dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, the dishwasher capable of improving usability of a space inside a tub and preventing a decrease in washing capacity by disposing a moisture absorbent and a heater, which occupy a significantly large volume, inside the tub but between a lower rack and an upper rack.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher which has the improved availability of the space inside a tub while preventing a decrease in washing capacity by disposing a moisture absorbent and a heater, which would occupy a considerably large volume, between a lower rack and an upper rack within the tub.[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] In regard to this, European Patent Publication No. 2763578 (Prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher in which a moisture absorption device is configured so that a moisture absorbent, a heater, and a blowing part are disposed in an internal washing space of the tub and on the upper side of the lower surface of the tub.

[0008] Regarding to this point, the inlet and outlet through which the airflow passes during the moisture absorption mode or drying mode may be disposed so as to be directly exposed to the washing space.

[0009] Thereby, since the inlet and outlet of the airflow are directly exposed to the washing water, the washing water is highly likely to infiltrate into the inlet and outlet, and the moisture absorbent, the heater, and the blowing part are highly likely to be submerged by the infiltrated washing water, which poses a problem in that there is a very high possibility of electric leakage and damage to electrical components.

[0010] Further, the moisture absorption device of Prior document 001 has a problem in that, since the moisture absorbent occupying a relatively large volume is disposed on the lower surface of the tub, the volume of the lower rack or upper rack in which the tableware is accommodated is reduced due to the space occupied by the moisture absorbent, which inevitably leads to a reduction in the washing capacity of the tub.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0011] The present invention has been conceived to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and it is a first object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which has the improved availability of the space inside the tub while preventing a decrease in washing capacity by disposing a moisture absorbent and a heater, which would occupy a considerably large volume, between a lower rack and an upper rack within the tub.

[0012] Also, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher in which, by dividing the moisture absorbent and disposing the divided moisture absorbent in a first housing and a second housing that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, it is possible to reduce the volumes of the first housing and the second housing, and to effectively reduce the differential pressure between the front and rear sides of the moisture absorbent disposed in each of the first housing and the second housing, thus significantly reducing the load on the blowing fan.

[0013] 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]

[0014] A dishwasher according to the present invention is characterized by including a tub forming a washing space and accommodating tableware; and a moisture absorption drying device absorbing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying the air to the tub, wherein the moisture absorption drying device includes a moisture absorbent absorbing moisture contained in airflow discharged from the tub; a heating part disposed upstream of the moisture absorbent and having a heater heating an airflow of the air; a housing accommodating the moisture absorbent and the heating part; and a blowing part disposed upstream of the housing and having a blowing fan generating the airflow and a fan housing in which the blowing fan is accommodated, and wherein the housing is disposed inside the washing space of the tub, and the blowing part is disposed outside the tub.

[0015] Additionally, the dishwasher may further include a lower rack disposed in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested, wherein the housing may be disposed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

[0016] Additionally, the housing may be inserted into a space formed between the upper rack and the lower rack.

[0017] Additionally, the housing may be fixed to a rear surface of the tub.

[0018] Additionally, the housing may include a separating wall disposed between the moisture absorbent and the heater, wherein an internal space of the housing may be divided by the separating wall into a moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent is accommodated and a heater accommodation space in which the heater is accommodated.

[0019] Additionally, by the separating wall, an airflow introduced into an inside of the housing may pass through the heater and is then guided toward the moisture absorbent.

[0020] Additionally, the dishwasher may further include a lower rack disposed in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested, wherein the housing may be provided with an discharge port being open toward a washing space, and through which an airflow that has passed through the moisture absorbent is discharged, and wherein the discharge port may be open toward a space formed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

[0021] Additionally, the housing may include a discharge port door opening or closing the discharge port.

[0022] Additionally, the discharge port door may open the discharge port when the airflow is generated by the blowing part, and may close the discharge port when the airflow is not generated.

[0023] Additionally, the discharge port door may have an upper end rotatably connected to the housing, and a lower end swingable in a direction away from the discharge port while opening the discharge port.

[0024] Additionally, the moisture absorption drying device may further include a suction duct guiding the airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, wherein one end of the suction duct communicated with the tub may be disposed at a position lower than the discharge port based on an up and down direction.

[0025] Additionally, the moisture absorption drying device may further include a suction duct guiding the airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, wherein one end of the suction duct communicated with the tub may be disposed at a position higher than the discharge port based on an up and down direction.

[0026] Additionally, the wind blowing part may be disposed below a lower surface of the tub.

[0027] Additionally, the wind blowing part may be disposed at a rear of a rear surface of the tub.

[0028] Additionally, the housing may include a first housing and a second housing which are disposed in a separated state from each other inside the washing space, wherein the heating part may include a first heater disposed in the first housing and a second heater accommodated in the second housing, and wherein the moisture absorbent may include a second moisture absorbent accommodated in the first housing, and a second moisture absorbent accommodated in the second housing.

[0029] Additionally, the first housing and the second housing may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction.

[0030] Additionally, the moisture absorption drying device may further include a supply duct guiding an airflow discharged from the fan housing toward the first housing and the second housing; a first branch duct having one end communicated with the supply duct and another end communicated with the first housing; and a second branch duct having one end communicated with the supply duct and another end communicated with the second housing.

[0031] Additionally, the moisture absorption drying device may further include a damper part disposed between the one end of the first branch duct and the one end of the second branch duct, and opening or closing an internal air passage of the supply duct.

[0032] Additionally, when the damper part closes the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow may be guided only to the first branch duct.

[0033] Additionally, when the damper part opens the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow may be guided to the first branch duct and the second branch duct.[Advantageous Effects]

[0034] The dishwasher according to the present invention has an effect of improving the availability of the space inside a tub while preventing a decrease in washing capacity by disposing a moisture absorbent and a heater, which would occupy a considerably large volume, between a lower rack and an upper rack within the tub.

[0035] Also, the dishwasher according to the present invention has an effect of allowing the washing water to effectively recover the heat generated by the heater during a regeneration process of the moisture absorbent by disposing the heater inside the tub.

[0036] Also, the dishwasher of the present invention has such an effect that, by dividing the moisture absorbent and disposing the divided moisture absorbent in a first housing and a second housing that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, it is possible to reduce the volumes of the first housing and the second housing, and to effectively reduce the differential pressure between the front and rear sides of the moisture absorbent disposed in each of the first housing and the second housing, thus significantly reducing the load on the blowing fan.

[0037] Specific effects of the present invention, including the effects described above, will be described below together with specific matters for practicing the invention.[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher provided with a moisture absorption drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial enlarged views of FIG. 3. FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial enlarged views showing embodiments in which a discharge cap is installed instead of a discharge port door shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view showing an embodiment in which the positions of the moisture absorbent and the heater shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are changed with each other. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the moisture absorption drying device illustrated in FIG. 3 is operating in a moisture absorption drying mode. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the moisture absorption drying device illustrated in FIG. 3 is operating in a moisture absorbent regeneration mode. FIGS. 11 and 12 are front perspective views illustrating a configuration in which the moisture absorbent is divided and disposed in a first housing and a second housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane through the first housing and the second housing illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. [Best Mode]

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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]

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, 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, a 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The washing space 21 can be formed inside the tub 20 whose open front side can be opened or closed by the door 30.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 wash 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Meanwhile, the spray part 60 is provided to spray the washing water on tableware and the like stored in the storage part 50.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Meanwhile, the storage part 50 for storing the tableware may be provided in the washing space 21.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The guide rail may be provided with a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part 50, or with a telescopic guide rail guiding the withdrawal and insertion of the storage part 50 and being capable of increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage part 50.

[0077] Meanwhile, the door 30 has the purpose of opening or closing the open front side of the above-described tub 20.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 by which the lower rack 51 is guided.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the lower side or inside of the tub 20 a moisture absorption drying device 80 may be provided, which absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub 20 in progress of a drying process, and then supplies the air back to the tub 20.

[0084] As illustrated, the moisture absorption drying device 80 may be constructed by including a suction duct 81 through which air discharged from the tub 20 is sucked in, a wind blowing part 82 generating airflow, 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.

[0085] In FIG. 2, the moisture absorbent 85, the heating part 83, and the wind blowing part 82 constituting the moisture absorption drying device 80 are illustrated as being disposed in a space formed between the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 and the base 90, but alternatively, it may constituted so that the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83 are disposed inside the tub 20 while the blowing part 82 may be disposed outside the tub 20.

[0086] The detailed structure of this moisture absorption drying device 80 constituted so that the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83 are disposed inside the tub 20 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and the following drawings.[Detailed configuration of moisture absorption drying device]

[0087] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13.

[0088] First, FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate a schematic configuration of a dishwasher 1 provided with the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be constructed by including the blowing part 82 generating 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 and the tub 20, 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 airflow and absorbing moisture contained in the air, a housing 84 accommodating the heating part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 therein, the suction duct 81 guiding the airflow F discharged from the tub 20 to the blowing part 82, and a supply duct 88 guiding the airflow F discharged from the blowing part 82 to the housing 84.

[0090] 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 absorbent 85.

[0091] A blowing fan 821 and a blowing motor not shown generating the rotational driving force of the blowing fan 821 may be modularized together and accommodated inside a fan housing 822 to form an assembly together with the fan housing 822.

[0092] To the inlet side of the fan housing 822, the other end of the suction duct 81 may be connected, while, to the outlet side of the fan housing 822, one end of the supply duct 88 may be connected.

[0093] Although there is no limitation on the type of blowing fan 821 applied to the moisture absorption drying device 80, a sirocco fan, for example, is preferable considering the locational and spatial constraints regarding the installation of the blowing part.

[0094] Unlike the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83 which are disposed inside the tub 20 as described below, the blowing part 82 may be disposed outside the tub 20.

[0095] FIG. 3 and the following drawings illustrate a configuration in which the blowing part 82 is disposed below the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 in a space formed between the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 and the base 90.

[0096] However, this is only an example, and unlike the illustrated configuration, it is also possible to configure the blowing part 82 to be disposed in the rear side of the rear surface 23 of the tub 20. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on a configuration in which the blowing part 82 is disposed below the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 as illustrated.

[0097] By configuring the blowing part 82 to be disposed outside the tub 20 while being separated from the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83, it is considered to have an effect of being capable of minimizing the volume and size of the housing 84 disposed inside the tub 20 and accommodating the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83.

[0098] Additionally, since the blowing part 82 is disposed outside the tub 20, it is possible to minimize the possibility that electrical components such as the blowing motor will be affected by the washing water.

[0099] The heating part 83 is disposed downstream of the above-described blowing part 82 based on the flow direction of the airflow F, is disposed inside the tub 20 together with the moisture absorbent 85, and serves to heat the air to dry and regenerate the moisture absorbent 85 when a moisture absorbent regeneration mode is in progress, thereby generating a high-temperature airflow FH as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0100] As described below, the heater 831 may be accommodated in a partitioned heater accommodation space in the inside of the housing 84.

[0101] When the moisture absorption drying device 80 operates in the moisture absorption drying mode while generating the high-temperature airflow FH, power may be supplied to the heater 831 to heat the airflow as illustrated in FIG. 10, and when the moisture absorption drying device 80 generates a low-temperature airflow FL in the moisture absorption drying mode, power supplied to the heater 831 may be cut off to stop the operation of the heater 831 as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0102] In this regard, when generating the low-temperature airflow FL or the high-temperature airflow FH, the operation of the blowing fan 821 may be maintained.

[0103] There is no restriction on the type of heater 831 provided in the moisture absorption drying device 80, 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.

[0104] At one end and the other end of the heater 831 a pair of terminals 832 may be formed which are for receiving power. The pair of terminals 832 may extend through the housing 84 and the tub 20 toward the outside of the tub 20.

[0105] The moisture absorbent 85 serves to absorbs moisture contained in the low-temperature airflow FL discharged from the tub 20 when the moisture absorption drying mode of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress, and serves to release the absorbed moisture into the high-temperature airflow FH when the moisture absorbent regeneration mode of the moisture absorption drying device 80 is in progress.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] To the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention, the 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.

[0109] 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. However, the airflow F may passes between a plurality of moisture absorbent 85 provided in the form of particles, and come into contact with the moisture absorbent 85, thereby allowing the moisture absorption, or absorbing moisture released from the moisture absorbent 85.

[0110] Thus, the moisture absorbent 85 cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the airflow. To minimize such flow resistance, the pore space may be effectively formed, and the particle size of the absorbent 85 may be selected to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Meanwhile, the moisture absorbent 85 may be disposed inside the tub 20 in a state where it is accommodated inside the single housing 84 together with the heating part 83.

[0113] To this end, a moisture absorbent accommodation space separate from the aforementioned heater accommodation space may be formed inside the housing 84, and the moisture absorbent 85 may be accommodated in the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0114] More specifically, the moisture absorbent 85 may be accommodated by a moisture absorbent holder 86 so that it is possible to prevent the separation of the moisture absorbent 85 from the moisture absorbent accommodation space caused by the wind pressure of the airflow F. The moisture absorbent holder 86 may be provided with a mesh portion through which the airflow F can pass.

[0115] Meanwhile, while accommodating the heating part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 described above, the housing 84 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 may also serve to form an internal flow path that guides the airflow F introduced through the supply duct 88 to be described below.

[0116] As described above, the heater 831 of the heating part 83 and the moisture absorbent 85 of the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the present invention may be configured to be disposed inside the tub 20, that is, in the washing space of the tub 20, in a state where they are accommodated in the single housing 84.

[0117] For this purpose, the single housing 84 accommodating the moisture absorbent 85 and the heating part 83 may be disposed and fixed inside the tub 20.

[0118] In this regard, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 84 may be disposed and fixed at a position as close as possible to the rear surface 23 of the tub 20.

[0119] Additionally, as illustrated, the housing 84 may be disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 in the up and down direction.

[0120] At this time, the housing 84 may be disposed so as to be inserted at least partially into the space formed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52. The depth by which the housing 84 is inserted into the space formed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 may be set differently depending on the total amount of the moisture absorbent 85 accommodated therein and the size of the heater 831.

[0121] However, the insertion depth of the housing 84 may be limited so that it can be inserted to a position where it does not interfere with the rotation range of the upper spry arm 62 rotatably disposed at the bottom of the upper rack 52.

[0122] Through this, the housing 84 can be effectively disposed inside the tub 20 without reducing the storage capacities of the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 while, at the same time, minimizing interference with the lower rack 51 and upper rack 52 and interference with the upper spray arm 62.

[0123] Additionally, since the heater 831 constituting the heating part 83 is disposed to be exposed to the washing space formed inside the tub 20, a portion of the heat generated by the heater 831 when the moisture absorbent regeneration mode is in progress can be used to heat the airflow F, and the remaining portion can be used to heat the washing water. Thereby, the energy recovery efficiency can be significantly improved because the amount of heat generated by the heater 831 that is emitted to the outside of the tub 20 can be minimized.

[0124] Besides, it is possible to obtain an effect of excluding a separate means for thermally insulating the inside of the housing 84 from the outside.

[0125] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inside of the housing 84 may be divided into the heater accommodation space and the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0126] The inside of the housing 84 may be divided into the heater accommodation space and the moisture absorbent accommodation space by a separating wall 841 disposed between the moisture absorbent 85 and the heater 831.

[0127] In the case where, based on the illustrated state, the moisture absorbent accommodation space is formed on the front side and the heater accommodation space is formed on the rear side, the separating wall 841 may be provided in the form of a vertical wall or a vertical rib extending in the up and down direction in the internal space of the housing 84.

[0128] For example, the separating wall 841 may be formed integrally with the inner surface of the housing 84.

[0129] The heater accommodation space and the moisture absorbent accommodation space divided by the separation wall 841 as described above may be communicated with each other, and form air passages through which the airflow F introduced into the inside of the housing 84 through the supply duct 88 to be described later flows sequentially.

[0130] That is, the heater accommodation space forms the upstream of the internal air passage of the housing 84, and the moisture absorbent accommodation space forms the downstream of the internal air passage of the housing 84.

[0131] In order to communicate the heater accommodation space with the moisture absorbent accommodation space, the separating wall 841 may have its lower end separated from the inner surface of the housing 84 or its upper end separated from the inner surface of the housing.

[0132] For example, FIG. 3 and the following drawings illustrate a configuration in which the separating wall 841 is disposed inside the housing 84 with the upper end of the separating wall 841 separated from the inner surface of the housing 84. Although the present invention is not limited to this, it will be described below based on the illustrated configuration.

[0133] As illustrated, the lower end of the separating wall 841 may be formed to be entirely connected to the inner surface of the housing 84, and the upper end of the separating wall 841 may be formed to be at least partially separated from the inner surface of the housing 84.

[0134] The gap or clearance formed between the top end of the separating wall 841 and the inner surface of the housing 84 can act as a passage communicating the heater accommodation space with the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0135] Thereby, the airflow F introduced into the inside of the housing 84 through the supply duct 88 can be guided to first pass through the heater 831 and then flow through the clearance of the separating wall 841 toward the moisture absorbent 85.

[0136] At this time, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency for the heater 831, the other end of the supply duct 88 and the inlet through which airflow F is introduced into the inside of the housing 84 as illustrated may be formed at a position as far away as possible from the clearance of the separating wall 841.

[0137] Considering the position where the clearance formed on the upper side of the separation wall 841 is formed, the inlet of the housing 84 and the other end of the supply duct 88 may be formed at a position on the rear surface of the housing 84 as close as possible to the lower surface of the housing 84.

[0138] Meanwhile, the housing 84 may be provided with an discharge port 893 through which the airflow F that has passed through the heater 831 and the moisture absorbent 85 is discharged.

[0139] The position of the discharge port 893 may be determined so that the airflow F discharged from the discharge port 893 can be evenly distributed to the upper rack 52 and the lower rack 51.

[0140] In the case where the housing 84 is disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 as in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 7 and is at least partially inserted into the space formed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, the discharge port 893 may be formed in the front surface of the housing 84.

[0141] Accordingly, the discharge port 893 can be opened toward the space formed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52, which can lead to the even distribution of the airflow F discharged from the discharge port 893 toward the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0142] Additionally, similar to the positions of the inlet of the housing 84 and the other end of the supply duct 88 described above, the discharge port 893 may be formed at a position on the front surface of the housing 84 as close as possible to the lower surface of the housing 84 so that the airflow F can be discharged after passing through the entire absorbent 85.

[0143] Meanwhile, the housing 84 may further include a discharge port door 842 which opens or closes the discharge port 893.

[0144] For example, the discharge port door 842 may be a flap-type door with one end rotatably connected to the housing 84.

[0145] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the discharge port door 842 may be provided so that its upper end is rotatably connected to the housing 84 and its lower end is swingable in a direction away from the discharge port 893 and the front surface of the housing 84.

[0146] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, at the position where the discharge port 893 is closed, the rotation range of the discharge port door 842 may be limited so as not to swing toward the inside of the housing 84.

[0147] Thereby, when the airflow F is generated by the blowing part 82, the discharge port door 842 can be rotated in the open direction Wo by the wind pressure of the airflow F from the closed position shown in FIG. 4, so that the discharge port 893 can be automatically opened.

[0148] Additionally, when the airflow F is not generated by the blowing part 82, the discharge port door 842 can be rotated in the opposite direction to the opening direction Wo by its own weight from the open position shown in FIG. 5, so that the discharge port 893 can be automatically closed.

[0149] That is, in a situation where the airflow F is not supplied by the blowing part 82, the state in which the discharge port 893 is closed by the discharge port door 842 can be effectively maintained.

[0150] Although the discharge door 842 has a very simple structure, when it is used as described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the washing water scattered around in the washing space of the tub 20 flows into the inside of the housing 84 through the discharge port 893 when the washing or rinsing process is in progress.

[0151] Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device 80 may further include the suction duct 81 guiding the airflow F discharged from the tub 20 toward the fan housing 822.

[0152] The suction duct 81 may have one end connected to the tub 20, which is the leading end based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and the other end connected to the fan housing 822, which is the rear end.

[0153] Thereby, the airflow F discharged from the tub 20 by the suction duct 81 can be effectively guided toward the inlet of the fan housing 822.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 3, the one end of the suction duct 81 into which the airflow F is introduced from the tub 20 may be formed on the right or left side of the tub 20 at a position lower than the discharge port 893 of the above-described housing 84 in the up and down direction.

[0155] Thereby, when the moisture absorption drying device 80 is operating in the moisture absorption drying mode and the moisture absorbent regeneration mode, the airflow F which has passed through the moisture absorbent 85 and been discharged through the discharge port 893 of the housing 84 can sufficiently pass through the upper rack 52 and the lower rack 51 and then be discharged from the tub 20 while being introduced into the one end of the suction duct 81.

[0156] Alternatively, dissimilarly to this, as shown in FIG. 11, the one end of the suction duct 81 into which the airflow F is introduced may be configured to be formed at a higher position than the discharge port 893 of the housing 84 described above in the up and down direction.

[0157] Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the one end of the suction duct 81 communicated with the tub 20 may be provided with a cap cover 811 to prevent the inflow of foreign substances such as food.

[0158] Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device 80 may further include the supply duct 88 having one end connected to the fan housing 822, which is the leading end based on the flow direction of the airflow F, and the other end connected to the housing 84, which is the rear end, and serving to guide the airflow F discharged from the outlet of the fan housing 822 toward the inlet of the housing 84.

[0159] As shown, the supply duct 88 may be manufactured in a hollow shape so that an air passage through which the airflow F can flow can be formed in the inside thereof.

[0160] The supply duct 88 may be extended in the up and down direction on the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 so as to be able to connect the housing 84 disposed between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 and the fan housing 822 disposed below the tub 20. The other end of the supply duct 88 may be extended toward the inside of the tub 20, penetrating through the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 so as to be communicated with the housing 84 disposed in the internal washing space of the tub 20.

[0161] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment in which an discharge port cap 843 is provided instead of the discharge door 842 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, similar to the discharge port door 842, the discharge port cap 843 is coupled to the discharge port 893 to serve to at least partially close the discharge port 893.

[0163] More specifically, the discharge port cap 843 may include a cap body 8431 coupled to the front surface of the housing 84 forming the discharge port 893.

[0164] As illustrated, the cap body 8431 may be coupled to the housing 84 in a state where it is partially inserted into the discharge port 893, or may be coupled to the housing 84 in a form where it covers the discharge port 893 on the outer surface of the front surface of the housing 84.

[0165] The cap body 8431 may be disposed in the housing 84 so that the discharge port 893 is maintained in a state where it is at least partially open toward the washing space 21 while, when viewed from the front of the housing 84, that is, when viewed in a horizontal direction, entirely covering the discharge port 893.

[0166] Therefore, the maximum vertical cross-sectional area of the cap body 8431 may be formed to be greater than the open area of the discharge port 893.

[0167] As described above, by entirely covering the discharge port 893 with the cap body 8431 based on the horizontal direction, it is possible to minimize the phenomenon that the washing water scattered around in the washing space 21 flows into the inside of the housing 84 through the discharge port 893.

[0168] Meanwhile, the cap body 8431 may be detachably coupled to the housing 84.

[0169] Although not shown, the front surface of the housing 84 and the cap body 8431 may be provided with a coupling means for forming a detachable coupling therebetween.

[0170] For example, the detachable coupling means may include a catching protrusion formed on the outer surface of the cap body 8431 and protruding toward the front surface of the housing 84. The catching protrusion may be detachably fastened to the housing 84 in a way that it is elastically hook-coupled directly to the discharge port 893 or elastically hook-coupled to a coupling hole formed separately from the discharge port 893.

[0171] Through this type of detachable coupling means, the cap body 8431 can be easily removed from the housing 84 when the inside cleaning of the housing 84 is in progress or when the replacement or repair of the housing 84 is in progress.

[0172] Meanwhile, unlike the above-described configuration having the discharge port door 842, when the discharge port cap 843 is fastened to the housing 84, the discharge port 893 is at least partially open.

[0173] Additionally, the partially open discharge port 893 remains open in all times regardless of the operation of the blowing part 82.

[0174] Thereby, there is a high possibility that washing water and foreign substances will flow into the inside of the housing 84 through the partially open discharge port 893 when the blowing part 82 is not operating.

[0175] As a means for minimizing the phenomenon that the washing water flows into the inside of the housing 84, the discharge port cap 843 may be provided with a flow path guide part 8432 diverting the flow direction of the airflow F passing through the discharge port 893.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 6, the flow path guide part 8432 may be provided in a form in which the rear surface of the cap body 8431 is partially cut away. Therefore, the thickness of the flow path guide part 8432 in the front and rear direction may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the cap body 8431.

[0177] The flow path guide part 8432 formed through the cutting away may be disposed in the front side of the discharge port 893 so as to partially open it.

[0178] Through this, as shown, a gap can be formed between the rear surface of the flow path guide part 8432 and the discharge port 893.

[0179] Consequently, the airflow F discharged from the discharge port 893 can be guided to the gap between the flow path guide part 8432 and the discharge port 893, and the flow direction of the airflow F can be guided to be directed downward by the flow path guide part 8432.

[0180] That is, the flow direction of the airflow F which has been discharged in the horizontal direction can be changed to the downward direction by the flow path guide part 8432.

[0181] By means of this flow path guide part 8432, it is possible to keep the discharge port 893 covered in the horizontal direction while being partially open, thus forming a flow path structure in which the inflow of the washing water can minimized allowing the airflow F to be discharged effectively.

[0182] Meanwhile, unlike FIG. 6, the flow path guide part 8432 may be formed inside the cap body 8431.

[0183] FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration in which the flow path guide part 8432 is formed inside the cap body 8431.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 7, the flow path guide part 8432 may be a passage or channel extending from the front surface of the cap body 8431 to the rear surface thereof.

[0185] For example, the flow path guide part 8432 may be configured with two horizontal channels and one horizontal channel.

[0186] In this regard, as illustrated, the vertical cross-section of the flow path guide part 8432 may be in the form of a bent connecting line in which a vertical line is connected between two horizontal lines as illustrated.

[0187] Thereby, the airflow F discharged from the discharge port 893 is allowed to be introduced into the upper horizontal channel and flow horizontally, and the airflow F which has passed through the upper horizontal channel is allowed to be introduced into the vertical channel and flow in the up and down direction.

[0188] The airflow F which has passed through the vertical channel can be introduced into the lower horizontal channel to flow horizontally again, and then can be discharged into the washing space 21.

[0189] By means of the flow path guide part 8432 including two horizontal channels and one vertical channel, it is possible to keep the discharge port 893 covered in the horizontal direction by the cap body 8431, thus forming a flow path structure in which the inflow of the washing water can be minimized allowing the airflow F to be discharged effectively.

[0190] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment including a configuration in which, unlike the configurations described above, the discharge port 893 is formed on the rear surface of the housing 84.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 8, the discharge port 893 may be formed to penetrate through the rear surface of the housing 84, which is disposed toward the rear surface 23 of the tub 20.

[0192] In this regard, similar to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the discharge port 893 may be formed at a position close to the lower surface of the housing 84.

[0193] Thereby, the airflow F discharged through the discharge port 893 can be discharged through the gap formed between the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 and the rear surface of the housing 84, and the flow direction of the airflow F can be diverted to the up and down direction and the left and right direction by the rear surface 23 of the tub 20.

[0194] As described above, by forming the discharge port 893 to penetrate through the rear surface of the housing 84, which is positioned as close as possible to the rear surface 23 of the tub 20, it is possible to minimize the phenomenon, without providing the discharge port door 842 or the discharge port cap 843 described above, that the washing water scattered around in the washing space 21 flows into the inside of the housing 84 through the discharge port 893.

[0195] Meanwhile, since the discharge port 893 is disposed on the rear surface, the disposition positions of the heater 831 and the moisture absorbent 85 may be set differently from the configurations described above.

[0196] More specifically, although in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the heater accommodation space in which the heater 831 is accommodated is formed at the rear, and the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is accommodated is formed at the front, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 sets forth the configuration in which the moisture absorbent accommodation space may be formed at the rear of the housing 84 with respect to the separating wall 841 so that the airflow F passing through the moisture absorbent 85 can be discharged by passing through the discharge port 893 formed in the rear surface of the housing 84.

[0197] In this way, as the moisture absorbent accommodation space is formed in the rear side of the housing 84, the heater accommodation space may be formed in the front side of the housing 84.

[0198] In this regard, the other end of the supply duct 88 may be extended through the rear surface of the housing 84 and the separating wall 841 to the heater accommodation space so that the airflow F can be introduced first to the heater accommodation space before the moisture absorbent accommodation space.

[0199] Thereby, the airflow F guided into the inside of the housing 84 through the supply duct 88 can be discharged into the heater accommodation space through the other end of the supply duct 88.

[0200] The airflow F discharged to the heater accommodation space through the other end of the supply duct 88 can pass through the heater 831, and be guided by the separating wall 841 to move to the moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent 85 is received.

[0201] In this way, by configuring the other end of the supply duct 88 to pass directly through the moisture absorbent accommodation space and the heater accommodation space of the housing 84, it is possible to minimize the interference which would otherwise occur between the supply duct 88 and the components disposed in the washing space 21, such as the upper rack 52 and the lower rack 51.

[0202] FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate a schematic configuration of the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 11, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be configured so that the moisture absorbent 85 and the heater 831 are disposed inside the washing space of the tub 20 by means of a plurality of housings, unlike the configuration of the single housing 84 of the first embodiment described above.

[0204] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment in which a plurality of housings are configured with a first housing 84a and a second housing 84b. Although the present invention is not limited to this, it will be described based on the illustrated embodiment.

[0205] The first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may have an internal structure basically almost the same as the single housing 84 of the first embodiment described above.

[0206] Consequently, the configurations of the partition wall 841, the discharge port 893, the discharge port door 842 and the disposition position of the single housing 84 described above can be applied almost identically.

[0207] However, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may be configured to have a smaller size and a smaller volume compared to the single housing 84. That is, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may also be considered to be formed and disposed in the tub 20 by dividing the single housing 84 into them.

[0208] Thus, by dividing the single housing 84 into the single first housing 84a and the second housing 84b which are smaller in size than the single housing, the depth by which the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b protrude between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 can be maintained smaller than the depth by which the single housing 84 protrudes.

[0209] Although FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment in which the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b are provided to have the same size and the same volume, this is a mere example and it is also applicable that the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b are formed to have different sizes and volumes.

[0210] Additionally, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may be provided with a first moisture absorbent and a first heater, and a second moisture absorbent and a second heater, respectively.

[0211] In this case, the volume of the first moisture absorbent and the volume of the second moisture absorbent become significantly smaller than that the moisture absorbent 85 accommodated in the single housing 84. Thereby, the differential pressures generated while passing through the first and second moisture absorbents can be significantly lower than the differential pressure of the moisture absorbent of the single housing 84, thus reducing the load on the blowing part 82.

[0212] Meanwhile, in the space between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 based on the up and down direction, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other left and right along the horizontal direction. In this regard, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may also be disposed at positions where they partially overlap with the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 based on the up and down direction.

[0213] Additionally, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may be disposed at positions symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing through the center of the tub 20.

[0214] In this way, by disposing the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b to be spaced apart from each other in a symmetrical manner, the first housing 84a can supply the airflow F through the first discharge port 893a at a position biased to the left from the plane of symmetry, and the second housing 84b can supply the airflow F through the second discharge port 893b at a position biased to the right from the plane of symmetry.

[0215] Thereby, compared to supplying the airflow F through the single discharge port 893 of the single housing 84 described above, it is possible to improve the supply efficiency of the airflow F, and to minimize the local deviations in drying efficiency and drying time which may occur in the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0216] Additionally, since the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b are disposed to be spaced apart from each other left and right in a symmetrical manner, it is possible to secure a passage between the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b, through which the aforementioned second supply flow path 463 can pass. Therefore, in order to minimize interference with the second supply flow path 463, the horizontal gap between the first housing 84a and the second housing 84bmay be formed to be equal to or greater than the left-right width of the second supply flow path 463.

[0217] As illustrated, the first discharge port 893a of the first housing 84a may be independently opened or closed by means of a first discharge port door 842a, and the second discharge port 893b of the second housing 84b may be independently opened or closed by means of a second discharge port door 842b.

[0218] Herein, the meaning of the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b being opened or closed may refer to that valves are installed inside the first housing 84a and inside the second housing 84b to block or open the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b.

[0219] Alternatively, the meaning of the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b being opened or closed may refer to that actuators, each including a motor or a pump which physically moves the first discharge port door 842a or the second discharge port door 842b, are installed inside the first housing 84a and inside the second housing 84b to block or open the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the second discharge port 893b without providing the second discharge port door 842b so that the first discharge port 893a and the second discharge port 893b are always open.

[0220] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b.

[0221] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b may each be divided into a first part 84a1, 84b1, a second part 84a2, 84b2, and a third part 84a3, 84b3 according to the internal shape or cross-sectional area.

[0222] The first part 84a1, 84b1 may be configured so that its outer surface facing the inside of the tub 20 includes a portion protruding toward the washing space 21 of the tub 20 in order to secure a sufficient space in the inner space to install the moisture absorbent 85 or the heater 831.

[0223] The second part 84a2, 84b2 may be configured so that its outer surface protrudes relatively less than the first part 84a1, 84b1 because no component is disposed in the inner space.

[0224] The volumes of the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b can be minimized through the second parts 84a2, 84b2, and thus, unnecessary space can be minimized, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and as well, the interference with other components such as the storage part 50, the second supply flow path 463, and the spray part 60 located inside the tub 20 can be minimized.

[0225] The third part 84a3, 84b3 functions as a connecting portion connecting between the first part 84a1, 84b1 and the second part 84a2, 84b2. The third part 84a3, 84b3 may be configured so that the cross sections of the outer surface and the inner surface form straight lines or curves, thereby minimizing the flow resistance of the airflow F flowing inside. Although FIG. 13 illustrates a configuration in which the cross sections of the outer surface and inner surface of the third part 84a3, 84b3 are formed in a straight line shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to configure the cross sections of the outer and inner surfaces of the third part 84a3, 84b3 in a curved shape or a compound curve in which straight lines are combined with each other, and this will be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0226] Meanwhile, in order to enable the airflow F generated by the blowing fan 821 to be supplied to the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include a first branch duct 881 connecting between the first housing 84a and the supply duct 88, and a second branch duct 882 connecting between the second housing 84b and the supply duct 88.

[0227] After being branched from the supply duct 88, the first branch duct 881 and the second branch duct 882 may penetrate through the lower surface 25 of the tub 20 from the outside of the tub 20 upwardly, enter the inside of the tub 20, and then be connected to the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b, respectively, or penetrate through the opposite side surfaces of the tub 20 from the outside of the tub 20 or be extended along the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 and then penetrate through the rear surface 23 of the tub, enter the inside of the tub 20, and then be communicated with the inlet of the first housing 84a and the inlet of the second housing 84b, respectively.

[0228] In the shown embodiment, there is illustrated a configuration in which the first branch duct 881 is disposed so that one end is communicated with the supply duct 88 and the other end penetrates through the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 and is communicated with the inlet of the first housing 84a, and the second branch duct 882 is disposed so that one end is communicated with the supply duct 88 and the other end penetrates through the rear surface 23 of the tub 20 and is communicated with the inlet of the second housing 84b. Although the present invention is not limited to this, it will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment.

[0229] For example, although FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a configuration in which the one end of the first branch duct 881 and the one end of the second branch duct 882 are formed at separate positions, a configuration dissimilar to this is also applicable, in which the one end of the first branch duct 881 and the one end of the second branch duct 882 are communicated with the supply duct 88 at the same position.

[0230] As in the illustrated embodiment, in the case where the one end of the first branch duct 881 is communicated with the supply duct 88 at a position separated from the one end of the second branch duct 882, more specifically, at a position further upstream based on the flow direction of the airflow F, there may be disposed a damper part 87 between the one end of the first branch duct 881 and the one end of the second branch duct 882 to open or close the internal air passage of the supply duct 88.

[0231] For example, the damper part 87 may be provided in the shape of a circular plate disposed in the internal air passage of the supply duct 88 to correspond to the shape of the internal air passage of the supply duct 88.

[0232] The damper part 87 in the shape of a circular plate may be disposed to be rotatable around a rotational axis passing through its center. Thereby, the opening degree of the internal air passage of the supply duct 88 can be adjusted in response to the rotation amount of the damper part 87.

[0233] When the damper part 87 entirely closes the internal air passage of the supply duct 88, the airflow F can only be supplied to the first housing 84a, and the moisture absorption drying mode can proceed only through the first housing 84a.

[0234] Thus, when the drying load to be performed in the washing space of the tub 20 is small, for example, when the amount of tableware accommodated in the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 is small, the air volume of the blowing part 82 can be adjusted so that the moisture absorption drying mode is performed only through the first housing 84a, thereby having the effect of minimizing energy consumption.

[0235] Furthermore, it may be configured so that, by adjusting the opening degree of the damper part 87, some airflow F can be supplied to the second housing 84b, thereby allowing the moisture absorption drying mode to be performed through the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b. This case may be suitable for a case where the drying load is greater than a case where the moisture absorption drying mode is performed only with the first housing 84a, but is less than the maximum drying load.

[0236] Additionally, it may configured so that, by adjusting the opening degree of the damper part 87 to the maximum, the airflow F can be supplied evenly to the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b, thereby allowing the moisture absorption drying mode to be performed through the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b simultaneously. This case may be suitable for a case where the drying load to be performed in the washing space of the tub 20 is maximum.

[0237] In this way, the moisture absorption drying device 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to adjust the airflow amount of the blowing part 82 and adjust the supply amounts of the airflow F to the first housing 84a and the second housing 84b by means of the damper 87, according to the magnitude of the drying load, thereby having the effect of minimizing energy consumption.

[0238] 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; and a moisture absorption drying device absorbing moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplying the air to the tub, wherein the moisture absorption drying device includes: a moisture absorbent absorbing moisture contained in airflow discharged from the tub; a heating part disposed upstream of the moisture absorbent and having a heater heating an airflow of the air; a housing accommodating the moisture absorbent and the heating part; and a blowing part disposed upstream of the housing and having a blowing fan generating the airflow and a fan housing in which the blowing fan is accommodated, and wherein the housing is disposed inside the washing space of the tub, and the blowing part is disposed outside the tub.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising: a lower rack disposed in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested, wherein the housing is disposed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the housing is inserted into a space formed between the upper rack and the lower rack.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the housing is fixed to a rear surface of the tub.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a separating wall disposed between the moisture absorbent and the heater, and wherein an internal space of the housing is divided by the separating wall into a moisture absorbent accommodation space in which the moisture absorbent is accommodated and a heater accommodation space in which the heater is accommodated.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein by the separating wall, an airflow introduced into an inside of the housing passes through the heater and is then guided toward the moisture absorbent.

7. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising: a lower rack disposed in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space, and on which the tableware is rested, wherein the housing is provided with an discharge port being open toward a washing space, and through which an airflow that has passed through the moisture absorbent is discharged, and wherein the discharge port is open toward a space formed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a discharge port door opening or closing the discharge port.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the discharge port door opens the discharge port when the airflow is generated by the blowing part, and closes the discharge port when the airflow is not generated.

10. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the discharge port door has an upper end rotatably connected to the housing, and a lower end swingable in a direction away from the discharge port while opening the discharge port.

11. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the moisture absorption drying device further includes a suction duct guiding the airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, and wherein one end of the suction duct communicated with the tub is disposed at a position lower than the discharge port based on an up and down direction.

12. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the moisture absorption drying device further includes a suction duct guiding the airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, and wherein one end of the suction duct communicated with the tub is disposed at a position higher than the discharge port based on an up and down direction.

13. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the wind blowing part is disposed below a lower surface of the tub.

14. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the wind blowing part is disposed at a rear of a rear surface of the tub.

15. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first housing and a second housing which are disposed in a separated state from each other inside the washing space, wherein the heating part includes a first heater disposed in the first housing and a second heater accommodated in the second housing, and wherein the moisture absorbent includes a second moisture absorbent accommodated in the first housing, and a second moisture absorbent accommodated in the second housing.

16. The dishwasher of claim 15, wherein the first housing and the second housing are disposed to be spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the moisture absorption drying device further includes: a supply duct guiding an airflow discharged from the fan housing toward the first housing and the second housing; a first branch duct having one end communicated with the supply duct and another end communicated with the first housing; and a second branch duct having one end communicated with the supply duct and another end communicated with the second housing.

18. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the moisture absorption drying device further includes a damper part disposed between the one end of the first branch duct and the one end of the second branch duct, and opening or closing an internal air passage of the supply duct.

19. The dishwasher of claim 18, wherein when the damper part closes the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow is guided only to the first branch duct.

20. The dishwasher of claim 18, wherein when the damper part opens the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow is guided to the first branch duct and the second branch duct.

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