dishwasher

Abstract

Provided is a dishwasher configured such that a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc. constituting a heat pump system are disposed in a base such that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, the refrigerant pipe, etc. are collectively extend from or retract into the base through an open front surface of the base, and thus, when maintenance and repair of the heat pump system is required, the heat pump system may entirely and at-once extend from the base even in a state in which only a door, a front panel functioning as a baseboard, a lower frame, etc. are disassembled from the dishwasher without the need to remove a tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving convenience of maintenance and repair.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0024363, filed on February 25, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0032609, filed on March 13, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0042750, filed on April 02, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0043101, filed on April 02, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0093497, filed on July 11, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0132327, filed on September 16, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher configured such that a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc. constituting a heat pump system are disposed in a base such that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, the refrigerant pipe, etc. are collectively extend from or retract into the base through an open front surface of the base, and thus, when maintenance and repair of the heat pump system is required, the heat pump system may entirely and at-once extend from the base even in a state in which only a door, a front panel functioning as a baseboard, a lower frame, etc. are disassembled from the dishwasher without the need to remove a tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving convenience of maintenance and repair.Description Of Related Art

[0003] A dishwasher is an apparatus that washes dishes and cooking utensils as washing targets stored therein by spraying washing water thereto. In this regard, the washing water may contain washing detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher generally includes a tub having a washing space defined therein, a dish rack that accommodates therein a washing target inside the washing tub, a spraying arm that sprays the washing water into the dish rack, and a sump that stores therein water and supplies the washing water to the spraying arm.

[0005] Using this dishwasher may allow a time and effort required to wash the dishes and other washing targets after a meal to be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0006] In washing the dish using the dishwasher, washing water and air may be heated and used to increase the washing effect. An electric heater may be used as a means of heating the washing water and air.

[0007] The dishwasher having a heat pump apparatus as another heating means instead of the electric heater has emerged.

[0008] The heat pump apparatus has significantly higher energy efficiency than that of the electric heater. Thus, when the washing water is heated by the heat pump apparatus, the consumption of electricity may be reduced compared to the electric heater.

[0009] In this regard, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 118806186 (Prior Document 001) discloses a configuration of a dishwasher including a heat pump apparatus as a heating means for heating the washing water.[Prior Art Literature]

[0010] [Patent document]

[0011] (Patent Document 001) Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 118806186SUMMARY

[0012] However, the dishwasher disclosed in the prior art document 001 as described above is configured such that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator constituting the heat pump apparatus are individually mounted on a bottom surface portion of the base and are respectively disposed at dispersed positions.

[0013] Accordingly, when one of the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator constituting the heat pump apparatus of the prior art document 001 fails and thus repair or replacement is to be performed thereon, a casing and the tub of the dishwasher should be entirely removed from the base, and thus, there may be a problem in that the dishwasher has a structure which is very disadvantageous in terms of maintenance and repair of the heat pump apparatus.

[0014] In addition, the heat pump apparatus of the dishwasher disclosed in the prior document 001 is configured such that each of the components thereof is individually assembled and fixed to the base.

[0015] Accordingly, there is a high possibility that in the dishwasher disclosed in the prior art document 001, a manufacturing process for assembling the heat pump apparatus, the sump, and a water softener device to the base should undergo a relatively complicated process.

[0016] Furthermore, a structure or a fastening means for supporting and fixing each of the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pipe constituting the heat pump apparatus, and a structure or a fastening means for fixing the sump, the water softener device, etc. should be added to the base, such that the structure of the base becomes very complicated and a manufacturing cost of the dishwasher may be increased.

[0017] A first purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc. constituting a heat pump system are disposed in a base such that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, the refrigerant pipe, etc. are collectively extend from or retract into the base through an open front surface of the base, and thus, when maintenance and repair of the heat pump system is required, the heat pump system may entirely and at-once extend from the base even in a state in which only a door, a front panel functioning as a baseboard, a lower frame, etc. are disassembled from the dishwasher without the need to remove a tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving convenience of maintenance and repair.

[0018] In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that at least a sump and a water softener device together with the components of the heat pump system are mounted on a module base rather than on a base, thereby significantly simplifying a process for assembling and fastening the heat pump system, the sump and the water softener device to the base.

[0019] In addition, a third purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that the sump and the water softener device together with the heat pump system collectively extend from and retract into the base in a state in which the sump and the water softener device are mounted on the module base, thereby remarkably improving the convenience of maintenance and repair of the sump and the water softener device.

[0020] In addition, a fourth purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that the module base is directly supported on the ground, and thus a bottom surface portion of the base is partially absent in an area corresponding to an area of the module base, thereby greatly simplifying a structure of the base.

[0021] The purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on the following descriptions, and will be more clearly understood based on the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily appreciated that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0022] A dishwasher according to the present disclosure comprises a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a base defining a machine room and disposed under the tub; a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; and a heat pump module disposed in the machine room and configured to heat washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the heat pump module may be coupled to the base and may be constructed to extend from or retract into the base along a front-rear direction.

[0023] Further, the heat pump module may be constructed to extend from or retract into the base in a sliding manner in the front-rear direction.

[0024] Further, the heat pump module may include: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub; an evaporator constructed to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a module base, wherein the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are collectively mounted on the module base, wherein the module base may be constructed to be able to extend from the base.

[0025] Further, an upper end of the sump may be coupled to a lower wall of the tub, wherein a lower end of the sump may be mounted on the module base such that the sump is relatively movable in an up-down direction with respect to the module base.

[0026] Further, in a state in which the sump together with the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator is mounted on the module base, the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator may collectively extend from and retract into the base.

[0027] Further, before the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the sump may be moved relative to the tub downwardly.

[0028] Further, the dishwasher may further comprise a washing pump configured to pressurize the washing water stored in the sump and supply the pressurized washing water to the tub, wherein the sump and the washing pump may be disposed on the module base such that the washing pump and an upper end of the sump partially overlap each other in a top view of the dishwasher, wherein before the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the upper end of the sump may be removed from the lower wall of the tub.

[0029] Further, the dishwasher may further comprise a water softener device configured to soften the washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the water softener device may be coupled to the module base so as to be relatively movable in an up-down direction with respect to the module base.

[0030] Further, in a state in which the water softener device together with the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator is mounted on the module base, the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator may collectively extend from and retract into the base.

[0031] Further, before the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the water softener device may be moved relative to the tub in a downward direction.

[0032] Further, the dishwasher may further comprise a water jacket configured to store therein washing water to be supplied to the water softener device, wherein before the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the water softener device may be removed from the water jacket.

[0033] Further, the condenser may be disposed in front of the sump.

[0034] Further, the condenser disposed on the module base may be oriented such that a longitudinal direction of the condenser is a left-right direction.

[0035] Further, the module base may include: a base plate providing an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted; and a front end wall coupled to a front end of the base plate and protruding upwardly from the base plate, wherein in a front view of the dishwasher, the condenser may be partially screened with the front end wall.

[0036] Further, in the front view of the dishwasher, an area size of a portion of the condenser screened with the front end wall may be smaller than an area size of a portion of the condenser not covered screened with the front end wall.

[0037] Further, the heat pump module may retract into the base through a front wall of the base.

[0038] Further, the module base may include: a base plate providing an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted; and a front end wall coupled to a front end of the base plate and protruding upwardly from the base plate, wherein when the heat pump module has retracted into the base and has been mounted into the base, the front end wall may be coupled to the front wall of the base.

[0039] Further, when the heat pump module has been mounted into the base, horizontal movement of the front end wall may be prevented by the front wall of the base.

[0040] Further, when the heat pump module has been mounted into the base, upward movement of the front wall may be prevented by the front wall of the base.

[0041] Further, movement in the front-rear direction of the front wall may be guided by the front wall of the base while the heat pump module retracts into the base.

[0042] In the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, when the maintenance and repair of the heat pump system, the sump, and the water softener device are required, the heat pump system, the sump, and the water softener device may collectively extend from the base through one open side surface of the base without the need to remove the tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving the convenience of maintenance and repair.

[0043] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure has an effect of greatly simplifying a process for assembling and fastening the heat pump system, the sump, and the water softener device to the base.

[0044] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, the means for individually fastening and fixing each of the components of the heat pump system, the sump, and the water softener device to the base may be omitted.

[0045] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, the bottom surface portion of the base may be at least partially absent, and thus the structure of the base may be greatly simplified.

[0046] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure is configured such that the modularized heat pump system is slidingly introduced into and withdrawn from the base in a horizontal direction, thereby significantly improving the convenience of the introduction / withdrawal process for maintenance and repair.

[0047] In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a door of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating a configuration of a heat pump module provided in a dishwasher according to the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating a situation in which a heat pump module, a sump, and a water softener device constituting a dishwasher according to the present disclosure extend from or retract into a base through an open front wall of the base.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a sump and a water softener device together with a heat pump module are mounted on a module base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating a tub and a base in a state in which the module base illustrated in FIG. 6 is mounted on the base.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view illustrating a process of removing a lower frame from the state illustrated in FIG. 7 and a state in which the lower fame has been removed.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view illustrating a process of removing a washing water filter module from the sump and the tub from the state illustrated in FIG. 8 and removing an inserted port cap from a connection duct of the water softener device, and the removed state thereof.

[0057] FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial enlarged views and vertical cross-sectional views showing a state in which the sump is coupled to the tub and a state in which the water softener device is coupled to the tub before the process of collectively extending the module base and the components mounted thereon from the base.

[0058] FIGS. 12 and 13 are partial enlarged views and vertical cross-sectional views showing a state in which the sump has been removed from the tub and a state in which the water softener device is removed from the tub before the process of collectively extending the module base and the components mounted thereon from the base.

[0059] FIGS. 14 and 15 are partially enlarged views of FIG. 13.

[0060] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which the module base has extended in a frontward direction through the open front wall of the base from the base and the module base has been completely removed therefrom.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0061] The above-mentioned purpose, features and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0062] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and so on may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer or section from another element, component, area, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, area, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, area, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] The terminology used herein is directed to the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular constitutes "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0064] It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be disposed directly on the second element or may be disposed indirectly on the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers. It will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "under" a second element or layer, the first element may be disposed directly under the second element or may be disposed indirectly under the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers.

[0065] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers therebetween may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers therebetween may also be present.

[0066] It will be further understood that the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list. In interpretation of numerical values, an error or tolerance therein may occur even when there is no explicit description thereof.

[0067] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“under,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, when the device in the drawings may be turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” may encompass both an orientation of above and subsequent drawings thereto. The device may be otherwise oriented for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0068] As used herein, “A and / or B” means A, B or A and B, unless specifically stated otherwise. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements may modify the entirety of list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list. As used herein, "C to D" means C inclusive to D inclusive unless otherwise specified.

[0069] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Overall structure of dishwasher

[0070] Hereinafter, an overall structure of a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing an internal structure of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a state in which a door 30 of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a casing 10 that constitutes an outer appearance.

[0073] For example, the casing 10 may include an upper panel 11, a left side panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a front panel 15 respectively defining an upper surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a front surface of the outer appearance of the dishwasher 1.

[0074] The upper panel 11, the left side panel 12, and the right side panel 13 may be integrally formed with each other or may be individually formed and assembled with each other.

[0075] In addition, the front panel 15 is disposed under the door 30, and acts as a component commonly known as a baseboard. The front panel 15 may be coupled to a front wall of the base 90.

[0076] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a tub 20 installed in an inner space of the casing 10 and having a washing space 21 defined therein where the washing target is washed, wherein a front surface of the tub is open.

[0077] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a door 30 that opens / closes the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0078] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a base 90 disposed under the tub 2 and serving to support the tub 2.

[0079] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a driver 40 located under the tub 20 to supply, collect, circulate, and discharge the washing water for washing the washing target.

[0080] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a dish rack set 50 removably provided in the inner washing space 21 of the tub 20 to receive therein the washing target.

[0081] In addition, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a water sprayer installed adjacent to the dish rack set 50 to spray the washing water for washing the washing target thereto.

[0082] In this regard, the washing target received in the dish rack set 50 may be, for example, dishes such as bowls, plates, spoons, and chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the washing target will be referred to as a dish.

[0083] First, the tub 20 may be formed in a box shape with an entirely open front surface, and have a configuration of a so-referred to as washing tub.

[0084] The washing space 21 may be defined inside the tub 20. The open front surface of the tub 20 may be opened / closing by the door 30.

[0085] The tub 20 may be formed via pressing of a metal plate resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0086] Moreover, on an inner surface of the tub 20, a plurality of brackets may be disposed for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the dish rack set 50 and the water sprayer which will be described later thereon within the tub 20.

[0087] In one example, the driver 40 may include a sump 41 disposed under the tub 20 and constructed to store therein the washing water. Further, the driver 40 may include a sump cover 42 that distinguishes the sump 41 from the tub 20. Further, the driver 40 may include a water supply 43 that supplies washing water from an external source to the sump 41. Further, the driver 40 may include a water discharger 44 that discharges the washing water of the sump 41 to an outside. Further, the driver 40 may include a washing pump 45 and a supply flow path 46 that supply the washing water of the sump 41 to the water sprayer.

[0088] The sump cover 42 may be disposed at a top of the sump 41 and may serve to spatially distinguish the tub 20 and the sump 41 from each other.

[0089] Moreover, the sump cover 42 may have a plurality of collecting holes defined therein for collecting washing water sprayed into the washing space 21 through the water sprayer into the sump 41.

[0090] That is, the washing water sprayed from the water sprayer toward the dish may fall down to a bottom of the washing space 21, and may be collected again through the sump cover 42 and into the sump 41.

[0091] Accordingly, together with the washing water filter module to be described later, the sump cover 42 may perform a function of at least partially filtering food residues or the like contained in the washing water.

[0092] The washing pump 45 may be disposed at one side of the sump 41 and may serve to pressurize the washing water and supply the pressurized washing water to the water sprayer.

[0093] One end of the washing pump 45 may be connected to the sump 41 and the other end thereof may be connected to the supply flow path 46.

[0094] The washing pump 45 may be equipped with an impeller 451 and a motor 453. When electric power is supplied to the motor 453, the impeller 451 may rotate, and thus the washing water in the sump 41 may be pressurized, and then may be supplied to the water sprayer through the supply flow path 46.

[0095] Although not shown, a washing water heater may be provided in the washing pump 45 and be configured to heat the wash water supplied to the tub 20 during a washing cycle or a heat rinsing cycle.

[0096] In one example, the supply flow path 46 may serve to selectively supply the washing water supplied from the washing pump 45 to the water sprayer.

[0097] For example, the supply flow path 46 may include a first supply flow path 461 connected to a lower spraying arm 61, and a second supply flow path 463 connected to an upper spraying arm 62 and a top nozzle 63.

[0098] The supply flow path 46 may be provided with a supply flow path switching valve 465 that selectively opens / closes the supply flow paths 461 and 463.

[0099] In this regard, the supply flow path switching valve 465 may be controlled so that the supply flow paths 461 and 463 are opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0100] The supply flow path switching valve 465 may be detachably fastened to a valve coupling portion of the sump 41.

[0101] In one example, the water sprayer may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack set 50.

[0102] More specifically, the water sprayer may include the lower spraying arm 61 located under the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a lower dish rack 51.

[0103] Further, the water sprayer may include the upper spraying arm 62 located between the lower dish rack 51 and an upper dish rack 52 to spray the washing water to the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0104] Further, the water sprayer may include the top nozzle 63 located on top of the tub 20 to spray the washing water to a top dish rack 53 or the upper dish rack 52.

[0105] In particular, the lower spraying arm 61 and the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably disposed in the washing space 21 of the tub 20 and may spray the washing water toward the dish of the dish rack set 50 while being rotating.

[0106] The lower spraying arm 61 may be rotatably supported on a top of the sump cover 42 so as to spray the washing water toward the lower dish rack 51 while being rotating and being disposed under the lower dish rack 51.

[0107] Moreover, the upper spraying arm 62 may be rotatably supported by a spraying arm holder 467 so as to spray the washing water on the dish while being rotating and being disposed between the lower dish rack 51 and the upper dish rack 52.

[0108] In one example, although not shown, in order to increase washing efficiency, additional means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spraying arm 61 into an upward direction (diverting in a U-direction) may be provided at a lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0109] A detailed configuration of the water sprayer has been already known in the art. Thus, a description of the specific configuration of the water sprayer will be omitted below.

[0110] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0111] The dish rack 50 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0112] For example, in FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which the dish rack 50 is configured to include a lower dish rack 51 located at a lower portion of the tub 20 to accommodate therein relatively large dishes, an upper dish rack 5 located on top of the lower dish rack 51 to accommodate therein medium-sized dishes, and a top dish rack 53 located at a top level of the tub 20 and capable of storing therein small dishes, etc.

[0113] Hereinafter, an example in which the dishwasher 1 includes the three dish racks 50 as shown is described. However, embodiments of present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0114] Each of the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53 may be constructed to extend or retract from or into the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20.

[0115] For this purpose, guide rails 54 may be respectively disposed on both opposing inner side surfaces 26 and 27 constituting the inner side surface of the tub 20. As will be described below, by way of example, the guide rails 54 may include an upper rail 542, a lower rail 541, and a top rail 543.

[0116] Wheels or rollers may be disposed on a bottom of each of the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53. The user may extend the lower dish rack 51, the upper dish rack 52, and the top dish rack 53 from the inner space of the tub 20 through the open front surface of the tub 20 and may place the dishes thereon, or easily withdraw the dishes that have been washed out thereof.

[0117] The guide rail 54 may be embodied as a simple rail-type fixed guide rail to guide the extending or the retracting of the dish rack 50, or a telescopic guide rail capable of guiding the extending or the retracting of the dish rack 50 and at the same time, increasing an extension distance thereof as the dish rack 50 further extends from the inner space of the tub.

[0118] In one example, the door 30 is constructed to open / close the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0119] A hinge (not shown) around which the door 30 pivots to open or close the tub 20 may be provided at a bottom of the open front surface. By way of example, the door 30 may pivot around the hinge as a pivot axis in a top-down manner to open the tub 20.

[0120] In this regard, a handle 31 for opening the door 30 and a control panel 32 for controlling an operation of the dishwasher 1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the door 30.

[0121] As shown, the control panel 32 may include a display 33 that visually displays information regarding a current operating status of the dishwasher 1, etc.

[0122] Further, the control panel 32 may include a button unit 34 including a selection button through which a user's course selection manipulation is input and an electric power button through which a user's manipulation for turning the dishwasher on and off is input.

[0123] In one example, a rear panel constituting an inner side surface of the door 30 may constitute one surface of the tub 20 when the door 30 has been closed, and may constitute a seat surface on which the lower dish rack 51 of the dish rack set 50 is supported when the door 30 is fully opened.

[0124] For this purpose, when the door 30 is fully opened downwardly, the rear panel 30b of the door 30 may constitute a horizontal plane extending in the same direction as a direction in which the guide rail 54 guiding the displacement of the lower dish rack 51 extends.

[0125] In one example, a detergent supply device for automatically supplying detergent into the inside of the tub 20 may be further installed on the rear panel 30b constituting an inner side surface of the door 30.

[0126] Furthermore, a door position sensor 36​​may be disposed on an outer top surface of the tub 20 and may be configured to detect whether the door 30 is in a closed or open state. For example, the door position sensor 36 ​​may include a door position sensor S_d or a latch sensor that detects a position of a door latch (not shown).

[0127] In one example, a drying air supply 80 may be disposed under the tub 20 and may be configured to generate and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space 21 inside the tub 20.

[0128] As shown, the drying air supply 80 may be configured to include a filter member 883 for filtering outside air, a blower fan 825 for generating a drying air stream, a heater 84 for heating the drying air stream, and an air stream guide 83 disposed inside the tub 20 so as to guide the drying air stream.

[0129] A drying air supply hole 254 may be defined in a bottom wall 25 of the tub 20 so that high-temperature drying air generated by the drying air supply 80 may be introduced into the inside of the tub 20 through the drying air supply hole.

[0130] Thus, the high-temperature drying air or low-temperature drying air may be supplied from the drying air supply 80 into the inside of the tub 20 during the drying cycle S5 such that the drying efficiency and sterilization effect on the dishes may be significantly improved compared to a conventional dishwasher.

[0131] In one example, the dishwasher may be configured such that a portion of the airflow supplied to the inside of the tub 20 and moistened while drying the dishes may be discharged to the outside, while the remaining portion thereof may be suctioned into the drying air supply 80. The discharge of the airflow may be achieved via partial opening of the door 30 or via a separate air discharge means (not shown).

[0132] An air intake duct 81 for collecting the wet air from the tub 20 may be disposed on an outer surface of a left wall 26 or a right wall 27 of the tub 20.

[0133] In one example, the base 90 may provide an accommodation space or a machine room in which components of the dishwasher 1 such as the sump 41 are accommodated.

[0134] To this end, the base 90 may include a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall defining an outer boundary surface of the accommodation space as the machine room.

[0135] Furthermore, the tub 20 may be directly or indirectly supported by the front wall, the rear wall, the left wall, and the right wall of the base 90.

[0136] In one example, the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may further include a heat pump system as a means for heating the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0137] The heat pump system may be provided together with the above-described washing water heater, or may be provided alone while the washing water heater is absent.

[0138] As will be described later, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be disposed in the machine room of the base 90 in a modularized state.

[0139] In addition, the heat pump system may be configured to be modularized into a single module which may be entirely and at-once received into and removed out of the base 90.

[0140] In consideration of this configuration, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure will be referred to as a heat pump module 100.

[0141] A detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Apparatus

[0142] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0143] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 4, the heat pump module 100 may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, an expansion valve 140, and an evaporator 130.

[0145] The compressor 110, the condenser 120, the expansion valve 140, and the evaporator 130 may be sequentially connected to each other via the refrigerant pipe 150, and the refrigerant pipe 150 provides the refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant may flow.

[0146] By way of example, the refrigerant pipe 150 may include a first pipe 151 connecting the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 to each other, a second pipe 152 connecting the condenser 120 and the expansion valve 140 to each other, a third pipe 153 connecting the expansion valve 140 and the evaporator 130 to each other, and a fourth pipe 154 connecting the evaporator 130 and the compressor 110 to each other.

[0147] The refrigerant may function as a working fluid that absorbs heat or releases heat while sequentially circulating through the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the expansion valve 140, and the evaporator 130 such that the phase thereof changes from liquid to gas, or from gas to liquid.

[0148] The compressor 110 serves to compress the refrigerant and discharge the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the first pipe 151.

[0149] The refrigerant may radiate heat of QH while flowing through the condenser 120. The heat discharged from the condenser 120 may be used to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0150] Accordingly, each of flow paths through which each of the refrigerant and the washing water flow may be provided in the condenser 120. The refrigerant may discharge the heat such that the phase changes from gas to a liquid state and thus the refrigerant may exchange the heat with the washing water while flowing through the condenser 120.

[0151] In this regard, the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser 120 may be a mixed gas of a liquid having a very small gas content and a gas, or may be a subcooled liquid.

[0152] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 120 may be expanded while flowing through the expansion valve 140. As a result of the expansion of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant may be lowered, and thus, the refrigerant may become a mixed gas in which the gas and the liquid are mixed with each other.

[0153] The refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve 140 is introduced into the evaporator 130 through the third pipe 153, and exchanges heat with the air in the machine room of the base 90 while flowing through the evaporator 130 to absorb heat of QL from the air such that the refrigerant is evaporated, thereby increasing a content of gas in the refrigerant.

[0154] In a state in which the refrigerant has flowed out of the evaporator 130, the refrigerant may become a mixed gas having a very small content of the liquid or a superheated gas.

[0155] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 130 may be introduced into the compressor 110 again through the fourth pipe 154, and may be compressed in the compressor 110 such that the refrigerant may be converted into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

[0156] In this order, the refrigerant circulates through the heat pump module 100 to undergo the phase change, and accordingly, the refrigerant may absorb the heat in the evaporator 130 and discharge the heat in the condenser 120.

[0157] In one example, in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator 130, it is preferable to allow a large amount of air to flow toward the evaporator 130. To this end, the heat pump module 100 may further include a blower module 180 for blowing the air toward the evaporator 130.

[0158] As will be described later, the blower module 180 may include, for example, a blower fan for generating an airflow and a blower motor for generating a rotational driving force to drive the blower fan.

[0159] In addition, the blower fan and the blower motor together with the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in the heat exchange duct 170.

[0160] In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be entirely and at-once installed and mounted in the machine room of the base 90 in a modularized state separately from the base 90.

[0161] In addition, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to be entirely and at-once removed from the machine room of the base 90 to the outside in the modularized state.

[0162] In order that the heat pump module 100 is entirely and at-once removed from or installed into the machine room of the base 90 in the modularized state, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160 on which the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 are collectively installed.

[0163] The compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be directly or indirectly fastened to the module base 160 and be mounted in the base 90 in a state of being directly or indirectly supported by the module base 160.

[0164] In addition, as will be described later, the module base 160 may be detachably mounted into the base 90 so as to be brought into a state of being generally separated from a bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0165] In addition, the module base 160 may be disposed in the base 90 so as to be directly supported on the ground in the direction of the gravity.

[0166] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, at least the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 together with the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be accommodated and supported together on the module base 160.

[0167] That is, conventionally, the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 are constructed to be mounted on and supported on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0168] However, in accordance with the present disclosure, the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 may be seated and mounted on the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100.

[0169] Therefore, the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100 may also function as the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 supporting the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 thereon in the conventional manner.

[0170] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which a lower end of the sump 41, a lower end of the washing pump 45, and a lower end of the water softener device 72 are installed on the module base 160.

[0171] However, this is merely an example, and other components mounted and coupled to the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in the related art than the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 may be additionally mounted on the module base 160.

[0172] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described on the basis of an embodiment in which the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 are mounted on and coupled to the module base 160 of the heat pump module 100.

[0173] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be entirely and at-once installed in the machine room of the base 90 and may be entirely and at-once removed from the machine room of the base 90 to the outside.

[0174] In this regard, as the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 are mounted together on the module base 160, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 together with the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 may be collectively installed into or removed from the machine room of the base 90 to the outside.

[0175] To this end, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 constituting the heat pump module 100 together with the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 may collectively extend from or retract into the base 90 in a sliding manner along the horizontal direction through one open side surface of the base 90.

[0176] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, by way of example, a water jacket 71 in which washing water to be supplied to and used in the tub 20 during washing and rinsing of the dishes is stored may be attached to an outer surface of the right wall 27 of the tub 20.

[0177] In order to secure the sufficient water storage capacity of the water jacket 71, a lower end of the water jacket 71 may extend inwardly beyond a lower end the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 to an area of the right wall 95 of the base 90.

[0178] In this regard, a tub hole 118 communicating an inner space of the water jacket with the washing space 21 of the tub 20 may be formed in the water jacket 71.

[0179] A water jacket communication hole 272 may be formed to pass through the right wall 27 of the tub 20 in a corresponding manner to the tub hole 118.

[0180] A grill cap 118a having a shape similar to that of a grill cap 813 of an air intake hole 271 may be coupled to the tub hole 118 in order to minimize the inflow of the washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

[0181] In addition, the water softener device 72 for softening the washing water to be supplied to the sump 41 may be installed on the module base 160 at a position adjacent to the water jacket 71 and be disposed under the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0182] In addition, as described above, the drying air supply 80 may be disposed under the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 to heat the air discharged from the tub 20 and resupply the heated air to the tub 20 when the drying cycle is performed.

[0183] In addition, as illustrated, the drying air supply 80 may include the air intake duct 81 for suctioning the air discharged from the tub 20.

[0184] FIG. 3 shows an example configuration in which the air intake duct 81 and the water jacket 71 are arranged side by side while the air intake duct 81 is disposed on the outer surface of the right wall 27 of the tub 20.

[0185] Accordingly, the air intake hole 271 may be formed to pass through the right wall 27 of the tub 20, and a grill cap 8113 coupled to an inlet of the air intake duct 81 may be fixed to the air intake hole 271.

[0186] In addition, as illustrated, a main control panel 210 may be disposed on the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0187] More specifically, the main control panel 210 may be disposed in a state of covering an opening of the open left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0188] In addition, in order to minimize damage caused by the water leakage, the main control panel 210 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in the upward direction (U-direction).

[0189] As described above, in consideration of positional constraints under which the drying air supply 80, the air intake duct 81 of the drying air supply 80, the water jacket 71, and the main control panel 210 are disposed, it is preferable that the heat pump module 100 extends from or retracts into the base 90 through an open area positioned at which interference of the movement of the heat pump module 100 with the drying air supply 80, the water jacket 71, and the main control panel 210 is minimized.

[0190] To this end, the heat pump module 100 may be configured to extend from or retract into the base 90 along the front-rear direction (F-R direction) through the open area of the front wall 92 of the base 90 in a state in which the sump 41, the washing pump 45, and the water softener device 72 are mounted on the module base 160.

[0191] In particular, when the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure is constructed in a built-in manner, a movement of the dishwasher 1 in the left direction (Le-direction), the right direction (Ri-direction), and the rear direction (R-direction) is blocked by kitchen furniture.

[0192] Therefore, the heat pump module 100 being configured to extend from the base through the front wall 92 of the base 90 in the frontward direction may be particularly suitable for the built-in type dishwasher 1.

[0193] [Modularized Structure and Disassembly Process of Heat Pump Module]

[0194] Hereinafter, a position of the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and an arrangement structure of the components thereof, and the extending process of the heat pump module 100 from the base in which the components of the heat pump module 100 are collectively removed from the base 90 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16.

[0195] First, referring to FIG. 6, the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment may include the compressor 110 that compresses the refrigerant to discharge the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state.

[0196] As illustrated, the compressor 110 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied as an electric compressor in which a compression unit for compressing the refrigerant in a gaseous state and a motor for generating a rotational driving force to be supplied to the compression unit are integrated with each other.

[0197] In this regard, it is necessary to minimize the area occupied with the compressor 110 on the module base 160 in consideration of the space utilization of the machine room of the base 90.

[0198] To this end, the compressor 110 may be disposed on the module base 160 in a standing state in which a rotation axis thereof extends in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0199] A fastening tab 112 provided in a flange shape may be provided at a lower end of a compressor body 111 of the compressor 110 such that the compressor body may be installed on and fixed to the module base 160 in the standing state.

[0200] In the illustrated embodiment, a total of three fastening tabs 112 are provided, and a configuration in which the fastening tabs 112 are arranged so as to be spaced from each other by an equal spacing is illustrated. However, this is merely an example, and the number of fastening tabs 112 may be set to vary according to the shape and position of the compressor 110.

[0201] A fastening boss (not shown) may be integrally formed with and be disposed on a base plate 161 of the module base 160 and be positioned in a corresponding manner to the fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110.

[0202] The fastening tab 112 of the compressor 110 may be firmly fastened to the fastening boss of the base plate 161 via a fastening means such as a screw bolt or the like.

[0203] In order to reduce vibration or noise generated by the compressor 110, a bumper having a predetermined elasticity may be disposed between the fastening tab 112 and the fastening boss.

[0204] In addition, in order to guide the installation position of the compressor 110 and supplement the rigidity of the fastening boss, an installation rib 162 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on a bottom surface portion 1611 of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0205] As illustrated, the installation rib 162 may be provided in the form of a barrier surrounding the periphery of the fastening tab 112 formed at the lower end of the compressor 110.

[0206] In one example, the compressor 110 may be formed in a standing state and be positioned at a position as close as possible to the left edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0207] In addition, as illustrated, the compressor 110 may be positioned as close as possible to an inlet of the heat exchange duct 170 in which the blower module 180 is accommodated.

[0208] Accordingly, the compressor 110 may be exposed to the airflow flowing into the heat exchange duct 170 or discharged from the heat exchange duct 170. Therefore, the airflow flowing into or discharged from the heat exchange duct 170 may be utilized as a means for cooling the compressor 110.

[0209] In addition, the compressor 110 needs to be disposed at a position at which interference of the compressor with the sump 41 is minimized and the influence of the water leakage from the sump 41 and the washing pump 45 on the compressor is minimized.

[0210] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the compressor 110 may be disposed in rear of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0211] In addition, the compressor 110 may be disposed at a position at which the compressor does not overlap the sump 41 and the washing pump 45 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0212] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0213] By way of example, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in the form of a double pipe in which a flow path of the washing water and a flow path of the refrigerant are formed together.

[0214] The condenser 120 may be constructed to have a cylindrical outer shape so that the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant may be effectively formed therein.

[0215] In addition, the cylindrical condenser 120 may be formed to have a length in a direction of a central axis much larger than a diameter thereof. Accordingly, the flow path of washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant extending along the direction of the central axis may be secured as long as possible.

[0216] However, in order to increase the heating capacity of or the heat exchange capacity with the washing water, a volume of the condenser 120 needs to be secured to a value equal to or greater than a predetermined level.

[0217] However, the condenser 120 may be mounted and installed on the module base 160 such that the left-right direction (U-D direction) is a longitudinal direction of the condenser such that the condenser 120 may be effectively and efficiently received in the machine room of the base 90 which is limited in height in the up-down direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0218] In one example, specifically, the condenser 120 having the cylindrical outer appearance may be composed of divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0219] More specifically, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a first body 120a in which a water inlet pipe 123 through which the washing water to be heated is introduced is formed.

[0220] As illustrated by way of example, the water inlet pipe 123 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on one side end of the first body 120a.

[0221] In addition, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a second body 120b in which a water outlet pipe 124 through which heated washing water is discharged is formed.

[0222] As illustrated by way of example, the water discharge pipe 124 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on one side end of the second body 120b.

[0223] A washing water pipe 190 may be connected to each of the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124. The washing water pipe 190 may include the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192.

[0224] For example, one end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 120a.

[0225] The other end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to a water inlet port or a water outlet port of the above-described washing pump 45.

[0226] That is, the washing water before being pressurized by the washing pump 45 or the washing water pressurized by the washing pump 45 may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0227] Hereinafter, the configuration in which the other end of the first washing water pipe 191 is connected to the water outlet port of the washing pump 45, that is, the configuration in which the condenser 120 is positioned downstream of the washing pump 45 in the flow direction of the washing water and is connected to the washing pump will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0228] As the condenser 120 is positioned downstream of the washing pump 45 and is connected thereto, the washing water pressurized by the washing pump 45 may be introduced into the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 120a through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0229] In addition, one end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the second body 120b.

[0230] The other end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465.

[0231] Accordingly, the heated washing water may be transferred through the second washing water pipe 192 and then through the supply flow path switching valve 465 to the water sprayer.

[0232] In one example, each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 may include a material and a shape selected such that each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0233] To this end, each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 may be made of a material stretchable along the longitudinal direction.

[0234] Alternatively, each of the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 may be formed to have a stretchable shape such as a corrugated pipe.

[0235] Accordingly, as described below, only the condenser 120 may be separated from the base in a state in which the module base 160 is mounted in the base 90 such that maintenance and repair of the condenser 120 may be performed.

[0236] That is, only the condenser 120 may be effectively removed from the module base 160 without having to pre-remove the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 from the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120.

[0237] In addition, as the water outlet pipe 124 and the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 are respectively positioned at positions spaced apart from each other by a maximized spacing along the longitudinal direction of the condenser 120, heating efficiency of or heat exchange efficiency with the washing water may be improved.

[0238] In one example, a condenser refrigerant pipe in which the gaseous refrigerant is phase-converted into a liquid refrigerant may be inserted into the condenser 120.

[0239] By way of example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 through an outer circumferential surface of a third body 120c of the condenser 120. As illustrated, the third body 120c may be disposed between the first body 120a and the second body 120b and detachably coupled thereto.

[0240] The condenser refrigerant pipe introduced into the third body 120c of the condenser 120 may be formed to have a multi-layered structure in in which a pipe is bent a plurality of times or a coil structure in which a pipe is wound a plurality of times in order to increase heating efficiency of or heat exchange efficiency with the washing water.

[0241] Accordingly, the heat exchange area between the washing water and the refrigerant may be expanded, and the flow path of the refrigerant inside the third body 120c may be secured to be longer.

[0242] In one example, the condenser 120 is disposed in front of the other components mounted on the module base 160.

[0243] More specifically, the component positioned closest to a front end wall 163 of the module base 160 among the components mounted on the module plate 160 may be the condenser 120.

[0244] In addition, the condenser 120 may be disposed on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 so that the central axis line thereof is parallel to an extension direction of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0245] In addition, the condenser 120 may be positioned at a position in front of the sump 41 and in the middle of the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the module base 160.

[0246] As, in this way, the condenser 120 is disposed in front of the other components mounted on the module base 160, a lower frame 14 coupled to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 is removed therefrom, thereby allowing a user to easily access the condenser 120.

[0247] Therefore, when the user intends to repair and replace only the condenser 120, there is no need to remove an entirety of the heat pump module 100 from the base 90.

[0248] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment may include the evaporator 130 into which the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser 120 is introduced, and in which the liquid refrigerant is phase-changed to a gaseous state refrigerant.

[0249] As described above, the evaporator 130 is configured such that the refrigerant therein undergoes the phase change while exchanging the heat with the air in the machine room of the base 90 or the external air.

[0250] Therefore, in a similar manner to the condenser refrigerant pipe received in the condenser, the evaporator 130 may include an evaporator refrigerant pipe formed in a multi-layer structure in which the pipe is bent a plurality of times in order to maximize the heat exchange area of the refrigerant with the air.

[0251] In one example, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be constructed such that the refrigerant therein may exchange the heat with the internal air of the machine room of the base 90 or to exchange the heat with the external air introduced from the outside out of the base 90.

[0252] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 is configured such that the refrigerant therein exchanges the heat with the internal air of the machine room of the base 90.

[0253] The present disclosure will be described based on a configuration in which the internal air in the machine room of the base 90 is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 and then discharged to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0254] In one example, when the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 exchanges heat with the internal air of the base 90, a flow path needs to be formed so that the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside therethrough.

[0255] As illustrated, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90. Accordingly, along the shortest path, the internal air of the base 90 may be exhausted to the outside out of the base 90 through the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130.

[0256] In one example, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in a duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 constituting the heat exchange flow path and the exhaust flow path. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant in the evaporator 130 with the internal air of the base 90 may be maximized.

[0257] Therefore, in a state in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe is accommodated in the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0258] Preferably, the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed on the module base 160 so that a rear surface of the duct body 171 is in maximally close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0259] In one example, in a corresponding manner to the duct body 171 in maximally close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90, the internal air of the base 90 heat-exchanged while flowing through the duct body 171 needs to be smoothly exhausted to the outside out of the base 90.

[0260] To this end, an air exhaust port may be provided in the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in a form of a grill.

[0261] In addition, although not shown, a pair of pillar portions for supporting the load of the tub 20 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the rear wall 93 of the base 90. In order to prevent the decrease in strength of the rear wall 93, it is difficult to form the exhaust port at a position where the pair of pillar portions are formed.

[0262] Accordingly, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the exhaust port of the base 90 may be positioned and formed at positions avoiding the pair of pillar portions.

[0263] Preferably, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed in an area between the pair of pillar portions in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), and the exhaust port may be formed immediately in rear of the duct body 171.

[0264] In order to distribute the load of the tub 20, the pair of pillar portions may be respectively formed at positions symmetrical to each other around a center line along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the base 90.

[0265] Accordingly, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the exhaust port of the base 90 may be disposed in an approximately central area the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0266] In one example, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed at a position immediately in rear of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0267] In one example, the condenser 120 and the compressor 110 as described above, and the heat exchange duct 170 and the evaporator 130 may be modularized into the single heat pump module which may be disposed on the module base 160. That is, the condenser 120 and the compressor 110 as described above, and the heat exchange duct 170 and the evaporator 130 may be collectively mounted on the module base 160 to constitute the single heat pump module.

[0268] To this end, the duct body 171 may be detachably mounted onto the base plate 161 of the module base 160 in a state in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 is accommodated in the duct body 171.

[0269] In a similar manner to the compressor 110, in order to that the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 is detachably coupled to the base plate 161, a fastening boss (not shown) for guiding a fastening position of the duct body 171 may be integrally formed with the base plate 161. The duct body 171 may be fastened to the fastening boss.

[0270] In addition, an installation rib 162 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the bottom surface portion 1611 of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 and may guide the installation position of the duct body 171 and increase the coupling strength between the module base and the duct body 171.

[0271] In one example, the blower module 180 for generating a forced airflow of the internal air to be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be disposed inside the duct body 171.

[0272] In this regard, in order to maximally suppress an increase in volume of the heat exchange duct 170 and increase space utilization, the blower module 180 may be configured to include a single blower fan and a single blower motor.

[0273] FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments in which the blower fan is an axial flow fan that generates axial airflow. However, this is merely an example, and the blower fan having the configuration varying according to the design condition of the duct body 171 may be applied. For example, a sirocco fan or the like may be selectively applied as the blower fan.

[0274] In one example, due to constraints on the size in the up-down direction (U-D direction) and the size in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of an area in which the blower module 180 is installed, the blower fan constituting the blower module 180 may be sized to have a smaller diameter than each of the width in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the width in the up-down direction (U-D direction) of the evaporator 130.

[0275] Accordingly, a cross-sectional area of a portion of the heat exchange duct 170 in which the blower module 180 is accommodated may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of a portion thereof in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe is accommodated.

[0276] In addition, it is necessary to minimize flow resistance and flow loss of the airflow of the internal air flowing through the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170.

[0277] To this end, the portion of the heat exchange duct 170 in which the blower module 180 is accommodated may be constructed to have a shape in which the cross-sectional area thereof gradually expands as the portion thereof extends in a direction from a front side to a rear side.

[0278] In one example, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be constructed such that an upper end surface thereof is entirely open.

[0279] The heat exchange duct 170 may further include a duct cover 172 that serves to close the open upper end surface of the duct body 171.

[0280] As illustrated, the duct cover 172 may be constructed to close both an upper end surface of the portion in which the blower module 180 is accommodated and an upper end surface of the portion in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe is accommodated at the same time.

[0281] In addition, the duct cover 172 may be detachably coupled to the duct body 171.

[0282] Therefore, for maintenance and repair, the heat pump module 100 is removed from the base 90 and extends from the base through the open front wall 92 of the base 90, and then, only the duct cover 172 is independently detachable from the duct body 171 without removing an entirety of the duct body 171 from the module base 160.

[0283] Therefore, while the duct body 171 is not removed or disassembled, only the duct cover 172 is removed from the duct body 171. Thus, a state in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe and the blower module 180 accommodated in the duct body 171 may be repaired or replaced may be formed.

[0284] Accordingly, the convenience of maintenance and repair of the evaporator 130 and the blower module 180 may be improved.

[0285] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the expansion valve 140 disposed between the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0286] In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion valve 140 may be disposed at a position where interference thereof with the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 as described above may be minimized.

[0287] By way of example, the expansion valve 140 may be disposed in a space between the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) so as to be connected to each of the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0288] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the module base 160 on which the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, and the refrigerant pipe 150 as described above are collectively installed and mounted.

[0289] More specifically, the module base 160 may include the plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0290] The compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be collectively mounted on an upper surface of the base plate 161. The compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be collectively supported thereon.

[0291] As described above, a plurality of fastening bosses and installation ribs 162 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 161 so that the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be individually fastened and supported thereon using the plurality of fastening bosses and installation ribs 162.

[0292] However, a thickness of the base plate 161 may be sized to be approximately constant across an entire area thereof in consideration of the machine room of the base 90 which is limited in height in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0293] However, as will be described later, the heat pump module 100 is constructed to entirely and at-once extend from or retract into from the base 90 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) in a state in which the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, etc. are collectively fixed to the module base 160.

[0294] Therefore, in order to prevent damage during the extending process of the heat pump module from the base and to secure a predetermined rigidity thereof, a reinforcing rib 1612 extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the front-rear direction (F-R direction) may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the bottom surface portion 1611 of the base plate 161.

[0295] In addition, a barrier-shaped edge wall 1613 protruding in the upward direction (U-direction) from a left edge, a right edge, and a rear edge of an outer edge of the base plate 161 may be integrally formed with the left edge, the right edge, and the rear edge of the outer edge of the base plate 161.

[0296] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sump 41, the water softener device 72, and the washing pump 45 in addition to the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be mounted on the base plate 161.

[0297] By way of example, the washing pump 45 and the sump 41 may be disposed on the base plate 161 so as to partially overlap each other when being viewed from a viewer positioned in the upward direction (U-direction) of the dishwasher (in the top view).

[0298] More specifically, the washing pump 45 and the sump 41 may be disposed on the base plate 161 so that the washing pump 45 and the sump body 411 constituting an upper end of the sump 41 partially overlap each other in the top view.

[0299] Further, a lower end of a water collecting portion 412 of the sump 41 in which the washing water is stored may be supported on or contact the base plate 161.

[0300] In this regard, a sump body 411 connected to an upper end of the water collection portion 412 may be detachably coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0301] More specifically, as described below, the sump body 411 may be coupled to a first coupling groove 256 formed concavely in a downward direction (D-direction) from the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0302] In this regard, a valve coupling portion 413 disposed inside the sump body 411 so as to protrude in the upward direction (U-direction) may be inserted into a sump hole 252 formed in the first coupling groove 256.

[0303] Although not shown, the above-described supply flow path switching valve 465 may be coupled to the valve coupling portion 413.

[0304] As the sump body 411 is coupled to the first coupling groove 256 and the valve coupling portion 413 is inserted into the sump hole 252 as described above, a removal process between the sump body 411 and the first coupling groove 256 and a removal process between the valve coupling portion 413 and the sump hole 252 may be executed before the heat pump module 100 is entirely and at-once removed as described below.

[0305] To this end, as will be described later, the water collecting portion 412 constituting a lower end of the sump 41 may be supported on the base plate 161 so as to be relatively movable along the up-down direction (U-D direction) with respect to the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0306] In addition, as illustrated, the water softener device 72 may be disposed on a right side of the sump 41.

[0307] More specifically, the water softener device 72 may include a tank body 721 in which a regenerant and an ion exchange resin are received.

[0308] In addition, the water softener device 72 may include a tank base 723 coupled to a lower end of the tank body 721.

[0309] In addition, the water softener device 72 may include a tank cover 722 coupled to an upper end of the tank body 721.

[0310] In this regard, as illustrated, the tank base 723 of the water softener device 72 may be detachably coupled to the base plate 161.

[0311] In addition, a connection duct 724 for additionally introducing the regenerant may be integrally formed with the tank cover 722.

[0312] A male thread 7241 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of an upper end of the connection duct 724.

[0313] The upper end having the male thread 7241 of the connection duct 724 may pass through the above-described water softener communication hole 255 of the tub 20 and be exposed to the washing space 21.

[0314] An inserted port cap 7225 may be coupled to the male thread 7241 in a screwing manner.

[0315] As the inserted port cap 7225 is fastened to the male thread 7241 of the connection duct 724, the connection duct 724 may be coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0316] In addition, a port set 725 for receiving, collecting, and discharging the washing water may be integrally formed with the tank cover 722.

[0317] More specifically, the port set 725 may include a water inlet port 7221, a water collection port 7222, and a water outlet port 7223.

[0318] Each of the water inlet port 7221, the water collection port 7222, and the water outlet port 7223 constituting the port set 725 may be detachably coupled to a connection portion 715 of the above-described water jacket 71

[0319] As each of the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71 is inserted into the water inlet port 7221, the water collection port 7222, and the water outlet port 7223, the water jacket 71 and the tank body 721 may communicate with each other.

[0320] In this regard, the water inlet port 7221, the water collection port 7222, and the water outlet port 7223 are constructed to be collectively coupled to and removed from the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71.

[0321] To this end, the water inlet port 7221, the water collection port 7222, and the water outlet port 7223 may protrude toward the connection portion 715 so as to have the same protruding height.

[0322] As the inserted port cap 7225 is fastened to the male thread 7241 of the connection duct 724 as described above, the connection duct 724 is coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20, and the port set 725 is coupled to the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71. Thus, as described below, a removal process between the connection duct 724 and the inserted port cap 7225, a removal process between the connection duct 724 and the lower wall 25 of the tub 20, and a removal process between the port set 725 and the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71 may be executed before the heat pump module 100 is entirely and at-once removed from the base 90.

[0323] To this end, as will be described later, the tank base 723 constituting the lower end of the water softener device 72 may be coupled to the base plate 161 to be relatively movable along the up-down direction (U-D direction) with respect to the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0324] A process of the relative movement of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 in the up-down direction (U-D direction) for collective removal of the components of the heat pump module and collective extending of the components thereof from the base 90 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15.

[0325] As described above, the sump 41, the water softener device 72, and the washing pump 45 having a relatively large volume compared to that of each of the components of the heat pump module 100 together with the components of the heat pump module 100 are collectively mounted on the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0326] Accordingly, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be constructed to have an area corresponding to an area of the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 used in the conventional manner.

[0327] In addition, in consideration of a total weight of the components mounted on the base plate 161 of the module base 160, it is preferable that the module base 160 is not directly supported on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in a state of being mounted into the machine room of the base 90.

[0328] To this end, as will be described later, the module base 160 may be constructed to be directly supported on the ground.

[0329] In addition, in order for the module base 160 to be supported on the ground in a state in which the module base 160 is mounted into the machine room of the base 90, the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 may be partially open in an area corresponding to the module base 160 to form a partial open area.

[0330] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may have an asymmetric shape in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0331] Correspondingly, the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 may be positioned in an area non-overlapping the module base 160 and may be formed in an asymmetrical shape in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0332] Due to the asymmetric shape of the base plate 161, incorrect assembly may be prevented when the module base 160 is mounted in the base 90.

[0333] In one example, the module base 160 may include the front end wall 163 integrally formed with and be disposed on a front edge of the base plate 161.

[0334] As illustrated, the front end wall 163 may be formed at the front edge of the base plate 161 and extend linearly along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and may be provided in the form of a barrier formed to protrude in the upward direction (U-direction).

[0335] As described above, the front end wall 163 may be integrally formed with and extend along an entire front edge of the base plate 161, such that the rigidity of the front edge portion of the base plate 161 may be reinforced.

[0336] In addition, the front end wall 163 may serve as a grip serving as a handle that may be gripped by the user when the heat pump module 100 is entirely and at-once removed from or mounted into the base 90.

[0337] The front end wall 163 may be formed in a double wall structure so that damage due to the gripping may be prevented when the heat pump module 100 is entirely and at-once removed from or mounted into the base 90.

[0338] As will be described later, the lower frame 14 is constructed such that a lower edge thereof is inserted into the double wall structure. Therefore, the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 may serve to support and fix the lower end of the lower frame 14.

[0339] In one example, a width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) at each of the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 may be sized to be greater than a width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) at a middle position between the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163.

[0340] In addition, as will be described later, a width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) at each of the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 may be set to be greater than or equal to a width of the front-rear direction (F-R direction) of the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0341] As will be described later, when the module base 160 is mounted in the base 90, the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 may be coupled to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0342] Since the width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) at each of the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 is greater than or equal to the width of the front wall 92 of the base 90 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction), the horizontal movement direction of the module base 160 may be effectively guided by the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0343] In addition, coupling of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 to each other may allow the relative movement of the module base 160 along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the up-down direction (U-D direction) with respect to the base 90 in a state in which the heat pump module 100 has been mounted in the base 90 to be prevented.

[0344] Therefore, the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 may function as a stopper for preventing the heat pump module 100 from moving relative to the base 90.

[0345] The preventing structure of the relative movement the module base 160 relative to the base 90 will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

[0346] Hereinafter, a process of removing or disassembling the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0347] For convenience of illustration, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the door 30 and the casing 10 have been removed from the tub 20 and the base 90.

[0348] The contents as described below may be applied in a state in which only the door 30 and the front panel 15 of the casing 10 have been removed from the tub 20 and the base 90 while the upper panel 11, the left panel 12, and the right panel 13 constituting the casing 10 are not removed therefrom.

[0349] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower frame 14 may be removed from the tub 20 and the base 90.

[0350] As shown, the lower frame 14 serves to screen an open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90 and an open area between the tub 20 and the base 90.

[0351] As shown, the upper end of the lower frame 14 is detachably coupled to a lower surface of a front end of the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0352] In addition, the lower end of the lower frame 14 is detachably coupled to the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0353] In particular, as described above, the lower end of the lower frame 14 may be coupled to the module base 160 in a state of being simply inserted into the front end wall 163 having the double wall structure.

[0354] In addition, a middle portion of the lower frame 14 may be fastened to the front wall 92 of the base 90 using a screw bolt or the like.

[0355] Accordingly, when the upper end of the lower frame 14 is removed from the tub 20, the middle portion of the lower frame 14 is removed from the front wall 92 of the base 90, and the lower end of the lower frame 14 is removed from the front end wall 163 of the module base 160, the lower frame 14 may be removed from the tub 20 and the base 90 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0356] When the lower frame 14 is removed from the tub 20 and the base 90, the open area of the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be exposed to the outside.

[0357] In addition, a state in which it is possible for the user to view and access the heat pump module 100 accommodated in the inner space of the base 90 through the open area of the front wall 92 may be formed.

[0358] In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the condenser 120 is constructed such that the foremost component among the components disposed on the module base 160 is the condenser 120.

[0359] That is, the condenser 120 is disposed immediately in rear of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0360] In addition, the condenser 120 is oriented such that an extension direction of a central axis thereof is approximately parallel to an extension direction of the front end wall 163.

[0361] Therefore, at least the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 is disposed at a position and oriented such that the user may access the condenser 120 only by removing the lower frame 14 without performing the process of removing the module base 160 from the base 90.

[0362] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the module base 160 may be constructed such that an upper end edge of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 is positioned at a lower vertical position in the up-down direction (U-D direction) than that of the central axis of the condenser 120 extending in the left-right direction (Ri-Le direction).

[0363] Therefore, in a front view of the dishwasher in a state in which the lower frame 14 has been removed therefrom, the condenser 120 may be partially screened with the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0364] More specifically, an area size of a portion of the condenser 120 screened with the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 may be sized to be smaller than an area size of a portion of the condenser 120 not screened with the front end wall 163 of the module base 160.

[0365] Therefore, the user may easily repair and replace the condenser 120 without separate manipulation of the other components disposed on the module base 160.

[0366] In one example, although not shown, a condenser supporter for supporting the condenser 120 so as to be maintained at a position spaced apart from the base plate 161 in the upward direction (U-direction) may be disposed between the condenser 120 and the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0367] Therefore, although not shown, in order to remove the condenser 120 from the base plate 161 for repair and replacement of the condenser 120, a process of removing the condenser supporter from the condenser 120 and the base plate 161 may be executed before the removal of the condenser 120.

[0368] However, in order to repair and replace the components of the heat pump module 100 other than the condenser 120, it is necessary to collectively extend the module base 160 and the components mounted thereon from the base 90 in a sliding manner in the frontward direction.

[0369] However, as described above, the sump 41 among the components mounted on the module base 160 is constructed such that the sump body 411 is coupled to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0370] In addition, a washing water filter module 47 for filtering foreign substances such as food residues contained in the washing water introduced into the sump 41 may be coupled to the sump 41.

[0371] As illustrated in FIG. 9, similarly to the related art, the washing water filter module 47 may include a handle body 471 serving as a grip held by a user, a plate-shaped screen filter 472 disposed adjacent to the sump 41, and a mesh filter 473 disposed inside the sump 41.

[0372] In particular, the mesh filter 473 is constructed such that a lower end of the mesh filter 473 is fixed to an inner surface of a lower end of the water collecting portion 412 of the sump 41. For this reason, the removal of the mesh filter 473 should be first performed in order to move the sump 41 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction).

[0373] Similarly to the related art, the handle body 471, the screen filter 472, and the mesh filter 473 are coupled to the lower wall 25 and the sump 41 of the tub 20 in a state of being coupled to each other.

[0374] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in a state in which the handle body 471 is gripped by the user, the user moves the handle body relative to the sump in the upward direction (U-direction), such that the handle body 471, the screen filter 472, and the mesh filter 473 may be collectively removed from the tub 20 and the sump 41.

[0375] In one example, as described above, the valve coupling portion 413 constituting 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.

[0376] Therefore, after the washing water filter module 47 is removed from the sump, the supply flow path switching valve 465 and the sump cover 42 may be removed from each other.

[0377] In addition, as described above, among the components mounted on the module base 160, the water softener device 72 is constructed such that the connection duct 724 thereof is fastened to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 via the inserted port cap 7225.

[0378] Therefore, in order to move the water softener device 72 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction), a process of removing the inserted port cap 7225 from the connection duct 724 as shown in FIG. 9 should be first executed before the movement of the water softener device 72.

[0379] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a state in which the washing water filter module 47 and the supply flow path switching valve 465 have been removed from the sump 41, and the inserted port cap 7225 has been removed from the sump body 411 through the above-described processes.

[0380] However, even though, as illustrated, the washing water filter module 47 and the supply flow path switching valve 465 have been removed from the sump 41 and the inserted port cap 7225 has been removed from the sump body 411, a state in which the heat pump module 100 can entirely and at-once extend from the base 90 is not immediately formed.

[0381] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the sump body 411 of the sump 41 is coupled to the bottom of the tub in a state in which the first coupling groove 256 and the second coupling groove 257 are inserted into the sump body 41.

[0382] As illustrated, the sump hole 252 to which the valve coupling portion 413 is inserted and coupled is formed to pass through the first coupling groove 256 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0383] In addition, the second coupling groove 257 is additionally recessed from the first coupling groove 256 in the downward direction (D-direction).

[0384] Accordingly, due to 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, the sump 41 is brought into a state in which relative movement thereof in the horizontal direction with respect to the tub 20 is impossible.

[0385] In addition, the connection duct 724 of the water softener device 72 is connected to the tub 20 in a state in which the upper end having the male thread 7241 thereof passes through the water softener communication hole 255 and protrudes in the upward direction (U-direction).

[0386] In addition, the water softener device 72 and the water jacket 71 are connected to each other in a state in which the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71 is inserted into the port set 725 of the water softener device 72.

[0387] Accordingly, due to the insertion coupling of the connection duct 724 of the water softener device 72 and the insertion coupling of the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71, the water softener device 72 is brought into a state in which relative movement thereof in the horizontal direction with respect to the tub 20 is impossible.

[0388] The dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may include a means capable of releasing a stopped state in which horizontal movement is impossible due to the locked state due to the insertion coupling.

[0389] More specifically, each of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 may be constructed to be supported on the base plate 161 in a state in which relative movement thereof in the horizontal direction with respect to the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is impossible while relative movement thereof in the up-down direction (U-D direction) with respect to the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is possible.

[0390] By way of example, the lower end of the water collecting portion 412 of the sump 41 may be supported in a simple fitting state rather than in an interference fitting state to the installation rib 162 of the base plate 161 or may be supported in a contact state with the installation rib 162 of the base plate 161.

[0391] In addition, for example, the lower end of the tank base 723 of the water softener device 72 may be coupled in a simple fit manner rather than an interference fit manner to the installation rib 162 of the base plate 161 and be supported thereby.

[0392] Accordingly, each of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 may be supported in a state in which each of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 may not be moved relative to the tub under its own weight, but may be moved in the downward direction (D-direction) when a load greater than its own weight is applied thereto.

[0393] Accordingly, when the load slightly greater than its own weight is applied to each of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 in the downward direction (D-direction), each of the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 may be easily moved in the downward direction (D-direction).

[0394] In this regard, the relative movement amount in the downward direction (D-direction)of the sump 41 to the tub and the relative movement amount in the downward direction (D-direction) of the water softener device 72 to the tub may be set to be different from each other.

[0395] By way of example, the relative movement amount in the up-down direction (U-D direction) of the sump 41 may be defined as a movement amount by which the sump 41 moves in the downward direction (D-direction) to reach a state in which the upper end of the sump body 411 of the sump 41 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413 are completely removed from the sump hole 252.

[0396] In addition, for example, the relative movement amount in the up-down direction (U-D direction) of the water softener device 72 may be defined as a movement amount by which the water softener device 72 moves in the downward direction (D-direction) to reach a state in which the male thread 7241 of the connection duct 724 is completely removed from the water softener communication hole 255 and a state in which the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71 is completely removed from the port set 725 of the water softener device 72.

[0397] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, when the user applies a load slightly greater than the weight of the sump 41 to the sump 41 in the downward direction (D-direction), the upper end of the sump body 411 of the sump 41 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413 may be completely removed from the sump hole 252.

[0398] As described above, the washing pump 45 and the sump 41 are disposed on the base plate 161 so that the washing pump 45 and the sump body 411 constituting the upper end of the sump 41 partially overlap each other in the top view of the dishwasher.

[0399] Accordingly, a structure may be formed such that before the upper end of the sump body 411 of the sump 41 is entirely disassembled from the sump hole 252, the sump body 411 is disposed not to directly contact the washing pump 45, but after the sump body 411 has been removed from the sump hole 252, the sump 41 is stably supported by the washing pump 45.

[0400] Similarly, when the user applies a load slightly greater than the weight of the water softener device 72 to the water softener device 72 in the downward direction (D-direction), the male thread 7241 of the connection duct 724 may be completely removed from the water softener communication hole 255, and the connection portion 715 of the water jacket 71 may be completely removed from the port set 725.

[0401] In a state in which the sump 41 and the water softener device 72 are completely removed from the tub 20 as described above, and the water softener device 72 is completely removed from the water jacket 71, a force simply pulling the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 in the frontward direction is applied to the heat pump module 100, the heat pump module may entirely and at-once extend from the base 90 in the frontward direction in a state in which the sump 41, the water softener device 72, and the washing pump 45 are mounted on the module base 160 as illustrated in FIG. 16. In this way, All of the components of the heat pump module 100 together with the sump 41, the water softener device 72, and the washing pump 45 may be collectively removed from the machine room of the base 90

[0402] However, although the sump 41 is generally removed from the lower wall 25 of the tub 20, the upper end of the sump body 411 and the upper end of the valve coupling portion 413 constituting the uppermost end of the sump 41 are in a state of being very close to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0403] In addition, although the water softener device 72 is generally removed from the lower wall 25 of the tub 20, the upper end of the connection duct 724 constituting the uppermost end of the water softener device 72 is very close to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0404] In consideration of the positions of the uppermost end of the sump 41 and the uppermost end of the water softener device 72 being very close to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 in the up-down direction (U-D direction), the shape of the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be formed.

[0405] By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, an open area in which the front side of the base 90 is open along the up-down direction (U-D direction) from the ground to the lower wall 25 of the tub 20 may be formed so that collision and interference of the base 90 with the uppermost end of the sump 41 and the uppermost end of the water softener device 72 do not occur.

[0406] Such an open area may continuously extend up to the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0407] In this regard, the front wall 92 of the base 90 may not be entirely open and may have a partially open shape. By way of example, the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be formed such that the wall portion is present at each of the left end and the right end of the front surface of the base 90 while the wall portion is absent in the middle area therebetween.

[0408] In addition, in the front view of the dishwasher, the portion of the front wall 92 present in the right end thereof may be formed in a left-right inverted and up-down inverted-L shape.

[0409] In addition, in the front view of the dishwasher, the portion of the front wall 92 present in the left end thereof may be formed in an up-down inverted-L shape.

[0410] In addition, in the front view of the dishwasher, the shape of the portion of the front wall 92 present in the left end thereof and the shape of the portion of the front wall 92 present in the right end thereof may be symmetrical to each other.

[0411] In addition, each of the portion of the front wall 92 formed at the left end and the portion of the front wall 92 formed at the right end may have a width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) that is equal to or slightly smaller than the width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) of each of the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 as described above.

[0412] Accordingly, a slot through which the base plate 161 and the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 pass may be defined between the portion of of the front wall 92 formed at the left end and the portion of the front wall 92 formed at the right end.

[0413] As the front wall 92 of the base 90 is constructed to have such a shape, the sliding movement of the module base 160 in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) may be effectively guided when the module base 160 extends from the base 90 in the frontward direction.

[0414] In addition, when the module base 160 retracts into the base 90 in backward direction to be mounted in the machine room of the base 90, the left end and the right end of the front end wall 163 of the base plate 163 may be coupled to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0415] Accordingly, coupling of the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 with each other may allow relative movement of the module base 160 along the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) and the up-down direction (U-D direction) relative to the base 90 in a state in which the heat pump module 100 is mounted into the base 90 to be prevented

[0416] In addition, the front end wall 163 of the module base 160 and the front wall 92 of the base 90 may function as a stopper for preventing the heat pump module 100 from moving relative to the base 90.

[0417] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in a various manner within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments as disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to describe rather than limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not restrictive but illustrative in all respects. In addition, even though an effect of a configuration of the present disclosure is not explicitly described in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure above, it is obvious that the predictable effect from the configuration should be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein;a base defining a machine room and disposed under the tub;a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; anda heat pump module disposed in the machine room and configured to heat washing water to be supplied to the sump,wherein the heat pump module is coupled to the base and is constructed to extend from or retract into the base along a front-rear direction.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module is constructed to extend from or retract into the base in a sliding manner in the front-rear direction.

3. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module includes:a compressor for compressing refrigerant;a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the tub;an evaporator constructed to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; anda module base, wherein the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are collectively mounted on the module base,wherein the module base is constructed to be able to extend from the base.

4. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein an upper end of the sump is coupled to a lower wall of the tub,wherein a lower end of the sump is disposed on the module base such that the sump is relatively movable in an up-down direction with respect to the module base.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein in a state in which the sump together with the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator is mounted on the module base, the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from and retract into the base.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein before the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the sump is moved relative to the tub downwardly.

7. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a washing pump configured to pressurize the washing water stored in the sump and to supply the pressurized washing water to the tub,wherein the sump and the washing pump are disposed on the module base such that the washing pump and an upper end of the sump partially overlap each other in a top view of the dishwasher,wherein before the sump, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the upper end of the sump is removed from the lower wall of the tub.

8. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a water softener device configured to soften the washing water to be supplied to the sump,wherein the water softener device is coupled to the module base so as to be relatively movable in an up-down direction with respect to the module base.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein in a state in which the water softener device together with the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator is mounted on the module base, the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from and retract into the base.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein before the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the water softener device is moved relative to the tub in a downward direction.

11. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a water jacket configured to store therein washing water to be supplied to the water softener device,wherein before the water softener device, the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator collectively extend from the base, the water softener device is removed from the water jacket.

12. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the condenser is disposed in front of the sump.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the condenser disposed on the module base is oriented such that a longitudinal direction of the condenser is a left-right direction.

14. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the module base includes:a base plate providing an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted; anda front end wall coupled to a front end of the base plate and protruding upwardly from the base plate,wherein in a front view of the dishwasher, the condenser is partially screened with the front end wall.

15. The dishwasher of claim 14, wherein in the front view of the dishwasher, an area size of a portion of the condenser screened with the front end wall is smaller than an area size of a portion of the condenser not covered screened with the front end wall.

16. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the heat pump module retracts into the base through a front wall of the base.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the module base includes:a base plate providing an installation area on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted; anda front end wall coupled to a front end of the base plate and protruding upwardly from the base plate,wherein when the heat pump module has retracted into the base and has been mounted into the base, the front end wall is coupled to the front wall of the base.

18. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein when the heat pump module has been mounted into the base, horizontal movement of the front end wall is prevented by the front wall of the base.

19. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein when the heat pump module has been mounted into the base, upward movement of the front wall is prevented by the front wall of the base.

20. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein movement in the front-rear direction of the front wall is guided by the front wall of the base while the heat pump module retracts into the base.

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