Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which a portion of a heater for regenerating a moisture absorbent is disposed in a heater receiving portion and the remaining portion thereof is arranged in an air introduction space formed under a moisture absorbent receiving space, so that an air flow that is sufficiently heated by the heater flows into the air introduction space, thereby reducing the possibility of deviation in the regeneration rate of the moisture absorbent, and the surrounding moisture absorbent can be directly heated by the radiant heat of the heater arranged in the air introduction space, thus remarkably improving the heat dissipation efficiency and the energy efficiency of the heater.

Description

dishwasher

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher in which a part of a heater for regenerating a desiccant is disposed in a heater receiving portion, and the remaining part is disposed in an air introduction space formed at the bottom of the desiccant receiving space, so that airflow sufficiently heated by the heater can be introduced into the air introduction space, thereby reducing the possibility of a deviation in the regeneration rate of the desiccant, and the surrounding desiccant can be directly heated by the radiant heat of the heater disposed in the air introduction space, so that the heat dissipation efficiency and energy efficiency of the heater can be significantly improved.

[0002]

[0003] A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying a cleaning solution, such as water. The cleaning solution may contain detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tank forming a washing space, a storage section for receiving objects to be washed inside the washing tank, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage section, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

[0005] By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other items after a meal can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

[0006] Typically, a dishwasher is configured to perform a washing cycle for washing an object to be washed, a rinsing cycle for rinsing the object to be washed, and a drying cycle for drying the object to be washed after washing and rinsing are completed.

[0007] Recently, dishwashers equipped with a moisture absorption device that absorbs moisture contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying cycle and then resupplies it to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the items to be washed have been released.

[0008] In this regard, European Patent Publication No. 1833353 (Prior Document 001) discloses a dishwasher equipped with a desiccant device that removes water vapor contained in air discharged from a tub during a drying cycle using a desiccant and supplies air from which water vapor has been removed back to the tub.

[0009] In this way, the desiccant that has absorbed water vapor during the drying process undergoes a regeneration process after the drying process is completed for reuse. During the regeneration process, the desiccant is supplied with high-temperature, dried air, and the desiccant releases the water vapor it has absorbed from the high-temperature, dried air.

[0010] To create such hot, dry air, a heater and a blower fan may be operated during the regeneration process.

[0011] The desiccant device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 is configured such that the heater used for regenerating the desiccant is disposed in an air introduction space formed entirely below the desiccant, or disposed entirely in a position close to the fan inside a fan housing on the upstream side as the exterior of the air introduction space.

[0012]

[0013] As described above, the desiccant device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 is configured such that the heater used for regenerating the desiccant is disposed in an air introduction space formed entirely at the bottom of the desiccant, or disposed in a position close to the fan inside the fan housing, which is on the upstream side as the exterior of the air introduction space entirely.

[0014] Accordingly, since the heater of prior art document 001 is positioned entirely within the air introduction space, there is a concern that the heating efficiency for the airflow may be lowered in a portion located further downstream than the inlet of the air introduction space, and accordingly, there is a high possibility that insufficiently heated airflow will be introduced to the desiccant, which may cause a problem in that there is a high possibility that a local deviation in the regeneration rate of the desiccant may occur.

[0015] In addition, since the heater of prior art document 001 is placed close to the fan as an interior part of the fan housing, there is a high possibility that heat damage may occur to the fan and fan motor due to the radiant heat of the heater.

[0016] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a part of a heater for regenerating a desiccant is disposed in a heater receiving portion, and the remaining part is disposed in an air introduction space formed at the bottom of the desiccant receiving space, so that airflow sufficiently heated by the heater can be introduced into the air introduction space, thereby reducing the possibility of a deviation in the regeneration rate of the desiccant, and the surrounding desiccant can be directly heated by the radiant heat of the heater disposed in the air introduction space, so that the heat dissipation efficiency and energy efficiency of the heater can be significantly improved.

[0017] In addition, the present invention has a second object to provide a dishwasher in which a tunnel-shaped passage-forming part is arranged on the lower side of a desiccant holder and a heater is configured to enter the interior of the passage-forming part, so that the desiccant storage capacity can be significantly increased and the area directly exposed to the radiant heat of the heater can be increased, thereby improving the desiccant regeneration efficiency.

[0018] In addition, the third object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which airflow is discharged through the upper surface and side surface of the desiccant holder, thereby maximizing the passage area and flow area of ​​the airflow and minimizing the flow resistance to the airflow.

[0019] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0020]

[0021] A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; and a moisture absorption and drying device that absorbs moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplies the moisture to the tub; wherein the moisture absorption and drying device comprises: a housing having an absorbent; a heater that heats an airflow to be supplied to the absorbent; a heater receiving portion that accommodates the heater, and an absorbent receiving portion in which an airflow passing through the heater receiving portion flows and in which the absorbent is accommodated; and an absorbent holder that is disposed inside the absorbent receiving portion and in which the absorbent is stored; wherein a part of the heater is characterized in that it passes through the heater receiving portion and is disposed inside the absorbent receiving portion.

[0022] In addition, the desiccant holder includes a main holder in the shape of a container in which a receiving space for storing the desiccant is formed inside; and a passage forming portion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the main holder toward the receiving space and provides an air introduction space into which air current passing through the heater receiving portion is introduced; and a heater passing through the heater receiving portion can be placed in the air introduction space.

[0023] Additionally, the heater may be placed in the air introduction space in a state separated from the passage forming portion.

[0024] In addition, the air introduction space is formed between the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion and the passage forming portion, and the heater can be placed in the air introduction space in a state separated from the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion.

[0025] In addition, the heater includes a heater body having a tube shape and extending in a U shape from one end to the other end in a longitudinal direction; the heater body has a bent portion formed by bending the other end toward the one end, and the bent portion of the heater body can be placed in the air introduction space.

[0026] Additionally, the vertical height of the above-mentioned bending portion may be smaller than the vertical height of the above-mentioned passage-forming portion.

[0027] In addition, the passage forming portion includes a first portion whose cross-sectional area, when cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater within the air introduction space, remains constant while proceeding along the extension direction; and a second portion which is formed downstream of the first portion based on the flow direction of the air current and which continues to the first portion and whose cross-sectional area decreases while proceeding along the extension direction; and a heater which passes through the heater receiving portion can be placed only in the first portion.

[0028] Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the first part may be rectangular.

[0029] Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the first part may be an inverted U-shape.

[0030] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the first part may be an arc shape with a constant curvature or a compound curve shape formed by combining arcs with different curvatures.

[0031] Additionally, the outer surface of the passage-forming portion may be in contact with the absorbent and may be entirely covered by the absorbent.

[0032] In addition, the above-described desiccant drying device further includes a cover which is arranged on the upper side of the desiccant holder and has an exhaust port through which air passing through the desiccant is exhausted; a first separation space is formed between the cover and the upper surface of the main holder, and the first separation space can be a first exhaust path that guides airflow passing through the upper surface of the main holder toward the exhaust port.

[0033] In addition, the desiccant holder further includes a cover plate that is coupled to the open upper surface of the main holder and allows airflow passing through the desiccant; and the first separation space can be formed between the cover plate and the cover.

[0034] In addition, the main holder includes an outer peripheral wall portion extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface and passing an airflow passing through the desiccant; the outer peripheral wall portion is arranged to be at least partially separated from the inner surface of the desiccant receiving portion so that a second separation space is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner surface of the desiccant receiving portion, and the second separation space can be a second discharge path that guides the airflow passing through the outer peripheral wall portion toward the discharge port.

[0035] Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second exhaust passage can be maintained uniformly.

[0036] Additionally, the second separation space may be connected to the first separation space.

[0037]

[0038] The dishwasher according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of deviation in the regeneration rate of the desiccant by allowing airflow sufficiently heated by the heater to flow into the air introduction space, and has the effect of significantly improving the heat dissipation efficiency and energy efficiency of the heater by allowing the surrounding desiccant to be directly heated by the radiant heat of the heater placed in the air introduction space.

[0039] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has a tunnel-shaped passage-forming part arranged on the lower side of the desiccant holder, and a heater is configured to enter the interior of the passage-forming part, so that the desiccant storage capacity can be significantly increased, and the area directly exposed to the radiant heat of the heater can be increased, thereby improving the desiccant regeneration efficiency.

[0040] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention is configured so that airflow is discharged through the top and side surfaces of the desiccant holder, thereby maximizing the passage area and flow area of ​​the airflow, thereby having the effect of minimizing the flow resistance to the airflow.

[0041] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0042]

[0043] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view showing the door of the dishwasher illustrated in Fig. 1 in an opened state.

[0046] Figure 4 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a moisture absorption drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention is accommodated in a base.

[0047] Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the tub has been removed in Figure 4.

[0049] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a moisture absorption drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the desiccant drying device illustrated in Figure 7.

[0051] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the suction duct and blower of the desiccant drying device illustrated in Figure 7.

[0052] Figures 10 and 11 are front perspective views showing the state in which the heating unit, housing, and cover of the moisture absorption drying device illustrated in Figure 7 are combined.

[0053] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of Figures 10 and 11.

[0054] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the heating unit illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0055] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, heater, and desiccant holder constituting a desiccant drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the heater and desiccant holder illustrated in Figure 14.

[0057] Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views taken while the desiccant holder and heater are assembled in the housing.

[0058] Figures 18 to 20 are cross-sectional views of a desiccant holder showing a passage-forming portion having different cross-sectional shapes.

[0059]

[0060] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0061] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0062] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0063] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0064] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0065] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0066] Additionally, the singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consist of" or "comprises" should not be construed to necessarily include all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0067] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0068] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] [Overall structure of a dishwasher]

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

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the door (30) of the dishwasher (1) shown in FIG. 1 is opened.

[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which an object to be washed is washed and having an open front, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing an object to be washed, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing an object to be washed, and a spray unit installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0073] At this time, the objects to be washed placed in the storage unit (50) may be, for example, dishes, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise stated, the objects to be washed will be referred to as dishes.

[0074] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0075] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0076] The tub (20) can be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of stainless steel.

[0077] In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the storage section (50) and the injection section described later inside the tub (20).

[0078] Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing washing water, a sump cover (42) for separating the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying washing water to the sump (41) from the outside, a drain unit (44) for discharging the washing water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying the washing water of the sump (41) to the injection unit.

[0079] The water supply unit (43) serves to supply washing water supplied from an external water source to the sump (41).

[0080] Although not shown, the water supply unit (43) may be configured to include a water jacket for storing washing water supplied from an external water source, and a water softening device for softening the washing water stored in the water jacket.

[0081] The sump cover (42) is placed on the upper side of the sump (41) and can serve to separate the tub (20) and the sump (41). In addition, the sump cover (42) can be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray unit into the sump (41).

[0082] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray unit toward the dishes falls to the lower part of the washing space (21) and can be returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

[0083] The washing pump (45) is provided on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize the washing water and supply it to the spray unit.

[0084] One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453). When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) is pressurized and then supplied to the injection unit through the supply path (46).

[0085] Although not shown, a washing water heater may be provided on the other end of the washing pump (45) to heat the washing water supplied during the washing cycle or the heated rinsing cycle.

[0086] Meanwhile, the supply path (46) can play a role in selectively supplying the washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spray unit.

[0087] For example, the supply path (46) may include a first supply path (461) connected to the lower injection arm (61), a second supply path (463) connected to the upper injection arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply path (46) may be provided with a supply path switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply paths (461, 463).

[0088] At this time, the supply path switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each of the supply paths (461, 463) is opened sequentially or simultaneously.

[0089] Meanwhile, the spray unit is provided to spray washing water onto dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

[0090] More specifically, the spray unit may include a lower spray arm (61) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) located between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) located at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0091] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so that they can spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes in the storage section (50).

[0092] The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so as to be able to spray washing water toward the lower rack (51) while rotating at the lower side of the lower rack (51).

[0093] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) can be rotatably supported by the spray arm holder (467) so as to be able to spray the washing water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0094] Meanwhile, although not shown, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may be further provided with a means for diverting the washing water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) in an upward direction (U-direction) to increase the washing efficiency.

[0095] Since the detailed configuration of the injection unit is applicable to a configuration already known in the art, a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit is omitted below.

[0096] Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

[0097] The storage section (50) is provided so that it can be withdrawn from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

[0098] By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage compartment is provided, including a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of a tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes, etc. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher provided with three storage compartments (50) as illustrated.

[0099] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front of the tub (20).

[0100] For this purpose, guide rails (54) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails (54) may include an upper rail (542), a lower rail (541), and a top rail (543).

[0101] Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). Users can store dishes in these lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) by pulling them out through the front of the tub (20), or can easily take out washed dishes from them.

[0102] The guide rail (54) may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) or as an elastic guide rail for guiding withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) and increasing the withdrawal distance according to withdrawal of the storage unit (50).

[0103] Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front of the above-described tub (20).

[0104] A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing a door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating around the hinge part as a rotation axis.

[0105] Here, a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1) may be provided on the front or upper surface as the outer surface of the door (30).

[0106] As illustrated, the control panel (32) provided on the front surface of the door (30) may be provided with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher, a selection button for inputting a user's selection operation, and a button section (34) including a power button for inputting a user's operation to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0107] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) can form a front surface corresponding to one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, can form a seating surface on which the lower rack (51) of the storage section (50) can be supported when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0108] For this purpose, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable that the inner surface of the door (30) form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the direction in which the guide rail (54) along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0109] Although not shown, a detergent supply device may be further provided on the inner side of the door (30) to automatically supply detergent into the interior of the tub (20).

[0110] Meanwhile, a moisture absorption drying device (80) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20) to absorb water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then resupply the air back to the tub (20).

[0111] As shown, the desiccant drying device (80) may be configured to include a suction duct (81) through which air discharged from the tub (20) is sucked in, a blower (82) that generates an air current, a heating unit (83) that heats the air sucked in from the tub (20), and a desiccant (85) that absorbs water vapor contained in the air.

[0112] An air supply hole (254) may be provided on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) to allow air from which water vapor has been removed through a desiccant drying device (80) to be introduced into the interior of the tub (20).

[0113] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a grill cap (8113) coupled to the inlet of the suction duct (81) can be fixed to one side of the tub (20), for example, the right side.

[0114] The detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device (80) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0115] [Detailed configuration of the desiccant drying device]

[0116] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of a moisture absorption drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13.

[0117] First, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the desiccant drying device (80) can be arranged so that the remaining portion, excluding the main duct (811) and the discharge guide (89) of the suction duct (81), is accommodated between the base (90) and the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and supported by the bottom surface (91) of the base (90).

[0118] For example, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture absorbing drying device (80) may be positioned adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90), and may be arranged parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90).

[0119] The placement location of the desiccant drying device (80) may be selected by taking into consideration the characteristics of the heating unit (83) of the desiccant drying device (80), which generates high heat of approximately 200°C or higher when operating in the desiccant drying mode or the desiccant regeneration mode. In other words, a location that avoids electrical components that are relatively greatly affected by high heat may be selected.

[0120] In this way, the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture absorbing drying device (80) are arranged in a long manner adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) and parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90), thereby performing the function of weight balance that prevents the dishwasher (1) from tilting due to the load applied to the door (30) when the door (30) is in a fully open state.

[0121] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, such arrangement positions may be selected based on the positions of the air supply holes (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). Considering the safety of the user and to distinguish it from the water softener communication hole (255) positioned close to the front of the tub (20), the air supply hole (254) through which dry air is discharged may be formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) at a corner adjacent to the rear and left sides.

[0122] The air supplied through the air supply hole (254) can be evenly distributed to the washing space (21) of the tub (20) through the discharge guide (89) placed in a state exposed to the washing space (21).

[0123] In order to effectively supply the absorbed air to the air supply hole (254) formed at this location, the housing (84) of the desiccant drying device (80) that accommodates the desiccant (85) may be placed close to the lower side of the air supply hole (254).

[0124] However, the arrangement position of the moisture absorption drying device (80) is merely exemplary, and may be arranged at a position adjacent to the left side (94), right side (95), or front side (92) of the base (90) rather than the rear side (93). The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be made based on an embodiment in which the moisture absorption drying device (80) is arranged adjacent to the rear side (93) of the base (90) and approximately parallel to the rear side (93) of the base (90).

[0125] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, when the blower (82), heating unit (83), and housing (84) of the moisture absorbing drying device (80) are arranged parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) and the air supply hole (254) is formed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface and the left side as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), the air intake hole (271) through which moist air is discharged from the tub (20) is formed at the corner where the right side and the rear surface meet as the right side of the tub (20), but may be formed at a position close to the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

[0126] The location of this air intake hole (271) can be selected as a location that is as far away as possible from the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0127] In this way, by arranging the air intake hole (271) as far away as possible from the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89), the possibility that air passing through the air supply hole (254) and the discharge guide (89) will be directly re-introduced into the air intake hole without passing through the object to be cleaned can be significantly reduced.

[0128] In addition, the air intake hole (271) may be positioned higher in the vertical direction than the upper rail (542) constituting the guide rail (54), for example, between the top rail (543) and the upper rail (542).

[0129] Therefore, the air intake hole (271) can be formed at a higher position in the vertical direction than the upper rack (52) which is mounted on the upper rail (542) and is guided in movement by the upper rail (542), so that the movement of the air current (F) in the washing space (21) can be guided so that it flows into the air intake hole (271) after evenly passing through the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0130] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the air intake hole (271) may be formed at the rear of the water jacket (110) in which the washing water to be supplied to the sump (41) in which the washing water is stored, together with the main duct (811) described later.

[0131] At this time, as shown, a tub hole (118) that connects the internal space of the water jacket (110) with the washing space (21) of the tub (20) may be formed, and a water jacket communication hole (272) corresponding to the tub hole (118) may be provided on the right side (27) of the tub (20).

[0132] The air intake hole (271) can be formed at a position that can avoid the water jacket (110) and is located higher than the water jacket communication hole (272).

[0133] As shown, a grill cap (118a) having a similar shape to the grill cap (813) of the air intake hole (271) described above can be combined in the tub hole (118) to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

[0134] Meanwhile, a grill cap (813) can be combined with the air intake hole (271), and the washing water and foreign substances flying inside the tub (20) through the grill cap (813) can be minimized from entering the inside of the intake duct (81).

[0135] As described below, the grill cap (813) can be connected to the inlet (811a) of the main duct (811) constituting the suction duct (81) by passing through the air intake hole (271).

[0136] In Figures 7 to 13, the detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device (80) is shown.

[0137] As illustrated, the desiccant drying device (80) may be configured to include a blower (82) that generates an air flow (F) of air to be sucked from the tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), a heating unit (83) having a heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to the desiccant (85), a housing (84) that is disposed downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) based on the direction of air flow and has a plurality of desiccants (85) that absorb moisture contained in the air, a heater receiving space (S1) in which the heating unit (83) is received and a desiccant receiving space (S3) in which the desiccant (85) is received, and a suction duct (81) that connects the air suction hole of the tub (20) and the blower (82).

[0138] The blower (82) is positioned upstream of the heating unit (83) and the desiccant (85) with respect to the direction of flow of the air current (F), and is positioned downstream of the suction duct (81). It sucks air from the tub (20) and creates an air current (F) so that the sucked air can pass through the desiccant (85).

[0139] A blower fan (not shown) and a blower motor (not shown) that generates the rotational driving force of the blower fan can be assembled together in a modular manner and accommodated inside a fan housing (821).

[0140] The fan housing (821) can be fixed to the main housing (841) described later through a connecting bracket (822).

[0141] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the connecting bracket (822) may include a fan connection part (8221) in the shape of a circular plate that is coupled to one side of the fan housing (821), a housing connection part (8222) in the shape of a square plate that is coupled to the inlet (IN1) side of the main housing (841), and a bridge part (8223) that has one end fixed to the fan connection part (8221) and the other end extending in a rod shape to the other side of the fan housing (821).

[0142] The fan connection part (8221) may be provided in a circular plate shape corresponding to the shape of one side of the fan housing (821), and may be fastened to the fan housing (821) using a fastening means such as a screw bolt while making surface contact with one side of the fan housing (821).

[0143] The housing connection portion (8222) may be arranged in a manner generally perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the fan connection portion (8221) and may be integrally connected to the outer edge of the fan connection portion (8221). Accordingly, the housing connection portion (8222) and the fan connection portion (8221) may be arranged to have an L-shape overall.

[0144] The housing connection part (8222) may be provided in a square plate shape taking into consideration the shape of the front end of the main housing (841) where the introduction port (IN1) is formed, that is, the shape of the front end of the heater receiving part (8411) of the main housing (841) as described below. The housing connection part (8222) may be connected to the front end of the heater receiving part (8411) of the main housing (841) using a connecting means such as a screw bolt.

[0145] Additionally, a square hole may be formed through the housing connection portion (8222) to correspond to the shape of the discharge port (8211) of the fan housing (821) and the shape of the inlet port (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841).

[0146] The outlet (8211) of the fan housing (821) can extend into the interior of the inlet (IN1) of the main housing (841) through a square hole formed in the housing connection part (8222).

[0147] The bridge portion (8223) may be arranged such that one end is integrally connected to the fan connection portion (8221) and the other end extends along the rotational axis of the blower fan to the other side of the fan housing (821). A fastening hole through which a fastening means such as a screw bolt can pass may be formed at the other end of the bridge portion (8223). Accordingly, a sturdy fastening structure can be achieved in which the connecting bracket (822) is fastened to the other side of the fan housing (821) by the bridge portion (8223).

[0148] Meanwhile, a subduct (812) constituting the suction duct (81) can be connected and fastened to the other side of the fan housing (821) where the suction port is formed.

[0149] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a gasket (823) having a square plate shape and formed of an elastic material may be placed between the housing connection portion (8222) of the connecting bracket (822) and the tip portion of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841).

[0150] There is no limitation on the type of blower fan applied to the moisture-absorbing drying device (80), but, as an example, a sirocco fan is preferable in consideration of the location and space constraints where the blower fan is installed.

[0151] Based on the illustrated embodiment, when a sirocco fan is applied, air is introduced through the subduct (812) of the suction duct (81) from the other side, i.e., the rear side, of the fan housing (821) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis from the center of the sirocco fan, and the air is accelerated toward the radial outside and then discharged through the discharge port (8211).

[0152] The accelerated and discharged air forms an airflow (F) and can be introduced into the interior of the heater housing (832) described later by passing through the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841).

[0153] The heating unit (83) is positioned between the aforementioned blower unit (82) and the desiccant (85) based on the flow direction of the air flow (F), and serves to heat the air flow (F) to dry and regenerate the desiccant (85) when the desiccant drying mode or desiccant regeneration mode is in progress.

[0154] When the desiccant drying device (80) generates a high-temperature air stream (F) in the desiccant drying mode, power is supplied to the heater (831) to heat the air stream (F), and when the desiccant drying device (80) generates a low-temperature air stream (F) in the desiccant drying mode, power supplied to the heater (831) may be cut off, causing the operation of the heater (831) to be stopped.

[0155] At this time, when generating low-temperature airflow (F) in the absorption mode, the operation of the blower motor can be maintained.

[0156] There is no limitation on the type of heater (831) provided in the moisture absorbing drying device (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention, but as an example, a tube-shaped sheath heater that has a relatively simple structure, excellent heat generation efficiency, and is advantageous in preventing leakage due to washing water flowing in from the tub (20) may be selected.

[0157] In order to increase heat exchange efficiency, the heater body (8311) of the heater (831) that becomes the sheath heater is directly exposed to the air flow (F) in the internal air passage of the heater housing (832), and may be configured to have a three-dimensional shape that extends along the length of the heater housing (832) but is folded multiple times to maximize the heat transfer area.

[0158] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which a heater body (8311) extending in a U shape is bent again by 180 degrees to form two rows. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be based on a configuration in which the heater body (8311) extends in two rows as in the example.

[0159] The heater body (8311) of the heater (831) may be arranged to extend between an inlet (IN1) formed at one end, i.e., the front end, of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841), and an outlet (OUT1) formed at the other end, i.e., the rear end, of the heater receiving portion (8411). However, as described below, a part of the heater body (8311) of the heater (831) may also be configured to extend through the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) and the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) to an air introduction space (S2) formed at the lower portion of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0160] Meanwhile, the heater body (8311) can be placed in the heater receiving portion (8411) in a state where its longitudinal direction is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving space (S1) and the heater housing (832).

[0161] Through this, the heat exchange performance and heat exchange efficiency of the heater body (8311) can be improved compared to the case where the longitudinal direction of the heater body (8311) is arranged along the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving space (S1).

[0162] In addition, the heater body (8311) can be placed in the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) closer to the outlet (OUT1) formed at the rear end of the heater receiving portion (8411) than to the inlet (IN1) formed at the front end of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0163] That is, the gap formed between the front end of the heater body (8311) and the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) can be formed larger than the gap formed between the rear end of the heater body (8311) and the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0164] Through this, the heater body (8311) can be placed at a position as far away as possible from the blower (82), and the possibility of the blower fan and blower motor of the blower (82) being damaged by the radiant heat of the heater body (8311) can be minimized.

[0165] One end and the other end of the heater body (8311) can extend through the front of the heater housing (832) and the front of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841).

[0166] Additionally, a pair of terminals (8312) for supplying power may be formed at one end and the other end of the heater body (8311).

[0167] As shown, a pair of terminals (8312) can be installed and fixed to the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) via a terminal fixing portion (8313).

[0168] At this time, a fixing slot (8411c1) may be provided on the front side of the heater receiving portion (8411) so that the terminal fixing portion (8313) can be fitted in a sliding manner.

[0169] A slit-shaped groove extending in the sliding direction, i.e., in the up-down direction (UD direction), can be formed on both sides of the terminal fixing portion (8313), and the terminal fixing portion (8313) can be fitted by sliding from top to bottom and inserting the edge of the fixing slot (8411c1) into the slit-shaped groove.

[0170] In this way, the tip side of the heater body (8311) can be fixed and supported through the terminal fixing part (8313).

[0171] The rear end side of the heater body (8311) can be fixed and supported through a single heater bracket (8314) as illustrated in Fig. 13. That is, the rear end side of the heater body (8311) can be supported on the air passage while being separated from the heater housing (832) and the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) through the heater bracket (8314).

[0172] The heater bracket (8314) can be formed of a metal material in consideration of the function of the heater body (8311) that generates high temperature, and preferably, can be manufactured through press processing using a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of a stainless steel series material.

[0173] Meanwhile, the heater housing (832) may be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that an air passage is formed therein in which the heater body (8311) is placed. The air passage inside the heater housing (832) may form a first flow channel together with an air introduction space (S2) formed at the bottom of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0174] As described above, the heater body (8311) can be placed inside the heater housing (832) so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the flow direction of the air current (F). Accordingly, like the heater body (8311), the heater housing (832) can be placed in the heater receiving space (S1) of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the flow direction of the air current (F).

[0175] At this time, in response to the shape of the heater receiving space (S1), the heater housing (832) can be linearly extended toward the air introduction space (S2) along the length direction of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0176] However, the length of the heater housing (832) may be formed longer than the length of the heater body (8311) so that it can accommodate the entire heater body (8311).

[0177] At this time, the front end of the heater housing (832) corresponding to the upstream side and the rear end corresponding to the downstream side based on the flow direction of the airflow (F) can be opened entirely so that the airflow (F) can flow.

[0178] In this way, in order to easily form an air passage with an open front end and a rear end, the heater housing (832) may be configured to include a lower housing (8321) and an upper housing (8322) that are formed in a divided form based on the up-down direction (UD direction).

[0179] The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an embodiment in which the heater housing (832) is formed by dividing in the upper and lower directions into a lower housing (8321) and an upper housing (8322), as shown in FIG. 13.

[0180] The lower housing (8321), which constitutes the divided lower part of the heater housing (832), forms the front surface, rear surface, and lower surface of the heater housing (832) based on the illustrated state.

[0181] A passage slot (8321a) may be formed in a U shape on the front surface (8321c) of the lower housing (8321) so that the terminal (8312) of the aforementioned heater body (8311) can pass forward.

[0182] The lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) forming the lower surface of the internal air passage can be formed to be approximately parallel to the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841). As described below, since the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (8411) extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving portion (8411), the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) can likewise extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0183] At this time, the leading edge of the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) may extend toward the lower end of the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411), and the rear edge of the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) may extend toward the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0184] Here, the rear edge of the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) can extend beyond the front end of the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0185] Accordingly, the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) may have a bent shape corresponding to the corner shape formed when the rear end of the lower surface of the heater receiving portion (8411) and the front end of the lower surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) meet.

[0186] More specifically, the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) may be configured to include a first surface (8321e1) that extends linearly from the leading edge to the lower edge while forming a first intersecting angle with the lower surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), and a second surface (8321e2) that is bent from the first surface (8321e1) and extends parallel to the lower surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0187] Accordingly, the lower surface of the first flow channel formed inside the heater housing (832) can be extended in a direction that is changed at a position where the second surface (8321e2) of the lower surface (8321e) of the lower housing (8321) is bent from the first surface (8321e1).

[0188] Meanwhile, the lower housing (8321) provides an air passage having a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0189] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the front end side of the lower housing (8321) may include an expansion section in which the cross-sectional area gradually expands in the forward and backward direction while proceeding along the flow direction of the airflow (F).

[0190] As the air passage is expanded in this way, the flow rate of the air flow (F) can be reduced as it passes through the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411), and the heat exchange efficiency between the heater body (8311) and the air flow (F) can be improved.

[0191] Meanwhile, the upper housing (8322) is coupled to the open upper surface of the lower housing (8321) and serves to close the upper surface of the lower housing (8321) and define the upper surface of the internal air passage.

[0192] To this end, the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) may be formed to have a corresponding size to the open upper surface of the lower housing (8321). In addition, the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) may be formed to be approximately parallel to the upper surface (8411a) of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) described later.

[0193] The leading edge of the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) may extend toward the upper end of the inlet (IN1) of the heater receiving portion (8411), and the trailing edge of the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) may extend toward the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0194] Here, the rear edge of the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) can be extended to the upper position of the discharge port (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0195] Additionally, similar to the lower housing (8321), the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322) may extend linearly from the leading edge to the lower edge while forming a first intersecting angle with the lower surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0196] Accordingly, the upper surface of the first flow channel formed inside the heater housing (832) can be linearly extended to the outlet (OUT1) of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0197] Additionally, a joining surface (8322c) may be formed by bending downward on the front edge and rear edge of the upper surface of the upper housing (8322).

[0198] When the upper housing (8322) and the lower housing (8321) are combined, the combining surfaces (8322c) can be in surface contact with the front surface (8321c) and the rear surface (8321d) of the lower housing (8321), respectively.

[0199] Through this, the bonding and connection strength between the lower housing (8321) and the upper housing (8322) can be improved.

[0200] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 13, a temperature sensing unit (87) may be formed on the upper side of the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322), and a thermostat (871) may be placed to detect overheating of the heater body (8311).

[0201] For example, the thermostat (871) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of thermostats (871) may be arranged along the length of the heater body (8311) so as to effectively detect local overheating of the heater body (8311).

[0202] Meanwhile, the temperature sensing unit (87) may further include a thermistor (872) that senses the temperature of the air flow (F). As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the thermistor (872) may extend through the front of the desiccant receiving unit (8412) and the front of the sub-housing (842) to the interior of the air introduction space (S2).

[0203] The output signal of the temperature sensing unit (87) can be transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit can receive the output signal of the temperature sensing unit (87) to determine whether the heater body (8311) is overheated and the temperature of the air flow (F). When overheating occurs, the control unit can cut off the power supply to the heater body (8311) to stop the operation of the heater body (8311).

[0204] Meanwhile, a plurality of second bead forming portions (8322b) that are formed convexly toward the upper side can be formed on the upper surface (8322a) of the upper housing (8322).

[0205] Through this second bead forming portion (8321b), a separation space can be formed between the first cover (881) placed on the upper side of the upper housing (8322) and the upper housing (8322) by a predetermined distance.

[0206] Such a separation space can act as an insulating air layer for the upper housing (8322), similar to the separation space for the lower housing (8321) described above.

[0207] Meanwhile, considering that the heater body (8311) generating high temperature inside is arranged, the lower housing (8321) and the upper housing (8322) can be formed by pressing a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a plate made of a stainless steel series material with a substantially uniform thickness.

[0208] The desiccant (85) absorbs moisture contained in the air stream discharged and sucked from the tub (20) when the desiccant drying device (80) is operated in the desiccant mode, and discharges the absorbed moisture into the air stream (F) when the desiccant drying device (80) is operated in the desiccant drying mode.

[0209] That is, the desiccant (85) can be formed as a reversibly dehydratable material capable of absorbing moisture or releasing the absorbed moisture depending on the operating temperature range.

[0210] The applicable reversible hygroscopic material may be a composition comprising any one of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silica gel, alumina silica or zeolite, or a combination of two or more selected from these.

[0211] The desiccant (85) having an alumina-silica series material including aluminum oxide and silicon oxide may be applied to the desiccant drying device (80) according to the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an example in which an alumina-silica series desiccant (85) is applied.

[0212] The desiccant (85) formed of an alumina silica series material in this way can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the air flow (F) can be secured to the maximum extent. In addition, the desiccant can perform a moisture absorption action at a lower temperature range than a desiccant manufactured from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide, and the regeneration action can occur at a lower temperature range.

[0213] However, the air flow (F) is configured to pass through a plurality of absorbents (85) provided in the form of particles, and to absorb moisture by contacting the absorbents (85) or absorb moisture discharged from the absorbents (85).

[0214] Therefore, the desiccant (85) cannot help but act as a flow resistance to the air flow (F). To minimize this flow resistance, a gap can be effectively formed, and the particle size of the desiccant (85) can be selected so as to secure optimal moisture absorption efficiency.

[0215] For this purpose, a desiccant (85) having a particle diameter in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm can be selected and applied, for example.

[0216] Meanwhile, the desiccant (85) is placed downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) based on the flow direction of the air flow (F).

[0217] In detail, the desiccant (85) can be accommodated in the desiccant receiving space (S3) of the main housing (841) formed downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83).

[0218] The desiccant receiving space (S3) can be formed through a desiccant holder (861-1) provided inside the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841).

[0219] FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration including a holder plate (861-1, 862-1) in which a desiccant holder (861-1) is spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction according to the first embodiment.

[0220] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the desiccant holder (86-1) according to the first embodiment may be configured to include a first holder plate (861-1) defining the lower surface of the desiccant receiving space (S3) and dividing the interior of the desiccant receiving portion into the desiccant receiving space (S3) and the air introduction space (S2), and a second holder plate (862-1) defining the upper surface of the desiccant receiving space (S3).

[0221] The first holder plate (861-1) and the second holder plate (862-1) can be formed in a plate shape so as to define the upper and lower surfaces of the desiccant receiving space (S3), respectively.

[0222] More specifically, the first holder plate (861-1) may be configured to include an outer edge portion (8611-1) for maintaining overall strength, and a mesh portion (8612-1) formed on the inside of the outer edge portion (8611-1) and through which air can pass.

[0223] Likewise, the second holder plate (862-1) may be configured to include an outer edge portion (8621-1) for maintaining overall strength, and a mesh portion (8622-1) formed on the inside of the outer edge portion (8621-1) and through which air can pass.

[0224] Through this, a second flow channel through which air flow (F) can pass can be formed between the mesh portion (8612-1) of the first holder plate (861-1) and the mesh portion (8622-1) of the second holder plate (862-1).

[0225] At this time, in order to prevent the desiccant (85) from coming off, the grid size of the mesh portion (8612-1) of the first holder plate (861-1) and the mesh portion (8622-1) of the second desiccant (85) can be formed smaller than the particle size of the desiccant (85).

[0226] Meanwhile, the mesh portion (8622-1) of the second holder plate (862-1) may be arranged approximately parallel to the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), and the mesh portion (8612-1) of the first holder plate (861-1) may be arranged so as to form a predetermined intersecting angle with respect to the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0227] More specifically, the mesh portion (8612-1) of the first holder plate (861-1) may have a first holding surface (8612a-1) forming a second intersecting angle with the bottom portion of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), and a second holding surface (8612b-1) forming a third intersecting angle with the bottom portion of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0228] Meanwhile, the housing (84) of the desiccant drying device (80) accommodates the aforementioned heating unit (83) and desiccant (85), and serves to form a first flow channel of airflow (F) passing through the heater body (8311) and a second flow channel of airflow (F) passing through the desiccant (85).

[0229] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the housing (84) may be configured to include a main housing (841) having a heater receiving space (S1) in which a heating element (83) is received and a desiccant receiving space (S3) in which a desiccant (85) is received, and a sub-housing (842) coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the main housing (841).

[0230] First, the main housing (841) may include a heater receiving portion (8411) in which a heater receiving space (S1) is formed inside, and a desiccant receiving portion (8412) in which a desiccant receiving space (S3) is formed inside.

[0231] As shown, the heater receiving portion (8411) is entirely open at the upper surface when placed on the base (90), and may have a hollow box shape having an overall hexahedral shape.

[0232] The heater housing (832) and the heater body (8311) can be inserted through the open upper surface of the heater receiving portion (8411).

[0233] The open upper surface of the heater receiving portion (8411) can be closed by joining the first cover (881) described later after the arrangement and assembly of the heating portion (83) are completed. To this end, fastening bosses (8411g) can be integrally provided on the front portion (8411c) and the rear portion (8411d) of the heater receiving portion (8411) at positions corresponding to the fastening bosses (8812) of the first cover (881).

[0234] A heater receiving space (S1) having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the heater housing (832) can be formed inside the hollow heater receiving portion (8411).

[0235] Meanwhile, based on the state placed on the base (90), the upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841) is entirely open and may have a hollow box shape having an overall hexahedral shape.

[0236] The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can function as an outlet (OUT2) through which air passing through the desiccant (85) is exhausted.

[0237] The open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can be closed by combining the second cover (882) described later after the desiccant holder (86-1) and desiccant (85) described above are placed inside.

[0238] To this end, a fastening boss (8412g) may be integrally provided on the front, rear, right, and left sides of the outer peripheral wall of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) at a position corresponding to the fastening boss (8823) of the second cover (882).

[0239] Meanwhile, the sub-housing (842) is connected to the main housing (841) in a form that at least partially surrounds the outer surface of the main housing (841), and serves to insulate the inner space of the main housing (841) from the outside.

[0240] As shown, the sub-housing (842) can be arranged to externally surround the outer perimeter and bottom surface of the main housing (841).

[0241] At this time, a gap can be formed at least locally between the inner surface of the sub-housing (842) and the outer circumferential surface and bottom surface of the main housing (841).

[0242] By this kind of clearance, an insulating air layer can be formed between the sub-housing (842) and the main housing (841), similar to the insulating air layer between the heater housing (832) and the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) described above.

[0243] Accordingly, the amount of heat transfer from the inside to the outside of the main housing (841) can be minimized, and the internal temperature of the main housing (841) can be maintained at a temperature environment suitable for operation in the moisture absorption mode or the moisture absorbent regeneration mode. Accordingly, power consumption can be minimized, and the drying time of the object to be washed and the moisture absorbent regeneration time can be shortened.

[0244] The sub-housing (842) may be provided as a divided body divided along the front-rear direction as illustrated in Fig. 12, taking into account the ease of manufacturing and assembly.

[0245] Meanwhile, as described above, the open upper surface of the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) and the open upper surface of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can be closed by a cover (88).

[0246] As illustrated by way of example, considering the shape of the main housing (841), the cover (88) may be configured to include a first cover (881) coupled to the heater receiving portion (8411) and a second cover (882) coupled to the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0247] The first cover (881) coupled to the heater receiving portion (8411) may be provided in a plate shape corresponding to the shape of the upper housing (8322) of the heater housing (832).

[0248] A pair of through holes (8811) may be formed in the first cover (881) to allow the aforementioned thermostat (871) to pass through.

[0249] In addition, a plurality of fastening bosses (8812) for fastening to the main housing (841) and the sub-housing (842) may be integrally provided on the outer edge of the first cover (881). Fastening means such as screw bolts may extend through the fastening bosses (8812) and may be screw-connected to the fastening bosses (8411g) provided in the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) or the fastening bosses (8421) provided in the sub-housing (842).

[0250] Similar to the insulating air layer between the lower housing (8321) of the above-described heater housing (832) and the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841), an insulating air layer may be formed between the first cover (881) and the upper housing (8322).

[0251] Meanwhile, unlike the first cover (881), the second cover (882) coupled to the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can be formed to have a three-dimensional shape similar to an inverted funnel shape.

[0252] That is, the second cover (882) can be configured to have an upwardly convex, inverted funnel shape so that air passing through the aforementioned desiccant (85) and the second holder plate (862-1) can converge.

[0253] Accordingly, since the second cover (882) is provided with an upwardly convex convergence surface (8821), a predetermined separation space (S4) can be formed overall between the second holder plate (862-1) defining the upper surface of the desiccant receiving space (S3) and the convergence surface of the second cover (882), and the separation space (S4) forms a discharge path for air passing through the desiccant (85). Since the discharge path is formed continuously in the second flow channel formed between the first holder plate (861-1) and the second holder plate (862-1), it will be referred to as a third flow channel.

[0254] An exhaust port may be formed through which air passing through the third flow channel, which serves as an exhaust path, is exhausted at the top of the inner convergence surface (8821) of the second cover (882).

[0255] The lower end of the connecting duct (883) that guides the airflow (F) toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) can be integrally connected to the exhaust port.

[0256] In addition, similar to the first cover (881), a plurality of fastening bosses (8823) for fastening to the main housing (841) and the sub-housing (842) may be integrally provided on the outer edge of the second cover (882), as shown in FIG. 1 . Fastening means such as screw bolts may extend through the fastening bosses (8823) and be screw-connected to the fastening bosses (8412g) provided in the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841) or the fastening bosses (8421) provided in the sub-housing (842).

[0257] Meanwhile, the moisture absorption drying device (80) may further include a connecting duct section (883) that is connected to an exhaust port formed through the second cover (882) and has an air passage formed therein.

[0258] As described above, the heating unit (83), the blower unit (82), and the desiccant (85) are arranged below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). The connecting duct unit (883) serves to guide the air flow (F) discharged from the separation space (S4) formed below the second cover (882) to move toward the air supply hole (254) formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0259] As in the illustrated embodiment, the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct section (883) can be configured to have a shape that can connect the air supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and the exhaust port of the heater housing (832) so as to guide the air flow (F).

[0260] For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the duct body (8831) of the connecting duct portion (883) may be configured in a cylindrical shape in which the lower portion is in fluid communication with the discharge port of the second cover (882) and the upper portion extends upward (U-direction) and passes through the air supply hole (254).

[0261] Meanwhile, as a means for improving the efficiency of fastening and preventing leakage, a ring-shaped flange surface (8832) and a male screw portion (8833) may be integrally provided on the outer surface of the duct body (8831).

[0262] The upper part of the duct body (8831) can extend upward (U-direction) through the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and the upper part of the duct body (8831) and the screw part (8833) can at least partially pass through the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and protrude toward the inside of the tub (20).

[0263] A fastening nut (not shown) can be combined with a screw thread (8833) that passes through the inside of the tub (20).

[0264] When fixing and connecting the duct body (8831), the upper part (8511) of the duct body (8831) can be fixed in a state in which it is exposed to the inside of the tub (20) by screwing the fixing nut into the screw part (8833) inside the tub (20).

[0265] Meanwhile, a discharge guide (89) that changes the discharge direction of the air flow (F) supplied through the connecting duct part (883) can be combined at the upper part of the duct body (8831).

[0266] Through the discharge guide (89), some of the airflow (F) can be diverted toward the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and some of the airflow (F) can be diverted toward the upper surface (24) of the tub (20).

[0267] Meanwhile, the desiccant drying device (80) may further include a suction duct (81) whose front end is connected to the air intake hole of the tub (20) and whose rear end is connected to the blower (82), and which serves to guide the air flow (F) discharged from the tub (20) through the air supply hole (254) to the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) and to the desiccant (85).

[0268] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the suction duct (81) may be configured to include a main duct (811) extending in the vertical direction and positioned on the outer side of the right side of the tub (20), and a sub duct (812) positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) between the rear end of the main duct (811) and the blower (82).

[0269] The main duct (811) is positioned on the outside of the right side of the tub (20) and is in close contact with the right side, and serves to guide the air flow (F) of air sucked in through the air intake hole formed on the right side of the tub (20) to the bottom of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0270] To this end, as illustrated, the main duct (811) may be arranged to extend linearly as long as possible in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom. This allows maximum condensation of moisture to occur within the main duct (811).

[0271] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the interior of the main duct (811) extends generally vertically, and an air passage through which air flow (F) moves in a downward direction can be formed.

[0272] Air passing through the air passage of the main duct (811) can be introduced into the blower (82) via the sub-duct (812) described later. The air flow (F) passing through the blower (82) can be introduced into the heater receiving space (S1) of the heater receiving unit (8411) having a downward slope.

[0273] In this way, the interior of the main duct (811) can be manufactured in a hollow shape so that an air passage through which air flow (F) can flow can be formed.

[0274] To facilitate the implementation of a hollow shape and for the convenience of manufacturing, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the main duct (811) may be formed by a first duct body (8111) and a second duct body (8112) provided as divided bodies divided along a vertical plane.

[0275] The first duct body (8111) can be formed in a hollow box shape with an open left side so that an inverted U-shaped air passage can be formed inside.

[0276] The interior of the first duct body (8111) is maintained in a hollow state. Accordingly, a reinforcing rib (8113) extending from the right side to the left side along the extension direction of the air passage may be integrally provided on the right side of the interior of the first duct body (8111).

[0277] The lower part of the first duct body (8111) may be provided with an outlet forming part (8115) that is open toward the downward direction and has an outlet (811b) through which air flow passes.

[0278] The second duct body (8112) is coupled to the open left side of the first duct body (8111) and serves to close the air passage formed in the first duct body (8111).

[0279] For this purpose, the second duct body (8112) may be provided in the form of a plate corresponding to the shape of the open left side of the first duct body (8111).

[0280] The second duct body (8112) may be provided with an inlet forming portion (8114) in which an inlet (811a) having a shape and size corresponding to the air intake of the tub (20) is formed. For example, the inlet forming portion (8114) may be a ring-shaped rib corresponding to the shape of the air intake so that it can be inserted into the air intake of the tub (20). As described above, a grill cap (813) may be fastened to the inlet forming portion (8114) in which the inlet (811a) is formed to minimize the inflow of washing water and prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

[0281] The lower part of the second duct body (8112) can be opened downward and form the remaining part of an outlet forming part (8115) having an outlet (811b) through which an air flow passes.

[0282] Meanwhile, the outlet forming portion (8115) provided at the lower end of the first duct body (8111) and the lower end of the second duct body (8112) can be connected to the subduct (812) by being inserted into the interior of the inlet of the subduct (812) described later. An elastic sealing ring (814) for preventing leakage can be placed between the outlet forming portion (8115) of the main duct (811) and the inlet (812a) of the subduct (812).

[0283] The subduct (812) is placed between the lower part of the main duct (811) and the blower (82), and serves to change the direction of the airflow passing through the outlet (811b) of the main duct (811) and guide it to the blower (82).

[0284] As with the main duct (811), an air passage can be formed inside the subduct (812) through which the air flow (F) passing through the main duct (811) can flow.

[0285] However, in order to change the direction of air flow passing through the main duct (811) and guide it to the inlet of the fan housing (821) of the blower (82), an air passage extending roughly in an L shape may be formed inside the sub duct (812).

[0286] Likewise, the outer shape of the subduct (812) can be formed to have a roughly L-shape corresponding to the shape of the internal air passage.

[0287] An inlet (812a) for introducing air flow may be formed at one end of the L-shape, that is, at the upper end based on the illustrated state, and an outlet (812b) may be formed at one end of the L-shape. That is, the outlet (812b) of the subduct (812) may be formed at a position lower in the vertical direction than the inlet (812a).

[0288] The inlet (812a) of the subduct (812) may have a square cross-section corresponding to the shape of the outlet (811b) of the main duct (811), and the outlet (812b) of the subduct (812) may have a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the circular suction port provided on the other side of the fan housing (821).

[0289] Meanwhile, a bridge portion (8123) may be provided around the outlet (812b) of the subduct (812) as a fastening means for the fan housing (821).

[0290] Similar to the bridge portion (8223) of the connecting bracket (822) described above, the bridge portion (8123) of the subduct (812) may have one end fixed to the upper side of the outlet (812b) of the subduct (812) and the other end provided in a rod shape up to one side of the fan housing (821).

[0291] The other end of the bridge portion (8123) of the subduct (812) may be provided with a fastening hole through which a fastening means such as a screw bolt may pass, and the fastening means may pass through the fastening hole and be fixed to one side of the fan housing (821).

[0292] [Detailed configuration of the desiccant holder according to the second embodiment]

[0293] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, the detailed configuration of the desiccant holder (86-2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0294] As described above, the desiccant holder (86-1) according to the first embodiment is configured to define the upper and lower surfaces of the desiccant receiving space (S3) and to prevent the desiccant from escaping in the vertical direction.

[0295] In the first embodiment, the two sides and front and rear sides of the desiccant receiving space (S3) can be defined by the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0296] In contrast, the desiccant holder (86-2) according to the second embodiment may be configured so that a desiccant receiving space (S3) can be partitioned inside, and may be configured so that it can be drawn in and out from the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841).

[0297] Accordingly, the desiccant (85) and the desiccant holder (86-2) for storing the desiccant (85) can be modularized together, and a storage space for the desiccant (85) can be formed separately from the desiccant receiving unit (8412). Accordingly, the assembly and maintainability of the desiccant drying device (80) can be improved.

[0298] In this way, the desiccant holder (86-2) according to the second embodiment, so that the desiccant receiving space (S3) can be formed inside, can be configured to include a main holder (861-2) in which the desiccant receiving space (S3) is formed inside, and a cover plate (862-2) coupled to the upper side of the main holder (861-2).

[0299] The cover plate (862-2) serves to define the upper surface of the desiccant receiving space (S3), similar to the second holder plate (862-1) of the first embodiment. For this purpose, it may be provided in the form of a plate, similar to the second holder plate (862-1).

[0300] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the cover plate (862-2) may be configured to include an outer edge portion (8621-2) for maintaining overall strength, and a mesh portion (8622-2) formed on the inner side of the outer edge portion (8621-2) and through which air can pass.

[0301] Through this, similar to the first embodiment, a predetermined space can be formed overall between the convergence surfaces of the cover plate (862-2) and the second cover (882), and the space forms an exhaust path for air passing through the desiccant (85). To distinguish from the first embodiment, the space formed between the cover plate (862-2) and the second cover (882) is hereinafter referred to as a first space (S4-1), and the exhaust path formed in the first space (S4-1) is referred to as a first exhaust path.

[0302] However, unlike the second holder plate (862-1) of the first embodiment, the cover plate (862-2) is not coupled to the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841), but can be directly and detachably coupled to the open upper edge portion (8611-2) of the main holder (861-2) as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0303] Meanwhile, the main holder (861-2) can be formed to have a hollow container shape with the upper surface entirely open so that a desiccant receiving space (S3) can be provided inside.

[0304] As described above, the main holder (861-2) is positioned so as to be retractable within the internal space of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841). Therefore, the main holder (861-2) may have an external shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0305] More specifically, the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) defining the lower surface of the desiccant receiving space (S3) may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) as a whole. Through this, the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) may be placed on the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) in a state of being in close contact with the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) as a whole.

[0306] In this way, as the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the lower end of the desiccant receiving space (S3) are extended downward to the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), the height of the desiccant receiving space (S3) can be further expanded compared to the first embodiment.

[0307] Meanwhile, the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) may be configured to be in contact with the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) as a whole, so that airflow cannot pass through. To this end, the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) may be formed in a flat plate shape that is blocked as a whole and does not have a mesh portion.

[0308] As the bottom surface (8612-2) is provided in a flat shape without a mesh portion, the rigidity of the lower side of the main holder (861-2) can be reinforced.

[0309] Meanwhile, the main holder (861-2) may be provided with an outer peripheral wall (8613-2) that defines the front and rear boundaries and both side boundaries of the desiccant receiving space (S3).

[0310] As described above, the main holder (861-2) can be positioned so as to be retractable within the entire interior of the desiccant receiving portion (8412). To this end, the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) can have an outer shape corresponding to the inner shape of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0311] The outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) may be configured to include a mesh portion extending in the vertical direction from the bottom surface portion (8612-2) toward the upper edge portion (8611-2).

[0312] For example, FIG. 14 and below illustrate an embodiment in which the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) is formed entirely of a mesh portion, except for the portion forming the right side of the main holder (861-2). The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on the illustrated embodiment.

[0313] In addition, the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) may have an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), but may be arranged so as to be at least partially separated from the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0314] Accordingly, when the main holder (861-2) is placed in the desiccant receiving portion (8412), a separation space can be formed at least partially between the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412). In order to distinguish it from the first separation space (S4-1) described above, the separation space formed between the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) is hereinafter referred to as a second separation space (S4-2).

[0315] The illustrated embodiment shows a configuration in which the remaining portion, except for the right side of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2), is positioned entirely apart from the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0316] Accordingly, a second separation space (S4-2) can be formed between the remaining portion except for the right side of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0317] Accordingly, the second separation space (S4-2) can function as a second exhaust path through which air current passing through the desiccant (85) flows.

[0318] At this time, based on the illustrated state, the space formed between the front surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the front surface of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), the space formed between the left surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the left surface of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), and the space formed between the rear surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the rear surface of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can be each connected to each other to form one second separation space (S4-2).

[0319] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second separation space (S4-2) formed by being connected to each other can form a second exhaust path having a cross-section in the shape of the letter ㄷ.

[0320] As a second separation space (S4-2) is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the desiccant receiving portion (8412), a second exhaust path for airflow passing through the desiccant (85) can be additionally secured compared to the first embodiment. This allows the flow resistance of the airflow passing through the desiccant (85) to be significantly reduced.

[0321] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the horizontal width of the second separation space (S4-2) can be maintained substantially uniformly along the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second discharge path can be maintained substantially uniformly.

[0322] Therefore, local flow rate deviation in the second discharge path can be minimized, and flow loss that may occur due to flow rate concentration in a specific part can be minimized.

[0323] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the upper end of the second separation space (S4-2) may be connected to the first separation space (S4-1). That is, the downstream side of the second discharge path formed in the second separation space (S4-2) may be connected to the first discharge path formed in the first separation space (S4-1).

[0324] Accordingly, the airflow passing through the outer peripheral wall (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) can be guided by the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) to flow upward along the second separation space (S4-2), and can be introduced into the first separation space (S4-1) after passing through the second separation space (S4-2).

[0325] More specifically, some of the airflow (solid arrow) introduced into the internal desiccant receiving space (S3) of the main holder (861-2) can pass through the desiccant (85) and the cover plate (862-2) and be directly discharged toward the first discharge path of the first separation space (S4-1).

[0326] In addition, the remaining part of the airflow (solid arrow) introduced into the internal desiccant receiving space (S3) of the main holder (861-2) can pass through the desiccant (85) and the outer peripheral wall (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2) and be discharged toward the second discharge path formed in the second separation space (S4-2).

[0327] The air current (dotted arrow) discharged through the second discharge path of the second separation space (S4-2) is guided to flow upward by the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841) and joins the air current of the first discharge path at the upper side of the second separation space (S4-2).

[0328] At this time, as illustrated, the flow direction of the airflow immediately after passing through the cover plate (862-2) and the flow direction of the airflow immediately after passing through the upper end of the second separation space (S4-2) by flowing along the second exhaust path can have a directionality that is generally upwardly directed. That is, the airflow that has passed through the second separation space (S4-2) can merge with the airflow that has passed through the cover plate (862-2) in the first separation space (S4-1) while having a substantially identical directionality. Therefore, the flow loss that may occur due to the merger of airflows having different directions can be minimized.

[0329] Meanwhile, the air flow that joins in the first separation space (S4-1) can be guided toward the exhaust port (8822) by the convergence surface (8821) of the second cover (882), and can be supplied to the washing space (21) of the tub (20) through the connecting duct section (883) as described above.

[0330] Meanwhile, the desiccant holder (86-2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include a passage forming portion (8614-2) that provides an air introduction space (S2) into which air current passing through the heater receiving portion (8411) is introduced.

[0331] In the case of the desiccant holder (86-1) according to the first embodiment described above, since the first holder plate (861-1) is separated and positioned upwardly from the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), the internal space of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) is partitioned vertically by the first holder plate (861-1), and an air introduction space (S2) can be formed between the first holder plate (861-1) and the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0332] However, as described above, the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) of the desiccant holder (86-2) according to the second embodiment is arranged to be in close contact with the bottom surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0333] Accordingly, a passage forming part (8614-2) may be provided as a means for forming an air introduction space (S2) so that the air current passing through the heater receiving part (8411) can smoothly diffuse and flow into the internal desiccant receiving space (S3) of the main holder (861-2).

[0334] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, a passage-forming portion (8614-2) may be provided inside the main holder (861-2) and may be integrally connected to the main holder (861-2). Through this, an air introduction space (S2) in the form of a tunnel may be formed below the passage-forming portion (8614-2) and protrudes upward from the bottom surface (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) toward the desiccant receiving space (S3).

[0335] In order to form a tunnel-shaped air introduction space (S2), the passage forming portion (8614-2) based on the illustrated state may include a front wall portion (8614e-2) defining a front surface of the air introduction space (S2), a rear wall portion (8614f-2) defining a rear surface of the air introduction space (S2), a left wall portion (8614b-2) defining a left surface of the air introduction space (S2), and an upper wall portion (8614d-2) defining an upper surface of the air introduction space (S2).

[0336] The front wall portion (8614e-2) may be formed such that its lower edge is integrally connected to the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) and its right edge is integrally connected to the right side of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). A left wall portion (8614b-2) may be integrally connected to the left edge of the upper wall portion (8614d-2).

[0337] The front wall portion (8614e-2) is positioned inwardly from the front surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). Therefore, a portion of a desiccant receiving space (S3) filled with a desiccant (85) can be formed between the upper wall portion (8614d-2) and the front surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2).

[0338] Meanwhile, the rear wall portion (8614f-2) may be formed such that the lower edge is integrally connected to the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) and the right edge is integrally connected to the right side of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). The left wall portion (8614b-2) may be integrally connected to the left edge of the upper wall portion (8614d-2).

[0339] At this time, the rear wall portion (8614f-2) may be positioned to face the upper wall portion (8614d-2) at a position spaced rearward from the upper wall portion (8614d-2) by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance formed by the upper wall portion (8614d-2) and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) may determine the width in the front-rear direction of the air introduction space (S2).

[0340] The rear wall portion (8614f-2) is positioned inwardly from the rear surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). Therefore, a portion of a desiccant receiving space (S3) filled with a desiccant (85) can be formed between the rear wall portion (8614f-2) and the rear surface of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2).

[0341] The upper wall portion (8614d-2) may be formed such that the front edge is integrally connected to the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the rear edge is integrally connected to the rear wall portion (8614f-2), and the right edge is integrally connected to the right side of the outer peripheral wall portion (8613-2) of the main holder (861-2). The upper end of the left wall portion (8614b-2) may be integrally connected to the left edge of the upper wall portion (8614d-2).

[0342] The upper wall portion (8614d-2) is positioned at a position spaced upward from the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2), and can extend approximately parallel to the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2). The distance at which the upper wall portion (8614d-2) is spaced from the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2) can determine the height of the air introduction space (S2).

[0343] Meanwhile, the left wall portion (8614b-2) serves to define the left side of the air introduction space (S2). Each edge of the left wall portion (8614b-2) can be integrally connected to the top wall portion (8614d-2), the rear wall portion (8614f-2), the top wall portion (8614d-2), and the bottom surface portion (8612-2) of the main holder (861-2).

[0344] At this time, the left wall portion (8614b-2) may be formed to be a slope whose height gradually decreases as it moves away from the heater receiving portion (8411). In this way, by configuring the left wall portion (8614b-2) to be a slope, the area of ​​airflow introduced into the desiccant receiving space (S3) through the left wall portion (8614b-2) may be expanded.

[0345] Accordingly, the passage-forming portion (8614-2) based on the left wall portion (8614b-2) can be divided into a first portion in which the cross-sectional area cut in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction remains constant, and a second portion in which the cross-sectional area cut in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction decreases.

[0346] These upper wall portion (8614d-2), rear wall portion (8614f-2), upper wall portion (8614d-2), and left wall portion (8614b-2) may include a mesh portion having a grid size through which airflow can pass but the desiccant (85) cannot pass so that the airflow introduced into the air introduction space (S2) can flow to the desiccant receiving space (S3).

[0347] Below Fig. 14, a configuration is illustrated in which the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the rear wall portion (8614f-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the left wall portion (8614b-2) are formed entirely of mesh portions. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on a configuration in which the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the rear wall portion (8614f-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the left wall portion (8614b-2) are formed entirely of mesh portions as illustrated.

[0348] Meanwhile, FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment in which the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the rear wall portion (8614f-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the left wall portion (8614b-2) are provided as plate-shaped mesh portions to form an air introduction space (S2) having a rectangular cross-section shape and extending long in the left-right direction. However, as described below, the shapes of the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the rear wall portion (8614f-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the left wall portion (8614b-2) and the cross-sectional shape of the air introduction space (S2) can be variously modified in consideration of the gap with respect to the heater body (8311).

[0349] Meanwhile, the right side (8614a-2) of the passage-forming part (8614-2) that becomes the entrance of the air introduction space (S2) and the lower side (8614c-2) of the passage-forming part (8614-2) that becomes the lower side of the air introduction space (S2) can be formed to be entirely open.

[0350] In this way, the right side (8614a-2) of the overall open passage-forming portion (8614-2) can be positioned to communicate with the inlet (IN2) formed on the right side of the outer peripheral wall (8412b) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412). Accordingly, airflow passing through the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) can be immediately introduced to the right side (8614a-2) of the passage-forming portion (8614-2).

[0351] Therefore, in order to minimize the flow resistance to the airflow passing through the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412), the open area of ​​the right side (8614a-2) of the passage forming portion (8614-2) may be set to be larger than or at least equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (IN2) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0352] Meanwhile, the lower surface (8614c-2) of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) that is in an entirely open state may be blocked by the lower surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) when the main holder (861-2) is arranged in the desiccant receiving portion (8412). Accordingly, the lower surface of the air introduction space (S2) may be defined by the lower surface (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0353] Meanwhile, the heater body (8311) of the desiccant drying device (80) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be configured to pass through the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) and be placed at least partially inside the desiccant receiving portion (8412) of the main housing (841).

[0354] As described above, the heater body (8311) of the heater (831) is arranged to extend along the length of the heater housing (832) and the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) inside the heater housing (832).

[0355] The heater body (8311) of the desiccant drying device (80) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged only in the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) and is configured not to enter the desiccant receiving portion (8412). However, the heater body (8311) of the desiccant drying device (80) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be arranged so as to pass through the heater receiving portion (8411) of the main housing (841) at least partially and enter the interior of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0356] In more detail, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the heater body (8311) can pass through the heater receiving portion (8411) and enter the interior of the air introduction space (S2) formed below the passage forming portion (8614-2) of the desiccant holder (86-2).

[0357] Therefore, since a part of the heater body (8311) is introduced into the air introduction space (S2) formed in the desiccant receiving portion (8412) by passing through the heater receiving portion (8411), the heater body (8311) provided in the second embodiment can be extended longer than in the first embodiment.

[0358] Since the heater body (8311) can be extended longer without changing the size of the heater receiving portion (8411) and the desiccant receiving portion (8412), a higher heat generation amount can be secured and the possibility of insufficiently heated airflow being introduced into the desiccant (85) can be significantly reduced.

[0359] In addition, since at least a portion of the heater body (8311) can be introduced into the air introduction space (S2) formed in the desiccant receiving portion (8412), a portion of the heat generated in the heater body (8311) can be directly transferred to the desiccant (85) covering the upper side of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) in the form of radiant heat. Through this, the heat dissipation efficiency of the heater body (8311) can be improved, and the regeneration time of the desiccant (85) can be significantly reduced.

[0360] At this time, as described above, the heater body (8311) can be formed into two rows by bending the heater body (8311) extended in a U shape by 180 degrees again. The heater body (8311) according to the second embodiment can be formed by partially bending the heater body (8311) to form a bent portion (8311a), and the bent portion (8311a) can be arranged to enter the interior of the passage-forming portion (8614-2).

[0361] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the regeneration effect of the desiccant (85) through conductive heat can be additionally increased by positioning the folded portion (8311a) formed in two rows to enter the interior of the passage-forming portion (8614-2).

[0362] However, since the bent portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) enters below the passage-forming portion (8614-2), there is a possibility that the passage-forming portion (8614-2) and the bottom portion (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412) may be damaged or deformed by the radiant heat of the heater body (8311).

[0363] To minimize such damage and deformation, the bent portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) can be placed in the air introduction space (S2) in a state separated from the passage-forming portion (8614-2) of the desiccant holder (86-2) and the bottom portion (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0364] In order to maintain such a separated state, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the bending portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) may be limited in its extension length so as to be positioned only in the first portion of the passage-forming portion (8614-2). That is, the bending portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) may be formed to have a left-right extension length that is smaller than the left-right length of the first portion of the passage-forming portion (8614-2).

[0365] Additionally, for the same reason, the vertical height of the bending portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) can be formed smaller than the vertical height of the passage forming portion (8614-2).

[0366] The left end of the bent portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) can be supported by the heater bracket (8314) described above, based on the illustrated state, so that it can be placed in the air introduction space (S2) in a state separated from the bottom portion (8412a) of the desiccant receiving portion (8412).

[0367] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) forming the passage-forming portion (8614-2) are provided in a simple flat plate shape, that is, when the cross-sectional shape of the first part of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) is rectangular, a deviation in the gap with respect to the bent portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) may occur.

[0368] That is, since the gap for the bending portion (8311a) of the heater body (8311) is not maintained constant, the radiant heat of the heater body (8311) is concentrated on a specific portion of the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2), so there is a high possibility that deformation or damage may occur locally in the passage-forming portion (8614-2).

[0369] In order to prevent local deformation and damage of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) due to the concentration of radiant heat of the heater body (8311), as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, at least a portion of the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) constituting the passage-forming portion (8614-2) may be provided with a curved portion formed by being curved in a direction away from the heater body (8311).

[0370] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment in which the upper wall portion (8614d-2) is formed as a curved surface, and FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) are each formed as curved surfaces.

[0371] As shown in Fig. 19, since the upper wall portion (8614d-2) is formed as a curved portion, the cross-section of the first part of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) can be an inverted U-shape.

[0372] In the case where the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) are each formed as a curved surface as in Fig. 20, the cross-section of the first part of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) can be an arc shape with a constant curvature or a compound curve shape formed by combining arcs with different curvatures.

[0373] In this way, by making at least one of the upper wall portion (8614d-2), the upper wall portion (8614d-2), and the rear wall portion (8614f-2) constituting the first part of the passage-forming portion (8614-2) a curved portion having a curvature that is curved in a direction away from the heater body (8311), it is possible to prevent local deformation or damage to the passage-forming portion (8614-2) due to the concentration of radiant heat of the heater body (8311).

[0374] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A tub that forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; and A moisture absorption drying device that absorbs moisture from the air discharged from the above tub and supplies it to the above tub; As a dishwasher including: The above moisture absorbing and drying device, Desiccant; A heater for heating the air flow to be supplied to the above-mentioned desiccant; A housing having a heater receiving portion in which the heater is received, and a desiccant receiving portion in which airflow passing through the heater receiving portion flows and the desiccant is received; and A desiccant holder disposed inside the above desiccant receiving portion and storing the desiccant inside; Including, A dishwasher in which a portion of the heater passes through the heater receiving portion and is placed inside the desiccant receiving portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above desiccant holder is, A main holder in the shape of a container in which a storage space for the desiccant is formed inside; and A passage-forming portion protruding from the bottom surface of the main holder toward the receiving space and providing an air introduction space into which airflow passing through the heater receiving portion flows in; Includes A dishwasher in which a heater that has passed through the above heater receiving section is placed in the air introduction space.

3. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which the heater is placed in the air introduction space in a state separated from the passage forming portion.

4. In paragraph 2, The above air introduction space is formed between the bottom surface of the desiccant receiving portion and the passage forming portion, A dishwasher in which the heater is placed in the air introduction space in a state separated from the lower surface of the desiccant receiving portion.

5. In paragraph 2, The above heater, A heater body having a tube shape and extending in a U shape along the length from one end to the other end; Includes The above heater body has a bending portion formed by bending the other end toward the one end, A dishwasher in which the bent portion of the above heater body is placed in the air introduction space.

6. In paragraph 5, A dishwasher in which the vertical height of the above-mentioned bending portion is smaller than the vertical height of the above-mentioned passage-forming portion.

7. In paragraph 2, The above passage forming part is, A first part in which the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross-section cut in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the heater within the air introduction space remains constant while proceeding along the extension direction; and A second part formed downstream of the first part based on the direction of flow of the air current in succession to the first part, and having a cross-sectional area that decreases as it progresses along the extension direction; Including, A dishwasher in which the heater passing through the above heater receiving section is placed only in the first section.

8. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the cross-sectional shape of the first part above is a square.

9. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the cross-sectional shape of the first part above is an inverted U shape 10. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the cross-sectional shape of the first part is a circular arc having a constant curvature or a compound curved shape formed by combining circular arcs having different curvatures.

11. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher in which the outer surface of the passage-forming portion is in contact with the desiccant and is entirely covered by the desiccant.

12. In paragraph 2, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A cover disposed on the upper side of the above-mentioned desiccant holder and having an exhaust port through which air passing through the above-mentioned desiccant is discharged; Including more, A first separation space is formed between the upper surface of the cover and the main holder, A dishwasher in which the above first separation space serves as a first exhaust path that guides airflow passing through the upper surface of the main holder toward the exhaust port.

13. In paragraph 12, The above desiccant holder is, A cover plate that is attached to the open upper surface of the main holder and allows airflow through the desiccant to pass through; Including more, The above first separation space is a dishwasher formed between the cover plate and the cover.

14. In paragraph 12, The above main holder has an outer peripheral wall portion extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface and passing airflow through the desiccant; Including, The outer peripheral wall portion is at least partially separated from the inner surface of the desiccant receiving portion, and a second separation space is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner surface of the desiccant receiving portion. A dishwasher in which the above second separation space serves as a second exhaust path that guides airflow passing through the outer peripheral wall toward the exhaust port.

15. In paragraph 14, A dishwasher in which the above second separation space is connected to the above first separation space.

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