dishwasher

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher which is configured so that, among a plurality of discharge ports, a first discharge port functions as an inlet of the washing water and a second discharge port functions as an outlet of the washing water, whereby food debris flowing into the inside of a discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the washing water during a washing process is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the washing water, thus minimizing the contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by the food debris.[Background Art]

[0002] A dishwasher is a device which sprays washing water such as water to a wash target such as tableware, cooking utensils and the like accommodated therein to wash the wash target. At this time, the washing water used for washing the wash target may contain a detergent.

[0003] Ordinarily, the dishwasher is constructed by including a washing bath forming a washing space therein, a storage part accommodating the wash target in the washing bath, a spray arm spraying the washing water to the storage part, and a sump storing an amount of water therein and supplying the washing water to the spray arm.

[0004] By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash tableware and other wash target after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0005] Typically, the dishwasher is configured to perform a washing process of washing the wash target, a rinsing process of proceeding with the rinsing for the wash target, and a drying process of drying the wash target that has been washed and rinsed.

[0006] Recently released models of dishwashers are provided with a moisture absorption device which, during the drying process, can absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub and then resupply the air to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the wash target.

[0007] The moisture absorbents provided in a moisture absorption device may be configured to undergo a moisture absorption process in which they absorb moisture in the airflow during the drying process, and to undergo a regeneration process in which they are dried by being exposed to a high-temperature airflow after the drying process has been completed.

[0008] Air passing through the moisture absorbents may be supplied to the washing space of the tub while being subjected to the change in the flow direction through a discharge device exposed to the washing space formed inside the tub.

[0009] In this regard, European Patent Registration No. 3114979 (Prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher including a discharge device capable of increasing air distribution efficiency by evenly supplying air into the inside of a tub through a plurality of spray holes whose spray directions are different.

[0010] However, the discharge device of the dishwasher disclosed in Prior document 001 has a problem in that a complex flow path structure must be formed inside the discharge device because the plurality of spray holes must be formed to penetrate through the discharge device at different locations, which may increase the flow resistance of the airflow and cause significant flow loss.

[0011] Additionally, the discharge device of the dishwasher disclosed in Prior document 001 has a problem in that food debris flowing in together with the washing water through a specific nozzle is not effectively discharged toward the tub and is highly likely to become stuck inside because it has a complex flow path structure in which the direction of air movement inside changes multiple times.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0012] The present invention has been conceived to address the drawbacks of the prior art described above, and it is a first object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher in which a discharge guide for supplying air passing through a drying device into the inside of a tub is configured to have a plurality of discharge ports which are open in different directions, thereby ensuring as much amount of discharge air as possible and improving air distribution efficiency.

[0013] Additionally, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher in which, among a plurality of discharge ports, a first discharge port functions as an inlet of the washing water and a second discharge port functions as an outlet of the washing water, so that food debris flowing into the inside of a discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the washing water during a washing process is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the washing water, thereby minimizing the contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by the food debris.

[0014] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.[Technical Solution]

[0015] A dishwasher according to the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space and accommodating tableware; a drying device absorbing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying the air to the tub; and a discharge guide having an internal flow space which changes a flow direction of air passing through the drying device, and a first discharge port being open toward a horizontal direction and through which air passing through the internal flow space is discharged, wherein the discharge guide includes a plate-shaped guide wall disposed at a position spaced apart in a direction away from the first discharge port, and wherein between the first discharge port and the guide wall a gap is formed which is open toward the washing space.

[0016] Also, the gap may include an upper gap formed between an upper end edge of the guide wall and the first discharge port.

[0017] Also, air may be discharged into the washing space through the upper gap, and washing water may be introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide.

[0018] Also, the gap may further include a side gap formed between one of the edges on opposite side end

[0019] Also air may be discharged into the washing space through the side gap, and washing water may be introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide.

[0020] Also, a length of the upper gap may be formed longer than a length of the side gap.

[0021] Also, an inner surface of the guide wall, which faces the first discharge port, is configured with an inclined surface, a curved surface, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Also, the gap may gradually decrease as it goes from an upper end to a lower end of the inner surface of the guide wall.

[0023] Also the discharge guide may further include a flow path guide surface disposed in the internal flow space and having a downward slope to guide the flow direction of the air, and the first discharge port may be disposed between an upper end and a lower end of the flow path guide surface.

[0024] Also, the guide wall may be disposed between the upper end and the lower end of the flow path guide surface.

[0025] Also, a lower end of an inner surface of the guide wall may be connected to an outer edge of the flow path guide surface.

[0026] Also, the discharge guide may further include a second discharge port formed to penetrate through an internal floor surface of the internal flow space, and the lower end of the flow path guide surface may be connected to the second discharge port.

[0027] Also, the second discharge port may be open toward a lower surface of the tub.

[0028] Also, washing water flowing in through the gap may be guided to move toward the second discharge port by the flow path guide surface.

[0029] Also, the discharge guide may further include an inlet through which the air passing through the drying device is introduced thereinto; and a barrier wall disposed between the second discharge port and the inlet, and extending in the internal flow space along an up and down direction, wherein a lower end of the barrier wall extends toward the second discharge port, the internal floor surface, or the flow path guide surface.[Advantageous Effects]

[0030] According to a dishwasher of the present invention, the discharge guide for supplying air passing through a drying device into the inside of a tub is configured to have a plurality of discharge ports which are open in different directions, thereby providing effects of ensuring as much amount of discharge air as possible and improving air distribution efficiency.

[0031] Besides, according to a dishwasher of the present invention, it is configured so that, among a plurality of discharge ports, a first discharge port functions as an inlet of the washing water and a second discharge port functions as an outlet of the washing water, whereby food debris flowing into the inside of the discharge guide through the first discharge port or the second discharge port together with the washing water during a washing process is re-discharged through the second discharge port by the washing water, thus providing an effect of minimizing the contamination of the internal structure of the discharge guide by the food debris.

[0032] Specific effects of the present invention, including the effects described above, will be described below together with specific matters for practicing the invention.[Description of Drawings]

[0033] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 with the door being opened. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a drying device of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention is accommodated in a base. FIG. 5 is a plan view of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the tub is removed from FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a drying device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drying device illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the second cover illustrated in FIG. 7 with the discharge guide being coupled thereto. FIGS. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of FIG. 9. FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan and bottom perspective views of the upper guide shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIGS. 14 to 16 are perspective views of the lower guide shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 17 is a rear view showing the upper guide and lower guide coupled to each other. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge guide taken along line 18-18 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge guide taken along line 19-19 shown in FIG. 9. FIGS. 20 and 21 are front views of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 shows partially enlarged views illustrating several examples of the shape of a notch hole formed in an upper guide. FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show vertical and horizontal cross-sectional views of a discharge guide to explain embodiments in which the flow direction of airflow passing through the first discharge port may be set differently. [Best Mode]

[0034] The above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to denote like or similar components.

[0035] Although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless otherwise specifically stated, it is to be understood that a first component may of course be a second component.

[0036] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0037] Hereinafter, the phrase "any element is disposed on (or below) a component" or "above (or under) a component" may mean not only that the element is disposed in contact with the top surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that another element may be interposed between the component and the element disposed on (or below) the component.

[0038] Additionally, if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to another component, the components may be directly connected or contacted to one another, but it is to be understood that another element may be "interposed" between the components, or that the components may be "connected," "coupled," or "contacted" to each other through another element.

[0039] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0040] Additionally, singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "include" should not be construed to necessarily include all the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that an additional component or step may be further included.

[0041] Throughout the specification, in the case of using the phrase "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated, and in the case of using the phrase "between C and D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.[Overall structure of dishwasher]

[0043] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a door 30 of the dishwasher 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a dishwasher 1 according to the present invention includes a case 10 forming an outer shape, a tub 20 having an open front side and installed inside the case 10 to form a washing space 21 in which wash targets are washed, the door 30 for opening or closing the open front side of the tub 20, a driving part 40 located in the lower side of the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge washing water for washing the wash targets, a storage part 50 detachably provided in the washing space 21 inside the tub 20, and on which the wash targets are placed, and a spray part 60 installed adjacent to the storage part 50 to spray washing water for washing the wash targets.

[0046] In this regard, examples of the wash targets placed in the storage part 50 may include tableware such as bowls, dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the like, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated below, the wash targets will be referred to as tableware.

[0047] The tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with the entire front side open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing bath.

[0048] The washing space 21 can be formed inside the tub 20 whose open front side can be opened or closed by the door 30.

[0049] The tub 20 may be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel series.

[0050] In addition, on the inner surface of the tub 20, there may be disposed a number of brackets for helping functional components such as the storage part 50, the spray part 60 and the like to be described later to be supported and installed within the tub 20.

[0051] Meanwhile, the driving part 40 may be constructed by including a sump 41 storing the washing water, a sump cover 42 separating the sump 41 from the tub 20, a water supply part 43 supplying the washing water to the sump 41 from the outside, a drain part 44 discharging the washing water from the sump 41 to the outside, a washing pump 45 supplying the washing water from the sump 41 to the spray part 60, and a supply path 46. The sump cover 42 may be disposed on the upper side of the sump 41, and may serve to separate the tub 20 from the sump 41. Additionally, the sump cover 42 may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the spray part 60 into the sump 41.

[0052] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray part 60 toward the tableware may fall to the bottom of the washing space 21, and may be returned to the sump 41 through the sump cover 42.

[0053] The washing pump 45 is provided at one side or the bottom of the sump 41, and serves to pressurize the washing water to supply it to the spray part 60.

[0054] The washing pump 45 may be connected at one end to the sump 41, and at the other end to the supply flow path 46. The washing pump 45 may include an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 rotates, and the washing water in the sump 41 can be pressurized and then supplied to the spray part 60 through the supply flow path 46.

[0055] Although not shown, at the other end of the washing pump 45, there may be provided a washing water heater for heating the washing water supplied in progress of a washing process or a heating and rinsing process. Details regarding the washing water heater will be described below with reference to FIG. 14 and the following drawings.

[0056] Meanwhile, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 to the spray part 60.

[0057] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spray arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spray arm 62 and a top nozzle 63, and the supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens or closes the supply flow paths 461, 463.

[0058] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that each of the supply flow paths 461, 463 is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0059] Meanwhile, the spray part 60 is provided to spray the washing water on tableware and the like stored in the storage part 50.

[0060] More specifically, the spray part 60 may include the lower spray arm 61 positioned in the lower side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower rack 51, the upper spray arm 62 positioned between the lower rack 51 and an upper rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, and the top nozzle 63 positioned in the upper side of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top rack 53 or the upper rack 52.

[0061] Particularly, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 may be rotatably provided in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 so that they can spray the washing water toward the tableware in the storage part 50 while rotating.

[0062] The lower spray arm 61 may be rotatably supported at the upper side of the sump cover 42 so that it can spray the washing water toward the lower rack 51 from the lower side of the lower rack 51 while rotating.

[0063] Additionally, the upper spray arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder 467 so that it can spray the washing water between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 while rotating.

[0064] Meanwhile, although not shown, a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 in an up direction (U-direction) may be further provided at the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 to increase the washing efficiency.

[0065] Since the detailed configuration of the spray part 60 can be embodied by applying a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the spray part 60 will be omitted below.

[0066] Meanwhile, the storage part 50 for storing the tableware may be provided in the washing space 21.

[0067] The storage part 50 is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub 20 through the open front side of the tub 20.

[0068] For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment which provides the storage part including the lower rack 51 located in the lower side of the tub 20 and capable of storing relatively large tableware, the upper rack 52 located in the upper side of the lower rack 51 and capable of storing medium-sized tableware, and the top rack 53 located in the upper side of the tub 20 and capable of storing small tableware and the like. The present invention will be described based on an embodiment of the dishwasher provided with three storage parts 50 as illustrated, but not limited thereto.

[0069] These lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front side of the tub 20.

[0070] To this end, on opposite side walls forming the inner circumferential surface of the tub 20, there may be a guide rail not shown, and for example, the guide rail may include an upper rail, a lower rail, a top rail, and the like.

[0071] On the bottom of each of these lower rack 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 wheels may be provided. By pulling these lower rack 51, upper rack 52 and top rack 53 out through the front side of the tub 20 to the outside, the user can easily store tableware in them, or take out washed tableware from them.

[0072] The guide rail 54 may be provided with a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the spray arm 60 or with a telescopic guide rail guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the spray arm 60 and being capable of increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the spray arm 60.

[0073] Meanwhile, the door 30 has the purpose of opening or closing the open front side of the above-described tub 20.

[0074] In the lower side of the front side that is normally open, there is provided a hinge part not shown for opening and closing the door 30, and the door 30 is opened by rotating about the hinge part as a rotation shaft.

[0075] Here, on the outer surface of the door 30, there may be provided a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the dishwasher 1.

[0076] As illustrated, the control panel 32 may be provided with a display 33 visually displaying information about the current operating status of the dishwasher and the like, and a button part 34 including a selection button by which a user's selection operation is input, and a power button by which a user's operation for turning the dishwasher on and off is input.

[0077] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door 30 may form one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 is closed while, at the same time, forming a seating surface on which the lower rack 51 of the storage part 50 can be supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0078] To this end, it is preferable that when the door 30 is fully opened, the inner surface of the door 30 forms a horizontal plane in the same direction as the extension of the guide rail 54 by which the lower rack 51 is guided.

[0079] Meanwhile, on the inner surface of the door 30, there may be further provided a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the inside of the tub 20.

[0080] Meanwhile, in the lower side of the tub 20 a drying device 80 may be provided, which, in progress of a drying process, absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub 20 and then resupplies the air back to the tub 20.

[0081] As illustrated, the drying device 80 may be constructed, including a suction duct 81 through which air discharged from the tub 20 is sucked in, a blowing part 82 generating an airflow of air, a heating part 83 heating the air sucked in from the tub 20, and a moisture absorbent 85 absorbing water vapor contained in the air, wherein the air which has passed through the moisture absorbent 85 may be supplied to the washing space through a discharge guide 89 disposed inside the tub 20 and guiding the discharge direction of the air which has passed through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0082] As described later, in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, there may be formed an air supply hole 254 for allowing air from which water vapor has been removed through the drying device 80 to be introduced into the inside of the tub 20.

[0083] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, on one side surface, for example, the right side surface, of the tub 20 a grill cap 8113 may be fixed, which is coupled to the inlet of the suction duct 81.

[0084] The detailed configuration of the drying device 80 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 and the following drawings.[Detailed configuration of drying device]

[0085] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the drying device 80 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0086] First, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the drying device 80 may be disposed so that the remaining parts other than the main duct 811 of the suction duct 81 and the discharge guide 89 are accommodated between a base 90 and the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, and supported by the bottom 91 of the base 90.

[0087] For example, the blowing part 82, the heating part 83, and the housing 84 of the drying device 80 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the rear surface 93 of the base 90 while being arranged parallel to the rear surface 93 of the base 90.

[0088] The disposition location of this drying device 80 may be selected considering the characteristics of the heating part 83 of the drying device 80 that it generates high heat of approximately 200°C or higher when operating in a moisture absorbent drying mode or a moisture absorbent regeneration mode. That is, the location may be selected so as to avoid electrical components that are relatively greatly affected by high heat.

[0089] In this way, by arranging the blowing part 82, the heating part 83, and the housing 84 of the drying device 80 so as to be adjacent to the rear surface 93 of the base 90 while being parallel lengthwise to the rear surface 93 of the base 90, they can serve as a weight balance preventing the dishwasher 1 from tilting due to a load exerted by the door 30 when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0090] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, this dispostion location may be selected based on the location of the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20. Considering the safety of the user and to distinguish it from a water softener communication hole 255 disposed close to the front side of the tub 20, the air supply hole 254 through which drying air is discharged may be formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 at a corner adjacent to the rear surface and and the left side surface.

[0091] The air supplied through the air supply hole 254 can be evenly distributed to the washing space 21 of the tub 20 through the discharge guide 89 disposed in an exposed state to the washing space 21.

[0092] In order to effectively supply the moisture-absorbed air to the air supply hole 254 formed at this location, the housing 84 of the drying device 80 which accommodates the moisture absorbent 85 may be disposed close to the lower side of the air supply hole 254.

[0093] However, this disposition location of the drying device 80 is a mere example, and dissimilarly to this, it may be disposed at a location adjacent to the left side surface 94, the right side surface 95, or the front surface 92 of the base 90 rather than the rear surface 93. The present invention is not limited to this, and, however, it will be described below based on an embodiment in which the drying device 80 is disposed adjacent to the rear surface 93 of the base 90 while being approximately parallel to the rear surface 93 of the base 90.

[0094] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, in the case where the blowing part 82, the heating part 83, and the housing 84 of the drying device 80 are disposed close to the rear surface of the base 90 while being parallel to the rear surface 93 and the air supply hole 254 is formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 at the corner adjacent to the rear surface and the left side surface, an air suction hole 271 through which moist air is discharged from the tub 20 may be formed in the right side surface of the tub 20 at a corner formed by the intersection of the right side surface and the rear surface to be close to the upper surface 24 of the tub 20.

[0095] The location of the air suction hole 271 may be selected to be as far away as possible from the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0096] In this way, by disposing the air suction hole 271 as far away as possible from the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89, it is possible to significantly reduce the possibility that the air which has passed through the air supply hole 254 and the discharge guide 89 will re-introduced directly into the air suction hole without passing through the wash targets.

[0097] Additionally, the air suction hole 271 may be disposed at a position higher than the upper rail 542 constituting the guide rail 54 based on the up and down direction, for example, at a position between the top rail 543 and the upper rail 542.

[0098] Thus, since the air suction hole 271 can be formed at a position higher, based on the up and down direction, than the upper rack 52 rested on the upper rail 542 and guided in movement by the upper rail 542, it can guide the movement of airflow F in the washing space 21 so as to flow into the air suction hole 271 after evenly passing through the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0099] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the air suction hole 271 together with the main duct 811 to be described later may be formed in the rear side of the waterjacket 110 storing the washing water to be supplied to the sump 41 storing the washing water.

[0100] In this regard, as shown, in the the waterjacket 110 a tub hole 118 may be formed through which the internal space of the waterjacket 110 is communicated with the washing space 21 of the tub 20, and on the right side surface 27 of the tub 20 a waterjacket communication hole 272 may be provided corresponding to the tub hole 118.

[0101] The air suction hole 271 may be formed at a position higher than the waterjacket communication hole 272 so as to avoid the waterjacket 110.

[0102] As shown, the tub hole 118 may be provided with a grill cap 118a coupled thereto, which has a similar shape to the grill cap 813 of the air suction hole 271 described above, in order to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

[0103] Meanwhile, the air suction hole 271 may be provided with the grill cap 813 coupled thereto, by means of which it is possible to minimize the phenomenon that the washing water and foreign substances scattered around inside the tub 20 enter the inside of the intake duct 81.

[0104] The grill cap 813 may pass through the air suction hole 271 to be coupled to the inlet 811a of the main duct 811 constituting the suction duct 81.

[0105] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate detailed configurations of the drying device 80.

[0106] As shown, the drying device 80 may be constructed by including the blowing part 82 generating the airflow F of air to be sucked in from the tub 20 and supplied to the inside of the tub 20, the heating part 83 provided with a heater 831 heating the air to be supplied to the moisture absorbent 85, a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heating part 83 based on the flow direction of the air and absorbing moisture contained in the air, the housing 84 in which a heater accommodation space accommodating the heating part 83 and a moisture absorbent accommodation space accommodating the moisture absorbent 85 are formed, and the suction duct 81 connecting between the air suction hole of the tub 20 and the blowing part 82.

[0107] The blowing part 82 is disposed upstream of the heating part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and is disposed downstream of the suction duct 81, so that it serves to suck air from the tub 20 and generate the airflow F, causing the sucked air to pass through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0108] A blowing fan not shown and a blowing motor not shown generating the rotational driving force of the blowing fan may be modularized together and accommodated inside a fan housing 821 to form an assembly.

[0109] Meanwhile, to the other side of the fan housing 821 forming a suction port, a subduct 812 constituting the suction duct 81 may be coupled and fastened.

[0110] Although there is no limitation on the type of blowing fan applied to the drying device 80, a sirocco fan, for example, is preferable considering the locational and spatial constraints regarding the installation of the blowing fan.

[0111] Based on the illustrated embodiment, when a sirocco fan is applied, air which has been guided through the subduct 812 of the suction duct 81 may be introduced to the center of the sirocco fan from the other side surface, that is, the rear surface, of the fan housing 821 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the air may be accelerated toward the radial outside and then discharged through the discharge port.

[0112] The accelerated and discharged air may form an airflow F, and be introduced into the inside of the heater housing by passing through the inlet IN1 of the heater receiving part 8411 of the main housing 841.

[0113] The heating part 83 is disposed between the blowing part 82 and the moisture absorbent 85 based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and serves to heat the airflow F to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 when the moisture absorbent drying mode or the moisture absorbent regeneration mode is in progress.

[0114] When the drying device 80 generates a high-temperature airflow F in the moisture absorbent drying mode, power is supplied to the heater 831 to heat the airflow F, and when the drying device 80 generates a low-temperature airflow F in a moisture absorption mode, power supplied to the heater 831 may be cut off, causing the operation of the heater 831 to stop.

[0115] In this regard, when the low-temperature airflow F is generated in the moisture absorption mode, the operation of the blowing motor may be maintained.

[0116] There is no restriction on the type of heater 831 provided in the drying device 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and, however, as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater may be selected which has a relatively simple structure, an excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing electric leakage caused by the washing water flowing in from the tub 20.

[0117] Meanwhile, the heater housing may be formed in a hollow form to have an empty inside so that it can forms an air passage therein, in which the heater body 8311 is disposed. The air passage inside the heater housing may form a first flow channel together with an air introduction space formed in the lower side of the moisture absorbent accommodating portion.

[0118] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7, on the upper side of the heater 831 a thermostat 871 may be disposed, which constitutes a temperature sensing part 87 and senses whether the heater 831 is overheated.

[0119] For example, the thermostat 871 may be provided as a pair, and the pair of thermostats 871 may be arranged along the length direction of the heater body 8311 so as to effectively sense whether the local overheating of the heater body 8311 takes place.

[0120] Meanwhile, the temperature sensing part 87 may further include a thermistor 872 sensing the temperature of the airflow F. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the thermistor 872 may extend to penetrate through the front surface portion of the housing 84 and reach the inside of the air introduction space.

[0121] The moisture absorbent 85 serves to absorb moisture contained in the airflow discharged and sucked in from the tub 20 when the drying device 80 is operated in the moisture absorption mode, and to discharge the absorbed moisture into the airflow F when the drying device 80 is operated in the moisture absorbent drying mode.

[0122] That is, the moisture absorbent 85 may be formed with a reversibly dehydratable material, so that it can absorb moisture or release the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0123] The reversibly dehydratable material applicable to this may include one selected from a group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or be a composition having a combination of two or more thereof.

[0124] To the drying device 80 according to the present invention, the moisture absorbent 85 having an alumina silica series material including, for example, aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied. The present invention will be described below based on, but not limited to, an example in which the alumina silica series moisture absorbent 85 is applied.

[0125] In this way, the moisture absorbent 85 formed with an alumina silica series material may be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that it is possible to maximize the contact area with the airflow F. Additionally, the moisture absorption function can occur at a lower temperature range than that of a moisture absorbent made of pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration function can occur at a lower temperature range.

[0126] However, the airflow F may pass between a plurality of moisture absorbents 85 provided in the form of particles, and come into contact with the moisture absorbents 85, thereby allowing the moisture absorption, or absorbing moisture released from the moisture absorbent 85.

[0127] Thus, the moisture absorbent 85 cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the airflow F of the air. To minimize such flow resistance, the pore space may be effectively formed, and the particle size of the moisture absorbent 85 may be selected to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0128] For this purpose, as an example, the moisture absorbent 85 having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm may be selected and applied.

[0129] Meanwhile, the moisture absorbent 85 is disposed downstream of the blowing part 82 and the heating part 83 based on the flow direction of the airflow F.

[0130] Meanwhile, the housing 84 of the drying device 80 serves to accommodate the above-described heating part 83 and moisture absorbent 85, and to form the first flow channel of airflow F passing through the heater 831 and a second flow channel of airflow F passing through the moisture absorbent 85.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, the housing 84 may be constructed, including the main housing having the heater accommodation space in which the heating part 83 is accommodated and the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated.

[0132] First, the main housing may include a heater accommodating portion having the heater accommodation space formed therein, and a moisture absorbent accommodating portion having the moisture absorbent accommodation space formed therein.

[0133] The open upper side of the heater accommodating portion may be closed by coupling a first cover 881 thereto after the disposition and assembly of the heating part 83 have been completed.

[0134] Meanwhile, when being disposed on the base 90, the moisture absorbent accommodating portion of the main housing may have a generally hollow hexahedral box shape with the entire upper side open.

[0135] The open upper side of the moisture absorbent accommodating portion may serve as an exhaust port OUT2 through which air passing through the moisture absorbent 85 is exhausted.

[0136] The open upper side of the moisture absorbent accommodating portion may be closed by coupling a second cover 882 thereto after the disposition of the moisture absorbent 85 has been completed.

[0137] Meanwhile, as described above, the open upper side of the moisture absorbent accommodating portion of the main housing may be closed by the second cover 882.

[0138] The second cover 882 coupled to the moisture absorbent accommodating portion may be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to an inverted funnel shape.

[0139] That is, the inner surface of the second cover 882 may be configured to have an upwardly convex and inverted funnel shape so that air passing through the aforementioned moisture absorbent 85 can be converged.

[0140] At the uppermost end of the inner converging surface of the second cover 882 an exhaust port may be provided through which air passing through the moisture absorbent 85 is exhausted.

[0141] To the exhaust port the lower end of a connection duct part 883 may be integrally connected which guides the airflow F toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0142] The connection duct part 883 serves to guide the airflow F converged through the second cover 882 to move toward the air supply hole 254 formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0143] As described later, the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 may be configured to have a shape that can connect between the air supply hole 254 of the tub 20 and the exhaust port of the heater housing 832 so as to guide the airflow F. The detailed configuration of the connection duct part 883 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and the following drawings.

[0144] Meanwhile, to the upper end of the duct body 8831 the discharge guide 89 may be coupled which changes the discharge direction of airflow F supplied through the connection duct part 883.

[0145] Through the discharge guide 89, some of the airflow F may be diverted toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20, and some of the airflow F may be diverted toward the upper surface 24 of the tub 20. The detailed configuration of the discharge guide 89 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and the following drawings.

[0146] Meanwhile, the drying device 80 may further include the suction duct 81 having a leading end connected to the air suction hole of the tub 20 and a tailing end connected to the blowing part 82, and serving to guide the airflow F of the air discharged from the tub 20 through the air supply hole 254 to the blowing part 82.

[0147] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the suction duct 81 may be constructed, including the main duct 811 extending in the up and down direction and disposed outside the right side surface of the tub 20, and the subduct 812 disposed below the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 between the rear end of the main duct 811 and the blowing part 82.[Detailed configuration of discharge guide]

[0148] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the discharge guide 89 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21.

[0149] As described above, near the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 between the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 and the lower rack 51, the discharge guide 89 may be disposed, which changes the flow direction of the airflow F supplied through the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883.

[0150] The discharge guide 89 may be disposed near the corner formed between the left side surface 26 and the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 or near the corner formed between the right side surface 27 and the rear surface 23 of the tub 20. Corresponding to the position of the discharge guide 89, the above-described air supply hole 254 for delivery of the airflow may be formed in the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0151] The area near the corner formed between the left side surface 26 and the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 corresponds to a position as far away as possible from the air suction port through which the air is discharged during the drying process and to which the grill cap 813 is coupled. Thereby, the time during which the airflow discharged from the discharge guide 89 remains inside the tub 20 can be effectively extended compared to existing technologies. Through this, the airflow can be evenly supplied to the lower rack 51, the upper rack 52, and the top rack 53, and then be discharged through the air suction port of the tub 20, so that the airflow can be effectively delivered to the wash targets, thus significantly improving the drying effect for the wash targets compared to the existing technologies.

[0152] Meanwhile, the time during which the airflow remains inside the tub 20 can be additionally increased by adjusting the direction in which the airflow is sprayed from the discharge guide 89.

[0153] That is, the discharge ports 893a, 893b of the discharge guide 89 through which the airflow is sprayed may be configured to be formed in a plurality of locations where the spray direction of the airflow is not directly directed toward the lower rack 51 and the wash targets stored in the lower rack 51.

[0154] More specifically, the discharge guide 89 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first discharge port 893a which opens in the horizontal direction toward the rear surface of the tub 20, and a second discharge port 893b which opens toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the discharge guide 89 may have an outer shape corresponding to the corner formed between the left side surface and the rear surface of the tub 20 when it is connected to the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883. For example, the discharge guide 89 may have an outer shape generally similar to a right triangle when viewed from the upper surface 24 of the tub 20. As illustrated, the first discharge port 893a may be formed in the rear surface facing the rear surface of the tub 20, and the second discharge port 893b may be formed in the internal floor surface 8911a of a lower guide 891 facing the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0156] In this regard, as described later, outside the first discharge port 893a a guide wall 8915 having a plate shape may be disposed, forming a predetermined gap G between the first discharge port 893a and the guide wall 8915. The guide wall 8915 may change the flow direction of the airflow F which has passed through the first discharge port 893a, causing some of the airflow to turns upward, and the remaining portion thereof to turn in the horizontal direction.

[0157] Thereby, the airflow F of the air discharged through the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b can be discharged in different directions, and through this, the airflow F can be evenly distributed within the tub 20 without being concentrated on a specific site of the lower rack 51.

[0158] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the discharge guide 89 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 21.

[0159] First, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the discharge guide 89 of the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be constructed, including the lower guide 891 detachably coupled to the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883, and an upper guide 892 coupled to the upper side of the lower guide 891.

[0160] For example, the discharge guide 89 may be configured to be divided based on the up and down direction (U-D direction), and the lower guide 891 serves to form the lower one of the divided bodies. The upper one of the divided bodies may be configured with the upper guide 892. To the upper guide 892 a cap cover (not shown) may be coupled.

[0161] The upper guide 892, when being coupled to the upper side of the lower guide 891, serves to form, together with the lower guide 891, an internal flow space in the form of a channel through which airflow F flows.

[0162] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in order to form the internal flow space, the upper guide 892 may be formed to have an inverted container shape with an empty space formed therein and an entirely open lower end side.

[0163] The open lower end side of the upper guide 892 may be closed entirely by being coupled with the guide body 8911 of the lower guide 891. Through this, between the upper guide 892 and the lower guide 891, the internal flow space can be formed.

[0164] The upper guide 892 may form the container shape having the open lower surface through an upper surface 8921 formed approximately parallel to the internal floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891 to be described later, and an outer wall surface 8922 extending downward (in the D-direction) and along the perimeter of the upper surface 8921.

[0165] In this regard, the upper surface 8921 and the outer wall surface 8922 may be formed in one body and with a generally uniform thickness so as to make the internal flow space as large as possible, and may preferably be manufactured through plastic injection molding.

[0166] The outer wall surface 8922 may include a first flat surface portion 8922a forming the rear surface and having a flat plate shape, and a second flat surface portion 8922b forming the left side surface and having a flat plate shape.

[0167] Additionally, the outer wall surface may include a third flat surface portion 8922c forming a front surface and having a flat plate shape. As illustrated, the third flat surface portion 8922c may have a directionality indicating that it extends diagonally or obliquely with respect to the first flat surface portion 8922a and the second flat surface portion 8922b.

[0168] The first flat surface portion 8922a, the second flat surface portion 8922b, and the third flat surface portion 8922c may be vertical planes or inclined planes having a gradient in which the gap between them gradually decreases as they go upward (in the U-direction).

[0169] Additionally, between the first flat surface portion 8922a, the second flat surface portion 8922b, and the third flat surface portion 8922c, curved portions 8922d can be formed continuously.

[0170] The curved portion 8922d may be manufactured to have an outer shape of a cylinder, for example, to have a shape convex outward.

[0171] The curved portion 8922d may be integrally connected to the upper surface 8921 and the outer wall surface 8922, and may form a continuous surface with respect to the upper surface 8921 and the outer wall surface 8922.

[0172] Meanwhile, as illustrated, at the corner formed between the upper surface 8921 and the outer wall surface 8922 a first chamfered surface 8922e may be formed. Through the first chamfered surface 8922e, it is possible to minimize flow loss or noise caused by eddies that would otherwise occur at the angled corners of the internal flow space in which the airflow F flows.

[0173] The first chamfered surface 8922e may be a curved surface with a predetermined curvature or a slope with a predetermined inclination gradient.

[0174] For the same reason as the first chamfered surface 8922e, at the corner formed by the intersection of the upper surface 8921, the second flat surface portion 8922b, the third flat surface portion 8922c, and the curved portion 8922d a second chamfered surface 8922f may be formed in the form of a chamfer.

[0175] Similar to the first chamfered surface 8922e, the second chamfered surface 8922f may be a curved surface with a predetermined curvature or a slope with a predetermined inclination gradient.

[0176] Meanwhile, on the side of the lower end 8923 of the upper guide 892 a notch hole 8924 may be formed which forms the right edge, left edge, and upper end edge of the first discharge port 893a.

[0177] As illustrated, the notch hole 8924 may be provided in a notch shape defined by partially cutting off the first flat surface portion 8922a of the upper guide 892. Therefore, the notch hole 8924 may also be referred to as a cut-off portion.

[0178] The lower end of the notch hole 8924 is entirely open, and when the upper guide 892 is coupled with the lower guide 891, the lower end of the notch hole 8924 is blocked by the flow path guide surface 8913 of the lower guide 891. That is, since the notch hole 8924 is disposed between the upper end and the lower end of the flow path guide surface 8913, the outer edge 8913c of the flow path guide surface 8913 acts as the lower end edge of the first discharge port 893a.

[0179] The upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 may extend approximately parallel to the floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891, and the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole 8924 may extend diagonally with respect to the floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891. These upper end edge, left edge and right edge of the notch hole 8924 may extend linearly.

[0180] Meanwhile, in the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892 at a location adjacent to the lower end 8923 of the upper guide 892, an engaging hole 8925 in the form of a rectangular through hole may be formed to which the upper guide catching protrusion 8912g of the lower guide 891 is catch-engaged.

[0181] Meanwhile, on the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892, at least one cap cover catching protrusion 8926 may be integrally formed for fastening a cap cover (not shown).

[0182] Meanwhile, the upper guide 892 of the discharge guide 89 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with at least one barrier wall 8929 disposed in the internal flow space of the upper guide 892 as a means to minimize the inflow of washing water into the connection duct part 883 by way of the inside of the discharge guide 89 through the second discharge port 893b to be described below.

[0183] At least one barrier wall 8929 serves to prevent and minimize the movement of washing water droplets flowing in through the second discharge port 893b toward the duct joint 8912 of the lower guide 891.

[0184] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one barrier wall 8929 may be provided on the inner surface of the upper guide 892 in the form of a barrier that is disposed between the duct joint 8912 and the second discharge port 893b of the lower guide 891 acting as an inlet, and at least partially blocks the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912 of the lower guide 891.

[0185] Thereby, among the droplets of washing water that pass through the second discharge port 893b in a scattered state and flow into the inside of the discharge guide 89, the droplets that splash upward may collide with at least one barrier wall 8929 and flow downward along at least one barrier wall 8929 by gravity.

[0186] In this way, the inflow is blocked, and the droplets descending along at least one barrier wall 8929 need to be discharged again to the outside of the discharge guide 89. To this end, the lower edge of at least one barrier wall 8929 may be configured to extend toward the flow path guide surface 8913, the floor surface 8911a, and the second discharge port 893b of the lower guide 891.

[0187] Meanwhile, as in the illustrated embodiment, at least the barrier wall 8929 may be constructed, including, for example, a first barrier wall 8929a disposed relatively closer to the notch hole 8924, and a second barrier wall 8929b disposed at a position relatively further away from the notch hole 8924 than the first barrier wall 8929a.

[0188] As described above, at least one barrier wall 8929 is disposed in the internal flow space in which the airflow F flows.

[0189] Thus, if a single barrier wall blocks between the upper end of the duct joint 8912 and the second discharge port 893b, there is a concern that the flow resistance of the airflow F increases while decreasing the air blowing efficiency.

[0190] In order to prevent a decrease in the air blowing efficiency caused by an increase in flow resistance, it may be provided so as to be divided into the first barrier wall 8929a and the second barrier wall 8929b.

[0191] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 216, the lower guide 891 may include the guide body 8911 generally in the form of a plate shape.

[0192] In the inner side of the first border wall 8911b among the outer borders of the guide body 8911, the internal floor surface 8911a may be formed. As illustrated, the internal floor surface 8911a may be provided in the form of a flat surface.

[0193] The internal floor surface 8911a may be provided with a floor opening 8911a1 formed through it, which functions as the second discharge port 893b.

[0194] As illustrated, the edge of the floor opening 8911a1 may be partially extended from the outer border of the guide body 8911 and the duct joint 8912 while maintaining a predetermined distance therefrom so as to secure the maximum open area of the second discharge port 893b.

[0195] Additionally, the remaining edge of the floor opening 8911a1 may be formed in the area of the flow path guide surface 8913 to be described later by cutting a part of the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0196] Thereby, the lower end 8913b of the flow path guide surface 8913 can be formed at a higher position, based on the up and down direction, than the internal floor surface 8911a of the guide body 8911.

[0197] Meanwhile, on the outer side of the internal floor surface 8911a of the guide body 8911 a first border wall 8911b may be formed to extend upward (in the U-direction) from the internal floor surface 8911a to a predetermined height.

[0198] As illustrated, the first border wall 8911b may be formed continuously along the outer border of the guide body 8911.

[0199] Meanwhile, on the first border wall 8911b of the guide body 8911 a plate-shaped guide wall 8915 may be integrally formed to extend upward.

[0200] As illustrated, the guide wall 8915 may be disposed in the outer side of the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892, and may be provided at a position spaced apart in a direction away from the first discharge port 893a.

[0201] The guide wall 8915 is disposed adjacent to the first discharge port 893a in the outside of the first discharge port 893a to serve to cover the first discharge port 893a while being spaced apart from the first discharge port 893a by a predetermined width.

[0202] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment in which only a part of the first discharge port 893a is covered by the guide wall 8915 when viewed from the rear, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the first discharge port 893a is covered entirely by the guide wall 8915 may also be applicable. The present invention will be described based on, but is not limited to, a configuration in which a part of the first discharge port 893a is covered by the guide wall 8915 as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0203] Additionally, since the guide wall 8915 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first discharge port 893a by a predetermined width, a slit-shaped gap G may be formed between the first discharge port 893a and the guide wall 8915 to open toward the washing space 21.

[0204] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the gap G may include an upper gap GU formed between the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a.

[0205] The upper gap GU is in a state of being open upward.

[0206] Thereby, the flow direction of the airflow F discharged through the upper gap GU can be diverted so as to be directed upward.

[0207] Additionally, based on the state in which the discharge guide 89 is installed, the gap G may include a first side gap GS1 formed between the left edge 8915b of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a, and a second side gap GS2 formed between the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a.

[0208] The first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2 are in a state of being open toward the left and the right, respectively.

[0209] Thereby, the flow directions of the airflow F discharged through the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2 can be diverted so as to be directed leftward or rightward.

[0210] Besides, the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2 may function as washing water inlets to allow the washing water to be introduced into the internal flow space of the discharge guide 89.

[0211] That is, while the drying device 80 is not in operation and the washing process or rinsing process is in progress, a portion of the washing water scattered around inside the washing space 21 may pass through the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2 open toward the washing space 21, and then be introduced, by way of the first discharge port 893a, into the internal flow space of the discharge guide 89.

[0212] As described above, the notch hole 8924 of the upper guide 892 acting as the first discharge port 893a is formed between the upper and lower ends of the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0213] Thereby, the washing water introduced through the first discharge port 893a can be guided in the flow direction W by gravity along the flow path guide surface 8913 toward the lower end of the flow path guide surface 8913, and can be discharged again toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 through the second discharge port 893b connected to the lower end of the flow path guide surface 8913. Through this, the flow path guide surface 8913 can be continuously washed by the washing water introduced into the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2, while preventing food debris T included in the washing water from sticking to the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0214] Meanwhile, as illustrated, the outer surface of the guide wall 8915 may be formed in a flat surface shape, and the inner surface of the guide wall 8915 facing the first discharge port 893a may be configured with an inclined surface or a curved surface, or be formed in the form of a complex surface made up of a combination of an inclined surface and a curved surface.

[0215] In this way, by configuring the shape of the inner surface of the guide wall 8915 toward the first discharge port 893a differently from the outer surface, the generation of eddies in the airflow passing through the gap G formed between the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a can be minimized, thus reducing the flow loss.

[0216] The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which an inclined surface of the upper portion of the inner surface of the guide wall 8915 and a curved surface of the lower portion thereof form a complex surface. Hereinafter, the explanation will be based on the configuration of the guide wall 8915 having the complex surface structure illustrated as an example.

[0217] The lower portion side of the inner surface of the guide wall 8915 formed with the curved surface may be integrally connected to the outer edge 8913c of the flow path guide surface 8913 through the notch hole 8924 of the upper guide 892 forming the first discharge port 893a.

[0218] Meanwhile, since the inner surface of the guide wall 8915 is provided in the form of the complex surface, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the horizontal width LS1 of the first side gap GS1 and the horizontal width LS2 of the second side gap GS2 can gradually decrease as they go downward.

[0219] However, dissimilarly to this, the horizontal width LU of the upper gap GU may be maintained approximately constant.

[0220] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in order to allow more washing water scattered around in the washing space 21 to be introduced smoothly, the length of the upper gap GU may be formed longer than the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2.

[0221] Meanwhile, the outer edge 8913c of the flow path guide surface 8913 forming the lower end edge of the first discharge port 893a has a downward slope that is gradually lowered as it goes toward the second discharge port 893b.

[0222] Thereby, the length of the left edge of the first discharge port 893a can become shorter than that of the right edge, and thus, the length of the first side gap GS1 can be formed to be smaller than the length of the second side gap GS2.

[0223] Meanwhile, on the outer border of the guide body 8911 a second border wall 8911c may be formed to extend downward (in the D-direction) from the internal floor surface 8911a by a predetermined height.

[0224] As illustrated, the second border wall 8911c may be continuously formed to have a partially cylindrical shape while proceeding along the arc-shaped front border of the duct joint 8912, and the lower end of the second border wall 8911c may extend to a position beyond the lower end 8912b of the duct joint 8912 to be described later.

[0225] That is, the second border wall 8911c may be formed so as to at least partially surround the outer surface of the duct joint 8912 to be described later. In this regard, the second border wall 8911c may be formed so as to be separated and spaced apart from the duct joint 8912, so that a predetermined separation space can be formed between the second border wall 8911c and the duct joint 8912. The upper end 8522 of the fastening nut 884 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be at least partially inserted into the separation space.

[0226] The second border wall 8911c may be integrally provided with a anti-loosening part 8911e which, through the interaction with the fastening nut 884, maintains the lower guide 891 in a fixed state and prevents the lower guide 891 from being dislodged from the fixed position.

[0227] The lower guide 891 may be detachably coupled to the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 through a two-step coupling process without a separate coupling member. Preferably, the two-step coupling process may include a vertical movement operation in the up and down direction and a rotational movement operation in the circumferential direction.

[0228] The anti-loosening part 8911e serves to prevent the lower guide 891 from being dislodged from the fixed position, that is, to prevent the lower guide 891 from rotating relatively in the opposite direction to the rotational movement of the two-step coupling process after the completion of the two-step coupling process including the vertical movement operation and the rotational movement operation.

[0229] The anti-loosening part 8911e may be formed integrally with the second border wall 8911c as illustrated by way of example, and may be configured in an elastic hook manner to block the lower guide 891 from rotating relatively in the opposite direction to the rotational movement of the two-step coupling process.

[0230] Meanwhile, the lower guide 891 is configured to be directly coupled to the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 in a coupling manner of pipes.

[0231] To this end, the lower guide 891 may include the cylindrical duct joint 8912 into which the upper end of the cylindrical duct body 8831 is inserted and detachably coupled.

[0232] Corresponding to the shape of the duct body 8831, the duct joint 8912 may be provided in a cylindrical shape with the central axis extending parallel to the up and down direction (U-D direction). The inner diameter of the lower end 8912b of the duct joint 8912 may be formed to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the upper end of the duct body 8831 so that the upper end of the duct body 8831 can be inserted into and passed through the inside.

[0233] The upper end 8912a of the cylindrical duct joint 8912 acting as an inlet through which the airflow F is introduced may be formed at a position that protrudes upward (in the U-direction) from the guide body 8911. Preferably, the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912 may be protruded and exposed to the internal flow space formed between the guide body 8911 of the lower guide 891 and the upper guide 892.

[0234] In this regard, when the coupling of the upper part of the connection duct part 883 has been completed, the position of the upper end 8912a of the duct joint part 8912 may be formed at a lower position in the vertical direction (UD direction) than the position of the upper end of the connection duct part 883.

[0235] Meanwhile, in the inner circumferential surface 8912c of the duct joint 8912, there may be formed a first guide groove 8912d extending linearly in the up and down direction (U-D direction) and a second guide groove 8912e extending in an arc shape along the circumferential direction.

[0236] As shown, the upper part of the first guide groove 8912d and one end of the second guide groove 8912e are integrally connected with each other.

[0237] As described above, the lower guide 891 is coupled to the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 through the two-step coupling process including the vertical movement operation in the up and down direction and the rotational movement operation in the circumferential direction.

[0238] The first guide groove 8912d extending in a straight line along the up and down direction (U-D direction) serves to guide the vertical movement of the lower guide 891 in the up and down direction, and the second guide groove 8912e extending in an arc shape along the circumferential direction serves to guide the rotational movement of the lower guide 891 in the circumferential direction.

[0239] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer circumferential surface of the duct body 8831 inserted and coupled to the duct joint 8912 of the lower guide 891 may be integrally provided with a guide projection formed to protrude toward the inner circumferential surface of the connection duct part 883 and inserted into the first guide groove 8912d and the second guide groove 8912e of the connection duct part 883.

[0240] In the other end side of the second guide groove 8912e a stopper projection 8912f may be integrally formed on the inner circumferential surface 8912c of the duct joint 8912 to form a blocking sense for the movement of the guide projection and prevent the relative rotation in the opposite direction of the lower guide 891 after the guide projection reaches the other end of the second guide groove 8912e.

[0241] Meanwhile, at the lower end 8912b of the duct joint 8912 of the lower guide 891, at least one protruding rib 8912h1, 8912h2, 8912h3 may be provided as a means for limiting downward relative movement with respect to the connection duct part 883.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 16, at least one protruding rib 8912h1, 8912h2, 8912h3 may be provided to protrude downward from the lower end 8912b of the duct joint 8912 toward the male screw portion 8833 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the duct body 8831 of the connection duct portion 883.

[0243] Meanwhile, on the outer circumferential surface of the duct joint 8912, at least one upper guide catching protrusion 8912g may be integrally formed for mutual fastening between the upper guide 892 and the lower guide 891, which will be described later.

[0244] At least one upper guide catching protrusion 8912g may be configured to have a ramp surface having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the duct joint 8912 and a step surface formed approximately perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the duct joint 8912 so that the coupling through downward movement of the upper guide 892 is easily performed but the separation through upward movement is not easily performed.

[0245] Meanwhile, in the rear side of the duct joint 8912, the flow path guide surface 8913 may be formed to guide the airflow F passing through the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912, which serves as an inlet, toward the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b.

[0246] As illustrated in FIG. 14, between the upper end 8913a and the lower end 8913b of the flow path guide surface 8913 a curved or inclined surface may be continuously formed to minimize the flow loss of airflow F and minimize the generation amount of flow noise.

[0247] In FIG. 14 and the following drawings, an embodiment is illustrated in which the flow path guide surface 8913 includes a downwardly inclined surface whose slope gradient is maintained approximately constant between the upper end 8913a and the lower end 8913b. The present invention will be described below based on, but not limited to, an embodiment in which the flow path guide surface 8913 is a downward inclined surface whose slope gradient is maintained approximately constant.

[0248] As illustrated, the upper end 8913a of the flow path guide surface 8913 may be extended to have the same height as a dividing wall surface to be described below, and the lower end 8913b of the flow path guide surface 8913 may be extended to the floor opening 8911al forming the second discharge port 893b. That is, the lower end 8913b of the flow path guide surface 8913 acts as a portion of the edge of the floor opening 8911a1.

[0249] Meanwhile, the lower guide 891 of the discharge guide 89 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a dividing wall 8914 formed to protrude upward from the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912 as a means for minimizing the inflow of washing water into the inside of the discharge guide 89 and the connection duct portion 883 through the first discharge port 893a or the second discharge port 893b.

[0250] The dividing wall 8914 serves to finally block the washing water that has passed through the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b in a droplet state from entering the duct joint 8912.

[0251] To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16, the dividing wall 8914 may protrude upward from the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912, may divide the region where the duct joint 8912 is formed, and the region where the flow path guide surface 8913 is formed, and may be extended in the form of a barrier that blocks the upper end of the duct joint 8912.

[0252] That is, the dividing wall 8914 may be disposed between the region occupied by the duct joint 8912 and the region occupied by the flow path guide surface 8913, and may become a boundary wall dividing them.

[0253] As illustrated, the thickness of the dividing wall 8914 may be maintained approximately constant as it goes from the right end to the left end.

[0254] Further, in order to minimize the flow resistance of the airflow F moving toward the flow path guide surface 8913 beyond the dividing wall 8914, the position of the upper end of the dividing wall 8914 in the up and down direction may be maintained approximately constant as it goes from the right end to the left end.

[0255] However, the position of the upper end of the dividing wall 8914 in the up and down direction may be lower than the upper end of the duct body 8831 but higher than the lower end edge of the barrier wall 8929 of the upper guide 892 so that the dividing wall does not impede the flow of the airflow F to prevent the flow resistance of the airflow F from increasing rapidly, while effectively blocking scattered droplets.[Airflow discharge structure of discharge guide and discharge structure of washing water]

[0256] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the airflow discharge structure and the washing water inflow and discharge structure of the discharge guide 89 constituting the dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0257] FIG. 20 illustrates the airflow discharge structure of the discharge guide 89. Referring to FIG. 20, when the drying mode or regeneration mode is in progress, the blowing part 82 of the drying device 80 may be operated to generate the airflow F inside the drying device 80.

[0258] The generated airflow F may be introduced into the inside of the discharge guide 89 through the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 of the drying device 80.

[0259] More specifically, the airflow F may be introduced into the internal flow space through the duct body 8831 of the connection duct part 883 and the upper end 8912a of the duct joint 8912 functioning as the inlet of the discharge guide 89.

[0260] The airflow F introduced into the internal flow space may be guided to the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b as the flow path is branched by the inner surface of the upper guide 892 and the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0261] First, the airflow F guided to the first discharge port 893a may pass through the first discharge port 893a and the gap G formed between the first discharge port 893a and the guide wall 8915 to be discharged into the washing space 21.

[0262] As described above, the gap G may include the upper gap GU formed between the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a to be open upward.

[0263] Thereby, the flow direction of the airflow F discharged through the upper gap GU can be diverted so as to be directed upward.

[0264] Additionally, the gap G may include a first side gap GS1 formed between the left edge 8915b of the guide wall 8915 of the discharge guide 89 and the first discharge port 893a to be open toward the left, and a second side gap GS2 formed between the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a to be open toward the right.

[0265] Thereby, the flow directions of the airflow F discharged through the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2 can be diverted so as to be directed leftward or rightward.

[0266] However, as shown in FIG. 17, when viewed from the rear, there may be generated a height difference in the up and down direction between the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 and the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915. That is, the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 may be formed at a higher position than the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915 in the up and down direction.

[0267] Additionally, base on the left and right direction, there may be generated a gap between the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915 and the right edge of the notch hole 8924, and a gap between the left edge 8915b of the guide wall 9815 and the left edge of the notch hole 8924.

[0268] Thereby, some of the airflow F discharged through the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2 can be discharged with a directionality toward the rear in the horizontal direction.

[0269] As described above, the second discharge port 893b is formed in the internal floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891 facing the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0270] Thereby, the airflow F guided to the second discharge port 893b can be discharged with a directionality facing downward toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20.

[0271] In this way, the airflows F of the air discharged through the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b can be discharged in different directions, and through this, the airflow F can be evenly distributed within the tub 20 without being concentrated on a specific site of the washing space.

[0272] Meanwhile, the open surface area of the second discharge port 893b may be formed greater than the open surface area of the first discharge port 893a. Through this, a greater amount of flow can be discharged through the second discharge port 893b than through the first discharge port 893a, and it becomes possible to supply as much amount of airflow F as possible to the washing space 21.

[0273] FIG. 21 illustrates the washing water inflow and discharge structure of the discharge guide 89. Referring to FIG. 21, the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2 of the discharge guide 89 may function as a washing water inlet allowing the washing water to be introduced into the internal flow space of the discharge guide 89.

[0274] That is, while the drying device 80 is not in operation and the washing process or rinsing process is in progress, a portion of the washing water scattered around inside the washing space 21 may pass through the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2 open toward the washing space 21, and then be introduced, by way of the first discharge port 893a, into the internal flow space of the discharge guide 89.

[0275] Thereby, the washing water introduced through the first discharge port 893a can be guided in the flow direction W by gravity along the flow path guide surface 8913 toward the lower end of the flow path guide surface 8913, and can be discharged again toward the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 through the second discharge port 893b connected to the lower end of the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0276] In this regard, since the first discharge port 893a is formed between the upper end 8913a and the lower end 8913b of the flow path guide surface 8913, the washing water introduced through the first discharge port 893a becomes in a state where it cannot move toward the upper end 8913a of the flow path guide surface 8913 and can only move toward the lower end 8913b.

[0277] Through this, the flow path guide surface 8913 can be continuously washed by the washing water introduced into the upper gap GU, the first side gap GS1, and the second side gap GS2, while preventing food debris T included in the washing water from sticking to the flow path guide surface 8913.

[0278] FIG. 22 illustrates several embodiments of the notch hole 8924 forming the right edge, left edge, and top edge of the first discharge port 893a.

[0279] First, referring to FIG. 22a, as described above, the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 may extend approximately parallel to the floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891, and the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole 8924 may extend diagonally with respect to the floor surface 8911a of the lower guide 891. These upper end edge 8924a, left edge 8924b and right edge 8924c of the notch hole 8924 may be configured to extend linearly.

[0280] In this way, by forming the left edge 8924b and the right edge 8924c of the notch hole 8924 in a diagonal shape, it is possible to have the effect of minimizing air resistance to the airflow F on the flow path that descends inside the discharge guide 89 after passing through the connection duct part 883.

[0281] However, unlike this, as shown in FIG. 22b, even if one of the left edge 8924b and the right edge 8924c is formed to extend along the vertical direction and the other is formed to extend in the diagonal direction, the air resistance to the airflow F can be minimized.

[0282] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 22c, for the convenience of the manufacturing process, both the left edge 8924b and the right edge 8924c may extend along the vertical direction to form the rectangular notch hole 8924.

[0283] Corresponding to the shape of notch hole 8924 as described above, the shape of the guide wall 8915, although not shown, may also be configured to change.

[0284] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 is configured to be formed at a higher position than the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915 in the up and down direction, but, unlike this, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 may be configured to be formed at a lower position than the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915 in the up and down direction.

[0285] Thereby, the upper end edge of the notch hole 8924 can extend to a position lower than the upper end edge 8915a of the guide wall 8915, and the horizontal or rearward discharge amount of the airflow F passing through the notch hole 8924 can be minimized.

[0286] Consequently, it can be configured so that the upward discharge amount of airflow F passing through the notch hole 8924 can be maximized.

[0287] Meanwhile, in order to minimize the horizontal discharge amount of the airflow F passing through the notch hole 8924 and maximize the upward discharge amount thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a pair of shielding ribs 8924L may be further provided, which are disposed to shield the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2 of the discharge guide 89.

[0288] The pair of shielding ribs 8924L may be configured so as to shield the first side gap GS1 formed between the left edge 8915b of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a, and the second side gap GS2 formed between the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915 and the first discharge port 893a, respectively, by having shapes corresponding to the first side gap GS1 and the second side gap GS2.

[0289] The pair of shielding ribs 8924L each may be formed in a barrier shape in which one end is integrally formed on the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892 and the other end extends toward the guide wall 8915, or may be formed in a barrier shape in which one end is integrally formed on the guide wall 8915 and the other end extends toward the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892.

[0290] In the case where the pair of shielding ribs 8924L are integrally formed with the upper guide 892, one ends of the shielding ribs 8924L are connected to the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole 8924, respectively, and the other ends thereof may be arranged to extend toward the left edge 8915b and the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915 and come into contact with the left edge 8915b and the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915.

[0291] Alternatively, in the case where the pair of shielding ribs 8924L are formed integrally with the guide wall 8915, one ends of the shielding ribs 8924L may be connected to the left edge 8915b and the right edge 8915c of the guide wall 8915, respectively, and the other ends thereof may be arranged to extend toward the left edge and the right edge of the notch hole 8924 and come into contact with the outer wall surface 8922 of the upper guide 892.

[0292] In this way, by means of the pair of shielding ribs 8924L disposed to block the first side gap GS 1 and the second side gap GS2, the discharge amount of airflow F along the side directions among the horizontal discharge amounts passing through the notch hole 8924 can be minimized, and thereby, the vertical discharge amount of airflow F can be additionally increased.

[0293] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as examples, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if the effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly written while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing space and accommodating tableware; a drying device generating an airflow for drying the tableware; and a discharge guide having an internal flow space which changes a flow direction of air passing through the drying device, and a first discharge port being open toward a horizontal direction and through which air passing through the internal flow space is discharged, wherein the discharge guide includes a plate-shaped guide wall disposed at a position spaced apart in a direction away from the first discharge port, and wherein between the first discharge port and the guide wall a gap is formed which is open toward the washing space.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the gap includes an upper gap formed between an upper end edge of the guide wall and the first discharge port.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein air is discharged into the washing space through the upper gap, and washing water is introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of the discharge guide.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the gap further includes a side gap formed between one of the edges on opposite side ends of the guide wall and the first discharge port.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein air is discharged into the washing space through the side gap, and washing water is introduced from the washing space into the internal flow space of a discharge guide.

6. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein a length of the upper gap is formed longer than a length of the side gap.

7. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the guide wall, which faces the first discharge port, is configured with an inclined surface, a curved surface, or a combination thereof.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the gap gradually decreases as it goes from an upper end to a lower end of the inner surface of the guide wall.

9. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the discharge guide further includes a flow path guide surface disposed in the internal flow space and having a downward slope to guide the flow direction of the air, and wherein the first discharge port is disposed between an upper end and a lower end of the flow path guide surface.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the guide wall is disposed between the upper end and the lower end of the flow path guide surface.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein a lower end of an inner surface of the guide wall is connected to an outer edge of the flow path guide surface.

12. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the discharge guide further includes a second discharge port formed to penetrate through an internal floor surface of an internal flow space, and wherein the lower end of the flow path guide surface is connected to the second discharge port.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the second discharge port is open toward a lower surface of the tub.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein washing water flowing in through the gap is guided to move toward the second discharge port by the flow path guide surface.

15. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the discharge guide further includes: an inlet through which the air passing through the drying device is introduced thereinto; and a barrier wall disposed between the second discharge port and the inlet, and extending in the internal flow space along an up and down direction, wherein a lower end of the barrier wall extends toward the second discharge port, the internal floor surface, or the flow path guide surface.

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