Dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher that offers significantly improved ease of maintenance. [Solution] The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and refrigerant piping that constitute the heat pump system are arranged on the base so that they can be pulled out and retracted together through the open front surface of the base. When maintenance of the heat pump system is required, it is not necessary to separate the tab from the base, and the entire heat pump system can be pulled out to the outside even when only the door, the front panel that acts as the baseboard, and the lower frame are disassembled, thereby significantly improving the convenience of maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher configured such that a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe and the like constituting a heat pump system are arranged on a base so as to be collectively pulled out and pulled in through an open front face of the base, whereby when maintenance of the heat pump system is required, there is no need to separate a tub from the base, and even when only components such as a door, a front panel serving as a baseboard, and a lower frame are disassembled, the heat pump system can be pulled out to the outside as a whole, so that maintenance convenience can be significantly improved. Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is an apparatus that performs cleaning by spraying cleaning water such as water onto dishes, cooking utensils, and the like, which are objects to be cleaned stored inside. At this time, the cleaning water used for cleaning may contain a detergent.

[0003] A dishwasher generally comprises a tub forming a washing space, a storage part for storing objects to be washed inside the tub, a spray arm for spraying washing water to the storage part, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

[0004] Use of these dishwashers can reduce the time and labor required for washing objects to be cleaned such as dishes after a meal, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0005] When washing is performed using a dishwasher, washing water and air can be heated for use in order to enhance the washing effect. An electric heater can be used as a means for heating the washing water and air.

[0006] On the other hand, as another heating means, dishwashers provided with a heat pump device instead of an electric heater have emerged.

[0007] Because heat pump systems have significantly higher energy efficiency than electric heaters, using a heat pump system to heat cleaning water can reduce power consumption compared to using an electric heater.

[0008] In this regard, Chinese Patent Publication No. 118806186 (Patent Document 1) discloses a dishwasher configuration that includes a heat pump device as a heat source for the washing water. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Publication No. 118806186 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, the dishwasher disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 is configured such that the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator constituting the heat pump device are each individually arranged on the bottom surface of the base and positioned in dispersed locations.

[0011] Therefore, if a malfunction occurs in any of the components of the heat pump device described in Patent Document 1—the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, or evaporator—and repair or replacement is required, the dishwasher case and tub must always be separated from the base as a whole. This structure presents a problem in that it is extremely disadvantageous for the maintenance of the heat pump device.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat pump device for a dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that, during assembly onto the base, each component is individually assembled and fixed to the base.

[0013] Therefore, the dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 is likely to have the problem of requiring a relatively complex manufacturing process for assembling it based on a heat pump device, sump, and water softener.

[0014] Furthermore, the dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the base structure becomes very complex and manufacturing costs can increase because the base must be modified to include structures or fastening means for supporting and fixing the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and refrigerant piping that constitute the heat pump device, as well as structures or fastening means for fixing the sump and water softener, respectively.

[0015] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and its first objective is to provide a dishwasher in which the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and refrigerant piping that constitute the heat pump system are arranged in the base so that they can be pulled out and retracted together through the open front surface of the base. This eliminates the need to separate the tab from the base when maintenance of the heat pump system is required, and the entire heat pump system can be pulled out to the outside even when only the door, the front panel that acts as the baseboard, and the lower frame are disassembled, thereby significantly improving the convenience of maintenance.

[0016] Furthermore, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which at least the sump and water softener, along with the components of the heat pump system, are mounted on a modular base that is not a base, thereby greatly simplifying the process of assembling and fastening the heat pump system, sump, and water softener to a base.

[0017] Furthermore, a third objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which the sump and water softener are mounted on a module base and configured to be pulled out and retracted from the base together with the heat pump system, thereby significantly improving the convenience of maintenance of the sump and water softener.

[0018] Furthermore, a fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which the base structure can be greatly simplified by configuring the module base to be directly supported by the ground and by configuring the bottom surface of the base in the area corresponding to the module base to be partially omitted.

[0019] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The dishwasher according to the present invention includes a tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes, a base that forms a machine room and is located below the tub, a sump located below the tub and storing washing water supplied to the tub, and a heat pump module located in the machine room and heating the washing water supplied to the sump, wherein the heat pump module is coupled to the base so as to be pull-out and retractable along the front-rear direction from the base.

[0021] Furthermore, the heat pump module may slide along the front-to-back direction, either being pulled out of or pulled into the base.

[0022] Furthermore, the heat pump module includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser into which the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor is introduced and which heats the cleaning water supplied to the turbo, an evaporator into which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser is introduced, and a module base to which the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are mounted, the module base may be arranged to be retractable from the base.

[0023] Further, an upper end of the sump may be coupled to a lower wall of the tub, and a lower end of the sump may be disposed on the module base such that the sump is relatively movable along the vertical direction with respect to the module base.

[0024] Further, the sump, together with the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator, may be collectively pulled out from the base and drawn into the base in a state where the sump is attached to the module base.

[0025] Further, before being collectively pulled out from the base, the sump may be relatively moved in a lateral direction.

[0026] The device further includes a washing pump that pressurizes washing water stored in the sump and supplies the pressurized washing water to the tub, wherein the washing pump and the upper end of the sump are disposed on the module base such that portions thereof overlap each other when viewed from above, and before the sump is collectively pulled out from the base, the upper end of the sump may be separated from the lower wall of the tub.

[0027] The device further includes a water softener that softens washing water supplied to the sump, and the water softener may be coupled to the module base such that the water softener is relatively movable along the vertical direction with respect to the module base.

[0028] Further, the water softener, together with the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator, may be collectively pulled out from the base and drawn into the base in a state where the water softener is attached to the module base.

[0029] Further, before being collectively pulled out from the base, the water softener may be relatively moved in a downward direction.

[0030] The device further includes a water jacket that stores washing water to be supplied to the water softener, and before being collectively pulled out from the base, the water softener may be separated from the water jacket.

[0031] Furthermore, the condenser may be positioned in front of the sump.

[0032] Furthermore, the condensers may be arranged on the module base such that the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the module base includes a base plate that provides an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, and a front end wall that is coupled to the front end of the base plate and protrudes upward from the base plate, so that, in a forward view, the condenser is partially obscured by the front end wall.

[0034] Furthermore, the area of ​​the portion of the condenser that is obstructed by the front end wall may be formed to be even smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the condenser that is not obstructed by the front end wall.

[0035] Furthermore, the heat pump module may be drawn into the interior of the base by passing through the front wall of the base.

[0036] Furthermore, the module base includes a base plate that provides an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, and a front end wall that is coupled to the front end of the base plate and protrudes upward from the base plate, and when the heat pump module is pulled into the base and mounted on the base, the front end wall may be coupled to the front wall of the base.

[0037] Furthermore, once the heat pump module is mounted on the base, the front wall of the base may prevent the front end wall from moving in the left-right direction.

[0038] Furthermore, once the heat pump module is attached to the base, the forward wall of the base may prevent the forward wall from moving upward.

[0039] Furthermore, during the process in which the heat pump module is drawn into the base, the front wall of the base may guide the movement of the front end wall in the front-rear direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] The dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of significantly improving the ease of maintenance, as it does not require separating the tab from the base when maintenance of the heat pump system, sump, and water softener is required, and the heat pump system, sump, and water softener can be pulled out as a whole through an open side of the base.

[0041] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of greatly simplifying the process of assembling and fastening the heat pump system, sump, and water softener.

[0042] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the advantage of eliminating the need for means to individually fasten and fix the components of the heat pump system, sump, and water softener to the base.

[0043] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of greatly simplifying the base structure because the bottom surface of the base can be omitted at least partially.

[0044] Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the present invention is configured such that the modularized heat pump system slides out and retracts horizontally along the base, which has the effect of significantly improving the convenience of the pull-out and retraction process for maintenance.

[0045] The effects described above, as well as the specific effects of the present invention, will be explained and described below in relation to the embodiments for carrying out the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher with the door open. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a heat pump module provided in a dishwasher according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view showing the heat pump module, sump, and water softener constituting the dishwasher according to the present invention being pulled out through the open front wall of the base. [Figure 6] This is a front perspective view showing a heat pump module, sump, and water softener mounted on a module base according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing the tab and base with the module base attached to the base. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the process of separating the lower frame from the state shown in Figure 7, as well as the separated state, from a front perspective view. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a front perspective view showing the process of separating the wash water filter module from the sump and tab, and separating the inlet cap from the connecting duct of the water softener, from the state shown in Figure 8, as well as the separated state. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged view showing the sump and water softener connected to the tub before the module-based bulk extraction process. [Figure 11] This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the sump and water softener connected to the tub before the module-based bulk extraction process. [Figure 12] This is a partially enlarged view showing the sump separated from the tub and the water softener separated from the tub before the module-based bulk extraction process. [Figure 13] This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the sump separated from the tub and the water softener separated from the tub before the module-based bulk extraction process. [Figure 14] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 13. [Figure 16] This is a front perspective view showing the module base pulled forward from the front wall of the base, indicating that the removal of the module base is complete. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, then such detailed description will be omitted. Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0048] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0050] Hereinafter, the placement of any configuration on the "upper (or lower)" or "above (or below)" of a component means not only that the configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration placed on (or below) it.

[0051] Furthermore, where it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly linked or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components.

[0052] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.

[0053] Furthermore, singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.

[0054] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0055] The present invention will be described below with reference to drawings showing the configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] [General structure of a dishwasher] The general structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention, and Figure 3 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher 1 with the door 30 open.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a case 10 that forms the outer shape.

[0059] For example, case 10 may include an upper panel 11, a left side panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a front panel 15 that form the top, left side, right side, and front sides of the dishwasher 1, respectively.

[0060] These upper panel 11, left side panel 12, and right side panel 13 may be formed as a single unit, or they may be formed individually and then assembled.

[0061] Furthermore, the front panel 15 is located below the door 30 and corresponds to a configuration commonly known as a baseboard. The front panel 15 may be coupled to the front wall of the base 90.

[0062] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a tab 20 installed inside the case 10, forming a washing space 21 in which objects to be washed are washed, and having an open front surface.

[0063] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a door 30 that opens and closes the open front surface of the tab 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a base 90 positioned below the tab 2 and serving to support the tab 2.

[0065] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a drive unit 40 located at the bottom of the tub 20 that supplies, collects, circulates, and drains washing water for washing objects to be washed.

[0066] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a storage section 50 on which the items to be washed are placed, which is detachably provided in the internal washing space 21 of the tab 20.

[0067] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include a spray unit installed adjacent to the storage unit 50 for spraying washing water to wash the objects to be washed.

[0068] In this case, the items to be washed placed in the storage compartment 50 may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks and other tableware, and other cooking utensils. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the items to be washed will be referred to as tableware.

[0069] First, the tab 20 may be formed in a box shape with its front surface open as a whole, which corresponds to a configuration known as a washing tank.

[0070] A cleaning space 21 is formed inside the tab 20, and the open front surface may be opened and closed by the door 30.

[0071] The tab 20 may be formed by press working from a metal sheet material that is resistant to high temperatures and moisture, such as a stainless steel sheet material.

[0072] Furthermore, the inner surface of the tab 20 may be provided with numerous brackets for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the storage section 50 and the spray section, which will be described later, inside the tab 20.

[0073] On the other hand, the drive unit 40 may be configured to include a sump 41 located below the tab 20 for storing cleaning water, a sump cover 42 separating the sump 41 from the tab 20, a water supply unit 43 for supplying cleaning water to the sump 41 from the outside, a drainage unit 44 for discharging the cleaning water from the sump 41 to the outside, a cleaning pump 45 for supplying the cleaning water from the sump 41 to the injection unit, and a supply channel 46.

[0074] The sump cover 42 is positioned above the sump 41 and serves to spatially separate the tab 20 from the sump 41.

[0075] Furthermore, the sump cover 42 may be provided with multiple recovery holes to recover the cleaning water sprayed into the cleaning space 21 via the spray nozzle into the sump 41.

[0076] In other words, the washing water sprayed towards the dishes at the spray unit may fall to the bottom of the washing space 21 and be collected in the sump 41 via the sump cover 42.

[0077] Therefore, the sump cover 42, together with the wash water filter module described later, can perform the function of filtering out food waste and other contaminants contained in the wash water, at least partially.

[0078] The cleaning pump 45 is located on one side of the sump 41 and is responsible for pressurizing the cleaning water and supplying it to the spray section.

[0079] One end of the cleaning pump 45 may be connected to the sump 41, and the other end may be connected to the supply channel 46.

[0080] The cleaning pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453, etc. When power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 rotates, and the cleaning water in the sump 41 is pressurized and then supplied to the injection section via the supply channel 46.

[0081] Although not shown, the washing pump 45 may be equipped with a washing water heater to heat the washing water supplied to the tab 20 when performing a washing or heated rinsing cycle.

[0082] On the other hand, the supply oil passage 46 plays the role of selectively supplying the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning pump 45 to the injection section.

[0083] As an example, the supply channel 46 may include a first supply channel 461 connected to the lower injection arm 61, and a second supply channel 463 connected to the upper injection arm 62 and the top nozzle 63.

[0084] The supply channel 46 may be equipped with a supply channel switching valve 465 that selectively opens and closes the supply channels 461 and 463.

[0085] In this case, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled to open each supply flow path 461, 463 sequentially and selectively, or to open them simultaneously.

[0086] The switching valve 465 may be detachably fastened to the valve coupling of the sump 41.

[0087] On the other hand, the spray unit is equipped to spray washing water onto dishes and other items stored in the storage unit 50.

[0088] More specifically, the spray unit may include a lower spray arm 61 located below the tab 20 that sprays cleaning water onto the lower rack 51.

[0089] Furthermore, the spray unit may be located between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52 and may include an upper spray arm 62 that sprays cleaning water onto the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0090] The spray unit may also include a top nozzle 63 located on top of the tab 20, which sprays cleaning water onto the top rack 53 or upper rack 52.

[0091] In particular, the lower spray arm 61 and the upper spray arm 62 are rotatably mounted in the washing space 21 of the tab 20, and can spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes installed in the storage section 50.

[0092] The lower spray arm 61 may be rotatably supported above the sump cover 42 so that it can spray cleaning water toward the lower rack 51 while rotating beneath the lower rack 51.

[0093] Furthermore, the upper spray arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder 467 so that it can spray cleaning water while rotating between the lower rack 51 and the upper rack 52.

[0094] On the other hand, although not shown, the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 may be further provided with means for switching the cleaning water sprayed from the lower spray arm 61 upward (U-direction) in order to improve cleaning efficiency.

[0095] Since the detailed configuration of the injection unit can be based on configurations already known in the industry, a detailed explanation of the specific configuration of the injection unit will be omitted below.

[0096] On the other hand, the washing space 21 may be provided with a storage section 50 for storing dishes.

[0097] The storage compartment 50 may be provided inside the tab 20 so as to be able to be pulled out and retracted through the open front surface of the tab 20.

[0098] As an example, Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which a storage section is provided, comprising a lower rack 51 located below the tab 20 and capable of storing relatively large tableware, an upper rack 52 located above the lower rack 51 and capable of storing medium-sized tableware, and a top rack 53 located above the tab 20 and capable of storing small tableware, etc.

[0099] The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher 1 equipped with three storage compartments 50, as shown.

[0100] These lower rack 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 may each be configured to be pulled out to the outside through the open front surface of the tab 20.

[0101] Therefore, guide rails 54 may be provided on both side walls 26, 27 that form the inner surface of the tab 20. As will be described later, the guide rails 54 may include, for example, an upper rail 542, a lower rail 541, and a top rail 543.

[0102] Rollers or wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53. Users can easily store dishes in or remove dishes that have been washed by pulling these lower racks 51, upper rack 52, and top rack 53 outwards through the front of the tab 20.

[0103] The guide rail 54 may be a simple rail-shaped fixed guide rail for guiding the pulling out and inserting of the storage section 50, or it may be an extendable guide rail that guides the pulling out and storing of the storage section 50, and the pulling distance increases as the storage section 50 is pulled out.

[0104] On the other hand, the door 30 is intended to open and close the open front surface of the tab 20 described above.

[0105] A hinge (not shown) is provided at the lower part of these normally open front sections for opening and closing the door 30, and as an example, the door 30 may be opened by rotating the hinge in a top-down manner around the pivot point.

[0106] Here, the outer surface of the door 30 may be provided with a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1.

[0107] As shown, the control panel 32 may be equipped with a display 33 that visually displays information such as the current operating status of the dishwasher 1.

[0108] Furthermore, the control panel 32 may also be equipped with a button section 34 that includes selection buttons for inputting the user's course selection operation, and a power button for inputting the user's operation to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0109] On the other hand, the rear panel 30b, which forms the inner surface of the door 30, constitutes one surface of the tab 20 when the door 30 is closed, and when the door 30 is fully open, it can form a mounting surface on which the lower rack 51 of the storage compartment 50 can be supported.

[0110] Therefore, when the door 30 is fully opened, it is preferable that the rear panel 30b of the door 30 forms a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail 54 that guides the lower rack 51.

[0111] On the other hand, the rear panel 30b, which forms the inner surface of the door 30, may be further equipped with a detergent supply device to automatically supply detergent into the inside of the tub 20.

[0112] Furthermore, a door position sensing unit 36 ​​may be provided on the outer side of the upper surface of the tab 20 to sense whether the door 30 is in a closed or open state. For example, the door position sensing unit 36 ​​may include a door position sensor (S_d) or a latch sensor that senses the position of a door latch (not shown).

[0113] On the other hand, the lower part of the tab 20 may be provided with a drying air supply unit 80 for generating and supplying high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the cleaning space inside the tab 20.

[0114] As shown, the drying air supply unit 80 may include a filter member 883 for filtering outside air, a blower fan 825 for generating a drying airflow, a heater 84 for heating the drying airflow, and an airflow guide 83 located inside the tab 20 for guiding the drying airflow.

[0115] The lower wall 25 of the tab 20 may be provided with a drying air supply hole 254 so that the high-temperature drying air generated in the drying air supply unit 80 can be introduced into the interior of the tab 20.

[0116] When high-temperature or low-temperature drying air from these drying air supply units 80 is supplied to the inside of the turbine 20 during the drying process, the drying efficiency and sterilization effect on tableware can be significantly improved compared to conventional methods.

[0117] On the other hand, the humid airflow supplied to the inside of the tub 20 while drying the dishes may be discharged to the outside, and the other portion may be drawn into the drying air supply unit 80. The discharge of the airflow may be done by partially opening the door 30 or by another exhaust means (not shown).

[0118] An intake duct 81 for recovering moist air from the tab 20 may be provided on the outside of the left wall 26 or the right wall 27 of the tab 20.

[0119] On the other hand, the base 90 can provide a storage space or machine room in which components of the dishwasher 1, such as the sump 41, are housed.

[0120] Therefore, the base 90 can be equipped with a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall that form the outer corner boundary of the accommodation space which will become the machine room.

[0121] Furthermore, the tab 20 may be directly or indirectly supported through the front wall, rear wall, left wall, and right wall of the base 90.

[0122] On the other hand, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may further include a heat pump system as a means for heating the washing water supplied to the tub 20.

[0123] The heat pump system may be provided together with the aforementioned wash water heater, or it may be provided independently without the wash water heater.

[0124] As will be described later, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may be arranged in a modularized state in the machine room of the base 90.

[0125] Furthermore, the heat pump system may be modularized and configured to be drawn in and out of the base 90 as a whole.

[0126] Taking this into consideration, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention shall be referred to as the heat pump module 100.

[0127] The detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent figures.

[0128] [Outline configuration of a heat pump system] The following describes the detailed configuration of a heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent figures.

[0129] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0130] Referring to Figure 4, the heat pump module 100 may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, an expansion valve 140, and an evaporator 130.

[0131] The compressor 110, condenser 120, expansion valve 140, and evaporator 130 may be sequentially connected via refrigerant piping 150, which provides a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0132] As an example, the refrigerant piping 150 may include a first pipe 151 connecting the compressor 110 and the condenser 120, a second pipe 152 connecting the condenser 120 and the expansion valve 140, a third pipe 153 connecting the expansion valve 140 and the evaporator 130, and a fourth pipe 154 connecting the evaporator 130 and the compressor 110.

[0133] The refrigerant can act as a working fluid, absorbing or releasing heat while sequentially circulating through the compressor 110, condenser 120, expansion valve 140, and evaporator 130, undergoing a phase change from liquid to gas, or vice versa.

[0134] The compressor 110 is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and discharging the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 may be introduced into the condenser 120 via the first piping 151.

[0135] The refrigerant can release heat from QH as it passes through the condenser 120. The heat released from the condenser 120 may be used to heat the wash water supplied to the tab 20.

[0136] Therefore, the condenser 120 may be provided with flow paths through which the refrigerant and the cleaning water pass. The refrigerant may release heat as it passes through the condenser 120 and exchange heat with the cleaning water while undergoing a phase change from gas to liquid.

[0137] At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 120 may be a mixture of liquid and gas with a very low proportion of gas, or it may be a subcooled liquid.

[0138] The refrigerant exiting the condenser 120 can expand as it passes through the expansion valve 140. As a result of the refrigerant's expansion, its temperature decreases, and it may become a mixed gas, a mixture of gas and liquid.

[0139] The refrigerant released from the expansion valve 140 is introduced to the evaporator 130 via the third pipe 153. As it passes through the evaporator 130, it exchanges heat with the air in the containment space of the base 90, absorbing QL of heat from the air and evaporating, thereby increasing the proportion of gas in the refrigerant.

[0140] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 may be a gas mixture with a very low liquid ratio, or it may be a superheated gas.

[0141] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 may flow further into the compressor 110 via the fourth pipe 154, and after being introduced into the compressor 110, it may be compressed and converted into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

[0142] In this sequence, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change as it circulates through the heat pump module 100, allowing it to absorb heat in the evaporator 130 and release heat in the condenser 120.

[0143] On the other hand, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator 130, it is preferable to allow a large amount of air to flow toward the evaporator 130. For this reason, the heat pump module 100 may further include a blower module 180 that blows air toward the evaporator 130.

[0144] As will be described later, the blower module 180 may, for example, include a blower fan that generates airflow and a blower motor that generates rotational driving force for the blower fan.

[0145] Alternatively, the blower fan and blower motor may be housed inside the heat exchange duct 170 together with the evaporator 130.

[0146] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may be installed and mounted together in the machine room of the base 90 in a modularized state separate from the base 90.

[0147] Furthermore, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may be configured to be removable as a whole from the machine room of the base 90 to the outside in its modularized state.

[0148] For the purpose of simultaneous installation and removal, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160 on which the compressor 110, condenser 120, evaporator 130, and expansion valve 140 are installed together.

[0149] The compressor 110, condenser 120, evaporator 130, and expansion valve 140 that constitute the heat pump module 100 may be directly or indirectly fastened to the module base 160 and mounted to the base 90 while being directly or indirectly supported by the module base 160.

[0150] Furthermore, as will be described later, the module base 160 may be detachably arranged on the base 90 such that it is substantially separated from the bottom surface 91 of the base 90.

[0151] Alternatively, the module base 160 may be positioned on the base 90 so as to be directly supported in the direction of gravity via the ground.

[0152] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, the module base 160 may house and support at least a sump 41, a washing pump 45, and a water softener 72 together with the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 that constitute the heat pump module 100.

[0153] In other words, the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener 72 are configured to be housed and supported on the bottom surface 91 of the conventional base 90.

[0154] However, the present invention may be configured such that a sump 41, a washing pump 45, and a water softener 72 are housed and mounted on the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100.

[0155] Therefore, the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100 can also function as the bottom surface 91 of the conventional base 90.

[0156] Figures 5 and following show an embodiment in which the lower end of the sump 41, the lower end of the washing pump 45, and the lower end of the water softener 72 are installed on the module base 160.

[0157] However, this is merely an example, and other components that were conventionally attached and coupled to the bottom surface 91 of the base 90, in addition to the sump 41, washing pump 45, and water softener 72, may also be attached to the module base 160.

[0158] The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be based on an embodiment in which the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener 72 are attached to and coupled to the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100.

[0159] On the other hand, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may be installed collectively in the machine room of the base 90 and may be removed collectively from the machine room of the base 90 to the outside.

[0160] In this case, the sump 41, cleaning pump 45, and water softener 72 may be attached together to the module base 160, and the heat pump module 100, along with its components, may be removed from the machine room of the base 90 as a single unit from the outside.

[0161] Therefore, the heat pump module 100 may be configured to slide out and retract collectively along the horizontal direction through one open side of the base 90.

[0162] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a water jacket 71 may be attached to the outer surface of the right side wall 27 of the exemplary tub 20, which stores the washing water supplied to the tub 20 for use during washing and rinsing dishes.

[0163] To ensure sufficient storage capacity, the lower end of the water jacket 71 may extend beyond the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 to the area of ​​the right side wall 95 of the base 90.

[0164] In this case, the water jacket 71 may have tab holes 118 that connect its internal space to the cleaning space 21 of the tab 20.

[0165] A water jacket communication hole 272 may be formed through the right side wall 27 of the tab 20, corresponding to the tab hole 118.

[0166] A grill cap 118a, similar in form to the grill cap 813 of the aforementioned air intake hole 271, may be attached to the tab hole 118 to minimize the inflow of cleaning water and prevent the inflow of foreign matter.

[0167] Furthermore, adjacent to the water jacket 71, a water softener 72 for softening the wash water supplied to the sump 41 may be installed on the module base 160 at the lower part of the lower wall 25 of the tab 20.

[0168] Furthermore, as mentioned above, a drying air supply unit 80 may be provided at the lower part of the lower wall 25 of the tab 20, which heats the air discharged from the tab 20 during the drying process and resupplies it to the tab 20.

[0169] Furthermore, as shown, the drying air supply unit 80 may include an intake duct 81 that draws in air discharged from the tab 20.

[0170] As an example, Figure 3 shows a configuration in which the suction duct 81 is positioned alongside the water jacket 71 on the outer surface of the right side wall 27 of the tab 20.

[0171] As a result, an air intake hole 271 may be formed through the right side wall 27 of the tab 20, and a grill cap 8113, which is connected to the inlet of the intake duct 81, may be fixed to the air intake hole 271.

[0172] Furthermore, as shown, a main control panel 210 may be located on the left side wall 94 of the base 90.

[0173] More specifically, the main control panel 210 may be positioned on the open left-side wall 94 of the base 90, with the open portion being obscured.

[0174] Furthermore, in order to minimize damage caused by water leakage, the main control panel 210 may be positioned at a location separated from the bottom surface 91 of the base 90 in an upward direction (U-direction).

[0175] Thus, considering the positional constraints on the placement of the drying air supply unit 80, the suction duct 81 for the drying air supply unit 80, the water jacket 71, and the main control panel 210, it is preferable that the heat pump module 100 be configured to be pulled out and retracted in a position that minimizes interference with the drying air supply unit 80, the water jacket 71, and the main control panel 210.

[0176] Therefore, with the sump 41, washing pump 45, and water softener 72 mounted on the module base 160, the heat pump module 100 may be configured to be pulled out and retracted along the front-rear direction (FR direction) from an open area of ​​the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0177] In particular, when the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention is configured as a built-in type, the dishwasher 1 is separated from the left side (Le-direction), the right side (Ri-direction), and the rear side (R-direction) by kitchen furniture.

[0178] Therefore, configuring the heat pump module 100 to be drawn forward through the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be particularly suitable for a built-in dishwasher 1.

[0179] [Modular structure and disassembly process of heat pump modules] In the following, with reference to Figures 6 to 16, the arrangement structure and configuration structure of the heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the extraction process for the collective removal of the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 will be specifically described.

[0180] Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of the heat pump module 100 may include a compressor 110 that compresses the refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state.

[0181] As shown, the compressor 110 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be an electric compressor in which a compression unit for compressing a gaseous refrigerant and a motor unit for generating a rotational driving force that is braked by the compression unit are integrated.

[0182] In this case, considering the space utilization of the base 90 in the machine room, it is necessary to minimize the area occupied by the compressor 110 in the module base 160.

[0183] Therefore, the compressor 110 may be placed on the module base 160 in an upright position with its rotational axis aligned along the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0184] The lower end of the compression base 111 of the compressor 110 may be provided with a flange-shaped fastening tab 112 so that it can be installed and fixed on the module base 160 in an upright position.

[0185] The shown embodiment includes a configuration in which a total of three fastening tabs 112 are provided, with each fastening tab 112 arranged at equal intervals from one another. However, this is merely an example, and the number of fastening tabs 112 may be set differently depending on the shape and arrangement of the compressor 110.

[0186] A fastening boss (not shown) may be integrally provided on the base plate 161 of the module base 160, corresponding to the fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110.

[0187] The fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110 may be firmly fastened to the fastening boss of the base plate 161 by fastening means such as screw bolts.

[0188] To reduce vibrations or noise generated by the compressor 110, a bumper with a predetermined elasticity may be provided between the fastening tab 112 and the fastening boss.

[0189] Furthermore, to guide the installation position of the compressor 110 and to complement the rigidity of the fastening boss, an installation rib 162 may be integrally provided on the bottom surface 1611 of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0190] As shown, the mounting rib 162 may be provided in a barrier-like manner surrounding the fastening tab 112 formed at the lower end of the compressor 110.

[0191] On the other hand, the compressor 110 may be positioned upright, as close as possible to the left edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160, with reference to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0192] Furthermore, as shown, the compressor 110 may be positioned as close as possible to the inlet of the heat exchange duct 170 that houses the blower module 180.

[0193] As a result, the compressor 110 can be exposed to the airflow flowing into or out of the heat exchange duct 170. Therefore, the airflow flowing into or out of the heat exchange duct 170 can be used as a means to cool the compressor 110.

[0194] Furthermore, the compressor 110 needs to be positioned in a location that minimizes interference with the sump 41 and minimizes the impact of water leakage from the sump 41 and the cleaning pump 45.

[0195] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the compressor 110 may be positioned behind the sump 41 and the cleaning pump 45.

[0196] Furthermore, the compressor 110 may be positioned so as not to overlap the sump 41 and the cleaning pump 45 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0197] On the other hand, a heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and cleaning water.

[0198] As an example, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a double-tube shape in which both the flow path for the cleaning water and the flow path for the refrigerant are formed inside.

[0199] The condenser 120 may be configured to have a cylindrical outer shape so that flow paths for cleaning water and refrigerant can be effectively formed inside.

[0200] Furthermore, the cylindrical condenser 120 may be formed with a width in the direction of the central axis that is considerably larger than its diameter. This may ensure that the flow paths for the washing water and the refrigerant are as long as possible along the direction of the central axis.

[0201] However, in order to increase the heating capacity or heat exchange capacity for the washing water, the volume of the condenser 120 must be ensured to be above a predetermined level.

[0202] However, in order to effectively and efficiently arrange the condenser 120 in the machine room of the base 90, which is subject to height constraints in the vertical direction (UD direction), the condenser 120 may be arranged and installed on the module base 160 such that the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) is the longitudinal direction.

[0203] On the other hand, in detail, the condenser 120 having a cylindrical outer shape may, as an example, be composed of divided sections that are separated along the longitudinal direction.

[0204] More specifically, the condenser 120, which is composed of divided parts, may include a first body 120a in which an inlet pipe 123 into which heated wash water is introduced is formed.

[0205] As illustrated, the water inlet pipe 123 may be integrally formed on one end side of the first body 120a.

[0206] Furthermore, the condenser 120, which is composed of divided parts, may include a second body 120b on which an outlet pipe 124 is formed, through which heated washing water is discharged.

[0207] As illustrated, the water outlet pipe 124 may be integrally formed with one end of the second body 120b.

[0208] Washing water pipes 190 may be connected to the inlet pipe 123 and the outlet pipe 124, respectively.

[0209] As an example, one end of the first flush water pipe 191 may be connected to the inlet pipe 123 of the first body 120a.

[0210] The other end of the first cleaning water pipe 191 may be connected to the inlet or outlet of the cleaning pump 45 described above.

[0211] In other words, the cleaning water before it is pressurized by the cleaning pump 45, or the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump 45, may be introduced into the condenser 120 via the first cleaning water piping 191.

[0212] The present invention is not limited thereto, but in the following description, we will use as a reference a configuration in which the other end of the first cleaning water pipe 191 is connected to the outlet end of the cleaning pump 45, that is, a configuration in which the condenser 120 is connected downstream of the cleaning pump 45, with reference to the direction of flow of the cleaning water.

[0213] The condenser 120 may be connected downstream of the cleaning pump 45, thereby introducing the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump 45 into the inlet pipe 123 of the first body 120a via the first cleaning water piping 191.

[0214] Furthermore, one end of the second flush water pipe 192 may be connected to the outlet pipe 124 of the second body 120b.

[0215] The other end of the second flush water pipe 192 may be connected to the supply flow path switching valve 465 described above.

[0216] Therefore, the heated cleaning water may be transmitted to the injection unit via the second cleaning water pipe 192 through the supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0217] On the other hand, the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 may each be configured to have a material and shape that allows them to extend along their longitudinal direction.

[0218] Therefore, the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 may be formed of a material that is expandable and contractible along its longitudinal direction.

[0219] Alternatively, the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 may be formed to have an expandable or contractible shape, such as a corrugated pipe.

[0220] As a result, as will be described later, with the module base 160 attached to the base 90, the condenser 120 can be separated and maintenance of the condenser 120 can be performed.

[0221] In other words, it is not necessary to separate the first wash water pipe 191 and the second wash water pipe 192 from the inlet pipe 123 and outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 in advance, and the condenser 120 alone may be effectively removed from the module base 160.

[0222] Furthermore, by forming the outlet pipe 124 and inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 at positions that are as far apart as possible along the longitudinal direction of the condenser 120, the heating efficiency or heat exchange efficiency for the wash water can be improved.

[0223] On the other hand, a condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced inside the condenser 120, through which the refrigerant in a gaseous state undergoes a phase change to a liquid state.

[0224] As an example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 via the outer circumferential surface of the third body 120c of the condenser 120. As shown, the third body 120c may be positioned between the first body 120a and the second body 120b and detachably coupled.

[0225] The condenser refrigerant pipes introduced into the third body 120c of the condenser 120 may be formed to have a multilayer structure created by bending multiple times, or a coil structure created by winding multiple times, in order to improve the heating efficiency or heat exchange efficiency with respect to the wash water.

[0226] This allows for an increased heat exchange area with respect to the washing water, and further lengthens the refrigerant flow path inside the third body 120c.

[0227] On the other hand, the condenser 120 is configured to be positioned furthest forward among the components attached to the module base 160.

[0228] More specifically, the condenser 120 may be positioned closest to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0229] Alternatively, the condenser 120 may be arranged on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 such that its central axis aligns with the direction of extension of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0230] Furthermore, the condenser 120 may be positioned in front of the sump 41, at an intermediate position in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the module base 160.

[0231] By positioning and arranging the lower frame 14 at the foremost position, which is coupled to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160, it becomes easily accessible to the user.

[0232] Therefore, when repairing or replacing only the condenser 120, it has the effect of eliminating the need to remove the entire heat pump module 100 from the base 90.

[0233] On the other hand, the heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment may include an evaporator 130 into which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 120 is introduced and which undergoes a phase change in the liquid state of the refrigerant to a gaseous state.

[0234] As mentioned above, the evaporator 130 is configured to undergo a phase change while exchanging heat with the air in the machine room of the base 90 or with outside air.

[0235] Therefore, similar to the condenser refrigerant pipes, the evaporator 130 may be formed as a multilayer structure created by bending the evaporator refrigerant pipes multiple times in order to maximize the heat exchange area with respect to the air.

[0236] On the other hand, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be configured to exchange heat with the internal air of the machine room of the base 90, or with external air introduced from outside the base 90.

[0237] Figures 6 and following show an example in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 is configured to exchange heat with the internal air of the machine room of the base 90.

[0238] The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on a configuration in which the internal air of the machine room of the base 90 is exhausted to the outside after heat exchange with the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130.

[0239] On the other hand, if the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 exchanges heat with the internal air of the base 90, a flow path must be formed so that the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside.

[0240] As shown, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be positioned as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90. This allows the internal air of the base 90 to be exhausted to the outside of the base 90 via the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 by the shortest path.

[0241] On the other hand, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be housed inside the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170, which forms the heat exchange flow path and the exhaust flow path. This maximizes the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 130 with respect to the internal air of the base 90.

[0242] Therefore, with the evaporator refrigerant pipe housed inside, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be positioned as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0243] Preferably, the heat exchange duct 170 may be positioned on the module base 160 such that the rear surface of the duct body 171 is in maximum contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0244] On the other hand, corresponding to the duct body 171, the internal air of the base 90 that has undergone heat exchange while passing through the duct body 171 needs to be smoothly exhausted to the outside of the base 90.

[0245] Therefore, the rear wall 93 of the base 90 may be provided with a grille-shaped exhaust port.

[0246] Although not shown, a pair of columns to support the load of the tab 20 may be integrally formed in the rear wall 93 of the base 90. To prevent a reduction in strength, it becomes difficult to form an exhaust port at the location where the pair of columns are formed.

[0247] Therefore, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the exhaust port of the base 90 may be positioned and formed to avoid the pair of columnar sections.

[0248] Preferably, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 is positioned in the region between the pair of column sections, with reference to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), and an exhaust port may be formed directly behind the duct body 171.

[0249] To distribute the load of the tab 20, a pair of column sections may be formed in positions symmetrical with respect to a center line that divides the base 90 along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0250] Therefore, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the exhaust port of the base 90 may be positioned approximately in the center of the rear wall 93 of the base 90, with reference to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0251] On the other hand, with respect to the sump 41 and the cleaning pump 45, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be positioned directly behind the sump 41.

[0252] On the other hand, similar to the condenser 120 and compressor 110 described above, the heat exchange duct 170 and evaporator 130 may be modularized and arranged on the module base 160.

[0253] Therefore, with the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 housed inside the duct body 171, the duct body 171 may be detachably attached to the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0254] Similar to the compressor 110, the base plate 161 may be integrally provided with fastening bosses (not shown) that guide the fastening position of the duct body 171 and fasten the duct body 171 to the heat exchange duct 170 for detachable connection to the duct body 171.

[0255] Furthermore, the bottom surface 1611 of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be integrally provided with installation ribs 162 to guide the installation position of the duct body 171 and to increase the bonding strength to the duct body 171.

[0256] On the other hand, a blower module 180 may be placed inside the duct body 171 to generate a forced airflow for the internal air that is heat-exchanged with the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130.

[0257] In this case, in order to minimize the increase in volume of the heat exchange duct 170 and improve space utilization, the ventilation module 180 may be configured to include a single ventilation fan and a single ventilation motor.

[0258] Figures 6 and following show an embodiment in which the blower fan is an axial fan that generates axial airflow. However, this is merely illustrative, and different types of blower fans may be applied depending on the design conditions of the duct body 171. For example, a sirocco fan or the like can be selectively applied.

[0259] On the other hand, due to constraints on the size of the blower module 180 in the vertical direction (UD direction) and the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction), the blower fan constituting the blower module 180 may be set to have a diameter even smaller than the width of the evaporator 130 in the horizontal direction (Le-Ri direction) and the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0260] Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the heat exchange duct 170 that houses the blower module 180 may be formed to be even smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion that houses the evaporator refrigerant pipe.

[0261] Furthermore, it is necessary to minimize the flow resistance and flow loss of the internal air passing through the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0262] Therefore, the portion of the heat exchange duct 170 that houses the blower module 180 may be configured to have a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually expands as it moves from front to back.

[0263] On the other hand, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be configured so that its upper end surface is open as a whole.

[0264] The heat exchange duct 170 may further include a duct cover 172 which serves to close the open upper end surface of the duct body 171.

[0265] As shown, the duct cover 172 may be configured to integrally close the upper end surface of the portion housing the blower module 180 and the upper end surface of the portion housing the evaporator refrigerant pipe.

[0266] Furthermore, the duct cover 172 may be detachably connected to the duct body 171.

[0267] Therefore, after removing the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 for maintenance and pulling it out through the open front wall 92 of the base 90, the duct cover 172 can be independently separated from the duct body 171 without separating the duct body 171 as a whole from the module base 160.

[0268] Therefore, even without a process of separating or disassembling the duct body 171, a state may be created in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe and blower module 180 housed inside the duct body 171 can be repaired or switched over by separating only the duct cover 172 from the duct body 171.

[0269] This may improve the ease of maintenance for the evaporator 130 and the blower module 180.

[0270] On the other hand, a heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an expansion valve 140 positioned between the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0271] In the shown embodiment, the expansion valve 140 may be positioned in a location that minimizes interference with the compressor 110 and condenser 120 described above.

[0272] As an example, the expansion valve 140 may be positioned in the space between the compressor 110 and the condenser 120, with reference to the front-rear direction (FR direction), and connected to the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153, respectively.

[0273] On the other hand, a heat pump module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module base 160 on which the aforementioned compressor 110, condenser 120, evaporator 130, and refrigerant piping 150 are installed and mounted together.

[0274] More specifically, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0275] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 may be mounted together on the upper surface of the base plate 161, or the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 may be supported together.

[0276] As described above, a number of fastening bosses and mounting ribs 162 may be integrally formed on the upper surface of the base plate 161 so that the compressor 110, condenser 120, and evaporator 130 can be individually fastened and supported.

[0277] However, considering the machine room of the base 90 which is subject to height constraints in the vertical direction (UD direction), the thickness of the base plate 161 may be formed to be approximately constant overall.

[0278] However, as will be described later, the heat pump module 100 is configured such that the compressor 110, condenser 120, evaporator 130, etc., are all fixed together to the module base 160, and that they are pulled out and pulled in together from the base 90 along the front-to-back direction (FR direction).

[0279] Therefore, in order to prevent damage during the pulling-in and pulling-out process and ensure predetermined rigidity, the bottom surface 1611 of the base plate 161 may be integrally provided with reinforcing ribs 1612 extending along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the front-rear direction (F-R direction).

[0280] Furthermore, among the outer edges of the base plate 161, the left side edge, right side edge and rear edge may be integrally provided with a barrier-shaped frame wall 1613 that protrudes in the upward direction (U-direction).

[0281] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, in addition to the compressor 110, the condenser 120 and the evaporator 130, a sump 41, a water softener 72 and a washing pump 45 may also be attached to the base plate 161.

[0282] By way of example, the washing pump 45 and the sump 41 may be arranged on the base plate 161 such that they partially overlap each other when viewed from the upward direction (U-direction).

[0283] More specifically, the sump body 411 constituting the upper end portions of the washing pump 45 and the sump 41 may be arranged on the base plate 161 such that they partially overlap each other when viewed from the upward direction (U-direction).

[0284] Alternatively, the lower end of the water collecting portion 412 of the sump 41 for storing washing water may be supported by or in contact with the base plate 161.

[0285] In this case, the sump body 411 connected to the upper end of the water collecting portion 412 may be detachably coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0286] More specifically, as will be described later, the sump body 411 may be coupled into a first coupling groove 256 that is formed recessed from the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 toward the downward direction (D-direction).

[0287] In this case, the valve coupling portion 413, which is formed to protrude upward (U-direction) inside the sump body 411, may be inserted into the sump hole 252 formed in the first coupling groove 256.

[0288] Although not shown, the valve coupling portion 413 may also be coupled with the aforementioned supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0289] Thus, by coupling the sump body 411 to the first coupling groove 256 and inserting the valve coupling portion 413 into the sump hole 252, the separation process between the sump body 411 and the first coupling groove 256, and the separation process between the valve coupling portion 413 and the sump hole 252 may precede the mass removal of the heat pump module 100, as will be described later.

[0290] Therefore, as will be described later, the water collection section 412 that constitutes the lower end of the sump 41 may be supported on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 so as to be movable relative to the base plate 161 in the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0291] Furthermore, as shown, a water softener 72 may be placed to the right of the sump 41.

[0292] More specifically, the water softener 72 may include a tank body 721 that houses a regenerating agent and an ion exchange resin.

[0293] Furthermore, the water softener 72 may include a tank base 723 that is connected to the lower end of the tank body 721.

[0294] Furthermore, the water softener 72 may include a tank cover 722 that is coupled to the upper end of the tank body 721.

[0295] In this case, as shown, the tank base 723 of the water softener 72 may be detachably connected to the base plate 161.

[0296] Further, the tank cover 722 may be integrally formed with a connecting duct 724 for additional input of the regenerant.

[0297] An external male thread portion 7241 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the connecting duct 724.

[0298] The external male thread portion 7241 of the connecting duct 724 may pass through the water softener communication hole 255 of the aforementioned tank 20 and be exposed inside the washing space 21.

[0299] An input port cap 7225 may be coupled to the external male thread portion 7241 by screw connection.

[0300] The input port cap 7225 may be fastened to the external male thread portion 7241 of the connecting duct 724, and the connecting duct 724 may be coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0301] Further, the tank cover 722 may be integrally formed with a port portion 725 for inlet, recovery and outlet of washing water.

[0302] In more detail, the port portion 725 may include a water inlet port 7221, a recovery port 7222 and a water outlet port 7223.

[0303] The connecting portions 715 of the aforementioned water jacket 71 may be detachably coupled to the water inlet port 7221, the recovery port 7222 and the water outlet port 7223 constituting the port portion 725, respectively.

[0304] By inserting the connecting portions 715 of the water jacket 71 into the water inlet port 7221, the recovery port 7222 and the water outlet port 7223 respectively, the water jacket 71 and the tank body 721 can communicate with each other.

[0305] At this time, the water inlet port 7221, the recovery port 7222 and the water outlet port 7223 are configured to be collectively coupled to and separated from the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71.

[0306] Therefore, the water inlet port 7221, the water collection port 7222, and the water outlet port 7223 may each have the same height and protrude toward the connecting portion 715.

[0307] Thus, since the inlet cap 7225 is fastened to the male threaded portion 7241 of the connecting duct 724, the connecting duct 724 is connected to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20, and the port portion 725 is connected to the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71, the separation process between the connecting duct 724 and the inlet cap 7225, the separation process between the connecting duct 724 and the lower wall 25 of the tank 20, and the separation process between the port portion 725 and the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71 may precede the removal of the heat pump module 100 as described later.

[0308] Therefore, as will be described later, the tank base 723 constituting the lower end of the water softener 72 may be coupled to the base plate 161 of the module base 160 so as to be relatively movable along the vertical direction (UD direction) with respect to the base plate 161.

[0309] The relative movement process of the sump 41 and the water softener 72 in the vertical direction (UD direction) for simultaneous removal and extraction will be described later with reference to Figures 10 to 15.

[0310] In this way, the sump 41, water softener 72, and cleaning pump 45, which have a relatively large volume compared to the components of the heat pump module 100, are all attached together to the base plate 161 of the module base 160 along with the components of the heat pump module 100.

[0311] Therefore, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be configured to have an area corresponding to the bottom surface 91 of the conventional base 90.

[0312] Furthermore, considering the total weight of the components attached to the base plate 161 of the module base 160, it is preferable that the module base 160 is not directly supported by the bottom surface 91 of the base 90 when attached to the base 90.

[0313] Therefore, as will be described later, the module base 160 may be configured to be directly supported by the ground.

[0314] Furthermore, when the module base 160 is attached to the base 90, the bottom surface 91 of the base 90 may be removed at a corresponding position on the module base 160 to form an open area, so that the module base 160 can be supported by the ground.

[0315] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0316] In response to this, the bottom surface 91 of the base 90 may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in an area where it does not overlap with the module base 160.

[0317] The asymmetrical shape of these base plates 161 prevents incorrect assembly when the module base 160 is attached to the base 90.

[0318] On the other hand, the module base 160 may include a front end wall 163 integrally formed with the front end edge of the base plate 161.

[0319] As shown, the front end wall 163 may be provided as a barrier extending linearly along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and projecting upward (U- direction) from the front end edge of the base plate 161.

[0320] In this way, by integrally forming the front end wall 163 on the front end edge of the base plate 161, the rigidity of the front end edge side of the base plate 161 can be reinforced.

[0321] Furthermore, the front end wall 163 can function as a grip portion that can be grasped by the user when the heat pump module 100 is removed or installed all at once.

[0322] The front end wall 163 may be formed as a double wall structure to prevent damage caused by gripping during simultaneous removal and installation.

[0323] As will be described later, the lower end edge of the lower frame 14 is inserted into the interior of the double-wall structure. Therefore, the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 can also serve to support and fix the lower end of the lower frame 14.

[0324] On the other hand, the width in the front-rear direction (FR direction) at the left and right ends of the front end wall 163 may be formed to be even larger than the width in the front-rear direction (FR direction) at the intermediate position between the left and right ends.

[0325] Furthermore, as will be described later, the width of the front end wall 163 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) at the left end and the right end may be set to be greater than or equal to the width of the front wall 92 of the base 90 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0326] As will be described later, once the module base 160 is attached to the base 90, the left and right ends of the front end wall 163 may be connected to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0327] By forming the width of the left and right ends of the front end wall 163 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) to be greater than or equal to the width of the front wall 92 of the base 90 in the front-rear direction (FR direction), the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 can effectively guide the direction of horizontal movement of the module base 160.

[0328] Furthermore, the connection between the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 prevents the module base 160 from moving relative to the base 90 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and in the up-down direction (UD direction) while the heat pump module 100 is attached to the base 90.

[0329] Therefore, the front wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 can act as stoppers to prevent relative movement of the heat pump module 100.

[0330] The structure that prevents relative movement of the module base 160 will be described later with reference to Figure 16.

[0331] The following describes the process by which a heat pump module 100 is removed from or disassembled from the base 90 according to one embodiment.

[0332] For illustrative purposes, and for the sake of explanation, Figures 7 and below show diagrams in which the door 30 and case 10 have been removed from the tab 20 and base 90.

[0333] The following description may be applied with only the door 30 and front panel 15 separated from the tab 20 and base 90, without separating the upper panel 11, left side panel 12, and right side panel 13 that make up the case 10.

[0334] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first step may be to separate the lower frame 1 from the tab 20 and the base 90.

[0335] As shown, the lower frame 14 serves to block the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90 and the open area between the tab 20 and the base 90.

[0336] As shown, the upper end of the lower frame 14 is detachably coupled to the lower surface of the front end of the lower wall 25 of the tab 20.

[0337] Furthermore, the lower end of the lower frame 14 is detachably connected to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0338] In particular, as mentioned above, the lower end of the lower frame 14 may be connected to the module base 160 by simply inserting it into the front end wall 163 which has a double-wall structure.

[0339] Furthermore, the intermediate portion of the lower frame 14 may be fastened to the front wall 92 of the base 90 by screw bolts or the like.

[0340] Therefore, by separating the upper end of the lower frame 14 from the tab 20, separating the middle portion of the lower frame 14 from the front wall 92 of the base 90, and separating the lower end of the lower frame 14 from the front end wall 163 of the module base 160, the lower frame 14 may be removed from the tab 20 and the base 90, as shown in Figure 8.

[0341] When the lower frame 14 is separated from the tab 20 and the base 90, the open area of ​​the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be exposed to the outside.

[0342] Furthermore, a state may be created in which the heat pump module 100, housed in the internal space of the base 90, can be observed and accessed through the open area of ​​the front wall 92.

[0343] In particular, as shown in Figure 8, the condenser 120 is configured to be positioned at the very front of the components arranged on the module base 160.

[0344] In other words, the condenser 120 is positioned directly behind the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0345] Furthermore, the condensers 120 are arranged such that the direction of extension of their central axis is substantially the same as the direction of extension of the front end wall 163.

[0346] Therefore, at least the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 is positioned and arranged in a location accessible to the user only by separating the lower frame 14, without having to go through the process of removing the module base 160.

[0347] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the upper edge of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 may be formed at an even lower position than the central axis of the condenser 120 with respect to the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0348] Therefore, with the lower frame 14 removed, a state may be formed in which the condenser 120 is partially obscured by the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 when viewed from the front.

[0349] More specifically, the area of ​​the portion of the module base 160 where the condenser 120 is obstructed by the front end wall 163 may be formed to be even smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the module base 160 where the condenser 120 is not obstructed by the front end wall 163.

[0350] Therefore, repairs and switching of the condenser 120 can be easily performed without requiring any separate operations on other components located on the module base 160.

[0351] On the other hand, although not shown, a condenser supporter may be placed between the condenser 120 and the base plate 161 of the module base 160 to support the condenser 120 at a position separated from the base plate 161 in the upward direction (U-direction).

[0352] Therefore, although not shown, if the condenser 120 is to be removed for repair or replacement, the process of separating the condenser supporter from the condenser 120 and the base plate 161 may precede the removal of the condenser 120.

[0353] However, when repairing or replacing components of the heat pump module 100 other than the condenser 120, it is necessary to slide the module base 160 forward as a whole.

[0354] However, as mentioned above, among the components attached to the module base 160, the sump 41 is configured such that the sump body 411 is coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20.

[0355] Furthermore, the sump 41 may be connected to a wash water filter module 47 for filtering out foreign matter such as food waste contained in the wash water flowing into the sump 41.

[0356] As shown in Figure 9, the wash water filter module 47 may, as in the conventional configuration, include a handle body portion 471 that acts as a grip portion for the user to hold, a plate-shaped screen filter portion 472 positioned on the side of the sump 41, and a mesh filter portion 473 positioned inside the sump 41.

[0357] In particular, since the lower end of the mesh filter section 473 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower end of the water collection section 412 of the sump 41, the separation of the mesh filter section 473 must always precede movement of the sump 41 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0358] As in the conventional design, the handle body 471, screen filter 472, and mesh filter 473 are connected to each other and then coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 and the sump 41.

[0359] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, by gripping the handle body 471 and moving it relative to it along the upward direction (U-direction), it can be removed from the tab 20 and sump 41 together.

[0360] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the valve coupling portion 413 that constitutes the sump 41 is coupled to the supply flow path switching valve 465, and the supply flow path switching valve 465 is coupled to the sump cover 42.

[0361] Therefore, after removing the wash water filter module 47, the supply flow path switching valve 465 and the sump cover 42 can be removed.

[0362] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the configuration attached to the module base 160, the water softener 72 is configured such that the connecting duct 724 is fastened to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 via the inlet cap 7225.

[0363] Therefore, in order for the water softener 72 to move in the forward / backward direction (FR direction), the process of separating the inlet cap 7225 from the connecting duct 724 must always be performed first, as shown in Figure 9.

[0364] Figures 10 and 11 show the state after these processes, where the wash water filter module 47 and the supply flow path switching valve 465 have been removed from the sump 41, and the inlet cap 7225 has been separated from the sump body 411.

[0365] However, as shown, even if the wash water filter module 47 and the supply flow path switching valve 465 are removed from the sump 41 and the inlet cap 7225 is separated from the sump body 411, a state in which the heat pump module 100 can be immediately pulled out all at once is not formed.

[0366] More specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the sump body 411 of the sump 41 is coupled with the first coupling groove 256 and the second coupling groove 257 inserted inside.

[0367] As shown, the first coupling groove 256 has a sump hole 252 formed through it in the vertical direction (UD direction) into which the valve coupling portion 413 is inserted and coupled.

[0368] Furthermore, the second connecting groove 257 is formed by being recessed downward (D-direction) from the first connecting groove 256.

[0369] Therefore, the insertion coupling between the sump body 411 and the second coupling groove 257, and the insertion coupling between the valve coupling portion 413 and the sump hole 252, make it impossible for the sump 41 to move horizontally relative to the tab 20.

[0370] Furthermore, the connecting duct 724 of the water softener 72 is connected to the tab 20 with its male threaded portion 7241 passing through the water softener communication hole 255 and protruding upward (U-direction).

[0371] Furthermore, the water softener 72 and the water jacket 71 are connected with the water softener 72 with the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71 inserted into the port portion 725 of the water softener 72.

[0372] Therefore, the insertion and connection of the connecting duct 724 and the connecting portion 715 of the water softener 72 makes it impossible for the water softener 72 to move horizontally relative to the tab 20.

[0373] The dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may include means that can resolve the issue of horizontal movement being impossible due to snagging caused by insertion coupling.

[0374] More specifically, the sump 41 and the water softener 72 may be configured to be supported by the base plate 161 of the module base 160 in such a way that relative movement in the horizontal direction is not possible, but relative movement in the vertical direction (UD direction) is possible.

[0375] For example, the lower end of the water collection section 412 of the sump 41 may be supported by the mounting rib 162 of the base plate 161 in a simple fitted or contact state that does not involve forced fitting.

[0376] As an example, the lower end of the tank base 723 of the water softener 72 may be supported by the installation rib 162 of the base plate 161 in a simple fitting state that does not involve forced fitting.

[0377] As a result, the sump 41 and the water softener 72 are unable to move relative to each other due to their own weight, but may be supported in a way that allows them to move downward (D-direction) when a load greater than their own weight is applied.

[0378] Therefore, when a load slightly greater than their own weight is applied to the sump 41 and the water softener 72 in the downward direction (D-direction), they can easily move in the downward direction (D-direction).

[0379] In this case, the relative movement amounts of the sump 41 and the water softener 72 in the downward direction (D-direction) may be set differently from each other.

[0380] As an example, the relative movement of the sump 41 in the vertical direction (UD direction) may be defined as the amount of movement that forms a state in which the upper end of the sump body 411 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413 of the sump 41 are completely separated from the sump hole 252 in the downward direction (D- direction).

[0381] As an example, the relative movement of the water softener 72 in the vertical direction (UD direction) may also be defined as the amount of movement that forms a state in which the male threaded portion 7241 of the connecting duct 724 is completely detached downward (D- direction) from the water softener communication hole 255, and the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71 is completely detached from the port portion 725 of the water softener 72.

[0382] Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 to 15, if the user applies a load slightly greater than its own weight to the sump 41 in the downward direction (D-direction), the upper end of the sump body 411 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413 of the sump 41 can completely detach from the sump hole 252.

[0383] As mentioned above, the cleaning pump 45 and the sump body 411, which constitute the upper end of the sump 41, are arranged on the base plate 161 such that, when viewed in the upward direction (U-direction), there is a partial overlap between them.

[0384] Therefore, although the sump body 411 of the sump 41 is positioned so as not to come into direct contact with the cleaning pump 45 before the upper end of the sump body 411 of the sump 41 is completely separated from the sump hole 252, a structure may be formed in which the sump 41 can be stably supported by the cleaning pump 45 after the sump body 411 is separated from the sump hole 252.

[0385] Similarly, if the user applies a load slightly greater than their own weight to the water softener 72 in a downward direction (D-direction), the male threaded portion 7241 of the connecting duct 724 may completely detach from the water softener communication hole 255, and the connecting portion 715 of the water jacket 71 may completely detach from the port portion 725.

[0386] Thus, with the sump 41 and water softener 72 completely detached from the tab 20, and the water softener 72 completely detached from the water jacket 71, if a simple pulling force is applied to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 toward the front, the heat pump module 100 may be pulled forward as a whole and removed from the machine room of the base 90 as a whole, with the sump 41, water softener 72, and cleaning pump 45 attached to the module base 160, as shown in Figure 16.

[0387] However, although it is detached from the lower wall 25 of the tab 20, the upper end of the sump body 411 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413, which constitute the uppermost part of the sump 41, are in very close proximity to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 with respect to the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0388] Furthermore, although it is detached from the lower wall 25 of the tab 20, the upper end of the connecting duct 724, which constitutes the uppermost part of the water softener 72, is in very close proximity to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20 with respect to the vertical direction (UD direction).

[0389] The shape of the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be determined by considering the vertical (UD) position of the uppermost ends of the sump 41 and the uppermost end of the water softener 72.

[0390] As an example, as shown in Figure 16, the front side of the base 90 may have an open area that extends vertically (UD direction) from the ground to the lower wall 25 of the tab 20, so as to prevent collision and interference with the uppermost end of the sump 41 and the uppermost end of the water softener 72.

[0391] These open areas may be formed continuously to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0392] In this case, the front wall 92 of the base 90 may not be open as a whole, but may have a partially open shape. For example, the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be formed on the left and right ends of the front surface of the base 90, with the intermediate portion omitted.

[0393] Furthermore, the front wall 92 formed on the left end side when viewed from the front may be arranged in a V shape.

[0394] Furthermore, the front wall 92 formed on the right end side when viewed from the front may be provided in a left-right inverted ┐ shape.

[0395] Furthermore, when viewed from the front, the front wall 92 formed on the left end side and the front wall 92 formed on the right end side may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other.

[0396] Furthermore, the front wall 92 formed on the left end side and the front wall 92 formed on the right end side may have the same or slightly smaller front-to-back (FR direction) width as the front-to-back (FR direction) width of the left and right ends of the front end wall 163, as described above.

[0397] Therefore, a slot may be formed between the front wall 92 formed on the left end side and the front wall 92 formed on the right end side, through which the base plate 161 and front end wall 163 of the module base 160 pass.

[0398] By configuring the front wall 92 of the base 90 to have these shapes, the sliding movement of the module base 160 in the front-rear direction (FR direction) may be effectively guided when the module base 160 is pulled forward.

[0399] Furthermore, when the module base 160 is pulled in towards the rear for mounting the base 90 into the machine room, the left and right ends of the front end wall 163 of the base 90 may be coupled with the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0400] Therefore, the connection between the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 prevents the module base 160 from moving relative to the base 90 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and in the up-down direction (UD direction) while the heat pump module 100 is attached to the base 90.

[0401] Furthermore, the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 can act as stoppers to prevent the heat pump module 100 from moving relative to it.

[0402] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings, but it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described in the embodiments described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by such configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0403] 1. Dishwasher 30 doors 2 tabs 90 base 100 Heat Pump Modules

Claims

1. A tub that forms a washing space and holds the dishes, A base that forms a machine room and is located below the tab, A sump located below the tab and storing the washing water supplied to the tab, A heat pump module is located in the machine room and heats the cleaning water supplied to the sump, Includes, The heat pump module is coupled to the base so as to be able to be pulled out and retracted along the front-to-back direction from the base. Dishwasher.

2. The heat pump module slides along the front-to-back direction, being pulled out of or retracted into the base. The dishwasher according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned heat pump module is A compressor that compresses the refrigerant, A condenser is introduced into which the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor is heated, and the cleaning water supplied to the tab is heated. An evaporator into which the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser is introduced, A module base on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, Includes, The module base is retractably positioned on the base, The dishwasher according to claim 1.

4. The upper end of the sump is connected to the lower wall of the tab. The lower end of the sump is positioned on the module base so as to be movable relative to the module base in the vertical direction. The dishwasher according to claim 3.

5. The sump, together with the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, is mounted on the module base and is pulled out from the base and retracted into the base as a single unit. The dishwasher according to claim 4.

6. Before being pulled out in one piece from the base, the sump is moved relative to the base in a downward direction. The dishwasher according to claim 5.

7. The system further includes a cleaning pump that pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the sump and supplies it to the tab, The cleaning pump and the upper end of the sump are arranged on the module base such that, when viewed from above, there is a partial overlap between them. Before being pulled out in one piece from the base, the upper end of the sump is separated from the lower wall of the tab. The dishwasher according to claim 5.

8. The system further includes a water softening device that softens the washing water supplied to the sump, The water softening device is coupled to the module base so as to be movable relative to the module base in the vertical direction. The dishwasher according to claim 3.

9. The water softening device, together with the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, is mounted on the module base and is pulled out from the base and retracted into the base as a single unit. The dishwasher according to claim 8.

10. Before being pulled out collectively from the base, the water softener is moved relative to it in a downward direction. The dishwasher according to claim 9.

11. The system further includes a water jacket for storing the washing water supplied to the water softener, Before being withdrawn in a single unit from the base, the water softener is separated from the water jacket. The dishwasher according to claim 9.

12. The condenser is positioned in front of the sump. The dishwasher according to claim 3.

13. The condensers are arranged on the module base such that the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction. The dishwasher according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned module base is A base plate that provides an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, A front end wall is connected to the front end of the base plate and protrudes upward from the base plate, Includes, In a forward view, the condenser is partially obscured by the front end wall. The dishwasher according to claim 12.

15. The area of ​​the portion of the condenser that is obstructed by the front end wall is even smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the condenser that is not obstructed by the front end wall. The dishwasher according to claim 14.

16. The heat pump module is drawn into the interior of the base by passing through the front wall of the base. The dishwasher according to claim 3.

17. The aforementioned module base is A base plate that provides an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, A front end wall is connected to the front end of the base plate and protrudes upward from the base plate, Includes, When the heat pump module is pulled into the base and attached to the base, the front end wall is coupled to the front wall of the base. The dishwasher according to claim 16.

18. When the heat pump module is attached to the base, the front wall of the base prevents the front end wall from moving in the left-right direction. The dishwasher according to claim 17.

19. When the heat pump module is attached to the base, the front wall of the base prevents the front end wall from moving upward. The dishwasher according to claim 17.

20. During the process in which the heat pump module is drawn into the base, the front wall of the base guides the front end wall in the front-rear direction. The dishwasher according to claim 17.

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