Dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher comprises a tub in which dishes are accommodated and a condenser disposed under the tub. Washing water and refrigerant flow in a separate manner from each other in the condenser while exchanging heat with each other in the condenser. The condenser comprises a housing defining an outer shape thereof. The washing water and the refrigerant flow separately in the housing. The condenser comprises a tube received inside the housing. The refrigerant flows through the tube. The tube is wound to form a plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diameter direction of the housing. Each of a plurality of tube portions extends in a longitudinal direction of the housing so as to be wound in a spiral coil manner around a center of the housing to form each of the plurality of cylindrical structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0024363 filed on May Feb. 25, 2025, 10-2025-0032609 filed on Mar. 13, 2025, 10-2025-0042750 filed on Apr. 2, 2025, and 10-2025-0099549 file on Jul. 23, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher equipped with a heat pump system for heating washing water.Description of Related Art

[0003] Content described in this section merely provides background information on the present disclosure and does not constitute the prior art.

[0004] A dishwasher is an apparatus that uses detergent and washing water to wash food residues such as food scraps on dishes or cookware.

[0005] A general dishwasher comprises a tub providing a washing space, a rack provided in the tub and accommodating therein dishes, a spray arm spraying the washing water to the rack, a sump storing therein the washing water, and a pump supplying the washing water stored in the sump to the spray arm.

[0006] A temperature of the washing water used in the dishwasher may be room temperature. However, washing efficiency may be improved and a washing time may be reduced by using high-temperature washing water. Accordingly, washing or rinsing of the dishes may be performed using the high-temperature washing water in at least a portion of an operation process of the

[0007] A heating device for heating the washing water may be provided as, for example, an electric heater, a heat pump system, or the like.

[0008] Since the heat pump system has higher energy efficiency compared to the electric heater, a case in which a washing water heating scheme using the heat pump system is introduced into the dishwasher is increasing recently.

[0009] The heat pump system may be provided with a condenser that heats the washing water by exchanging heat between the high-temperature refrigerant and the relatively low-temperature washing water. The washing water may be heated to a high temperature while flowing through the condenser.

[0010] The refrigerant and the washing water may flow in the condenser in a removed manner from each other and. Accordingly, heat is transferred from the high-temperature refrigerant to the washing water, so that the refrigerant may be condensed while the washing water may be heated.

[0011] In the condenser, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water may occur. Accordingly, the washing water may be heated by absorbing the heat from the refrigerant.

[0012] In order to improve heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water in the condenser, it is necessary to define each flow path through which each of the refrigerant and the washing water flows.

[0013] In addition, it is preferable that the components constituting the heat pump system such as the condenser provided in the dishwasher are easily repaired. To this end, these components need to be constructed to be easily removed from the

[0014] Further, foreign substances such as food waste may be contained in the washing water flowing through the condenser. When the washing water continuously flows through the condenser, the foreign substances contained in the washing water may accumulate inside the condenser.

[0015] These foreign substances may interfere with the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water in the condenser, and may interfere with the flow of the washing water. Therefore, there is a need to develop a dishwasher having a structure capable of suppressing the accumulation of the foreign substances inside the condenser.SUMMARY

[0016] A technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher including a condenser having a structure with improved heat exchange performance between refrigerant and washing water in the condenser.

[0017] Another technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher having a structure in which each of components constituting a heat pump system is easily removed from the

[0018] Still another technical purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher having a structure capable of suppressing the accumulation of foreign matter inside the condenser.

[0019] Purposes according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages according to the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments according to the present disclosure. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages according to the present disclosure may be realized using means shown in the claims or combinations thereof.

[0020] A dishwasher according to an embodiment may comprise a tub in which dishes are accommodated.

[0021] The dishwasher may comprise a condenser disposed under the tub. Washing water and refrigerant may flow through the condenser. While the washing water and the refrigerant flow in a separate manner from each other in the condenser, the washing water and the refrigerant may exchange heat with each other.

[0022] The condenser according to an embodiment may comprise a housing defining an outer shape thereof. The housing may be constructed such that the washing water and the refrigerant flow separately therein.

[0023] The condenser may comprise a tube received inside the housing. The refrigerant may flow through the tube.

[0024] The tube may be wound to form a plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diameter direction of the housing.

[0025] Each of plurality of cylindrical structures may include each of a plurality of tube portions of the tube, wherein each of the plurality of tube portions may extend in a longitudinal direction of the housing so as to be wound in a spiral coil manner around a center of the housing to form each of the plurality of cylindrical structures.

[0026] Each of the plurality of tube portions of the tube may be wound in the spiral coil manner to form a plurality of coils arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0027] Respective diameters of the plurality of cylindrical structures may sequentially increase as the plurality of cylindrical structures are sequentially arranged outwardly in the diameter direction of the housing.

[0028] The respective diameters of the plurality of cylindrical structures may sequentially decrease as the plurality of cylindrical structures are sequentially arranged inwardly in the diameter direction of the housing.

[0029] The condenser may comprise a cap detachably coupled to one open side of the housing. A refrigerant inlet portion and a refrigerant outlet portion through which the tube passes may be formed in the cap.

[0030] The housing may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow space,

[0031] The cap may comprise a closed end portion coupled to the housing to close the one open side of the housing.

[0032] The cap may comprise an extension coupling portion formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from a circumference of the closed end portion. The extension coupling portion may be coupled to an outer circumference surface of the housing.

[0033] The condenser may comprise a first washing water inflow / outflow portion formed to extend through the cap. The washing water may be introduced into or discharged from the housing through the first washing water inflow / outflow portion.

[0034] The condenser may comprise a second washing water inflow / outflow portion formed to extend through the housing. The washing water may be introduced into or discharged from the housing through the second washing water inflow / outflow portion.

[0035] The first washing water inflow / outflow portion may be formed to outwardly protrude from an outer circumference surface of the cap linearly in a direction intersecting a circumferential direction of the cap.

[0036] The second washing water inflow / outflow portion may be disposed at the other end opposite to one end of the housing to which the cap is coupled. The second washing water inflow / outflow portion may be formed to outwardly protrude from the outer circumference surface of the housing in a direction intersecting a circumferential direction of the housing.

[0037] The dishwasher may further comprise a base disposed under the tub.

[0038] The dishwasher may further comprise a mounting portion disposed in the base.

[0039] The dishwasher may further comprise a sub-plate mounted on the mounting portion and constructed to be removable from the mounting portion. The condenser may be mounted on the sub-plate.

[0040] The dishwasher may further comprise: a compressor fluid-communicating with the condenser and configured to compress the refrigerant; and an expansion device fluid-communicating with the condenser and configured to expand the refrigerant; and an evaporator fluid-communicating with the expansion device and configured to evaporate the refrigerant. The compressor, the expansion device, and the evaporator may be mounted on the sub-plate.

[0041] The dishwasher may further comprise a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein the washing water; and a washing pump fluid-communicating with the sump and configured to transfer the washing water. The sump and the washing pump may be mounted on the mounting portion.

[0042] The sump and the washing pump may be disposed on a central area of the mounting portion.

[0043] The sub-plate may be disposed on the mounting portion at a position avoiding the sump and the washing pump. At least a portion of the sub-plate may be disposed on a front area of the mounting portion.

[0044] The expansion device and the evaporator may be disposed to overlap each other in an up-down direction of the dishwasher. The expansion device having a relatively small volume may be disposed on top of the evaporator having a relatively large volume.

[0045] A support plate on which the expansion device is seated may be disposed between the expansion device and the evaporator.

[0046] The washing pump may comprise a water discharge portion fluid-communicating with one of the first or second washing water inflow / outflow portion and constructed to selectively supply the washing water to the condenser.

[0047] The dishwasher may further comprise a filter mounted at the sump and configured to filter washing water to be collected toward the sump, wherein through-holes through which the washing water flows are formed in the filter. A first distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between an inner side surface of the housing and an outer side surface of an outermost cylindrical structure among the plurality of cylindrical structures may be sized to be equal to or greater than a diameter of each of the through-holes.

[0048] A second distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between adjacent ones of the plurality of cylindrical structures spaced apart from each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be sized to be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

[0049] A third distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between the coils adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing may be sized to be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

[0050] In the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, the tube is wound to form the plurality of cylindrical structures arranged to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing, and thus the total length of the tube inside the condenser may be significantly increased. Accordingly, the heat exchange area of the tube in the condenser may be significantly increased. In addition, the time duration for which the refrigerant stays in the condenser may be significantly increased. Accordingly, the heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water in the condenser may be significantly improved.

[0051] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, since the first washing water inflow / outflow portion and the second washing water inflow / outflow portion are disposed on edges of the outer circumference surfaces of the cap and the housing, respectively, the washing water introduced into the condenser may flow in a whirlwind shape or a spiral shape.

[0052] Due to this flow shape of the wash water, convective heat transfer of the washing water in the condenser may occur actively. Accordingly, the washing water may have a uniform temperature distribution throughout the condenser.

[0053] This may prevent a temperature difference between the temperature of the washing water in the portion of the condenser in contact with the tube and the washing water in the portion thereof not in contact with the tube from occurring. Accordingly, the heat exchange performance of the condenser may be effectively improved.

[0054] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, all the components of the heat pump system are disposed on the sub-plate, and the sub-plate having a much smaller area than that of the mounting portion can be removed from the mounting portion. Accordingly, maintenance work of the components of the heat pump system may be easily and smoothly performed.

[0055] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, the first distance defined as the shortest linear distance between the inner side surface of the housing and the outer side surface of the outermost cylindrical structure of the tube may be equal to or be greater than the maximum diameter of the foreign substances introduced into the condenser. Accordingly, the foreign substances may smoothly flow through the washing water flow space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substances and may not be attached to the surface of the housing or the tube. In this way, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser.

[0056] Since the tube is wound to form the plurality of cylindrical structures as described above, the foreign matter may also be trapped in between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical structures. Therefore, the second distance as the shortest distance between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical structures spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes as the first distance is equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

[0057] Accordingly, the foreign substances may smoothly flow in a space between the neighboring coils formed as a space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substance, and may not be attached to the outer surface of the coil. In this way, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300.

[0058] In the condenser, the foreign substances may also be trapped between coils adjacent to each other. Therefore, the third distance between the neighboring coils may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the through-hole as the first distance is equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

[0059] Accordingly, the foreign substance may smoothly flow in the space between the neighboring coils formed as a space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substance, and may not be attached to the outer surface of the coil. In this way, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser.

[0060] In addition to the above-described effects, the specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while describing the specific matters for carrying out the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 2A is a diagram for illustrating components disposed in a base in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating a lid of a tub.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting portion onto which a condenser is mounted according to an embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a condenser according to an embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a tube disposed in a condenser.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the condenser.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the condenser in a direction different from a direction in which the condenser is viewed in FIG. 6.

[0069] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing flow of washing water in the condenser with an arrow.

[0070] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a condenser of another embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing flow of washing water in the condenser with an arrow.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a sub-plate is mounted on a mounting portion.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sub-plate has been removed from the mounting portion.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a washing pump according to an embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the washing pump and the condenser are connected to each other.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0076] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily practice the technical ideas of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the publicly known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment 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.

[0077] Although first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, a first component may also be a second component.

[0078] Throughout the present document, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0079] As used herein, singular expressions comprise plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “composed of” or “comprise” should not be construed as necessarily including all of various components or steps described herein, and should be interpreted as being able to not including some of the components or the steps and further including additional components or steps.

[0080] Throughout the present disclosure, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and “C to D” means C inclusive to D inclusive unless otherwise specified.

[0081] As used herein, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “side”, etc. are used to refer to a portion, a direction, and the like of a dishwasher in a state where the dishwasher is generally installed.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. The dishwasher according to an embodiment may comprise a casing 11 defining an outer appearance of the dishwasher, a tub 12 in which dishes to be washed are accommodated, a door 20 provided on a front surface of the tub 12 to open and close the tub 12, and a sump 100 disposed under the tub 12 to store therein washing water.

[0083] The dishwasher may further comprise a plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 provided in the tub 12 and spraying the washing water, a filter 110 provided in the sump 100 and filtering washing water sprayed from at least one of the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 and recovered to the sump 100, a washing pump 150 transferring the washing water stored in the sump 100, and a switching valve 130 controlling selective flow of the washing water transferred under the operation of the washing pump 150 to at least one of the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15.

[0084] The tub 12 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open front surface and may have a washing chamber 12a defined therein. A communication hole through which washing water flows into the sump 100 is formed in a bottom portion 12b of the tub 12. In the washing chamber 12a, a plurality of racks 16 and 17 in which a washing target is accommodated is disposed. The plurality of racks 16 and 17 may comprise a lower rack 16 disposed in a lower area of the washing chamber 12a and an upper rack 17 disposed in an upper area of the washing chamber 12a. The lower rack 16 and the upper rack 17 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in an up-down direction, and may slide in the frontward direction of the tub 12 and extend from the tub 12.

[0085] The plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 are arranged in the up-down direction. The plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 may comprise a lower spray arm 13 disposed at the lowermost end and spraying the washing water in an upward direction toward the lower rack 16, an upper spray arm 14 disposed on top of the lower spray arm 13 and spraying the washing water upwardly toward the upper rack 17, and a top spray arm 15 disposed at the upper end of the washing chamber 12a and on top of the upper spray arm 14 and spraying the washing water downwardly.

[0086] The plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 are supplied with the washing water from the washing pump 150 through a plurality of spray arm connection flow paths 18, 19, and 21. The plurality of spray arm connection flow paths 18, 19, and 21 may comprise a lower spray arm connection flow path 18 connected to the lower spray arm 13, an upper spray arm connection flow path 19 connected to the upper spray arm 14, and a top spray arm connection flow path 21 connected to the top spray arm 15.

[0087] The lower spray arm 13, the upper spray arm 14, and the top spray arm 15 may be supplied with the washing water from the washing pump 150 through the upper spray arm connection flow path 18, the upper spray arm connection flow path 19, and the top spray arm connection flow path 21, respectively.

[0088] The sump 100 may be disposed under the bottom portion 12b of the tub 12 and may collect the washing water. The filter 110 may filter contaminants from the washing water flowing from the tub 12 to the sump 100.

[0089] The washing water sprayed through the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 along with the contaminants deposited on and removed from the washing target drops to the bottom portion 12b of the tub 12. Accordingly, the washing water containing the contaminants may be filtered while flowing through the filter 110 communicating with the bottom portion 12b of the tub 12 and thus the contaminants-free washing water may be stored in the sump 100.

[0090] During the washing operation, the washing water may wash the dishes accommodated in the racks 16 and 17 while circulating through the sump 100, the spray arms 13, 14, and 15, the tub 12, and the filter 110.

[0091] The washing pump 150 supplies the washing water stored in the sump 100 to at least one of the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15. The washing pump 150 may comprise a washing motor that generates a rotational force, and an impeller that is rotated by the washing motor to transfer the washing water. The washing pump 150 may be connected to the switching valve 130 and a washing water supply flow path 180.

[0092] When the washing pump 150 operates, the washing water stored in the sump 100 may be introduced into the washing pump 150 through a water collection flow path 170 and then transferred to the switching valve 130 through the washing water supply flow path 180.

[0093] The switching valve 130 selectively supplies the washing water transferred under the operation of the washing pump 150 to at least one of the lower spray arm 13, the upper spray arm 14, and the top spray arm 15. The switching valve 130 may selectively connect the washing water supply flow path 180 to at least one of the plurality of spray arm connection flow paths 18, 19, and 21.

[0094] The sump 100 is connected to a water supply flow path 23 through which the washing water supplied from an external water source flows. A water supply valve 22 for controlling flow of the washing water supplied from the external water source may be provided in the water supply flow path 23. The water supply valve 22 may control supply of the washing water from the external water source to the sump 100. When the water supply valve 22 is opened, the washing water supplied from the external water source may be introduced into the sump 100 through the water supply flow path 23.

[0095] The sump 100 may be connected to a drain flow path 24 for draining the washing water to the outside out of the A drain pump 25 for draining the washing water in the sump 100 through the drain flow path 24 may be provided in the drain flow path 24. When the drain pump 25 operates, the washing water stored in the sump 100 may be drained to the outside out of the casing 11 through the drain flow path 24.

[0096] A heating device for heating the washing water may be received inside the sump 100 or in the washing pump 150. The heating device may be provided as, for example, an electric heater, a heat pump system, or the like.

[0097] In an embodiment, the washing water may be heated using the heat pump system. Hereinafter, the heat pump system will be described first.

[0098] The heat pump system refers to a system that pumps heat from a low temperature environment into a high temperature environment. In this regard, the pumping of the heat may be implemented using, for example, the compressor 500. In an embodiment, the heat pump system may be implemented using a so-called two-phase flow refrigeration cycle that increases the temperature of the refrigerant by compressing the refrigerant flowing in two phases into a gaseous state using a compressor 500.

[0099] The heat pump system for performing the two-phase flow refrigeration cycle may comprise the compressor 500, a condenser 300, an expansion device, and an evaporator 600. These components are connected to each other through pipes. While the refrigerant is flowing and circulating these components, the phase thereof and the temperature thereof change, such that the refrigerant may absorb heat from the surroundings or emit the heat to the surroundings.

[0100] The refrigerant may be introduced into the compressor 500 in a low temperature gaseous state. The refrigerant may be compressed in the compressor 500. From an outlet of the compressor 500, the refrigerant may be introduced into the condenser 300 in a super-heated gas state of the high temperature and high pressure.

[0101] The condenser 300 may be disposed under the tub 12. The washing water and the refrigerant may flow in the condenser 300.

[0102] The refrigerant and the washing water may flow separately in the condenser 300. The refrigerant may be introduced into the condenser 300 and exchange the heat with the washing water, and the washing water may be heated upon receiving the heat from the refrigerant.

[0103] The refrigerant may be phase-changed from the superheated gas state to a saturated state in which liquid and gas coexist while the refrigerant is maintained at theoretically the same pressure in the condenser 300.

[0104] The refrigerant flows into the condenser 300 in the superheated state and transfers the heat to the washing water such that the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered. Then, when the refrigerant reaches the saturated state, a proportion of the liquid therein may gradually increase while the refrigerant is maintained theoretically at the same temperature. In this liquefaction process, the refrigerant emits a large amount of latent heat of liquefaction, and the washing water may be heated upon receiving the heat.

[0105] The refrigerant from the condenser 300 may be introduced into the expansion device in the saturated liquid or a super cooled liquid state. Such an expansion device may be provided as, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary device.

[0106] The refrigerant may undergo an adiabatic expansion, i.e., an expansion in which the enthalpy is theoretically constant in the expansion device. In this expansion process, a portion of the refrigerant is vaporized, and accordingly, the pressure of the refrigerant may be lowered. As the portion of the refrigerant is vaporized to dissipate the heat of vaporization to the surroundings, the temperature of the entirety of the refrigerant may be lowered. That is, the refrigerant may be introduced into the evaporator 600 in a state of low temperature and low pressure obtained while flowing through the expansion device.

[0107] When the refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator 600, the proportion of gas in the refrigerant may gradually increase in the evaporator 600 while absorbing the heat from the relatively high temperature surroundings. In the evaporator 600, the proportion of the gas in the refrigerant may gradually increase while the refrigerant is maintained at theoretically the same pressure and the same temperature.

[0108] The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 600 may be introduced into the compressor 500 in a state in which a small amount of liquid is present in the refrigerant or the refrigerant is slightly overheated. The refrigerant introduced into the compressor 500 may circulate through the compressor 500, the condenser 300, the expansion device, and the evaporator 600 while repeating the above-described process again.

[0109] Typically, a refrigeration apparatus uses a principle in which the refrigerant absorbs the heat in the evaporator 600. The heat pump system of an embodiment may use the heat released from the refrigerant in the condenser 300.

[0110] In the heat pump system, the heat exchange occurs between the high temperature refrigerant and the relatively low temperature washing water in the condenser 300, and thus the washing water may be heated. The high-temperature washing water heated by the condenser 300 may wash or rinse the dishes more easily than the washing water at room temperature.

[0111] In this regard, such a heat pump system does not always need to operate while the dishwasher is operating the washing or rinsing process. For example, when the washing or rinsing is performed using the washing water at the room temperature, the compressor 500 does not operate, so that the water at the room temperature may be sprayed to the dishes without heating the washing water.

[0112] Even when the compressor 500 is stopped and the washing water is not heated, the washing water may flow through the condenser 300 and circulate throughout the

[0113] In another embodiment, a bypass flow path bypassing the condenser 300 may be defined. Thus, when the compressor 500 is stopped, the washing water may flow along the bypass flow path to bypass the condenser, thereby improving the performance of the condenser 300 and extending its lifespan.

[0114] FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating components disposed in a base 30 in the dishwasher according to an embodiment. The components constituting the heat pump system may be disposed, for example, under the tub 12.

[0115] The dishwasher may comprise the base 30 disposed under the tub 12. The heat pump system and other devices for driving the dishwasher may be disposed in the base 30. The base 30 has an inner space defined therein positioned under the tub 12, and the inner space may act as a machine room in which various mechanical components are disposed.

[0116] The dishwasher may comprise a mounting portion 40 on which the condenser 300 is mounted. The mounting portion 40 may be disposed in the base 30. The mounting portion 40 may be disposed under the tub 12.

[0117] The mounting portion 40 may be generally formed in a plate shape. Various components may be coupled to an upper surface of the mounting portion 40.

[0118] The mounting portion 40 may be disposed inside the base 30. The mounting portion 40 may be easily removed from the base 30. For example, the mounting portion 40 may be mounted to the base 30 using a fastening means. The fastening means may be unfastened, and the mounting portion 40 may move in a sliding manner as shown by arrows in FIG. 2A and thus may be removed from the base 30.

[0119] While the mounting portion 40 is guided by a guide rail formed on an inner side surface of the base 30, the mounting portion may slide to extend from the base 30.

[0120] The condenser 300 may be disposed on the mounting portion 40. The refrigerant and the washing water may flow in a separate manner in the condenser 300. The refrigerant may be condensed in the condenser 300. The refrigerant may be condensed to release latent heat of condensation such that the washing water may be heated by the heat released from the refrigerant.

[0121] Although not shown, the expansion valve may be disposed at an appropriate position of the mounting portion 40. Since a size of the expansion valve is smaller than a size of each of the other components constituting the heat pump system, the expansion value may be appropriately disposed on a spare space of the mounting portion 40.

[0122] The dishwasher may comprise a water softener device 41 for producing soft water. The water softener device 41 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40. The soft water is water that contains very little minerals such as calcium and magnesium, or does not contain the minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When washing the dishes using the soft water, the washing efficiency of the dishes may be improved, and the lifespan of the dishes may be increased. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the dishes using the soft water as needed.

[0123] In an embodiment, the washing water may be introduced into the water softener device 41, and the water may be converted into the soft water using the water softener device 41, and then the soft water may be used for dishwashing. However, the water softener device 41 is not an essential component of the

[0124] The water softener device 41 may communicate with the sump 100 through a pipe. Accordingly, the water introduced into the water softener device 41 may be softened by the water softener device 41. The soft water discharged from the water softener device 41 may be introduced into the sump 100 and used for washing the dishes.

[0125] The dishwasher may comprise the sump 100 in which the washing water is stored. The sump 100 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40. The sump 100 may be disposed under the tub 12.

[0126] The washing water stored in the sump 100 may flow under an operation of the washing pump 150 and may wash the dishes accommodated in the tub 12 while circulating through the sump 100, the washing pump 150, the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15, and the tub 12.

[0127] In this regard, the washing water is heated by the heat pump system and sprayed from the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15 in a high temperature state to wash or rinse the dishes accommodated in the tub 12, thereby improving washing efficiency.

[0128] In addition, the washing pump 150 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40. In addition, the compressor 500 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40. The compressor 500 may communicate with the condenser 300. The compressor 500 compress the refrigerant.

[0129] In addition, the evaporator 600 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40.

[0130] As described above, the compressor 500, the condenser 300, the expansion device, and the evaporator 600 constituting the heat pump system communicate with each other through pipes, and the refrigerant may undergo phase change such that the temperature and pressure thereof change while circulating through each of the components constituting the heat pump system.

[0131] Meanwhile, when the washing pump 150 operates, the washing water may sequentially flow through the washing pump 150, the condenser 300, the plurality of spray arms 13, 14, and 15, the tub 12, and the sump 100, and may be introduced into the washing pump 150 again and may circulate the above-described components again.

[0132] FIG. 2B is a plan view showing a lid 12c of the tub 12. The lid 12c may constitute a portion of a bottom portion 12b of the tub 12. The lid 12c may separate the tub 12 from the sump 100. The lid 12c may be detachably coupled to the tub 12.

[0133] The lid 12c may be coupled with a filter 110. Thus, removing the lid 12c from the tub 12 may also cause the filter 110 to be removed from the tub 12 together with the lid.

[0134] The lid 12c may serve as a screen filter. A surface of the lid 12c has a mesh structure having smaller gaps than gaps of the mesh of the filter 110, so that the water of the tub 12 may be drained to the sump 100 disposed thereunder, and may serve as a filtering means. However, the mesh surface of the lid is not disclosed in the drawings because the mesh is very fine. This mesh surface of the lid serves only to help the water drainage. The filter 110 performs the role of a substantial filtering means for filtering the washing water circulating in the

[0135] A mesh-shaped communication portion may be formed on top of the filter 110. The washing water sprayed from the tub 12 and used to wash the dishes and dropped onto the bottom portion 12b of the tub 12 may be introduced into the sump 100 through the communication portion. The communication portion may have a plurality of through-holes 111 through which the washing water flows. The plurality of through-holes 111 may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the column and row directions in the plan view of the communication portion.

[0136] The through-hole 111 may serve to filter the foreign substances accumulated on the bottom portion 12b of the tub 12 so as not to be introduced into the sump 100. However, if the diameter of each of the through-holes 111 is too small, the washing water may not smoothly flow into the sump 100. Accordingly, some of the foreign substances contained in the washing water having a small size may pass through the through-hole 111 and be introduced into the sump 100.

[0137] Since the foreign substances contained in the washing water introduced into the sump 100 circulate through the washing water circulation system, the foreign substances may be introduced into the condenser 300. When such foreign substances accumulate inside the condenser 300, the foreign substances may interfere with the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water in the condenser 300 and may interfere with the flow of the washing water.

[0138] Accordingly, it is necessary to suppress the phenomenon that the such foreign matters are not discharged from the condenser 300 but are accumulated in the condenser 300. A structure related thereto will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0139] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting portion 40 into which the condenser 300 is mounted according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the condenser 300 according to an embodiment.

[0140] The dishwasher may comprise the tub 12 in which dishes are accommodated. The dishwasher may comprise the condenser 300 disposed under the tub 12. The washing water and the refrigerant may flow in the condenser 300 in a separate manner. The washing water and the refrigerant may exchange heat with each other while flowing separately from each other in the condenser 300.

[0141] The condenser 300 according to an embodiment may comprise a housing 310 defining an outer shape. The housing 310 may be constructed such that the washing water and the refrigerant flow separately therein.

[0142] The condenser 300 may comprise a tube 320 received inside the housing 310. The refrigerant may flow through the tube 320.

[0143] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the tube 320 disposed in the condenser 300. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the condenser 300.

[0144] The tube 320 may have a structure in which each of tube portions is wound in a spiral coil manner 321. Due to this structure, an outer surface area of the tube 320 may be effectively increased. Accordingly, a heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing through the tube 320 and the washing water flowing through the housing 310 may increase. Accordingly, heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water may be improved.

[0145] In addition, due to this structure, the flow path length of the refrigerant may be significantly increased inside the condenser 300. Accordingly, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the condenser 300 may increase, and a time duration for which the refrigerant stays in the condenser 300 may increase. Accordingly, heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water may be improved.

[0146] In addition, when the length of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 is further increased to further increase the heat exchange area and the time for which the refrigerant stays, the heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water may be further improved.

[0147] To this end, in an embodiment, the tube 320 may be wound to form a plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the diameter direction of the housing 310 around the center of the housing 310.

[0148] For example, the tube 320 may comprise a first cylindrical structure of a generally cylindrical shape in which a first tube portion is first wound at a first predetermined position in the diameter direction of the housing 310 around the center thereof. The tube 320 may comprise a second cylindrical structure of a generally cylindrical shape in which a second tube portion is wound at a second predetermined position outwardly of the first predetermined position in the diameter direction of the housing 310 around the center thereof. In this manner, the tube 320 may comprise of an n-th cylindrical structure of a generally cylindrical structure in which an n-th tube portion is wound at a n-th predetermined position outwardly of a (n−1)-th predetermined position in the diameter direction of the housing 310 around the center thereof.

[0149] In this regard, the plurality of cylindrical structures are illustrated as, for example, three cylindrical structures in FIG. 6. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The plurality of cylindrical structures may be provided as two cylindrical structures or four or more cylindrical structures in consideration of the volume of the housing 310, the cross-sectional area of the tube 320, and the like.

[0150] Since the tube 320 has the structure in which the plurality of cylindrical structures are arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing 310, the total length of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 may be significantly increased. Accordingly, the heat exchange area of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 may be significantly increased. In addition, the time duration for which the refrigerant stays in the condenser 300 may be significantly increased. Accordingly, the heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the washing water in the condenser 300 may be significantly improved.

[0151] Each of the plurality of tube portions constituting the tube 320 may be wound to form a plurality of coils 321 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300. Due to this structure, the coils 321 constituting each of the plurality of cylindrical structures as described above may continuously extend in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300.

[0152] The coils 321 may be arranged in a staggered manner along the diameter direction of the condenser 300 such that an area by which the coils 321 adjacent to each other in the diameter direction of the condenser 300 overlap with each other in the diameter direction of the condenser 300 is reduced. Accordingly, a spacing between the coils 321 adjacent to each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be increased.

[0153] Accordingly, a spacing between the coils 321 adjacent to each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be larger than a spacing D3 between the coils adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing. This structure may reduce a total volume of the coils 321 compared to the case where the coils 321 are arranged in an non-staggered manner in the radial direction of the housing. This may reduce the internal flow resistance in the condenser 300 and effectively prevent the foreign substances from being trapped inside the condenser 300.

[0154] However, in another embodiment, the coils 321 may be aligned with each other in a line or be arranged in a non-staggered manner in the diameter direction of the housing in consideration of various design conditions such as manufacturing convenience.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the condenser 300 in a direction different from a direction in which the condenser is viewed in FIG. 6.

[0156] A structure in which the tube 320 is wound to form the plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be formed, for example, in the following manner.

[0157] Each of first to n-th tube portions constituting the tube 320 extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner to form each of first to n-th cylindrical structures sequentially arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing.

[0158] In this regard, the first cylindrical structure may be the innermost cylindrical structure and the n-th cylindrical structure may be the innermost cylindrical structure. Thus, the diameter of the first cylindrical structure is the smallest while a diameter of the n-th cylindrical structure may be the largest.

[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 7 in which the cross-section in the diameter direction of the condenser 300 is viewed in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300, the tube 320 may be shown as a structure wound in a spiral shape.

[0160] For example, an outer portion of the tube 300 continuously extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner in the outer area in the diameter direction of the housing to form the outer cylindrical structure having a large diameter.

[0161] In addition, as the outer portion of the tube 300 continuously extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner in the outer area in the diameter direction of the housing, a diameter of the outer portion of the tube may be maintained to be constant. The diameter of the outer cylindrical structure may be constant as the outer cylindrical structure extends in the length direction of the housing.

[0162] For example, an inner portion of the tube 300 continuously extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner in the inner area in the diameter direction of the housing to form the inner cylindrical structure having a small diameter.

[0163] In addition, as the inner portion of the tube 300 continuously extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner in the inner area in the diameter direction of the housing, a diameter of the inner portion of the tube may be maintained to be constant. The diameter of the inner cylindrical structure may be constant as the inner cylindrical structure extends in the length direction of the housing.

[0164] In other words, each of the first to n-th tube portions constituting the tube 320 extends in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in the spiral manner to form each of the first to n-th cylindrical structures sequentially arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing. In this case, as the first to n-th cylindrical structures are arranged outwardly from the center of the housing in the radial direction of the housing in this order, the diameters of the first to n-th cylindrical structures may sequentially increase.

[0165] In addition, the diameter of each of the first to n-th cylindrical structures may be constant as each of the first to n-th cylindrical structures extends in the length direction of the housing.

[0166] Due to this structure, as shown in FIG. 6 in which the cross-section in the length direction of the housing 310 of the condenser 300 is viewed in the diameter direction thereof, the tube 320 may be formed such that a plurality of coils 321 wound in the spiral manner constitutes each of the plurality of cylindrical structures arranged in the diameter of the housing.

[0167] In another embodiment, the tube 320 may extend in the length direction of the housing so as to be wound in a spiral shape around the center of the housing 310 to form a cylindrical structure such that the diameter of the cylindrical structure gradually increases as the cylindrical structure extends in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300,

[0168] Accordingly, the plurality of cylindrical structures may be arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing such that the diameter of each of the cylindrical structures of the tube 320 gradually increases as each cylindrical structure extends in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300.

[0169] Further, the diameter of each cylindrical structure has reached the maximum value at a specific position in the length direction of the housing. From the specific position, each cylindrical structure further extends in the length direction of the housing such that the diameter of each of the cylindrical structures of the tube 320 gradually decreases as each cylindrical structure extends in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300,

[0170] As each of the cylindrical structures of the tube 320 extends in the length direction of the condenser 300 along the entire length thereof, the sections in which the diameter of each of the cylindrical structures of the tube 320 gradually decreases and the sections in which the diameter of each of the cylindrical structures of the tube 320 gradually increases may be repeatedly arranged in the length direction of the housing.

[0171] In addition, in order to further increase the total length of the tube 320 in the condenser 300, the tube 320 extends from one side of the condenser 300 in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300 to the other side thereof so as to be spirally wound, and extends from the other side to one side thereof so as to be spirally wound again in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300.

[0172] When the tube 320 is wound in this way, the tube 320 may be formed in the form of a very dense coil 321 inside the housing 310 of the condenser 300. Accordingly, the length and the heat exchange area of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 may be significantly improved.

[0173] Due to the winding structure of the tube 320, the length and heat exchange area of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 may be significantly improved.

[0174] The condenser 300 may comprise a cap 325 detachably coupled to one open side of the housing 310. A refrigerant inlet portion 331 and a refrigerant outlet portion 332 through which the tube 320 passes may be formed on the cap 325.

[0175] The refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 of the refrigerant may be disposed on the same side of the condenser 300, such that the total extension length of the tube 320 in the condenser 300 may be further increased compared to the case where the refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 are disposed on both opposing sides in the length direction of the condenser 300, respectively. Accordingly, as described above, the heat exchange performance of the condenser 300 may be effectively improved.

[0176] The housing 310 may be provided in a cylindrical shape in which a hollow space is formed. The cap 325 coupled to the housing 310 may have a cross-sectional shape in the diameter corresponding to the cross-sectional shape in the diameter of the housing 310.

[0177] The cap 325 may comprise a closing end portion 3251 coupled to the housing 310 to close one side of the housing 310.

[0178] The cap 325 may comprise an extension coupling portion 3252 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from an circumference of the closed end portion 3251 in the length direction of the housing. The extension coupling portion 3252 may be coupled to the outer circumference surface of the housing 310.

[0179] The extension coupling portion 3252 and the housing 310 may be coupled to each other, for example, in an interference fit manner. In another example, the extension coupling portion 3252 and the housing 310 may be coupled to each other in a screw coupling manner.

[0180] In addition, a sealing member may be disposed between the extension coupling portion 3252 and the housing 310 to effectively suppress water leakage between the extension coupling portion 3252 and the housing 310.

[0181] Due to the structure of the cap 325 and the housing 310 described above, the cap 325 may be easily removed from and coupled to the housing 310. Accordingly, in order to repair the condenser 300 or remove the foreign substances accumulated in the condenser 300, the operator may easily remove the cap 325 and the housing 310. Therefore, convenience may be provided to the worker.

[0182] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the flow of washing water in the condenser 300 with an arrow. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a condenser of another embodiment.

[0183] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of washing water in the condenser 300 with an arrow. In FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the flow shape and flow direction of the washing water are shown by arrows.

[0184] The washing water may flow in a space other than the space occupied with the tube 320 inside the housing 310 to exchange heat with the refrigerant. The condenser 300 may be provided with a washing water inflow / outflow portion through which the washing water is introduced into and is discharged out of the cap 325 and the housing 310.

[0185] The condenser 300 may comprise a first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326 formed to extend through the cap 325. The washing water may be introduced into or discharged from the housing through the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326.

[0186] The condenser 300 may comprise a second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327 formed to extend through the housing 310. The washing water may be introduced into or discharged from the housing through the second washing water inflow / outflow 327.

[0187] The washing water may be introduced into the housing through the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326 and discharged from the housing through the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327. Alternatively, the washing water may be introduced into the housing through the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327 and discharged from the housing through the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326. The inflow / outflow position of the washing water in the condenser 300 may be appropriately selected according to design.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 8A, in the condenser 300 according to an embodiment, the refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 may be formed on one side of the condenser 300, for example, the cap 325.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 8B, in the condenser 300 according to another embodiment, the refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 may be formed on both opposing sides in the length direction of the condenser 300, respectively. For example, the refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 may be formed on the cap 325 and the housing 310, respectively.

[0190] The positions of the refrigerant inlet portion 331 and the refrigerant outlet portion 332 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be appropriately selected in consideration of the arrangement structure, the position, a total length, and the like of the portion of the tube 320 outside the condenser 300.

[0191] In FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the washing water may be introduced into the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326, and the washing water may be discharged from the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327.

[0192] To the country, in FIG. 13, which will be described later, the washing water may be introduced into the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327, and the washing water may be discharged from the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326.

[0193] The first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326 may be formed to outwardly protrude from an outer circumference surface of the cap 325 linearly in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the cap 325.

[0194] The second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327 may be disposed at the other end opposite to one end of the housing 310 to which the cap 325 is coupled. The second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327 may be formed to outwardly protrude from the outer circumference surface of the housing 310 in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the housing 310.

[0195] Since the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326 and the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327 are disposed on edges of the outer circumference surfaces of the cap 325 and the housing 310, respectively, the washing water introduced into the condenser 300 may flow in a whirlwind shape or a spiral shape.

[0196] Due to this flow shape of the wash water, convective heat transfer of the washing water in the condenser 300 may occur actively. Accordingly, the washing water may have a uniform temperature distribution throughout the condenser 300.

[0197] This may prevent a temperature difference between the temperature of the washing water in the portion of the condenser 300 in contact with the tube 320 and the washing water in the portion thereof not in contact with the tube 320 from occurring. Accordingly, the heat exchange performance of the condenser 300 may be effectively improved.

[0198] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a sub-plate 42 is mounted on the mounting portion 40. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sub-plate 42 is removed from the mounting portion 40.

[0199] The dishwasher may comprise the base 30 disposed under the tub 12.

[0200] The dishwasher may comprise the mounting portion 40 disposed in the base 30. The condenser 300 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40.

[0201] The dishwasher may comprise the sub-plate 42 disposed on the mounting portion 40. The sub-plate 42 may be constructed to be removable from the mounting portion 40. The condenser 300 may be disposed on the sub-plate 42.

[0202] The sub-plate 42 may be generally formed in a plate shape. The components constituting the heat pump system may be disposed on the sub-plate 42. As described above, the condenser 300 may be disposed on the sub-plate 42.

[0203] In addition, the compressor 500 communicating with the condenser 300 and compressing the refrigerant may be disposed on the sub-plate 42. The expansion device 700 communicating with the condenser 300 and expanding the refrigerant may be disposed on the sub-plate 42. The evaporator 600 communicating with the expansion device 700 and evaporating the refrigerant may be disposed on the sub-plate 42.

[0204] That is, the compressor 500, the condenser 300, the expansion device 700, and the evaporator 600 constituting the heat pump system may be disposed on the sub-plate 42.

[0205] Each of the components constituting the heat pump system requires continuous maintenance to maintain the performance thereof. For example, the compressor 500 has a component that rotates at high speed, so that there is a possibility of failure thereof, and repair is required for good operation thereof. In addition, there is a possibility of leakage of the refrigerant, and it may be necessary to supplement the refrigerant to the heat pump system.

[0206] For this reason, each of the components constituting the heat pump system may be taken out of the base 30 for maintenance thereof.

[0207] If each of the components of the heat pump system is fixedly mounted on the mounting portion 40, removing the entirety of the mounting portion 40 having a relatively large area on which the components such as the washing pump 150 and the sump 100 are mounted from the base 30 is required. This causes inconvenience to the operator.

[0208] Therefore, when only the heat pump system may be separately withdrawn or extended from the base 30, the work of maintaining and repairing the components of the heat pump system may be very convenient.

[0209] Accordingly, in an embodiment, all of the heat pump system components may be disposed on the sub-plate 42, and the sub-plate 42 having a much smaller area than that of the mounting portion 40 may be removed from the mounting portion 40. Accordingly, maintenance work of the components of the heat pump system may be easily and smoothly performed.

[0210] The sub-plate 42 may be disposed on the mounting portion 40. The sub-plate 42 may slide on and along the mounting portion 40 so as to be mounted on the mounting portion 40 or to be easily removed from the mounting portion 40.

[0211] In this regard, the sub-plate 42 may be stably coupled to the mounting portion 40 by a coupling mechanism such as a screw or the like. Accordingly, the components disposed on the sub-plate 42 may be stably mounted on the mounting portion 40 and may operate in a stable manner. The sub-plate 42 may be easily removed from the mounting portion 40 by disassembling the coupling mechanism.

[0212] The sump 100 disposed under the tub 12 and storing therein the washing water may be mounted on the mounting portion 40. The washing pump 150 fluid-communicating with the sump 100 and transferring the washing water may be mounted on the mounting portion 40.

[0213] The sump 100 may occupy a large space on the mounting portion 40, and the washing pump 150 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the sump 100 on the mounting portion 40. The sump 100 may be disposed on the center area of the mounting portion 40.

[0214] Accordingly, the sub-plate 42 needs to have an appropriate structure so that the sub-plate 42 may be easily removed from the mounting portion 40 without being interfered with the sump 100 occupying the large space on the mounting portion and disposed on the center area of the mounting portion 40 and the washing water.

[0215] The sump 100 and the washing pump 150 may be disposed on the central portion of the mounting portion 40.

[0216] The sub-plate 42 may be disposed at a position avoiding the sump 100 and the washing pump 150. At least a portion of the sub-plate 42 may be disposed so as to overlap a front area of the mounting portion 40.

[0217] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one portion of the sub-plate 42 may overlap, for example, the front area of the mounting portion 40, and the other portion thereof may overlap one side area of the mounting portion. Thus, an entirety of the sub-plate may be generally provided in a “L” shape. Due to this shape, the sub-plate 42 may be mounted on the mounting portion 40 so as to avoid the sump 100 and the condenser 300.

[0218] The dishwasher may be generally installed indoors in a built-in manner. Therefore, when the dishwasher is not moved, only the front portion of the dishwasher may be exposed to the user.

[0219] Thus, the sub-plate 42 is withdrawn out of or extends from the dishwasher in the frontward direction to repair the components of the heat pump system mounted thereon. This is very convenient for the operator or the user.

[0220] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-plate 42 may be disposed so as to overlap the front portion of the mounting portion 40. Accordingly, when the user or the operator in front of the dishwasher opens the front cover covering the base 30 in the front area of the dishwasher, the front portion of the sub-plate 42 is directly gripped by the hand of the user or the operator, and thus the sub-plate 42 may be easily withdrawn out of or extend from the base 30 and the mounting portion 40. Accordingly, convenience may be provided to the work.

[0221] The expansion device 700 and the evaporator 600 may be disposed to overlap each other in the up-down direction of the dishwasher. The expansion device 700 having a relatively small volume may be disposed on top of the evaporator 600 having a relatively large volume.

[0222] Due to this structure, the evaporator 600 may not occupy a separate space on the sub-plate 42. Accordingly, the size of the sub-plate 42 may be reduced, and the volume efficiency of the sub-plate 42 may be increased.

[0223] The expansion device 700 may be formed in a structure in which relatively thin pipes made of a metal material are respectively connected to both opposing sides of a body of the expansion device. In addition, the expansion device 700 may be disposed on top of the evaporator 600 so as to be spaced apart from the evaporator 600.

[0224] Accordingly, due to this structure, when the expansion device 700 is subjected to an external impact, the connection pipe may be damaged or the expansion device 700 may be damaged. Therefore, there is a need for a structure capable of stably supporting the expansion device 700.

[0225] In an embodiment, a support plate 43 on which the expansion device 700 is seated may be disposed between the expansion device 700 and the evaporator 600.

[0226] The support plate 43 may be formed in a plate shape and may be coupled to an upper surface of the evaporator 600 having an approximately hexahedral shape by a coupling mechanism such as a screw.

[0227] The expansion device 700 may be seated on the upper surface of the support plate 43 so as to be in contact with the support plate 43. Accordingly, the expansion device 700 may be stably supported by the support plate 43.

[0228] Accordingly, even when an external impact is applied to the expansion device 700, damage to the expansion device 700 or the pipe connected thereto may be effectively suppressed.

[0229] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the washing pump 150 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the washing pump 150 and the condenser 300 are connected to each other.

[0230] The heat pump system may operate when heated washing water is supplied to the tub 12. Washing water at room temperature that is not heated during the operation of the dishwasher may be supplied to the tub 12 under the operation of the washing pump 150.

[0231] Therefore, only when the washing water is heated, the heat pump system may operate and the washing water may be supplied to the condenser 300. When the washing water at room temperature is supplied to the tub 12, it is reasonable not to supply the washing water to the condenser 300 and not to operate the heat pump system.

[0232] To this end, the washing pump 150 needs a structure that is selectively opened and closed and selectively supplies the washing water to the condenser 300.

[0233] The washing pump 150 may comprise a discharge portion 152 communicating with one of the first washing water inflow / outflow portion 326 and the second washing water inflow / outflow portion 327. The discharge portion 152 may supply the washing water to the condenser 300.

[0234] The discharge portion 152 may be provided in the washing pump 150 separately from a water outlet portion 151 communicating with the spray arms 13, 14, and 15 provided in the tub 12. The discharge portion 152 may be connected to the washing water inflow / outflow portion of the condenser 300 via a discharge pipe 153.

[0235] Accordingly, when the washing water at room temperature is supplied to the tub 12, the discharge portion 152 may be closed, and the washing water may be discharged through the water outlet portion 151 to be supplied to the spray arms 13, 14, and 15 and the tub 12.

[0236] When the heated washing water is supplied to the tub 12, the discharge portion 152 may be opened and the water outlet portion 151 may be closed. The washing water may be introduced into the condenser 300 through the discharge portion 152 and the discharge pipe 153 and be heated in the condenser 300.

[0237] The washing water inflow / outflow portion of the condenser 300 may communicate with the spray arms 13, 14, and 15. The washing water heated in the condenser 300 may be discharged from the condenser 300 again and then be supplied to the spray arms 13, 14, and 15 and the tub 12.

[0238] Hereinafter, a structure capable of suppressing the accumulation of the foreign substances in the condenser 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0239] The dishwasher may comprise a filter 110 mounted at the sump 100. The filter 110 may filter the washing water to be collected toward the sump 100.

[0240] The washing water may flow in the inner space of the housing 310 of the condenser 300 to. The foreign substances contained in the washing water may flow through the washing water flow space.

[0241] The foreign substances may be attached to and accumulated on the surface of the housing 310 or the tube 320 in the washing water flow space. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the foreign matter from accumulating thereon.

[0242] Accordingly, in an embodiment, a first distance D1 defined as the shortest linear distance between the inner side surface of the housing 310 and the outer side surface of the outermost cylindrical structure of the tube 320 may be equal to or be greater than a diameter of each of the through-holes 111 formed in the filter 110 and through which the washing water flows.

[0243] When the maximum diameter of the foreign substance is greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111, the foreign substance contained in the washing water may be filtered by the filter 110 while the washing water is flowing through the through-holes 111. Accordingly, the foreign substances contained in the washing water introduced into the condenser 300 through the through-hole 111 may have the maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0244] The first distance D1 defined as the shortest linear distance between the inner side surface of the housing 310 and the outer side surface of the outermost cylindrical structure of the tube 320 may be equal to or be greater than the maximum diameter of the foreign substances introduced into the condenser 300. Accordingly, the foreign substances may smoothly flow through the washing water flow space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substances and may not be attached to the surface of the housing 310 or the tube 320. For this reason, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 1, the filter 110 may further comprise a cup-shaped mesh structure in addition to the structure in which the through-holes 111 are formed in the communication portion. Accordingly, the foreign substances passing through the through-hole 111 are caught again in the cup-shaped mesh structure, and finally, the maximum diameter of the foreign substances having passed through the filter 110 and having flowed into the condenser 300 may be much smaller than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0246] Thus, when the first distance D1 is equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111, the size of the foreign substances introduced into the condenser 300 will be much smaller than the first distance D1. Accordingly, the first distance D1 being sized to be equal to or larger than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111 may result in a remarkable effect in suppressing the accumulation of the foreign substances in the condenser 300.

[0247] In an embodiment, a second distance D2 defined by the shortest straight distance between the outer surfaces of adjacent ones of the plurality of cylindrical structures spaced apart from each other in the diameter direction of the housing 310 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0248] Since the tube 320 is wound to form the plurality of cylindrical structures as described above, the foreign matter may also be trapped in between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical structures. Therefore, the second distance D2 as the shortest distance between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical structures spaced from each other in the diameter direction of the housing may be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111 as the first distance D1 is equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0249] Accordingly, the foreign substances may smoothly flow in a space between the neighboring coils 321 formed as a space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substance, and may not be attached to the outer surface of the coil 321. In this way, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300.

[0250] In an embodiment, the third distance D3 defined by the shortest straight distance between the outer surfaces of the coils 321 adjacent to each other in the length direction of the housing may be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0251] In this case, the coils 321 being adjacent to each other means that one coil 321 is wound in a spiral shape so that a portion of the coil 321 and another portion thereof are disposed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 300.

[0252] In the condenser 300, the foreign matter may also be caught in between the coils 321 adjacent to each other. Accordingly, as the first distance D1 or the second distance D2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111, the third distance D3 between the coils 321 adjacent to each other in the length direction of the housing may be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0253] Accordingly, the foreign substance may smoothly flow in the space between the neighboring coils 321 formed as a space of the size larger than the size of the foreign substance, and may not be attached to the outer surface of the coil 321. In this way, the foreign substances may be effectively prevented from accumulating in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300.

[0254] In an embodiment, the condenser 300 may be manufactured to have the first distance D1, the second distance D2, and the third distance D3 of the above designed values. However, in the process of installing the condenser 300 into the dishwasher or in the process of using the dishwasher, deformation occurs in the condenser 300, and thus each of the first distance D1, the second distance D2 or the third distance D3 may be smaller than the design value thereof.

[0255] In consideration of this size change, the first distance D1, the second distance D2 or the third distance D3 may be sufficiently larger than the diameter of each of the through-holes 111 to effectively suppress the accumulation of foreign substances in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300.

[0256] Accordingly, in an embodiment, at least one of the first distance D1 or the second distance D2 may be sized to be in a range of 1.5 to 2.5 times of the diameter of each of the through-holes 111.

[0257] A shape of the through-hole 111 of the filter 110 may be circular, quadrilateral or rhombic. Assuming that the shape of the through-hole 111 of the filter 110 is a square, a size of a diagonal line thereof will be 1.4 times (square root of 2) of a length of one side thereof. Therefore, considering the tolerance, 1.5 times is the minimum value of the range of the ratio between at least one of the first distance D1 or the second distance D2 and the diameter of each of the through-holes 111. Even when the through-hole 111 has a circular shape, 1.5 times is the appropriate minimum value of the range of the ratio between at least one of the first distance D1 or the second distance D2 and the diameter of each of the through-holes 111, in consideration of the fact that the foreign substances having passed through the through-hole 111 swells due to the washing water and increases in volume.

[0258] Due to this structure, the foreign substances may smoothly flow in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300 as sufficiently larger compared to the size of the foreign substances. In addition, the first distance D1, the second distance D2 or the third distance D3 is sufficiently large, such that even if the first distance D1, the second distance D2 or the third distance D3 is slightly smaller than the design value thereof in the installation or operation of the condenser 300, a space sized such that the foreign substances may smoothly pass therethrough may be sufficiently secured.

[0259] Accordingly, the accumulation of the foreign substances in the washing water flow space of the condenser 300 may be effectively prevented.

[0260] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings illustrated in the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present disclosure, and it is obvious that various modifications may be made thereto by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, even when the effects according to the configuration of the present disclosure are not explicitly described and set forth while describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is obvious that the predictable effects therefrom should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising:a tub constructed to accommodate therein dishes; anda condenser disposed under the tub, wherein washing water and refrigerant flow separately in the condenser,wherein the condenser comprises:a housing defining an outer shape of the condenser and constructed that the washing water and the refrigerant flow separately therein; anda tube received inside the housing, wherein the refrigerant flows in and along the tube,wherein the tube is wound to form a plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a diameter direction of the housing,wherein each of plurality of cylindrical structures includes each of a plurality of tube portions of the tube,wherein each of the plurality of tube portions extends in a longitudinal direction of the housing so as to be wound in a spiral coil manner around a center of the housing to form each of the plurality of cylindrical structures.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tube portions of the tube is wound in the spiral coil manner to form a plurality of coils arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein respective diameters of the plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially increases as the plurality of cylindrical structures are sequentially arranged outwardly in the diameter direction of the housing.

4. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the respective diameters of the plurality of cylindrical structures sequentially decreases as the plurality of cylindrical structures are sequentially arranged inwardly in the diameter direction of the housing.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the condenser comprises a cap detachably coupled to one open side of the housing,wherein a refrigerant inlet portion and a refrigerant outlet portion through which the tube passes are formed in the cap.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the housing is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow space,wherein the cap comprises:a closed end portion coupled to the housing to close the one open side of the housing; andan extension coupling portion formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from a circumference of the closed end portion, wherein the extension coupling portion is coupled to an outer circumference surface of the housing.

7. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the condenser comprises:a first washing water inflow / outflow portion formed to extend through the cap, wherein the washing water is introduced into or discharged from the housing through the first washing water inflow / outflow portion; anda second washing water inflow / outflow portion formed to extend through the housing, wherein the washing water is introduced into or discharged from the housing through the second washing water inflow / outflow portion.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the first washing water inflow / outflow portion is formed to outwardly protrude from an outer circumference surface of the cap linearly in a direction intersecting a circumferential direction of the cap,wherein the second washing water inflow / outflow portion is disposed at the other end opposite to one end of the housing to which the cap is coupled,wherein the second washing water inflow / outflow portion is formed to outwardly protrude from the outer circumference surface of the housing in a direction intersecting a circumferential direction of the housing.

9. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dishwasher further comprises:a base disposed under the tub;a mounting portion disposed in the base; anda sub-plate mounted on the mounting portion and constructed to be removable from the mounting portion, wherein the condenser is mounted on the sub-plate.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the dishwasher further comprises:a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein the washing water; anda washing pump fluid-communicating with the sump and configured to transfer the washing water,wherein the sump and the washing pump are mounted on the mounting portion,wherein the sump and the washing pump are disposed on a central area of the mounting portion,wherein the sub-plate is disposed on the mounting portion at a position avoiding the sump and the washing pump,wherein at least a portion of the sub-plate is disposed on a front area of the mounting portion.

11. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the dishwasher further comprises:a compressor fluid-communicating with the condenser and configured to compress the refrigerant;an expansion device fluid-communicating with the condenser and configured to expand the refrigerant; andan evaporator fluid-communicating with the expansion device and configured to evaporate the refrigerant,wherein the compressor, the expansion device, and the evaporator are mounted on the sub-plate.

12. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the expansion device and the evaporator are disposed to overlap each other in an up-down direction of the dishwasher,wherein a support plate on which the expansion device is seated is disposed between the expansion device and the evaporator.

13. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the dishwasher further comprises:a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein the washing water; anda filter mounted at the sump and configured to filter washing water to be collected toward the sump, wherein through-holes through which the washing water flows are formed in the filter,wherein a first distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between an inner side surface of the housing and an outer side surface of an outermost cylindrical structure among the plurality of cylindrical structures is sized to be equal to or greater than a diameter of each of the through-holes.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein a second distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between adjacent ones of the plurality of cylindrical structures spaced apart from each other in the diameter direction of the housing is sized to be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

15. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein a third distance defined as a shortest straight line distance between the coils adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing is sized to be equal to or greater than the diameter of each of the through-holes.

16. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the dishwasher further comprises:a sump disposed under the tub and constructed to store therein the washing water; anda washing pump fluid-communicating with the sump and configured to transfer the washing water,wherein the washing pump comprises a water discharge portion fluid-communicating with one of the first or second washing water inflow / outflow portion and constructed to selectively supply the washing water to the condenser.

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