Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher. The present invention may comprise: a tub (15) having a washing chamber formed therein; and a driving module (20) disposed below the tub (15) and including a raising / lowering device (23) therein. Also, a washing module (30) is provided with a machine room (31a) independent of the washing chamber and can spray washing water into the washing chamber. A rack module (70) storing a rack therein can be raised and lowered by the raising / lowering device (23). A lower portion of the rack module (70) may be supported by the raising / lowering device (23). Since the driving module (20) for raising or lowering the rack module (70) supports a lower portion of the rack module (70), there is no need for storage space (S) in the rack module (70) to be sacrificed for the driving module (20). Accordingly, the dishwasher according to the present invention can be provided with a large storage space (S) that conveniently opens upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher.Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that cleans stored dishes by spraying washing water at high pressure onto the dishes and then dries the dishes. In the dishwasher, washing water is sprayed at high pressure into a washing tub in which the dishes are stored, and as the sprayed washing water comes into contact with the dishes, foreign substances such as food residues adhering to the surfaces of the dishes are cleaned off. In the dishwasher, food residues contained in the washing water are filtered out by a filter so that the used washing water is recycled, and detergent is dissolved and supplied into the washing water so that the food residues are effectively separated.

[0003] Such a dishwasher may be installed as a built-in type of dishwasher. For example, recently, in order to make efficient use of kitchen space, a built-in dishwasher that is installed in a fixed manner under a sink has been used. From the front of the sink, only the door and display part of the dishwasher are exposed, while the remaining portions of the dishwasher may be accommodated inside the sink.

[0004] In this case, a rack may be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing tub through the door of the dishwasher. The door may open and close the washing tub by swinging forward and backward about a hinge.

[0005] However, since such a built-in dishwasher opens with the door thereof swinging widely forward, a sufficient clearance in front of the sink is required for the door to swing. Therefore, installing a built-in dishwasher in a confined space may be difficult.

[0006] To address this problem, a dishwasher in which a washing tub is raised and lowered has been disclosed. In Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-2011-0006400 (Prior Art 1), Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2014-0017136 (Prior Art 2), and Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN106993993A (Prior Art 3), dishwashers are disclosed in which a washing tub is raised so that a rack is exposed. In this way, when the washing tub is raised and the rack is exposed, a door that swings forward is unnecessary, and thus only a relatively small installation space is required.

[0007] However, in Prior Art 1, a lifting unit for raising and lowering a basket is arranged at the rear of a housing, thereby reducing a washing space, and the screw of the lifting unit extends across from a lower space in which a drive motor is disposed to the washing space, resulting in a structure disadvantageous for waterproofing. In Prior Art 1, since an entire spray nozzle for spraying washing water is raised and lowered together with a dish storage part, a washing water spraying structure is complicated, and when the dish storage part is raised, the spray nozzle is also exposed to the outside, thereby impairing aesthetics.

[0008] In Prior Art 2, a guide support member for raising and lowering a dish rack is arranged at the rear, so the rear space of a dishwasher cannot be utilized as a washing space. In addition, in Prior Art 2, since the guide support member is arranged only at the rear, the dish rack containing heavy dishes is likely to tilt forward, which may reduce operational reliability. Furthermore, in Prior Art 2, an empty space is formed in the lower portion for accommodating a drive motor, etc., and such an empty space becomes a kind of dead space that reduces the volume of the washing space arranged above the space.

[0009] In Prior Art 3, a lifting column for raising and lowering a dish storage part is arranged at the center of a dishwasher, thereby reducing a washing space. In addition, the lifting column is arranged at the center of the washing space, so that the storage and removal of dishes is inconvenient and the circulation of washing water is disadvantageous.

[0010] In addition, in Prior Art 1, Prior Art 2, and Prior Art 3, when a dishwasher is disposed at an end of a sink adjacent to a wall, a direction in which dishes are stored and withdrawn is formed along the surface of the wall. Accordingly, when storing dishes in a washing tub or removing the dishes from the washing tub, there is inconvenience due to interference of the dishes with the wall surface.Disclosure Technical Problem

[0011] The present disclosure is intended to solve the problems of the prior arts described above, and an objective of the present disclosure is to raise and lower a rack module for storing dishes in a pop-up type, and to arrange a configuration for raising and lowering the rack module below the rack module so as to secure a wide space in a washing chamber.

[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to allow racks disposed in the rack module to be stored and withdrawn in an inclined direction with respect to the front of the dishwasher.

[0013] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to allow a plurality of lifting rods to support multiple points of the lower portion of the rack module so that the weight of the rack module is distributed.

[0014] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a plurality of spray nozzles for washing dishes from multiple angles, wherein some of the spray nozzles remain in a washing space without rising together with the rack module.Technical Solution

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure to accomplish the objectives as described above, a dishwasher of the present disclosure may include a tub having a washing chamber formed therein. A drive module provided with a lifting device may be arranged under the tub. In addition, while a rack module, in which racks are accommodated, is raised and lowered by the lifting device, the rack module may be moved between a first position at which the rack module is disposed in the washing chamber and a second position at which the rack module is moved out of the washing chamber and exposed to the outside. A washing module may spray washing water into the washing chamber to wash dishes placed in the rack.

[0016] In this case, a lower portion of the rack module may be supported by the lifting device. In this way, the drive module, which includes the lifting device, may support the lower portion of the rack module, so that a storage space of the rack module may not be reduced due to the drive module. Accordingly, the dishwasher of the present disclosure may provide a large storage space together with the convenience of having the storage space open at the upper portion thereof.

[0017] In addition, when the rack module is moved to the second position, a rack entrance through which the rack is inserted and withdrawn may be exposed. In this case, the rack entrance may be opened in an inclined direction between a front and a side of the rack module. When the rack is inserted and withdrawn in the inclined direction, the rack may not interfere with a wall surface even when the dishwasher is installed in a corner.

[0018] The rack module may include a plurality of corners, and support posts may be arranged at a portion of the plurality of corners. The rack entrance may be formed at a remaining portion of the plurality of corners in which the support posts are omitted. Accordingly, the rack disposed in the rack module may be inserted and withdrawn in a diagonal direction with respect to a front of the dishwasher.

[0019] Furthermore, the rack module may include an upper door that shields the washing chamber when the rack module is located at the first position, and a lower frame that forms the storage space between the upper door and the lower frame. The upper door and the lower frame may be connected by the plurality of support posts. The storage space in which the rack is accommodated may be formed between the plurality of support posts. Since side portions of the rack module are formed only by the plurality of support posts, the rack may be easily withdrawn, and a large storage space may be provided.

[0020] In addition, at the first position of the rack module, the plurality of support posts may be arranged at edges of the washing chamber. Accordingly, a dead space generated by the support posts may be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, the plurality of support posts may be respectively disposed at n-1 or fewer corners among n corners constituting the rack module. In this case, the rack entrance through which the rack is withdrawn may be formed at a corner among the n corners where the support post is omitted. Accordingly, the rack disposed in the rack module may be inserted and withdrawn in a diagonal direction with respect to the front of the dishwasher.

[0022] In addition, at the first position of the rack module, the lower frame may form a bottom surface of the washing chamber. The lower frame may include a rack drain hole that is open toward a sump disposed in a machine room.

[0023] Furthermore, when the rack module is located at the first position, the lower frame may be stacked on a bottom portion of the tub, wherein the lower frame may form the bottom surface of the washing chamber.

[0024] In addition, a lower nozzle that sprays washing water toward a lower portion of the washing chamber may be disposed at an upper portion of the lower frame, and the lower nozzle may be raised and lowered together with the rack module. Accordingly, the washing rate of dishes disposed at the lower portion of the washing chamber may be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, a plurality of rack fixing parts coupled respectively to surfaces of the plurality of support posts may be provided at the edges of the rack.

[0026] In addition, the drive module may include a lifting motor and lifting rods that are raised and lowered in conjunction with rotation of the lifting motor. One end portion of each of the lifting rods may be connected to the lower portion of the rack module.

[0027] Furthermore, the lower frame constituting the bottom surface of the washing chamber may be disposed on the lower portion of the rack module. The plurality of lifting rods may respectively support different points of the lower frame. Accordingly, the lifting rods may stably support the rack module while distributing the weight of the rack module.

[0028] In addition, some of the lifting rods may pass through the machine room to support the lower portion of the rack module.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of support posts disposed at edges of the rack module may be disposed farther outward from the washing chamber than the lifting rods.

[0030] In addition, when the rack module is located at the first position, upper ends of support columns and a lower surface of the rack module may be in close contact with each other to form a close-contact surface therebetween. In this case, the close-contact surface may be formed higher than the bottom surface of the washing chamber. This configuration may prevent washing water remaining on the bottom of the washing chamber floor from leaking through the support columns to the drive module.

[0031] Furthermore, lifting sealing parts may be disposed between the upper ends of the support columns and the lower surface of the rack module. When the rack module is located at the first position, the lifting sealing parts may be compressed between the upper ends of the support columns and the lower surface of the rack module.

[0032] In addition, the lower portion of the rack module may include support stepped portions recessed toward an upper portion of the rack module. When the rack module is located at the first position, the upper ends of the support columns may be disposed on the support stepped portions.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive module may be disposed below the washing module.

[0034] In addition, the washing module may be provided with a washing nozzle for spraying washing water. In this case, the washing nozzle may include: (i) a side nozzle, which is disposed on the side surface of the tub and sprays washing water from the side surface of the washing chamber, and (ii) the lower nozzle, which is disposed on the lower portion of the rack module, is raised and lowered together with the rack module, and sprays washing water from the lower portion of the washing chamber.

[0035] In addition, the sump in which washing water is stored may be disposed in the machine room. When the rack module is located at the first position, the side nozzle and the lower nozzle may be connected to the sump to receive washing water.

[0036] Furthermore, the machine room may be provided with a washing water supply part connected to the sump. In this case, the washing water supply part may include (i) a main connector open toward the sump, (ii) a first connection pipe connected to the main connector and extending in a vertical direction, and (iii) a second connection pipe connected to the main connector, extending in the vertical direction, and having a flow path independent of the first connection pipe.

[0037] In addition, a main sealing part may be provided between the lower surface of the rack module and an upper portion of the main connector facing the lower surface of the rack module. At the same time, a lower sealing part may be provided between the first connection pipe and a lower connector.

[0038] Furthermore, the machine room may be provided with a controller, and the upper portion of the rack module may be provided with an operation part. In this case, a wire harness connecting the controller with the operation part may be disposed inside each of the support posts.

[0039] On the side surface of the tub, (i) the side nozzle for spraying washing water into the washing chamber, (ii) a drying blower for discharging hot air into the washing chamber, and (iii) a water jacket for storing washing water therein and performing condensation drying of the interior of the washing chamber may be disposed. In this case, the side nozzle, the drying blower, and the water jacket may be respectively disposed on different side surfaces of the tub.Advantageous Effects

[0040] The dishwasher of the present disclosure as described above may have the following effects.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the rack module may be raised and lowered in a pop-up type manner so that the storage space is opened. In this case, since the drive module that raises and lowers the rack module supports the lower portion of the rack module, the drive module may not intrude into the storage space of the rack module. Accordingly, since the storage space of the rack module is not reduced by the drive module, the dishwasher of the present disclosure may provide a large storage space together with the convenience of a door that opens upward.

[0042] In addition, according to the present disclosure, since all components constituting the drive module are disposed beneath the rack module, the drive module may not be exposed to the outside at any angle even when the rack module is raised. Accordingly, the dishwasher may achieve the effect of enhanced aesthetics.

[0043] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the rack disposed in the rack module may be inserted and withdrawn in a diagonal direction with respect to the front of the dishwasher. When the rack is inserted or withdrawn in the oblique direction, the rack may not interfere with a wall surface even if the dishwasher is in close contact with the wall surface, thereby improving user convenience.

[0044] In addition, according to the present disclosure, since the dishwasher can be placed in close contact with a wall, an effect of increasing the degree of freedom in installation of the dishwasher may also be obtained.

[0045] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the plurality of lifting rods constituting a lifting module may support multiple points at the lower portion of the rack module. In this way, the weight of the rack module may be distributed across various portions of the lifting module, and even when heavy dishes are stored inside the rack module, the lifting module may stably support the rack module. Accordingly, the operational reliability of the dishwasher may be improved.

[0046] In addition, the washing module of the present disclosure may include the lower nozzle and the side nozzle, which may spray washing water toward dishes at different angles. In this case, the lower nozzle may be raised and lowered together with the rack module, but the side nozzle may remain fixed to the tub. Accordingly, a structure for supplying washing water to a plurality of nozzles while spraying washing water from multiple angles may be implemented relatively simply.

[0047] In particular, if the lower nozzle among the plurality of nozzles is raised and lowered, when the rack module is lowered, the lower nozzle may be stacked directly on the sump in which washing water is stored. Accordingly, a connection distance between the sump and the lower nozzle may be formed short, and high-temperature washing water may be supplied to the lower nozzle without heat loss.

[0048] Additionally, when the rack module and the washing module move relative to each other in the vertical direction and are in close contact with each other, a sealing portion at a close-contact area may be naturally compressed. The compressed sealing portion may enhance watertightness between the rack module and the washing module.

[0049] In addition, the side nozzle may remain fixed to the tub, and only the lower nozzle may be raised and lowered, with the lower nozzle being disposed at the bottom portion of the rack module. In this way, even when the rack module is raised and exposed, the portion of the lower nozzle exposed to the outside may be minimized. Accordingly, the durability of the nozzle as well as the aesthetics of the dishwasher may be enhanced.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the drive module that raises and lowers the rack module and the washing module that washes dishes may be arranged at different heights. When the drive module and the washing module are thus independently arranged at different heights, the assembly efficiency and maintainability of the dishwasher may be improved.

[0051] In addition, in the present disclosure, there may be provided the side nozzle, the drying blower, and the water jacket, each of which may be arranged on a different side surface of the tub in a standing orientation. Accordingly, a plurality of components with different functions may be provided, and a sufficiently large volume of the washing chamber disposed inside the tub may be ensured.

[0052] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the upper door of the rack module, which functions as a door, may be provided with the operation part, through which a user may input instructions to the dishwasher or recognize the status of the dishwasher. In this case, the operation part may be connected to the controller disposed in the machine room, and the operation part and the controller may be connected by the wire harness disposed inside each of the support posts, which are the posts of the rack module. Accordingly, the operation part may be disposed on the upper door without exposing the wire harness, thereby enhancing both the convenience and aesthetics of the dishwasher.Description of Drawings

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a dishwasher of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a rack module in FIG. 1 is raised. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the dishwasher of FIG. 1 installed in a built-in manner. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack module in FIG. 3 is raised. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the racks of the rack module in FIG. 4 are withdrawn. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the interior of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 with a housing and the tub removed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the interior of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 with the housing and the tub removed, from a different angle than FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack module in FIG. 7 is raised. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a drive module, a washing module, and the rack module according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 are separated from each other. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the washing module according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the side structure of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rack module in FIG. 11 is raised. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the bottom portion of a washing chamber constituting the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the structure of a drying blower constituting the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the rack module according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a state in which a rack is separated from the rack module according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a protective mesh and a filter separated from the rack module according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure for supplying washing water to a lower nozzle and a side nozzle constituting the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the rack module raised in FIG. 19, with the lower nozzle and the connection connector separated from each other. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a path through which washing water is supplied via the connection connector constituting the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 22 is a front view showing a state (a) in which a wire harness provided inside a support post constituting the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 is housed inside the support post and a state (b) in which the wire harness is pulled out from the support post. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the support post according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the dishwasher of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the dishwasher of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a conceptual view showing a fourth embodiment of the dishwasher of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 is a conceptual view showing a fifth embodiment of the dishwasher of the present disclosure. Mode for Invention

[0054] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are designated by the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions are omitted when such descriptions are determined to obscure the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. In the present disclosure, a rack module 70, in which dishes are stored, may be raised and lowered in a pop-up type, allowing a storage space S to be opened upward. When the rack module 70 is lowered and housed inside the dishwasher, only an upper door 88 which is the upper surface of the rack module 70 may be exposed to the outside. Therefore, in the present disclosure, an empty space may not be required in front of the dishwasher for opening a door. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with a focus on the structure of the rack module 70 related to the raising and lowering thereof.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the dishwasher of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 shows the rack module 70 in a raised state in FIG. 1. Comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, when the rack module 70 is housed inside the dishwasher (FIG. 1), the overall height of the dishwasher may be relatively reduced. At the upper portion of the dishwasher, only the upper surface of the upper door 88 of the rack module 70, which will be described below, may be exposed. When the dishwasher is installed in a built-in manner in a sink 1 or the like, the upper door 88 may form a continuous plane with the upper surface of the sink 1. For reference, hereinafter, the state in which the rack module 70 is lowered is referred to as a first position, and the state in which the rack module 70 is raised is referred to as a second position. In this case, when the rack module 70 is located at the first position, the storage space S of the rack module 70 may serve as a washing chamber.

[0057] In addition, when the rack module 70 is raised (FIG. 2), the overall height of the dishwasher may be relatively increased. As the rack module 70 is raised, the storage space S provided inside the rack module 70 may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the racks 90 housed in the storage space S and the dishes (not shown) stored in the racks 90 may also be exposed to the outside.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, when the rack module 70 is raised, only the plurality of racks 90, together with a plurality of support posts C arranged at the corners, may be exposed. A washing module 30 for washing the dishes and a drive module 20 for raising and lowering the rack module 70 may be both disposed beneath and may not be exposed to the outside. More specifically, both the washing module 30 and the drive module 20 may be disposed beneath while being enclosed by a housing 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the exterior of the dishwasher may be formed by the housing 10. The housing 10 can enclose the exterior of the dishwasher. An empty space may be formed inside the housing 10. The tub 15, the washing module 30, and the drive module 20, which will be described below, may be disposed in the empty space. When the dishwasher is installed in a built-in manner in the sink 1 or the like, the housing 10 may be concealed by the sink 1 or the like. The housing 10 may also be regarded as a cabinet that constitutes the outer surface of the dishwasher.

[0060] In this embodiment, the housing 10 may have an approximately rectangular prism shape. The housing 10 may have four side surfaces 11. The upper portion of the housing 10 may be open, and may serve as an entrance through which the rack module 70 is raised and lowered. The lower portion of the housing 10 may also be open. The lower portion of the housing 10 may be shielded by the drive module 20.

[0061] Wheels 17 may be disposed on the lower portion of the housing 10. The wheels 17 are intended to facilitate movement of the dishwasher, and in the present embodiment, the wheels 17 may be fixed to the lower surface of the drive module 20. In another example, the wheels 17 may be omitted.

[0062] The tub 15 may be disposed inside the housing 10. Considering the housing 10 as an outer casing, the tub 15 may be regarded as a type of inner casing. The washing chamber may be provided inside the tub 15. In the washing chamber, washing water may be sprayed to wash dishes. For this purpose, when the rack module 70 is lowered, the rack module 70 may be disposed within the washing chamber. In other words, the rack module 70 may be disposed inside the washing chamber, which is the inner space of the tub 15. In this case, the bottom surface of the rack module 70 may serve as the bottom surface of the washing chamber.

[0063] FIGS. 3 to 5 sequentially illustrate a state in which the dishwasher is installed in the present embodiment and a state in which the plurality of racks 90 are withdrawn from the dishwasher. First, referring to FIG. 3, the dishwasher is shown to be installed in a built-in manner in the sink 1. In the present embodiment, the dishwasher may be placed in a corner. Here, the corner may refer to a portion where two wall surfaces meet. In FIG. 3, arrow ① indicates the direction in which the rack module 70 is raised.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the rack module 70 is shown to be raised. When the rack module 70 is raised, the rack module 70 may be positioned higher than the surrounding sink 1. In addition, the storage space S is exposed, allowing the plurality of racks 90 to be withdrawn. Dishes may be stored in the racks 90, and the dishes may be withdrawn together with the racks 90. In FIG. 4, arrow ② indicates the direction in which the racks 90 can be withdrawn.

[0065] As described below, the rack module 70 may include the plurality of support posts C (see FIG. 2). Each of the plurality of support posts C may be regarded as a type of column supporting the rack module 70. The plurality of support posts C may be disposed at the corners of the rack module 70. In addition, the space between the plurality of support posts C may be regarded as the storage space S.

[0066] In this case, the support post C may be omitted at a portion of the corners of the rack module 70. In the portion where the support post C is omitted, a rack entrance through which the racks 90 can be withdrawn may be formed. Referring to FIG. 4, below an operation part 89 formed on the upper door 88, the support post C is omitted, and the racks 90 may be withdrawn or stored through this portion.

[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates the racks 90 being withdrawn through the rack entrance. The racks 90 may be withdrawn in a diagonal direction, that is, in an oblique direction with respect to the front of the dishwasher. When the dishwasher is installed in a corner, the dishwasher may face two wall surfaces, and when the racks 90 are moved in the diagonal direction, interference of the racks 90 with the two wall surfaces may be prevented.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the rack module 70 may include four corners, and the support posts C may be respectively disposed at three corners of these corners. In addition, the rack entrance may be formed at the corner where the support post C is not disposed. This structure will be described in further detail below.

[0069] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment from different angles. For reference, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 10 is omitted, and the tub 15 is represented in a dotted line, and the drive module 20, the washing module 30, and the rack module 70 constituting the dishwasher are all illustrated.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the drive module 20, the washing module 30, and the rack module 70 may have a stacked structure at different heights. The drive module 20 may be disposed at the lowermost position, and the rack module 70 may be disposed at the uppermost position. The washing module 30 may be disposed between the drive module 20 and the rack module 70. Since both the drive module 20 and the washing module 30 remain fixed, the drive module 20 and the washing module 30 may be regarded as a single fixed unit.

[0071] First, referring to the drive module 20, the drive module 20 may raise and lower the rack module 70. The drive module 20 may be disposed below the rack module 70, so that even when the rack module 70 is raised, the drive module 20 may not be exposed to the outside. More specifically, lifting rods P constituting the drive module 20 may support the lower surface of the rack module 70, and therefore the components of the drive module 20 may not be exposed.

[0072] At the same time, since the drive module 20 does not intrude into the storage space S of the rack module 70, the volume of the storage space S may not be reduced by the drive module 20. That is, since the drive module 20 for raising and lowering the rack module 70 supports the lower portion of the rack module 70, there is no need to reduce the storage space S of the rack module 70 due to the drive module 20. Accordingly, the dishwasher of the present disclosure may provide a large storage space S together with the convenience of the storage space S being open at the upper side thereof.

[0073] The lifting rods P may pass through the interior of the washing chamber while rising when the rack module 70 is raised. In the present embodiment, since the lifting rods P are raised and lowered along the corner portions of the washing chamber, interference between the washing chamber and the lifting rods P may be minimized.

[0074] The drive module 20 may include a drive frame 21. The drive frame 21 may constitute the framework of the drive module 20. The drive frame 21 may have an approximately rectangular shape. A drive space 21a may be formed inside the drive frame 21. The drive space 21a may be regarded as an installation space in which a lifting device 23, to be described later, is disposed. The wheels 17 described above may be fixed to the lower surface of the drive frame 21.

[0075] The lifting device 23 may be disposed in the drive frame 21. The lifting device 23 may raise and lower the rack module 70. For example, the lifting device 23 may use electricity to raise and lower the rack module 70. Here, the electricity may be supplied from outside the dishwasher.

[0076] The lifting device 23 may include a lifting motor 24. The lifting motor 24 may generate rotational force. The lifting motor 24 may be controlled by a controller (not shown). The lifting motor 24 may include a plurality of lifting motors, and in the present embodiment, the drive module 20 may include two lifting motors 24. For reference, the controller may be disposed in a machine room 31a. The controller may control components such as a circulation pump 40 and a drainage pump 45 disposed in the machine room 31a, as well as the lifting motor 24.

[0077] The lifting device 23 may be provided with a plurality of support columns 25 and 26. Each of the plurality of support columns 25 and 26 may extend in the lifting direction of the rack module 70. The plurality of support columns 25 and 26 may be located below the tub 15 to support the tub 15. In addition, each of the plurality of support columns 25 and 26 may also be regarded as a type of casing that surrounds each of the lifting rods P.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the support columns 25 and 26 may include a total of four support columns. The four support columns 25 and 26 may be respectively disposed at the four corners of the drive frame 21. The four support columns 25 and 26 may be classified into two drive columns 25 and two driven columns 26. The drive columns 25 and the driven columns 26 are the same in that they support the tub 15 from beneath, but the lifting rods P operated by the lifting motor 24 may be disposed in only the drive columns 25. As shown in FIG. 9, the lifting rods P are illustrated as slightly protruding from the drive columns 25. The structure of each of the lifting rods P will be described again below.

[0079] The two driven columns 26 may not house the lifting rods P, but may be respectively provided with guide rods P'. The guide rods P' may not operate in conjunction with the lifting motor 24 and may simply perform lifting motion together with the lifting rods P. As shown in FIG. 9, the guide rods P' are illustrated as slightly protruding from the driven columns 26. The guide rods P' allow the drive module 20 to stably support multiple points of the rack module 70 while reducing the number of lifting motors 24. In another example, the interiors of the driven columns 26 may omit both the lifting rods P and the guide rods P'. In yet another example, all of the four support columns 25 and 26 may be configured as the drive columns 25.

[0080] The lifting device 23 may be configured as a linear actuator. As a linear actuator, the lifting device 23 may convert the rotational motion of the lifting motor 24 into the rectilinear motion of the lifting rod P. In the present embodiment, the lifting device 23 may be implemented as a screw jack to which a worm gear (not shown) is applied. For example, the lifting device 23 may include a gearbox (not shown) inside. The gearbox may be provided with a worm (not shown) and a worm gear engaged with the worm. When the lifting motor 24 rotates the worm, the worm gear engaged with the worm may rotate, and the lifting rod P engaged with the worm gear may move rectilinearly according to the rotation of the worm gear.

[0081] In this case, the lifting rod P may be configured as a screw shaft with threads formed on an outer surface thereof. The lifting rod P may rotate in engagement with the rotation of the worm gear and simultaneously move rectilinearly. The plurality of lifting rods P may be synchronized by the controller (not shown) so that they may be raised and lowered while rotating at the same speed.

[0082] In another example, the lifting device 23 may be a nut-type lifting actuator. The nut (not shown) may be raised and lowered in engagement with a lead screw (not shown) rotated by the lifting motor 24. The lifting rod P may be connected to the nut so that the lifting rod P may be raised and lowered together with the nut. In yet another example, the lifting device 23 may employ a ball screw instead of a lead screw.

[0083] The upper end portions Pa of the lifting rods P and the upper end portions Pa of the guide rods P' may be connected to the lower surface of the rack module 70. Referring to FIG. 13, a rod groove Pa' may be formed in the upper end portion Pa of the lifting rod P. The rod groove Pa' may be connected to a frame hole 71c formed in a lower frame 71 of the rack module 70, which will be described below. When a fastener, such as a bolt (not shown), passes through the frame hole 71c and is fastened to the rod groove Pa', the upper end portion Pa of the lifting rod P may be fixed to the lower frame 71 of the rack module 70. Accordingly, the rack module 70 may be raised and lowered by the lifting rods P while supported by the lifting rods P. Although not illustrated, the guide rods P' may also be fixed to the lower frame 71 in the same manner.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 7, the upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may be seen to be disposed in the machine room 31a. The upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may pass through the machine room 31a and be connected to the lower surface of the washing chamber. In other words, the upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may be regarded as extending to the lower surface of the tub 15. The lower surface of the tub 15 may be supported by the upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26.

[0085] The upper end portions Pa of the lifting rods P and the upper end portions Pa of the guide rods P' protruding respectively from the upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may pass through the tub 15 and be connected to the lower frame 71 of the rack module 70. Referring to FIG. 12, it may be seen that as the upper end portions Pa of the lifting rods P and the upper end portions Pa of the guide rods P' are raised, the rack module 70 is raised together. In this case, the upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may still support the lower portion of the tub 15.

[0086] In this case, since washing water is filled in the washing chamber formed inside the tub 15, it may be necessary to prevent the washing water from flowing into the drive module 20 through the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26. For this purpose, lifting sealing parts 28 may be disposed between the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26 and the lower surface of the rack module 70. FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the lifting sealing parts 28 are disposed on the upper end portions 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26.

[0087] When the rack module 70 is positioned at the first position, the lifting sealing parts 28 may be compressed between the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26 and the lower surface of the rack module 70. Accordingly, the lifting sealing parts 28 may naturally provide a waterproof function between the support columns 25 and 26 and the rack module 70. FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the lifting sealing part 28 is disposed between the upper end portion 25a of the drive column 25 and the lower frame 71.

[0088] When the rack module 70 is at the first position, the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26 and the lower surface of the rack module 70 may be in close contact with each other to form a close-contact surface M. In this embodiment, since the lifting sealing parts 28 protrude further upward than the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26, the close-contact surface M may be regarded as being formed between the upper surface of each of the lifting sealing parts 28 and the lower surface of the lower frame 71.

[0089] In this case, the close-contact surface M may be formed higher than the bottom surface of the washing chamber. That is, the height of the close-contact surface M may be a predetermined height h (see FIG. 13) higher than the height of the bottom surface of the washing chamber. Accordingly, even when the washing operation is temporarily suspended, water remaining on the bottom surface of the washing chamber may be prevented from flowing into the drive module 20 through the upper ends 25a and 26a of the support columns 25 and 26.

[0090] Next, the washing module 30 will be described. The washing module 30 may spray washing water into the washing chamber to wash the dishes. In this embodiment, the washing module 30 may blow high-temperature hot air into the washing chamber to dry the dishes, and may also perform condensation drying of the interior of the washing chamber by using a water jacket 68. In this way, the washing module 30 may provide various functions.

[0091] The washing module 30 may be arranged at a height different from the height of the drive module 20. Referring to FIG. 11, the drive module 20 may be disposed at the lowermost portion of the dishwasher, and the washing module 30 may be disposed on the upper portion of the drive module 20. Further, the rack module 70 may be disposed on the upper portion of the washing module 30.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 8, the framework of the washing module 30 may be formed by a washing frame 31. Similar to the drive frame 21, the washing frame 31 may have a predetermined space defined therein. The space may be regarded as the machine room 31a, in which the circulation pump 40, the drainage pump 45, and the like are disposed. The washing frame 31 may have an approximately hexahedral shape with its upper side open.

[0093] The washing frame 31 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the tub 15. The bottom surface of the washing frame 31 and the lower surface of the tub 15 may be spaced apart from each other, and thus the machine room 31a may be regarded as being provided therebetween. The upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may be disposed between the washing frame 31 and the tub 15. The upper end portions 25a of the drive columns 25 and the upper end portions 26a of the driven columns 26 may pass through the machine room 31a to support the lower surface of the tub 15.

[0094] A sump 35 may be disposed in the machine room 31a. The sump 35 may be disposed below the tub 15 and may store washing water. A storage part for storing the washing water may be formed inside the sump 35. The sump 35 may be provided with a sump cover 35a that separates the storage part from the tub 15. The sump cover 35a may also be regarded as a connecting portion that connects the sump 35 with the bottom of the tub 15. Reference numeral 36 denotes a turbidity sensor for detecting contamination of the washing water.

[0095] In this case, the bottom surface of the tub 15 may be formed to be inclined. In addition, the sump 35 may be disposed such that an upper opening thereof corresponds to a relatively lower region of the bottom surface of the tub 15. Accordingly, the washing water may flow back into the storage part of the sump 35 along the bottom surface of the tub 15.

[0096] The circulation pump 40 and the drainage pump 45 may be disposed in the machine room 31a. The circulation pump 40 may supply washing water stored in the storage part of the sump 35 to a washing nozzle N. When the washing water is introduced back into the storage part of the sump 35, the circulation pump 40 may circulate the washing water by supplying the introduced washing water back to the washing chamber. The circulation pump 40 may include components such as a circulation motor (not shown) and an impeller. The circulation pump 40 may operate under the control of the controller. Although not shown, a temperature sensing part for detecting the temperature of washing water may be provided inside the circulation pump 40. In addition, an electric heater (not shown) may be provided inside the circulation pump 40 to heat the circulated washing water. For reference, the electric heater may be provided inside the sump 35.

[0097] The drainage pump 45 may discharge the washing water stored in the storage part to the outside. The drainage pump 45 may be connected to the sump 35. The drainage pump 45 may include components such as a drainage motor (not shown) and an impeller. The drainage pump 45 may operate under the control of the controller. Reference numeral 46 denotes a drainage pipe connected to the drainage pump 45.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the sump cover 35a may be provided with a washing water supply part 50. The washing water supply part 50 may serve to deliver the washing water from the sump 35 to the washing nozzle N. In this embodiment, the washing nozzle N may include a lower nozzle 75 and a side nozzle 55, and the washing water supply part 50 may distribute the washing water to the lower nozzle 75 and the side nozzle 55.

[0099] The washing water supply part 50 may deliver a portion of washing water supplied through the circulation pump 40 to the side nozzle 55, and the remaining portion thereof to the lower nozzle 75. In this case, since the lower nozzle 75 is raised and lowered together with the rack module 70, the lower nozzle 75 may be in close contact with or spaced apart from the washing water supply part 50. When the lower nozzle 75 is in close contact with the washing water supply part 50, the lower nozzle 75 may be connected to the washing water supply part 50.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 19, the washing water supply part 50 may be provided with a main connector 51. The main connector 51 may be open toward the sump 35 to receive washing water from the sump 35. The main connector 51 may be a type of tubular structure open in the vertical direction.

[0101] The lower end of the main connector 51 may be open to the sump 35 disposed below (not shown in FIG. 19), and inside the main connector 51, a first connection pipe 52 and a second connection pipe 53 may branch off. The first connection pipe 52, which is connected to the lower nozzle 75, may be a tubular structure extending in the vertical direction. The upper end portion of the first connection pipe 52 may be connected to a lower connector 73, which will be described below. To this end, the upper end portion of the first connection pipe 52 may protrude upward from the washing water supply part 50.

[0102] The second connection pipe 53 may be connected to the main connector 51. Like the first connection pipe 52, the second connection pipe 53 may be a tubular structure extending in the vertical direction. The second connection pipe 53 may supply washing water toward the side nozzle 55. The second connection pipe 53 may be connected to a side guide 56, which will be described below. The washing water from the sump 35 may sequentially pass through the main connector 51, the second connection pipe 53, and the side guide 56 to be delivered to the side nozzle 55.

[0103] The first connection pipe 52 and the second connection pipe 53 may be arranged parallel to each other. In this embodiment, both the first connection pipe 52 and the second connection pipe 53 may be disposed inside the main connector 51.

[0104] A main sealing part 52' may be provided between the lower surface of the rack module 70 and the upper portion of the main connector 51 facing the lower surface of the rack module 70. The main sealing part 52' may prevent washing water from leaking around the main sealing part 52'. The main sealing part 52' may be disposed between the upper end of the main connector 51 and the lower surface of the lower frame 71. Accordingly, when the rack module 70 is located at the first position, the main sealing part 52' may be compressed between the main connector 51 and the lower frame 71. In this embodiment, the main sealing part 52' may be fixed to the upper end of the main connector 51. In another example, the main sealing part 52' may be disposed on the lower surface of the lower frame 71. The main sealing part 52' may serve to seal the washing water supply part 50, together with a lower sealing part 74, which will be described below.

[0105] Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, the tub 15 may be provided with the side nozzle 55, which constitutes the washing nozzle N. The side nozzle 55 may constitute the washing module 30. The side nozzle 55 may discharge washing water into the washing chamber to remove foreign substances adhering to the dishes.

[0106] The side nozzle 55 may be provided with the side guide 56 through which washing water from the sump 35 is delivered. The side guide 56 may extend in the vertical direction along the surface of the tub 15. The side guide 56 may have a hollow tube structure and may connect the washing water supply part 50 with a first side arm 58 and a second side arm 59.

[0107] The first side arm 58 and the second side arm 59 may extend in a left-right direction at different heights. First side spray holes 58a and second side spray holes 59a may be formed to be open on the first side arm 58 and the second side arm 59, respectively. Through the first side spray holes 58a and the second side spray holes 59a, washing water may be sprayed into the washing chamber. The first side spray holes 58a and the second side spray holes 59a may include a plurality of side spray holes, respectively. In another example, one of the first side arm 58 and the second side arm 59 may be omitted.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 19, the interior of the side guide 56 may include a first guide flow path 56a and a second guide flow path 56b. The first guide flow path 56a may extend in the left-right direction. Opposite ends of the first guide flow path 56a may be connected to the second connection pipe 53 and the second guide flow path 56b, respectively. In addition, the second guide flow path 56b may extend in the vertical direction. Opposite ends of the second guide flow path 56b may be connected to the first connection pipe 52, and the first side arm 58 and the second side arm 59, respectively.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the washing module 30 may be provided with a drying blower 60. The drying blower 60 may blow cold air, which is unheated air, or hot air, which is heated air, into the washing chamber. The controller may control the operation of a heating part 66 provided in the drying blower 60 so that the drying blower 60 may blow cold air or hot air into the washing chamber.

[0110] The drying blower 60 may include a blower housing 61, a blower fan 62, the heating part 66, and a guide duct 63. Referring to FIG. 15, the blower fan 62 and the heating part 66 may be disposed inside the blower housing 61. The blower housing 61 may form a kind of air flow path so that air discharged by the blower fan 62 passes through the heating part 66. In addition, this air flow path may be connected to the guide duct 63.

[0111] The guide duct 63 may extend vertically along the surface of the tub 15. An air flow path through which air discharged from the blower fan 62 flows may be formed inside the guide duct 63. A blower nozzle part 65 may be formed at the outlet of the air flow path. In FIG. 15, the arrow indicates a direction in which air is discharged through the blower nozzle part 65.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 10, the water jacket 68 may be disposed on the side surface of the tub 15. The water jacket 68 may store washing water therein. The water jacket 68 may perform condensation drying of the interior of the washing chamber by using low-temperature washing water. Moisture contained in high-temperature steam inside the washing chamber may condense into water droplets upon contact with the cold washing water in the water jacket 68 and may be discharged. After the condensation drying by the water jacket 68, the rack module 70 may be raised to a predetermined height, and the upper door 88 may automatically open to release odors and residual steam.

[0113] Although not shown, the water jacket 68 may be provided with a water supply pipe through which washing water is introduced, and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe. The controller may control the water supply valve to supply washing water into the water jacket 68. When a preset amount of washing water is completely supplied into a water storage part of the water jacket 68, the controller may control the water supply valve to block a flow path.

[0114] Meanwhile, although not shown, the machine room 31a may accommodate components of a heat pump, such as a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. Refrigerant compressed by the compressor may be transferred to the condenser, where the refrigerant may heat the bottom surface of the tub 15 and the internal air of the tub 15. The air heated by the condenser may move to an upper region of the washing chamber through natural convection. In this case, as the heated air moves upward, the air may come into contact with the dishes loaded in the rack, thereby causing moisture on the surfaces of the dishes to evaporate and making the air inside the washing chamber hot and humid.

[0115] In this case, the inner wall of the tub 15 near the water jacket 68 may become relatively cooler than other wall surfaces, and the hot and humid air inside the washing chamber may condense by coming into contact with the surface of the inner wall near the water jacket 68. The condensed water on the wall surface may flow downward and be collected inside the sump 35. In another embodiment, the dishwasher may be provided with the electric heater instead of the heat pump. In yet another embodiment, both the heat pump and the electric heater may be provided.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the side nozzle 55, the drying blower 60, and the water jacket 68 may be respectively disposed on different side surfaces of the tub 15. Referring to FIG. 14, the side nozzle 55, the drying blower 60, and the water jacket 68 may be respectively seen standing on different side surfaces of the tub 15. In this way, the dishwasher may be provided with a plurality of components having different functions while sufficiently securing the volume of the washing chamber disposed inside the tub 15.

[0117] In this case, the drying blower 60 and the water jacket 68 may be disposed to face each other. Accordingly, hot-temperature air discharged from the drying blower 60 may dry the dishes and then flow toward the water jacket 68. In addition, the hot and humid air flowing to the vicinity of the water jacket 68 may condense in the vicinity of the water jacket 68.

[0118] Next, the rack module 70 will be described. The rack module 70 may accommodate the plurality of racks 90 inside. The rack module 70 may be raised and lowered while accommodating the racks 90. The rack module 70 may be raised and lowered by the drive module 20 while the rack module 70 is supported at the lower portion thereof by the drive module 20.

[0119] When the rack module 70 is lowered and disposed at the first position, the rack module 70 may be disposed inside the washing chamber. In this case, the storage space S may correspond to the washing chamber. When the rack module 70 is raised and disposed at the second position, the rack module 70 may move out of the washing chamber and be exposed to the outside. When the rack module 70 is located at the second position, the racks 90 may be moved out of the storage space S or moved back into the storage space S. In this way, the rack module 70 may move between the first position and the second position.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 9, the rack module 70 may have a roughly hexahedral structure. The rack module 70 may include the lower frame 71 constituting the bottom surface thereof and the upper door 88 constituting the upper surface thereof. The support posts C may be disposed between the lower frame 71 and the upper door 88. The storage space S may be formed between the lower frame 71 and the upper door 88.

[0121] The lower frame 71 may be disposed to be spaced apart downward from the upper door 88. The lower frame 71 may have a generally rectangular plate-shaped structure. (i) The lower frame 71 may form the bottom surface of the washing chamber when the rack module 70 is at the first position, (ii) the lower nozzle 75 may be disposed on the lower frame 71, and (iii) the lifting rods P and the guide rods P' of the drive module 20 may support the lower surface of the lower frame 71.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 16, a frame bottom portion 71a of a recessed shape may be provided on the upper surface of the lower frame 71. The frame bottom portion 71a may constitute the bottom surface of the washing chamber when the rack module 70 is at the first position. The frame bottom portion 71a may be stacked on the bottom surface of the tub 15 to constitute the bottom surface of the washing chamber. The frame bottom portion 71a may have an approximately circular shape and have a structure inclined toward the central portion thereof.

[0123] A rack drain hole 72 may be formed in the frame bottom portion 71a. The rack drain hole 72 may pass through the frame bottom portion 71a. Washing water may be discharged downward through the rack drain hole 72. The washing water discharged downward may flow into the storage part of the sump 35. To this end, the upper opening of the sump 35 may be opened beneath the rack drain hole 72. Reference numeral 98 denotes a filter, and the filter may filter out foreign substances mixed in the washing water discharged through the rack drain hole 72. Although not shown, a disposer may be provided inside the sump 35 to pulverize the filtered foreign substances.

[0124] Support stepped portions 71b may be respectively formed at the four corners of the lower frame 71. The support stepped portions 71b may have a shape recessed on the lower portion of the rack module 70 toward the upper portion of the rack module 70. When the rack module 70 is positioned at the first position, the support stepped portions 71b may be regarded as portions that are in close contact with the upper ends of the drive columns 25, more specifically, the upper ends of the lifting sealing portions 28. For reference, FIG. 18 shows a state in which the filter 98 is separated from the lower frame 71.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower connector 73 may be provided at a frame bottom portion 71a of the lower frame 71. The lower connector 73 may deliver washing water from the sump 35 to the lower nozzle 75. The lower connector 73 may pass through the lower frame 71 in a vertical direction. The lower end of the lower connector 73 may be connected to the first connection pipe 52 of the main connector 51. More specifically, the upper end of the first connection pipe 52 may be in close contact with the lower end of the lower connector 73.

[0126] In this case, the lower sealing part 74 may be provided on the lower connector 73. The lower sealing part 74 may be disposed between the first connection pipe 52 and the lower connector 73. When the rack module 70 is lowered to the first position, the lower sealing part 74 may be compressed between the upper end of the first connection pipe 52 and the lower end of the lower connector 73 to perform a waterproofing function.

[0127] The lower nozzle 75 may be connected to the lower connector 73. The central portion of the lower nozzle 75 may be coupled to the lower connector 73 to receive washing water from the sump 35. The lower nozzle 75 may be rotated about the lower connector 73 as a rotation center by the pressure of the supplied washing water. While rotating, the lower nozzle 75 may spray the washing water over a wide area.

[0128] The lower nozzle 75 may spray washing water to the lower portion of the washing chamber. In the present embodiment, the lower nozzle 75, together with the side nozzle 55, may spray washing water into the washing chamber. They may spray washing water toward the dishes from different angles.

[0129] The lower nozzle 75 may be raised and lowered together with the rack module 70, whereas the side nozzle 55 may remain fixed to the side surface of the tub 15. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, washing water may be sprayed from multiple angles, and the structure for supplying washing water to the plurality of washing nozzles N may be implemented relatively simply. In the present embodiment, since the lower nozzle 75 is raised and lowered and the side nozzle 55 is fixed, the lower nozzle 75 may be regarded as a lifting nozzle, and the side nozzle 55 may be regarded as a fixed nozzle. The lower nozzle 75 may also be regarded as a portion of the washing module 30.

[0130] The lower nozzle 75 may include a plurality of lower arms 76 provided radially around a central portion thereof. The lower arms 76 may rotate to spray washing water. Each of the lower arms 76 may have an arm duct 76' formed therein, which is connected to the lower connector 73. The arm duct 76' may extend along a longitudinal direction of the lower arm 76. The arm duct 76' may be connected to a plurality of lower spray openings 77 that pass through the lower arm 76, so that washing water may be sprayed through the lower spray openings 77.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the lower nozzle 75 may be disposed in the frame bottom portion 71a of the lower frame 71. Accordingly, the lower nozzle 75 may be raised and lowered together with the rack module 70 including the lower frame 71. The lower nozzle 75 may spray washing water toward the lower portions of dishes and, together with the side nozzle 55, may implement a dishwashing function through the washing water.

[0132] When the rack module 70 descends and is located at the first position, the lower nozzle 75 may be stacked directly on the sump 35. Accordingly, a connection distance between the sump 35 and the lower nozzle 75 may be shortened, allowing high-temperature washing water to be supplied to the lower nozzle 75 without heat loss. More specifically, without a long connecting structure, the lower connector 73 may be directly connected to the first connection pipe 52, so that the supply path of the washing water may be formed very short.

[0133] FIG. 21 illustrates a path through which washing water is supplied to the washing nozzle N. As shown, washing water in the sump 35 may be supplied upward by the circulation pump 40 (the direction of arrow ①). The washing water supplied upward may be delivered to the main connector 51 and then branched within the main connector 51. More specifically, a portion of the washing water may be supplied toward the side nozzle 55 (the direction of arrow ②) through the second connection pipe 53, and the remaining portion of the washing water may be supplied toward the lower nozzle 75 (the direction of arrow ③) through the first connection pipe 52.

[0134] In this case, the main sealing part 52' may prevent washing water from leaking around the main sealing part 52'. At the same time, the lower sealing part 74 may prevent washing water leakage between the first connection pipe 52 and the lower connector 73. In this manner, the washing water supply part 50 may be doubly sealed, and even when the rack module 70 is raised or lowered, washing water leakage at the connection portion between the rack module 70 and the washing water supply part 50 may be prevented.

[0135] In particular, as shown in FIG. 21, in the present embodiment, the main sealing part 52' may have a larger diameter than the lower sealing part 74. At the same time, the main sealing part 52' may be positioned at a different height from the lower sealing part 74. In this manner, the sealing areas for preventing washing water leakage may be formed over a wider region.

[0136] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the rack module 70 with the upper door 88 omitted. As shown, the lower nozzle 75 may normally be maintained covered by the safety net 79. When the safety net 79 is removed, the lower nozzle 75 may be completely exposed upward. This state is illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0137] The plurality of support posts C may be disposed in the rack module 70. The support posts C may connect the upper door 88 with the lower frame 71. The support posts C may extend in the lifting direction of the rack module 70. Each of the support posts C may be regarded as a type of column constituting the storage space S. That is, the storage space S, in which the racks 90 are accommodated, may be formed between the plurality of support posts C.

[0138] The plurality of support posts C may be disposed farther outward from the washing chamber than the lifting rods P. Referring to FIG. 11, it can be seen that a first post 85, which constitutes the support posts C, is disposed farther outward than the lifting rod P. In this way, interference between the support posts C and the lifting rods P during installation thereof may be prevented, and the washing chamber may be more widely secured.

[0139] At the first position of the rack module 70, the plurality of support posts C may be respectively disposed at the edges of the washing chamber. Referring to FIG. 7, the plurality of support posts C may be disposed inside the tub 15, specifically at the corner portions of the tub 15. Accordingly, the plurality of support posts C may not interfere with the center of the washing chamber or form dead space within the washing chamber, allowing the washing chamber to be widely secured.

[0140] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12, the rack module 70 is shown to be raised and located at the second position. When the rack module 70 is raised, the portion previously occupied by the rack module 70, that is, the washing chamber inside the tub 15 may become an empty space. In FIG. 12, reference numeral R indicates the empty space, in which the rack module 70 is disposed when the rack module 70 is located at the first position, and the empty space may be regarded as the washing chamber.

[0141] In this case, the lifting rods P and the guide rods P' of the drive module 20 may support the multiple lower points of the rack module 70. Accordingly, the weight of the rack module 70 may be distributed, allowing the rack module 70 to rise stably without tilting to one side.

[0142] The plurality of support posts C may include the first post 85 and a second post 86. Both the first post 85 and the second post 86 may connect the upper door 88 with the lower frame 71, wherein the second post 86 may serve to electrically connect the controller and the operation part 89. More specifically, a wire harness W may be accommodated inside the second post 86 to electrically connect the controller with the operation part 89. The detailed structure of the second post 86 will be described again below.

[0143] The support posts C may be arranged at the corner portions of the rack module 70. More specifically, the rack module 70 may include a plurality of corners, and the support posts C may be respectively arranged at the plurality of corners. Here, each of the corners refers to a portion at which two side surfaces of the imaginary side surfaces of the rack module 70 meet. As shown in FIG. 18, in the present embodiment, the rack module 70 may have a total of four imaginary side surfaces and four corners.

[0144] In this case, as for the plurality of support posts C, the support posts C may be disposed at a portion of the plurality of corners, and the support post may be omitted at the remaining portion of the corners. In the present embodiment, the support posts C may be respectively arranged at three corners of the four corners of the rack module 70. In addition, the support post may be omitted at the remaining one corner.

[0145] In this way, the rack entrance may be formed at the remaining corner where the support posts are omitted among the plurality of corners. The racks 90 may be inserted and withdrawn through the rack entrance. Referring to FIG. 17, the racks 90 may be withdrawn from the rack module 70 in an oblique direction. In other words, the racks 90 arranged in the rack module 70 may be inserted and withdrawn in a diagonal direction (the direction of arrow ③ in FIG. 17) relative to the front of the dishwasher (the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 17). When the racks 90 are inserted and withdrawn in the oblique direction, the racks 90 may not interfere with a wall surface even if the dishwasher is in close contact with the wall surface. Furthermore, since the dishwasher can be placed in close contact with the wall surface, the degree of freedom in installation of the dishwasher may be increased.

[0146] More specifically, when the rack module 70 moves to the second position, the rack entrance through which the racks 90 are inserted and withdrawn may be exposed. The rack entrance may be formed between the front of the rack module 70 (the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 17) and the side of the rack module 70 (the direction of arrow ② in FIG. 17). Here, the front and the side of the rack module 70 indicate mutually orthogonal directions. In this case, the rack entrance may open in an oblique direction (the direction of arrow ③ in FIG. 17) between the front of the rack module 70 (the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 17) and the side of the rack module 70 (the direction of arrow ② in FIG. 17).

[0147] The plurality of support posts C may be respectively arranged at n-1 or fewer corners among n corners that constitute the rack module 70. For example, when the rack module 70 has six side surfaces and six corners, the support posts C may be arranged at five or fewer corners. In addition, the rack entrance through which the racks 90 are withdrawn may be formed at a corner at which the support posts are omitted among the six corners.

[0148] Even if the support posts C are omitted at a portion of the plurality of corners, the plurality of support posts C may be arranged at the remaining corners, so that the plurality of support posts C may support the upper door 88. In this case, the upper door 88 may be a thin plate and the weight thereof is not large, so that the plurality of support posts C may support the upper door 88 stably.

[0149] Most of the weight of the rack module 70 may be considered to be the weight of the lower frame 71 and the dishes stored in the racks 90. The rack module 70 may be supported not by the support posts C, but by the drive module 20 disposed beneath the rack module 70. When the rack module 70 is in (i) the first position, the support columns 25 and 26 of the drive module 20 may distribute and support the weight of the rack module 70, and when the rack module 70 is in (ii) the second position, the lifting rods P and the guide rods P' of the drive module 20 may distribute and support the weight of the rack module 70. Since the support columns 25 and 26, the lifting rods P, and the guide rods P' are arranged at respective corners of the rack module 70, the weight of the rack module 70 may be distributed overall, so that the rack module 70 may be supported stably.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 18, the upper door 88 may be disposed on the upper ends of the support posts C. The upper door 88 may be the portion that is exposed upward when the rack module 70 is located at the first position. The upper door 88 may have an approximately plate-shaped structure, and in this embodiment, the upper door 88 may have a square plate-shaped structure. A gasket 88a (see FIG. 2) for waterproofing may be provided on the lower surface of the upper door 88. The gasket 88a may enhance airtightness between the edges of the upper door 88 and the upper end of the tub 15.

[0151] An operation part 89 may be provided on the surface of the upper door 88. Through the operation part 89, a user may input instructions to the dishwasher or recognize the status of the dishwasher. The operation part 89 may be configured as a touch-sensitive display or as a button-type input device. Through the operation part 89, a user may turn various functions of the dishwasher on or off and may recognize the operating status of the dishwasher.

[0152] In this case, the operation part 89 may be connected to the controller disposed in the machine room 31a, and the operation part 89 and the controller may be connected by a wire harness W disposed inside the second post 86, which is the post of the rack module 70. Accordingly, the operation part 89 may be disposed on the upper door 88 without exposing the wire harness W.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the structure of the second post 86 including the wire harness W, is illustrated. A wire tube 87 may be provided inside the second post 86. The wire tube 87 is a type of tube, and the wire harness W may be disposed inside the wire tube 87. The wire tube 87 may also be regarded as an inner casing that protects the wire harness W.

[0154] The wire tube 87 may be inserted into and withdrawn from the second post 86. When the rack module 70 moves from the first position to the second position, the wire harness W may also be required to be extended, and in this process, the wire tube 87 may protrude from the second post 86. This state is illustrated in FIG. 22(b).

[0155] In this embodiment, the wire harness W may be configured as a coil cable. Accordingly, the overall length of the wire harness W may be variable. Reference numeral W' denotes a connection end provided on the end of the wire harness W, and the connection end may be connected to the controller. The controller may apply a signal and power to the operation part 89 through the wire harness W.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 23, a tub storage space 86a may be formed inside the second post 86, and the wire tube 87 may be accommodated in the tub storage space 86a. A wire storage space 87a which is a vacant space may be formed inside the wire tube 87. A coil-cable type wire harness W may be accommodated in the wire storage space 87a. In another example, the wire tube 87 may be omitted. In yet another example, the wire harness W may not be a coil cable, but a cable that is repeatedly folded or unfolded inside the second post 86. Reference numeral 86b denotes a cover that shields the remaining space of the second post 86.

[0157] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the plurality of racks 90 accommodated in the rack module 70. In the present embodiment, the racks 90 may include a lower rack 91 and an upper rack 95. In another example, only one rack or three or more racks 90 may be accommodated in the rack module 70. For reference, FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a total of three racks 90 are accommodated in the storage space S. Reference numeral 99 denotes a top rack disposed at the uppermost position.

[0158] The lower rack 91 may include a first rack frame 92 and a second rack frame 93. The first rack frame 92 and the second rack frame 93 may be respectively disposed on the lower portion and upper portion of the lower rack 91. The first rack frame 92 and the second rack frame 93 may be connected to each other by a first mesh M1.

[0159] Rack fixing parts 94 may be provided at the edges of the lower rack 91. The rack fixing parts 94 may allow the edges of the lower rack 91 to be respectively supported by surfaces of the plurality of support posts C. In the present embodiment, each of the rack fixing parts 94 may have the shape of a clamp that surrounds the surface of each of the support posts C. In another example, the rack fixing part 94 may be a protrusion structure inserted into a fixing hole (not shown) formed in the support post C. In still another example, a seating end (not shown) may protrude from the surface of the support post C, and the rack fixing part 94 may have a structure in which the rack fixing part 94 is stacked on the upper portion of the seating end.

[0160] The lower rack 91 may be provided with a total of three rack fixing parts 94. The three rack fixing parts 94 may be respectively provided at corners of the second rack frame 93 of the lower rack 91. Accordingly, the lower rack 91 may have a total of three points fixed to the support posts C.

[0161] The upper rack 95 may be disposed above the lower rack 91. The upper rack 95 may have a net shape formed by a second mesh M2. The upper rack 95 may be press-fitted and fixed between the plurality of support posts C. In another example, the upper rack 95 may be stacked on top of the lower rack 91. In yet another example, the upper rack 95 may also be provided with the rack fixing parts 94, as in the lower rack 91.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a process in which the dishwasher according to the present embodiment operates will be described. First, when the rack module 70 is located at the first position, a dishwashing process may be performed in the washing chamber inside the dishwasher. The dishwashing process may, for example, be performed in the order of pre-washing, main washing, rinsing, heated rinsing, and drying.

[0163] The pre-washing, in which protein-based soils are removed by washing water at room temperature without heating the washing water, may proceed through the processes of water supply, washing, and drainage. In addition, the main washing, which is a process of removing foreign substances adhering to the dishes by using a detergent, may proceed through the processes of water supply, washing, and drainage. In this case, the main washing may remove foreign substances by heating the washing water by using an electric heater or a condenser.

[0164] The rinsing is a step of washing the dishes, which has undergone the main washing process, with water, and may proceed through the processes of water supply, rinsing, and drainage. The heated rinsing is a process of performing the rinsing with water heated by an electric heater or a condenser, and may proceed through the processes of water supply, rinsing, and drainage, and the process of heating the water may be added during the rinsing process.

[0165] Finally, the drying is a process of removing moisture from the dishes after the washing and the rinsing, and in the present embodiment, the drying of the dishes may include hot-air drying by the drying blower 60 and condensation drying by the water jacket 68.

[0166] When the washing of the dishes is completed as described above, the controller may raise the rack module 70 by a predetermined height. When the drive module 20 operates and the lifting rods P push up the rack module 70, the upper door 88 may move upward so that a predetermined opening is formed between the upper door 88 and the support posts C. Through this opening, hot and humid air inside the washing chamber may be discharged to the outside.

[0167] In addition, when a user intends to withdraw the washed dishes, the user may operate the operation part 89 to completely raise the rack module 70 to the second position. When the lifting motor 24 of the drive module 20 operates, the lifting rods P may push up the lower surface of the rack module 70, and more specifically, the support stepped portions 71b of the lower frame 71. Together with the lifting rods (P), the guide rods P' may also ascend so that the rack module 70 is raised in an accurate direction without tilting to one side. In FIG. 7, arrow ① indicates the upward-moving direction of the rack module 70, and arrow ② indicates the withdrawal direction of the rack.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 8, the rack module 70 is shown to be raised completely. As can be seen, the upper door 88, the lower frame 71, and the support posts C, which constitute the rack module 70, may be raised. Along with this, the racks 90 may also be raised, and the lower nozzle 75 may be raised as well. In FIG. 8, the filter 98 is also shown to be raised, but in another example, the filter 98 may remain on the upper portion of the sump 35.

[0169] Thus, the upper door 88, the lower frame 71, the support posts C, and the lower nozzle 75 may be raised, and thus may be regarded as a lifting unit. In this case, the lower nozzle 75 may serve as a lifting nozzle.

[0170] Meanwhile, the sump 35, the side nozzle 55, the drying blower 60, and the water jacket 68 may remain fixed at the lower portion together with the tub 15. Of course, structures such as the circulation pump 40 disposed in the machine room 31a may also remain fixed. Therefore, the sump 35, the side nozzle 55, the drying blower 60, and the water jacket 68 may be regarded as a fixed unit. In this case, the side nozzle 55 may serve as a fixed nozzle.

[0171] FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment (a second embodiment) of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, only portions different from the previous embodiment will be described. The drive module 20 for raising and lowering the rack module 70 and the washing module 30 for washing may not be independent of each other, but may be configured as a single structure. As shown in FIG. 24, the washing module 30, together with the lifting motor 24 and the like, may be disposed in the drive space 21a constituting the drive module 20. In this case, the washing module 30 may be disposed on the lower portion of the tub 15.

[0172] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment (a third embodiment) of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, only parts different from the previous embodiments will be described. In this embodiment, the rack module 70 may be raised and lowered by a lifting module 30. The lifting module 30 may include a pair of rotary links 125 provided in an 'X' shape, and a drive motor 123 that moves a first end portion of each of the rotary links 125 in a rectilinear direction (in the direction of arrow ①).

[0173] When the first end portions of the pair of rotary links 125 are moved rectilinearly toward each other by the drive motor 123, second end portions of the pair of rotary links 125 may also rise while moving closer to each other. Accordingly, the rack module 70, which is supported by the second end portions of the pair of rotary links 125, may also be raised together (in the direction of arrow ②).

[0174] FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment (a fourth embodiment) of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, only portions different from the previous embodiments will be described. Two support posts 185 may be respectively disposed at two corners among the four corners of a rack module 170, while the support posts may be omitted at the remaining two corners. In this case, the racks 90 accommodated in the rack module 170 may be withdrawn in two different directions (directions indicated by arrows ① and ②.

[0175] FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment (a fifth embodiment) of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, only portions different from the previous embodiments will be described. A rack module 270 may have an approximately cylindrical structure. In addition, a plurality of support posts 285 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the rack module 270. In this case, within a range corresponding to a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction of the rack module 270, the support posts 285 may be omitted. Further, the predetermined angular range in which the support posts 285 are omitted may serve as a rack entrance through which the racks 90 are withdrawn. The arrow of FIG. 27 indicates the withdrawal direction of the racks 90.

[0176] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are provided for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted on the basis of the claims set forth below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub having a washing chamber formed therein; a drive module disposed below the tub and having a lifting device provided therein; a washing module having a machine room provided therein, with the machine room independent of the washing chamber, and configured to spray washing water into the washing chamber; and a rack module in which racks are stored and which is raised and lowered by the lifting device, wherein a lower portion of the rack module is supported by the lifting device, and the rack module is raised and lowered between a first position at which the rack module is disposed in the washing chamber and a second position at which the rack module is moved out of the washing chamber and exposed to an outside.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein when the rack module moves to the second position, a rack entrance through which the racks are inserted and withdrawn is exposed, with the rack entrance being open in an oblique direction between a front of the rack module and a side of the rack module.

3. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the rack module comprises a plurality of corners, wherein support posts are disposed at a portion of the plurality of corners, and a rack entrance through which the racks are inserted and withdrawn is open at a remaining portion of the plurality of corners at which the support posts are omitted.

4. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the rack module comprises: an upper door configured to shield the washing chamber when the rack module is located at the first position; a lower frame spaced apart from the upper door and disposed on the lower portion of the rack module, with a storage space formed between the lower frame and the upper door; and a plurality of support posts connecting the upper door with the lower frame and extending in a lifting direction of the rack module, wherein the storage space, in which the racks are stored, is formed between the plurality of support post.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein at the first position of the rack module, the plurality of support posts are respectively disposed at edges of the washing chamber.

6. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the plurality of support posts are respectively disposed at n-1 or fewer corners among n corners constituting the rack module, and a rack entrance through which the racks are withdrawn is formed at a corner of the n corners at which the support posts are omitted.

7. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein at the first position of the rack module, the lower frame forms a bottom surface of the washing chamber, a rack drain hole open toward a sump disposed in the machine room is formed in the lower frame, and a filter being disposed in the rack drain hole.

8. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein when the rack module is located at the first position, the lower frame is stacked on a bottom portion of the tub and forms a bottom surface of the washing chamber.

9. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein a lower nozzle, which sprays washing water toward a lower portion of the washing chamber, is disposed on an upper portion of the lower frame, with the lower nozzle being raised and lowered together with the rack module.

10. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the drive module comprises: a lifting motor; and a plurality of lifting rods configured to be raised and lowered in conjunction with rotation of the lifting motor, with one end portion of each of the lifting rods being connected to the lower portion of the rack module.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the drive module is provided with a plurality of support columns extending in a lifting direction of the rack module, wherein upper ends of the plurality of support columns support a lower portion of the tub, and the plurality of lifting rods are inserted into and withdrawn from the plurality of support columns.

12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein a lower frame, which constitutes a bottom surface of the washing chamber, is disposed on the lower portion of the rack module, wherein the plurality of lifting rods respectively support different points of the lower frame.

13. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein a plurality of support posts disposed at edges of the rack module are disposed farther outward from the washing chamber than the lifting rods.

14. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein lifting sealing parts are disposed between the upper ends of the support columns and a lower surface of the rack module, and when the rack module is located at the first position, the lifting sealing parts are compressed between the upper ends of the support columns and the lower surface of the rack module.

15. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein support stepped portions recessed toward an upper portion of the rack module are provided on the lower portion of the rack module, and when the rack module is located at the first position, the upper ends of the support columns are disposed on the support stepped portions.

16. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the washing module is provided with a washing nozzle that sprays washing water, wherein the washing nozzle comprises: a side nozzle disposed on a side surface of the tub and configured to spray washing water from a side surface of the washing chamber; and a lower nozzle disposed on the lower portion of the rack module, raised and lowered together with the rack module, and configured to spray washing water from a lower portion of the washing chamber.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein a sump, in which washing water is stored, is disposed in the machine room, and when the rack module is located at the first position, the side nozzle and the lower nozzle are connected to the sump to receive the washing water.

18. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the machine room is provided with a washing water supply part connected to the sump, wherein the washing water supply part comprises: a main connector that is open toward the sump; a first connection pipe connected to the main connector and extending in a vertical direction; and a second connection pipe connected to the main connector, extending in the vertical direction, and having a flow path independent of the first connection pipe, wherein the side nozzle is provided with a side guide connected to the second connection pipe, wherein the lower nozzle is provided with a lower connector that is open downward, and when the rack module is located at the first position, the first connection pipe is connected to the lower connector.

19. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein on a side surface of the tub, a side nozzle configured to spray washing water into the washing chamber; a drying blower configured to discharge hot air into the washing chamber; and a water jacket in which washing water is stored and which performs condensation drying of the interior of the washing chamber are disposed, wherein the side nozzle, the drying blower, and the water jacket are respectively disposed on different side surfaces of the tub.

20. A dishwasher comprising: a tub having a washing chamber formed therein; a lifting device disposed under the tub; a washing nozzle configured to spray washing water into the washing chamber; and a rack module that is raised and lowered by the lifting device and moves between a first position at which the rack module is disposed in the washing chamber and a second position at which the rack module is located outside the washing chamber, wherein the lifting device comprises: a lifting motor; and lifting rods that are driven by the lifting motor, support a lower portion of the rack module, and raise and lower the rack module.

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