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 one open side 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 portion of a casing is 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 Feb. 25, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0032609, filed on Mar. 13, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0042750, filed on Apr. 2, 2025, and No. 10-2025-0093499, filed on Jul. 11, 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 one open side 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 portion of a casing is 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 LITERATUREPatent Document

[0010] (Patent Document 001) Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 118806186SUMMARY

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 to the base should undergo a relatively complicated process.

[0015] 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 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.

[0016] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. Thus, 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 one open side 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 portion of a casing is disassembled from the dishwasher without the need to remove a tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving convenience of maintenance and repair.

[0017] In addition, a second purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that a heat pump system is modularized by collectively fastening and fixing at least a compressor, an evaporator, and an expansion valve among components of the heat pump system to a single module base, thereby greatly simplifying a process for assembling and fastening the heat pump module to the base.

[0018] In addition, a third purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that at least the compressor, the evaporator, and the expansion valve among the components of the heat pump system are collectively fastened and fixed to a single module base, such that a means for individually fastening and fixing the components of the heat pump system may be omitted and the structure of the base may be very simplified.

[0019] In addition, a fourth purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher configured such that the modularized heat pump system is constructed to slidably extend from or retract into the base in a horizontal direction, thereby remarkably improving the convenience of the extending and retracting process of the heat pump system from and into the base for maintenance and repair of the heat pump system.

[0020] 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.

[0021] A dishwasher according to the present disclosure comprises a tub having a washing space defined therein and accommodating dishes therein; a base disposed under the tub; a sump disposed between the base and the tub and configured to store therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; and a heat pump module configured to heat washing water to be supplied to the sump, wherein the heat pump module may be disposed in the base and may be configured to extend from or retract into the base through an open one side surface of the base.

[0022] Further, the heat pump module may be configured to extend from or retract into the base while sliding in a left-right direction.

[0023] Further, the dishwasher may further comprise a water jacket storing therein washing water supplied thereto from an external water source, wherein the water jacket may be disposed on the other side surface of the base opposite to the one side surface thereof around the sump.

[0024] Further, the heat pump module may include: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the sump; an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a module base on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted, wherein the module base may be detachably coupled to the base.

[0025] Further, the heat pump module may be constructed to entirely and at-once extend and retract from and into the base in a state in which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator have been mounted on the module base.

[0026] Further, the compressor and the evaporator may be disposed in rear of the sump.

[0027] Further, the condenser may be disposed in rear of the sump.

[0028] Further, the condenser mounted on the module base may be oriented such that a front-rear direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

[0029] Further, the condenser may be disposed in front of the sump.

[0030] Further, the module base may include a portion extending in a left-right direction, wherein the condenser may be disposed on the portion extending in the left-right direction.

[0031] Further, the portion of the module base extending in the left-right direction may extend toward the other side surface of the base opposite to the one side surface thereof so as to support the condenser thereon.

[0032] Further, the condenser mounted on the module base may be oriented such that a left-right direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

[0033] Further, the heat pump module may include: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the sump; an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; and a module base on which the compressor and the evaporator are mounted, wherein the module base may be detachably coupled to the base.

[0034] Further, the heat pump module may be constructed to entirely and at-once extend and retract from and into the base in a state in which the compressor and the evaporator have been mounted on the module base.

[0035] Further, the condenser may be coupled to and supported on the base.

[0036] Further, the base may include a condenser supporter supporting the condenser so as to be maintained in a fixed manner at a position spaced apart from a bottom surface portion of the base in an upward direction.

[0037] Further, the condenser may be disposed in front of the sump.

[0038] Further, the condenser may be mounted on the module base and may be oriented such that a left-right direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

[0039] Further, the heat pump module may be disposed on the base so as to surround three side surfaces of the sump.

[0040] Further, the three side surfaces may be a front side surface, a rear side surface, and the one side surface.

[0041] Further, the dishwasher may further comprise a main control panel configured to control power to be supplied to the compressor to control an operation of the compressor, wherein the main control panel may be detachably coupled to the module base.

[0042] In the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, 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 portion of a casing is disassembled from the dishwasher without the need to remove a tub from the base, thereby remarkably improving convenience of maintenance and repair.

[0043] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, a process for assembling and fastening the heat pump module to the base may be greatly simplified.

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

[0045] In addition, in the dishwasher according to the present disclosure, the structure of the base may be very simplified.

[0046] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure may be configured such that the modularized heat pump system is constructed to slidably extend from or retract into the base in a horizontal direction, thereby remarkably improving the convenience of the extending and retracting process of the heat pump system from and into the base for maintenance and repair of the heat pump system.

[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 the heat pump module constituting the dishwasher according to the present disclosure extends from and retracts into a base through one open side surface of the base.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a heat pump module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the heat pump module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in the base.

[0055] FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views illustrating a process in which the heat pump module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is removed from the base and extends therefrom.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heat pump module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a heat pump module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in the base.

[0058] FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan views illustrating a process in which the heat pump module according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is removed from the base and extends therefrom.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a heat pump module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a heat pump module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in the base.

[0061] FIGS. 16 to 21 are a plan view and a front perspective view illustrating a process in which the heat pump module according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is removed from the base and extends therefrom.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] For example, the casing 10 may include an upper panel 11, a left side panel 12, and a right side panel 13 respectively defining an upper surface, a left surface, and a right surface of the outer appearance of the dishwasher 1.

[0075] 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.

[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 that stores therein 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] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In one example, the water sprayer may be constructed to spray the washing water to the dishes stored in the dish rack set 50.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The dish rack 50 for storing the dish therein may be disposed in the washing space 21.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In one example, the door 30 is constructed to open / close the open front surface of the tub 20 as described above.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In one example, a rear panel 30b 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, a detergent supply device 200 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.

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 of the dishes may be significantly improved compared to a conventional dishwasher.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] In one example, the base 90 may provide an accommodation space in which components of the dishwasher 1 such as the sump 41 are accommodated.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] As will be described later, the heat pump system provided in the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be disposed in the inner space of the base 90 in a modularized state.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] A detailed configuration of the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.Schematic Configuration of Heat Pump Apparatus

[0140] 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.

[0141] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump module 100.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 accommodation space 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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 to generate the airflow.

[0156] As will be described later, the blower module 180 may include, for example, a blower fan 181 configured to accelerate the air to generate the airflow, and a blower motor 182 configured to generate a rotational driving force to rotate the blower fan 181.

[0157] In addition, the blower fan 181 and the blower motor 182 together with the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in a heat exchange duct 170.

[0158] In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to be modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 and the single module may be entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0159] Further, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure as constructed to be modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 may be entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0160] In order that the heat pump module 100 as modularized into a single module separately from the base 90 is entirely and at-once installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and is entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside, the heat pump module 100 may include a module base 160 on which at least the compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 are collectively installed.

[0161] At least the compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 among the components constituting the heat pump module 100 may be mounted in the base 90 in a state of being directly fastened to the module base 160 and directly supported by the module base 160.

[0162] As will be described below, the module base 160 may be disposed to be in surface contact with a bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90, and may be disposed on the base 90 so as to be directly supported by the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0163] Accordingly, at least the compressor 110, the evaporator 130, and the expansion valve 140 among the components constituting the heat pump module 100 may be directly mounted onto the module base 160 disposed in the base 90 and thus may be indirectly installed in the accommodation space of the base 90 and be indirectly supported thereon.

[0164] In one example, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 together with the other components constituting the heat pump module 100 may be directly installed on the module base 160. Alternatively, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 may be directly installed onto the base 90, while the other components constituting the heat pump module 100 may be installed onto the module base 160.

[0165] That is, the condenser 120 may be disposed at different positions, and may be oriented and extend in different directions, according to various embodiments as described later.

[0166] Detailed configurations of various embodiments regarding the various positions, arrangement directions, and orientations of the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 and the other components constituting the heat pump module 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0167] In one example, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to be entirely and at-once installed into the accommodation space of the base 90 and to be entirely and at-once removed from the accommodation space of the base 90 to the outside.

[0168] To this end, the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to entirely and at-once extend from and retract into the base 90 through one open side surface of the base 90.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, a water jacket 71 may be attached to an outer side surface of the right wall 27 of the example tub 20. The washing water to be supplied to the washing space of the tub 20 during washing and rinsing of the dishes may be stored in the water jacket 71

[0170] 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 a right side wall 95 of the base 90.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] In addition, the water softener device 72 for softening the washing water to be supplied to the sump 41 may be installed at a position adjacent to the water jacket 71 and be disposed under the lower wall 25 of the tub 20.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] In consideration of the positional constraint under which the drying air supply 80, the air intake duct 81 of the drying air supply 80, the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 are positioned as described above, it is preferable that the heat pump module 100 is constructed to extend from or retract into the inner space of the base 90 through an open area positioned such that the interference of the heat pump module 100 with the drying air supply 80, the water jacket 71 and the water softening device 72 is minimized. To this end, the heat pump module 100 may be constructed to extend from or retract into the accommodation space of the base through the open left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0180] However, this is merely exemplary. When the drying air supply 80, the air intake duct 81 of the drying air supply 80, the water jacket 71, and the water softener device 72 are disposed in proximity to the right wall 27 of the tub 20 and the right side surface 95 of the base 90 and thus are positioned at the left side around a center of the sump 41, the heat pump module 100 may be configured to extend from and retract into the base 90 through the open right side wall 95 of the base 90.

[0181] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described, by way of example, based on embodiments in which the heat pump module 100 is configured to extend from and retract into the base through the open left wall 94 of the base 90. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.Modularized Structure and Disassembly Process of Heat Pump Module According to First Embodiment

[0182] Hereinafter, a position of the heat pump module 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and an arrangement structure of the components thereof, and a removal process for detaching the heat pump module 100 from the base 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9.

[0183] First, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the heat pump module 100 according to the present disclosure may include the compressor 110 that compresses the refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state.

[0184] As illustrated, the compressor 110 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied as a motor-integrated 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 provided to the compression unit are integrated with each other.

[0185] In this regard, it is necessary to minimize an area occupied with the compressor 110 on the module base 160 in consideration of the space utilization of the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] In one example, the compressor 110 may be disposed between the condenser 120 and the evaporator 130 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0193] More specifically, the compressor 110 may be disposed in a space formed between the blower module 180 accommodated in the heat exchange duct 170 and the condenser 120 and be positioned as close as possible to an inlet of the heat exchange duct 170. Thus, the compressor 110 may be exposed to the airflow flowing into the heat exchange duct 170, and thus the cooling effect of the compressor 110 may be improved.

[0194] 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.

[0195] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the compressor 110 may be disposed in rear of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0196] In addition, the compressor 110 may be disposed so as not to overlap the sump 41 and the washing pump 45 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0197] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the condenser 120 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the washing water.

[0198] By way of example, the condenser 120 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment may be constructed 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.

[0199] The condenser 120 may be constructed to have a cylindrical outer shape so that both the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant may be effectively formed therein.

[0200] That is, the cylindrical condenser 120 may be formed to have a much larger width in the extension direction of the central axis than the diameter thereof so that the flow path of the washing water and the flow path of the refrigerant along the extension direction of the central axis may be secured to be as long as possible.

[0201] However, in order to increase the heating capacity of or heat exchange capacity with the washing water, the volume of the condenser 120 needs to be secured to be greater than or equal to a predetermined level.

[0202] However, the condenser 120 may be coupled to the module base 160 and be oriented such that the front-rear direction (F-R direction) is a longitudinal direction of the condenser such that the condenser may be effectively and efficiently disposed in the accommodation space of the base 90 which is limited in height in the up-down direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0203] In one example, more specifically, the condenser 120 having the cylindrical outer shape may be composed of divided bodies arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0204] More specifically, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a first body 121 in which a water inlet pipe 123 through which the washing water to be heated is introduced is formed.

[0205] As illustrated by way of example, the water inlet pipe 123 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the first body 121 and be integrally formed therewith.

[0206] In addition, the condenser 120 composed of the divided bodies may include a second body 122 having a water outlet pipe 124 through which the heated washing water is discharged.

[0207] As illustrated by way of example, the water outlet pipe 124 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second body 122 and be integrally formed therewith.

[0208] Although not shown, 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 a first washing water pipe 191 and a second first washing water pipe 192.

[0209] By way of example, one end of the first washing water pipe 191 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121.

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

[0211] 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 other end of the first washing water pipe 191.

[0212] 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 connected to the washing pump will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0213] As the condenser 120 is positioned downstream of the washing pump 45 and connected thereto, the washing water pressurized by the washing pump may be introduced into the water inlet pipe 123 of the first body 121 through the first washing water pipe 191.

[0214] In addition, for example, one end of the second washing water pipe 192 may be connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the second body 122.

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

[0216] Accordingly, the heated washing water may be delivered through the second washing water pipe 192 and then the supply flow path switching valve 465 to the water sprayer.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] Accordingly, as will be described later, a process of pre-removing 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 during the process of removing and detaching the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 may be omitted.

[0221] In one example, 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, such that heating efficiency of or heat exchange efficiency with the washing water may be improved.

[0222] To this end, based on the illustrated state, the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to a front end of the first body 121. In addition, the water discharge pipe 124 of the condenser 120 may be disposed at a position as close as possible to a rear end of the second body 122.

[0223] In one example, a condenser refrigerant pipe in which the gaseous refrigerant is phase-converted into the liquid refrigerant may be accommodated into the first body 121 and the second body 122 of the condenser 120.

[0224] By way of example, the condenser refrigerant pipe may be introduced into the condenser 120 through the front end of the first body 121.

[0225] The condenser refrigerant pipe introduced into the condenser 120 may be formed to have a multilayer structure in which the pipe is bent a plurality of times or a coil structure in which the pipe is wound a plurality of times in order to increase heating efficiency of the washing water or heat exchange efficiency with the washing water.

[0226] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to the first 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 changed into a gaseous state refrigerant.

[0227] As described above, the evaporator 130 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing therethrough undergoes a phase change while exchanging heat with air in the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0228] Therefore, in a similar manner to the condenser refrigerant pipe introduced into the condenser 120, the evaporator 130 may include an evaporator refrigerant pipe formed in a multilayer structure formed by bending a pipe a plurality of times in order to maximize the heat exchange area with the air.

[0229] In one example, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be configured to exchange the heat with the internal air of the accommodation space of the base 90 or to exchange the heat with the external air introduced from the outside out of the base 90.

[0230] FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 is configured to exchange the heat with the internal air of the accommodation space of the base 90.

[0231] The present disclosure will be described based on a configuration in which the internal air in the accommodation space 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.

[0232] In one example, when the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 exchanges the heat with the internal air of the base 90, a flow path needs to be formed so that the heat-exchanged air is discharged therethrough to the outside.

[0233] In this regard, along the shortest path, the internal air should flow through the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 and to the outside out of the base 90. To this end, 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.

[0234] In one example, in order to maximize heat exchange efficiency with the internal air of the base 90, the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be accommodated in the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 constituting the heat exchange flow path and the exhaust flow path.

[0235] Therefore, in a state in which the evaporator refrigerant pipe is accommodated in the duct main body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170, the duct main body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed as close as possible to the rear wall 93 of the base 90, and preferably, may be disposed so that the rear surface of the duct main body 171 is in maximally close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0236] Because the duct body 171 is in maximally close contact with the rear wall 93 of the base 90, an air outlet may be provided in the rear wall 93 of the base 90 in a form of a grill, so that the internal air of the base 90 having flowed through the duct main body 171 may be smoothly exhausted through the air outlet to the outside out of the base 90.

[0237] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of pillar portions 931 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 a decrease in strength of the base, it may be difficult to form the air outlet at a position where each of the pair of pillar portions 9311 is formed.

[0238] Accordingly, the duct main body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the air outlet of the base 90 may be disposed and formed at positions avoiding the positions of the pair of pillar portions 931.

[0239] Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 may be disposed in an area between the pair of pillar portions 9311 arranged in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), and the air outlet of the base may be formed immediately in rear of the duct body 171.

[0240] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in order to distribute the load of the tub 20, the pair of pillar portions 9311 may be formed at positions symmetrical with each other around a center line in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the base 90.

[0241] Accordingly, each of the duct body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 and the air outlet of the base 90 may be disposed at an approximately central position in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0242] In one example, a position at which the duct main body 171 of the heat exchange duct 170 is disposed may be a position immediately in rear of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] In one example, the blower module 180 for generating a forced airflow of the internal air to be subjected to heat exchange with the refrigerant in the evaporator refrigerant pipe of the evaporator 130 may be disposed inside the duct body 171.

[0246] In this regard, in order to maximally suppress an increase in a volume of the heat exchange duct 170 and increase space utilization thereof, the blower module 180 may include a single blower fan 181 and a single blower motor 182.

[0247] FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments in which the blower fan 181 includes an axial flow fan for generating an axial flow. 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.

[0248] 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 181 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] In addition, the duct cover 172 may be detachably coupled to the duct body 171.

[0256] Therefore, as will be described below, for maintenance and repair of the heat pump module 100, the heat pump module 100 is removed from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 and extends from the base 90 through the open left wall 94 of the base 90, and then only the duct cover 172 is independently removed from the duct body 171 without removing an entirety of the duct body 171 from the module base 160

[0257] Therefore, while the duct body 171 is not removed or disassembled, only the duct cover 172 is removed from the duct main body 171, such that the evaporator refrigerant pipe and the blower module 180 accommodated in the duct main body 171 may be repaired or replaced. Accordingly, the convenience of maintenance of the evaporator 130 and the blower module 180 may be improved.

[0258] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the expansion valve 140 disposed between the second pipe 152 and the third pipe 153.

[0259] In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion valve 140 may be disposed on top of the heat exchange duct 170 so as to be disposed at a position where interference thereof with the compressor 110 and the condenser 120 as described above may be minimized.

[0260] In one example, the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment 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.

[0261] More specifically, the module base 160 may include a plate-shaped base plate 161.

[0262] The compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be collectively fixed to an upper surface of the base plate 161 according to the first embodiment, and the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 may be collectively supported on the base plate 161.

[0263] As described above, the plurality of fastening bosses 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.

[0264] However, a thickness of the base plate 161 may be sized to be approximately constant across an entire area thereof in consideration of the accommodation space of the base 90 which is limited in height in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0265] 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 a state in which the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the evaporator 130, etc. are collectively fixed to the module base 160.

[0266] Therefore, in order to prevent damage during the extending and retracting process of the heat pump module from and into the base and to secure a predetermined rigidity thereof, a reinforcing rib 161a 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 lower surface or the upper surface of the base plate 161.

[0267] In one example, the outer appearance of the base plate 161 may be determined to have a predetermined shape, in consideration of the positions and orientations of the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130, and the arrangement thereof, as shown in FIG. 7, and so as to avoid the positions of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45 disposed in front thereof as shown in FIG. 8

[0268] In consideration of this shape determination requirements, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be generally formed in an up-down inverted and left-right inverted L-shape in the plan view.

[0269] In this regard, a rear edge of the base plate 161 may extend linearly along the rear wall 93 of the base 90.

[0270] In addition, a left edge of the base plate may extend linearly along the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0271] Similarly to the related art, the main control panel 210 may be disposed on the left wall 94 of the base 90 so as to be detachably coupled thereto.

[0272] The main control panel 210 controls the operation of the electrical / electronic components by controlling the supply of power to the washing pump 45, the compressor 110, the blower motor 182, etc. as the electrical / electronic components.

[0273] Accordingly, in order to minimize the influence of the water leakage from the water jacket 71, the water softener device 72, the sump 41, and the washing pump 45 on the main control panel 210, the main control panel 210 may be disposed at a position as far apart as possible therefrom, that is, on the left wall 94 of the base 90 in a similar manner to the prior art.

[0274] To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the main control panel 210 may be disposed along the edge of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0275] In addition, the main control panel 210 may be disposed in a state of covering the open portion of the open left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0276] In addition, in order to minimize the damage to the main control panel 210 as 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).

[0277] However, as described above, the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to extend from and retract into the base 90 through the left wall 94 of the base 90 on which the main control panel 210 is installed.

[0278] That is, the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to extend from the base 90 while horizontally moving along the left direction (Le-direction), and to retract into the base 90 while horizontally moving along the right direction (Ri-direction).

[0279] Therefore, in consideration of the fact that the main control panel 210 is disposed at a position at which the main control panel 210 interferes with the heat pump module 100 extending from or retracting into the base 90, the main control panel 210 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be constructed to be at least partially mounted on the module base 160 and at least partially supported on the module base 160.

[0280] FIGS. 6 to 7 illustrate a configuration in which a rear end of the main control panel 210 is supported by the module base 160 and a front end of the main control panel 210 is supported by the left wall 94 of the base 90 according to the first embodiment.

[0281] A pair of installation ribs 162 as a means for supporting and fixing the main control panel 210 may be respectively provided on the module base 160 and the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0282] According to an embodiment, one of the pair of installation ribs 162 may be integrally formed with and disposed on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 to support the rear end of the main control panel 210.

[0283] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the installation rib 162 supporting the rear end of the main control panel 210 may be formed at a corner portion at which the left edge and the rear edge of the base plate 161 meet each other.

[0284] According to an embodiment, the other of the pair of installation ribs 162 may be integrally formed with and disposed on the left wall 94 of the base 90 to support the front end of the main control panel 210.

[0285] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the installation rib 162 supporting the front end of the main control panel 210 may be formed on the left wall 94 of the base 90 and at a position close to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0286] The main control panel 210 may be fastened to the pair of installation ribs 162 via a fastening means such as a screw bolt or the like, which is not shown.

[0287] Although not shown, the main control panel 210 may be fastened to the left wall 94 of the base 90 at a position different from the position of the installation rib 162 via a separate screw bolt or the like.

[0288] In addition, a slot to which a lower end of the main control panel 210 is coupled may be formed so as to extend in an elongate manner along the front-rear direction (F-R direction) between the pair of installation ribs 162.

[0289] In one example, as the main control panel 210 is constructed to be at least partially supported by the module base 160, an area on which the main control panel 210 is mounted may be defined in the base plate 161.

[0290] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the area on which the main control panel 210 is mounted may be defined in a left side around an area of the base plate 161 on which the components of the heat pump module 100 are mounted.

[0291] Accordingly, the base plate 161 may be divided into a first area A1 on which the components of the heat pump module 100 are mounted and a second area A2 on which the main control panel 210 is mounted.

[0292] As illustrated, the second area A2 may extend along the front-rear direction (F-R direction) while being defined in a left end edge of the base plate 161.

[0293] In addition, the second area A2 may have a width in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) corresponding to a thickness in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the main control panel 210.

[0294] However, because the main control panel 210 is constructed to be partially mounted on the base plate 161, the width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) of the second area A2 may be slightly smaller than the width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) of the main control panel 210, based on the state in which the main control panel 210 is mounted thereon.

[0295] In one example, the lower surface of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be entirely seated on the base 90 while being in a surface contact state with the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0296] A seat surface 912 with which the base plate 161 is coupled so as to be in a surface contact state therewith may be defined as an upper surface of the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0297] As shown in FIG. 9, the seat surface 912 of the base 90 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 and an area size corresponding to the areas size of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0298] In one example, a guide rib 911 protruding from the bottom surface portion 91 in the upward direction (U-direction) may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0299] As illustrated, the guide rib 911 may extend along an outer edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0300] More specifically, the guide rib 911 may extend along each of a right end edge and a front edge of the module base 160.

[0301] In this regard, the guide rib 911 may not be formed at a position corresponding to the left edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 so as not to interfere with the horizontal movement of the heat pump module 100 in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0302] In this way, the guide rib 911 having a barrier shape may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 of the dishwasher 1 of the present disclosure so as to have a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the base plate 161 of the module base 160.

[0303] Therefore, a process in which the heat pump module 100 is mounted into a correct position may be effectively guided by the guide rib 911 of the base 90, and the heat pump module 100 may be effectively prevented from being removed from the correct position

[0304] In addition, the movement direction of the heat pump module 100 may be effectively guided by the guide rib 911 of the base 90 when the heat pump module 100 is horizontally moved in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) so as to be mounted into the base and be removed from the base 90.

[0305] Hereinafter, a process of removing or disassembling the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment from the base 90 will be described.

[0306] For convenience of illustration, FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate a plan view in a state in which the tub 20 is removed. However, the process as described in the following descriptions may be performed without removing the tub 20 from the base 90 or disassembling the tub 20 therefrom.

[0307] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment has been mounted on the base 90 and before the heat pump module 100 is removed therefrom.

[0308] First, the main control panel 210 may be removed and disassembled from the module base 160 and the base 90 before the heat pump module 100 is removed from the base 90.

[0309] As described above, at least the front end of the main control panel 210 is fastened to the installation rib 162 formed on the left wall 94 of the base 90. For this reason, the main control panel 210 should be pre-disassembled from the base 90.

[0310] Although not shown, the screw bolt for fastening the main control panel 210 to the base 90 in addition to the installation rib 162 may also be disassembled therefrom.

[0311] In addition, a connector (not shown) or a harness (not shown) for electrically connecting the main control panel 210 and the above-described electrical / electronic components to each other may be removed from the main control panel 210.

[0312] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the main control panel 210 has been disassembled from the module base 160 and the base 90, a state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90 may be formed.

[0313] When, as described above, the main control panel 210 has been removed from the base 90 and the module base 160 such that the state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 has been formed, the horizontal movement of the heat pump module 100 in the left direction (Le-direction) may be started only by the user simply pulling the heat pump module 100 toward the left direction (Le-direction) through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0314] In this regard, as shown in FIG. 9, the seat surface 912 which is defined as the upper surface of the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 and on which the base plate 161 is seated may be formed in a simple flat surface shape free of concaveness-convexness.

[0315] Accordingly, in a state in which the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is seated on the seat surface 912 and in surface contact with the seat surface 912 of the base 90, the module base 160 may move in the left direction (Le-direction) in a sliding manner on and along the seat surface 912 of the base 90.

[0316] Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the heat pump module 100 including the module base 160 is constructed such that the width in the front-rear direction (F-R direction) of the heat pump module 100 including the module base 160 gradually decreases while the heat pump module 100 including the module base 160 extends from the left end edge toward the right end edge.

[0317] Accordingly, while the module base 160 slides in the left direction (Le-direction) on and along the seat surface 912 of the base 90, the sump 41 or the washing pump 45 may not interfere with the movement of the heat pump module 100 including the module base 160.

[0318] Through this process, the module base 160 continues to slide in the left direction (Le-direction), such that the heat pump module 100 including the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the heat exchange duct 170 accommodating the evaporator 130 therein may be removed from the base 90 through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0319] That is, without removing or disassembling the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the heat exchange duct 170, and the refrigerant pipe 150 constituting the heat pump module 100 from the module base 160, the heat pump module 100 may be entirely and at-once moved and removed from the base 90.

[0320] When the heat pump module 100 has entirely passed through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90, the entirely and at-once extending and removal process of the heat pump module 100 according to the first embodiment from the base 90 may be completed as illustrated in FIG. 9,

[0321] In this regard, as described above, 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.

[0322] Therefore, even in the process of entirely and at-once extending the heat pump module 100 from the base 90, a process of removing 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, respectively may be omitted.

[0323] When the removal of the heat pump module 100 from the base 90 has been completed as described above, maintenance and repair processes such as repair or replacement of individual components of the heat pump module 100 and refrigerant charging or refrigerant exchange may be performed.

[0324] Even in this case, the removal and disassembly process from the module base 160 may be performed only on the components requiring maintenance and repair. Thus, the maintenance and repair process of the heat pump module 100 of the dishwasher 1 according to the present disclosure may be significantly simplified compared to the related art.

[0325] In one example, after the completion of the maintenance and repair process, the installation process of the heat pump module 100 may proceed in the sequence opposite to the disassembly sequence.

[0326] In a similar manner to the above-described detachment and disassembly process, the heat pump module 100 may be easily mounted into the base 90 by the user simply pushing the heat pump module 100 such that the heat pump module 100 horizontally moves in a sliding manner along the right direction (Ri-direction) and passes through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0327] As described above, the mounting direction and the mounted position of the module base 160 into the base 90 may be easily guided by the guide ribs 911 protruding from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.Modularized Structure and Disassembly Process of Heat Pump Module According to Second Embodiment

[0328] Hereinafter, a spatial position and a structure of the heat pump module 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and an arrangement structure of the components thereof, and a removal process for detaching the heat pump module 100 from the base 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 13.

[0329] First, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be configured to have a different relative position at which the condenser 120 is disposed and a different relative direction in which the condenser 120 is oriented, from those in the above-described first embodiment.

[0330] Because, as described above, the relative position and the relative orientation of the condenser 120 are set to be different from those in the first embodiment, the shape of the module base 160 in the second embodiment on which the condenser 120 together with the other components is installed and is supported may be constructed to be different from the shape of the module base in the above-described first embodiment.

[0331] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be disposed in front of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0332] More specifically, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be disposed between the sump 41 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0333] Preferably, as will be described below, the condenser 120 may be disposed so that a portion thereof protruding in the frontward direction from the front wall 92 of the base 90 is absent so that interference thereof with the lower frame 14 disposed in front of the front wall 92 of the base 90 does not occur.

[0334] As the condenser 120 is disposed at such a position, a linear distance from the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 to the sump 41 or the water inlet port and the water outlet port of the washing pump 45 may be minimized.

[0335] Accordingly, each of the length of the first washing water pipe 191 connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 and the length of the second washing water pipe 192 connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 may be minimized.

[0336] In addition, the space occupied with the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 in the inner space of the base 90 may be minimized, such that the space utilization of the accommodation space of the base 90 may be improved.

[0337] In addition, unlike the first embodiment, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be mounted on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 such that the longitudinal direction thereof is the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction).

[0338] As described above, the length direction of the condenser 120 of the second embodiment is the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), such that the length in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the condenser 120 may be secured to be greater than that in the first embodiment.

[0339] This may increase the volume of the condenser 120. Thus, the washing water heating capacity using the condenser 120 may be increased. Further, the heat exchange capacity with the washing water may be additionally secured compared to the first embodiment.

[0340] As the relative position and the relative orientation of the condenser 120 are set to be different from those in the first embodiment, the shape of the module base 160 of the second embodiment may be formed to be different from that in the first embodiment.

[0341] In more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in the top view, the module base 160 according to the second embodiment may have an outer shape of a U shape rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0342] That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be arranged to surround three side sides of the sump 41.

[0343] In this regard, the three side surfaces may be a front side surface, a rear side surface, and a left side surface.

[0344] However, although FIG. 10 illustrates that the second washing water pipe 192 protrudes by a small amount toward the right side of the sump 41, this may not be interpreted that the second washing water pipe 192 partially surrounds the sump 41. In addition, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 are arranged to surround the three side surfaces except the right side surface of the sump 41, the heat pump module 100 may extend from the base in the left direction (Le-direction) opposite to the right direction in which the sump 41 is open laterally.

[0345] Accordingly, compared to the first embodiment, in order to secure an installation area of the condenser 120, the first area of the module base 160 according to the second embodiment may further include a portion extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0346] As shown, the right end of the portion of the module base extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90 may extend beyond the sump 41 toward the right wall 95 of the base 90 such that the portion corresponds to the entirety of the condenser 120.

[0347] In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in order to prevent interference with the water softener device 72, the right end of the portion of the module base extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90 may extend to a position not overlapping the water softener device 72 in the up-down direction (U-D direction).

[0348] In one example, in order to prevent a decrease in local strength of the module base 160, a left end of the portion extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90 may extend to the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0349] As the portion extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90 extends to the left wall 94 of the base 90, the installation rib 162 supporting the front end of the main control panel 210 according to the first embodiment may be omitted from the left wall 94 of the base 90 and may be formed on the module base 160.

[0350] That is, unlike the first embodiment, each of the installation rib 162 supporting the front end of the main control panel 210 and the installation rib 162 supporting the rear end of the main control panel 210 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the module base 160 according to the second embodiment.

[0351] As all of the pair of installation ribs 162 are formed on the module base 160 as described above, a lower surface of the left wall 94 of the base 90 may be entirely formed as a flat surface, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0352] That is, unlike the first embodiment, the seat surface 912 of the base 90 to which the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is coupled may extend in the frontward direction to the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0353] In one example, a process of removing and removing the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment from the base 90 may be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0354] That is, in a similar manner to the first embodiment, a process of removing and disassembling the main control panel 210 from the module base 160 may be first performed before the process of removing and removing the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment from the base 90.

[0355] When the main control panel 210 has been removed from the module base 160, a state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90 as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be established.

[0356] When the state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90 has been established as described above, the horizontal movement of the heat pump module 100 in the left direction (Le-direction) may be started only by the user simply pulling the heat pump module 100 in the left direction (Le-direction) through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90. In a state in which the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is in surface contact with the seat surface 912 of the base 90, the module base 160 may move in the sliding manner in the left direction (Le-direction) on and along the seat surface 912 of the base 90.

[0357] As the sliding movement of the module base 160 in the left direction (Le-direction) continues, the heat pump module 100 including the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the heat exchange duct 170 accommodating the evaporator 130 may be removed from the base through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0358] In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the heat pump module 100 according to the second embodiment may be entirely and at-once moved and removed from the base 90 without removing or disassembling the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the heat exchange duct 170, and the refrigerant pipe 150 from the module base 160.Modularized Structure and Disassembly Process of Heat Pump Module According to Third Embodiment

[0359] Hereinafter, a spatial position and a structure of the heat pump module 100 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and an arrangement structure of the components thereof, and a removal process for detaching the heat pump module 100 from the base 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 21.

[0360] First, referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, in a similar manner to the second embodiment as described above, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the third embodiment may be disposed in front of the sump 41 and the washing pump 45.

[0361] That is, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the third embodiment may be disposed between the sump 41 and the front wall 92 of the base 90.

[0362] That is, as shown in FIG. 14, in a similar manner to the second embodiment described above, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 constituting the heat pump module 100 according to the third embodiment may be arranged to surround three side surfaces of the sump 41.

[0363] In addition, as described above, the three side surfaces may be a front side surface, a rear side surface, and a left side surface.

[0364] However, although FIG. 14 illustrates that the second washing water pipe 192 protrudes by a small amount toward the right side of the sump 41, this may not be interpreted that the second washing water pipe 192 partially surrounds the sump 41. In addition, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the evaporator 130 are arranged to surround the three side surfaces except the right side surface of the sump 41, the heat pump module 100 may extend from the base in the left direction (Le-direction) opposite to the right direction in which the sump 41 is open laterally.

[0365] In addition, the condenser 120 of the third embodiment may be disposed so that a portion thereof protruding in the frontward direction from the front wall 92 of the base 90 is absent.

[0366] As the condenser 120 is disposed at such a position, a linear distance from the water inlet pipe 123 and the water outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 to the sump 41 or the water inlet port and the water outlet port of the washing pump 45 may be minimized, in a similar manner to the second embodiment.

[0367] Accordingly, each of the length of the first washing water pipe 191 connected to the water inlet pipe 123 of the condenser 120 and the length of the second washing water pipe 192 connected to the water outlet pipe 124 of the condenser 120 may be minimized.

[0368] In addition, the space occupied with the first washing water pipe 191 and the second washing water pipe 192 in the inner space of the base 90 may be minimized, such that the space utilization of the accommodation space of the base 90 may be improved.

[0369] In addition, the condenser 120 of the heat pump module 100 according to the third embodiment may be mounted on the base plate 161 of the module base 160 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction), like the second embodiment.

[0370] Accordingly, like the second embodiment, the length in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) of the condenser 120 may be secured to be larger. This may increase the volume of the condenser 120. Thus, the washing water heating capacity using the condenser 120 and the heat exchange capacity with the washing water may be additionally secured.

[0371] However, unlike the second embodiment, the condenser 120 of the third embodiment may be constructed to be directly or indirectly fixed to and supported by the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 rather than the module base 160.

[0372] That is, as described above, the washing water flow path through which the washing water flows and the refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows may be formed inside the condenser 120.

[0373] Therefore, among the components constituting the heat pump module 100, the condenser 120 may have the largest weight.

[0374] Accordingly, when the heat pump module 100 are configured such that the condenser 120, and the other components constituting the heat pump module 100 are collectively installed and supported on the module base 160 as in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that stress is concentrated on a specific area of the base plate 161 of the module base 160 due to the weight of the condenser 120 in the extending or retracting process for removing or mounting the heat pump module 100 from or into the base 90.

[0375] That is, in order to prevent the module base 160 from being damaged by the stress concentration due to the weight of the condenser 120, the condenser 120 among the components of the heat pump module 100 may be directly or indirectly installed and supported on the base 90.

[0376] As will be described later, a condenser supporter 96 that directly supports the condenser 120 thereon so as to be indirectly supported on the base 90 may be detachably mounted on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0377] As the condenser 120 is indirectly installed and supported on the base 90, the portion of the module base 160 extending in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) in a parallel manner to the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be omitted.

[0378] Therefore, in a similar manner to the first embodiment described above, the base plate 161 of the module base 160 may be entirely formed in an up-down inverted and left-right inverted L-shape.

[0379] However, as illustrated, the condenser 120 is disposed at a position as close as possible to the front wall 92 of the base 90, such that there is a possibility that the condenser 120 may collide with the left wall 94 of the base 90 in the extending process for removing the heat pump module 100 from the base 90.

[0380] In consideration of this situation, in a similar manner to the second embodiment, the front portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90 may be formed as a portion of the seat surface 912 in which no protruding portion in the upward direction (U-direction) is formed.

[0381] That is, the seat surface 912 of the base 90 to which the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is coupled may extend in the frontward direction to the front wall 92 of the base 90, in a similar manner to the second embodiment.

[0382] In addition, in a similar manner to the second embodiment, each of the installation rib 162 supporting the front end of the main control panel 210 and the installation rib 162 supporting the rear end of the main control panel 210 may be integrally formed with the module base 160 of the third embodiment.

[0383] Since the condenser 120 of the third embodiment is constructed to be indirectly installed and supported on the base 90, the removal and installation process of the condenser 120 may be performed in a different manner from that in the above-described embodiments.

[0384] First, as shown in FIG. 18, a process of removing the lower frame 14 from the base 90 and the tub 20 may be performed.

[0385] As shown, the lower frame 14 serves to cover the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90 and the open area between the tub 20 and the base 90.

[0386] In order to remove the condenser supporter 96 supporting the condenser 120 from the base 90 and the condenser 120 through the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90, the process of removing and disassembling the lower frame 14 from the tub 20 and the base 90 may be first executed before the removal of the condenser supporter 96.

[0387] As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the lower frame 14 has been removed from the tub 20 and the base 90, the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90 may be exposed to the outside.

[0388] Next, a process of removing the condenser supporter 96 from the base 90 through the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90 and extending the condenser supporter 96 from the base 90 to the outside may be performed.

[0389] As illustrated, the condenser supporter 96 may have a shape in which a lower end thereof is detachably coupled to the base 90 and an upper end thereof is coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the condenser 120 in a surface contact state therewith.

[0390] A structure in which the lower end of the condenser supporter 96 is detachably coupled may be formed on the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90.

[0391] In addition, the condenser 120 may be maintained in a fixed and supported manner at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 91 of the base 90 in the upward direction (U-direction) using the condenser supporter 96 disposed therebetween.

[0392] Although the condenser 120 is maintained in the supported and fixed manner using the single condenser supporter 96 in the illustrated configuration, the shape and number of the condenser supporters 96 may vary depending on the size and shape of the condenser 120.

[0393] As illustrated in FIG. 20, when the condenser supporter 96 has extended from the base 90 to the outside through the open portion of the front wall 92 of the base 90, the state in which the condenser 120 is locked may be released and the condenser 120 may be relatively movable with respect to the base 90.

[0394] When the condenser supporter 96 has been removed from the base 90 and the condenser 120 is in a relatively movable state, a process of removing the main control panel 210 from the module base 160 may be performed.

[0395] In a similar manner to the second embodiment, the installation rib 162 supporting the lower end of the main control panel 210 may be integrally formed with and be disposed on the left edge of the module base 160.

[0396] When the main control panel 210 has been removed and detached from the module base 160, a state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90 may be established in a similar manner to the above-described embodiments.

[0397] When the state in which the heat pump module 100 can extend from the base 90 has been established, the horizontal movement of the heat pump module 100 in the left direction (Le-direction) may be initiated only by the user simply pulling the heat pump module 100 in the left direction (Le-direction) through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90.

[0398] In this regard, the condenser 120 of the third embodiment is not fastened and fixed to the module base 160, while the condenser refrigerant pipe is connected to the compressor 110 and the expansion valve 140 via the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152, respectively.

[0399] Therefore, when, for the removal of the heat pump module 100, the heat pump module 100 extends from the base through the open portion of the left wall 94 of the base 90, the condenser 120 may extend from the base in a state of being connected to the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 as the module base 160 is moved.

[0400] Accordingly, when, in a state in which the base plate 161 of the module base 160 is in surface contact with the seat surface 912 of the base 90, the module base 160 slides in the left direction (Le-direction) along and on the seat surface 912 of the base 90, the condenser 120 may simultaneously slide in the same direction as the left direction (Le-direction).

[0401] When the sliding of the module base 160 in the left direction (Le-direction) is continued, the compressor 110, the condenser 120, and the heat exchange duct 170 accommodating the evaporator 130 constitution the heat pump module 100 may be collectively removed from the base the through the open portion of the left side wall 94 of the base 90.

[0402] In addition, like the above-described embodiments, the heat pump module 100 according to the third embodiment may be entirely and at-once moved and removed from the base 90 without removing or disassembling the compressor 110, the condenser 120, the heat exchange duct 170, and the refrigerant pipe 150 from the module base 160.

[0403] 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 disposed under the tub;a sump disposed between the base and the tub and configured to store therein washing water to be supplied to the tub; anda heat pump module configured to heat washing water to be supplied to the sump,wherein the heat pump module is disposed in the base and is configured to extend from or retract into the base through an open one side surface of the base.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module is configured to extend from or retract into the base while sliding in a left-right direction.

3. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a water jacket storing therein washing water supplied thereto from an external water source,wherein the water jacket is disposed on the other side surface of the base opposite to the one side surface thereof around the sump.

4. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module includes:a compressor configured to compress refrigerant;a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the sump;an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; anda module base on which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are mounted,wherein the module base is detachably coupled to the base.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the heat pump module is constructed to entirely and at-once extend and retract from and into the base in a state in which the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator have been mounted on the module base.

6. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the compressor and the evaporator are disposed in rear of the sump.

7. The dishwasher of claim 6, wherein the condenser is disposed in rear of the sump.

8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the condenser mounted on the module base is oriented such that a front-rear direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

9. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the condenser is disposed in front of the sump.

10. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the module base includes a portion extending in a left-right direction,wherein the condenser is disposed on the portion extending in the left-right direction.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the portion of the module base extending in the left-right direction extends toward the other side surface of the base opposite to the one side surface thereof so as to support the condenser thereon.

12. The dishwasher of claim 9, wherein the condenser mounted on the module base is oriented such that a left-right direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

13. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module includes:a compressor configured to compress refrigerant;a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the compressor and to heat the washing water to be supplied to the sump;an evaporator configured to receive the refrigerant having flowed through the condenser; anda module base on which the compressor and the evaporator are mounted,wherein the module base is detachably coupled to the base.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the heat pump module is constructed to entirely and at-once extend and retract from and into the base in a state in which the compressor and the evaporator have been mounted on the module base.

15. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the condenser is coupled to and supported on the base.

16. The dishwasher of claim 15, wherein the base includes a condenser supporter supporting the condenser so as to be maintained in a fixed manner at a position spaced apart from a bottom surface portion of the base in an upward direction.

17. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the condenser is disposed in front of the sump,wherein the condenser is mounted on the module base and is oriented such that a left-right direction is a longitudinal direction of the condenser.

18. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the heat pump module is disposed on the base so as to surround three side surfaces of the sump.

19. The dishwasher of claim 18, wherein the three side surfaces are a front side surface, a rear side surface, and the one side surface.

20. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a main control panel configured to control power to be supplied to the compressor to control an operation of the compressor, andwherein the main control panel is detachably coupled to the module base.

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