dishwasher

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher eliminates through holes in the tub with an opening area corresponding to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface of the lighting device, and defines a shaped area in the rear wall of the tub to guide the installation position of the lighting device, thereby preventing a reduction in the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub, minimizing the number of fastening devices such as bolts used to fasten the lighting device, and ensuring a robust fastening structure based on an increased contact area relative to the lighting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher that eliminates through holes in the tub with an opening area corresponding to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface of the lighting device, and defines a shaped area in the rear wall of the tub to guide the installation position of the lighting device, thereby preventing a reduction in the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub, minimizing the number of fastening devices such as bolts used to fasten the lighting device, and ensuring a robust fastening structure based on an increase in the contact area relative to the lighting device. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that cleans tableware and cooking utensils by spraying washing water into them. In this process, the washing water may contain detergent.

[0003] A dishwasher typically includes a tub that defines the washing space, a dish rack that holds the items to be washed in the tub, spray arms that spray washing water onto the dish rack, and a water reservoir that stores water and supplies it to the spray arms.

[0004] Using a dishwasher can reduce the time and effort required to wash dishes and other laundry items after meals, thus bringing convenience to users.

[0005] Typically, dishwashers are configured to perform a washing cycle for cleaning the items being washed, a rinsing cycle for rinsing the items being washed, and a drying cycle for drying the washed and rinsed items being dried.

[0006] To store dishes inside the dishwasher before the cycle begins and to remove the washed and dried dishes after the cycle is complete, the user should open and close the door.

[0007] At least one lighting device may be installed inside the container as a means of effectively checking the storage and cleaning status of the tableware when the door is open or closed and before the dish rack containing the tableware extends outside the container.

[0008] Considering the shape of the box-shaped barrel with an open front surface, the lighting device can be fixed to one of the rear surface and the side surfaces of the barrel that constitute the inner surface of the barrel, and set to illuminate the tableware.

[0009] However, the lighting fixtures used in existing dishwashers can be formed as point lighting shapes with a fairly small luminous area.

[0010] Therefore, it is usually difficult to effectively illuminate the tableware stored in the container using only a single lighting device.

[0011] In this regard, U.S. Patent No. 10,281,134 (Prior Document 001) discloses a dishwasher structure having a surface-illuminated type lighting device having a light-emitting area significantly larger than that of a point-illuminated type lighting surface.

[0012] Existing technical documents

[0013] Patent documents

[0014] (Patent Document 001) U.S. Patent No. 10,281,134 Summary of the Invention

[0015] The lighting device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 may include multiple lighting devices, and each lighting device may be configured to be fixed to the rear surface of the tub.

[0016] In this respect, the light source that constitutes each lighting device and is composed of electrical components is fixed to the outer surface of the rear surface of the barrel to protect it from the high temperature and high humidity environment formed inside the barrel.

[0017] Multiple through holes (each with an opening area corresponding to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface) are defined in the rear surface of the barrel to correspond to the respective lighting devices, so that light generated from the light source can be introduced into the barrel.

[0018] As described above, multiple fasteners extend through the barrel and are arranged around multiple through holes as a means of fastening together the components of the lighting device located inside the barrel and the components of the lighting device located outside the barrel to the barrel.

[0019] Therefore, because in addition to the through hole having a significantly large opening area corresponding to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface, a fastening hole should also be defined around the through hole for the corresponding fastener to extend through, the dishwasher in prior art document 001 has the problem of significantly reduced rigidity of the rear surface of the tub body with defined through holes and fastening holes.

[0020] Furthermore, the dishwasher described in existing document 001 has the problem that the manufacturing cost and manufacturing time may increase because additional fastening holes need to be machined in addition to the through holes.

[0021] Furthermore, since a sealing device should be added to each fastening hole to prevent washing water from leaking through the fastening hole, the dishwasher in prior art document 001 has the problem that the manufacturing cost may increase and the manufacturing process may become more complicated.

[0022] This disclosure aims to address these problems in the prior art, and the primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher that eliminates through holes in the tub whose opening area corresponds to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface of the lighting device, and defines a shaped area in the rear wall of the tub to guide the installation position of the lighting device, thereby preventing a reduction in the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub, minimizing the number of fastening devices such as bolts used to fasten the lighting device, and ensuring a robust fastening structure based on an increase in the contact area relative to the lighting device.

[0023] Furthermore, a second object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher that defines a forming region including a first forming region recessed rearward in the rear wall of the tub, a second forming region protruding forward from the interior of the first forming region, and a lighting device mounting forming region recessed rearward from the interior of the second forming region, and a lighting device mounting forming region within the forming region that allows a lighting device to be connected, thereby additionally increasing the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub and suppressing an increase in the front-to-back dimension of the tub by minimizing the rearward protrusion of the tub.

[0024] Furthermore, a third object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher that sets the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area for connecting the lighting device to be equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the front-to-back direction, thereby maximizing the protection of the lighting device components by minimizing the exposure of the lighting device components to the washing space of the tub.

[0025] Furthermore, a fourth object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher that sets the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area for connecting the lighting device to be equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the front-to-back direction, so as to minimize the portion of the lighting device protruding into the washing space of the tub, thereby preventing foreign objects such as food residue from getting stuck between the outer surface of the lighting device and the rear wall of the tub.

[0026] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the objectives described above. Other objectives and advantages not mentioned in this disclosure may be understood through the following description and will become clearer through embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means set forth in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0027] One aspect of this disclosure provides a dishwasher comprising: a tub body defining a washing space having an open front surface; and a lighting device disposed inside the tub body, wherein the tub body includes a shaped region defined as rearwardly recessed, wherein the lighting device is coupled to the shaped region.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming region is defined in the rear wall of the tub.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming area includes a lighting device mounting forming area, the lighting device mounting forming area being defined to be rearwardly recessed and allowing the lighting device to be inserted into the lighting device mounting forming area, wherein the lighting device is disposed in the lighting device mounting forming area.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming region further includes: a first forming region; and a second forming region formed within the first forming region, wherein the first forming region is defined as rearwardly recessed, wherein the second forming region is formed as forwardly protruding from the first forming region, and wherein the lighting device mounting forming region is defined within the second forming region to be rearwardly recessed from the second forming region.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area is greater than the forming depth of the first forming area and the forming depth of the second forming area.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming depth of the second forming region is greater than or equal to the forming depth of the first forming region.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lighting fixture mounting area includes a pair of lighting fixture mounting areas arranged spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lighting device includes a pair of lighting devices respectively connected to the pair of lighting device mounting areas.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the pair of lighting devices are interchangeably connected to the mounting area of ​​the pair of lighting devices.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lighting device is coupled to the lighting device mounting area while being at least partially inserted into the lighting device mounting area.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area is equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area is in the range of 50% to less than 100% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction, which is equal to or greater than that of the lighting device.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area is in the range of 100% to less than 110% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction, which is equal to or greater than that of the lighting device.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the dishwasher further includes a dish rack in which tableware is stored and includes a plurality of dish racks disposed in the washing space for retraction and extension, wherein the lighting device includes a light-emitting surface for emitting light toward the washing space, wherein the lower edge of the light-emitting surface is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the lowest dish rack among the plurality of dish racks.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the lower dish rack includes a buffer that is configured to project horizontally from a side surface facing the lighting device, wherein the buffer is made of an elastic material.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the height of the buffer protruding from one side surface of the lower rack is greater than the height of the lighting device protruding from the inner surface of the second forming area.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the buffer is positioned below the lighting device in the vertical direction.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, the buffer is configured to protrude toward the second forming area or the lighting device mounting forming area.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the dishwasher, embossed protrusions protruding in a horizontal direction are provided on the end face of the buffer.

[0046] According to this disclosure, the dishwasher eliminates through holes in the tub body whose opening area corresponds to the area of ​​the light-emitting surface of the lighting device, and defines a shaped area in the rear wall of the tub body to guide the installation position of the lighting device, thereby preventing a reduction in the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub body, minimizing the number of fastening devices such as bolts used to fasten the lighting device, and ensuring a robust fastening structure based on the increase in the contact area relative to the lighting device.

[0047] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure defines a forming region comprising a first forming region recessed rearward in the rear wall of the tub, a second forming region protruding forward from the interior of the first forming region, and a lighting device mounting forming region recessed rearward from the interior of the second forming region, and a lighting device mounting forming region within the area of ​​the forming region, thereby additionally increasing the rigidity of the rear wall of the tub and suppressing the increase in the front-to-back dimension of the tub by minimizing the rearward protrusion of the tub.

[0048] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure sets the forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area for connecting the lighting device to be equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the front-to-back direction, thereby maximizing the protection of the lighting device components by minimizing the exposure of the lighting device components to the washing space of the tub.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the dishwasher sets the forming depth of the lighting device mounting area for connecting the lighting device to be equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the front-to-back direction, so as to minimize the portion of the lighting device protruding into the washing space of the tub, thereby preventing foreign objects such as food residue from getting stuck between the outer surface of the lighting device and the rear wall of the tub.

[0050] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure allows each lighting unit to be fastened to the inner surface of the tub in a modular state where the lighting unit assembly is completed. Therefore, it eliminates the need for through holes with dimensions corresponding to the size of the light-emitting area, as is done in related technologies, thereby preventing deterioration of the tub's rigidity and improving waterproofing.

[0051] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure allows the final tightening of the lighting device to be performed from outside the tub, but guides the position of the lighting device so that the pre-tightened state of the lighting device is held in the correct position before the final tightening is performed, and includes a first fastening part for preventing the lighting device from deviating, thereby significantly improving assemblability and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0052] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure allows the sealing gasket that prevents washing water or foreign matter from being introduced into the lighting module to be formed on the rear side of the lighting module in an overmolding manner, thereby improving sealing performance, simplifying the structure, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0053] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure allows the lower end of the luminous surface of the lighting device to extend below the upper end of the lower dish rack, thereby significantly increasing the size of the luminous area relative to the rear wall of the tub compared to related technologies, and thus significantly improving the visibility of the washing space.

[0054] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of this disclosure will be described below along with the specific matters used to implement this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown.

[0057] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The image shown is a front-view perspective of the dishwasher with the door open.

[0058] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are a front perspective view and a front view showing the state in which the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed on the rear surface of the barrel.

[0059] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are enlarged views and horizontal sectional views of the lower basket and lighting fixtures, seen from inside the barrel, to illustrate... Figure 5 The positional relationship between the lighting device and the lower basket is shown.

[0060] Figure 8 A front view and a rear view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0061] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown.

[0062] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The image shows a 3D view and a partially enlarged view of the light source.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where it is pre-fastened by the first fastening part.

[0064] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view showing the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being guided to a position on the inner surface of the rear wall of the barrel.

[0065] Figure 13 It is used to show Figure 12 The rear perspective view shows the process of the lighting device being pre-fastened to and finally fastened to the rear wall of the barrel.

[0066] Figure 14 and Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0067] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 12 The shown is a longitudinal sectional view of the lighting device being pre-fastened to the rear wall of the barrel via the first fastener.

[0068] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 12 The shown lighting device is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which it is finally fastened to the rear wall of the barrel via the second fastener.

[0069] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the lighting device mounting area defined in the rear wall of the barrel.

[0070] Figure 20 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lighting device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the lighting device mounting area defined in the rear wall of the barrel.

[0071] Figure 21 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lighting device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is connected to the lighting device mounting area defined in the rear wall of the barrel. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The above-described objects, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to readily implement the technical concepts of this disclosure. In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to this disclosure are omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions might unnecessarily obscure the spirit of this disclosure. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar components.

[0073] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0074] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed on the second element or may be indirectly disposed on the second element, wherein a third element or layer is disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer. It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "below" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed below the second element or may be indirectly disposed below the second element, wherein a third element or layer is disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer.

[0076] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "attached to" another component or layer, it may be directly connected to or attached to the other component or layer, or there may be one or more intermediate components or layers between them. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "between" two components or layers, it may be the only component or layer between the two components or layers, or there may be one or more intermediate components or layers between them.

[0077] It will also be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When a statement such as "at least one of..." precedes a list of elements, it may modify the entire list of elements, but not the individual elements in that list. In the interpretation of numerical values, errors or tolerances may occur, even if not explicitly stated.

[0078] Spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “below,” “above,” and “above” are used herein for ease of interpretation to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figures and another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the figures may be flipped, an element described as “below,” “under,” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways, such as rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0079] As used herein, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. When a statement such as “at least one of…” precedes a column of elements, it may modify the entire column of elements, but not the individual elements in that column. As used herein, “C to D” means C (inclusive of C) to D (inclusive of D), unless otherwise specified.

[0080] In the following description, the present disclosure will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the construction according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] [Overall structure of the dishwasher]

[0082] In the following, the overall structure of the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a simplified cross-sectional view that briefly shows the internal structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of the dishwasher 1 with the door 30 open.

[0084] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a housing 10 that constitutes the exterior.

[0085] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a tub 20, which is installed in the interior space of the housing 10 and defines a washing space 21 therein for washing the object to be washed, wherein the front surface of the tub is open.

[0086] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a door 30 for opening / closing the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0087] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a drive 40 located below the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge washing water for cleaning the objects being washed.

[0088] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a dish rack 50 removably disposed in the internal washing space 21 of the tub 20 to hold the objects to be washed.

[0089] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a water sprayer installed near the dish rack 50 to spray washing water onto the dish rack 50 for cleaning the objects being washed.

[0090] In this regard, the items to be washed in the dish rack 50 may be, for example, tableware such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, as well as other cooking utensils. In the following text, unless otherwise stated, the items to be washed will be collectively referred to as tableware.

[0091] First, the tub body 20 can be formed as a box shape with a completely open front surface and has a so-called washing tub structure.

[0092] The washing space 21 can be confined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 can be opened / closed via the door 30.

[0093] The barrel body 20 can be formed by pressing a high-temperature and moisture-resistant metal plate (such as a stainless steel plate).

[0094] In addition, multiple brackets can be provided on the inner surface of the barrel 20 for supporting and installing functional components such as the bowl basket 50 and the water sprayer, which will be described later, inside the barrel 20.

[0095] In one example, the drive 40 may include a water collection tank 41 in which washing water is stored, a water collection tank cover 42 that separates the water collection tank 41 from the tub body 20, a water supply section 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the water collection tank 41, a drain section 44 that discharges the washing water from the water collection tank 41 to the outside, and a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supplies the washing water from the water collection tank 41 to a sprayer.

[0096] The water collection tank cover 42 can be set on top of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to separate the tank body 20 and the water collection tank 41 from each other.

[0097] In addition, the water collection tank cover 42 may have a plurality of collection holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 by the sprayer into the water collection tank 41.

[0098] In other words, the washing water sprayed from the sprayer toward the dishes can fall to the bottom of the washing space 21 and can be collected again through the water collection tank cover 42 and enter the water collection tank 41.

[0099] The washing pump 45 can be installed on one side of the water collection tank 41 and can be used to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the sprayer.

[0100] One end of the washing pump 45 can be connected to the water collection tank 41, and the other end can be connected to the supply flow path 46.

[0101] The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When electricity is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 can rotate, so the washing water in the collection tank 41 can be pressurized and then supplied to the sprayer through the supply flow path 46.

[0102] Although not shown, a wash water heater may be provided in the wash pump 45 to heat the wash water supplied during the wash cycle or hot rinse cycle.

[0103] In one example, supply path 46 can be used to selectively supply washing water from washing pump 45 to sprayers.

[0104] For example, supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to the lower spray arm 61 and a second supply flow path 463 connected to the upper spray arm 62 and the top nozzle 63.

[0105] The supply path 46 may be equipped with a supply path switching valve 465 that selectively opens / closes the supply paths 461 and 463.

[0106] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 can be controlled so that supply flow paths 461 and 463 open sequentially or simultaneously.

[0107] In one example, the sprayer can be configured to spray washing water onto the dishes stored in the dish rack 50.

[0108] More specifically, the sprayer may include a lower spray arm 61 located below the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the lower dish rack 51.

[0109] In addition, the water sprayer may include an upper spray arm 62 located between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52 to spray washing water onto the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0110] In addition, the sprayer may include a top nozzle 63 located at the top of the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0111] Specifically, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably arranged in the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and can spray washing water toward the dishes in the dish rack 50 while rotating.

[0112] The lower spray arm 61 can be rotatably supported on top of the water collection tank cover 42 so as to spray washing water toward the lower dish rack 51 while rotating and positioned below the lower dish rack 51.

[0113] In addition, the upper spray arm 62 can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder 467 so as to spray washing water onto the dishes while rotating and positioned between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0114] In one example, although not shown, in order to improve washing efficiency, an additional device may be provided at the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 for redirecting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 in an upward direction (redirecting in the U direction).

[0115] The detailed construction of the water sprayer is known in the art. Therefore, a description of the specific construction of the water sprayer will be omitted below.

[0116] A dish rack 50 for storing tableware can be installed in the washing space 21.

[0117] The basket 50 can be configured to extend out of or retract into the interior space of the barrel 20 through the open front surface of the barrel 20.

[0118] For example, in Figure 2 The present invention illustrates one embodiment in which the dish racks 50 include a lower dish rack 51 located at the bottom of the tub 20 for accommodating relatively large cutlery, an upper dish rack 52 located above the lower dish rack 51 for accommodating medium-sized cutlery, and a top dish rack 53 located at the top of the tub 20 for storing small cutlery, etc. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, however, an example of a dishwasher 1 including the three dish racks 50 shown is described.

[0119] Each of the lower basket 51, the upper basket 52, and the top basket 53 can be configured to extend out of or retract into the interior space of the barrel 20 through the open front surface of the barrel 20.

[0120] For this purpose, guide rails 54 can be respectively disposed on two opposing inner surfaces constituting the inner surface of the barrel body 20. As described below, by way of example, the guide rails may include an upper guide rail 542, a lower guide rail 541, and a top guide rail 543.

[0121] Wheels can be installed on the bottom of each of the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53. Users can extend the lower dish rack 51, upper dish rack 52, and top dish rack 53 from the interior space of the bucket body 20 through the open front surface of the bucket body 20, and place tableware on them or easily remove washed tableware.

[0122] The guide rail (not shown) can be implemented as a simple track-type fixed guide rail to guide the extension or retraction of the basket 50, or as a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extension or retraction of the basket 50 and simultaneously increasing its extension distance as the basket 50 extends further from the interior space of the bucket.

[0123] In one example, as described above, door 30 is configured to open / close the open front surface of barrel 20.

[0124] The door 30 may be positioned at the bottom of its open front surface around a hinge (not shown) that allows it to close or open. Therefore, the door 30 can pivot up and down around the hinge, which acts as a pivot.

[0125] In this regard, a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 can be provided on the outer surface of the door 30.

[0126] As shown in the figure, the control panel 32 may include a display 33, which visually displays information such as the current operating status of the dishwasher 1.

[0127] In addition, the control panel 32 may include a button unit 34, which includes a selection button for inputting user program selection operations and a power button for inputting user operations to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0128] In one example, the rear panel 30b that forms the inner surface of the door 30 can form a surface of the barrel 20 when the door 30 is closed, and can form the mounting surface of the lower basket 51 that supports the basket 50 when the door 30 is fully open.

[0129] Therefore, when the door 30 is fully opened downwards, the rear panel 30b of the door 30 can form a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as the guide rail 54 that guides the displacement of the lower basket 51.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, a detergent supply device 200 for automatically supplying detergent to the inside of the tub 20 can be further installed on the rear panel 30b that forms the inner surface of the door 30.

[0131] Furthermore, the door position sensor 36 can be disposed on the outer top surface of the barrel 20 and can be configured to detect whether the door 30 is in a closed or open state. For example, the door position sensor 36 may include a door position sensor S_d or a latch sensor that detects the position of a door latch (not shown).

[0132] In one example, the drying air supply unit 80 may be located below the tub 20 and may be configured to generate high-temperature or low-temperature drying air and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space inside the tub 20.

[0133] As shown in the figure, the drying air supply unit 80 can be configured to include a filter element 883 for filtering external air, a blower 825 for generating drying airflow, a heater 84 for heating the drying airflow, and an airflow guide 83 disposed inside the barrel 20 to guide the drying airflow.

[0134] The drying air supply hole 254 can be defined in the lower wall of the barrel 20, so that the high-temperature drying air generated by the drying air supply unit 80 can be introduced into the interior of the barrel 20 through the drying air supply hole.

[0135] Therefore, during the drying cycle S5, high-temperature drying air or low-temperature drying air can be supplied from the drying air supply unit 80 to the inside of the drum 20, which significantly improves the drying efficiency and sterilization effect of tableware compared with traditional dishwashers.

[0136] In one example, the dishwasher may be configured such that a portion of the airflow supplied to the interior of the tub 20 and becoming wet while drying the dishes can be discharged to the outside, and the remainder can be drawn into the drying air supply section 80. The discharge of the airflow can be achieved by partially opening the door 30 or by a separate air discharge device (not shown).

[0137] The suction pipe 81 for recovering humid air from the barrel 20 can be located on the outside of the left wall 26 or the outside of the right wall 27 of the barrel 20.

[0138] In addition, the lighting device 71 can be further installed inside the tub 20 as a means of illuminating the washing space 21 by means of irradiating light.

[0139] The lighting device 71 may be provided on at least one of the rear wall 23, upper wall 24, right wall 27 and left wall 26 forming the inner surface 20in of the tub body 20, so as to effectively illuminate the washing space 21.

[0140] Even when the dish basket 50 has not yet extended beyond the bucket 20, the user can effectively check the storage and cleaning status of the tableware contained in the dish basket 50 through the lighting device 71.

[0141] To minimize power consumption, the lighting device 71 can only receive power and turn on when the door position sensor 36 detects that the door 30 has been opened.

[0142] The detailed construction of the lighting device 71 will be referred to later. Figure 4 The following figures will be used to describe the process.

[0143] [Location and arrangement of lighting fixtures]

[0144] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 19 A lighting device 71 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0145] First, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the lighting device 71 can be configured to be fixed to the inner surface 20in of the barrel 20.

[0146] like Figure 4 As shown in the following figures, by way of example, the lighting device 71 can be fixed and fastened to the inner surface 20in of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0147] More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, a water jacket 110, which stores washing water to be supplied to the tub 20 and used during the washing and rinsing of dishes, can be attached to the outer surface of the right wall 27 of the tub 20.

[0148] In this respect, the tub opening 118, which allows the internal space to communicate with the washing space 21 of the tub 20, can be confined in the water jacket 110.

[0149] The water jacket connecting hole 272 can pass through the right wall 27 of the barrel 20 to correspond to the barrel hole 118.

[0150] A grille cover 118a having a shape similar to an air intake hole 271 can be attached to a tub hole 118 to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0151] Furthermore, as described above, a drying air supply unit 80 that heats the air discharged from the barrel 20 during the drying process and then resupplyes the heated air to the barrel 20 can be provided below the barrel 20.

[0152] As shown in the figure, the drying air supply unit 80 may include an intake pipe 81 for drawing in air discharged from the barrel 20.

[0153] The suction pipe 81 can be located on the outside of the left wall 26 or the right wall 27 of the barrel 20.

[0154] For example, Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure in which the suction pipe 81 is arranged parallel to the water jacket 110 on the outer surface of the right wall 27 of the barrel 20.

[0155] Accordingly, the air intake hole 271 can be defined through the right wall 27 of the barrel 20, and the grille cover 8113 connected to the inlet of the intake pipe 81 can be fixed to the air intake hole 271.

[0156] However, this is merely an example; the suction pipe 81 may be disposed on the outer surface of the left wall 26 of the barrel 20.

[0157] As described above, considering the positional limitations of the suction pipe 81 and water jacket 110 of the drying air supply unit 80, the lighting device 71 can be fixed to the inner surface 20in of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20, as a position that minimizes interference with the suction pipe 81 and water jacket 110 of the drying air supply unit 80.

[0158] In one example, multiple lighting devices 71 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided. More specifically, as shown in the figures, as an example, a pair of lighting devices 71 having the same size and appearance may be provided.

[0159] In this respect, since the pair of lighting devices 71 have the same size and appearance, they can be set and arranged on the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 so that they are interchangeable.

[0160] As described above, since a pair of lighting devices 71 are provided, the number of lighting devices 71 can be minimized.

[0161] Furthermore, as will be described later, the number of screw holes 231h1 and through holes 231h21 and 231h22 defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 for fastening the lighting device 71 can be minimized.

[0162] In this respect, a pair of lighting devices 71 can be arranged symmetrically to each other in the left-right direction around the water guide that defines the second supply flow path 463.

[0163] like Figure 5 As shown, the rearwardly recessed forming region 231 for mounting the second supply flow path 463 can be defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0164] More specifically, as will be described below, the forming region 231 may include a first forming region 2311 defined by performing an initial bead forming on the rear wall 23.

[0165] The water guide that defines the second supply flow path 463 can be disposed in and fastened to the first forming area 2311 so as to extend in the vertical direction and be located between a pair of lighting devices 71.

[0166] In order to increase the lighting efficiency of the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and minimize interference with the second supply flow path 463, a pair of lighting devices 71 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, with the water guide defining the second supply flow path 463 between them.

[0167] As will be described later, a pair of lighting devices 71 may be disposed at a second forming region 2312 formed by additional rib forming of the inner region of the first forming region 2311 and a lighting device mounting forming region 2313.

[0168] As described above, a pair of lighting devices 71 can be formed to have the same shape and size, only differing in position.

[0169] Therefore, the lighting device 71 located on the left side will be described in detail below. However, unless otherwise described, the following description can also be applied to the lighting device 71 located on the right side.

[0170] like Figure 5 As shown, the lighting device 71 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to illuminate the interior of the barrel 20 in a surface-emitting manner.

[0171] In this respect, the luminous surface 71a of the lighting device 71 can be arranged parallel to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 so as to effectively illuminate the interior of the barrel 20.

[0172] The light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 can be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0173] More specifically, the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 can be formed into a rectangular shape, wherein the width in the vertical direction (UD direction) is greater than the width in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0174] However, in the illustrated embodiment, the luminous surface 71a of the lighting device 71 is formed as a simple plane with a rectangular shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The luminous surface 71a of the lighting device 71 may be formed as a curved surface with a predetermined curvature, or may have a polygonal shape instead of a rectangular shape, and such modifications will be considered to naturally fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0175] In this regard, such as Figure 5 As shown, based on the vertical direction, the upper edge 71a1 of the rectangular light-emitting surface 71a can be positioned between the top guide rail 543 and the upper guide rail 542.

[0176] Preferably, the upper edge 71a1 of the light-emitting surface 71a can be located closer to the top guide rail 543 than closer to the upper guide rail 542.

[0177] In other words, the upper edge 71a1 of the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 can be set at a position higher than the upper end of the upper bowl basket 52.

[0178] Therefore, the upper edge 71a1 of the light-emitting surface 71a can be positioned between the lower end of the top layer basket 53 supported by the top guide rail 543 and the upper end of the upper layer basket 52 supported by the upper guide rail 542.

[0179] Furthermore, based on the vertical direction (UD direction), the lower edge 71a2 of the rectangular light-emitting surface 71a can be positioned between the upper guide rail 542 and the lower guide rail 541.

[0180] More specifically, it can be located closer to the lower guide rail 541 than closer to the upper guide rail 542.

[0181] Accordingly, the lower edge 71a2 of the light-emitting surface 71a can be positioned below the upper end of the lower basket 51, which is supported by the lower guide rail 541 and can be extended.

[0182] Therefore, light can evenly illuminate the tableware contained in the top layer basket 53, the upper layer basket 52, and the lower layer basket 51, respectively.

[0183] Since the positions of the upper edge 71a1 and the lower edge 71a2 of the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 are set as described above, the width of the light-emitting surface 71a in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be increased at least compared with the related technology, so the size of the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting surface 71a can be significantly increased.

[0184] More specifically, the size of the luminous surface 71a formed on each of the pair of lighting devices 71 can be ensured to be equal to or greater than 20% of the area of ​​the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0185] However, as Figure 6 As shown, the lower edge 71a2 of the luminescent surface 71a is positioned lower than the uppermost horizontal wire 511a, which is the highest among the horizontal wires 511 constituting the lower basket 51. Therefore, the luminescent surface 71a of the lighting device 71 may collide with the rear end of the lower basket 51, which is configured to move in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0186] More specifically, when the vertical wire 512 and the uppermost horizontal wire 511a that make up the rear end of the lower basket 51 collide with the lighting device 71, the lighting device 71 is likely to be damaged.

[0187] In particular, as will be described later, the diffuser plate 712 and the light guide plate 713, which are made of transparent material to form the light-emitting surface 71a, may crack or be damaged by the impact of a direct collision.

[0188] As a means to prevent such collisions between the lower basket 51 and the lighting device 71, such as Figure 6 As shown, a buffer 514, which is configured to protrude rearward from the rear end of the lower basket 51, can be provided at the rear of the lower basket 51.

[0189] In one embodiment, when a pair of lighting devices 71 are provided, a pair of buffers 514 may be provided to correspond to them, thereby being allocated to the left lighting device 71 and the right lighting device 71 respectively.

[0190] The buffer 514 is used to absorb the impact caused by the collision between the lower basket 51 and the lighting device 71.

[0191] Therefore, the buffer 514 can be made of an elastic material with a predetermined elasticity. Exemplarily, the buffer 514 can be formed by injection molding of an easily processed material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber.

[0192] In addition, to maximize the shock absorption effect, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple rearwardly protruding embossed protrusions can be provided on the rear end surface of the buffer 514.

[0193] Since multiple embossed protrusions are provided on the rear surface, when they collide or come into contact with the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20, the multiple protrusions effectively deform elastically to absorb the impact caused by the collision, thereby effectively preventing noise generated by the collision.

[0194] To prevent collisions and contact with the lighting device 71, the height of the buffer 514 protruding from the rear end of the lower basket 51 may be greater than the height of the lighting device 71 protruding from the inner surface 20in of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0195] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, even when the lower basket 51 moves as close as possible to the rear wall 23 of the bucket 20 to the very back, it can prevent the rear end of the lower basket 51 from directly contacting or colliding with the lighting device 71.

[0196] In addition, it is necessary to prevent the buffer 514 from coming into direct contact with the lighting device 71.

[0197] Therefore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the buffer 514 can be connected to the horizontal wire 511, which is positioned lower than the uppermost horizontal wire 511a forming the rear upper end of the lower basket 51, and is positioned lower than the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0198] In this regard, to increase the connection strength relative to the lower basket 51, as shown in the figure, a buffer 514 can be connected at the point where the horizontal wire 511 and the vertical wire 512 intersect each other.

[0199] In addition, in order to effectively protect the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71, such as Figure 7 As shown, the buffer 514 can be configured to be connected to a vertical wire 512 positioned in the middle between the left edge 71a3 and the right edge 71a4 closest to the light-emitting surface 71a in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0200] In one example, the buffer 514 can be manufactured separately by injection molding as described above and attached to the portion of the lower basket 51 where the horizontal wires 511 and vertical wires 512 intersect each other. Alternatively, the buffer 514 can be attached to the lower basket 51 by insert injection molding at the portion where the horizontal wires 511 and vertical wires 512 intersect each other.

[0201] In one example, as will be described later, except for the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156, the lighting device 71 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be completely disposed inside the barrel 20 and fastened to the inner surface 20in of the barrel 20.

[0202] Therefore, as in related technologies, openings provided at the rear and exterior of the barrel 20, which are defined to have an area size corresponding to the light-emitting surface 71a as a light source, can be omitted from the barrel 20.

[0203] As will be described later, the rear wall 23 of the drum body 20 of the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may be limited only to through holes 231h21 and 231h22 for the connecting protrusions 7155 and 7156 for pre-fastening the lighting device 71 and screw holes 231h1 for finally fastening the lighting device 71.

[0204] The detailed configuration of the pre-fastening structure and the final fastening structure of the lighting device 71 will be referred to later. Figure 11 The following figures will be used to describe the process.

[0205] [Detailed Structure of the Lighting Fixture]

[0206] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 10 The detailed construction of the lighting device 71 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0207] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the lighting device 71 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a light source 714 that generates light.

[0208] In addition, the lighting device 71 may include a light guide plate 713 that switches the path of light generated by the light source 714.

[0209] In addition, the lighting device 71 may include a diffuser plate 712 disposed in front of the light guide plate 713 and forming a light-emitting surface 71a.

[0210] In addition, the lighting device 71 may include a rear cover 715 disposed behind the light guide plate 713 and connected to the diffuser plate 712.

[0211] In addition, the lighting device 71 may include a front cover 711 attached to the front side of the diffuser 712.

[0212] In addition, the lighting device 71 may include a sealing gasket 717 attached to the rear surface of the rear cover 715.

[0213] First, the light source 714 is used to generate light by receiving power from the outside.

[0214] More specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, as an example, the light source 714 may include at least one light source element 7142 and a circuit board 7141 on which at least one light source element 7142 is mounted.

[0215] The light source element 7142 can be used without limitation, as long as it is a device capable of receiving electricity and generating a predetermined amount of light. The light source element 7142 can be, for example, an LED element.

[0216] This disclosure is not limited thereto, but in the following description, an embodiment based on the application of an LED element as a light source element 7142 will be described.

[0217] As shown in the figure, in order to minimize the size of the lighting device 71 in the front-back direction and minimize the number of light source elements 7142, the light generated from the light source elements 7142 can be introduced into the light guide plate 713 through one side end of the light guide plate 713.

[0218] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, as an example, the light source element 7142 can be configured to illuminate the lower edge of the light guide plate 713. For this purpose, the circuit board 7141 and the light source element 7142 can be arranged parallel to the lower edge of the light guide plate 713.

[0219] However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the circuit board 7141 and the light source element 7142 may be arranged parallel to the upper edge or the left and right edges of the light guide plate 713. In addition, in order to increase the amount of light emitted, the circuit board 7141 and the light source element 7142 may be further provided to be arranged parallel to the upper edge or the left and right edges of the light guide plate 713.

[0220] For convenience, the following description will focus on the configuration in which the circuit board 7141 and the light source element 7142 are arranged parallel to the lower edge of the light guide plate 713.

[0221] As described above, when the circuit board 7141 and the light source element 7142 are arranged parallel to the lower edge of the light guide plate 713, the width of the circuit board 7141 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) can be smaller than its width in the left-right direction. That is, the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be the longitudinal direction of the circuit board 7141.

[0222] In this regard, such as Figure 10 As shown, in order to minimize the width of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), the width of the circuit board 7141 in the front-rear direction can be slightly greater than or equal to the thickness of the light guide plate 713 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0223] Considering the width of circuit board 7141 in the front-to-back direction (FR direction), such as Figure 11 As shown, a substrate groove 7123, which is defined to be recessed forward, can be defined in the rear surface of the diffuser plate 712, so that the circuit board 7141 can be at least partially accommodated therein.

[0224] In one example, connector 7143 for receiving power from an external source can be connected to circuit board 7141. Connector 7143 can be electrically connected to a wire harness (not shown).

[0225] In one embodiment, connector 7143 may be connected to a location adjacent to the right end of circuit board 7141.

[0226] To ensure the minimum contact area relative to connector 7143, a rearwardly protruding connection portion 7141a can be formed on circuit board 7141.

[0227] Connector 7143 and wire harness can be inserted into channel 7154 defined inside first connection protrusion 7155, which will be described later.

[0228] As will be described later, a channel 7154 defined inside the first connecting protrusion 7155 can extend from the rear end of the first connecting protrusion 7155 through the rear cover 715 into the lighting device 71.

[0229] In one example, multiple light source elements 7142 can be linearly arranged along the longitudinal direction (i.e., along the left-right direction) of the circuit board 7141, so that light can be uniformly projected through the lower edge of the light guide plate 713.

[0230] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing between every two light source elements 7142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) is approximately equal to each other.

[0231] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Considering the light overlap effect at the center of the circuit board 7141, the spacing between every two light source elements 7142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can gradually decrease in the direction toward the left edge or the right edge.

[0232] In one example, the light guide plate 713 is used to switch the path of light generated from the light source element 7142 toward the diffuser plate 712 located in front.

[0233] Therefore, the light guide plate 713 can be formed by processing a transparent material into a plate shape. Considering the dimensions of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), the light guide plate 713 can be configured such that the front-rear direction (FR direction) is its thickness direction.

[0234] As described above, the light generated by the light source element 7142 can be introduced into the light guide plate 713 through the lower edge of the light guide plate 713.

[0235] The light introduced into the light guide plate 713 may be reflected and dispersed, so its direction of travel can be switched to the front surface of the light guide plate 713, which is set parallel to the rear surface of the diffuser plate 712, which will be described later.

[0236] Except for the front surface of the light guide plate 713, the remaining rear surface, upper edge, left edge and right edge can be covered by the rear cover 715, which will be described later, thereby blocking the transmission of light.

[0237] Therefore, light may not be able to pass through the rear surface, upper edge, left edge and right end of the light guide plate 713, and light can only reach the outside of the light guide plate 713 through the front surface of the light guide plate 713.

[0238] In one example, the diffuser plate 712 forms a light-emitting surface 71a and is used to uniformly diffuse the light introduced by the light guide plate 713 toward the light-emitting surface 71a.

[0239] The diffuser plate 712 may include a plate-shaped plate body 7121 that forms the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71.

[0240] The front surface 712a of the plate 7121 can be divided into an exposed surface 712a1 exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and a non-exposed surface.

[0241] The exposed surface 712a1 can be the internal region of the front surface 712a of the plate 7121, while the non-exposed surface can be the external region of the front surface 712a of the plate 7121.

[0242] The non-exposed surface corresponds to the area that is coupled to and covered by the front cover 711, which will be described later.

[0243] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the accommodating space of the diffuser plate 712 can be provided behind the non-exposed surface so that it can be covered by the front cover 711.

[0244] Furthermore, the light source 714, the fastening nut 716 (described later), the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715 (described later), and the screw hole 7153 defined in the rear cover 715 can be provided behind the non-exposed surface so as to be covered by the front cover 711.

[0245] In addition, the sealing gasket 717 used to prevent washing water and foreign objects from being introduced into the lighting device 71 can be located behind the non-exposed surface so that it can be covered by the front cover 711.

[0246] The non-exposed surface of the front surface 712a of the plate 7121 can be formed as a stepped surface that is recessed rearward relative to the exposed surface 712a1.

[0247] The step formed between the exposed surface 712a1 and the non-exposed surface can have a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the front cover 711.

[0248] Therefore, the area where the diffuser plate 712 is connected to the front cover 711 can be effectively guided.

[0249] In addition, the step between the exposed surface of the diffuser plate 712 and the front surface of the front cover 711 can be minimized.

[0250] In one example, the diffuser plate 712 can also be used to protect and house the light guide plate 713, the light source 714, and the rear cover 715 located at the rear.

[0251] For this purpose, the diffuser plate 712 may include a receiving space defining rib 7122 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the plate body 7121.

[0252] The accommodating space defining rib 7122 can be formed in the shape of a barrier protruding from the rear surface, so that a predetermined accommodating space with an open rear surface can be defined behind the plate 7121.

[0253] The light guide plate 713 and the light source 714 described above can be completely accommodated in the accommodating space defined inside the accommodating space defining rib 7122. Furthermore, the rear cover 715, which will be described later, can be connected in a state where it is at least partially inserted into and accommodated in the accommodating space defining rib 7122.

[0254] In this regard, as will be described later, taking into account the shape of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 of the barrel 20 for connecting the lighting device 71, the receiving space defining rib 7122 may be provided at a position spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the plate 7121 at a predetermined distance.

[0255] Furthermore, the protrusion height of the space-retaining rib 7122 from the rear surface of the plate 7121 can be kept uniform.

[0256] Furthermore, in order to effectively accommodate the component in the accommodating space defined inside the accommodating space defining rib 7122 and increase the connection force relative to the rear cover 715, which will be described later, the protrusion height of the accommodating space defining rib 7122 may be equal to or greater than the protrusion height of the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715.

[0257] In one example, the nut groove 7124 into which the fastening nut 716 is inserted may be defined in the region defined on the outside of the receiving space defining rib 7122.

[0258] More specifically, the forward-recessed nut groove 7124 can be defined in the outer region defined between the receiving space defining rib 7122 and the outer edge of the diffuser plate 712.

[0259] exist Figure 9The illustrated embodiment shows a construction equipped with a total of six fastening nuts 716 and corresponding to a total of six nut slots 7124.

[0260] However, this is merely an example. The number of fastening nuts 716 and the number of nut slots 7124 provided can be adjusted based on the width of the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction) and the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0261] In one embodiment, when a total of six fastening nuts 716 and a total of six nut slots 7124 are provided, as shown in the figure, three fastening nuts 716 and three nut slots 7124 can be arranged along the left edge of the diffuser plate 712 at positions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0262] In addition, the remaining three fastening nuts 716 and three nut slots 7124 can be arranged along the right edge of the diffuser plate 712 at positions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0263] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of pairs of fastening nuts 716 and nut slots 7124, totaling six fastening nuts 716 and six nut slots 7124, are arranged on the diffuser plate 712 in positions symmetrical to each other in both the vertical (UD) and horizontal (Le-Ri) directions.

[0264] However, as will be described later, in order to prevent the lighting device 71 from being misassembled during the final fastening to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20, at least some pairs of fastening nuts 716 and nut grooves 7124 may be arranged in asymmetrical positions.

[0265] For example, the two pairs of fastening nuts 716 and nut grooves 7124 arranged at the middle position in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be arranged at asymmetrical positions in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0266] In one example, a fastening nut 716 inserted into and connected to a nut slot 7124 can be screwed onto a bolt 719 for final fastening of the lighting device 71.

[0267] As will be described below, bolt 719 can be connected to the rear wall 23 of barrel 20 by extending from the outside of barrel 20 through the rear wall 23 of barrel 20.

[0268] Bolt 719 can be screwed into fastening nut 716 by extending through threaded hole 231h1 defined in rear wall 23 of barrel 20 and threaded hole 7153 defined in rear cover 715, so that lighting device 71 can be finally fastened to rear wall 23 of barrel 20.

[0269] Therefore, multiple fastening nuts 716 and multiple bolts 719 constitute a second fastening part for the final fastening of the lighting device 71.

[0270] In one example, multiple edge slots 7125 may be defined in the outer peripheral surface of the diffuser plate 712.

[0271] The fastening tabs 7112 of the front cover 711, which will be described later, can be attached to each edge groove 7125 while undergoing plastic deformation.

[0272] Corresponding to the extending direction of the fastening tab 7112, each edge groove 7125 can extend in the front-rear direction (FR direction), and the width of the edge groove 7125 can remain uniform in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0273] In one example, the rear cover 715 is attached to the rear of the receiving space of the diffuser plate 712, which houses the light guide plate 713 and the light source 714, and closes the rear surface of the receiving space, thereby protecting the light guide plate 713 and the light source 714.

[0274] For this purpose, the rear cover 715 may include a plate-like plate 7151 that is at least partially inserted into and connected to the space defined by the receiving space defining rib 7122 of the diffuser plate 712.

[0275] As described above, in order to increase lighting efficiency by allowing light generated from the light source 714 to be transmitted to the diffuser plate 712 only through the front surface of the light guide plate 713, the plate 7121 of the back cover 715 can be made by injection molding from an opaque material through which light cannot pass.

[0276] In addition, materials with low light absorption can be applied to plate 7121 to increase luminous efficiency.

[0277] In one example, the diffuser plate 712 may include reinforcing ribs 7152 that project forward from the front surface of the plate body 7121.

[0278] In a manner similar to the aforementioned space-defining rib 7122, the reinforcing rib 7152 can be formed as a barrier shape extending along the outer edge of the plate 7121.

[0279] Since the reinforcing rib 7152 is integrally formed with the plate 7121 along the outer edge of the plate 7121, the rigidity of the plate 7121, which is formed into a simple plate shape, can be enhanced.

[0280] Furthermore, when the receiving space defining rib 7122 of the diffuser plate 712 is connected, the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715 is configured to be fully inserted into the receiving space of the diffuser plate 712.

[0281] Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715 can be connected to the receiving space defining rib 7122 while in contact with the surface of the receiving space defining rib 7122.

[0282] Therefore, the connection area between the diffuser plate 712 and the back cover 715 can be increased, and washing water or foreign objects can be prevented from being introduced into the containment space.

[0283] However, as Figure 9 As shown, unlike the space-limiting rib 7122 of the diffuser plate 712, the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715 may be formed discontinuously.

[0284] That is, the reinforcing ribs 7152 of the back cover 715 can be formed into multiple separate main bodies.

[0285] As shown in the figure, the bolt holes 7153 through which the bolts 719 for final fastening of the lighting device 71 extend can be defined between each pair of reinforcing ribs 7152.

[0286] In one example, the channel 7154, which is defined as extending through the plate 7121 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), can be defined at the lower edge.

[0287] Channel 7154 provides space for the connector 7143 and connection 7141a of the aforementioned light source 714 to be inserted.

[0288] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, channel 7154 can extend from the receiving space of diffuser plate 712 into the interior of first connecting protrusion 7155, which will be described later.

[0289] Therefore, the interior space of the lighting device 71 and the exterior space of the barrel 20 can be connected to each other through the channel 7154.

[0290] In one example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the rear cover 715 may include a pair of connecting protrusions 7155 and 7156 projecting rearward from the rear surface of the plate 7121.

[0291] More specifically, a pair of connecting protrusions 7155 and 7156 may be included on the rear surface of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715 at locations spaced apart from each other.

[0292] In this respect, the rear surface of the rear cover 715 forming the rear surface of the lighting device 71 can refer to the surface connected to the inner surface 20in of the barrel 20, and the rearward direction can be the direction in which the rear surface faces. That is, when the lighting device 71 is connected to the left wall 26 or the right wall 27 of the barrel 20, the rear surface of the lighting device 71 pointing rearward may mean that the surface connected to the left wall 26 or the right wall 27 of the barrel 20 points in the lateral / lateral direction.

[0293] In this respect, the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 can be arranged on the rear surface of the plate 7121 at positions spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0294] Alternatively, the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 may be arranged on the rear surface of the plate 7121 at positions spaced apart from each other along the diagonal direction.

[0295] Figure 9 The accompanying drawings show an embodiment in which the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 are arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along a diagonal direction.

[0296] That is, for example, the first connecting protrusion 7155 may be provided at the corner between the lower edge and the left edge of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715.

[0297] Furthermore, by way of example, the second connecting protrusion 7156 may be disposed at the corner between the upper edge and the right edge of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715.

[0298] However, the arrangement and position of the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 can be modified differently based on the arrangement and position of the light source 714. In the following description, for convenience, the configuration in which the first connecting protrusion 7155 is located at the corner between the lower and left edges of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715, and the second connecting protrusion 7156 is located at the corner between the upper and right edges of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715, will be described.

[0299] As will be described below, the lighting device 71 according to this disclosure can be pre-fastened to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 before final fastening is performed using a second fastening part including bolt 719 and fastening nut 716.

[0300] The first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 constitute a first fastening part for pre-fastening the lighting device 71 so as to guide the final fastening position before performing the final fastening.

[0301] More specifically, such as Figure 11As shown, the first connecting protrusion 7155 may include a body 7155a, one end of which becomes a fixed end integrally connected to the rear surface of the plate 7121 of the rear cover 715, and the other end becomes a free end.

[0302] For example, the body 7155a of the first connecting protrusion 7155 can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0303] The rear end of the body 7155a of the first connecting protrusion 7155, which is formed in the shape of a cylinder, can extend through the first through hole 231h21 defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 and protrude to the outside of the barrel 20 during pre-tightening, which is used to guide the final fastening position.

[0304] In addition, the first connecting protrusion 7155 may include a hook protrusion 7155b integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion of the first connecting protrusion 7155.

[0305] In this regard, a pair of hook protrusions 7155b may be provided, and the pair of hook protrusions 7155b may be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the body 7155a.

[0306] For example, a pair of hook protrusions 7155b may be arranged symmetrically around the center of the first connecting protrusion 7155.

[0307] Furthermore, each hook protrusion 7155b can be formed into a shape with a vertical cross-sectional area that decreases from the rear end forward.

[0308] For this purpose, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the hook protrusion 7155b can be formed as an inclined surface with an upward tilt angle in its forward extending direction.

[0309] In this respect, the maximum outer diameter formed between a pair of hook protrusions 7155b can be greater than or equal to the diameter of the first through hole 231h21 defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0310] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the body 7155a of the first connecting protrusion 7155 can be smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 231h21.

[0311] By utilizing the shape and arrangement of the pair of hook protrusions 7155b as described above, during the pre-tightening of the lighting device 71, an engagement state can be formed in which the first connecting protrusion 7155 can easily enter the first through hole 231h21 rearward but is not easily deviated forward.

[0312] like Figure 11 As shown, the pre-tightened retainer 718 for the lighting device 71 can be connected to a pair of hook protrusions 7155b of the first connecting protrusion 7155.

[0313] More specifically, a cylindrical hollow portion 7181 can be defined through the retainer 718.

[0314] The inner diameter of the hollow section 7181 can be set to be greater than or equal to the maximum outer diameter formed between a pair of hook protrusions 7155b.

[0315] Therefore, a pair of hook protrusions 7155b can be fully inserted into the hollow part 7181.

[0316] Locking protrusions 7183 that engage with a pair of hook protrusions 7155b can be integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion 7181.

[0317] For example, the locking protrusion 7183 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion 7181 so as to extend spirally.

[0318] Therefore, when the retainer 718 is rotated after the pair of hook protrusions 7155b of the first connecting protrusion 7155 are inserted into the retainer 718, the locking protrusion 7183 of the retainer 718 and one of the hook protrusions 7155b engage with each other.

[0319] To facilitate this rotational connection, the retainer 718 may include a gripping portion 7182 integrally formed on the outer periphery of the hollow portion 7181 and having a non-circular shape.

[0320] Therefore, the retainer 718 can be connected to the first connecting protrusion 7155 and can form a pre-tightened state of the lighting device 71 relative to the rear wall of the barrel 20.

[0321] Therefore, the first connecting protrusion 7155 of the rear cover 715 and the retainer 718 constitute the first fastening part for pre-fastening of the lighting device 71.

[0322] In one example, the second connecting protrusion 7156 may have the same appearance and the same size as the first connecting protrusion 7155, only in a different position.

[0323] Therefore, retainers 718 with the same appearance and size can be interchangeably connected to the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 for pre-fastening of the lighting device 71.

[0324] Therefore, descriptions that are repeated in the description of the first connecting protrusion 7155 will be omitted.

[0325] In one example, at least one of the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 may include a channel 7154 that allows the interior space of the lighting device 71 to communicate with the space outside the barrel 20.

[0326] As described above, at least one of the connector 7143 of the light source 714 and the wire harness electrically connected to the connector 7143 can be inserted into and connected to the channel 7154.

[0327] In this embodiment, the circuit board 7141 constituting the light source 714 is disposed along the lower edge of the light guide plate 713.

[0328] Accordingly, the connector 7143 for power supply to the circuit board 7141 and the channel 7154 through which the wire harness is inserted and passes can be confined inside the first connection protrusion 7155.

[0329] Therefore, the first connecting protrusion 7155 may have a hollow shape in which a channel 7154 is defined, and the second connecting protrusion 7156 may have a solid shape in which the channel 7154 is not defined.

[0330] However, this is merely an example. In an embodiment where the light source 714 is disposed along the upper edge of the light guide plate 713, the channel 7154 may be confined within the second connecting protrusion 7156.

[0331] Furthermore, when multiple light sources 714 are arranged at each of the upper and lower edges of the light guide plate 713, a channel 7154 can be defined inside the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156.

[0332] Furthermore, in embodiments using multiple light sources, when multiple light sources 714 are provided, additional connecting protrusions may be provided depending on the design conditions, and channels may be defined in the multiple connecting protrusions respectively.

[0333] Refer to later Figures 12 to 17 The pre-tightening process of the lighting device 71 using the first fastening part and the final tightening process of the lighting device 71 using the second fastening part are described.

[0334] In one example, the front cover 711 is attached to the front of the diffuser plate 712 and is used to protect the diffuser plate 712 when the diffuser plate 712 can effectively illuminate the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

[0335] The front cover 711 may include a cover body 7111 formed in the shape of a frame, wherein an open area 711a is formed on the inner side of the center, so that the diffuser plate 712 can effectively illuminate the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

[0336] The open area 711a on the inner side of the center of the cover 711 can limit the area of ​​the exposed surface 712a1 formed on the diffuser plate 712, and thus can limit the area of ​​the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71.

[0337] In other words, the inner edge of the cover 7111, which has a frame shape, defines the upper edge 71a1, lower edge 71a2, left end 71a3, and right end 71a4 of the light-emitting surface 71a.

[0338] As described above, the cover 7111 can be formed on the non-exposed surface of the front surface 712a of the plate 7121, and can be attached to the diffuser plate 712 in a state of surface contact with the stepped surface defined by a rearward recess.

[0339] In one example, the cover 7111 is positioned in a state where it is exposed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20.

[0340] Therefore, the cover 7111 can be manufactured by pressing a metal material with predetermined heat resistance and corrosion resistance, corresponding to the environment of the washing space 21.

[0341] For example, the cover 7111 may be made of a stainless steel-based material.

[0342] In addition, the lid 7111 can be made of the same material as the barrel 20.

[0343] Correspondingly, this creates a sense of unity between the lid 7111 and the barrel 20, and enhances the aesthetic appeal perceived by the user.

[0344] In one example, the front cover 711 may include a plurality of fastening tabs 7112 integrally formed with the cover body 7111.

[0345] The fastening tab 7112 can be integrally connected to the outer edge of the front cover 711 and can extend linearly rearward.

[0346] The rear end of the fastening tab 7112 can extend rearward beyond the plate body 7121 of the diffuser plate 712.

[0347] The fastening tab 7112 can be connected to the plate body 7121 of the diffuser plate 712 during plastic deformation.

[0348] Each fastening tab 7112, while undergoing plastic deformation, is connected to an edge groove 7125 that can be confined within the outer edge surface of the diffuser plate 7121.

[0349] In one example, the sealing gasket 717 is used to seal the space between the rear cover 715 forming the rear surface of the lighting device 71 and the inner surface of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0350] For this purpose, the sealing gasket 717 includes a sealing gasket body 7171 that is attached to the rear surface of the rear cover 715.

[0351] Similar to the front cover 711, the sealing gasket body 7171 can be attached to the rear surface of the rear cover 715 in a frame shape.

[0352] In this respect, the inner edge of the sealing gasket body 7171 can extend all the way to the position of the screw hole 231h1 defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0353] Therefore, the screw hole 7171a can be defined in the sealing gasket body 7171 in correspondence with the screw hole 231a of the barrel body 20.

[0354] Furthermore, the inner edge of the sealing gasket body 7171 can extend all the way to the position of the first through hole 231h21 and the position of the second through hole 231h22 defined in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20.

[0355] Therefore, a protruding hole 7171b can be defined in the sealing gasket body 7171 corresponding to the first through hole 231h21 and the second through hole 231h22 of the barrel body 20.

[0356] In one example, the sealing gasket 717 can also be used to seal the containment space defined within the diffuser plate 712.

[0357] Therefore, such as Figure 11 As shown, the outer edge of the sealing gasket 717 can extend beyond the receiving space defining rib 7122 of the diffuser plate 712 to the rear surface of the plate body 7121 of the diffuser plate 712.

[0358] Therefore, the gap between the space-retaining rib 7122 of the diffuser plate 712 and the reinforcing rib 7152 of the rear cover 715 can be closed.

[0359] In one example, as shown in the figure, a plurality of embossed protrusions 7172 protruding from the sealing gasket body 7171 may be provided on the rear surface of the sealing gasket 717 that contacts the inner surface 20in of the rear wall 23 of the barrel body 20 to increase sealing performance.

[0360] In one example, the sealing gasket 717 can be formed by overmolding an elastic material having predetermined elasticity onto the rear cover 715 and the diffuser plate 712 constituting the rear outer surface 20out of the lighting device 71.

[0361] Therefore, the sealing performance and airtightness of the lighting device 71 achieved by the sealing gasket 717 can be improved, while the manufacturing process of the lighting device 71 can be simplified.

[0362] As described above, with the front cover 711, diffuser plate 712, light source 714 and rear cover 715 fully assembled, a sealing gasket 717 is formed by overmolding, thereby completing the assembly of each modular lighting device 71.

[0363] [The process of fastening the lighting device]

[0364] In the following text, refer to Figures 12 to 17 The process of fastening the lighting device 71 to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0365] As described above, each lighting device 71 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is fastened to the inner surface 20in of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 in a state where the assembly has been completed in a modular state.

[0366] In this respect, as described above, each lighting device 71 can be pre-fastened by the first fastener while the assembly has been completed in a modular state.

[0367] First, such as Figure 12 As shown, each lighting unit 71 in a modular state can be fully introduced into the internal washing space 21 of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0368] The lighting device 71 introduced into the washing space 21 of the tub 20 can move horizontally backward while being aligned with the rear wall 23 of the tub 20.

[0369] In this respect, the connection direction of the lighting device 71 can be aligned such that the first connecting protrusion 7155 of the rear cover 715 is positioned at the position of the first through hole 231h21 of the barrel body 20, and the second connecting protrusion 7156 of the rear cover 715 is positioned at the position of the second through hole 231h22.

[0370] In other words, the fastening position of the lighting device 71 can be guided by the first through hole 231h21 corresponding to the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second through hole 231h22 corresponding to the second connecting protrusion 7156.

[0371] As described above, the lighting device 71 can be moved horizontally toward the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 with the first connecting protrusion 7155 in a position that can be inserted into the first through hole 231h21 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 in a position that can be inserted into the second through hole 231h22.

[0372] When the lighting device 71 is in close contact with the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20, the rear end of the first connecting protrusion 7155 passes through the first through hole 231h21, and the rear end of the second connecting protrusion 7156 passes through the second through hole 231h22.

[0373] As described above, when the rear end of the first connecting protrusion 7155 passes through the first through hole 231h21, an engagement can be formed between the hook protrusion 7155b of the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the first through hole 231h21.

[0374] Furthermore, when the rear end of the second connecting protrusion 7156 extends through the second through hole 231h22, an engagement can be formed between the hook protrusion of the second connecting protrusion 7156 and the second through hole 231h22.

[0375] Therefore, this connection allows for the installation of the lighting device 71 in a way that prevents it from deviating from its correct position without the need for a separate additional connection.

[0376] like Figure 13 As shown, with the rear end of the first connecting protrusion 7155 extending through the first through hole 231h21 and the rear end of the second connecting protrusion 7156 extending through the second through hole 231h22, a pair of retainers 718 can be connected to the rear ends of the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 respectively.

[0377] As described above, the fastening between the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the retainer 718 can be accomplished by simply inserting the hook protrusion 7155b formed at the rear end of the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the spiral locking protrusion 7183 of the retainer 718 through a simple insertion and then rotation.

[0378] Similarly, the fastening between the second connecting protrusion 7156 and the retainer 718 can be accomplished by simply inserting the connection and then rotating it, through the hook protrusion formed at the rear end of the second connecting protrusion 7156 and the spiral locking protrusion 7183 of the retainer 718.

[0379] When the fastening between the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the retainer 718 and the fastening between the second connecting protrusion 7156 and the retainer 718 are completed as described above, the pre-fastening of the lighting device 71 to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 can be completed.

[0380] Thus, after the pre-tightening of the lighting device 71 is completed, the final tightening of the lighting device 71 to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 can be completed from the rear outside of the barrel 20.

[0381] As described above, the final fastening of the lighting device 71 can be performed by a total of six bolts 719.

[0382] Each bolt 719 can be introduced into the barrel 20 from the outer surface 20out of the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 through a separate screw hole 231h1.

[0383] As described above, the bolt 719 introduced into the barrel 20 can extend through the threaded hole 7171a defined in the sealing gasket 717 and the threaded hole 7153 defined in the rear cover 715, and can be screwed into the fastening nut 716 provided in the diffuser plate 712.

[0384] Once all six bolts 719 have been tightened, the final tightening of the lighting device 71 can be completed.

[0385] In one example, as shown in the figure, the front and rear sides of the lighting device 71 have vertically and horizontally symmetrical shapes.

[0386] Therefore, the lighting device 71 may be assembled while inverted, i.e., it may be assembled by mistake.

[0387] To prevent the lighting device 71 from being misassembled, firstly, the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156, which constitute the first fastening part and are provided on the rear surface of the rear cover 715, can be arranged in asymmetrical positions in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0388] In addition, to prevent the lighting device 71 from being misassembled, the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 provided on the rear surface of the rear cover 715 can be arranged in asymmetrical positions in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0389] Accordingly, the first through hole 231h21 and the second through hole 231h22 can be positioned asymmetrically in the vertical direction (UD direction) or the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0390] As described above, since the first connecting protrusion 7155 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 are arranged in asymmetrical positions in the vertical or horizontal direction, and the first through hole 231h21 and the second through hole 231h22 are limited to asymmetrical positions in the vertical or horizontal direction, it is possible to achieve a state in which the first connecting protrusion 7155 cannot be inserted into the second through hole 231h22 and the second connecting protrusion 7156 cannot be inserted into the first through hole 231h21, i.e., a state in which pre-tightening is not allowed.

[0391] Furthermore, in order to prevent the lighting device 71 from being misassembled, a pair of screw holes 231h1 through which at least one pair of bolts 719 constituting the second fastener extends can be positioned asymmetrically to each other in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0392] Alternatively, a pair of threaded holes 231h1 through which at least one pair of bolts 719 constituting the second fastener extends can be positioned asymmetrically to each other in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0393] For example, a pair of screw holes 231h1 may be screw holes 231h1 defined at the middle position in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0394] Because the threaded hole 231h1, which is confined to the middle position, is confined to a position that is asymmetrical with respect to each other in the vertical direction (UD direction) or the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction), the bolt 719 cannot extend through a pair of threaded holes 231h1 that are located outside the correct position.

[0395] Therefore, when the lighting device 71 is deviated from the correct position, it is possible to achieve a state in which the lighting device 71 is not allowed to be finally tightened.

[0396] In one example, as a means of guiding the placement and arrangement of each modular lighting unit 71, the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 may include a forward or backward recessed shaped region 231.

[0397] In the illustrated embodiment, the forming region 231 is shown as an example formed by rib forming. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the forming region 231 can be formed by other pressing processes such as embossing and stretching.

[0398] More in detail, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the forming region 231 may include a first forming region 2311 that is recessed backward by the initial pressing forming.

[0399] The water guide that defines the second supply flow path 463 can be configured to be inserted into the first forming region 2311 at least partially in a surface contact state.

[0400] The water guide that defines the second supply flow path 463 can extend along the vertical direction (UD direction) and along the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction) to divide the first forming region 2311 into left and right sides.

[0401] In one example, the forming region 231 may further include a second forming region 2312 formed within the inner region of the first forming region 2311.

[0402] The second forming region 2312 can be formed within the inner region of the first forming region 2311.

[0403] The second forming region 2312 can be formed by partially performing secondary pressing on the forming surface of the first forming region 2311.

[0404] In this regard, a pair of second forming regions 2312 may be provided to have symmetrical positions and symmetrical shapes around the water guide, wherein the water guide defining the second supply flow path 463 is located therebetween.

[0405] However, the pressing direction of the second forming region 2312 can be opposite to the pressing direction of the first forming region 2311.

[0406] In other words, the second forming region 2312 can protrude forward from the forming surface of the first forming region 2311.

[0407] In this respect, the forming depth of the second forming region 2312 can be slightly greater than or equal to the forming depth of the first forming region 2311.

[0408] The protruding direction and forming depth of the second forming region 2312 are determined with reference to the lighting device installed in the forming region 2313, which is confined within the second forming region 2312.

[0409] That is, as shown in the figure, the forming region 231 may further include a lighting device mounting forming region 2313 defined in the region inside the second forming region 2312.

[0410] The lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be limited to the inner area of ​​the first forming area 2311 and the inner area of ​​the second forming area 2312.

[0411] However, the embodiments shown are merely exemplary.

[0412] In other words, the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be limited to the internal area of ​​the first forming area 2311 without the second forming area 2312, or the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be limited only in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 without forming the first forming area 2311 and the second forming area 2312.

[0413] In this respect, when a single forming region 231 is defined only in the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 and the lighting device 71 is connected to the single forming region 231, the forming region 231 connected to the lighting device 71 can refer to the forming region 231, whether the region is named the first forming region, the second forming region or the lighting device mounting forming region.

[0414] Furthermore, the lighting device 71 can be connected to the rear wall 23 of the barrel 20 without forming the first forming area 2311, the second forming area 2312, and the lighting device mounting forming area 2313.

[0415] Although this disclosure is not limited thereto, it will be described based on the embodiments shown.

[0416] The lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be defined by partially pressing the forming surface of the second forming area 2312, and the lighting device 71 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the lighting device mounting forming area 2313.

[0417] Similar to the second forming region 2312, a pair of lighting devices can be provided to mount the forming region 2313 to have a symmetrical position and symmetrical shape around the water guide, wherein the water guide defining the second supply flow path 463 is located therebetween.

[0418] Furthermore, the pressing direction of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be opposite to the pressing direction of the second forming area 2312.

[0419] In other words, the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be recessed backward from the forming surface of the second forming area 2312.

[0420] In this regard, such as Figures 18 to 21 As shown, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be greater than the forming depth of the first forming area 2311.

[0421] This is a result of taking into account the width or thickness of the lighting device 71 connected to the interior of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0422] As described above, by defining a rearwardly recessed lighting device mounting area 2313 within the forward-protruding second forming area 2312, the increase in width of the barrel 20 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) can be effectively prevented.

[0423] In one example, since the lighting device 71 is at least partially inserted, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) may be less than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0424] Furthermore, for the same reason, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be less than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0425] Furthermore, for the same reason, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be less than or equal to the width or thickness of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0426] However, this is merely an example. As will be described later, according to an embodiment, the lighting device 71 can be fully inserted into and accommodated in the lighting device mounting forming area 2313.

[0427] In this case, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be greater than or equal to the width or thickness of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0428] Furthermore, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be greater than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction), and the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction) can be greater than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0429] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The diagram shows a configuration in which a lighting device 71, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, is partially inserted into and accommodated in a lighting device mounting forming region 2313.

[0430] Since the lighting device 71 is partially housed in the lighting device mounting area 2313, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be less than the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0431] Furthermore, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be less than the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0432] Furthermore, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be less than the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0433] In this respect, when the lighting device 71 protrudes excessively from the lighting device mounting area 2313, there is a risk of collision with the lower basket 51 or the upper basket 52 located at the front.

[0434] To prevent such collisions, the portion of the lighting device 71 protruding from the shaped surface of the second forming region 2312 may be confined to the plate body 7121 of the diffuser plate 712 and the cover body 7111 of the front cover 711.

[0435] In other words, the protrusion height of the lighting device 71 beyond the forming surface of the second forming region 2312 can correspond to the thickness of the plate body 7121 of the diffuser plate 712.

[0436] Therefore, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be set within the range of 50% (inclusive) to less than 100% of the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or horizontal direction.

[0437] When the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 becomes equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device 71 in the horizontal direction, the center of gravity of the lighting device 71 can be located inside the lighting device mounting forming area 2313, and the load of the lighting device 71 can be supported in a distributed manner by the fastening nut 716 and the screw hole 231h1, thereby improving the connection stability between the lighting device 71 and the lighting device mounting forming area 2313.

[0438] Furthermore, among the plurality of embossed protrusions 7172 protruding from the sealing gasket body 7171, the portions extending in the downward direction or downward diagonal direction can have an enlarged contact area with the diagonal or horizontal area (when viewed in cross-section) of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313. This is likely to be much more advantageous for multi-directional sealing compared to the case where the embossed protrusions 7172 only make close contact with the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 in the horizontal direction.

[0439] As described above, since the lighting device 71 is partially inserted into the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 and has a portion protruding from the forming surface of the second forming area 2312, the light-emitting surface 71a can be formed at the position protruding from the forming surface of the second forming area 2312.

[0440] Light is dispersed through the emitting surface 71a in the vertical direction (UD direction) and the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction) based on the lighting device 71, thereby maximizing the lighting effect.

[0441] Figure 20 The diagram shows a configuration in which the lighting device 71, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, is fully inserted into and accommodated in the lighting device mounting forming region 2313, and... Figure 21 The diagram shows a configuration in which a lighting device 71, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, is fully inserted into and accommodated in a lighting device mounting forming region 2313.

[0442] Since the lighting device 71 is completely contained within the lighting device mounting area 2313, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be greater than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0443] Furthermore, the maximum width of the lighting device mounting area 2313 in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be greater than or equal to the maximum width of the lighting device 71 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0444] Furthermore, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be greater than or equal to the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or the horizontal direction.

[0445] Therefore, the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 can be set within the range of 100% (inclusive) to less than 110% of the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or horizontal direction.

[0446] When the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 becomes 100% of the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or horizontal direction, the center of gravity of the lighting device 71 will be completely formed inside the lighting device mounting forming area 2313, so the sealing effect of the embossed protrusions 7172 of the sealing gasket 717 can be more reliably ensured.

[0447] In one example, limiting the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 to less than 110% of the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or horizontal direction becomes a range that takes into account the machining tolerances of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313, the machining tolerances of the lighting device 71, etc.

[0448] Limiting the forming depth T2 of the lighting device mounting forming area 2313 to no more than 110% of the thickness T1 of the lighting device 71 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) or horizontal direction is to prevent excessive increase in the size of the barrel 20 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0449] As described above, since the lighting device 71 is configured to be fully inserted into the lighting device mounting forming area 2313, the lighting device 71 does not have any portion protruding from the forming surface of the second forming area 2312.

[0450] Therefore, the possibility of the upper basket 52 and the lower basket 51 colliding with the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 is significantly reduced.

[0451] In addition, it can prevent the tableware contained in the upper dish rack 52 and the lower dish rack 51 from coming into contact with or colliding with the light-emitting surface 71a of the lighting device 71 during the washing and rinsing cycles.

[0452] Furthermore, since no step is formed between the lighting device 71 and the forming surface of the second forming area 2312, the phenomenon of food residue or the like getting stuck between the lighting device 71 and the forming surface of the second forming area 2312 can be prevented and minimized.

[0453] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe, not limit, the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Furthermore, even if the effects of the construction of the present disclosure are not explicitly described in the above description of the embodiments, it is obvious that the predictable effects of the construction should be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising: A tub body, in which a washing space having an open front surface is defined; as well as Lighting device, which is installed inside the barrel body. The barrel body includes a shaped region defined as a rearward recess. The lighting device is connected to the forming area. 2.The dish washer of claim 1, wherein, The forming area is defined within the rear wall of the barrel. 3.The dish washer of claim 1, wherein, The forming region includes a lighting device mounting forming region, which is defined to be rearwardly recessed and allow the lighting device to be inserted into the lighting device mounting forming region. The lighting device is located in the lighting device mounting area. 4.The dish washer of claim 3, wherein The forming region further includes: First forming area; and A second forming region is formed within the first forming region. The first forming region is defined as being concave backward. The second forming region is formed to protrude forward from the first forming region. The lighting device mounting area is defined within the second forming area to be recessed rearward from the second forming area. 5.The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein The forming depth of the lighting device mounting forming area is greater than the forming depth of the first forming area and the forming depth of the second forming area.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein, The forming depth of the second forming region is greater than or equal to the forming depth of the first forming region.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein, The lighting device mounting area includes a pair of lighting device mounting areas arranged horizontally and spaced apart from each other.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein, The lighting device includes a pair of lighting devices respectively connected to the mounting area of ​​the pair of lighting devices.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein, The pair of lighting devices are respectively connected to the mounting area of ​​the pair of lighting devices in an interchangeable manner.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein, The lighting device is coupled to the lighting device mounting area while being at least partially inserted into the lighting device mounting area.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein, The forming depth of the lighting device mounting area is equal to or greater than 50% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein, The forming depth of the lighting device mounting area is within the range of 50% to 100% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction, which is equal to or greater than that of the lighting device.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein, The forming depth of the forming area for mounting the lighting device is within the range of 100% to less than 110% of the thickness of the lighting device in the horizontal direction, which is equal to or greater than that of the lighting device.

14. The dishwasher of claim 3, further comprising a dish rack configured to hold tableware therein and including a plurality of dish racks disposed in the washing space so as to be retractable and extendable. in, The lighting device includes a light-emitting surface for emitting light toward the washing space. The lower edge of the light-emitting surface is positioned lower than the upper end of the lowest-positioned lower bowl among the plurality of bowls.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein, The lower basket includes a buffer that is arranged to project horizontally from one of its side surfaces facing the lighting device. The buffer is made of an elastic material.

Images