Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which both an exhaust hole through which air is discharged from a tub and a supply hole through which air is resupplied to the tub are formed on a lower surface of the tub such that a sufficiently large cross-sectional area of a duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole can be ensured, and thus a sufficient air flow rate can be provided.

Description

dishwasher

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher in which an exhaust hole for discharging air from a tub and a supply hole for resupplying air to the tub are both formed on the lower surface of the tub, thereby ensuring a sufficiently large cross-sectional area of ​​a duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole, thereby providing a sufficient air flow rate.

[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 have been released that can reduce drying time and improve the sterilization effect of the items to be washed by supplying high-temperature drying airflow into the interior of the tub during the drying process.

[0008] In this regard, Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1994-0007098 (Prior Document 001) discloses a dishwasher having an intake port formed through one side or upper surface of a tub to supply high-temperature drying air flow to the tub, and a hot air supply device that heats the intake air and resupplies it to the tub through an outlet formed on the bottom surface of the tub.

[0009] The hot air supply device of a dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 is configured to have a duct that connects an intake port and an exhaust port in a narrow space between one side of the tub and the case or between the upper surface of the tub and the case.

[0010]

[0011] As described above, the hot air supply device of the dishwasher disclosed in prior art document 001 has a structure in which an intake port through which air is sucked is formed through one side or the upper surface of the tub, and a duct connecting the intake port and the discharge port must extend through a narrow space between one side and the case or between the upper surface of the tub and the case.

[0012] Accordingly, the hot air supply device of prior art document 001 has a problem in that the air flow rate of air sucked from the tub and the air flow rate of air re-supplied to the tub are inevitably relatively small because the air flows through a duct having a relatively small cross-sectional area, which may lower the actual drying efficiency.

[0013] In addition, the hot air supply device of prior art document 001 has the problem that the overall manufacturing cost increases and the manufacturing process may become considerably more complicated as a duct with a considerably long extension length is added to connect the intake and exhaust ports.

[0014] 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 an exhaust hole for discharging air from a tub and a supply hole for resupplying air to the tub are both formed on the lower surface of the tub, thereby ensuring a sufficiently large cross-sectional area of ​​a duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole, thereby providing a sufficient air flow rate.

[0015] In addition, the present invention has a second object to provide a dishwasher in which the total extension length of a drying air supply unit including a duct connecting an exhaust hole and a supply hole can be minimized, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0016] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other purposes 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 purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017]

[0018] A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub having a washing space formed therein with an open front; a base disposed below the tub and supporting the tub; and a drying air supply unit disposed between the tub and the base, the drying air supply unit drawing in and heating air from the tub and supplying the air to the tub; characterized in that an exhaust hole is formed on a lower surface of the tub through which the air is discharged from the washing space toward the drying air supply unit, and a supply hole is formed through which the air is supplied from the drying air supply unit toward the washing space.

[0019] In addition, the exhaust hole may be arranged closer to the right side of the tub than the left side of the tub in the left-right direction, and the supply hole may be arranged closer to the left side of the tub than the right side of the tub in the left-right direction.

[0020] Additionally, the exhaust hole and the supply hole may be arranged closer to the rear surface of the tub than the front surface of the tub in the front-back direction.

[0021] In addition, the device further includes a sump disposed between the tub and the base and storing washing water to be supplied to the washing space, and a sump hole to which the sump is coupled is formed on the lower surface of the tub, and the exhaust hole and the supply hole may be formed further rearward than the sump hole.

[0022] Additionally, the exhaust hole and the supply hole may be arranged closer to the rear surface than the sump hole.

[0023] Additionally, the front-back distance from the exhaust hole to the sump hole and the front-back distance from the supply hole to the sump hole may be the same.

[0024] In addition, the drying air supply unit may include a suction guide disposed above the exhaust hole and having an intake port through which the air is drawn in from the washing space; a blower unit that generates an air current by accelerating the air passing through the intake port; a heater unit that heats the air passing through the blower unit; and a discharge guide disposed above the supply hole and having an exhaust port through which the air passing through the heater unit is discharged to the washing space.

[0025] Additionally, the suction port and the discharge port can each be opened toward the right side of the tub.

[0026] Additionally, the suction port and the discharge port may each be opened toward the rear surface of the tub.

[0027] Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction port and the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port may be the same.

[0028] Additionally, the vertical distance between the lower surface of the tub and the suction port and the vertical distance between the lower surface of the tub and the discharge port may be the same.

[0029] Additionally, the front-to-back distance between the front surface of the tub and the suction port and the front-to-back distance between the front surface of the tub and the discharge port may be the same.

[0030] In addition, the drying air supply unit further includes a suction duct unit, one end of which passes through the exhaust hole and extends toward the washing space, and the other end of which is connected to the blower unit; and a supply duct unit, one end of which passes through the supply hole and extends toward the washing space, and the other end of which is connected to the heater unit; and the suction guide and the discharge guide can be compatiblely connected to one end of the suction duct unit and one end of the supply duct unit, respectively.

[0031] Additionally, the suction guide and the discharge guide may have the same shape and the same size.

[0032] In addition, the drying air supply unit includes a blower unit that generates an air current by accelerating air passing through the suction port; a heater unit that heats the air passing through the blower unit; a suction duct unit that has one end extending through the exhaust hole toward the washing space and the other end communicating with the blower unit; and a supply duct unit that has one end extending through the supply hole toward the washing space and the other end communicating with the heater unit; and washing water flowing into the suction duct from the washing space and condensate generated inside the suction duct can be moved by gravity through the suction duct and the blower unit toward the heater unit.

[0033] Additionally, the inner bottom surface of the suction duct section may have a first inclined surface whose vertical height gradually decreases as it progresses toward the blower section.

[0034] In addition, the blower unit includes a blower fan that accelerates the air while rotating; and a fan housing that rotatably accommodates the blower fan; and an inner bottom surface of the fan housing has a second inclined surface that gradually lowers in the vertical direction as it progresses toward the heater unit, and the second inclined surface can be formed at a lower position in the vertical direction than the first inclined surface.

[0035]

[0036] The dishwasher according to the present invention is configured such that both an exhaust hole for discharging air from a tub and a supply hole for resupplying air to the tub are formed on the lower surface of the tub, thereby ensuring a sufficiently large cross-sectional area of ​​a duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole, thereby providing a sufficient air flow rate and having the effect of significantly improving drying efficiency.

[0037] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of significantly reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process, since the overall extension length of the drying air supply unit including the duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole can be minimized.

[0038] In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing the overall extension length of the drying air supply unit including the duct connecting the exhaust hole and the supply hole, thereby minimizing the flow resistance of the air flow and significantly reducing power consumption.

[0039] 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.

[0040]

[0041] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher illustrated in Figure 1.

[0043] FIG. 3a is a front perspective view showing the door of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 in an opened state, and FIG. 3b is a front perspective view showing the drying air supply unit according to the present invention installed between the base and the tub.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3, showing a state in which a discharge guide and a suction guide are arranged according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which the drying air supply unit of Figure 3 is connected to the tub.

[0046] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 5, which is a side enlarged view of the discharge guide viewed from the right side.

[0047] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a drying air supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 7.

[0049] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the discharge guide and supply duct section.

[0050] Fig. 10 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 7, showing a state in which the movement of condensate droplets is guided inside the suction duct section.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the blower shown in Fig. 8, showing a state in which the movement of condensate droplets is guided inside the fan housing.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which a discharge guide and a suction guide are arranged according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0053]

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] [Overall structure of a dishwasher]

[0064] 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.

[0065] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of 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 surface, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front surface 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 (60) installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0067] 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 are referred to as dishes.

[0068] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the front surface entirely open, and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0069] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front surface can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 injection section (60) described later inside the tub (20).

[0072] 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 from the outside to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) for discharging washing water from the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying washing water from the sump (41) to the injection unit (60).

[0073] The water supply unit (43) serves to supply washing water supplied from an external water source to the sump (41).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 (60) into the sump (41).

[0076] That is, the washing water sprayed toward the dishes from the spray unit (60) falls to the lower part of the washing space (21) and can be recovered back to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

[0077] 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 (60).

[0078] 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 (60) through the supply path (46).

[0079] Although not shown, a washing water heater may be provided on one side of the washing pump (45) to heat the washing water supplied during the washing cycle or the heated rinsing cycle.

[0080] 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 (60).

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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.

[0083] Meanwhile, the spray unit (60) is provided to spray washing water onto dishes, etc. stored in the storage unit (50).

[0084] More specifically, the spray unit (60) may include a lower spray arm (61) positioned at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spray arm (62) positioned 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) positioned at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0085] 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 unit (50).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] The detailed configuration of the injection unit (60) can be applied to a configuration already known in the art, so a description of the specific configuration of the injection unit (60) will be omitted below.

[0090] Meanwhile, a storage compartment (50) for storing dishes may be provided in the washing space (21).

[0091] The storage section (50) is provided so as to be withdrawable from the inside of the tub (20) through the open front surface of the tub (20).

[0092] 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.

[0093] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out through the open front face of the tub (20).

[0094] 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).

[0095] Wheels may be provided at the bottom of each of the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53). The user can store dishes in the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) by pulling them out through the front surface of the tub (20), or can easily take out washed dishes from them.

[0096] 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).

[0097] Meanwhile, the door (30) has the purpose of opening and closing the open front surface of the above-described tub (20).

[0098] A hinge part (not shown) for opening and closing the door (30) is provided at the lower part of the front surface that is normally open, and the door (30) is opened by rotating around the hinge part as a rotation axis.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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 regarding 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] As shown in Fig. 2, an automatic door opening module (352) for automatically opening the door may be provided on the outer upper surface of the tub (20).

[0105] The automatic door opening module (352) functions to partially open the front surface of the tub (20) by moving the door (30) to a predetermined opening position when the drying air supply unit (80) described later is operated to supply drying air to the interior of the tub (20).

[0106] Therefore, the air that has become moist while drying the dishes can be discharged through the upper front side of the open tub (20).

[0107] For example, the automatic door opening module (352) may be equipped with a push rod (3524) that rotates the upper rear portion of the door (30) to the open position.

[0108] Meanwhile, a drying air supply unit (80) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20) to generate and supply high-temperature or low-temperature drying air to the washing space inside the tub (20).

[0109] As illustrated, the drying air supply unit (80) is arranged inside the tub (20) and may be configured to include an intake guide (89) that draws in airflow from the tub (20), a blower fan (825) that generates drying airflow, a heater unit (84) that heats the drying airflow, and an exhaust guide (83) that is arranged inside the tub (20) and discharges the drying airflow toward the tub (20).

[0110] An exhaust hole (253) for allowing air inside the tub (20) to be discharged to the drying air supply unit (80) and a supply hole (254) for allowing drying airflow generated in the drying air supply unit (80) to be supplied to the inside of the tub (20) may be formed through the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0111] The detailed configuration of the drying air supply unit (80) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3a and below.

[0112] [Detailed configuration of the dry air supply unit]

[0113] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the aforementioned drying air supply unit (80) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 9.

[0114] First, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the drying air supply unit (80) can be placed so as to be accommodated in the base (90) supporting the tub (20) and supported by the bottom surface (91) of the base (90).

[0115] In addition, in response to this, the supply hole (254) through which air flow is supplied toward the washing space (21) of the tub (20) and the exhaust hole (253) through which air flow is discharged from the washing space (21) toward the drying air supply unit (80) can both be formed on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0116] That is, unlike the prior art, the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that an exhaust hole (253) through which air is discharged inside the tub (20) is formed penetrating the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) together with a supply hole (254). In this way, by configuring the exhaust hole (253) to be formed on the lower surface (25) rather than on the left side (26), right side (27) or rear surface (23) of the tub (20), the distance between the exhaust hole (253) and the supply hole (254) can be minimized, and the flow distance and flow loss of the airflow flowing between them can be minimized.

[0117] Meanwhile, as shown, the drying air supply unit (80) can be positioned adjacent to the rear surface (93) of the base (90), and can be arranged long and parallel to the rear surface (93) of the base (90) at a position between the water leak detection unit and the rear surface (93) of the base (90).

[0118] This arrangement position can be selected by considering the characteristics of the drying air supply unit (80) that generates high heat of approximately 100°C or more in the high-temperature airflow supply mode and the location of the sump (41) that is accommodated together with the base (90) and has a relatively high occupied space.

[0119] That is, a location can be selected that can avoid the electric components that are relatively greatly affected by high heat and the sump (41) that has a relatively large volume.

[0120] Therefore, when viewed from the front-back direction, the exhaust hole (253) and the supply hole (254) can be positioned much closer to the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) than to the front surface of the tub (20).

[0121] In addition, when viewed from the left-right direction, the exhaust hole (253) may be positioned much closer to the right side (27) of the tub (20) than to the left side (26) of the tub (20), and the supply hole (254) may be positioned closer to the left side (26) of the tub (20) than to the right side (27) of the tub (20).

[0122] At this time, in order to be arranged to avoid the sump (41), the exhaust hole (253) and the supply hole (254) can be arranged further rearward than the sump hole (252), and can be arranged closer to the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) than the sump hole (252).

[0123] That is, the exhaust hole (253) through which air is discharged from the washing space (21) toward the drying air supply unit (80) can be arranged at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the right side (27) of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and the supply hole (254) through which air is supplied to the washing space (21) can be formed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left side (26) of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0124] At this time, in order to minimize the space occupied by the drying air supply unit (80), as shown in FIG. 4, the front-back distance (D1) from the exhaust hole (253) to the sump hole (252) and the front-back distance (D2) from the supply hole (254) to the sump hole (252) can be set to be the same.

[0125] In addition, as shown in Fig. 3a, a water jacket (110) is arranged on the outer side of the right side (27) of the tub (20) to store the washing water to be supplied to the sump (41), and a tub hole (118) that connects the internal space of the water jacket (110) with the washing space (21) of the tub (20) can be formed.

[0126] In response to such a tub (20), a water jacket communication hole (272) can be formed on the right side (27) of the tub (20).

[0127] Accordingly, since the supply hole (254) can be formed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left surface (26) of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) at a position as far away as possible from the right surface (27) of the tub (20) where the water jacket communication hole (272) is formed, the influence of the internal pressure of the washing space (21) of the tub (20) on the supply hole (254) can be minimized, and this can be advantageous in maintaining the internal pressure of the washing space (21).

[0128] Meanwhile, as described later, an intake guide (89) having an intake port (893) through which air flow from the washing space (21) is introduced may be arranged on the upper side of the exhaust hole (253), and an exhaust guide (83) having an exhaust port (833) through which air flow is discharged to the washing space (21) may be arranged on the upper side of the supply hole (254).

[0129] Meanwhile, the bottom surface (91) of the base (90) may be provided with a support rib (not shown) to support the drying air supply unit (80) and prevent it from coming off, a plurality of guide ribs (not shown) to set the position of a water leak detection unit (not shown) that detects whether washing water is leaking from the tub (20) and prevent it from coming off, and a washing water rib (not shown) to guide the washing water discharged from the drying air supply unit (80) to the water leak detection unit.

[0130] Preferably, these support ribs, guide ribs and cleaning ribs can be formed integrally on the bottom surface (91) of the base (90).

[0131] The first leg (873) and the second leg (892) of the drying air supply unit (80) described later can be connected to the support rib in a non-fastened manner.

[0132] Below Fig. 4, the detailed configuration of the drying air supply unit (80) is shown.

[0133] As illustrated, the drying air supply unit (80) that generates drying air and supplies it to the interior of the tub (20) may be configured to include a blower unit (82) that generates an air current (F) of air supplied to the interior of the tub (20), a heater unit (81) that heats the air current, a suction guide (89) that sucks air from the washing space (21) of the tub (20), and a discharge guide (83) that discharges air toward the washing space (21).

[0134] The blower (82) is positioned upstream of the heater (81) with respect to the direction of flow of air current (F), and serves to generate air current (F) by accelerating air through an air passage formed inside the heater housing (812).

[0135] The blower unit (822) may include a blower fan (821) and a blower motor (not shown) that generates a rotational driving force of the blower fan (821). The blower fan (821) and the blower motor may be modularized to form an assembly in a manner that they are accommodated inside a fan housing (822).

[0136] The blower fan (821) and fan housing (822) can be fixed to the housing connector (87) described later.

[0137] In more detail, the blower fan (821) and the fan housing (822) can be connected to the housing connector (87) with one side fixed to the connection tab (872) of the housing connector (87).

[0138] There is no limitation on the type of blower fan applied to the drying air supply unit (80), but, as an example, a sirocco fan is preferable considering the location and space constraints where the blower fan is installed.

[0139] As shown, when a sirocco fan is applied, air is sucked in from the front side where the intake port of the fan housing (822) is formed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis from the center of the sirocco fan, and the air can be accelerated and discharged toward the radial outside.

[0140] The accelerated and discharged air forms an airflow (F) and can be introduced into the air passage inside the heater housing (812) through the inlet of the fan housing (822) and the housing connector (87).

[0141] At this time, the rotation axis of the blower fan (821) that becomes the sirocco fan can be arranged to have a direction generally parallel to the front-back direction (FR direction), and air can be sucked in through the front of the fan housing (822).

[0142] The fan housing (822) can be fixed to a ring-shaped connecting tab (872) provided in the housing connector (87) as illustrated, for example, by means of a fastening means such as a screw bolt not illustrated.

[0143] In order to support the fan housing (822) and the heater housing (812), a first leg (873) protruding toward the base (90) may be integrally formed at the lower portion of the housing connector (87).

[0144] The heater unit (81) may be configured to include a heater body (811) exposed to an air flow and a heater housing (812) that accommodates the heater body (811).

[0145] The front end of the heater body (811) can be supported in a state separated from the housing connector (87) by a terminal fixing part. A pair of terminals (813) can be fixed to the front of the terminal fixing part in a state protruding outward.

[0146] The rear end of the housing connector (87), which is in an entirely open state, can be fixed by being fitted into the heater housing (812).

[0147] The heater body (811) is placed in an air passage formed inside the heater housing (812), and preferably serves to heat the air current (F) by being directly exposed to the air current (F) inside the air passage.

[0148] When the drying air supply unit (80) supplies high-temperature airflow, it may be configured so that power is supplied to the heater body (811) to heat the airflow, and when the drying air supply unit (80) supplies low-temperature airflow, it may be configured so that power supplied to the heater body (811) is cut off to stop the operation of the heater body (811).

[0149] At this time, when supplying low-temperature airflow, the operation of the blower fan (821) and blower motor can be maintained.

[0150] There is no limitation on the form of the heater body (811) provided in the drying air supply unit (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) and condensate generated by condensation inside the drying air supply unit (80) may be selected.

[0151] In order to increase heat exchange efficiency, the heater body (811) that becomes the sheath heater is directly exposed to the air flow (F) in the air passage inside the heater housing (812) and may be configured to have a three-dimensional shape that is folded multiple times to secure the maximum heat transfer area.

[0152] Additionally, a pair of terminals (813) for supplying power may be formed at one end and the other end of the heater body (811).

[0153] The rear end side of the heater body (811) can be fixed and supported through a heater bracket (814) arranged inside the heater housing (812) as illustrated in Fig. 8. That is, the rear end side of the heater body (811) can be supported on the air passage while being separated from the heater housing (812) through the heater bracket (814).

[0154] Meanwhile, a temperature sensor may be provided on the upper side of the heater housing (812) as a temperature detection unit (86) that detects the temperature of the heater body (811) or detects whether the heater body (811) is overheated.

[0155] For example, the temperature sensor may include a first thermistor (861) that detects the temperature of the heater housing (812), a thermostat (862) that detects whether the heater body (811) is overheated, and a second thermistor (863) that detects the temperature of the airflow passing through the heater section (81). The second thermistor (863) may be installed in the supply duct section (85) as illustrated in FIG. 7 so that the influence of the heater body (811) can be minimized.

[0156] The output signal of the temperature sensor can be transmitted to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit can receive the output signal of the temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the airflow and whether the heater body (811) is overheated. When overheating occurs, the control unit can cut off the power supply to the heater body (811).

[0157] Meanwhile, the heater housing (812) may be formed in a hollow shape having an empty space inside so that an air passage is formed in which the aforementioned heater body (811) and heater bracket (814) are arranged inside. For example, it may be configured as a divided body including an upper housing (8121) and a lower housing (8122).

[0158] At this time, the front end of the heater housing (812) corresponding to the upstream side and the rear end corresponding to the downstream side based on the direction of movement of the airflow (F) can be at least partially opened so that the airflow (F) can flow.

[0159] Meanwhile, the drying air supply unit (80) may further include a supply duct unit (85) whose upper end passes through the supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and extends toward the washing space (21), and whose lower end is connected to the heater housing (812) of the heater unit (81).

[0160] As described above, the heater unit (81) and the blower unit (82) are arranged on the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), for example, below the bottom tub (20c). The supply duct unit (85) serves to guide the airflow discharged from the heater housing (812) to move toward a preset location, i.e., the supply hole (254) formed in the tub (20).

[0161] The preset position can be the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and the supply hole (254) into which the drying air flow (F) guided to the supply duct section (85) is introduced can be formed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left side (26) as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) as described above.

[0162] As in the illustrated embodiment, the duct body (851) of the supply duct section (85) can be configured to have a shape that can change the direction of the air flow to connect the supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and the exhaust port of the heater housing (812).

[0163] For example, the duct body (851) of the supply duct section (85) may be configured in a cylindrical shape in which the lower part (8512) is connected to the discharge port of the heater housing (812) and the upper part (8511) extends upward (U-direction) and is connected to the supply hole (254).

[0164] The lower part (8512) of the duct body (851) can be configured to be slidably coupled with the heater housing (812).

[0165] Meanwhile, considering the cross-sectional shape of the square discharge port of the heater housing (812), the lower part of the duct body (851) may be in the shape of a square cylinder, and the upper part of the duct body (851) may be in the shape of a cylinder to prevent water leakage.

[0166] That is, in order to improve the efficiency of the connection between the upper part (8511) of the duct body (851) and the supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and prevent leakage, the duct body (851) may be configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0167] As shown in Fig. 9, the duct body (851) may be provided with a flange (8513) and a male screw portion (8514) for the purpose of fastening to the supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and preventing leakage.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 9, a fastening nut (852) can be screwed into the male screw portion (8514) exposed to the inside of the tub (20). By screwing the fastening nut (852) into the male screw portion (8514), the upper end (8511) of the duct body (851) can be fixed while being exposed to the inside of the tub (20). As shown in Fig. 9, a sealing ring (853) for preventing water leakage can be further added between the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and the flange (8513) of the duct body (851).

[0169] An exhaust guide (83) may be combined at the top (8511) of the duct body (851) to change the direction of the air flow supplied through the duct body (851) and provide it to the washing space (21).

[0170] In addition, the drying air supply unit (80) may further include a suction duct unit (88) whose upper end passes through the exhaust hole (253) of the tub (20) and extends toward the washing space (21), and whose other end is connected to the fan housing (822) of the blower unit (82).

[0171] Similar to the supply duct section (85), the suction duct section (88) serves to guide the airflow discharged from the washing space through the exhaust hole (253) of the tub (20) toward the fan housing (822).

[0172] As in the illustrated embodiment, the duct body (881) of the suction duct section (88) can be configured to have a shape that can change the direction of airflow to connect the exhaust hole (253) of the tub (20) and the inlet of the fan housing (822) and a shape that can guide the condensate droplets (DP) generated inside toward the heater section (81). The configuration for guiding the movement of the condensate droplets (DP) will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0173] For example, the duct body (881) of the suction duct section (88) may be configured as a hollow three-dimensional shape in which the other end is connected to the inlet of the fan housing (822) and one end extends upward (U-direction) and is connected to the exhaust hole (253).

[0174] The other end of the duct body (881) of the suction duct section (88) can be configured to be fixed through a fastening means such as a fan housing (822) and a screw bolt.

[0175] Meanwhile, to prevent leakage, the upper part of the duct body (881) of the suction duct section (88) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0176] That is, in order to improve the efficiency of the connection between the upper part (8811) of the duct body (881) and the exhaust hole (253) of the tub (20) and prevent leakage, the duct body (881) may be configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0177] The duct body (881) may be provided with a flange (8813) and a male screw portion (8814) for the purpose of fastening to the supply hole (254) of the tub (20) and preventing leakage.

[0178] A suction guide (89) may be coupled to the upper part (8811) of the duct body (881) of the suction duct section (88) to change the direction of the air flow of air sucked from the washing space (21) and deliver it to the duct body (881).

[0179] At this time, the suction guide (89) and the discharge guide (83) can be interchangeably combined with each other at the top of the suction duct section (88) or the top of the supply duct section (85).

[0180] In order to implement a compatible combination like this, the shape / size of the upper side of the suction duct part (88) exposed to the washing space (21) through the exhaust hole (253) and the shape / size of the upper side of the supply duct part (85) exposed to the washing space (21) through the supply hole (254) can be formed to be identical to each other.

[0181] Meanwhile, the drying air supply unit (80) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a suction guide (89) coupled to the upper end (8811) of the suction duct unit (88) as the upper side of the exhaust hole (253), and a discharge guide (83) coupled to the upper end (8511) of the supply duct unit (85) as the upper side of the supply hole (254).

[0182] As described above, the exhaust hole (253) may be arranged at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the right side (27) of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and the supply hole (254) may be arranged at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left side (26) of the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0183] Accordingly, corresponding to the positions of the exhaust hole (253) and the supply hole (254), the suction guide (89) can be placed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the right side (27) as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20), and the discharge guide (83) can be placed at a corner adjacent to the rear surface (23) and the left side (26) as the lower surface (25) of the tub (20).

[0184] The corner formed between the left side (26) and the rear side (23) of the tub (20) corresponds to a position as far away as possible from the top of the front side (22) of the tub (20) that is partially opened during the drying process.

[0185] Accordingly, the time that the airflow sprayed from the discharge guide (83) remains inside the tub (20) can be effectively extended compared to the conventional case. Through this, the airflow can be evenly supplied to the lower rack (51), the upper rack (52), and the top rack (53) and then introduced into the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) or discharged through the upper front surface of the tub (20), so that the thermal energy of the airflow can be effectively transferred to the object to be washed, and the drying effect on the object to be washed can be significantly improved compared to the conventional case.

[0186] In addition, the corner between the right side (27) and the rear side (23) of the tub (20) where the suction guide (89) is placed corresponds to a position as far away as possible from the discharge guide (83) and the upper part of the front side (22) of the tub (20).

[0187] Accordingly, the phenomenon in which air discharged from the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) flows directly into the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) without passing through the cleaning space (21) or external air flows directly into the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) can be minimized.

[0188] Meanwhile, the suction guide (89) and the discharge guide (83) constituting the drying air supply unit (80) of the dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention have the same external shape and the same size, and can be provided to be mutually compatible and combined to the upper part of the suction duct unit (88) or the upper part of the supply duct unit (85).

[0189] That is, common products having the same specifications can be used as the suction guide (89) and the discharge guide (83). Accordingly, since common products having the same specifications can be provided as the suction guide (89) and the discharge guide (83), the manufacturing cost of the dishwasher (1) can be significantly reduced, and the assembling efficiency can be significantly improved.

[0190] Meanwhile, the suction guide (89) has an intake port (893) through which air is drawn in from the washing space (21), and the discharge guide (83) has an exhaust port (833) through which air is discharged into the washing space (21).

[0191] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and below, the discharge guide (83) and the suction guide (89) may have an outer shape in which the width in the front-back direction (FR direction) is longer than the width in the left-right direction (Le-Ri direction) based on the state in which they are coupled to the supply duct section (85) and the suction duct section (88), and may be arranged to have the same directionality.

[0192] At this time, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) and the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) can be formed continuously across the right side facing the right side (27) of the bottom tub (20c) and the rear side, respectively.

[0193] That is, since the discharge guide (83) is positioned very close to the left side (26) of the bottom tub (20c), the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) is open toward the wide space between the discharge guide (83) and the suction guide (89).

[0194] Accordingly, the high temperature airflow passing through the heater unit (81) can be sprayed toward the wide space formed on the right side of the discharge guide (83) rather than the narrow space formed between the left side (26) of the bottom tub (20) and the discharge guide (83), and through this, the high temperature airflow can immediately rise toward the inside of the washing space (21) and be evenly distributed into the washing space (21).

[0195] Meanwhile, since the suction guide (89) is positioned very close to the right side (27) of the bottom tub (20c), the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) is opened toward the narrow space between the suction guide (89) and the right side (27) of the bottom tub (20c).

[0196] Accordingly, the suction port (893) is formed at a location that does not directly face the discharge guide (83), and the air that has cooled after heat exchange with the dishes placed in the washing space (21) is completed can descend and be introduced through the narrow space between the suction guide (89) and the right side (27) of the bottom tub (20c). Through this, the heat exchange efficiency for the dishes can be improved.

[0197] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to configure the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) and the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) to be formed on the front of the suction guide (89) and the front of the discharge guide (83), respectively, so that the suction port (893) and the discharge port (833) are at least partially directed toward the open front surface of the tub (20).

[0198] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) and the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) may be provided in the form of a slit or a rectangular shape whose vertical (UD) height is smaller than its front-back (FR) length. In addition, the vertical (UD) height of the suction port (893) and the discharge port (833) may be maintained constant while moving in the front-back (FR) direction so that the drying air can be sprayed from the lowest possible position.

[0199] At this time, the intake port (893) and the discharge port (833) can be formed at positions as close as possible to the lower surface (25) of the bottom tub (20) so that air can be sucked in and discharged at the lowest possible position based on the lower surface (25) of the bottom tub (20), and the vertical positions (UD direction) of the intake port (893) and the discharge port (833) can be set to be the same.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 9 below, the detailed configuration of the discharge guide (83) of the drying air supply unit (80) will be described. As described above, unless otherwise stated, the contents described below can be equally applied to the suction guide (89).

[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the discharge guide (83) may be configured to include a lower guide (831) detachably coupled to the duct body (851) of the supply duct section (85), an upper guide (832) coupled to the upper side of the lower guide (831), and a cap cover (834) positioned on the upper side of the upper guide (832) and coupled to the outer surface of the upper guide (832).

[0202] In this way, the discharge guide (83) can be configured to be divided based on the up-down direction (UD direction), and the lower guide (831) serves to constitute the lower part of the divided body. The upper part of the divided body can be constituted by the upper guide (832) and the cap cover (834).

[0203] The upper guide (832) is coupled to the upper side of the lower guide (831) and serves to form a sealed internal flow space in the form of a channel through which airflow (F) flows inside together with the lower guide (831).

[0204] In order to form an internal fluid space, the upper guide (832) can be formed to have a container shape with an empty space formed inside and an overall open bottom surface.

[0205] The open lower surface of the upper guide (832) can be completely closed by being joined to the guide body (8311) of the lower guide (831). This allows a closed internal flow space to be formed between the upper guide (832) and the lower guide (831).

[0206] The upper guide (832) can form a container shape with an open bottom through an upper surface (8321) and an outer wall surface (8322) extending downward (D-direction) along the periphery of the upper surface (8321).

[0207] A first notch hole forming the front edge, rear edge, and upper edge of the discharge port (833) may be formed on the lower portion (8323) of the upper guide (832). The lower edge of the discharge port (833) may be formed through the guide body (8311) of the lower guide (831).

[0208] Meanwhile, the cap cover (834) placed on the upper side of the upper guide (832) is combined with the outer surface of the upper guide (832) to protect the upper guide (832).

[0209] In order to prevent the upper guide (832) from being damaged by collision with an object to be washed that may fall from the storage unit during the washing or rinsing cycle or may fall while the user is withdrawing the storage unit, the cap cover (834) may be formed of a material that has a higher breaking strength than the upper guide (832) and is corrosion-resistant.

[0210] The cap cover (834) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the upper guide (832) so that it can be combined with the outer surface of the upper guide (832).

[0211] Meanwhile, the lower guide (831) may include a guide body (8311) having a roughly plate-shaped shape, and a cylindrical duct joint (8312) into which the upper end (8511) of the duct body (851) of the supply duct part (85) having a cylindrical shape is inserted and detachably connected.

[0212] In accordance with the shape of the duct body (851), the duct joint (8312) may be provided in a cylindrical shape with the central axis extending parallel to the up-down direction (UD direction). The inner diameter of the lower end of the duct joint (8312) may be formed to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the upper end (8511) of the duct body (851) so that the upper end (8511) of the duct body (851) can be inserted and passed through.

[0213] [Means for guiding the movement path and movement of condensate droplets]

[0214] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the movement path of condensate droplets (DP) and the means for guiding the movement within the drying air supply unit (80) of the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention will be described.

[0215] First, referring to FIG. 10, as illustrated, an air passage can be formed inside the suction duct (88), fan housing (822), and housing connector (87) constituting the drying air supply unit (80) so that the general flow direction of the air current (F) gradually descends while proceeding toward the heater housing (812).

[0216] Accordingly, the condensate droplets (DP) generated inside the suction duct section (88) can be guided to move naturally toward the bottom surface of the heater housing (812) by gravity.

[0217] More specifically, the condensate droplets (DP) generated inside the suction guide (89) and the suction duct part (88) can be moved by gravity toward the outlet of the suction duct part (88) formed at a position lower than the upper end (8811) of the duct body (881) in the vertical direction. In order for the movement of the condensate droplets (DP) to proceed smoothly, the bottom surface (8815) formed inside the duct body (881) of the suction duct part (88) can include a first inclined surface having a downward slope in which the vertical height gradually decreases as it progresses toward the outlet.

[0218] Condensate droplets (DP) passing through the outlet of the duct body (881) can be introduced into the interior of the fan housing (822) by passing through the inlet of the fan housing (822) connected to the outlet of the duct body (881).

[0219] The condensate droplets (DP) introduced into the interior of the fan housing (822) are formed at a position lower in the vertical direction than the inlet of the fan housing (822), and can move by gravity toward the discharge port (8221) of the fan housing (822) along the second inclined surface of the fan housing (822) formed at a position lower in the vertical direction than the first inclined surface of the suction duct section (88). That is,

[0220] As illustrated in FIG. 11, in order to ensure smooth movement of condensate droplets (DP) to the outlet of the fan housing (822), the bottom surface (8222) formed inside the fan housing (822) may include a second inclined surface having a downward slope in which the vertical height gradually decreases as it progresses from the inlet of the fan housing (822) toward the outlet (8221) of the fan housing (822).

[0221] Although FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which the bottom surface (8222) of the fan housing (822) is configured as an entirely inclined surface, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also applicable to a case in which the bottom surface (8222) of the fan housing (822) is configured as a partially inclined surface.

[0222] Condensate droplets (DP) that pass through the discharge port (8221) via the bottom surface (8222) of the fan housing (822) can be guided to the heater housing (812) via the housing connector (87).

[0223] Although not shown, the bottom surface of the housing connector (87) may also include a downwardly inclined surface, so that the condensate droplets (DP) can be effectively guided toward the heater housing (812), more specifically, the lower housing (8122).

[0224] The lower housing (8122) of the heater housing (812) can be placed at the lowest position in the vertical direction among the air passages formed inside the drying air supply unit (80).

[0225] Accordingly, the condensate droplets (DP) that move and are stored inside the lower housing (8122) of the heater housing (812) can be evaporated by the heat generated by the heater body (811) while the heater body (811) is in operation and re-supplied to the inside of the tub (20).

[0226] In this way, the drying air supply unit (80) according to the present invention is configured so that condensate droplets (DP) are not discharged to the outside of the drying air supply unit (80), and thus has the effect of preventing in advance a leakage problem that may occur due to condensate droplets (DP) being discharged to the base (90) as in the past.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 12 below, the arrangement of the discharge guide and the suction guide according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 12, unlike the first embodiment described above, the second and third embodiments can be arranged so that the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) and the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) face the front surface of the tub (20) where the door (30) is arranged.

[0229] As the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) and the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) are arranged to face the front surface of the tub (20), it may be more advantageous to configure the drying air supply unit (80) to circulate the internal air of the tub (20) through the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) and the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) with the door (30) closed, rather than operating the drying air supply unit (80) with the door (30) partially open through the automatic door opening module (352).

[0230] As described above, in the case of the first embodiment, since the suction port (893) of the suction guide (89) and the discharge port (833) of the discharge guide (83) are arranged so as not to directly face the front surface of the tub (20), it may be possible to configure the door (30) to be partially opened through the automatic door opening module (352) so that the airflow is directed toward the washing space (21) of the tub (20) and is sucked and discharged from the washing space (21) of the tub (20).

[0231] Meanwhile, in the case of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12(b), as seen from above, the discharge port (833) is arranged at an angle with respect to the front surface of the tub (20) so as to face the central inner side of the tub (20). Accordingly, since the airflow discharged from the discharge port (833) is discharged so as to face the front surface of the tub (20) and the center of the tub (20), the airflow in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) is evenly distributed, thereby optimizing the flow of the airflow.

[0232] 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 in which a washing space with an open front is formed inside; a base positioned below the tub and supporting the tub; and A drying air supply unit disposed between the tub and the base, which draws in and heats air from the tub and supplies it to the tub; Including, A dishwasher in which an exhaust hole through which air is discharged from the washing space toward the drying air supply unit and a supply hole through which air is supplied from the drying air supply unit toward the washing space are formed on the lower surface of the tub.

2. In paragraph 1, The above exhaust hole is positioned closer to the right side of the tub than the left side of the tub in the left-right direction, A dishwasher in which the above supply hole is positioned closer to the left side of the tub than to the right side of the tub in the left-right direction.

3. In paragraph 1, A dishwasher in which the exhaust hole and the supply hole are positioned closer to the rear surface of the tub than the front surface of the tub in the front-back direction.

4. In paragraph 1, A sump disposed between the tub and the base and storing washing water to be supplied to the washing space; Including more, A sump hole to which the sump is coupled is formed on the lower surface of the above tub, A dishwasher in which the exhaust hole and the supply hole are formed further rearward than the sump hole.

5. In paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which the exhaust hole and the supply hole are positioned closer to the rear surface of the tub than the sump hole.

6. In paragraph 4, A dishwasher in which the front-back distance from the exhaust hole to the sump hole and the front-back distance from the supply hole to the sump hole are the same.

7. In paragraph 2, The above drying air supply unit is, A suction guide disposed on the upper side of the exhaust hole and having an intake port through which air is drawn in from the washing space; A blower that generates airflow by accelerating air passing through the above intake; A heater unit that heats the air passing through the blower unit; and A discharge guide disposed on the upper side of the supply hole and having a discharge port through which air passing through the heater section is discharged to the washing space; Dishwasher including.

8. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the above suction port and the above discharge port each open toward the right side of the tub.

9. In paragraph 8, A dishwasher in which the above suction port and the above discharge port each open toward the rear surface of the tub.

10. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction port and the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port are the same.

11. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the vertical distance between the lower surface of the tub and the suction port and the vertical distance between the lower surface of the tub and the discharge port are the same.

12. In paragraph 7, A dishwasher in which the front-back distance between the front surface of the tub and the suction port and the front-back distance between the front surface of the tub and the discharge port are the same.

13. In paragraph 7, The above drying air supply unit is, A suction duct part having one end extending toward the washing space through the exhaust hole and the other end connected to the blower; and A supply duct section having one end extending toward the washing space through the supply hole and the other end connected to the heater section; Including more, A dishwasher in which the above suction guide and the above discharge guide are compatible with one end of the suction duct section and one end of the supply duct section, respectively.

14. In paragraph 1, The above drying air supply unit is, A blower that generates airflow by accelerating air passing through the exhaust hole; A heater section that heats the air passing through the blower section; A suction duct part having one end extending toward the washing space through the exhaust hole and the other end connected to the blower; and A supply duct section having one end extending toward the washing space through the supply hole and the other end connected to the heater section; Including, Washing water flowing into the suction duct from the washing space and condensate generated inside the suction duct are moved by gravity toward the heater unit through the suction duct and the blower unit. A dishwasher in which the inner bottom surface of the above suction duct section includes a first inclined surface whose vertical height gradually decreases as it progresses toward the blower section.

15. In paragraph 14, The above blower, A blower fan that accelerates the air while rotating; and A fan housing that rotatably accommodates the above blower fan; Including, The inner bottom surface of the fan housing has a second inclined surface that gradually lowers in the vertical direction as it progresses toward the heater section. A dishwasher in which the second inclined surface is formed at a lower position in the vertical direction than the first inclined surface.

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