Dishwasher

Abstract

The present application relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher is configured such that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, the refrigerant pipes, etc. constituting the heat pump system are arranged in a distributed manner and at positions as close as possible to the edge walls of the base and the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator having a relatively large volume are positioned such that the horizontal overlap amount between them can be minimized, so that the user can easily access the components housed in the base through the open area of the base and thus not only can easily perform maintenance procedures on the components of the heat pump system, but also can easily perform maintenance procedures on existing components such as the wash pump, the water softening device, etc. without having to remove the tub from the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher configured such that the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, refrigerant pipes, etc., constituting a heat pump system are arranged in a distributed manner and positioned as close as possible to the edge wall of the base, and the relatively large compressor, condenser, and evaporator are positioned such that the horizontal overlap between them can be minimized, allowing the user to easily access the components housed in the base through the opening area of ​​the base, and thus enabling easy maintenance not only of the components of the heat pump system, but also of existing components (such as the wash pump, water softening device, etc.) without removing the tub from the base. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that washes dishes and cooking utensils stored therein by spraying washing water into it. In this respect, the washing water may contain detergent.

[0003] Dishwashers typically include a tub with a washing space defined therein, a dish rack inside the washing tub to hold the dish to be washed, spray arms that spray washing water onto the dish rack, and a reservoir therein to store water and supply washing water to the spray arms.

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

[0005] When using a dishwasher to wash dishes, the wash water and air can be heated to enhance the washing effect. An electric heater can be used as a device to heat the wash water and air.

[0006] Dishwashers that feature a heat pump device instead of an electric heater as an additional heating element have emerged.

[0007] Heat pump devices have a much higher energy efficiency than electric heaters. Therefore, when heating wash water with a heat pump device, electricity consumption can be reduced compared to using an electric heater.

[0008] In this regard, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 118806186 (Prior Document 001) discloses the construction of a dishwasher that includes a heat pump device as a heating device for heating the washing water.

[0009] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0010] [Patent Literature]

[0011] (Patent Document 001) Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 118806186 Summary of the Invention

[0012] However, the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 as described above is configured such that the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator constituting the heat pump device are disposed on the bottom surface of the base and individually positioned in a distributed manner, and the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator are arranged densely together with the existing components of the dishwasher (such as washing pump, water softening device, etc.).

[0013] Therefore, the components of the heat pump device in prior art document 001 are arranged densely together with the existing components of the dishwasher (such as the washing pump, water softening device, etc.), such that the components of the heat pump device and the existing components of the dishwasher substantially overlap each other in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0014] Therefore, with the bucket connected to the base, the user cannot approach the components that are substantially overlapping each other and received within the interior space of the base in the left-right or front-back directions. For this reason, in order for the user to approach the components that are substantially overlapping each other and received within the interior space of the base in the left-right or front-back directions, the bucket should be removed from the base.

[0015] Therefore, in dishwashers disclosed in prior art document 001, in order to perform repairs or replacements not only due to the failure of specific components housed in the base, but also to perform simple maintenance and repair processes, such as refrigerant replenishment or replacement, simple inspection of each component, etc., a process is required to completely remove the outer casing and the drum from the base.

[0016] Therefore, the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 has to have a structure that is very disadvantageous for the maintenance and repair of the components housed in the base.

[0017] Furthermore, the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 does not include a separate device capable of filtering foreign matter introduced into the evaporator.

[0018] Therefore, the evaporator itself may be contaminated by foreign matter such as dust contained in the airflow flowing into the evaporator, and an odor may be generated due to the contamination state of the condensate produced by the evaporator mixed with foreign matter.

[0019] This disclosure aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above. Therefore, the first object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, refrigerant pipes, etc. constituting the heat pump system are arranged in a distributed manner and positioned as close as possible to the edge wall of the base, and the relatively large compressor, condenser and evaporator are positioned such that the horizontal overlap between them can be minimized, allowing the user to easily access the components housed in the base through the opening area of ​​the base, and thus not only can maintenance processes be easily performed on the components of the heat pump system, but also on existing components such as the washing pump, water softening device, etc., without removing the tub from the base.

[0020] Furthermore, a second object of this disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, refrigerant pipes, etc., constituting the heat pump system can extend from and retract into the base through an open side surface of the base. Therefore, when maintenance and repair of the heat pump system are required, even if only a part of the housing is disassembled, the user can extend the entire heat pump system outward from the base without removing the tub from the base, thereby significantly improving the convenience of complex maintenance processes (such as replacing parts).

[0021] Furthermore, a third object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher configured such that an air filter is detachably installed on the inlet of a heat exchange pipe in which an evaporator is housed, thereby significantly preventing the internal space of the heat exchange pipe and the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator constituting the evaporator from being contaminated by foreign matter.

[0022] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the objectives described above. Other objectives and advantages not mentioned in this disclosure will be understood based on the following description, and will become clearer from the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objectives and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0023] A dishwasher according to this disclosure includes: a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating tableware therein; a base disposed below the tub and having a receiving space defined therein; a reservoir configured to store washing water to be supplied to the tub; and a heat pump module disposed in the receiving space of the base and configured to heat the washing water to be supplied to the reservoir, wherein an opening region communicating the receiving space with an external space of the dishwasher can be formed in the outer peripheral wall of the base, wherein the heat pump module can be exposed to the external space through the opening region.

[0024] In addition, the opening area may include multiple opening areas formed in the outer peripheral wall of the base, wherein the multiple opening areas may open in different directions from each other.

[0025] In addition, a heat pump module may include multiple components that are functionally different from each other, wherein at least some of the multiple components are configured to be adjacent to one of a plurality of opening regions.

[0026] In addition, the dishwasher may include a main control panel disposed on a side wall of the outer peripheral wall of the base for detachable connection to the outer peripheral wall of the base. The heat pump module may include a compressor disposed in the left-right direction between the reservoir and the main control panel and configured to compress refrigerant. The opening area may include a side opening area formed in a side wall. The main control panel may be configured to cover a side opening area. The main control panel may be detachable from a side wall so that the compressor can be exposed to the external space through the side opening area.

[0027] In addition, the lateral distance between the compressor and the main control panel can be smaller than the lateral distance between the storage tank and the main control panel.

[0028] In addition, the dishwasher may include a wash pump located in front of the compressor and configured to pressurize the wash water to be supplied to the tub, wherein the main control panel can be detached from a side wall, allowing the wash pump to be exposed to the outside space through a side opening area.

[0029] Furthermore, the heat pump module includes a condenser disposed in the front-rear direction between the storage tank and the front wall of the base and configured to heat the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank, wherein the opening area may include a front opening area formed in the front wall of the base, and wherein the condenser may be exposed to the external space through the front opening area.

[0030] In addition, the condenser can be mounted on a base and can be oriented such that the left and right directions are the longitudinal direction of the condenser.

[0031] In addition, the front-to-back distance between the condenser and the front wall of the base can be smaller than the front-to-back distance between the storage tank and the front wall.

[0032] In addition, the dishwasher may also include a condenser cover disposed in front of the condenser and configured to shield the condenser, wherein one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover in the left-right direction is positioned on the right side near the center of the reservoir in the left-right direction, and the other of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover in the left-right direction is positioned on the left side near the center of the reservoir in the left-right direction.

[0033] In addition, the outer peripheral wall of the base may include a left wall and a right wall, wherein the dishwasher may also include a water softening device disposed in the left-right direction between the storage tank and the right wall of the base, and configured to soften the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank, wherein the left-right distance between one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover and the center of the storage tank may be less than the left-right distance between the right end of the water softening device and the center of the storage tank.

[0034] In addition, the dishwasher may include a wash pump configured to pressurize wash water to be supplied to the tub, wherein the lateral distance between the other of the two opposite ends of the condenser cap and the center of the reservoir may be less than the lateral distance between the left end of the wash pump and the center of the reservoir.

[0035] In addition, the dishwasher may include a lower frame having a lower end connected to the front wall of the base, wherein the condenser cover may be connected to the front wall of the base or the lower frame, wherein a front gap may be defined between the condenser cover and the front wall of the base or between the condenser cover and the lower frame.

[0036] In addition, the dishwasher may include a main control panel disposed on the left side wall of the base for detachable connection to the main control panel, wherein the upper end of the main control panel may define a left gap between it and the tub, wherein the left-right width of the front gap may be smaller than the front-back width of the left gap.

[0037] In addition, the dishwasher may also include a lower frame having a lower end connected to the front wall of the base, wherein the condenser cover is detachably connected to the lower frame, and wherein the condenser cover can be removed from the lower frame when the lower frame is connected to the front wall of the base.

[0038] In addition, the outer peripheral wall of the base may include a left wall and a right wall, wherein the dishwasher may also include a water softening device disposed between the storage tank and one of the left and right walls and configured to soften the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank, wherein the opening area may include one of the opening areas formed in one of the left and right walls, wherein the water softening device may be exposed to the external space through said opening area.

[0039] In addition, the heat pump module may include an evaporator disposed in the front-rear direction between the rear wall of the storage tank and the base, wherein the opening area may include a rear opening area formed on the rear wall, and the evaporator may be exposed to the external space through the rear opening area.

[0040] In addition, the front-to-back distance between the evaporator and the rear wall of the base can be smaller than the front-to-back distance between the storage tank and the rear wall of the base.

[0041] In addition, the heat pump module may also include a heat exchange pipe that houses the evaporator and forms a channel through which airflow exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator. The heat exchange pipe may be configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the rear wall of the base.

[0042] In addition, the heat exchange duct may include an exhaust port through which airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator is discharged. The exhaust port may be connected to the rear opening area, and the airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator may flow through the rear opening area and be discharged to the external space.

[0043] In the dishwasher according to this disclosure, the user can easily access the components of the heat pump system housed in the base and existing components (such as the washing pump, water softening device, etc.) provided in the base through the opening area in the base. Therefore, maintenance processes can be easily performed not only on the components of the heat pump system, but also on the existing components (such as the washing pump, water softening device, etc.) without removing the tub from the base.

[0044] Furthermore, in the dishwasher according to this disclosure, when maintenance and repair of the heat pump system are required, the user can extend the entire heat pump system from the base to the outside even if only a part of the housing is disassembled, without having to remove the tub from the base, thereby significantly improving the convenience of complex maintenance processes (such as replacing parts).

[0045] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to this disclosure can prevent the evaporator itself from being contaminated by foreign matter such as dust contained in the airflow flowing into the evaporator, and can prevent odors from being generated due to the contamination state caused by the condensate produced from the evaporator mixing with foreign matter.

[0046] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of this disclosure will also be described in conjunction with the description of the specific subject matter used to implement this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown.

[0049] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The image shows a front perspective view of the dishwasher with the door open.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a heat pump module installed in a dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view showing the state in which the heat pump module constituting the dishwasher according to the present disclosure is housed in the base.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The diagram shows the heat pump module installed in the base.

[0054] Figures 8 to 11 This is a front perspective view illustrating the process of exposing the condenser to the outside through the front wall of the base to maintain the condenser of the heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figures 12 to 14 It is shown as follows Figure 7 The front perspective view and plan view of the evaporator and heat exchange piping are shown.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a rear perspective view showing the state in which the air outlet is formed in the rear wall of the base and the state in which the guide vanes are connected to the air outlet, as the air has flowed through... Figure 14 The airflow in the heat exchange duct shown is discharged through this air outlet.

[0057] Figure 16 In such Figure 6 The diagram shows a horizontally oriented sectional view of the heat pump module installed in its base.

[0058] Figures 17 to 22 This is a front perspective view and a plan view illustrating the process of connecting an air filter to a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, 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 such descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essential points 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.

[0060] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0061] 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 constituting "a" is also intended to include the plural constituting, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] It should 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 indirectly disposed on the second element by means of a third element or layer disposed between the first element 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 indirectly disposed below the second element between the third element or layer by means of a third element or layer disposed between the first element and the second element or layer.

[0063] 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 should 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 those two components or layers, or there may be one or more intermediate components or layers between them.

[0064] It should also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude 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 related listed items. Expressions preceding the list of components (e.g., "at least one") may modify the entire list of components but may not modify individual components in the list. Errors or tolerances may be introduced when interpreting numerical values, even if not explicitly described.

[0065] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "below," "lower," and "below," "above," and "upper," etc.) are used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatially relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, when the device in the figures can be flipped, an element described as "below," "below," or "below" to other elements or features will be oriented as "above" to other elements or features. Thus, the illustrative terms "below" and "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways, such as by rotating 90 degrees or in other orientations, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0066] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. When preceding a list of components, expressions such as “at least one” may modify the entire list of components but may not modify individual components in the list. Unless otherwise specified, “C through D” as used herein means C (inclusive) through D (inclusive).

[0067] In the following description, the present disclosure will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate configurations according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Overall structure of the dishwasher]

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 It is shown Figure 1 The front perspective view of the dishwasher with door 30 open.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a housing 10 that constitutes the exterior.

[0072] For example, the housing 10 may include an upper panel 11, a left side panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a front panel 15 that define the upper, left, right, and front surfaces of the dishwasher 1, respectively.

[0073] The top panel 11, left side panel 12, right side panel 13 and front panel 15 can be integrally formed with each other, or they can be formed and assembled separately.

[0074] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a tub 20 installed in the interior space of the housing 10 and having a washing space 21 defining a washing target therein, wherein the front surface of the tub is open.

[0075] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0076] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a base 90 disposed below the tub 2 and used to support the tub 2.

[0077] 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 washing target.

[0078] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure may include a set of dish racks 50 removably disposed in the internal washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive the washing target therein.

[0079] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the invention may include a water jetter installed near the dish rack assembly 50 to spray washing water thereon for cleaning the washing target.

[0080] In this regard, the items to be washed in the cutlery shelf group 50 can be, for example, cutlery such as bowls, plates, spoons and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. In the following text, unless otherwise stated, the items to be washed will be referred to as cutlery.

[0081] First, the tub 20 can be formed as a box shape with a fully open front surface, and has a construction so called a washing tub.

[0082] The washing space 21 can be confined within the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 can be opened / closed via the door 30.

[0083] Bucket 20 can be formed by pressing a heat-resistant and moisture-proof metal sheet (e.g., stainless steel sheet).

[0084] In addition, multiple supports may be provided on the inner surface of the bucket 20 for supporting and mounting functional components such as the cutlery rack assembly 50 and the water sprayer, which will be described later, inside the bucket 20.

[0085] In one example, the drive 40 may include a reservoir 41 in which wash water is stored. Furthermore, the drive 40 may include a reservoir cover 42 that separates the reservoir 41 from the tub 20. Additionally, the drive 40 may include a water supply device 43 that supplies wash water from an external source to the reservoir 41. Furthermore, the drive 40 may include a drain 44 that discharges the wash water from the reservoir 41 to the outside. Additionally, the drive 40 may include a wash pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supplies the wash water from the reservoir 41 to a spray nozzle.

[0086] The storage tank cover 42 can be set on top of the storage tank 41 and can be used to spatially separate the bucket 20 and the storage tank 41 from each other.

[0087] In addition, the 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 tank 41.

[0088] 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 into the storage tank 41 through the storage tank cover 42.

[0089] The washing pump 45 can be located on one side of the storage tank 41 and can be used to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the sprayer.

[0090] One end of the washing pump 45 can be connected to the storage tank 41, and the other end can be connected to the supply flow path 46.

[0091] The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 can rotate, and thus the washing water in the reservoir 41 can be pressurized and then supplied to the sprayer through the supply flow path 46.

[0092] Although not shown, a wash water heater may be provided in the wash pump 45 and configured to heat the wash water supplied to the tub 20 during a wash cycle or a hot rinse cycle.

[0093] In one example, supply flow path 46 can be used to selectively supply wash water from wash pump 45 to sprayers.

[0094] For example, the 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.

[0095] The supply flow path 46 may be equipped with a supply flow path switching valve 465, which selectively opens / closes the supply flow paths 461 and 463.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In one example, the sprayer can be configured to spray washing water onto the tableware stored in the tableware shelf group 50.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In addition, the water sprayer may include an upper spray arm 62 located between the lower cutlery shelf 51 and the upper cutlery shelf 52 to spray washing water onto the lower cutlery shelf 51 and the upper cutlery shelf 52.

[0100] In addition, the sprayer may include a top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray washing water onto the top dish rack 53 or the upper dish rack 52.

[0101] 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 tableware rack assembly 50 while rotating.

[0102] The lower spray arm 61 can be rotatably supported on top of the reservoir cover 42 so as to spray washing water toward the lower cutlery shelf 51 while rotating and positioned below the lower cutlery shelf 51.

[0103] 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 tableware while rotating and positioned between the lower tableware shelf 51 and the upper tableware shelf 52.

[0104] 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 to redirect the washing water ejected from the lower spray arm 61 to the upward direction (redirecting along the U direction).

[0105] 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.

[0106] A cutlery shelf assembly 50 for storing cutlery can be installed in the washing space 21.

[0107] The cutlery shelf assembly 50 can be configured to extend from or retract into the interior space of the bucket 20 through the open front surface of the bucket 20.

[0108] For example, in Figure 2The image shows an embodiment in which the cutlery shelf assembly 50 is configured to include a lower cutlery shelf 51 located in the lower portion of the bucket 20 to accommodate relatively large cutlery, an upper cutlery shelf 5 located on top of the lower cutlery shelf 51 to accommodate medium-sized cutlery, and a top cutlery shelf 53 located on the top layer of the bucket 20 and capable of storing small cutlery, etc.

[0109] In the following description, dishwasher 1 includes examples of three types of dish racks as shown. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0110] Each of the lower cutlery shelf 51, the upper cutlery shelf 52, and the top cutlery shelf 53 can be configured to extend from or retract into the interior space of the bucket 20 through the open front surface of the bucket 20.

[0111] For this purpose, guide rails 54 can be respectively disposed on two opposing inner surfaces 26 and 27 constituting the inner surface of the barrel 20. As will be described below, by way of example, guide rails 54 may include an upper guide rail 542, a lower guide rail 541, and a top guide rail 543.

[0112] Wheels or rollers may be provided on the bottom of each of the lower cutlery shelf 51, upper cutlery shelf 52, and top cutlery shelf 53. Users can extend the lower cutlery shelf 51, upper cutlery shelf 52, and top cutlery shelf 53 from the interior space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and place cutlery on them or easily remove washed cutlery.

[0113] The guide rail 54 can be a simple track-type fixed guide rail to guide the extension or retraction of the cutlery rack assembly 50, or it can be a telescopic guide rail that can guide the extension or retraction of the cutlery rack assembly 50 and simultaneously increase its extension distance as the cutlery rack assembly 50 extends further from the interior space of the container.

[0114] In one example, door 30 is configured to open / close the open front surface of bucket 20 as described above.

[0115] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 pivots to open or close the barrel 20 may be provided at the bottom of the open front surface. As an example, the door 30 may pivot about the hinge as a pivot axis in a top-to-bottom manner to open the barrel 20.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] In addition, the control panel 32 may include a button unit 34, which includes a selection button and a power button. The selection button is used to input the user's program selection operation, and the power button is used to input the user's operation to start and stop the dishwasher.

[0119] In one example, when the door 30 is closed, the rear panel 30b that forms the inner surface of the door 30 can form a surface of the bucket 20, and when the door 30 is fully open, the rear panel can form a place on which the lower cutlery shelf 51 of the cutlery shelf assembly 50 is supported.

[0120] Therefore, when the door 30 is fully opened downwards, the rear panel of the door 30 can form a horizontal plane that extends in the same direction as the guide rail 54 that guides the displacement of the lower cutlery shelf 51.

[0121] In one example, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent to the interior of the drum 20 may be further mounted on the rear panel 30b that forms the inner surface of the door 30.

[0122] 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).

[0123] In one example, a dry air supply device 80 may be located below the tub 20 and may be configured to generate high-temperature or low-temperature dry air and supply it to the washing space 21 inside the tub 20.

[0124] As shown in the figure, the dry air supply device 80 can be configured to include a filter component 883 for filtering external air, a blower fan 825 for generating a dry air flow, a heater 84 for heating the dry air flow, and an airflow guide 83 disposed inside the barrel 20 to guide the dry air flow.

[0125] A dry air supply hole 254 can be defined in the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20 so that high-temperature dry air generated by the dry air supply device 80 can be introduced into the interior of the barrel 20 through the dry air supply hole.

[0126] Therefore, during the drying cycle S5, high-temperature or low-temperature drying air can be supplied from the drying air supply device 80 to the interior of the drum 20, which significantly improves the drying efficiency and sterilization effect of tableware compared to conventional dishwashers.

[0127] In one example, the dishwasher can be configured such that a portion of the airflow supplied to the interior of the tub 20 and moistened while drying dishes can be discharged to the outside, while the remainder can be drawn into the drying air supply unit 80. The discharge of the airflow can be achieved via a partial opening of the door 30 or via a separate air discharge device (not shown).

[0128] An air intake pipe 81 for collecting humid air from the barrel 20 can be provided on the outer surface of the left wall 26 or the right wall 27 of the barrel 20.

[0129] In one example, the base 90 can provide a receiving space in which components of the dishwasher 1, such as the storage tank 41, are housed.

[0130] For this purpose, the base 90 may include an outer peripheral wall defining the outer boundary surface of the receiving space. More specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 may include a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall.

[0131] In addition, the barrel 20 can be directly or indirectly supported by the front wall, rear wall, left wall and right wall of the base 90.

[0132] In one example, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a heat pump system as a means for heating the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0133] The heat pump system can be installed together with the aforementioned washing water heater, or it can be installed separately if there is no washing water heater.

[0134] As will be described later, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure can be arranged in a modular manner within the interior space of the base 90.

[0135] Furthermore, the heat pump system can be configured to be modularized into a single module, which can be fully and once received into and removed from the base 90.

[0136] Considering this construction, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to this disclosure will be referred to as heat pump module 100.

[0137] Please refer to later Figure 4 Describe the detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0138] [Illustrative configuration of heat pump equipment]

[0139] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 A detailed configuration of a heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0140] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0141] refer to Figure 4 The heat pump module 100 may include multiple components that are functionally different from each other, such as compressor 110, condenser 120, expansion valve 140 and evaporator 130.

[0142] The compressor 110, condenser 120, expansion valve 140 and evaporator 130 can be sequentially connected to each other via refrigerant line 150, and refrigerant line 150 provides a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant can flow.

[0143] As an example, the refrigerant line 150 may include a first line 151 connecting the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 to each other, a second line 152 connecting the condenser 120 and the expansion valve 140 to each other, a third line 153 connecting the expansion valve 140 and the evaporator 130 to each other, and a fourth line 154 connecting the evaporator 130 and the compressor 110 to each other.

[0144] The refrigerant can be used as a working fluid to absorb or release heat, while circulating sequentially through the compressor 110, condenser 120, expansion valve 140 and evaporator 130, causing its phase to change from liquid to gas or from gas to liquid.

[0145] The compressor 110 is used to compress the refrigerant and discharge it under high temperature and high pressure. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 can be introduced into the condenser 120 through the first pipe 151.

[0146] The refrigerant can radiate heat QH as it flows through the condenser 120. The heat discharged from the condenser 120 can be used to heat the wash water to be supplied to the tank 20.

[0147] Therefore, each flow path through which the refrigerant and the wash water flow can pass can be arranged in the condenser 120. The refrigerant can dissipate heat, causing the phase to change from gas to liquid, and thus the refrigerant can exchange heat with the wash water as it flows through the condenser 120.

[0148] In this regard, the refrigerant that has flowed through the condenser 120 can be a mixture of liquid and gas with a very low gas content, or it can be a subcooled liquid.

[0149] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 120 can expand as it flows through the expansion valve 140. Due to the expansion of the refrigerant, its temperature may decrease, and thus the refrigerant may become a mixture of gas and liquid.

[0150] The refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve 140 is introduced into the evaporator 130 through the third pipe 153, and while flowing through the evaporator 130, it exchanges heat with the air in the housing space of the base 90 to absorb heat from the air, thereby causing the refrigerant to evaporate and increasing the gas content in the refrigerant.

[0151] With the refrigerant already flowing out of the evaporator 130, the refrigerant can become a mixed gas or superheated gas with a very small liquid content.

[0152] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 can be reintroduced into the compressor 110 through the fourth pipe 154, where it can be compressed, converting the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. Meanwhile, to prevent liquid refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 from being introduced into the compressor, the refrigerant that has already flowed through the fourth pipe 154 can flow through the gas-liquid separator 113 before being introduced into the compressor 110.

[0153] In this sequence, the refrigerant circulates through the heat pump module 100 to undergo a phase change, and thus, the refrigerant can absorb heat in the evaporator 130 and release heat in the condenser 120.

[0154] In one example, to improve the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator 130, it is preferable to allow a large amount of air to flow to the evaporator 130. For this purpose, the heat pump module 100 may also include a blower module 180 for blowing air toward the evaporator 130 to generate an airflow.

[0155] As will be described later, blower module 180 may include, for example, a blower fan 181 configured to accelerate air to generate airflow and a blower motor 182 configured to generate rotational driving force to rotate blower fan 181.

[0156] Additionally, as will be described later, blower fan 181 and blower motor 182, together with evaporator 130, can be housed in heat exchange conduit 170, which forms a passage through which airflow F_in exchanges heat with the refrigerant in evaporator 130.

[0157] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to be directly mounted in the base 90 or modularized separately from the base 90 into a single module, and the single module may be completely and once installed in the receiving space of the base 90 and completely and once removed from the receiving space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0158] exist Figure 5The accompanying drawings show a configuration in which the heat pump module 100 is modularized into a single module separate from the base 90, and the single module is completely and once installed in the receiving space of the base 90 and completely and once removed from the receiving space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0159] In the following description, this disclosure will be based on the configuration shown. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0160] In order to modularize the heat pump module 100 into a single module separate from the base 90, and to completely and once install the single module in the receiving space of the base 90 and completely and once remove it from the receiving space of the base 90 to the outside, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160, on which at least the compressor 110, the evaporator 130 and the expansion valve 140 are jointly mounted.

[0161] The compressor 110, evaporator 130 and expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 can be installed in the base 90 in a state where they are directly fastened to and supported by the module base 160.

[0162] As will be described below, the module base 160 may be arranged to make surface contact with the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90, and may be arranged on the base 90 so as to be directly supported by the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0163] However, as will be described later, the condenser 120 may be configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to and supported on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90, rather than on the module base 160.

[0164] Therefore, the compressor 110, evaporator 130 and expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 can be directly mounted onto the module base 160 provided in the base 90, and thus can be indirectly mounted in the receiving space of the base 90 and indirectly supported thereon.

[0165] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure can be configured to be fully and once inserted into and withdrawn from the base 90 through an open side surface of the base 90, so as to be fully and once installed in the receiving space of the base 90 and fully and once removed from the receiving space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0166] like Figure 3 As shown, the water jacket 71 can be attached to the outer surface of the right wall 27 of the example tub 20. Washing water supplied to the washing space of the tub 20 during washing and rinsing of dishes can be stored in the water jacket 71.

[0167] To ensure sufficient water storage capacity of the water jacket 71, the lower end of the water jacket 71 can extend inward beyond the lower end of the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20 to the area of ​​the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0168] In this respect, a barrel hole 118 that connects the internal space of the water jacket with the washing space 21 of the barrel 20 can be formed in the water jacket 71.

[0169] The water jacket connecting hole 272 can be formed to pass through the right wall 27 of the barrel 20 in a manner corresponding to the barrel hole 118.

[0170] A grille cover 118a having a shape similar to that of the grille cover 813 of the air inlet 271 can be attached to the tub hole 118 to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign objects.

[0171] In addition, a water softening device 72 for softening the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank 41 can be installed near the water jacket 71 and below the lower wall 25 of the tank 20.

[0172] In addition, as described above, the dry air supply device 80 can be disposed below the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20 to heat the air discharged from the barrel 20 during the drying cycle and resupply the heated air to the barrel 20.

[0173] In addition, as shown in the figure, the dry air supply device 80 may include an air inlet pipe 81 for drawing air discharged from the tank 20.

[0174] Figure 3 An example configuration is shown, in which the air intake pipe 81 and the water jacket 71 are arranged side by side, with the air intake pipe 81 located on the outer surface of the right wall 27 of the barrel 20.

[0175] Therefore, the air inlet 271 can be formed to pass through the right wall 27 of the barrel 20, and the grille cover 813 connected to the inlet of the air intake pipe 81 can be fixed to the air inlet 271.

[0176] Considering the positional constraints of the dry air supply device 80, the air inlet pipe 81 of the dry air supply device 80, the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 as described above, preferably, the heat pump module 100 is configured to extend from the interior space of the base 90 and retract into the interior space of the base 90 through an opening area, which is positioned to minimize interference between the heat pump module 100 and the dry air supply device 80, the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72.

[0177] Therefore, the heat pump module 100 can be configured to extend from or retract into the receiving space of the base through the open left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0178] However, this is merely an example. When the dry air supply device 80, the air inlet pipe 81 of the dry air supply device 80, the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 are located near the right wall 27 of the tank 20 and the right wall 95 of the base 90 and thus positioned on the left side near the center of the storage tank 41, the heat pump module 100 can be configured to extend from and retract into the base 90 through the open right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0179] In the following description, the present disclosure will be illustrated by way of example based on an embodiment in which the heat pump module 100 is configured to extend from and retract into the base via the open left wall 94 of the base 90. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0180] Furthermore, the heat pump module 100 can be configured such that the multiple components constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure (which are separate and functionally different, such as compressor 110, condenser 120 and evaporator 130) can be maintained in a state of being mounted in the base 90 without the multiple components extending together from the base 90.

[0181] More specifically, as described below, multiple opening regions with openings in different directions can be defined in the outer peripheral wall of the base 90.

[0182] In other words, the opening areas that open in different directions can be respectively formed as the front wall 92, rear wall 93, left wall 94 and right wall 95 that pass through the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 in the horizontal direction.

[0183] In this respect, at least some of the components constituting the heat pump module 100 may be positioned adjacent to one of the opening regions formed in the front wall 92, rear wall 93, left wall 94 and right wall 95 of the base 90, respectively.

[0184] Therefore, users can take steps to simply maintain the components of the heat pump module 100 at least adjacent to the opening area formed in the outer peripheral wall of the base 90, instead of completely and once removing the heat pump module 100.

[0185] In this respect, the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 of the dishwasher 1 includes four open walls, such as the front wall 92, the rear wall 93, the left wall 94, and the right wall 95. However, the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 can be partially shielded by other components besides the heat pump module 100, such as the water softening device 72 and the washing pump 45.

[0186] Furthermore, the heat pump module 100 may have three or more components, such as a condenser 120, an evaporator 130, a compressor 110, an expansion valve 140, etc. Therefore, embodiments in which two of the three or more components of the heat pump module 100 are respectively arranged adjacent to different walls, or where three of the three or more components of the heat pump module 100 are respectively arranged adjacent to different walls of the base 90, are also applicable.

[0187] Furthermore, the arrangement of a specific component adjacent to a specific opening area can mean that the straight-line distance between the specific component and the specific opening area formed in the outer peripheral wall of the base 90 is less than the straight-line distance between the specific component and another opening area different from the specific opening area, so that a user or operator can place his / her hand or tool into the base 90 through the specific opening area and approach the specific component to work on it. Therefore, it can be understood that the term "at least some of a plurality of components" includes all of the above situations.

[0188] [Modular structure of heat pump module and structure in which heat pump module is exposed through opening area of ​​base]

[0189] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 and Figure 15 The present disclosure describes in detail an example modular structure of the heat pump module 100 and the structure of the heat pump module 100 exposed through multiple opening areas of the base 90.

[0190] In other words, the positions, orientations, and arrangement directions of the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 described below are merely examples. The compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 may be positioned interchangeably. The positions, orientations, and arrangement directions of the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0191] The heat pump module 100 according to this disclosure may include a compressor 110 that compresses refrigerant and discharges refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure.

[0192] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the compressor 110 constituting the heat pump module 100 can be embodied as an electric compressor with an integrated motor, wherein a compression unit for compressing gaseous refrigerant and a motor for generating a rotary drive force provided to the compression unit are integrated with each other.

[0193] In this regard, considering the space utilization of the base 90, it is necessary to minimize the horizontal area occupied by the compressor 110 on the module base 160.

[0194] Therefore, the compressor 110 can be mounted on the module base 160 in an upright position with its rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0195] The fastening tab 112, which is provided in the shape of a flange, can be provided at the lower end of the compressor body 111 of the compressor 110, so that the compressor body can be installed on the module base 160 and fixed to the module base 160 in an upright state.

[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, a total of three fastening tabs 112 are provided, and a configuration in which the fastening tabs 112 are arranged at equal intervals spaced apart from each other is shown. However, this is merely an example, and the number of fastening tabs 112 can be set to vary depending on the shape and position of the compressor 110.

[0197] Fastening boss ( Figure 13 and Figure 14 164) can be integrally formed with and disposed on the substrate 161 of the module base 160, and positioned in a manner corresponding to the fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110.

[0198] The fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110 can be securely fastened to the fastening boss 164 of the base plate 161 by means of a fastening device such as a bolt.

[0199] To reduce vibration or noise generated by the compressor 110, a buffer with predetermined elasticity can be provided between the fastening tab 112 and the fastening boss.

[0200] In one example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the compressor 110 can be positioned between the storage tank 41 and the main control panel 210 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0201] In addition, the compressor 110 can be positioned between the main control panel 210 and the evaporator 130 in a left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0202] Furthermore, the distance between the compressor 110 and the main control panel 210 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be less than the distance between the storage tank 41 and the main control panel 210 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0203] Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, when the main control panel 210 is removed from the left wall 94 of the base 90, the compressor 110 can be exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the left opening region OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the outer peripheral wall of the base 90.

[0204] The left opening region OS_Le can be formed in the portion other than the load support portion 97, which is formed at the corner where the front wall 92 of the base 90 and the left wall 94 of the base 90 meet each other.

[0205] Therefore, in a top view of an observer located in the upward direction (U direction) from the dishwasher, the left opening region OS_Le can be formed as a middle region in the front-back direction (FR direction) including the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0206] Therefore, accessibility to components of the dishwasher 1 (such as the compressor 110 located near the left wall 94 of the base 90) can be improved, and the ease of maintenance of the components can be enhanced.

[0207] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the vertical (UD) width of the left opening region OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90 can be equal to or greater than the vertical (UD) width of the main control panel 210.

[0208] In addition, such as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the width of the left opening region OS_Le in the left wall 94 of the base 90 in the left-right direction can be equal to or greater than the width of the main control panel 210 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0209] Therefore, the compressor 110 can be fully exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the left opening region OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0210] As will be described later, the main control panel 210 is configured such that its lower end is supported on the module base 160 according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0211] Therefore, the function of the left wall 94 of the base 90 can be replaced by the left wall portion of the edge wall 1613 of the substrate 161 that constitutes the module base 160.

[0212] In this regard, such as Figure 7 As shown, the compressor 110 is located very close to the left wall 94 of the base 90 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0213] Therefore, it is possible to establish a state where the user can access the compressor 110 without removing the entire heat pump module 100.

[0214] As a result, with the compressor 110 housed in the base 90, the user can take steps to easily maintain the compressor 110.

[0215] In this regard, measures taken for ease of maintenance can be defined as measures that can be taken on a specific component located in the receiving space of the base 90 without extending the specific component from the base into the external space of the base 90, such as cleaning measures for removing foreign matter deposited on the specific component, replenishing or replacing the refrigerant in the specific component, etc.

[0216] Conversely, measures taken for complex maintenance of a specific component can be defined as maintenance measures with a high level of difficulty, such that maintenance can only be performed on the specific component when it is fully extended from the base 90 and completely removed from the base into the external space of the base 90.

[0217] For example, measures taken for complex maintenance of a particular component can be defined as measures that cannot be taken for the particular component when it is received within the base 90, such as the replacement, disassembly, or repair of components of the heat pump module 100 or components housed in the base 90 (such as the water softening device 72 and the washing pump 45).

[0218] In one example, although not shown, the right opening region OS_Ri can be formed in the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0219] The right opening region OS_Ri can be formed in the portion other than the load support portion 97, which is formed at the corner where the front wall 92 and the right wall 95 of the base 90 meet each other.

[0220] Therefore, in a top view of an observer located in the upward direction (U direction) from the dishwasher, the right opening region OS_Ri can be formed as a middle region in the front-back direction (FR direction) including the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0221] Therefore, the accessibility of components (such as water jacket 71, water softening device 72, etc.) located on the right wall 95 of the base 90 of the dishwasher 1 can be improved, and the convenience of maintenance of these components can be improved.

[0222] Therefore, in a manner similar to that of compressor 110, the water softening device 72 can be established in a state where the right opening region OS_Ri formed in the right wall 95 of the base 90 is fully exposed.

[0223] Therefore, in a similar manner to compressor 110, users can take steps to perform simple maintenance on water softening device 72 through the right opening area OS_Ri without removing the entire heat pump module 100.

[0224] In one example, the compressor 110 may be located in the space formed between the blower module 180 housed in the heat exchange duct 170 and the main control panel 210, and positioned as close as possible to the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0225] Therefore, the compressor 110 can be exposed to the airflow flowing into the inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170, and thus the cooling effect of the compressor 110 can be improved.

[0226] Furthermore, since the airflow heated while flowing on and along the compressor 110 is introduced into the heat exchange pipe 170, the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 130 can be further improved compared with related technologies.

[0227] In this respect, in order to increase the area of ​​the compressor exposed to the airflow F_in that will exchange heat with the refrigerant, at least a portion of the compressor 110 may protrude in the forward direction in the front-to-back direction (FR direction) beyond the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0228] More specifically, the volume of the portion of the compressor 110 that protrudes in the forward direction beyond the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be set to be greater than the volume of the portion of the compressor 110 that protrudes in the rearward direction beyond the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0229] In addition, the compressor 110 needs to be located in a position that minimizes interference between the compressor and the storage tank 41 and minimizes the impact of water leaking from the storage tank 41 and the washing pump 45 on the compressor.

[0230] Therefore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the compressor 110 can be located at the rear of the storage tank 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0231] In addition, the compressor 110 can be configured not to overlap with the storage tank 41 and the washing pump 45 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0232] Furthermore, the compressor 110 can be positioned to minimize its overlap with the washing pump 45 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0233] As an example, the compressor 110 may be positioned such that at least the compressor body 111 constituting the compressor 110 and the pump body constituting the washing pump 45 do not overlap in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0234] Therefore, as Figure 8As shown, when the main control panel 210 is removed from the left wall 94 of the base 90, the washing pump 45 can be fully exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the left opening area OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base.

[0235] Therefore, in a similar manner to compressor 110, users can take steps to perform simple maintenance on washing pump 45 through the left opening area OS_Le without having to remove the entire heat pump module 100.

[0236] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include a condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the wash water.

[0237] As an example, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 can be configured as a dual-pipe system, wherein the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant are formed together.

[0238] The condenser 120 can be configured to have a cylindrical external shape, so that the flow paths of the washing water and the refrigerant can be effectively formed therein.

[0239] In other words, the cylindrical condenser 120 can be configured to have a width much larger than its diameter in the direction of extension of the central axis, so as to ensure that the flow paths of the washing water and the refrigerant can be as long as possible along the direction of extension of the central axis.

[0240] However, in order to increase the heating capacity of the washing water or the heat exchange capacity with the washing water, the volume of the condenser 120 needs to be fixed to be greater than or equal to the predetermined level.

[0241] However, the condenser 120 can be mounted in and connected to the base 90, and oriented such that the left-right direction (UD direction) is the longitudinal direction of the condenser, so that the condenser can be effectively and efficiently arranged in the receiving space of the base 90, the receiving space being limited in height in the up-down direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0242] That is, as shown in the figure, the condenser 120 can be configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to and supported by the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90, rather than the module base 160.

[0243] As described above, the washing water flow path and the refrigerant flow path can be formed inside the condenser 120.

[0244] Therefore, among the components constituting the heat pump module 100, the condenser 120 can have the largest weight.

[0245] Therefore, when the heat pump module 100 is configured such that the condenser 120 and other components constituting the heat pump module 100 are mounted and supported on the module base 160, there is a possibility that stress may be concentrated on a specific area of ​​the substrate 161 of the module base 160 due to the weight of the condenser 120 during the extension or retraction process of removing or installing the heat pump module 100 from or into the base 90.

[0246] In other words, in order to prevent the module base 160 from being damaged by stress concentration due to the weight of the condenser 120, the condenser 120 in the heat pump module 100 can be directly or indirectly installed and supported on the base 90.

[0247] As an example, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the condenser 120 directly supported thereon, so that the condenser support 96 indirectly supported on the base 90, can be detachably mounted on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0248] The condenser support 96 may have the following shape: its lower end is detachably connected to the base 90, and its upper end is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the condenser 120 in a state of surface contact with it.

[0249] The structure in which the lower end of the condenser support 96 is detachably connected can be formed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0250] Alternatively, the condenser 120 can be held in a fixed and supported manner at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in the upward direction (U direction) by a condenser support 96 disposed between the condenser 120 and the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0251] Although a single condenser support 96 is used in the illustrated configuration to support and hold the condenser 120 in a supported and fixed manner, the shape and number of condenser supports 96 can vary depending on the size and shape of the condenser 120.

[0252] In one example, the condenser 120, which has a cylindrical external shape, may be composed of separate bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0253] More specifically, the condenser 120, which consists of separate main bodies, may include a first main body 121 in which a water inlet pipe 123 is formed to introduce washing water to be heated.

[0254] As an example, the water inlet pipe 123 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first body 121 and integrally formed therewith.

[0255] Additionally, the condenser 120, which consists of separate main bodies, may include a second main body 122 having a water outlet pipe 124 through which heated washing water is discharged.

[0256] As an example, the water outlet pipe 124 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second body 122 and integrally formed therewith.

[0257] Although not shown, the washing water pipe 190 can be connected to each of the inlet pipe 123 and the outlet pipe 124. The washing water pipe 190 may include a first washing water pipe 191 and a second washing water pipe 192.

[0258] As an example, one end of the first washing water pipe 191 can be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

[0259] The other end of the first washing water pipe 191 can be connected to the inlet or outlet of the aforementioned washing pump 45.

[0260] In other words, the washing water before or after the washing pump 45 pressurizes can be introduced into the condenser 120 through the other end of the first washing water pipe 191.

[0261] The following description will depict a configuration in which the other end of the first wash water pipe 191 is connected to the outlet of the wash pump 45, i.e., the condenser 120 is located downstream of the wash pump 45 and connected to the wash pump in the direction of wash water flow. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0262] Since the condenser 120 is located downstream of and connected to the washing pump 45, the washing water pressurized by the washing pump can be introduced into the inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0263] Alternatively, for example, one end of the second washing water pipe 192 can be connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the second body 122.

[0264] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 can be connected to the aforementioned supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0265] Therefore, heated washing water can be delivered to the sprayer through the second washing water pipe 192 and then through the supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0266] In one example, each of the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 may include a material and shape selected such that each of the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0267] For this purpose, each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 can be made of a material that is stretchable along the longitudinal direction.

[0268] Alternatively, each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 may be formed to have a stretchable shape, such as a corrugated pipe.

[0269] Therefore, the process of pre-removing the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 from the inlet pipe 123 and outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 during the process of removing and disassembling the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 can be omitted.

[0270] In one example, the outlet pipe 124 and the inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 are respectively positioned at a distance from each other at the maximum distance along the longitudinal direction of the condenser 120, so as to improve the heating efficiency of the washing water or the heat exchange efficiency with the washing water.

[0271] Therefore, based on the state shown in the figure, the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 can be positioned as close as possible to the front end of the first body 121.

[0272] In addition, the outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 can be located as close as possible to the rear end of the second body 122.

[0273] In one example, the condenser refrigerant tube in which the gaseous refrigerant is converted into a liquid refrigerant can be housed in the first body 121 and the second body 122 of the condenser 120.

[0274] For example, the condenser refrigerant pipe can be introduced into the condenser 120 through the front end of the first body 121.

[0275] The condenser refrigerant tubes introduced into the condenser 120 can be formed as a multi-layer structure in which the tubes are bent multiple times or a coil structure in which the tubes are wound multiple times, so as to improve the heating efficiency of the washing water or the heat exchange efficiency with the washing water.

[0276] In one example, as shown, the condenser 120 may be positioned in the front of the reservoir 41 and the washing pump 45 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0277] More specifically, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 can be disposed between the storage tank 41 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0278] Additionally, the condenser 120 can be positioned closer to the front wall 92 of the base 90 than the reservoir 41. In other words, the distance between the condenser and the front wall 92 can be smaller than the distance between the reservoir and the front wall 92.

[0279] In this respect, the condenser 120 can be configured such that there is no portion of it protruding forward from the front wall 92 of the base 90. Therefore, interference between the condenser 120 and the lower frame 14 connected to the front surface of the front wall 92 of the base 90 can be minimized.

[0280] More specifically, the lower frame 14 is used to shield the front opening region OS_F formed in the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0281] Therefore, the upper end of the lower frame 14 can be connected to the front edge of the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20.

[0282] In addition, the lower end of the lower frame 14 can be connected to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0283] In this respect, a portion of the lower frame 14 that is connected to the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be a front cover 141 that shields the front opening area OS_F of the base 90.

[0284] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the lower frame 14 may also include a condenser cover 142 that is detachably connected to the front cover 141.

[0285] In one example, one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) may be located on the right side near the center of the reservoir 41.

[0286] Additionally, one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be located on the left side near the center of the reservoir 41.

[0287] For example, one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be the right end of the condenser cover 142.

[0288] Alternatively, for example, one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be the left end of the condenser cover 142.

[0289] Therefore, in the front view of the dishwasher, the condenser 120 can be at least partially covered by the condenser cover 142, and at the same time, the reservoir 41 can be at least partially covered by the condenser cover 142.

[0290] In addition, the width of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be set to be less than or equal to the width of the condenser 120 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), so that the condenser cover 142 can at least partially cover the condenser 120.

[0291] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, a first front gap GF1 can be formed between the front cover 141 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0292] Additionally, a second front gap GF2 can be formed between the condenser cover 142 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0293] The first front clearance GF1 may have a width WGF1 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to the width of the front cover 141 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0294] Additionally, the second front gap GF2 may have a width WGF2 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to the width of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0295] Therefore, external airflow can be introduced into the base 90 through the first front gap GF1. Then, the external airflow can be converted into airflow F_in to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0296] In this respect, as will be described later, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base through the first front gap GF1 can flow through the space between the water softening device 72 and the right wall 95 of the base 90 and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0297] Additionally, the remaining portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the first front gap GF1 can flow through the space between the washing pump 45 and the left wall 94 of the base 90 and flow towards the evaporator 130, thereby generating an airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0298] Additionally, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the second front gap GF2 can flow on and along the condenser 120 located at its rear, and flow through the space between the water softening device 72 and the storage tank 41, and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0299] Additionally, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the second front gap GF2 can flow on and along the condenser 120 located at its rear, and flow through the space between the washing pump 45 and the storage tank 41, and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0300] In this regard, with such Figure 9Similar to the first front gap GF1 and the second front gap GF2 shown, a left gap GL can be formed between the main control panel 210, which is located on the left wall 94 of the base 90, and the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20.

[0301] The left gap GL can be an opening area not covered by the main control panel 210, as part of the left opening area OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0302] Additionally, although not shown, a right gap GR may be formed between the water jacket 71 and the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0303] The right gap GR can be an opening area not covered by the water jacket 71, as part of the right opening area OS_Ri formed in the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0304] As described above, multiple gaps can be formed in the front opening region OS_F formed in the front wall 92 of the base 90, the left opening region OS_Le formed in the left wall 94, and the right opening region OS_Ri formed in the right wall 95, through which external airflow can be introduced into the base 90.

[0305] Thus, the dishwasher of this disclosure can be configured such that external airflow can be introduced into the base 90 in various directions, in addition to through the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0306] Therefore, waste heat from components installed inside the base 90 that generate heat during its operation can be effectively collected, and overheating of components that may occur when the airflow F_in, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant, fails to reach a specific part of the base 90 can be effectively prevented.

[0307] Please refer to later Figure 16 The flow of external airflow introduced into the base 90 through gaps formed in various directions and the airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant is described.

[0308] In one example, the condenser cover 142 can be detached from the lower frame 14 when the lower frame 14 is connected to the front wall 92 of the base 90 and when the front cover 141 is connected to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0309] Therefore, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the condenser cover 142 is removed from the front cover 141, the condenser 120 can be established to be at least partially exposed through the opening area created by the removal of the condenser cover 142 from the front cover.

[0310] Furthermore, when the lower frame 14 is completely removed from the front wall 92 of the base 90, the condenser 120 can be made to be fully exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the front opening region OS_F formed in the front wall 92.

[0311] The front opening region OS_F can be formed in the portion other than the load support portion 97, which is formed at the corner where the front wall 92 of the base 90 and the left wall 94 of the base 90 meet each other, and at the corner where the front wall 92 of the base 90 and the right wall 95 of the base 90 meet each other.

[0312] Therefore, in a top view of an observer in the upward direction (U direction) from the dishwasher, the front opening region OS_F can be formed as a middle region in the front-rear direction (FR direction) including the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0313] Therefore, accessibility to components of the dishwasher 1 (such as the condenser 120 located near the front wall 92 of the base 90) can be improved, and the ease of maintenance of the components can be enhanced.

[0314] As shown in the figure, the width of the front opening region OS_F in the vertical direction (UD direction) formed in the front wall 92 of the base 90 can be greater than the width of the condenser 120 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0315] In addition, the width of the left opening region OS_Le in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) formed in the front wall 92 of the base 90 can be greater than the width of the condenser 120 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0316] Therefore, it is possible to establish a state in which the condenser 120 is completely exposed to the external space relative to the internal space of the base 90 through the front opening region OS_F.

[0317] Therefore, users can perform simple maintenance on the condenser 120 without removing the entire heat pump module 100.

[0318] Furthermore, since the condenser 120 is positioned in such a location, the linear distance from the inlet pipe 123 and outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 to the inlet and outlet of the storage tank 41 or the washing pump 45 can be minimized.

[0319] Therefore, the length of the first wash water pipe 191 connected to the inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 and the length of the second wash water pipe 192 connected to the outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 can be minimized.

[0320] Furthermore, the space occupied by the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 within the interior space of the base 90 can be minimized. This improves the space utilization rate of the base 90's accommodating space.

[0321] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the condenser extends along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) as its longitudinal direction, which ensures that the condenser 120 has a greater length in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction). Therefore, the heat exchange capacity of the condenser 120 can be increased.

[0322] Furthermore, the condenser 120 can be positioned at the maximum distance from the evaporator 130 along the front-rear direction (FR direction). Therefore, the influence of the airflow F_in, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, on the condenser 120 can be minimized.

[0323] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include an evaporator 130 into which refrigerant that has flowed through the condenser 120 is introduced, and where the liquid refrigerant is phase-transformed into a gaseous refrigerant.

[0324] As described above, the evaporator 130 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing through it undergoes a phase change while exchanging heat with the airflow F_in generated by the air in the housing space of the base 90.

[0325] Therefore, in a manner similar to that of the condenser refrigerant tubes received in the condenser, the evaporator 130 may include evaporator refrigerant tubes 131 formed in a multi-row and multi-layer structure, wherein the tubes are bent multiple times.

[0326] Therefore, the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the airflow that will exchange heat with the refrigerant can be maximized. As will be described later, as an example, an evaporator 130 including an evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 can be applied, which can be bent multiple times to have a three-row / four-layer structure.

[0327] In one example, the evaporator refrigerant tube of evaporator 130 may be configured such that the refrigerant flowing therein may exchange heat with the internal air of the housing space of base 90 or with external air introduced from outside base 90.

[0328] Figure 6 The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment by way of example, wherein the evaporator refrigerant tubes of the evaporator 130 are configured such that the refrigerant flowing therein exchanges heat with the interior air of the housing space of the base 90.

[0329] This disclosure is described as a configuration in which internal air in the containment space of the base 90 exchanges heat with refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 of the evaporator 130 and is then discharged to the outside. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0330] In one example, when the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 of the evaporator 130 exchange heat with the internal air of the base 90, a flow path or channel needs to be formed so that the heat-exchanged air is discharged from the base 90 to the outside through the flow path or channel.

[0331] In this respect, along the shortest path, the internal air should flow through the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 and out to the outside from the base 90.

[0332] Therefore, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 can be located as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0333] In one example, to maximize the heat exchange efficiency with the internal air of the base 90, the evaporator refrigerant tube of the evaporator 130 can be housed in the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170, which forms a heat exchange flow path or heat exchange channel.

[0334] Therefore, with the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 housed in the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170, the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be positioned as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0335] Preferably, the heat exchange pipe 170 can be disposed on the module base 160, so that the rear surface of the pipe body 171 is in maximum close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0336] In one example, because the pipe body 171 is in maximum close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90, the air outlet 934, which is the rear opening region OS_R, can be formed to pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0337] Therefore, the airflow F_out that undergoes heat exchange while flowing through the pipe body 171 can pass through the air outlet 934 and can be smoothly discharged to the outside from the base 90.

[0338] Additionally, as described below, the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and the heat exchange fins 132 constituting the evaporator 130 can be exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the air outlet 934, which serves as the rear opening region OS_R.

[0339] Therefore, it is possible to establish a state where the user can access the evaporator 130 without removing the entire heat pump module 100.

[0340] As a result, with the evaporator 130 housed in the base 90, the user can take steps to easily maintain the compressor 110.

[0341] In one example, a blower module 180 may be located inside the duct body 171 to accelerate the internal air in the base 90, thereby generating an airflow F_in to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 of the evaporator 130.

[0342] In this regard, as an example, the blower module 180 can be configured to include only a single blower fan 181 and a single blower motor 182. Therefore, the increase in the volume of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be minimized as much as possible.

[0343] In addition, it can improve the space utilization rate of the base 90.

[0344] The following will refer to Figures 12 to 15 The detailed construction of the heat exchange pipe 170 that houses the evaporator 130 and the blower module 180, and the air outlet 934 formed in the rear wall 93 of the base 90 is described.

[0345] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include an expansion valve 140 disposed between the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0346] In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion valve 140 may be positioned in front of the compressor 110, as a location that minimizes its interference with the compressor 110 and the condenser 120.

[0347] In one example, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160 on which the compressor 110, condenser 120, evaporator 130 and refrigerant pipe 150, as described above, are mounted and supported.

[0348] More specifically, as shown in the figure, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped substrate 161.

[0349] The compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 can be fixed together to the upper surface of the substrate 161, and the compressor 110 and the evaporator 130 can be supported together on it.

[0350] As described above, a plurality of fastening bosses 164 may be formed on and integrally formed on the upper surface of the substrate 161, such that the compressor 110, the condenser 120 and the evaporator 130 may be individually fastened to and supported on the substrate.

[0351] However, considering the limited space for the base 90 in the vertical direction (UD direction), the thickness of the substrate 161 can be set to be approximately constant over its entire area.

[0352] However, the heat pump module 100 is configured to extend or retract completely and once from the base 90 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) while the compressor 110, evaporator 130, etc. are together fixed to the module base 160.

[0353] Therefore, in order to prevent the heat pump module from being damaged during the process of extending from and retracting into the base and to ensure its predetermined rigidity, the reinforcing ribs 1612 extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the front-back direction (FR direction) can be integrally formed and disposed on the upper or lower surface of the substrate 161.

[0354] In one example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shape of the module base 160 can be determined by taking into account the corresponding positions and arrangement directions of the compressor 110, condenser 120 and evaporator 130.

[0355] In addition, the external shape of the module base 160 can be determined to have a shape that can spatially avoid the storage tank 41 and washing pump 45 disposed in the base 90.

[0356] Given this shape, in the top view of the dishwasher, as an example, the substrate 161 of the module base 160 can have an L-shape that is upside down and left-right reversed.

[0357] In this respect, the rear edge of the substrate 161 can extend linearly along the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0358] In addition, the left edge of the substrate can extend linearly along the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0359] In one example, as described above, the main control panel 210 may be mounted on the left wall 94 of the base 90 for detachable attachment to the left wall.

[0360] The main control panel 210 controls the operation of electrical / electronic components such as the washing pump 45, compressor 110, and blower motor 182 by controlling the power supply to these components.

[0361] Therefore, in order to minimize the impact of water leaking from the water jacket 71, water softening device 72, storage tank 41 and washing pump 45 on the main control panel 210, the main control panel 210 can be set in a location as far away as possible in a manner similar to the prior art, i.e., set on the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0362] Therefore, such as Figures 6 to 8As shown, the main control panel 210 can be set along the edge of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0363] Additionally, the main control panel 210 can be set to a state that obscures the left opening area OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0364] In addition, in order to minimize damage to the main control panel 210 due to water leakage, the main control panel 210 may be located at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in the upward direction (U direction).

[0365] However, as described above, the heat pump module 100 of this disclosure is configured to extend from and retract into the base 90 via the left wall 94 of the base 90 on which the main control panel 210 is mounted.

[0366] In other words, the heat pump module 100 of this disclosure can be configured to extend from the base 90 when moving horizontally in the left direction (Le direction) and retract into the base 90 when moving horizontally in the right direction (Ri direction).

[0367] Therefore, considering that the main control panel 210 is located at a position where it interferes with the heat pump module 100 extending from or retracting into the base 90, the main control panel 210 can be configured to be at least partially mounted on the module base 160 and at least partially supported on the module base 160.

[0368] Figures 6 to 8 An example configuration is shown in which the main control panel 210 is fully supported on the module base 160.

[0369] A pair of mounting ribs 162, serving as a device for supporting and fixing the main control panel 210, can be provided on the module base 160.

[0370] The main control panel 210 can be fastened to a pair of mounting ribs 162 using fastening devices such as bolts (not shown).

[0371] Although not shown, the main control panel 210 can be fastened to the left wall 94 of the base 90 at a location different from the mounting rib 162 using separate bolts or the like.

[0372] Additionally, the slot to which the lower end of the main control panel 210 is connected can be formed between a pair of mounting ribs 162 and extend elongated in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0373] In one example, since the main control panel 210 is configured to be at least partially supported on the module base 160, the area on which the main control panel 210 is mounted can be defined in the substrate 161.

[0374] like Figure 6 As shown, the area where the main control panel 210 is installed can be defined on the left side around the area of ​​the substrate 161 where the heat pump module 100 is installed.

[0375] Therefore, the substrate 161 can be divided into a first region A1 and a second region A2. The components of the heat pump module 100 are mounted on the first region A1, and the main control panel 210 is mounted on the second region A2.

[0376] As shown in the figure, the second region A2 can extend along the front-rear direction (FR direction) and is confined within the left edge of the substrate 161.

[0377] Additionally, the second region A2 may have a width in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to the thickness in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the main control panel 210.

[0378] In one example, the lower surface of the substrate 161 of the module base 160 can be fully mounted on the base 90 in a state of surface contact with the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0379] The mounting surface that is coupled to the substrate 161 to be in surface contact can be defined as the upper surface of the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0380] The mounting surface of the base 90 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the substrate 161 of the module base 160 and an area corresponding to the area size of the substrate 161 of the module base 160.

[0381] In one example, a guide rib 911 protruding from the bottom surface portion 91 in the upward direction (U direction) can be integrally formed with and disposed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0382] like Figure 5 As shown, the guide rib 911 can extend along the outer edge of the substrate 161 of the module base 160.

[0383] Additionally, the guide rib 911 can be formed in a barrier shape to have a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the substrate 161.

[0384] Therefore, the process of installing the heat pump module 100 into the correct position can be effectively guided by the guide ribs 911 of the base 90.

[0385] In addition, the guide ribs 911 of the base 90 can effectively prevent the heat pump module 100 from being removed from the correct position.

[0386] In addition, when the heat pump module 100 is moved horizontally in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) to be installed in the base and removed from the base, the direction of movement of the heat pump module 100 can be effectively guided by the guide ribs 911 of the base 90.

[0387] [Detailed construction of the air outlet of the heat exchange duct and base]

[0388] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 12 to 15 The detailed construction of the heat exchange conduit 170 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure and the detailed construction of the air outlet 934 that discharges the airflow F_out which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange conduit 170 are described.

[0389] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 14 According to this disclosure, the heat exchange pipe 170 of the heat pump module 100 may include a pipe body 171 in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and the blower module 180 are housed.

[0390] The pipe body 171 is used to house the heat exchange fins 132 and the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 that constitute the evaporator 130.

[0391] For this purpose, the pipe body 171 may include a first pipe section 1711, in which an evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 are housed.

[0392] As shown in the figure, considering the shape of the evaporator 130, where the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) is the longitudinal direction of the evaporator 130 and the front-back direction (FR direction) is its thickness direction, the first pipe portion 1711 can be constructed into the shape of a hollow hexahedral box, where the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) is the longitudinal direction of the first pipe portion 1711 and the front-back direction (FR direction) is its thickness direction.

[0393] Additionally, the main pipe body 171 may include a second pipe section 1712 therein, which houses the blower module 180.

[0394] As shown in the figure, as an example, the blower module 180 may include only a single blower fan 181 and a single blower motor 182.

[0395] Due to the size limitations of the area where the blower module 180 is installed in the vertical direction (UD direction), the blower fan 181 constituting the blower module 180 can be configured to have a smaller diameter than the width of the evaporator 130 in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0396] Therefore, the width of the second pipe section 1712 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be smaller than the width of the first pipe section 1711 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0397] In other words, the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe section 1712 can be set to be smaller than the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipe section 1711.

[0398] Therefore, when the second pipe section 1712 is directly connected to the first pipe section 1711, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel through which the gas flow F_in to exchange heat with the refrigerant passes changes rapidly, which may result in a large flow resistance and flow loss due to the generation of eddies or turbulence.

[0399] Therefore, a third pipe section 1713 can be provided between the first pipe section 1711 and the second pipe section 1712, and the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the third pipe section 1713 gradually increases.

[0400] More specifically, taking into account the flow direction of the airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the third duct section 1713 may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually increases as the third duct section 1713 extends from the front side to the rear side.

[0401] As shown in the figure, the rear end of the third pipe portion 1713 can be integrally formed with and connected to the first pipe portion 1711, and the front end of the third pipe portion 1713 can be integrally formed with and connected to the second pipe portion 1712.

[0402] In one example, heat exchange conduit 170 is used to form a channel through which gas flow F_in, which is to exchange heat with the refrigerant in evaporator 130, flows.

[0403] Therefore, each of the first pipe portion 1711, the second pipe portion 1712, and the third pipe portion 1713 constituting the heat exchange pipe 170 can be configured to have a hollow shape.

[0404] The air inlet 170a, which introduces the airflow F_in to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, can be formed as the front end face passing through the second duct section 1712.

[0405] The exhaust port 170b, which discharges the airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, can be formed as the rear end face passing through the first duct section 1711.

[0406] Therefore, as Figure 14As shown, the internal airflow introduced into the base 90 through the air inlet 170a can be accelerated by the blower fan 181 to generate airflow F_in, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange fins 132 and the evaporator refrigerant tubes 131.

[0407] In this respect, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow gradually expands as the air flows through the third duct section 1713, and the airflow F_in can diffuse uniformly toward the evaporator refrigerant tube 131 and the heat exchange fins 132.

[0408] As will be described later, an air filter 174 for filtering foreign matter contained in the airflow F_in introduced through the air inlet 170a can be disposed in front of the air inlet 170a. (See below for further details.) Figures 19 to 22 Describe the detailed construction of air filter 174.

[0409] The airflow F_out, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange fins 132 and the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131, can flow through the exhaust port 170b formed to pass through the rear end face of the first pipe section 1711, and thus be discharged to the outside from the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0410] In this respect, the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 170b of the first pipe section 1711 can be set to be smaller than the area of ​​the space occupied by the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131.

[0411] As will be described later, this dimensional setting is taken into account the opening area size of the air outlet 934, which is formed as the rear opening region OS_R through the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0412] As will be described later, the area of ​​the air outlet 934 formed in the rear wall 93 of the base 90 can be set to be smaller than the area of ​​the space occupied by the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131.

[0413] In order to modularize the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 together with the condenser 120 and the compressor 110 into a single module as a heat pump module, the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be detachably connected to the substrate 161 of the module base 160, or it can be integrally formed with and connected to the substrate 161 of the module base 160.

[0414] Figures 12 to 14 The diagram shows a structure in which the lower ends of the first pipe portion 1711, the second pipe portion 1712, and the third pipe portion 1713 constituting the pipe body 171 are integrally formed with and connected to the upper surface of the substrate 161.

[0415] In the following description, the configuration in which each of the first conduit portion 1711, the second conduit portion 1712, and the third conduit portion 1713 is integrally formed with and connected to the substrate 161 will be described by way of example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0416] In one example, a blower module 180 for generating an airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange fins 132 of the evaporator 130 and the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 may be located inside the pipe body 171.

[0417] In this regard, in order to minimize the increase in the volume of the heat exchange pipe 170 and increase its space utilization, the blower module 180 may include a single blower fan 181 and a single blower motor 182.

[0418] In the illustrated embodiment, the blower fan 181 is embodied as an axial flow fan for generating axial airflow. However, this is merely an example, and blower fans with structures varying depending on the design conditions of the duct body 171 can be applied. For example, a Sirocco fan as a centrifugal fan can be used.

[0419] In this respect, due to the limitations of the vertical (UD) and horizontal (Le-Ri) dimensions of the area where the blower module 180 is installed, the blower fan 181 constituting the blower module 180 can be configured to have a diameter smaller than each of the horizontal (Le-Ri) and vertical (UD) widths of the evaporator 130.

[0420] As shown in the figure, the blower motor 182 can be supported by the bracket 183 so that it is exposed to the airflow F_in to exchange heat with the refrigerant.

[0421] like Figure 13 As shown, a slot 1712a having a width in the front-rear direction (FR direction) corresponding to the width of the support 183 of the blower module 180 can be formed in the second pipe section 1712.

[0422] With the blower motor 182 and blower fan 181 connected to the bracket 183, the bracket 183 can be slidably inserted into the slot. Therefore, the bracket 183 can be connected to the slot 1712a of the second pipe section 1712.

[0423] In one example, each of the first pipe portion 1711, the second pipe portion 1712, and the third pipe portion 1713 constituting the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be configured such that its upper surface is completely open.

[0424] The heat exchange pipe 170 may also include a pipe cover 172 for closing the open upper surfaces of the first pipe portion 1711, the second pipe portion 1712 and the third pipe portion 1713 that constitute the pipe body 171.

[0425] As shown in the figure, as an example, the pipe cover 172 can be configured to simultaneously close all of the upper end face of the first pipe portion 1711, the upper end face of the second pipe portion 1712, and the upper end face of the third pipe portion 1713.

[0426] More specifically, the pipe cover 172 may include a first cover portion 1721 for closing the open upper surface of the first pipe portion 1711, and a second cover portion 1722 for closing the open upper surface of the second pipe portion 1712 and the open upper surface of the third pipe portion 1713.

[0427] As shown in the figure, the first cover portion 1721 and the second cover portion 1722 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0428] Therefore, the amount of airflow F_out that leaks into the housing space of the base 90 during heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchange fins 132 and the evaporator refrigerant tubes 131 can be minimized.

[0429] Therefore, the phenomenon that the airflow F_out, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange fins 132 and the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131, is reintroduced into the heat exchange pipe 170 or leaks into the tank 20 and the storage tank 41 to reduce the temperature of the washing water can be minimized.

[0430] In addition, the pipe cover 172 can be detachably attached to the upper end face of the pipe body 171.

[0431] In order to make the pipe cover detachably attached to the pipe body, the downwardly extending fastening tab 112 can be integrally formed with and disposed thereon on each of the left and right end faces of the first cover portion 1721.

[0432] The capturing protrusions 1711a of the fastening tabs 112 that capture and connect respectively can be integrally formed and disposed on the left and right surfaces of the first pipe portion 1711 respectively in a manner corresponding to the fastening tabs 112.

[0433] Therefore, in order to maintain and repair the evaporator 130 and blower module 180 of the heat pump module 100, the heat pump module 100 can be removed from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 and can extend from the base through the open left wall 94 of the base 90, and then only the pipe cover 172 can be removed independently from the pipe body 171.

[0434] Therefore, even if only the pipe cover 172 is removed from the pipe body 171, the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and the blower module 180 housed in the pipe body 171 can be repaired or replaced. This improves the ease of maintenance and repair of the evaporator 130 and the blower module 180.

[0435] In one example, as described above, the heat exchange conduit 170 is configured such that the airflow F_out, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, flows through the exhaust port 170b of the heat exchange conduit 170 and is discharged to the outside from the dishwasher 1.

[0436] Therefore, the air outlet 934, which serves as the rear opening region OS_R, can be formed to pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90 of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0437] like Figure 15 As shown, a pair of column portions 9311 of the load supporting the barrel 20 can be integrally formed with and disposed on the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0438] To prevent a reduction in the strength of the base, it may be difficult to form an air outlet 934 at the location of each of the pair of column portions 9311.

[0439] Therefore, the air outlet 934 of the base 90 can be positioned and formed at a location that avoids the position of a pair of column portions 9311.

[0440] Preferably, as shown in the figure, the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be located in the area between a pair of column portions 9311 arranged in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), and the air outlet 934 can be formed directly behind the pipe body 171.

[0441] like Figure 15 As shown, in order to distribute the load of the bucket 20, a pair of column portions 9311 can be formed in symmetrical positions around the center line in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the base 90.

[0442] Therefore, each of the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 and the air outlet 934 of the base 90 can be positioned approximately at the center in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0443] However, as shown in the figure, the rear wall 93 of the base 90 can be configured to have a stepped shape.

[0444] More specifically, the rear wall 93 of the base 90 may include an upper wall portion 931 and a lower wall portion 932, the lower wall portion 932 being recessed from the upper wall portion 931 in the forward direction in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0445] Therefore, a stepped space that is recessed in the forward direction can be formed between the upper wall portion 931 and the ground of the supporting base 90.

[0446] Such a stepped space can provide an area where water supply pipes, drainage pipes, or power cables passing through the lower wall portion 932 of the rear wall 93 of the base 90 and connected to the heat pump module are installed.

[0447] In one example, as described above, the heat exchange conduit 170 is configured to be in close contact with the front surface of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0448] Therefore, the exhaust port 170b of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be positioned to be included in the region of the upper wall portion 931 and the lower wall portion 932 of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0449] Considering the location of the exhaust port 170b, the air outlet 934 can be formed as a region passing through the upper wall portion 931 and the lower wall portion 932 of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0450] Therefore, the upper edge of the air outlet 934 can be disposed in the upper wall surface portion 931 of the rear wall 93, and the lower edge of the air outlet 934 can be disposed in the lower wall surface portion 932 of the rear wall 93.

[0451] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, a canopy-shaped air shielding portion 933 can be formed on the rear and top of the air outlet 934.

[0452] The airflow F_out discharged through air outlet 934 can be guided by the air shielding portion 933 of rear wall 93 and the stepped shape of rear wall 93 of base 90 to move along the stepped space.

[0453] In other words, the stepped space can be used as a channel through which the airflow F_out, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant, flows.

[0454] In one example, guide vanes 935 for guiding the flow direction of the heat exchange airflow F_out can be provided on the air outlet 934 of the base 90.

[0455] For example, the guide vane 935 can be configured to guide the heat exchange airflow F_out in a separate manner, such that a portion of the airflow F_out flows in the left direction (L direction), while another portion of the airflow F_out flows in the right direction (R direction).

[0456] For this purpose, the guide vane 935 may include a plurality of first vanes 9351 that guide the heat exchange airflow F_out to flow in the stepped space in a leftward direction (Le direction).

[0457] Additionally, the guide vane 935 may include a plurality of second vanes 9352 that guide the heat exchange airflow F_out in the stepped space in a rightward direction (Ri direction).

[0458] Additionally, the guide vane 935 may also include a blade frame 9353 that supports each of the plurality of first blades 9351 and the plurality of second blades 9352.

[0459] As shown in the figure, each of the plurality of first blades 9351 and the plurality of second blades 9352 can be connected to the blade frame 9353 to extend in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0460] The blade frame 9353 can be configured as a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the shape of the air outlet 934 of the base 90.

[0461] Due to the first blade 9351 and the second blade 9352 of the guide vane 935, the amount of heat exchange airflow F_out flowing over the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 and returning to the receiving space of the base 90 can be minimized.

[0462] Additionally, as shown in the figure, the blade frame 9353 can be detachably connected to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0463] When the blade frame 9353, together with the first blade 9351 and the second blade 9352, is removed from the rear wall 93 of the base 90, the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 constituting the evaporator 130 can be established to be at least partially exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the air outlet 934, which serves as the rear opening region OS_R.

[0464] Therefore, when only the guide vane 935 has been removed from the base 90, a state in which the user can access the compressor 110 can be established without removing the entire heat pump module 100.

[0465] Therefore, with the evaporator 130 housed in the heat exchange pipe 170, the user can take steps to easily maintain the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and the heat exchange pipe 170 that constitute the evaporator 130.

[0466] Furthermore, the internal space of the heat exchange duct 170 can be exposed to the external space outside the base 90 through the rearward-opening air outlet 934. Therefore, cleaning of the interior of the heat exchange duct 170 can be easily performed.

[0467] In one example, as described above, the dishwasher is configured such that the airflow F_in, which is to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, exchanges heat with the air introduced from outside the dishwasher 1 into the housing space of the base 90.

[0468] In this respect, the dishwasher 1 can be configured such that air introduced from outside the dishwasher 1 into the receiving space of the base 90 can be introduced into the interior of the base 90 in all directions except through the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0469] First, such as Figure 16 As shown, external air can be introduced into the base 90 through the first front gap GF1 and the second front gap GF2 formed on the front wall 92 side of the base 90, thereby generating an airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0470] As described above, the first front gap GF1 can be formed between the front cover 141 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0471] The first front clearance GF1 may have a width WGF1 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to the width of the front cover 141 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0472] In this respect, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base through the first front gap GF1 can flow through the space between the water softening device 72 and the right wall 95 of the base 90 and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0473] Additionally, the remaining portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the first front gap GF1 can flow through the space between the washing pump 45 and the left wall 94 of the base 90 and flow towards the evaporator 130, thereby generating an airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0474] Additionally, as described above, a second front gap GF2 can be formed between the condenser cover 142 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0475] In this respect, the right end of one of the two opposite ends in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the condenser cover 142 can be located on the right side near the center of the reservoir 41.

[0476] Additionally, the left end of one of the two opposing ends in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the condenser cover 142 may be located on the left side near the center of the reservoir 41.

[0477] Therefore, in the front view of the dishwasher, the condenser 120 can be at least partially covered by the condenser cover 142, and at the same time, the reservoir 41 can be at least partially covered by the condenser cover 142.

[0478] In addition, the width of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be set to be less than or equal to the width of the condenser 120 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), so that the condenser cover 142 can at least partially cover the condenser 120.

[0479] In this respect, the second front gap GF2 may have a width WGF2 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to the width of the condenser cover 142 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0480] Therefore, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the second front gap GF2 can flow on and along the condenser 120 located at its rear, and flow through the space between the water softening device 72 and the storage tank 41, and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0481] Additionally, a portion of the airflow introduced into the base 90 through the second front gap GF2 can flow on and along the condenser 120 located at its rear, and flow through the space between the washing pump 45 and the storage tank 41, and flow toward the evaporator 130, so that an airflow F_in can be generated to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130.

[0482] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, in a similar manner to the first front gap GF1 and the second front gap GF2, the left gap GL can be formed between the lower wall 25 of the barrel 20 and the main control panel 210 disposed on the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0483] The left gap GL can be an opening area not covered by the main control panel 210, as part of the left opening area OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0484] As shown in the figure, the width WGL of the left gap GL in the front-back direction (FR direction) can be greater than each of the width WGF1 of the first front gap GF1 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the width WGF2 of the second front gap GF2 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0485] In other words, the dimensions of each of the widths WGF1 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the first front gap GF1 and the width WGF2 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the second front gap GF2 can be smaller than the width WGL in the front-back direction (FR direction) of the left gap GL.

[0486] In addition, the area size of the first front gap GF1 and the area size of the second front gap GF2 can be smaller than the area size of the left gap GL.

[0487] Therefore, the flow rate of the airflow F_in generated by the first front gap GF1 and the second front gap GF2 to exchange heat with the refrigerant is very small, making it difficult for the user to sense the airflow as they pass by the front of the dishwasher 1, thereby increasing the convenience of use.

[0488] Alternatively, a structure can be formed in which a large volume of air is drawn from the space between the dishwasher and the furniture or wall located on the left or right side of the dishwasher 1 through the left or right gap into the base, and the flow resistance of the drawn air is reduced.

[0489] Additionally, although not shown, the right gap GR can be formed between the water jacket 71 and the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0490] The right gap GR can be an opening area not covered by the water jacket 71, as part of the right opening area OS_Ri formed in the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0491] In this respect, each of the left gap GL and the right gap GR has a relatively larger opening area size than each of the first front gap GF1 and the second front gap GF2.

[0492] Therefore, an external airflow with a relatively large flow rate can be introduced toward the compressor 110, generating a relatively large amount of heat in the compressor 110.

[0493] Therefore, the waste heat collection effect and overheat prevention effect of compressor 110 can be further improved.

[0494] In one example, as described above, the airflow F_out, which has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 130, is discharged from the dishwasher 1 to the outside through the air outlet 934 formed at the center of the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0495] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the width of the air outlet 934 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be smaller than the width WGF1 in the left-right direction of the first front gap GF1.

[0496] In addition, the width of the air outlet 934 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be set to be smaller than the front-back direction width WGL of the left clearance GL.

[0497] In addition, the width of the air outlet 934 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be set to be smaller than the front-back width WGR of the right clearance GR.

[0498] Therefore, according to this disclosure, in addition to the rear wall 93 of the base 90, external airflow can be uniformly introduced into the base 90 in all directions through the front wall 92, left wall 94, and right wall 95. The introduced airflow can become an airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant and converges toward the air outlet 934 formed at the center of the rear wall 93.

[0499] Therefore, waste heat from components installed inside the base 90 that generate heat during operation can be effectively collected, and overheating of components that may occur when the airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant fails to reach a specific part of the base 90 can be effectively prevented.

[0500] [Detailed structure of the air filter and the structure in which the air filter is removed from the base]

[0501] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 17 to 22 The detailed construction of the air filter 174 of the heat pump module 100 according to this disclosure is described.

[0502] As described above, the evaporator 130 is housed in the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0503] In addition, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency with the airflow of the evaporator refrigerant pipe 131 and heat exchange fins 132 constituting the evaporator 130, the airflow F_in generated under the operation of the blower module 180 is forced into the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0504] Therefore, when the airflow F_in that exchanges heat with the refrigerant contains foreign objects, foreign objects such as dust can be introduced into the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0505] In addition, the evaporator refrigerant tube 131 and heat exchange fins 132 housed in the heat exchange pipe 170 can generate condensate while exchanging heat with the introduced airflow F_in.

[0506] The presence of condensate and foreign matter such as dust creates a contaminated environment, making it highly likely to produce odors.

[0507] The heat pump module 100 according to this disclosure may include an air filter 174 as a means for filtering foreign matter such as dust contained in the airflow F_in introduced into the heat exchange duct 170 as described above.

[0508] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air filter 174 can be disposed in front of the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 while blocking the air inlet 170a, so as to filter the airflow F_in introduced into the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0509] However, due to the characteristics of the air filter 174, it will become clogged in a fairly short period of time, and a cleaning process to remove the filtered foreign matter should be performed frequently.

[0510] In this respect, as described above, the airflow F_in is formed through the air inlet 170a introduced into the pipe body 171 as a portion of the front surface of the pipe body 171 that passes through the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0511] As described above, the air inlet 170a is formed in the front surface portion of the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170, and the air filter 174 is inevitably located at a position that makes it difficult for the user to approach or remove the air filter through the air outlet 934 formed in the rear wall 93 of the base 90 and which serves as the rear opening area OS_R.

[0512] However, the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be positioned at a location where the user can approach the air inlet 170a through the left opening area OS_Le formed in the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0513] In addition, the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be positioned at a location where the user can approach the air inlet 170a through the aforementioned right opening area OS_Ri.

[0514] However, in order for a user to access the air filter 174 through the left opening area OS_Le or the right opening area OS_Ri of the base 90, the process of removing the left side panel 12 or the right side panel 13 that constitutes the housing 10 should be performed first.

[0515] Therefore, as mentioned above, in order to remove the air filter 174, the process of removing the left side panel 12 or the right side panel 13 of the housing 10 should be performed first, which causes considerable inconvenience to the user.

[0516] To minimize this inconvenience, the air filter 174 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be detachable from the base 90 via the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0517] Additionally, the air filter 174 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be coupled to the base 90 so that it is relatively movable relative to the heat exchange conduit 170.

[0518] More specifically, such as Figure 17 As shown, the air filter 174 may include a rectangular screen 1741 that filters the airflow F_in introduced into the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0519] Screen 1741 is used to filter out foreign objects, such as dust contained in the airflow F_in introduced into the air inlet 170a.

[0520] Therefore, screen 1741 may include a screen network with a spacing between the lines, the size of which prevents small foreign objects such as dust from passing through.

[0521] In this respect, the screen network constituting the screen 1741 may include a metal mesh or a plastic mesh.

[0522] However, as will be described later, the screen 1741 is configured to be deformable in shape during the movement process in which the screen is mounted on the base 90.

[0523] Therefore, the material and spacing between the wires constituting the screen 1741 can be determined so that the screen mesh has rigidity, which is controlled so that the screen mesh can easily deform during the movement process.

[0524] Additionally, as shown in the figure, the screen 1741 is introduced into the base 90 through the rear wall 93 of the base 90, and then moved to a position where the screen completely covers the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0525] Therefore, the width W1 of the screen 1741 in the vertical direction (UD direction) can be at least greater than the width W3 of the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0526] In addition, the width W2 of the screen 1741 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) can be at least greater than the width of the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0527] In addition, the width W2 of the screen 1741 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) can be greater than the width of the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0528] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, the air filter 174 may also include a handle 1742 connected to the rear end of the screen 1741.

[0529] As will be described later, the handle 1742 can be gripped by the user during the removal of the air filter 174.

[0530] Therefore, the handle 1742 can be configured to be exposed to the outside of the base 90 without being introduced into the internal space of the base 90, so that a state in which the user can always grip the handle 1742 can be established.

[0531] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the horizontal stiffness of the screen 1741 is set to be quite low, so that the shape of the screen can deform during the movement of the screen.

[0532] As shown in the figure, the handle 1742 is connected to the rear end of the screen 1741 and extends in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0533] Therefore, the vertical rigidity of the screen 1741 can be strengthened by the handle 1742, and the screen 1741 can be prevented from deforming due to its own weight when it is mounted on the base 90.

[0534] In one example, an air filter 174 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be detachably coupled to a base 90 while passing through the rear wall 93 of the base 90, as described above.

[0535] Therefore, the slit 936 through which the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 passes can be formed to pass through the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0536] In this respect, the slit 936 can extend in the vertical direction (UD direction) so that the screen 1741 is in an upright state, that is, the thickness direction of the screen 1741 becomes the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0537] In one example, the width of the slit 936 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be greater than the thickness of the screen 1741.

[0538] In addition, the width of the slit 936 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can be smaller than the width of the handle 1742 in the horizontal direction.

[0539] Therefore, it is possible to establish a state in which the screen 1741 can easily pass through the slit 936 while the handle 1742 cannot pass through the slit 936.

[0540] In this respect, when the slit extends in the front-back direction, the width of the slit 936 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) can remain approximately constant.

[0541] In one example, an air filter 174 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on a base 90 so as to be relatively movable relative to the heat exchange conduit 170 and the base 90.

[0542] In other words, as will be described later, when the front end of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 is inserted into the slit 936 and their relative movement begins and continues, the area of ​​the portion of the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange duct 170 that is covered by the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 can gradually increase.

[0543] The base 90 may include a guide rail 912 configured to support the screen 1741 of the air filter 174, such that the screen slides on and along the guide rail.

[0544] As an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the guide rail 912 can extend continuously from the slit 936 to the left end of the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170.

[0545] In this respect, the guide rail 912 can be formed as a barrier shape that protrudes upward (in the U direction) from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0546] As shown in the figure, the guide rail 912 can be formed at a position that overlaps with the guide rib 911 formed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0547] Therefore, the guide rail 912 can be provided by forming a portion of the guide rib 911 formed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 into a double-walled shape.

[0548] In one example, the guide rail 912 may be formed with a guide groove recessed from its upper surface in a downward direction (D direction).

[0549] The lower edge of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 is inserted into the guide groove.

[0550] Therefore, the width of the guide groove can be equal to or slightly larger than the thickness of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174.

[0551] With the lower end of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 inserted into the guide groove of the guide rail 912, the sliding movement of the screen 1741 can be guided.

[0552] However, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, slit 936 is formed in the front-rear direction (FR direction) behind the air inlet 170a of heat exchange pipe 170.

[0553] In addition, the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 is formed as the front surface portion of the pipe body 171 of the heat exchange pipe 170 passing through in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0554] Therefore, after the screen passes through the slit 936, the screen 1741 needs to be moved while the moving direction changes from the front-back direction (FR direction) to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) so that the screen moves to a position where the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 is blocked by the mesh located in front of the air inlet 170a.

[0555] Therefore, the guide rail 912 can be configured to change its extension direction.

[0556] More specifically, such as Figure 18 As shown, the guide rail 912 may include a first guide rail portion 9121 that extends linearly in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0557] Additionally, the guide rail 912 may include a second guide rail portion 9122 whose extension direction gradually changes from the front-rear direction (FR direction) to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0558] Additionally, the guide rail 912 may include a third guide rail portion 9123 that extends linearly in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0559] The first guide rail section 9121, the second guide rail section 9122, and the third guide rail section 9123 can be arranged sequentially and connected to each other to form a continuously extending guide rail.

[0560] Therefore, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, when the front end of the screen 1741 moves forward toward the slit 936, causing the air filter 174 to be mounted on the base 90, the movement of the screen 1741 can be guided by the first guide rail portion 9121, as... Figure 19 As shown.

[0561] Therefore, the direction of movement of the screen 1741 can be guided by the first guide rail portion 9121, so that the front end of the screen 1741 moves along the first guide rail portion 9121 in the forward direction.

[0562] Next, as Figure 20 As shown, when the front end of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 has reached the second guide rail portion 9122, the moving direction of the front end of the screen 1741 can gradually change to the left direction (Le direction).

[0563] In this respect, as the moving direction of the screen 1741 gradually changes to the left, and the screen slides along the second guide rail portion 9122, the shape of the screen 1741 can also be deformed in a manner corresponding to the extending direction of the second guide rail portion 9122.

[0564] When the front end of the screen 1741 of the air filter 174 has been removed from the second guide rail portion 9122 and has reached the third guide rail portion 9123, the sliding direction of the front end of the screen 1741 can be completely changed to the left.

[0565] In this state, as the screen 1741 continues to move to the left, the front end of the screen 1741 can reach the left end of the third guide rail portion 9123, and the installation of the screen 1741 into the base can be completed.

[0566] like Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, when the screen 1741 is moved and installed, the air inlet 170a of the heat exchange pipe 170 can be completely covered by the screen 1741.

[0567] While 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 not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. Furthermore, although the effects of the configurations of the present disclosure have not been explicitly described in the above description of the embodiments, it should be readily recognized that the predictable effects of the above configurations are possible.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising: A bucket having a washing space defined therein and containing tableware; A base, the base being disposed below the barrel and having a receiving space defined therein; A storage tank configured to store washing water to be supplied to the tub; as well as A heat pump module, disposed within the receiving space of the base and configured to heat the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank. The base has an opening area formed in its outer peripheral wall that connects the receiving space to the external space outside the dishwasher. The heat pump module is exposed to the external space through the opening area.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The opening region includes a plurality of opening regions formed in the outer peripheral wall of the base, wherein the plurality of opening regions open in different directions from each other. The heat pump module comprises several components that are functionally different from each other. At least some of the plurality of components are arranged adjacent to one of the plurality of opening regions.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The dishwasher also includes a main control panel, which is disposed on one side wall of the outer peripheral wall of the base for removable connection. The heat pump module includes a compressor, which is arranged in a left-right direction between the storage tank and the main control panel and is configured to compress the refrigerant. The opening region includes a side opening region formed in one of the sidewalls. The main control panel is arranged to conceal the one side opening area. The main control panel is detached from one of the side walls, thereby exposing the compressor to the external space through the side opening area. And / or The lateral distance between the compressor and the main control panel is smaller than the lateral distance between the storage tank and the main control panel.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The heat pump module includes a condenser arranged in a front-rear direction between the storage tank and the front wall of the base and configured to heat the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank. The opening region includes a front opening region formed in the front wall of the base. The condenser is exposed to the external space through the front opening area.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein, The condenser is mounted on the base and oriented such that the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction of the condenser. And / or The longitudinal distance between the condenser and the front wall of the base is smaller than the longitudinal distance between the storage tank and the front wall.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein, The dishwasher also includes a condenser cover, which is disposed in front of the condenser and arranged to shield the condenser. Wherein, one of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover in the left-right direction is positioned on the right side near the center of the storage tank in the left-right direction. The other end of one of the two opposing ends in the left-right direction of the condenser cover is positioned on the left side near the center of the storage tank in the left-right direction.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein, The outer peripheral wall of the base includes a left wall and a right wall. The dishwasher further includes a water softening device, which is arranged in a left-right direction between the storage tank and the right wall of the base and is configured to soften the washing water to be supplied to the storage tank. Wherein, the lateral distance between one end of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover and the center of the storage tank is smaller than the lateral distance between the right end of the water softening device and the center of the storage tank, and The dishwasher also includes a wash pump configured to pressurize the wash water to be supplied to the tub. Wherein, the lateral distance between the other end of the two opposite ends of the condenser cover and the center of the storage tank is less than the lateral distance between the left end of the washing pump and the center of the storage tank.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein, The dishwasher also includes a lower frame having a lower end connected to the front wall of the base. The condenser cover is connected to the front wall of the base or the lower frame. A front gap is defined between the condenser cover and the front wall of the base, or between the condenser cover and the lower frame. And / or The dishwasher also includes a main control panel, which is disposed on the left side wall of the base for detachable connection to the left side wall. A left gap is defined between the upper end of the main control panel and the bucket. Wherein, the width of the front gap in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the left gap in the front-back direction.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The heat pump module includes an evaporator arranged in the front-to-back direction between the storage tank and the rear wall of the base. The opening region includes a rear opening region formed on the rear wall. The evaporator is exposed to the external space through the rear opening area. And / or Wherein, the front-to-back distance between the evaporator and the rear wall of the base is less than the front-to-back distance between the storage tank and the rear wall of the base.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein, The heat pump module also includes a heat exchange pipe that houses the evaporator and forms a channel through which an airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator flows. The heat exchange pipe is arranged to be in close contact with the inner surface of the rear wall of the base. And / or The heat exchange pipe includes an exhaust port, through which the airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator is discharged. The exhaust port is connected to the rear opening area, and the airflow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator flows through the rear opening area and is discharged to the external space.

Images