position adjacent to the left side (94), right side (95), or front side (92) of the base (90) rather than the rear side (93). The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be based on an embodiment in which the drying device (80) is arranged adjacent to the rear side (93) of the base (90) and approximately parallel to the rear side (93) of the base (90).

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, when the blower (82), the heating unit (83), and the housing (84) of the drying device (80) are arranged parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) and the air supply hole (254) is formed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface and the left surface as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), the air intake hole (271) through which moist air is discharged from the tub (20) is formed at a corner where the right surface and the rear surface meet as the right surface of the tub (20), but can be formed at a position close to the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

The location of the air intake hole (271) can be selected as a location that is as far away as possible from the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

In this way, by arranging the air intake hole (271) as far away as possible from the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89), the possibility of air passing through the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89) being re-introduced directly into the air intake hole without passing through the object to be cleaned can be significantly reduced.

In addition, the air intake hole (271) may be positioned at a higher position in the vertical direction than the upper rail (542) forming the guide rail (54), for example, between the top rail (543) and the upper rail (542).

Therefore, the air intake hole (271) can be formed at a higher position in the vertical direction than the upper rack (52) which is mounted on the upper rail (542) and guided in movement by the upper rail (542), so that the movement of the air current (F) in the washing space (21) can be guided so that it evenly passes through the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and then flows into the air intake hole (271).

In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, the air intake hole (271) may be formed at the rear of the water jacket (110) in which the washing water to be supplied to the sump (41) in which the washing water is stored, together with the main duct (811) described later.

At this time, as shown, a tub hole (118) that connects the internal space of the water jacket (110) with the washing space (21) of the tub (20) may be formed, and a water jacket communication hole (272) corresponding to the tub hole (118) may be provided on the right side (27) of the tub (20).

The air intake hole (271) can be formed at a position that can avoid the water jacket (110) and is located higher than the water jacket communication hole (272).

As shown, a grill cap (118a) having a similar shape to the grill cap (813) of the air intake hole (271) described above can be combined in the tub hole (118) to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

Meanwhile, a grill cap (813) can be combined with the air intake hole (271), and the washing water and foreign substances flying inside the tub (20) through the grill cap (813) can be minimized from entering the inside of the intake duct (81).

The grill cap (813) can be connected to the inlet (811a) of the main duct (811) forming the suction duct (81) by passing through the air intake hole (271).

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate detailed configurations of the drying device (80).

As described above, the drying device (80) may be configured to include a blower (82) that generates an airflow (F) of air to be sucked in from the tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), a heating unit (83) having a heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to the desiccant (85), a plurality of desiccants (85) that are arranged downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) based on the direction of air flow and that absorb moisture contained in the air, a housing (84) in which a heater receiving space in which the heating unit (83) is received and a desiccant receiving space in which the desiccant (85) is received are formed, and a suction duct (81) that connects the air intake hole of the tub (20) and the blower (82).

The blower (82) is positioned upstream of the heating unit (83) and the absorbent (85) with respect to the direction of flow of air current (F), and is positioned downstream of the suction duct (81). It sucks air from the tub (20) and generates an air current (F) so that the sucked air can pass through the absorbent (85).

A blower fan (not shown) and a blower motor (not shown) that generates the rotational driving force of the blower fan can be assembled together in a modular manner and accommodated inside a fan housing (821).

Meanwhile, a subduct (812) constituting a suction duct (81) can be joined and fastened to the other side of the fan housing (821) where the suction port is formed.

There is no limitation on the type of blower fan applied to the drying device (80), but, for example, a sirocco fan is preferable considering the location and space constraints where the blower fan is installed.

Based on the illustrated embodiment, when a sirocco fan is applied, air is introduced through the subduct (812) of the suction duct (81) from the other side, i.e. the rear side, of the fan housing (821) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis from the center of the sirocco fan, and the air can be accelerated toward the radial outside and then discharged through the discharge port.

The accelerated and discharged air forms an airflow (F) and can be introduced into the interior of the heater housing by passing through the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841).

The heating unit (83) is positioned between the blower unit (82) and the absorbent (85) based on the flow direction of the air flow (F), and serves to heat the air flow (F) to dry and regenerate the absorbent (85) when the absorbent drying mode or absorbent regeneration mode is in progress.

When the drying device (80) generates a high temperature air stream (F) in the desiccant drying mode, power is supplied to the heater (831) to heat the air stream (F), and when the drying device (80) generates a low temperature air stream (F) in the desiccant drying mode, power supplied to the heater (831) may be cut off, causing the operation of the heater (831) to stop.

At this time, if a low-temperature airflow (F) is generated in the absorption mode, the operation of the blower motor can be maintained.

There is no limitation on the type of heater (831) provided in the drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention, but as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater that has a relatively simple structure, excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing leakage due to washing water flowing in from the tub (20) may be selected.

Meanwhile, the heater housing may be formed in a hollow shape with an interior that is empty so that an air passage is formed inside in which the heater body (8311) is placed. The air passage inside the heater housing may form a first flow channel together with an air introduction space formed at the bottom of the desiccant receiving portion.

Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 7, a temperature sensing unit (87) is configured on the upper side of the heater (831), and a thermostat (871) for detecting overheating of the heater (831) may be placed.

For example, the thermostat (871) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of thermostats (871) may be arranged along the length of the heater body (8311) so as to effectively detect local overheating of the heater body (8311).

Meanwhile, the temperature sensing unit (87) may further include a thermistor (872) that senses the temperature of the air flow (F). As illustrated in Fig. 7, the thermistor (872) may extend through the front of the housing (84) to the inside of the air introduction space.

The desiccant (85) absorbs moisture contained in the air stream discharged and sucked in from the tub (20) when the drying device (80) is operated in the absorption mode, and discharges the absorbed moisture into the air stream (F) when the drying device (80) is operated in the desiccant drying mode.

That is, the desiccant (85) can be formed as a reversibly dehydratable material capable of absorbing moisture or releasing the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

The applicable reversible hygroscopic material may be a composition comprising one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or a combination of two or more selected from these.

In the drying device (80) according to the present invention, an absorbent (85) having an alumina silica series material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied, for example. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an example in which an alumina silica series absorbent (85) is applied.

In this way, the absorbent (85) formed of an alumina silica series material can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the air flow (F) can be secured to the maximum extent. In addition, the absorbent can have a moisture absorption effect at a lower temperature range than the absorbent manufactured from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration effect can have a lower temperature range.

However, the air flow (F) is configured to pass through a plurality of absorbents (85) provided in the form of particles, come into contact with the absorbents (85), and absorb moisture, or absorb moisture discharged from the absorbents (85).

Therefore, the absorbent (85) cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the air flow (F). To minimize such flow resistance, a gap can be effectively formed, and the particle size of the absorbent (85) can be selected to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

For this purpose, an absorbent (85) having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm can be selected and applied, for example.

Meanwhile, the desiccant (85) is placed downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) based on the flow direction of the air flow (F).

Meanwhile, the housing (84) of the drying device (80) accommodates the aforementioned heating unit (83) and the desiccant (85), and serves to form a first flow channel of airflow (F) passing through the heater (831) and a second flow channel of airflow (F) passing through the desiccant (85).

As illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, the housing (84) may be configured to include a main housing having a heater receiving space in which a heating element (83) is received and a desiccant receiving space in which a desiccant (85) is received.

First, the main housing may include a heater receiving portion having a heater receiving space formed inside, and a desiccant receiving portion having a desiccant receiving space formed inside.

The open upper surface of the heater housing can be closed by attaching the first cover (881) after the arrangement and assembly of the heating unit (83) is completed.

Meanwhile, based on the state in which it is placed on the base (90), the upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion of the main housing is entirely open and may have a hollow box shape having an overall hexahedral shape.

The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion can function as an exhaust port (OUT2) through which air passing through the desiccant (85) is exhausted.

The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion can be closed by joining the second cover (882) after the desiccant (85) is placed inside.

Meanwhile, as described above, the open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion of the main housing can be closed by the second cover (882).

The second cover (882) coupled to the desiccant receiving portion can be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to an inverted funnel shape.

That is, the inner surface of the second cover (882) can be configured to have an upwardly convex, inverted funnel shape so that air passing through the aforementioned desiccant (85) can converge.

An exhaust port through which air passing through the desiccant (85) is exhausted may be provided at the top of the inner converging surface of the second cover (882).

The lower part of a connecting duct section (883) that guides the airflow (F) toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) can be integrally connected to the exhaust port.

The connecting duct section (883) serves to guide the air flow (F) converged through the second cover (882) toward the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

As described later, the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct part (883) can be configured to have a shape that can connect the air supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and the exhaust port of the heater housing (832) so as to guide the air flow (F). The detailed configuration of the connecting duct part (883) is described later with reference to FIG. 9 and below.

Meanwhile, a discharge guide (89) that changes the discharge direction of airflow (F) supplied through the connecting duct part (883) can be combined at the upper part of the duct body (8831).

Through the discharge guide (89), some of the airflow (F) can be diverted toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and some of the airflow (F) can be diverted toward the upper surface (24) of the tub (20). The detailed configuration of the discharge guide (89) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and below.

Meanwhile, the drying device (80) may further include a suction duct (81) having a front end connected to an air intake hole of the tub (20) and a rear end connected to a blower (82), and serving to guide airflow (F) discharged from the tub (20) through an air supply hole (254) to the blower (82).

More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the suction duct (81) may be configured to include a main duct (811) that extends in the vertical direction and is positioned on the outer side of the right side of the tub (20), and a sub duct (812) that is positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) between the rear end of the main duct (811) and the blower (82).

[Detailed composition of the discharge guide]

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the discharge guide (89) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21.

As described above, an exhaust guide (89) that changes the flow direction of airflow (F) supplied through the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct part (883) may be placed between the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and the lower rack (51) and close to the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

The discharge guide (89) may be positioned near a corner formed between the left side (26) and the rear side (23) of the tub (20) or near a corner formed between the right side (27) and the rear side (23) of the tub (20). In response to the position of the discharge guide (89), an air supply hole (254) for transmitting the aforementioned airflow may be formed in the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

The area near the corner formed between the left side (26) and the rear side (23) of the tub (20) corresponds to a position as far away as possible from the air intake port where air is discharged during the drying cycle and where the grill cap (813) is coupled. Accordingly, the time for which the airflow discharged from the discharge guide (89) remains inside the tub (20) can be effectively extended compared to the past. Accordingly, since the airflow can be evenly supplied to the lower rack (51), the upper rack (52), and the top rack (53) and then discharged through the air intake port of the tub (20), the airflow can be effectively delivered to the object to be washed, and the drying effect on the object to be washed can be significantly improved compared to the past.

Meanwhile, the time that the airflow remains inside the tub (20) can be additionally increased by adjusting the direction in which the airflow is sprayed from the discharge guide (89).

That is, the discharge ports (893a, 893b) of the discharge guide (89) through which the airflow is sprayed can be configured to be formed in multiple locations where the direction of the airflow spraying is not directly directed toward the lower rack (51) and the object to be cleaned stored in the lower rack (51).

More specifically, the discharge guide (89) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first discharge port (893a) that opens horizontally toward the rear surface of the tub (20), and a second discharge port (893b) that opens toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the discharge guide (89) may have an outer shape corresponding to a corner formed between the left side and the rear side of the tub (20) based on the state in which the connecting duct part (883) is coupled to the duct body (8831). For example, the discharge guide (89) may have an outer shape that is generally similar to a right triangle when viewed from the upper side (24) of the tub (20). As illustrated, the first discharge port (893a) may be formed on the rear side facing the rear side of the tub (20), and the second discharge port (893b) may be formed on the inner bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891) facing the lower side (25) of the tub (20).

At this time, as described later, a guide wall (8915) having a plate shape is arranged on the outside of the first discharge port (893a), and a predetermined gap (G) may be formed between the first discharge port (893a) and the guide wall (8915). Some of the air flow (F) passing through the first discharge port (893a) may have its flow direction changed to face upward by the guide wall (8915), and the remaining portion may have its flow direction changed to face horizontally.

Accordingly, the air flow (F) discharged through the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) can be discharged with different directions, and through this, the air flow (F) can be evenly distributed within the tub (20) without being concentrated on a specific part of the lower rack (51).

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 21 below, the detailed configuration of the discharge guide (89) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the discharge guide (89) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a lower guide (891) detachably coupled to the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct portion (883), and an upper guide (892) coupled to the upper side of the lower guide (891).

For example, the discharge guide (89) may be configured to be divided based on the up-down direction (U-D direction), and the lower guide (891) serves to form the lower part of the divided body. The upper part of the divided body may be formed by the upper guide (892). A cap cover (not shown) may be combined with the upper guide (892).

The upper guide (892) is coupled to the upper side of the lower guide (891) and serves to form an internal flow space in the form of a channel through which airflow (F) flows together with the lower guide (891).

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper guide (892) may be formed to have an inverted container shape with an empty space formed inside and an entirely open bottom surface, so as to form an internal flow space.

The open lower surface of the upper guide (892) can be closed entirely by combining with the guide body (8911) of the lower guide (891). This allows an internal fluid space to be formed between the upper guide (892) and the lower guide (891).

The upper guide (892) can form a container shape with an open lower surface through an upper surface (8921) formed approximately parallel to the inner bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891) described later, and an outer wall surface (8922) extending downward (in the D-direction) along the perimeter of the upper surface (8921).

At this time, the upper surface (8921) and the outer wall surface (8922) can be formed integrally, and are formed to have a generally uniform thickness in order to secure the internal flow space to the maximum, and can preferably be manufactured through plastic injection molding.

The outer wall surface (8922) may include a first flat surface (8922a) that forms the rear surface and has a flat surface shape, and a second flat surface (8922b) that forms the left surface and has a flat surface shape.

Additionally, the outer wall surface may include a third flat surface (8922c) that forms a front surface and has a flat shape. As illustrated, the third flat surface (8922c) may have a directionality that extends diagonally or obliquely with respect to the first flat surface (8922a) and the second flat surface (8922b).

The first plane portion (8922a), the second plane portion (8922b), and the third plane portion (8922c) may be vertical planes or inclined planes having a gradient in which the gap between them gradually decreases as they proceed in the upward direction (U-direction).

Additionally, a curved portion (8922d) can be continuously formed between the first flat portion (8922a), the second flat portion (8922b), and the third flat portion (8922c).

The curved portion (8922d) can be manufactured to have, for example, an outer shape of a cylinder having a convex shape facing outward.

The curved portion (8922d) can be integrally connected to the upper surface (8921) and the outer wall surface (8922), and can form a continuous surface with respect to the upper surface (8921) and the outer wall surface (8922).

Meanwhile, as illustrated, a first camber surface (8922e) in a chamfered shape may be formed at a corner formed between the upper surface (8921) and the outer wall surface (8922). Through the first camber surface (8922e), it is possible to minimize flow loss or noise caused by eddies that may occur at the angled corner side of the internal flow space where airflow (F) flows.

The first camper surface (8922e) can be a curved surface with a predetermined curvature or a sloped surface with a predetermined slope.

For the same reason as the first camper surface (8922e), a chamfered second camper surface (8922f) can be formed at the corner created by the meeting of the upper surface (8921), the second flat portion (8922b), the third flat portion (8922c), and the curved portion (8922d).

Similar to the first camper surface (8922e), the second camper surface (8922f) can be a curved surface with a predetermined curvature or a sloped surface with a predetermined slope.

Meanwhile, a notch hole (8924) forming the right edge, left edge, and upper edge of the first discharge port (893a) can be formed on the lower part (8923) of the upper guide (892).

As illustrated, the notch hole (8924) may be provided in a notch shape that partially cuts the first flat portion (8922a) of the upper guide (892). Therefore, the notch hole (8924) may also be referred to as a cut portion.

The lower end of the notch hole (8924) is completely open, and when the upper guide (892) is coupled to the lower guide (891), the lower end of the notch hole (8924) is blocked by the flow guide surface (8913) of the lower guide (891). That is, since the notch hole (8924) is positioned between the upper and lower ends of the flow guide surface (8913), the outer edge (8913c) of the flow guide surface (8913) acts as the lower edge of the first discharge port (893a).

The upper edge of the notch hole (8924) may extend approximately parallel to the bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891), and the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole (8924) may extend diagonally to the bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891). The upper edge, the left edge, and the right edge of the notch hole (8924) may extend linearly.

Meanwhile, a square through-hole-shaped engaging hole (8925) for engaging an upper guide engaging projection (8912g) of a lower guide (891) may be formed on the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892) at a location adjacent to the lower end (8923) of the upper guide (892).

Meanwhile, at least one cap cover catch (8926) for fastening a cap cover (not shown) may be integrally formed on the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892).

Meanwhile, the upper guide (892) of the discharge guide (89) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with at least one blocking wall (8929) arranged on the internal flow space of the upper guide (892) as a means to minimize the inflow of washing water into the connecting duct section (883) through the interior of the discharge guide (89) via the second discharge port (893b) described below.

At least one barrier (8929) serves to prevent and minimize the movement of wash water droplets flowing in through the second discharge port (893b) toward the duct joint (8912) of the lower guide (891).

To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one blocking wall (8929) may be provided on the inner surface of the upper guide (892) in the form of a barrier that is arranged between the duct joint (8912) of the lower guide (891) acting as an inlet and the second discharge port (893b), and at least partially blocks the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint (8912) of the lower guide (891).

Accordingly, among the droplets of washing water that pass through the second discharge port (893b) in a scattered state and flow into the interior of the discharge guide (89), the droplets that splash upward may collide with at least one blocking wall (8929) and flow downward along at least one blocking wall (8929) by gravity.

In this way, the droplets that are blocked from entering and descending over at least one blocking wall (8929) need to be discharged again to the outside of the discharge guide (89). To this end, the lower edge of at least one blocking wall (8929) can be configured to extend toward the flow guide surface (8913), the bottom surface (8911a) and the second discharge port (893b) of the lower guide (891).

Meanwhile, as in the illustrated embodiment, at least the blocking wall (8929) may be configured to include, for example, a first blocking wall (8929a) positioned relatively closer to the notch hole (8924), and a second blocking wall (8929b) positioned relatively further away from the notch hole (8924) than the first blocking wall (8929a).

As described above, at least one barrier (8929) is placed in the internal flow space through which the airflow (F) flows.

Therefore, if the space between the top of the duct joint (8912) and the second discharge port (893b) is blocked by a single blocking wall, there is a concern that the flow resistance of the air flow (F) may increase and the ventilation efficiency may decrease.

In order to prevent a decrease in ventilation efficiency due to an increase in flow resistance, it may be provided divided into a first blocking wall (8929a) and a second blocking wall (8929b).

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 216, the lower guide (891) may include a guide body (8911) having a roughly plate-shaped shape.

An inner bottom surface (8911a) may be formed on the inner side of the first border wall (8911b) among the outer borders of the guide body (8911). As illustrated, the inner bottom surface (8911a) may be provided in the form of a flat surface.

A bottom opening (8911a1) that functions as a second discharge port (893b) can be formed through the inner bottom surface (8911a).

As illustrated, in order to secure the maximum open area of the second discharge port (893b), the edge of the bottom opening (8911a1) may be partially extended from the outer edge of the guide body (8911) and the duct joint (8912) while maintaining a predetermined distance therefrom.

Additionally, the remaining edge of the bottom opening (8911a1) can be formed by cutting a part of the euro guide surface (8913) in the area of the euro guide surface (8913) described later.

Accordingly, the lower end (8913b) of the euro guide surface (8913) can be formed at a higher position in the vertical direction than the inner bottom surface (8911a) of the guide body (8911).

Meanwhile, on the outer side of the inner bottom surface (8911a) of the guide body (8911), a first border wall (8911b) extending upward (U-direction) from the inner bottom surface (8911a) to a predetermined height can be formed.

As illustrated, the first border wall (8911b) can be formed continuously along the outer border of the guide body (8911).

Meanwhile, a plate-shaped guide wall (8915) extending upward can be integrally formed on the first border wall (8911b) of the guide body (8911).

As illustrated, the guide wall (8915) is positioned on the outer side of the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892) and may be provided at a position spaced apart from the first discharge port (893a).

The guide wall (8915) is positioned adjacent to the first discharge port (893a) on the outside of the first discharge port (893a) and serves to cover the first discharge port (893a) while being spaced apart from the first discharge port (893a) by a predetermined width.

In Fig. 17, an embodiment is illustrated in which only a part of the first discharge port (893a) is covered by the guide wall (8915) when viewed from the rear, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the first discharge port (893a) is entirely covered by the guide wall (8915) may also be applied. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on a configuration in which a part of the first discharge port (893a) is covered by the guide wall (8915) as in the illustrated embodiment.

In addition, since the guide wall (8915) is positioned at a predetermined width apart from the first discharge port (893a), a slit-shaped gap (G) that opens toward the washing space (21) can be formed between the first discharge port (893a) and the guide wall (8915).

That is, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the gap (G) may include an upper gap (GU) formed between the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a).

The upper gap (GU) is opened upward.

Therefore, the airflow (F) discharged through the upper gap (GU) can have its flow direction changed to face upward.

In addition, the gap (G) may include a first side gap (GS1) formed between the left edge (8915b) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a) based on the state in which the discharge guide (89) is installed, and a second side gap (GS2) formed between the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a).

The first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) are opened toward the left and right directions, respectively.

Therefore, the air flow (F) discharged through the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) can have its flow direction changed to face the left or right direction.

Additionally, the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) may function as wash water inlets to introduce wash water into the internal flow space of the discharge guide (89).

That is, while the drying device (80) is not in operation and the washing cycle or rinsing cycle is in progress, a portion of the washing water flying inside the washing space (21) may pass through the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2) open toward the washing space (21) and then pass through the first discharge port (893a) and be introduced into the internal flow space of the discharge guide (89).

As described above, the notch hole (8924) of the upper guide (892) acting as the first discharge port (893a) is formed between the upper and lower ends of the flow guide surface (8913).

Accordingly, the washing water introduced through the first discharge port (893a) is guided in the flow direction (W) by gravity along the flow path guide surface (8913) toward the bottom of the flow path guide surface (8913), passes through the second discharge port (893b) connected to the bottom of the flow path guide surface (8913), and can be discharged toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) again. Through this, the flow path guide surface (8913) can be continuously washed by the washing water introduced through the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2), and food waste (T) included in the washing water can be prevented from sticking to the flow path guide surface (8913).

Meanwhile, as illustrated, the outer surface of the guide wall (8915) may be formed in a flat surface shape, and the inner surface of the guide wall (8915) facing the first discharge port (893a) may be formed in a composite surface shape formed by a combination of an inclined surface or a curved surface.

In this way, by configuring the shape of the inner surface of the guide wall (8915) toward the first discharge port (893a) differently from the outer surface, the generation of eddies in the airflow passing through the gap (G) formed between the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a) can be minimized and the flow loss can be reduced.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14, a configuration is illustrated in which the upper part of the inner surface of the guide wall (8915) is an inclined surface and the lower part is a curved surface, forming a composite surface shape. The following description will be made based on the configuration of the guide wall (8915) having the composite surface structure illustrated as an example.

The lower side of the inner surface of the guide wall (8915) composed of a curved surface can be integrally connected to the outer edge (8913c) of the flow guide surface (8913) by passing through the notch hole (8924) of the upper guide (892) forming the first discharge port (893a).

Meanwhile, since the inner surface of the guide wall (8915) is provided in the form of a composite surface, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the horizontal width (LS1) of the first side gap (GS1) and the horizontal width (LS2) of the second side gap (GS2) can gradually decrease as they proceed in the downward direction.

However, in contrast, the horizontal width (LU) of the upper gap (GU) can be maintained approximately constant.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in order to allow more and more washing water flying in the washing space (21) to be introduced more smoothly, the length of the upper gap (GU) may be formed longer than the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2).

Meanwhile, the outer edge (8913c) of the euro guide surface (8913) forming the lower edge of the first discharge port (893a) has a downward slope that gradually decreases as it progresses toward the second discharge port (893b).

Accordingly, the length of the left edge of the first discharge port (893a) becomes shorter than the right edge, and accordingly, the length of the first side gap (GS1) can be formed to be smaller than the length of the second side gap (GS2).

Meanwhile, a second border wall (8911c) extending downward (D-direction) from the inner bottom surface (8911a) with a predetermined height may be formed on the outer border of the guide body (8911).

As illustrated, the second border wall (8911c) may be continuously formed to have a partially cylindrical shape while proceeding along the arc-shaped front border of the duct joint (8912), and the lower end of the second border wall (8911c) may extend to a position beyond the lower end (8912b) of the duct joint (8912) described later.

That is, the second border wall (8911c) may be formed in a form that at least partially surrounds the outer surface of the duct joint (8912) described later. At this time, the second border wall (8911c) is formed in a state separated and spaced from the duct joint (8912), and a predetermined space may be formed between the second border wall (8911c) and the duct joint (8912). The upper end (8522) of the fastening nut (884) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be at least partially inserted into the space.

The second border wall (8911c) may be integrally provided with a loosening prevention member (8911e) that interacts with the fastening nut (884) to maintain the lower guide (891) in a fixed position and prevent the lower guide (891) from being dislodged from the fixed position.

The lower guide (891) can be detachably connected to the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) without a separate connecting member through a two-step connecting operation. Preferably, the two-step connecting operation may include an up-and-down vertical movement operation and a circumferential rotational movement operation.

The anti-loosening portion (8911e) prevents the lower guide (891) from rotating relative to the rotational movement of the second-stage coupling operation after the two-stage coupling operation including the vertical movement operation and the rotational movement operation is completed, i.e., prevents the lower guide (891) from moving away from the fixed position.

The anti-loosening member (8911e) may be formed integrally with the second border wall (8911c) as illustrated by way of example, and may be configured to block the lower guide (891) from rotating in the opposite direction to the rotational movement of the two-stage coupling operation in an elastic hook manner.

Meanwhile, the lower guide (891) is configured to be directly connected to the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) in a pipe-joining manner.

To this end, the lower guide (891) may include a cylindrical duct joint (8912) into which the upper end of the cylindrical duct body (8831) is insertably and removably joined.

In accordance with the shape of the duct body (8831), the duct joint (8912) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with the central axis extending parallel to the up-down direction (U-D direction). The inner diameter of the lower end (8912b) of the duct joint (8912) may be formed to be larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the upper end of the duct body (8831) so that the upper end of the duct body (8831) may be inserted into and passed through.

The upper end (8912a) of the cylindrical duct joint (8912) that acts as an inlet for introducing airflow (F) may be formed at a position that protrudes upward (U-direction) from the guide body (8911). Preferably, the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint (8912) may be in a state of protruding and being exposed to the internal flow space formed between the guide body (8911) of the lower guide (891) and the upper guide (892).

At this time, when the upper part of the connecting duct part (883) is completed, the position of the upper part (8912a) of the duct joint part (8912) can be formed at a lower position in the vertical direction (U-D direction) than the position of the upper part of the connecting duct part (883).

Meanwhile, a first guide groove (8912d) extending linearly in the up-down direction (U-D direction) and a second guide groove (8912e) extending in an arc shape along the circumferential direction can be formed on the inner surface (8912c) of the duct joint (8912).

As shown, the upper part of the first guide home (8912d) and one end of the second guide home (8912e) are integrally connected.

As described above, the lower guide (891) is connected to the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) through a two-step connection operation including a vertical movement operation in the up-and-down direction and a rotational movement operation in the circumferential direction.

The first guide groove (8912d) extending in a straight line along the up-down direction (U-D direction) serves to guide the up-down vertical movement of the lower guide (891), and the second guide groove (8912e) extending in an arc shape along the circumferential direction serves to guide the circumferential rotational movement of the lower guide (891).

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer surface of the duct body (8831) that is inserted and connected to the duct joint (8912) of the lower guide (891) may be provided with a guide projection that protrudes toward the inner surface of the connecting duct portion (883) and is inserted into the first guide groove (8912d) and the second guide groove (8912e) of the connecting duct portion (883).

A stopper projection (8912f) may be integrally formed on the inner surface (8912c) of the duct joint (8912) to form a catch for movement of the guide projection on the other end side of the second guide groove (8912e) and to prevent relative rotation in the opposite direction of the lower guide (891) after the guide projection reaches the other end side of the second guide groove (8912e).

Meanwhile, at least one protruding rib (8912h1, 8912h2, 8912h3) may be provided at the lower end (8912b) of the duct joint (8912) of the lower guide (891) as a means for limiting downward relative movement with respect to the connecting duct portion (883).

Referring to FIG. 16, at least one protruding rib (8912h1, 8912h2, 8912h3) may be provided to protrude downward from the lower end (8912b) of the duct joint (8912) toward the male screw portion (8833) provided on the outer surface of the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct portion (883).

Meanwhile, at least one upper guide engaging projection (8912g) for mutual fastening between the upper guide (892) and the lower guide (891), which will be described later, may be integrally formed on the outer surface of the duct joint (8912).

At least one upper guide catch (8912g) may be configured to have a ramp surface having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the outer surface of the duct joint portion (8912) and a step surface formed approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the duct joint portion (8912) so that joining through downward movement of the upper guide (892) is easily performed but separation through upward movement is not easily performed.

Meanwhile, on the rear side of the duct joint (8912), a flow guide surface (8913) can be formed to guide the airflow (F) passing through the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint (8912), which serves as an inlet, toward the first outlet (893a) and the second outlet (893b).

As illustrated in Fig. 14, a curved or inclined surface can be continuously formed between the upper end (8913a) and the lower end (8913b) of the euro guide surface (8913) to minimize the flow loss of airflow (F) and the amount of flow noise generated.

Below in Fig. 14, an embodiment is illustrated in which the flow guide surface (8913) becomes a downwardly inclined surface with a slope gradient that is maintained approximately constant between the upper end (8913a) and the lower end (8913b). Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the following description will be based on an embodiment in which the flow guide surface (8913) becomes a downwardly inclined surface with a slope gradient that is maintained approximately constant.

As illustrated, the upper end (8913a) of the flow guide surface (8913) can be extended to have the same height as the dividing wall surface described later, and the lower end (8913b) of the flow guide surface (8913) can be extended to the bottom opening (8911a1) forming the second discharge port (893b). That is, the lower end (8913b) of the flow guide surface (8913) acts as a part of the edge of the bottom opening (8911a1).

Meanwhile, the lower guide (891) of the discharge guide (89) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a dividing wall (8914) that protrudes upward from the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint (8912) as a means for minimizing the inflow of washing water into the interior of the discharge guide (89) and the connecting duct portion (883) through the first discharge port (893a) or the second discharge port (893b).

The dividing wall (8914) ultimately blocks the washing water that has passed through the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) in a droplet state from entering the duct joint (8912).

To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16, a dividing wall (8914) protrudes upward from the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint (8912), divides the area where the duct joint (8912) is formed, and the area where the flow guide surface (8913) is formed, and can be extended in the form of a barrier that blocks the upper end of the duct joint (8912).

That is, the dividing wall (8914) is placed between the area occupied by the duct joint (8912) and the area occupied by the flow guide surface (8913), and can become a boundary wall that divides them.

As illustrated, the thickness of the dividing wall (8914) can be maintained approximately constant as it progresses from the right end to the left end.

In addition, in order to minimize the flow resistance of the airflow (F) moving toward the euro guide surface (8913) beyond the dividing wall (8914), the vertical position of the upper end of the dividing wall (8914) can be maintained approximately constant while moving from the right end to the left end.

However, the upper vertical position of the upper portion of the dividing wall (8914) may be lower than the upper portion of the duct body (8831) but higher than the lower edge of the blocking wall (8929) of the upper guide (892) so as not to impede the flow of the airflow (F) and prevent the flow resistance of the airflow (F) from increasing rapidly, while effectively blocking flying droplets.

[Airflow discharge structure of the discharge guide and the discharge structure of the washing water]

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 below, the air discharge structure and the washing water inflow/outflow structure of the discharge guide (89) constituting the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 20 illustrates the airflow discharge structure of the discharge guide (89). Referring to Fig. 20, when the drying mode or regeneration mode is in progress, the blower (82) of the drying device (80) may be operated to generate airflow (F) inside the drying device (80).

The generated airflow (F) can be introduced into the interior of the discharge guide (89) through the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) of the drying device (80).

In more detail, the airflow (F) can be introduced into the internal flow space through the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) and the upper end (8912a) of the duct joint section (8912) that functions as the inlet of the discharge guide (89).

The airflow (F) introduced into the internal flow space can be guided to the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) as the flow path is branched by the inner surface of the upper guide (892) and the flow guide surface (8913).

First, the airflow (F) guided to the first outlet (893a) can pass through the first outlet (893a) and the gap (G) formed between the first outlet (893a) and the guide wall (8915) to be discharged into the washing space (21).

As described above, the gap (G) is formed between the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a), and may include an upper gap (GU) that is open toward the upper side.

Therefore, the airflow (F) discharged through the upper gap (GU) can have its flow direction changed to face upward.

In addition, the gap (G) may include a first side gap (GS1) formed between the left edge (8915b) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a) and open toward the left, and a second side gap (GS2) formed between the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a) and open toward the right.

Therefore, the air flow (F) discharged through the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) can have its flow direction changed to face the left or right direction.

However, as shown in Fig. 17, when viewed from the rearward direction, a height difference may be created between the upper edge of the notch hole (8924) and the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) in the vertical direction. That is, the upper edge of the notch hole (8924) may be formed at a higher position than the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) in the vertical direction.

Additionally, a gap may be created in the left-right direction between the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915) and the right edge of the notch hole (8924), and between the left edge (8915b) of the guide wall (9815) and the left edge of the notch hole (8924).

Therefore, some of the airflow (F) discharged through the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2) can be discharged with a directionality toward the rear in the horizontal direction.

As described above, the second discharge port (893b) is formed on the inner bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891) facing the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

Accordingly, the airflow (F) guided to the second outlet (893b) can be discharged with a directionality that faces downward toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

In this way, the air flow (F) discharged through the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) can be discharged with different directions, and through this, the air flow (F) can be evenly distributed within the tub (20) without being concentrated in a specific area of the washing space (21).

Meanwhile, the open area of the second discharge port (893b) can be formed larger than the open area of the first discharge port (893a). Through this, a larger amount of flow can be discharged through the second discharge port (893b) than through the first discharge port (893a), and airflow (F) having the largest amount of flow can be supplied to the washing space (21).

Fig. 21 illustrates the inflow and outflow structure of the discharge guide (89). Referring to Fig. 21, the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2) of the discharge guide (89) can function as a wash water inlet to introduce wash water into the internal flow space of the discharge guide (89).

That is, while the drying device (80) is not in operation and the washing cycle or rinsing cycle is in progress, a portion of the washing water flying inside the washing space (21) may pass through the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2) open toward the washing space (21) and then pass through the first discharge port (893a) and be introduced into the internal flow space of the discharge guide (89).

Accordingly, the washing water introduced through the first discharge port (893a) is guided in the flow direction (W) by gravity along the flow guide surface (8913) toward the bottom of the flow guide surface (8913), and can pass through the second discharge port (893b) connected to the bottom of the flow guide surface (8913) and be discharged again toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

At this time, since the first discharge port (893a) is formed between the upper end (8913a) and the lower end (8913b) of the flow guide surface (8913), the washing water introduced through the first discharge port (893a) cannot move toward the upper end (8913a) of the flow guide surface (8913) and can only move toward the lower end (8913b).

Through this, the euro guide surface (8913) can be continuously washed by the washing water introduced into the upper gap (GU), the first side gap (GS1), and the second side gap (GS2), and food waste (T) included in the washing water can be prevented from sticking to the euro guide surface (8913).

FIG. 22 illustrates several embodiments of a notch hole (8924) forming the right edge, left edge, and top edge of the first discharge port (893a).

First, referring to FIG. 22(a), as described above, the upper edge (8924a) of the notch hole (8924) may extend approximately parallel to the bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891), and the left edge (8924b) and the right edge (8924c) of the notch hole (8924) may extend diagonally to the bottom surface (8911a) of the lower guide (891). The upper edge (8924a), the left edge (8924b), and the right edge (8924c) of the notch hole (8924) may be configured to extend linearly.

By forming the left edge (8924b) and the right edge (8924c) of the notch hole (8924) in an oblique shape in this way, the air resistance of the air flow (F) passing through the connecting duct part (883) and then descending inside the discharge guide (89) can be minimized.

However, unlike this, as shown in Fig. 22(b), if one of the left edge (8924b) and the right edge (8924c) is formed to extend in the vertical direction and one is formed to extend in the diagonal direction, the air resistance to the airflow (F) can be minimized.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 22(c), for the convenience of the manufacturing process, both the left edge (8924b) and the right edge (8924c) may be extended in the vertical direction to form a rectangular notch hole (8924).

In this way, the shape of the guide wall (8915), although not shown, can be configured to change in accordance with the shape of the notch hole (8924).

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the upper edge of the notch hole (8924) is configured to be formed at a higher position than the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) in the vertical direction, but, unlike this, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, the upper edge of the notch hole (8924) may be configured to be formed at a lower position than the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915) in the vertical direction.

Accordingly, the upper edge of the notch hole (8924) extends to a position lower than the upper edge (8915a) of the guide wall (8915), and the horizontal or rearward discharge amount of the airflow (F) passing through the notch hole (8924) can be minimized.

Accordingly, it can be configured so that the upward discharge amount of airflow (F) passing through the notch hole (8924) can be maximized.

Meanwhile, in order to minimize the horizontal discharge amount and maximize the upward discharge amount of the airflow (F) passing through the notch hole (8924), as illustrated in FIG. 24, a pair of shielding ribs (8924L) may be further provided to shield the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) of the discharge guide (89).

A pair of shielding ribs (8924L) may be configured to have shapes corresponding to the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2) so as to shield a first side gap (GS1) formed between a left edge (8915b) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a), and a second side gap (GS2) formed between a right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915) and the first discharge port (893a), respectively.

A pair of shielding ribs (8924L) may be formed in a barrier shape in which one end is integrally formed on the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892) and the other end extends toward the guide wall (8915), or may be formed in a barrier shape in which one end is integrally formed on the guide wall (8915) and the other end extends toward the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892).

When a pair of shielding ribs (8924L) are integrally formed with the upper guide (892), one end of each shielding rib (8924L) is connected to the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole (8924), and the other end may be arranged to extend toward the left edge (8915b) and the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915) and come into contact with the left edge (8915b) and the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915).

Alternatively, when a pair of shielding ribs (8924L) are formed integrally with the guide wall (8915), one end of each shielding rib (8924L) may be connected to the left edge (8915b) and the right edge (8915c) of the guide wall (8915), and the other end may be arranged to extend toward the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole (8924) and come into contact with the outer wall surface (8922) of the upper guide (892).

In this way, by means of a pair of shielding ribs (8924L) arranged to block the first side gap (GS1) and the second side gap (GS2), the discharge amount of airflow (F) along the side direction among the horizontal discharge amounts passing through the notch hole (8924) can be minimized, and accordingly, the vertical discharge amount of airflow (F) can be additionally increased.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as examples, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if the effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.

Claims (15)

A tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; A drying device that generates airflow for drying the above dishes; and A discharge guide having an internal flow space that changes the flow direction of air passing through the drying device, and a first discharge port that opens horizontally and discharges air passing through the internal flow space; Including, The above discharge guide includes a plate-shaped guide wall arranged at a position spaced apart from the first discharge port, A dishwasher in which a gap opening toward the washing space is formed between the first discharge port and the guide wall. In paragraph 1, A dishwasher, wherein the gap includes an upper gap formed between the upper edge of the guide wall and the first discharge port. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which air is discharged into the washing space through the upper gap and washing water is introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide. In Article 2 A dishwasher, wherein the gap further includes a side gap formed between one of the edges on either side of the guide wall and the first discharge port. In paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which air is discharged into the washing space through the side gap and wash water is introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide. In paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which the length of the upper gap is formed longer than the length of the side gap. In paragraph 1, A dishwasher in which the inner surface of the guide wall facing the first discharge port is configured as a sloped surface, a curved surface, or a combination thereof. In Article 7, A dishwasher in which the above gap gradually decreases from the top to the bottom of the inner surface of the guide wall. In paragraph 1, The above discharge guide is, It further includes a flow guide surface disposed in the internal flow space and having a downward slope to guide the flow direction of the air. A dishwasher wherein the first outlet is positioned between the upper and lower portions of the euro guide surface. In Article 9, The above guide wall is a dishwasher located between the upper and lower parts of the euro guide surface. In Article 10 A dishwasher in which the lower end of the inner surface of the above guide wall is connected to the outer edge of the above euro guide surface. In Article 9, The above discharge guide further includes a second discharge port formed by penetrating the inner bottom surface of the internal flow space, The lower part of the above euro guide surface is a dishwasher connected to the second discharge port. In Article 12, A dishwasher wherein the second outlet opens toward the lower surface of the tub. In Article 13, A dishwasher in which the washing water flowing in through the gap is guided to move toward the second discharge port by the flow guide surface. In Article 12, The above discharge guide is, An inlet into which air passing through the above drying device is introduced; and A blocking wall disposed between the second discharge port and the inlet port and extending in the vertical direction in the internal flow space; Including more, A dishwasher in which the lower end of the above barrier wall extends toward the second discharge port, the inner bottom surface or the flow guide surface.

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